₦airaland Forum

Johndoe100:
To be honest, boko haram in any part of the south will be a big mistake and will bring a lot of death all round.

Without doubt.

alj_harem:
and ijaw is not a treat to National unity ?

the day ijaw declear war against the north is the day ijaw/izzon will end finally

i think this people are drunk

ahhhhh izon

i beg u no try somethig wey u no fit finish

even in the south, we can start the war against una from lagos to anambra

then we can progress

I just hope this people don't think the north is the same and the 2 brotherly cowards of the west and east

THIS IS THE NORTH !!!!

we don't fight with sentiment of land grabing etc. WE FIGHT WITH FAITH . U hear

ideeiot

I am waiting for that ideeiot called killuyut

My friend Alj, this is a serious matter. This is no time for one of your dry jokes.
You want to fight Ijaws in Lagos and Anambra or what exactly are u saying? Ijaw Group said Boko Haram is causing problem affecting National unity, and here u are threatening brimstone and fire at coward West and East. By the way, are you Boko Haram or are u their new spokesman?

I laugh at your dry jokes anyway, so as not to discourage you. I thought you were a clown, never knew u are so good at it.

Boko Haram is a threat to nation’s unity –Ijaw Group

The Ijaw Monitoring Group on Sunday described the menace of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, as a threat to national integration.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent, the group’s coordinator, Mr. Joseph Evah, said the option would be for various ethnic groups to go their separate ways if Nigerians were to continue living in fear of the group.

[size=15pt]He said, “Ethnic nationalities in the country should be allowed to go their separate ways if the group derives happiness in killing people in the North and other parts of the country.”[/size]

He added that the Federal Capital Territory should be relocated to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, to ensure the safety of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Evah stated that the spate of killings by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, had underscored the non-immunity of the President to attacks.

He argued that Saturday’s killing of Babakira Alhaji Fugu the brother in-law to the slain leader of the sect, Mohammed Yusuf, by suspected assassins suggested the non-readiness of the group for dialogue.

Evah said, “The President is not even safe. We call for the relocation of the FCT to Yenagoa or Port Harcourt from where the president will be operating. We do not want a genocide like it was done in Rwanda here in Nigeria.”

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20110920361657

jason123:
Kpoegede and Beaf, BOKO HARAM [b]SHOULD NOT COME [/b]TO WARRI!! Why are you guys inviting them Abegi!

lol, Jason
You don't pass off as the scare type. Why the sudden change?

I know warri no dey carry last, Boko Haram will not be making the mistake of attacking warri. If Boko haram attacks Warri or any major city/town in the South (SE/SS/SW) and claim responsibility, then I would be forced to agree that there is indeed some foreign conspiracy to split Nigeria. Because BH has no reason whatsoever to attack the South. Oil companies on the other hand will be more than grateful to see a split in this fake union of disparate entity. As for, I will embrace it!

danjohn:
PointB, I beg to differ with you on this one. Here are my reasons:

Chances are that PDP will most likely nominate a non-controversial mediocre Northerner for president and an above average Southerner (Chime, Amaechi, or Donald Duke) for VP. Sanusi's Sharia baggage is not as big as Buhari's Sharia baggage. In addition Fashola transcends religion, hence people do not view him from a religious lens. If the integrity myth that I suggested can be created long in advance, Fashola and Sanusi will have a good chance of winning the 12 States Buhari won in 2011 + the 6 states in the SW. Since Sanusi and Fashola have less Sharia Baggage than Buhari, Adamawa, Nassarawa, and Taraba could become too close to call. In addition, Kwara could be more competitive (40 - 45% may even be feasible). Furthermore, I doubt that the margins that we saw in the SS and SE in 2011 will repeat themselves in 2015. Regardless of whether PDP wins in the SS and SE, I am sure that Fashola and Sanusi will do better than Buhari's 1% in Rivers, Delta, and Cross River etc. At the end of the day folks will have to choose between competence and mediocrity. Fashola being on the ticket will give the ticket the credibility factor to still compete in the SS and SE and garner 20 -30% of the vote in some of the states there.

This ticket will give us a chance of having 16 years of uninterrupted competent leadership.

That is not how the system work; and besides what made you think others agree with you that Sanusi and Fashola are competent? Competent in what exactly? Sanusi ruining the banking industries and heating up the polity? Or Fashola looking the other way while Tinubu and co line the their pocket with looted treasury? If that's your description of competency, then I am afraid competency has found a new low.

