Standing5:
God bless you.
What we need is to stimulate local production. With local production there will be no need for huge forex with which to buy foreign goods. Imagine if 10 states replicate the Lake rice initiative or 10 states go into cotton production?

Thanks!

Statsocial:
Thank You! You explained it so beautifully. I honestly never knew much about this foreign reserve. You should be working in d CBN or NASS. Nice one

Mr Omonnakoda indeed spoke well.

However, in concurrence with Mr Tinubu which Mr Onmakoda identified too, growing the reserves without stimulating manufacturing and production, and not providing same for necessities/goods consumed but not manufactured locally will lead to higher prices and perhaps staglaftion.

We urgently need to identify these pertinent goods, re-stimulate the manufacturing sector to produce most of these goods within a specific duration otherwise, with scarcity of forex, all sectors will suffer, demand will exceed supply, and the Naira will continue on a free fall.

For example, the allowance of forex for supply of petroleum products daily put a strain on our reserves. Why can't we have more investors like Dangote building refineries of similar capacity concurrently to ensure that in 4 years we will have no need to import, export to neighboring countires and save a huge chunk of our mandatory forex flight?

Another example is the commendable rice revolution. Why can't the FG consolidate on the learnings and ensure within a year we have rice reserves adequate to feed the nation and also export? Other key agricultural products alike.

In the short run, the FG needs to adequately manage the militating Niger Delta factor to sustain crude oil production (our present key forex commodity) to ensure production is at optimal level and thereafter supply corresponding forex for requisite commodities until we are duly sustainable to locally churn out these products. If this is not done, the Naira will keep sinking low.

Lastly, the FG needs to study how we survived before the advent of crude oil. We may reinvigorate the cash crops and minerals of yesteryears with minimal financial inputs with huge stimulating impact on employment and the economy thereby reducing the over-dependence on crude oil.

The micro and macro economics factors need to be reevaluated.

My 2 cents (not an expert)!

When a spouse cheats, the problem is not with the third party; the problem is with your partner.

Except it is a friend or close relative that is cheating with your spouse, you have no business fighting the third party.

My 2 cents!

ndcide:



You don't strike me as someone who will be forthright in appraising buhari. Of course, you will make excuses for him. Anyone who objectively looks at the activities in all the ministries in both administrations knows that you cannot achieve up to what you've discredited in the last administration, with buhari's government.

We shall see what buhari will make of the federal university in his own katsina. They were set up and given billions. It's there for all to see. Let us see what buhari will do.

My last paragraph clearly states my conclusion of Buhari's performance so far. There is so much to say about Jonathan who spent 5 years and left. Buhari has spent a year and half, there is so much more to say about him. In 2016, he failed the citizens woefully except for the Rice revolution and progress made against BH but almost lost with his shameful reaction to the rampaging evil herdsmen. We are watching keenly!

@post,

Please pay attention to the achievements in Kano, Lagos and Rivers States (alphabetical order), the States with most economic viability, how strategic are GEJ's achievements over his 5 years tenure?

Despite the huge resources at his disposal, there were no measurable impactful outcomes.

It is not enough to mass build half baked universities all over the place. What happened to quality? Can the infrastructure of these so called new universities be compared with old Federal Universities? My strategic suggestion will be to revisit the curriculum and methodology of teaching at existing universities for correctness and compliance with the prevailing global standards. Enhance and expand the existing infrastructure of these universities to conducively accommodate more students. Above all, consider how to provide jobs for the geometrical increase in job seekers.

Spending so much and inflating contracts for rehabilitating of existing rail lines and loading them with mundane locomotive coaches is risible, especially when the Obj administration had a masterplan to modernise the railway lines. Other than the Abj-Kaduna rail, how have these locomotive coaches enhanced the lives of the populace? How many persons known to Reno traveled for the yuletide as we did several years back by rail?

While JB was building roads even in bushes at the FCT, the roads in other part of the country were either poorly built or duration stretched, contracts over inflated, snd remained barely completed.

