₦airaland Forum

Politics or no politics, I sincerely concur with the state of the roads posted by the OP.

I think Amaechi should immediately direct for these deplorable roads to be rehabilitated with immediate effect. YKC/Woji is in a terrible state. We spend hours between Slaughter and YKC. A smart amelioration strategy was put in place by RCC the construction company awarded the expansion and reconstruction of the Woji-Slaughter-Elelenwon link road at the Slaughter roundabout end. This has eliminated traffic bottlenecks at Slaughter round about.

In the interim, RCC should be encouraged to make good YKC and its extension to cushion the effect of subsequent construction activities that will occur within this area.

Furthermore, notwithstanding the status of the Trans Amadi, Eleme and Onne bad spots as Federal Roads, the State Government should please fix these potholes for ease of flow by her indigenes.

Lastly, it will be a shame for anyone to say Amaechi has not done well for Port Harcourt (Can't say of other zones in Rivers State). I once lived in Portharcourt 5 years ago. The difference in Infrastructure is glaring even to a blind person.

Jagaban of Lagos, has once again said the bitter truth though he also lacks the moral wherewithal to pronounce judgment on a looting conspirator.

What stops GEJ from taking off from where OBJ stopped with respect to the previous SNC? How much of consultation led to this sudden request for 'National Conference'? Is there any reason to think that the outcome of this farce faced National Conference will be implemented if objective when previous recommendations from FGN set up panels (Oputa, Ribadu, PIB etc) are yet to be considered or implemented?

Dr Okupe's response is also not surprising. Himself and his team of lacklustre media aides have done more damage to the image of the 'Presidency'. I expect them to launder the image of the agency they belong to than mudslinging, dagger reprisal and throwing tantrums at every reaction from the opposition.

I expect the Presidency to latch on to the opportunity inherent in the remaining 12 months before election campaign kicks off again to salvage the demented identity the Presidency is presently known for. Giving progress updates on expenditure with no metrics on progress (actual vs planned) makes no sense at all.

Our yearnings amongst others are:

When will ASUU strike end?
When will the east west road and other related ongoing federal roads be completed? Who is monitoring periodic progress?
When will there be an overhaul in the aviation and petroleum sectors to abate the militating risks besieging the nation?
When will there be uninterrupted power supply? What are the milestones?
When will the Government duly diversify the economy from earnings on Crude oil to include agriculture, manufacturing, technological advancement etc.
When will insecurity end?
When will Nigeria reclaim her position in the league of countries in Africa?

My 2 cents!

Why Ban ‘Pure Water’? A case for the masses!

There are insinuations and rumours in the social media circle on the purported proposed ban of ‘Pure Water’ by the Government commencing January 2014. ‘Pure Water’ can be defined as water packaged and sealed in units of branded 50cl sachets, distributed to retailers in bags of 20 units and in turn sold by retailers as individual units to consumers who are largely of the low income class and partly a percentage of the middle income class. The alleged primary reason for the ban is the environmental impact of the disposed sachets after use on the environment.
If true, I completely agree with the Government on the adverse impact the poorly disposed sachets have on the environment and the ozone layer as a whole. These sachets can barely be recycled with minimal efforts for reuse. They have to undergo a mechanical means of disposal through combustion which contribute heavily to the gases depleting the ozone layer. Furthermore, the poorly disposed empty sachets litter the roads, walkways and landscapes; get eroded and flushed into the drain by the rain or wind; consequently result in blockage of main drainage channels and finally lead to flooding and resultant environmental related diseases. This is unfortunate, as the advent of ‘Pure Water’ has largely served as a panacea to the unavailability of drinkable potable water in the country. Yes, there have been debates on the thoroughness, fitness for drinking and cleanliness of the several and diverse bagged water products in the market; notwithstanding, with the introduction of NAFDAC certifications, there have been relative increase in the quality control procedures deployed by the ‘Pure Water’ companies to ensure compliance as required. I am unable to ascertain the level of quality assurance by enforcement inspectors of the statutory agencies. Nonetheless, a deficient system has been bridged by this near good solution which ensures some degree of clean water - ‘Pure Water’ as the name implies is available to the poor and downtrodden in our society. The ph value of drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5 on a scale of 0-14 with 7 as the safest. The ph value measures the degree of acidity-alkalinity of water.