Their dodgy competency aside, lets look at the politics, and how the system works. Presently, they system seems to abhor muslim/muslim ticket especially at the highest level. So Sanusi/Fashola ticket is dead on arrival. Unless, they are satisfied with winning core north, and SW state with narrow margins, opening a a huge opportunity for the PDP to mop up. And make no mistake, Sanusi is not popular in SW. What Buhari could not do with his so called integrity, Sanusi open bigotry especially against SW and their leaders will come to hurt him if he venture for the highest level, not even fashola can save him.

Now your assumption that PDP will go for a 'non-controversial mediocre Northerner for president and an above average Southerner (Chime, Amaechi, Donald Duke') as VP is equally wrong. PDP will look for a strong candidate in 2015, especially if GEJ does not satisfy Nigerians yearn. PDP factor for selecting strong candidate will most likely be performance and integrity and with PDP knowing that In 2015, SE will not be playing second fiddle, will Chime or Ayim. I doubt if Duke is still in PDP. I also see PDP making overtures to Rachas, who will have the mandate of Ohaneze and APGA to go for it. Rochas (as PDP and APGA presidential candididate) will then pair with a strong Northern political heavy weight for the titanic battle. The outcome will be bigger that the GEJ landslide.

That is how the battle of 2015 will play out bros! Power then go back to the North at the next election if single term is agreed. And in my own opinion, that is how Nigeria can mover forward as one.

@topic,
You think we are almajiris, and we live in Kano, Kastina, Bauchi.

@op
With this kind of poll which does not give option for dissent , who are you trying to deceive?

danjohn:
I just had an epiphany .  What do you guys think about a Sanusi/Fashola Ticket?  Since the North wants power, we can field a brilliant Northerner who happens to be the grandson of the former Emir of Kano and a young competent Governor who can be groomed to run for President once Sanusi's time is up.  This will give us 16 uninterrupted years of effective leadership.  In the years leading up to 2015, ACN can launch a propaganda campaign in the North via Hausa BBC to create the myth that Sanusi has towering integrity so that a cult of personality can be built around him. 

Off course such a decision by ACN or CNPP (if they are wise enough to come together) will have to be poll tested etc.

It will be a bigot muslim/moderate muslim ticket. It will sell like hot cake in the North, gathering fifty percent of Northern vote. But the other fifty percent christians in the North will vote against it. The pair will will not make any headway in the SS/SE, and Benue, Jos, Adamawa. Non-indigene population in Lagos, Ogun, will resist it. Besides, I dont see why Fashola will agree to serve as a junior partner to Sanusi, knowing very well that Vice President is a figure head position these days. Speaking of which I ask where is Sambo?

jason123:
Do they want it? You might have some info that I do not have. If Fashola does well in government, is it for the Yorubas or all Nigerians?? Recently, he (Fashola) deported Yoruba beggars. Does that seem like someone who is regionally inclined?? What about the appointment of Ben in his cabinet (although, the Ben guy, from what I have heard, is quite GOOD!).

I really doubt if Yorubas "want" presidency. Their actions does not seem speak about their intention towards presidency. In fact, they are trying to move away from the center. After all, Buhari chose a Yoruba VP, yet he did not win the SW.

lol, who doesn't want it?

Genius100:
Anyone voting for Rochas is a clown. The man has only been in office for 3 months and has not achieved anything of note. Essentially, those voting for Rochas are voting based on sentiment.

If the presidency is zoned to the north, Sanusi gets my vote. Otherwise, Okonja-Iweala or Fashola has my vote,

Does that mean that those voting for fashola must be ediots cos aside from watering flowers planted by the drug baron tinubu, the rest of his so called achievement with the enormous IGR of lagos is as elusive as the golden fleece.

jason123:
Well, that was not my POV. The highlighted is a VERY different issue altogether. Now that we are "one Nigeria", should we not make the best use of it After all, presidency does not equate to ethnic/regional development. The North, SW and currently, the SS are living witnesses of this. After GEJ, I am sure the SS will understand that.

Well, not the SE. Equity demands that the best of SE, and NC confirm your theory. And if the presidency does not equate to development of any kind, why should the SW want it? So let's try those whom we believe can actually do something with the presidency. I strongly believe Rochas is the man for the job!

jason123:
Does that mean we, the educated; must continue the silly tribalism that has not taken our fathers far, not to talk of us??
When are we going to look pass these petty issues?

Issues as to who becomes the president of a big nation like Nigeria is not petty. And[i] going far [/i]is not the problem here by the way, the problem actually is about remaining one nation.

efisher:
It is very obvious Fashola is the man anyday, anytime. The only thing that can stop him from getting there is TRIBALISM! The other guys will say it has not reached the yoruba's "turn" and will fight to stop him. I wish all educated / well meaning Nigerians from North, South, East and West can stand firm for him. It would be a war of Merit vs tribalism. Sadly, even the educated Nigerians can lose their senses to tribalism.