The supposed renovated Airports failed barely less than 6 months after the very expensive refurbishments. PH Airport remains uncompleted, the arrival section remains a makeshift appended tent. Calabar Airport has no working Airconditioning at the main hall. MMIA looks more dilapidated than its previous prerefurbushment state. New control towers for MMIA and Abuja Airports for new Airport wings need to be demolished because they are sitting on important cables. Shame!

Citing Almahiri schools is the most ridiculous of all the so called achievements from the FG. If the root cause of the apathy to education in the North which breeds "Almajirs" is not defined and addressed, the so called education centres will only be good enough on paper.

What of the shameful growth of the BH sect under a leader who cared less despite the huge appropriation of almost a trillion Naira yearly to this fight while Generals fed fat, soldiers killed, others fled, and several civilians killed. Even the abduction of 200 girls didn't bother him. All he bothered about was him, him, him. Left to him, it was a sham. Smh!

The most painful is that Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta gained absolutely nothing, despite their immense contribution to the national purse. Beyond the 13% derivation, the FG gave no hoot afterwards.

I have been searching for where the so called SURE-P buses they claimed they bought and given to every state are parked or where they ply.

Despite the huge noise on Agricultural Revolution, Reno should tell us the measurable metrics as they impact on the economy and on supply. The farming oligarchs were the key beneficiaries.

Jonathan claimed to have brought in automobile OEMs to assemble cars in Nigeria, but the end products were much more expensive than their foreign counterparts. Does this make sense at all? Some protagonists chant employment was provided; at what ratio? The expatriates get the skilled jobs in these establishments and get paid a 100 times more than the local casual staff. Hiw significant is this despite the incentives? What efforts were made to assist and grow Innoson?

On power, the haphazard and poorly planned policies saw disjointed segments along the value chain which made it impossible to see any real change beyond exorbitant bills by the new DISCOs. Today there are huge improvements just by fixing bottlenecks.

Elections which we could have applauded him for was openly compromised in Ekiti State, and untold mayhem recorded in Rivers State.

The list is endless. Every sector has an unsuitable remark under Jonathan. His so called achievements are cosmetic and lack depth.


Buhari has also started his own walk of shame with his monocratic and obstinate nature. In 2019, if he continues with this poor economic performance, he certainly will be given the biggest disgrace from Office. We will not relent until we find a suitable President!

princejayboss:
I was in Nigeria First week of August and things were bad but not in this manner, I was surprise to come back this December to see the peak of hardship and still people are suffering, smiling yet placing attention to useless details... Dam what a country.

We allow our sentiments, religious beliefs, ethnic boarder lines and our political veiws to cloud our sense of reasoning.


Who does that? Who has the right to listen to people's conversation over the phone? Dam who does that?

People are applauding the DSS for doing so... Wow, where have our senses gone to? How do we know that this useless security Agency have not been listening to our daily conversations?

It might me Wike and Fayose today, who will it be tomorrow ?

We are moving towards North Korea or what... Do we even have laws? What are those idiots at the senate doing?.... Now I agree with president Elect Trump that Nigeria needs recolonization.

Nigerians should be afraid of the future because I see this FG as group blood thirsty fellows that will never leave office even if the ballot papers says so.

You can still find some youths clamouring for #Atiku2019, then I ask myself, why are we this foolish, why do we chose to remain in chains?

There is no law in the land, the President is the law I guess? Because if there is a law in the land PMB will never be a President ever again, he should be in the prison answering a felony charges? Who rules a Nation Nigeria without SSCE ?

The media is being used to clamp down on truth, Niraland and its owners simply blocks individuals who want to speak up for the nation, yet they forget that that some individuals in this platform can as well create a forum like this and use $200,000 USD to push its publicity without even knowing that they spent money.... My point here is that the media is the first problem of this nation Nigeria.

People fail to understand that opposition puts any ruling party on their toes to perform better, without opposition we will be Cuba in making where a 15years old girl is a sex worker in the streets of Havana...... If anyone has been to Cuba and see the state of economic hardship there, they will pray for a better opposition.