Predominantly, there are presently three forms of packaging drinking water. They are ‘‘Pure Water’’, bottled water (branded in 50cl, 75cl and 100cl plastic bottles) and dispensable water (a combination of a dispensing machine and refill bottle). ‘Pure Water’ and bottled water sell at an average of N5 and N50 respectively. In some States, E.g, Niger Delta ‘Pure Water’ sells for N10. We shall limit our comparison to ‘Pure Water’ and Bottled Water only because of the start-up capital cost (N25,000 – N32,000) required to purchase a Dispenser unit which readily cannot be afforded by a majority of the populace. The huge disparity in price is noteworthy and is a key driver for this article. Moreso, there is no proven scientific assessment to ascertain that the content in bottled water packs are more fit than the content in ‘Pure Water’ sachet other than the fact that bottled water companies are notable organisations whilst ‘Pure Water’ companies are small scale enterprises. Also, there is a general assumption that the former through the known organisational culture and quality policy will deploy global standards as against the latter which lacks such administrative capacity to market such instruments.

Before the advent of ‘Pure Water’ in the early 2000s, there was bottled water primarily consumed by the elites and high income earners. Majority of other consumers depended on water from their respective taps irrespective of the source. Some enlightened and educated consumers went ahead to boil the water using electric boilers or kerosene stoves being the key sources of generating heat suitable to purify the water. Local filtration methods were afterwards proffered to ensure the water is adequately fit. This meets the domestic household demand for drinking water. Water was also hawked to markets, workshops and other related public places through manually packaged water in white transparent nylons of light gauge tied at the open end with impoverished methods of cooling. The manually packaged water obviously had no form of statutory control and must have emanated from any available source the seller deemed fit. This method of selling alleged drinking water was phased out by the affordable ‘‘Pure Water’’

Drinking Water is a mandatory dependency that must be taken daily. An average adult is advised to consume a minimum of 2.5 litres of water daily to remain healthy. This translates to 5 nos. ‘Pure Water’ or 5 nos. bottled water or N25 or N250. For a country where a majority lives below 1 dollar per day, I trust you will concur that the majority will settle for ‘Pure Water’, N25 as against the other alternative.
Water if not available in adequate quantity can cause dehydration and lead to other complications in the body. In similar vein, poor quality drinking water leads to cholera and typhoid fever amongst other array of causable diseases. To this end, I summarise this analysis and recommendation as follows:

Advantages of Banning ‘Pure Water’:
a. Reduction in environmental impact and depletion of the ozone layer due to combustion/burning
b. Reduction in non-decomposable elements clogging the drains
c. Assumed control of the quality of drinking water considering that some of the ‘Pure Water’ sachet companies have no quality control measures
d. Reduced impact of the chemical interaction between the chemical characteristics of the sachet, branding print and the water

Disadvantages of Banning ‘Pure Water’
a. Reduction in the amount of water consumed daily by the masses
b. Scarcity of a degree of clean drinking water (at present the notion that NAFDAC is involved puts some elements of control in place); and return to drinking water directly from the tap. The present cost of kerosene, erratic power supply and electricity consumption cost will negate boiling of tap water by the majority.
c. Mass unemployment – it is worthy to note that these ‘Pure Water’ companies exist in large quantities in every Local Government Area of the country. It has provided income for both the producers, distributors and retailers.
d. Increased risk of cholera outbreak and resultant deaths/higher mortality rate– The neighbourhood clinics and Government owned hospitals will be besieged with new cases of poor quality drinking water related cases.
Recommendations:

1. Short Term:
a. Orientation of all stakeholders (producers, distributors, retailers and consumers) – The Government is advised to commence an orientation exercise through the media (TV, radio, social, still, moving and print) sensitizing the populace on the need for proper quality control in the preparation of the ‘Pure Water’ and also the pertinence to aptly dispose the empty sachets after use and the imminent dangers of non-conformance/compliance.
b. Promulgation of legislation or policies criminalising packaging of unsuitable water for sale as ‘Pure Water’. Random sampling of bags of ‘Pure Water’ from different producers by testing individual sachet units by Local Government Officials will drive the enforcement strategy. Erring producers should be punished by closure of their outfits and legal action. This will deter the defaulters from continuing with the heinous act.
c. Enforcement of safe disposal of used sachets in homes and public places. Market places, shops, Cabs and commuter vehicles should be mandated to have waste baskets (Lagos State once enforced this).
d. Apposite waste management system and controlled incineration of the used disposed sachets by Government established incinerators.
e. Follow up to ensure the ‘Pure Water’ companies pay requisite tax to the Government which will contribute to the monitoring, control and enforcement of the aforementioned short term recommendations.
f. Finally, a special purpose entity under the aegis of “National Association of ‘Pure Water’ Producers” (NAPWP) should be encouraged to regulate the activities of the Producers to maintain an apposite standard across board.

2. Long term
a. Overhaul of the State Water Board Departments
b. Introduction of new water mains to every neighbourhood – Case Study: Calabar
c. Supply of potable drinking water to World Health Organisation Standards through water mains constituting of suitable pipe ways (not susceptible to corrosion or contamination of the supplied water) to each home
d. Continue to implement the short term recommendations in ‘1’ above until there is a reduction in the dependency and demand for ‘Pure Water’
e. Devise ways to absorb affected ‘Pure Water’ producers (employers and employees) in the new State provided water scheme.
f. Improve the socio-economic welfare of the populace to enable alternative purchase of dispensable water through dispensers and refill bottles. This option has the least environmental impact other than dependence on energy for cooling or heating of water.

In conclusion, it is highly suggested the Government renege its decision to place a ban on production and sale of ‘Pure Water’. Instead, the above recommendations should be considered as a way forward approach to curb the resultant menace that may have emanated from the dawn of this ingenious (truly ingenious) product. It is worthy of note that over 90 million Nigerians out of a population of 120 million depend on ‘Pure Water’ daily. This implies that over 360 million sachets (what a viable business if properly done) are taken daily (at an average of 4 per person). If this supply is to be cut off, the Government should braze up for an ameliorating strategy or live up to the consequences; otherwise I may be right to say: ‘the government wants to deliberately reduce the population of the poor masses with this policy; they should duly state same accordingly’. There are several other polythene based products that have the same adverse impact on the environment. A general solution of synergised root cause analysis and appropriate waste management system should be devised for a better Nigeria. Control of water quality, appropriate disposal of used sachets, monitoring and control procedures are sure fire ways to manage the ‘Pure Water’ debacle.

Happy Sallah Celebrations!

moscobabs: FG no even sabi anytin sef.the hotel supose to be build in South-west what Igbo people need is a mighty prison

You are a Bascard for ripping mai ribs.
Leave our 042 city alone ooooo

Coca Cola should kindly revisit the still/static/print mode advert pasted at the rear of their mobile trucks. It depicts a lady eating amala and ewedu with a partly filled glass of CocaCola in her hand but with the only shown main CocaCola bottle still FULL.

This may be a minor detail but for a few of us, minute details make the difference. For a world class Company, better attention to details are expected.

My 2 cents.

Is it within the purview of the Commissioner of Information to be speaking on behalf of the Governor on issues outside the primary duty of the Governor with respect to the governance of the State as an entity? This should have come from Amaechi's persaonal aide paid from Amaechi's wages. Abati has set a bad precedence by his continuous refuttal of unofficial correspondence relating to Mr Pressident. I think these goons should be paid from the purses of their paymasters and not tax payers money!

Mercy, Redemption, Restoration, Grace, Wisdom, in Jesus Name, Amen!

Obviously not written by Al Mustapha but the OP.

Badly written too. Abgorgates logical reasoning.

Does the President have the authority to influence the outcome of a Court Case?

I thought he could only grant pardons, post judgement.

This continuous reference to GEJ as the author and finisher of Mustapha's release is indicting and undemocratic.

My 2 cents!

@ Post,
Very pathetic. I hope the innocent owners of the vehicles were not with the robbers. They may be the reason for the increase in casualty figure. Having been a victim once, I can only bless God once again for the grace and opportunity to see a new day.

Teary eyes. @OP, the piece is straight and same from my heart. 36 months too and we are holding on. The bit about the psychological effect of neighbours continuous reproduction and resultant effect on Mummy is so true.