True. But then sentiment is also part of election, and as far as presidency is seen as bragging right in Nigeria, and with the alleged conspiracy to deny presidency to certain section/tribe in Nigeria, tribalism will play a major (if not the main role) in many election.


'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere' - Martin Luther King Jr.,

hilli666:
Lagos has some of the best roads. When I moved to Lagos from the village 9 months ago, I was so impressed to see the level of engineering put in the roads. How can a road have a river in the middle of it? and at the same time a market, farm, morgue, beside it? I was so impressed because we in the umofiagba village have not yet been exposed to such sophistication. We follow the rive path during the dry season and the bush path during the rainy season. Some how the talented engineers of Lagos found a way of allowing the river the car, pedestrians  and animals, to all use the same path regardless of season. If this is not amazing, I don't know what is. Secondly the way the government cares for the safety of everyone who ply the roads, buy putting police check point at every 100 metres to ensure that your car, car particulars and personal health are in good condition. For such outstanding service, I don't mind forking over the occasional 10 -50 Naira fee. How many contries in the world do they have such impeccable service. I so happy to have found a great city like Lagos to live in, In the village nobody cares, and you have to ride your cow or goat to work. At least in Lagos, you can swim on the high way to work during the rainy season. May God continue to bless the people who are in charge of this great city. My Yoruba friend said after any comment I post I should always add " Eko O ni Baje" It must mean Lagos is the best city in the world.

Man, you made my day!

At all those complaining of bad roads, may I remind you,

THIS IS LAGOS!

Fashola is clearly working on all the road. Before the 2015 elections, I bet all will be well.

Result so far

Sullivan Chime of Enugu State - 11 (6.8%)
Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state - 75 (46.6%)
Nuhi Ribadu Ex EFCC - 6 (3.7%)
Rochas Okorocha of Imo State - 61 (37.9%)
Some other candidate - 8 (5%)

Total Votes: 161

From the result
Fashola is quite popular among Nairalanders @ 46.6%, while Rochas the underdog appears to quite popular too. So far so good. Thanks to all who cast their votes. More votes pls.

emmke:
shut up mr. 'My middle name is change'. The only people that should carry go are your millions of brothers up north. They should all go back to the south. Every day u come on NL and shout 'Divide the country' yet millions of u are living up north and are still trooping there. If y'all are really serious about your country and detest north this much, why not avoid their region like a plague. But no, u keep living there and are still trooping there. So Shut up u hypocrite.

You rather should shut your gutter mouth! As far as the North is fed fat with oil riches from the south; as long as billions of naira of oil money find their way up North, and as long as this sh%%t-hole remains One Nigeria, everyone is free to live where he/she wants. So get that fact into your numskull. Until Nigeria ceases to exist, Southerners will live anywhere they like, flaunt their wealth, and when necessary defend themselves against groups like Boko Haram and their sympathizers. And like I said, North should up their game, lets see who loses! Until then, One Nigeria, in your face!

http://www.elombah.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=868:yorubas-are-the-problem-with-nigeria-by-sanusi-lamido-sanusi&catid=57:sanusi-lamido-sanusi

Yorubas are the Problem with Nigeria - By Sanusi Lamido Sanusi       
Written by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi     
Wednesday, 27 May 2009 05:01

By Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, (Special Speech by the CPC 2015 Presidential Candidate)
In sum, the Yoruba political leadership, as mentioned by Balarabe Musa, has shown itself over the years to be incapable of rising above narrow tribal interests and reciprocating goodwill from other sections of the country by treating other groups with respect. Practically every crisis in Nigeria since independence has its roots in this attitude.

i. The Yoruba elite and area-boy politics;
ii. Igbo marginalisation and the responsible limits of retribution; and
iii. The Yoruba Factor and "Area-boy" Politics.

See also The Adulteress' Diary by Lamido Sanusi

My views on the Yoruba political leadership have been thoroughly articulated in some of my writings, prime among which was " Afenifere: Syllabus of Errors" published by This Day (The Sunday Newspaper) on Sept 27, 1998. There was also an earlier publication in the weekly Trust entitled " The Igbo, the Yoruba and History"  (Aug. 21, 1998).

In sum, the Yoruba political leadership, as mentioned by Balarabe Musa, has shown itself over the years to be incapable of rising above narrow tribal interests and reciprocating goodwill from other sections of the country by treating other groups with respect. Practically every crisis in Nigeria since independence has its roots in this attitude.