Finally my fellow Nigerians, let's ask ourselves the truthful but hurting question:

Are we good being together as the so called one Nigeria?

Who and who benefits from this marriage?

If truely this marriage is working, why are we in this state?

Do we love each other? Can we ever love each other?

Who amongst us is willing to die for our father land? Are we truely patriotic?

We might be better if we decide to go our different ways since we have tried one pattern since 1960 yet no reasonable result... We have tired same formula for over half a century yet we arrive at a failed result, why can't we try another thing?

I have been to more than 21 countries in the world and I have meet an Igbo man and a Yoruba man wherever I go, either as a student, civil savant, businessman, street huzla etc, this group at part of the group that brought into our economy $22b USD last year and $29b USD this year and still in counting.... Then I ask myself, why can't we see an hausa man huzling in the street of Spain, what is the contribution of this group to the Nation Nigeria?

Nigeria wake up, youths wake up, .... This useless leaders no get joy and don't give a Bleep about us.

FG should be ashamed on their proxy war using DSS #buharihas0%integrity

Sad I had to quote your entire piece. My candid reaction to your post with emphasis on the subject matter:

1. The appropriate security agencies have a right to tap tele-conversations of any Nigerian who poses a threat to National Security and tender same during investigation or as evidence during prosecution.

2. It will be wrong, puerile and unlawful for such statutory agencies to however disseminate such information to the public ahead of a formal investigation process or prosecution.

3. Sahara Reporters (SR) as an entity does not represent any security agency of Nigeria and is not domiciled in Nigeria.

4. I suggest the alleged persons in the supposed audio file according to SR should seek legal redress if their rights have been breached either by unlawful spying by unauthorised persons or libel as a result of fabricated lies against them. I am sure there must be a way to seek redress and relief against companies domiciled outside Nigeria.

5. However beyond the fine letters, every discerning Nigerian should weep for Nigeria if there is an iota of truth or possibility that Wike's voice was what we heard chanting and boasting about his killing spree. This is the second audio file on the same subject with the same message of the will to commit or admittance of murder.

6. Ditto 5 above, the method of obtaining such evidence by SR becomes inconsequential. The global public commended wikileaks on thier expose of bad practices in governance despite the reaction of the affected governments.

7. The two gentlemen if true they had the conversation had no moral justification to complain about excessive presence of the security agencies, except for the stupid SARS officers caught on tape manhandling INEC officials and hijacking collation materials. I would have expected they will strategize on how to ensure the SARS lead was legally brought to book instead of the shameful conduct and mockery of the Nigerian Army.

Ekiti, a less volatile environment was soaked with similar security apparatus during the election that brought Fayose to power. Some opposition leaders at the time were even barred from any activity on the eve of the election while chieftains of the ruling party moved large cache of money from CBN coffers and Fayose a candidate was caught on tape with prominent members of the government intimidating the Military Head of the zone in the astute spirit of rigging.

Nonetheless, two wrongs do not make a right. The FG should have provided the right security required and ensured they were non partisan.

8. I think the APC is equally a bad amalgamation of precarious criminals. I strongly suggest the opposition should also continue to churn to the public however immoral it may seem any incriminating evidence against the party's members if any. Until then, we the electorate and employers of these useless politicians must demand accountability and ensure any erring public official irrespective of party affiliation must be investigated and punished accordingly with or without immunity.

9. There is no form of defence for a man who threatens to kill or alleges to have killed. We need to eschew sentiments and collectively fight the evil crop of leaders we have today.

If it is true that Fayose's aide confirmed that the phones were tapped, then I may conclude that Fayose also wishes to blackmail Wike or complicate issues for him. This is the only explanation for the hurried admittance notwithstanding the topic. Denial was the strongest defence of Wike's protagonists against this wicked audio content.

10. Lastly, a passing shot and digress from the topic: anyone who sees everything wrong with APC but sees everything right with PDP; OR sees everything wrong with PDP and sees everything right with APC, stinks of hypocrisy!