The Yoruba elite were the first, in 1962, to attempt a violent overthrow of an elected government in this country. In 1966, it was the violence in the West which provided an avenue for the putsch of 15th January. After Chief Awolowo lost to Shagari in 1983 elections, it was the discontent and bad publicity in the South-West which led to the Buhari intervention. When Buhari jailed UPN governors like Ige and Onabanjo, the South-Western press castigated that good government and provided the right mood for IBB to take over power. As soon as IBB cleared UPN governors of charges against them in a politically motivated retrial, he became the darling of the South-West. When IBB annulled the primaries in which Adamu Ciroma and Shehu Yar Adua emerged as presidential candidates in the NRC and SDP, he was hailed by the South-West. When the same man annulled the June 12, 1993 elections in which Abiola was the front-runner, the South-West now became defenders of democracy.

When it seemed Sani Abacha was sympathetic to Abiola, the South-West supported his take-over. He was in fact invited by a prominent NADECO member to take over in a published letter shortly before the event. Even though Abiola had won the elections in the North, the North was blamed for its annulment. When Abdulsalam Abubakar started his transition, the Yoruba political leadership through NADECO presented a memorandum on a Government of National Unity that showed complete disrespect for the intelligence and liberties of other Nigerians.

Subsequently, they formed a tribal party which failed to meet minimum requirements for registration, but was registered all the same to avoid the violence that was bound to follow non-registration, given the area-boy mentality of South-West politicians. Having rejected an Obasanjo candidacy and challenged the election as a fraud in court, we now find a leading member of the AD in the government, a daughter of an Afenifere leader as Minister of State, and Awolowo´s daughter as Ambassador, all appointed by a man who won the election through fraud.

Meanwhile, nothing has been negotiated for the children of Abiola, the focus of Yoruba political activity. In return for these favours, the AD solidly voted for Evan Enwerem as Senate President. This is a man who participated in the two-million- man March for Abacha´s self-succession. He also is reputed to have hosted a meeting of governors during IBB´s transition, demanding that June 12 elections should never be de-annulled and threatening that the East would go to war if this was done. When Ibrahim Salisu Buhari was accused of swearing to a false affidavit, the Yoruba political elite correctly took up the gauntlet for his resignation.

When an AD governor, Bola Tinubu, swears to a false affidavit that he attended an Ivy League University which he did not attend, we hear excuses.

For so many years, the Yoruba have inundated this country with stories of being marginalised and of a civil service dominated by northerners through quota system. The Federal Character Commission has recently released a report which shows that the  South-West accounts for 27.8% of civil servants in the range GL08 to GL14 and a full 29.5% of GL 15 and above. One zone out of six zones controls a full 30% of the civil service leaving the other five zones to share the remaining 70%. We find the same story in the economy, in academia, in parastatals.

Yet in spite of being so dominant, the Yoruba complained and complained of marginalization. Of recent, in recognition of the trauma which hit the South-West after June 12, the rest of the country forced everyone out of the race to ensure that a South-Westerner emerged, often against the best advice of political activists.

Instead of leading a path of reconciliation and strong appreciation, the Yoruba have embarked on short-sighted triumphalism, threatening other "nationalities" that they ( who after all lost the election) will protect Obasanjo ( who was forced on them). No less a person than Bola Ige has made such utterances.

To further show that they were in charge, they led a cult into the Hausa area of Sagamu, murdered a Hausa woman and nothing happened. In the violence that followed, they killed several Hausa residents, with Yoruba leaders like Segun Osoba, reminding Nigerians of the need to respect the culture of their host communities.  This would have continued were it not for the people of Kano who showed that they could also create their own Oro who would only be appeased through the shedding of innocent Yoruba blood.

I say all this, to support Balarabe Musa´s statement, that the greatest problem to nation-building in Nigeria are the Yoruba Bourgeoisie. I say this also to underscore my point that until they change this attitude, no conference can solve the problems of Nigeria. We cannot move forward if the leadership of one of the largest ethnic groups continues to operate, not like statesmen, but like common area boys.

iii.The Igbo Factor and the Reasonable Limits of Retribution.

The Igbo people of Nigeria have made a mark in the history of this nation. They led the first successful military coup which eliminated the Military and Political leaders of other regions while letting off Igbo leaders. Nwafor Orizu, then Senate President, in consultation with President Azikiwe, subverted the constitution and handed over power to Aguiyi-Ironsi.  Subsequent developments, including attempts at humiliating other peoples, led to the counter-coup and later the civil war. The Igbos themselves must acknowledge that they have a large part of the blame for shattering the unity of this country.

Having said that, this nation must realise that Igbos have more than paid for their foolishness. They have been defeated in war, rendered paupers by monetary policy fiat, their properties declared abandoned and confiscated, kept out of strategic public sector appointments and deprived of public services. The rest of the country forced them to remain in Nigeria and has continued to deny them equity.

The Northern Bourgeoisie and the Yoruba Bourgeoisie have conspired to keep the Igbo out of the scheme of things. In the recent transition when the Igbo solidly supported the PDP in the hope of an Ekwueme presidency, the North and South-West treated this as a Biafra agenda. Every rule set for the primaries, every gentleman´s agreement was set aside to ensure that Obasanjo, not Ekwueme emerged as the candidate. Things went as far as getting the Federal Government to hurriedly gazette a pardon. Now, with this government, the marginalistion of the Igbo is more complete than ever before. The Igbos have taken all these quietly because, they reason, they brought it upon themselves. But the nation is sitting on a time-bomb.

After the First World War, the victors treated Germany with the same contempt Nigeria is treating Igbos. Two decades later, there was a Second World War, far costlier than the first. Germany was again defeated, but this time, they won a more honourable peace. Our present political leaders have no sense of History. There is a new Igbo man, who was not born in 1966 and neither knows nor cares about Nzeogwu and Ojukwu. There are Igbo men on the street who were never Biafrans. They were born Nigerians, are Nigerians, but suffer because of actions of earlier generations. They will soon decide that it is better to fight their own war, and may be find an honourable peace, than to remain in this contemptible state in perpetuity.

The Northern Bourgeoisie and the Yoruba Bourgeoisie have exacted their pound of flesh from the Igbos. For one Sardauna, one Tafawa Balewa, one Akintola and one Okotie-Eboh, hundreds of thousands have died and suffered.

If this issue is not addressed immediately, no conference will solve Nigeria´s problems.


By Sanusi Lamido Sanusi


P.S.
Nothing is wrong with Saint North, the born to rule sons of Nigeria.
I laugh in Sanusi Candidacy,

^^^
Wise elders!

^^^
Say whatever you like, sentiments will not favour a bigot like Sanusi. And you are right, I'll rather vote for a goat, than a bigot!

^^^^

Well, they still have their chance. Gradually, Boko Haram, real or imaginary is taking them to the dream destination. As a self assured adaptable Nigerian, I couldn't care less. My middle name is Change. I love changes! Carry go North, with your separatist agenda  

Thank Mukina for unbanning me. That was fast, I'm impressed!

Electricity generation now at 4,242MW, highest ever – Nnaji
By Martin Ayankola

The Federal Government said on Monday that the country had attained an all-time-high power generation of 4,242.7 megawatts.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, announced this in Abuja even as his counterpart in the investment and trade ministry, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, also said the Federal Government had sealed a N240bn energy and housing deal with European investors.

Nnaji, who spoke at a stakeholders’ workshop on “Towards Stability in Power Sector”, held at State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, said the country had also reduced the incidence of system collapse in the power sector significantly.

The power minister said, “On Friday, September 17, 2011, Nigeria attained the highest quantum of power ever. We achieved 3,982.7MW. This figure does not include the 260MW maintained as spinning reserve, which is used for system stability. I am glad to report that all the 3,982.7MW now produced in Nigeria goes into the national grid without difficulty. In other words, the attained generation is now 4,242.7MW.

“Nigeria used to experience an average of four system collapse every month, that is, almost 50 system failures annually. Much as we have reduced the failures in the last one year, our goal is to reduce them to zero. I must add, however, that some of the failures are caused by factors beyond our control, like a sudden shortage of gas supply to a power generation facility.”

The former President Umaru Yar’Adua administration had failed to deliver on its promise of attaining a 6,000MW target in 2009. The highest the government achieved in August 2010 was 3,800 MW, the highest figure till then.

Nnaji said there were credible reports of a noticeable improvement in power supply in many parts of the country and that the country was expecting an additional 10MW from the Delta Power Station in Ughelli, Delta State, this month. He added that another 120MW will be added later this year, bringing the quantum of power being expected from the plant to 470MW.

“This improvement will still leave us with a shortfall of 430MW because the station’s installed capacity is 900MW. From its sister power station in Sapele, we are expecting an additional 100MW this year, raising supply from this station to 252MW. Still, there will be a shortfall of 768MW because the installed capacity of the station is 1,020MW.

“We have a programme to recover as soon as possible lost capacities at Egbin, Kainji and other places. The 760MW Kainji hydro station, built in 1968, has never been overhauled. But some of its units which are out of use are now undergoing rehabilitation. Coupled with the scheduled inauguration of some plants being built under the National Integrated Power Project, we are optimistic of achieving the target of 5,000MW this year and hit 6,000MW in 2012,” he said.