Rip to him.

Life in itself is vanity.

Do good while you breathe!

There is more that is left unsaid. In the open we all blame her. There is something in the closet this duo aint telling us.

Never marry a man you never think you will love. Ensure you have some feelings for him at the least. I absolutely doubt Lilian felt anything other than the opulent paraphernalia whose effect has waned and withered.

She seems happy to be separated. She seems free!

Nice one. Though posted a year ago, I enjoyed it

juman:
The kebbi rice predated this apc government.

Because I can remember that in 2015 the rice farmers in kebbi harvested 800000 tonnes of rice, as reported.

When it is bad news, it becomes the sole responsibility of this government.

When it is good news, it precedes the government.

What strategic and measurable related efforts with impact on the bottom line did the previous administration achieve? This is the first time I am hearing of news of this nature since the advent of the fourth republic.

Not apt.....

A thief eventually became the President...

Still struggling with his obstinate and dullsville successor......

There are chants for a bigger thief for 2019 already.

Guess the crassness is going global, Trumpwise!

I am sure the prosecutors will wonder why it is so convenient for us to celebrate an ex-convict who absolutely pleaded guilty during trial....

Long way to go.

Nb:
There are more politicians roaming about and hobnobbing with the ruling party that require this unbiased treatment...

farokkunle:




it is not my fault ,that you are a pragmatic illiterate with a paper

you necessary need not throw jabs at everyone, especially when they have thrown none.

I will let this pass. Merry Xmas

farokkunle:
It does not change our greatest emancipation movement .



we want our own country .


thank you for that small bridge any way .


in our country to establish in due time we are going to build 12 gigantic most modern bridge across the the RIVER NIGER .


we are not Nigeria

Lolol

How many gigantic bridges have been built by Governors, the present highest ranking authority within the region?

What we should collectively be asking Mr Fashola is, to clarify when actual work will commence, what contract arrangement/cost, and estimated duration/end date.

I will be the most delighted to see the 2nd Niger Bridge promptly built without any tolling or restrictions (as originally conceived by the last administration). Thereafter the Onitsha waterways should be next. The South East region deserves all the development it can get.

Though a South Westerner, I hail the tenacity and resilience of my South Eastern brothers....

Sweetguy25:


Please, Please and Please!

Nigeria has never been a great country, ever! I am tired of hearing that phrase "Nigeria be great again" because the country was never great.

You are very correct. Nigeria has really never been great since Independence.

May Nigeria be great someday!

@Op,

Obviously, few people have the cerebral capacity to think appropriately.

You deeply gladdened my heart with this article.

May Nigeria be great again. May we find a suitable leader soon!

Sometimes, the price for over efficiency is victimization.

Will really love to read the damning SSS report referred to in the article.

If there are evidences of unethical behavior against him, then he has himself to blame for bringing down his very promising career.

If otherwise, he should depart in peace, he has made an indelible mark already, though several ongoing prosecutions awaiting conviction!

Though the movie was too centered on one family than the extensive details of the 1976 coup, it was a brilliant cinematography and acting from the team, especially Ramsey and Rita.

There was a bitchy character in the movie who also gave me a whole lotta joy. She is damn fineeeee.

A good movie to watch.

All the best to the cast and crew!

The lookalike is extremely graceful and beautiful...

Quite sad.

Should be peosecuted immediately. If guilty, his treatment should be in multiples of Dasuki!

Obinwenite:
Please Abeg am confuse!,does Kaduna state have oil.?

"Crude from Oil Wells in the Republic of Niger"

Culled from the short article. It really pays to read sometimes...

@Post,

With the prevailing market rates of building materials, I applaud Lagos State if they are really able to deliver finished accommodation (at the right quality) for as low as N1.5m, and no higher than N25m, albeit flats.

Before we harangue further, it will be pertinent to wait for the breakdown of the selling price vis a vis the respective locations. Thereafter, we can compare the LASG proposed selling price with that of the private developers in each area.