Also, the Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a consortium of Swiss and European investors for the investment of N240bn ($1.6bn) in the power, petroleum and housing sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Aganga confirmed the development during the signing of the first phase of the MoU with the representatives of the consortium in Abuja.

The group, comprising Seagas Services Limited and Oceanmar Services Limited, was led by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Head of International Affairs and Investments, Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Behgjet Pacolli.

Aganga said that the Ministry of Trade and Investment would work closely with the Ministries of Power and Petroleum to facilitate the investments, adding that the Federal Government was committed to supporting genuine investors to invest in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

He said, “We have held discussions with the representatives of Seagas Services Limited and Oceanmar Services Limited, about the investment opportunities in Nigeria. We have agreed on investments in a few areas such as housing, building a factory for gas infrastructure for the manufacturing of gas pipelines.

“We also discussed the possibility of investing in the area of power, building of refineries and housing construction.

“After a number of discussions, we are signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the estimated sum of $1.6bn to be invested in some of these areas. Specifically, the money will be invested in refinery, power and housing,” he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, blamed the unstable power supply experienced in the country on poor pricing. According to him, Nigeria has the lowest electricity tariff and that is why it has poor power supply. Jonathan also said that a new monthly bill of N11bn had been approved for Power Holding of Nigeria’s workers by the government.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20110920253318
https://www.punchng.com/images/August/Tuesday/pix201108023213562.jpg

Death threats: Northerners shun Boko Haram panel
By Niyi Odebode and Friday Olokor

Northerners, who hitherto had cooperated with the Federal Government panel on the insecurity in the North-East, are now avoiding the members of the panel, THE PUNCH has learnt.

Our correspondents gathered that these Northerners were afraid that citizens who cooperated with the panel might be targeted by the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

A source in the Presidency, who pleaded anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to speak on the matter, said the development was hindering the progress of the panel, as many citizens had stopped providing it with the much needed information.

He also said that the situation was compounded by last Friday’s assassination of Babakura Fugu, the father-in-law of the late leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf.

Fugu was killed barely 24 hours after meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had visited Maiduguri to broke peace.

In the aftermath of Fugu’s killing, notable human rights activist, Shehu Sani, received death threats for facilitating the meeting between the late Fugu and Obasanjo.

The eight-member committee, headed by Ambassador Usman Galtimari, had submitted an interim report a few weeks back and had requested an additional two weeks to submit its final report.

The two weeks extension lapsed last Tuesday without the final report. The source told one of our correspondents in Abuja that “people have simply kept away from members of the committee and refused to volunteer information.”

Although a British Broadcasting Corporation report claims that a faction of the sect had claimed responsibility, another denied the killing and commiserated with the family. There were speculations on Sunday that the claims and counter-claims indicated a factional conflict within the sect.

Reports on Monday said that Fugu was shot dead by one Ustaz Mote, a close associate of Mamman Nur, the man declared wanted by the State Security Service for being the mastermind of the bombing of UN building on August 26 in Abuja. The Federal Government placed a N25m bounty on Nur on Sunday.

The source said, “The killing of Babakura Fugu shortly after meeting Obasanjo has worsened the situation. The people are afraid of approaching the Federal Government panel in order not to be suspected of sabotaging Boko Haram. They don’t want to risk their lives.

“The two weeks extra is gone but we have not heard from the committee. The members of the committee are not magicians and part of their mandate is to get information from the people of North-East. But with the unfolding scenario, I am afraid the committee may not submit a report which will be useful in solving the problem on ground.”

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, while receiving the interim report had noted that government had acceded to the committee’s request for an additional two weeks.

“It is important that government takes the security of lives and property in the country seriously; it is also important whoever is aggrieved should also submit his grievances through the appropriate channels,” Anyim had said.

The committee had said that it needed the two weeks to consult with stakeholders in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba states, especially, traditional rulers.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has said the Northern governors are determined to put an end to the “murderous cycle” that has led to the loss of lives and property in the region. Aliyu spoke through his spokesman, Mallam Danladi Ndayebo.

A source in the Northern Governors’ Forum told one of our correspondents that the challenges of the Federal Government panel might be discussed at the Wednesday emergency meeting. He revealed that the meeting was convened to deliberate on the deteriorating security in the region.



He said, “The meeting has one agenda: Security. It is not to be limited to the Plateau issue alone. They will also focus on the Boko Haram problem. There is no way the governors will meet without discussing the Boko Haram issue.”

The governor’s aide said that the governors would explore the potential of the peace initiative of Obasanjo.

He stated that the forum was not happy with the killing of Fuga who hosted Obasanjo and that it would pursue dialogue.

“The forum will try and build on the efforts of Obasanjo. Government can reach out to the group now that the Borno elders have said that it (Boko Haram) is ready for dialogue,” he added.

On Sunday, Borno State elders, in a letter to Presiddent Goodluck Jonathan, signed by a former of petroleum resources, Dr Shettima Ali Monguno, said Boko Haram was ready for dialogue.

The Borno elders wrote: “We wish to remind you of our earlier call for the initiation of dialogue with members of Jama’atul Ahlil Sunnah lil Da’awal Wal Jihad (Boko Haram). Of recent, we have noticed the sustained desire of the sect, through media reports of their willingness, to talk with governments (Federal and State).

“In view of the nature of their operations which seems to have no known formation, location or leadership, we wish to advise that your government initiate the first step of engagement which might encourage the sect members to come out and talk. We are hopeful that a genuinely set out engagement would attract a meaningful dialogue and resolution of the problem in the common interest of peace, unity and progress of our dear nation.”


http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201109202514479

EFCC Probe: ACN Leaders At War Over Lagos Speaker

Written by Taiwo Adisa, Abuja
Sunday, September 18, 2011

A crisis of confidence is said to befestering in the ranks of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) over the travails of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji, at the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).



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Sources in Abuja confirmed to the Saturday Tribune that the party hierarchy was thrown into confusion following an alleged threat by the embattled Speaker to spill the beans if the party fails to intervene in his ordeal.

The Speaker was arrested by the anti-graft agency on September 1 following the receipt of petition alleging his involvement in about N7 billion fraud in the state.

Sources confirmed that a subtle threat from the camp of the Speaker indicating his readiness to open a can of worms led to cold war and confusion in the party.

A source said that some leaders immediately got together and decided on the way forward.

One of the designated ways was the decision to lobby top security chiefs who could help mitigate the investigations by some agencies, a source stated.

It was gathered that some top officers of the party had decided to reach out to a number of top security chiefs as a way of reducing the scope of investigations.

One of the top leaders of the party was seen around a top security chief in Abuja during the week. Sources confirmed that the meeting was neither a social one nor a chance one, but one at the instance of the ACN chieftain who, according to Saturday Tribune's sources, had known the security chief for some time.

"The jitters in the ranks of the ACN as a result of the probe of Speaker Ikuforiji by the EFCC knows no bounds. It is also becoming a source of tension in the party. News filtered into the ears of our leaders during the week that the Speaker had threatened to spill the beans if the leaders failed to intervene in his travails. I can tell you there is confusion and real tension at the topmost echelons of the party as we speak," a source, who is in the know, said.

It was also gathered that the party has been unable to politicise the move against the Speaker by the EFCC because the commission was working with hard facts supplied by insiders.

The fear among leaders of the party, according to sources, is that some other security agencies have joined the probe and that the EFCC dragnet could be extended to more chieftains of the party.

At least three officials of the party were at the EFCC office during the week. Even former officials who have something to do with the runnings of accounts in recent years have been listed for interrogation by the EFCC and other agencies.

http://odili.net/news/source/2011/sep/18/608.html

Confusion in North about presidency in 2015

Niyi Odebode, Fidelis Soriwei, Abuja; and Jude Owuamanam, Jos

There are indications that politicians in the northern part of the country are still in confusion about President Goodluck Jonathan's proposed single tenure bill.


President Goodluck Jonathan and Prof. Attahiru Jegacrackcrackcrackcrack

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Investigations by SATURDAY PUNCH showed that the confusion about President Goodluck Jonathan's proposed single tenure bill was threatening northern unity ahead of the 2015 presidential race, which the ruling party would likely zone to the region.

Our correspondents gathered that there had been moves by key politicians in the North, particularly among the Peoples Democratic Party members, to agree on a position on the bill, in spite of the fact that Jonathan has not forwarded it to the National Assembly.

It was learnt the division in the region was worsened by the incessant ethno-religious crises in Jos, Plateau State, where 200 people have died in the past six months.

The northern socio-political group - the Arewa Consultative Forum - had last Sunday expressed concern about the incessant crises in the state.

The group, in a statement by Anthony Sanni, its National Publicity Secretary, had said, "Leadership and all the people should make the most of the God-given diversity by working hard to overcome those differences that divide the people; and in favour of core values of humanity."

But a North-Central group - the Middle Belt Dialogue - said the people of the zone (North-Central) no longer believed in one North, which it describes as an illusion.

The coordinator of the group in Plateau State, Mr. Aminu Zang, in a SATURDAY PUNCH interview in Jos on Friday, said that while the Middle Belt was included as part of the North only for political reasons, "when it comes to the sharing of political offices, the area is hardly remembered."