Low income earners will obviously be able to benefit from the low range houses. The upper range will be very beneficial to mid income earners who pay exorbitant rents in Surulere, Lekki and related environs where these houses will be located.

Kudos again to LASG.

obailala:
"In the end, foreign investors took over $80B out of the economy within a short period and everything went down to free fall"
Are you sure you know what $80 billion is?
Do you know that oil export accounts for up to 90% of Nigeria's monthly forex inflow?.... Are you aware the amount of forex inflow has reduced by up to 60% courtesy of oil price plunge and reduced oil output (thanks to NDA and co)?... Now if you studied elementary economics you should know the demand and supply laws and you should know what happens when supply of forex drops dangerously but the demand almost remains constant?
Are you aware that within 6 months between November 2014 and May 2015, Nigeria's forex reserves dropped by a whooping $10billion from $38.5 to $28.5bn?... This was when we still had the so called world class economic team and economic managers and this was even when the oil crash was still at the early stages and still selling above $65/barrel (as at May 2015). Due to the negative balance of trade (less forex inflow than outflow), reserves dropped by $10billion in 6 months and this didn't still prevent the Naira from crashing from N160 to N220. The first thing the new administration did was to impose restrictions on the release of forex by the CBN to prevent it dropping to zero (Venezuela).
Of course the restrictions (which was indeed a life saving inevitable venture) eventually caused dollar price to increase rapidly (demand and supply theory) and the restrictions also forced several foreign investors to unfortunately leave. But would you have rather had the vault of the CBN forex reserves opened to those investors and watched Nigeria instantly drop down to a Venezuelan situation?....
And finally, whatever capital flight that may have occurred due to foreigners leaving is just a scratch on the surface compared to the damage done by the crash in oil prices and the NDA driven reduction in production. Don't let politicians or sentimentally angry people distort the simple narrative, a spade must be called a spade. If oil price doesn't come back up miraculously, diversification is the only way out of the current situation and it takes time 9years) and money to diversify an economy.

It is exciting to see that there is still one person with the right capacity to comprehend. Well done on all your analysis. Very spot on!

Op,

Amazing figurative narration.

Congrats to a Nairalander of several years, the Pioneer Chairman of Ado Odo LCDA, Engr. Saeed Alagbe, No. 9 on the list!!

No amount of reference to historical past should lead you to promote kidnapping of another.

This retrogressive mentality is why most parts of Nigeria remain in primordial primitive era.

Perfect coupe. They will give birth to loud speakers who will hold no secrets.

danmasani101:


Same way the likes of Rotimi Amechi, Fashola, Fayemi etc passed through the screening

They are all miscreants!!

How did he go undetected at the insane-ate Senate screening?

The Party lords keep dumping on us garbage.

What a country!

Trick explained:

https://gearside.com/subtle-mirror-trick/

Several funny comments though, especially the ones who got narcissistic with their views and opinions

With the OP's posit, everyone who diminished Jonathan during his tenure would have all been jailed or the Niger Deltans would have killed them all.

Morally, the Buhari-Dog-Man may be wrong, legally, he is not guilty!

StepTwo:
very good one.
Ayade is hypocrite.
someone who went to the senate for the first time and was screaming about how senators are overly paid.
now He is Governor, everyone from his family as well as that of his wife are now contractors.
The Man is no good, Liyel Imoke and Patience Jonathan imposed this proud Eediot on Cross Riverians.
Road to my Village was a contract given to him when He was senator, out of 14 culverts, not one was constructed, no drainage, hills still higher than uluru rock. we dont need heavy duty vehicles to destroy the road. we just need heavy rain drops to splash out the coal and nonsense mud he used as Laterite.
EFCC, please if you need his address i am ready to supply so you go pick up his mother too.

duduade:
A whole professor.....

Corruption is no respecter***** ....of occupation

The only date given in the article was 2011 which precedes Ayade. We are not sure of when the diversion and taking of loan took place.