SATURDAY PUNCH investigations showed that currently, there were two schools of thought in the North on Jonathan's proposed six-year single tenure for the president and state governors come 2015.

It was gathered that some politicians in the region were of the view that the North's support for the bill should be hinged on Jonathan's non-participation in the 2015 presidential poll as a candidate.

It was, however, learnt that others were calling for the outright rejection of the bill, no matter its contents.

However, a group of politicians in the North - the Northern Political Leaders' Forum - has not commented on the proposed bill.

While the group has remained silent on the bill, two of its leading members had expressed divergent views on it.

A former military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, had last August condemned the proposed bill, advising the President to forget the idea.

But former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had said that he would make his position on the bill known after its presentation to the National Assembly.

A prominent member of the NPLF said, "Some have taken a position on the bill in spite of the fact that they have not seen it. They have decided to oppose it simply because it is coming from Jonathan.

"But there are those who believe that they should not throw out the baby with the bath water. They are of the view that the bill should be supported, if it explicitly states that Jonathan will be excluded from the 2015 presidential poll."

However, the NPLF member stated that many northern politicians were unhappy with the ethno-religious crises in the region.

He said, "You will recall that recently there was a clash between the Tiv and Fulani in Benue State. There is no solution yet to the incessant clashes between the Berom and the Fulani herdsmen in Plateau State.

"These crises have affected the unity of the region. The core people of the North must realise that such crises will isolate them from minorities in the region and other ethnic groups in other parts of the country.

"Politicians in all parts of the country have realised that no one can win the Presidency without the support of others. We need to build political bridges that will promote unity in the region and across the country. That is why northern politicians are disturbed about the ethno-religious crises in the region."

According to him, NPLF members and many politicians in the North are determined to ensure unity among the people of the region.

But accusing the far North of double standards, the MBG coordinator said, "We're amused when our brothers from the far North categorise us as being part of them. It's only for political reasons because they have already made a clear demarcation between us and them.

"For instance, why is it that issues relating to the Middle Belt are never taken seriously by the northern elite?

"Take for instance, the crises in the North-East and North-Central. While that of the North-East was taken seriously, that of Plateau (North-Central) is being treated as if it is not a northern problem.

"This is why people like the former governor of Kano State, Senator Kabiru Gaya, could call for a state of emergency in Plateau and not in Borno or Kano, where there had been crises of serious dimension.

"Why did the President ask the Chief of Defence Staff to take over security in Plateau and not in Borno? This time around, we're out for something serious. We're watching closely and keenly.

"We have been used as guinea pigs before when a state of emergency was imposed. We cannot allow that to happen again."

A Muslim from Benue State and former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr. Abubakar Tsav, said the crisis in Plateau State would further divide the North.

Tsav said, "The situation in Jos is capable of further dividing what remains of the Northern solidarity. It may lead to distrust and tribal animosity among the people of the North."

Tsav advised the government not to treat the crisis with a kid glove, adding that the first set of people arrested during the crisis should have been persecuted by now.

He stated, "That (their prosecution) would have deterred others from fomenting another crisis. But nothing was done and there are people behind those who are carrying out these activities.

"I believe it (the crisis) will further divide the North because all those involved in the violence are from the North.

"Nobody will say he is happy when people are being killed. Everybody will lose confidence in one another."

http://odili.net/news/source/2011/sep/18/816.html

So far Rochas lead with over 67% while Fashola comes a distant second with over 26% of votes cast. More votes please.

^^
Sacking or rather reviewing those 10,000 fictitious Ohakim's politically motivated 'jobs' was one of the smartest thing done by Rochas. Of course many of those sack workers can write anything about the governor, it doesn't take anything away from Rochas.

^^^
So predictable, quite pathetic.

babagy82:
we never ever wanted to be part of this so called nigeria, we only want to live on our own cos Islam is our way of life. Dont think dat a northern muslim give a bleed about your so called niger delta oil because the northeners that are enjoying it are not upto 2% . Do u think we are after money or driving big cars or whatever you may call it? Keep dreaming my sister. enuff of the hatred

It's true, you dont want to be part of Nigeria, but you fought a war to stay in Nigeria, and usurp political power through the barrel to rule Nigeria, and you are still scheming every day and night to rule Nigeria again. Yet you never wanted to be part of Nigeria.

lwkmd because of this hypocrisy.

Maybe you should tell it to your cows.

^^^

Article by Modern Ghana.

dayokanu:
The blood is on Odechukwu Retardeens head and his Godfather OBJ

Funny thing is that, Obj actually looks like the Retardeens  Odesanjo with his action; while Gej keeps his hands clean, as usual.
I dey laff ooo.