As the Lord liveth, we shall dedicate our babies. We shall share our testimonies here and everywhere. Infact, he the Lord shall reward us for the lost years.

To tell you a story, on Monday, 27/05/2013, I boarded a flight from Lagos to PH and sat by the window. I overhead an excited co-passenger sitting at the aisle share his testimony with the passenger at the centre/middle.He waited 6 yrs or so, and God blessed him with 2 sets of twins within a twinkling. He said and I quote, 'we were a family of 2 and God has enlarged us to a family of 6'.

Finally, I believe in the convenant God made with Abraham and Sarah. On this faith we shall hold on; on this faith we shall testify.

Enjoy the weekend and regards to your amiable wife.

N2m outright purchase if affirmed in order. Kindly reply.

Price and Location??

unbelievable news really.

7bn to build a freaking official residence for the VP, and thereafter, 9bn variation for fit out, ancillary facilities and security gadgets

This is extremely inhumane and outrightly inappropriate.

The original contract sum is grossly inflated whilst the proposed variance insults our collective intelligence as a nation.

To this end, in accordance with the freedom of information bill, I suggest the Executive make public or upload the construction drawings of the purported residence for remeasurement, evaluation, estimation and audit by astute professionals who represent the respective construction professional bodies to ascertain the real cost of this executive accommodation which when completed will make the President himself envious. I can bet that the whole contract is blown out over and above 70%.

Almost a year after, how well did we fare?

Shocking inappropriate comments pals.

Irrespective of what Achebe has said, we can exude our intellectual girth without the tantrums and tribalized opinions.

Whilst I concur that the highly respected Prof Achebe should not cast aspersions overtly or covertly at the legendary Papa Awolowo, I however would not be quick to derogate his hard earned reputation on the platform of utterances credited to him on this subject. Astute and civil arguments are in order, but hateful and distasteful word daggers are unnecessary.

I honestly believe these great men have lived their lives, with one late and the other aged. What is most pertinent is for US to ascertain measures to consciously and selflessly give best efforts towards changing the untoward course our beloved nation is rowing to. The oscillation towards bad and worse year in year out should be collectively addressed instead of brewing e-tribal wars and defending unscrupulous politicians who are same and same irrespective of their geopolitical heritage, party or affiliation.

Let's erode our vaults of incessant bashing of Igbo/Yoruba/Hausa. Whatever persists, as long as we remain under the auspices of the Federal Republic of Nigeria we remain one!

Atimes I wonder what inhabits d mallam to make some of these uninformed decisions.

Widespread consultation is alien in the country - Nigeria.

Lips sealed for now!

...... an average of one administrative staff to an athlete.
wasteful.....

Mu-di-wa.....hehehehehehe
A black virgin will be required for the prayer session.

Subsidy – Post mortem report

Further to my previous articles on the subsidy removal (refer to the following links https://www.nairaland.com/843001/subsidy-clarifications-queries-open-letter, https://www.nairaland.com/839088/open-letter-mallam-sanusi-lamido, https://www.nairaland.com/841911/part-2-subsidy-removal-open), I am driven to highlight the events that have taken place since the evolution of the subsidy saga. I believe today 29th May 2012, our great democracy day is a suitable apposite time for the reflection. Mentioned below are milestones, events and headlines since the reversal from N147 to N97.

1. Death of over 50 Nigerians
2. Unprecedented gathering of Nigerians under the auspice – Occupy Nigeria
3. Reversal from N147 to N97
4. Demand for the removal of Mrs Diezani Madueke from the position of Petroleum Minister
5. Decline by the Presidency to honour the request in (2) above
6. Increase in transportation fares
7. Hike in price of food stuffs
8. No increase in wages and salary
9. Mergers in the banking sector
10. More sack of workers in the banking sector
11. Delivery of subsidy palliative measures – ‘buses’ to cushion the effect of the increase in prices. As we speak, I am yet to see any of the buses plying any route in Lagos or its environs. The buses are shamefully parked in car parks. How cushioning can they be?
12. Bombings and killings
13. Subsidy probe
14. Submission of committee’s report on Subsidy probe
15. Conflicting reports on probable prosecution of the untoward beneficiaries
16. Pension scam
17. Ibori sentenced
18. Bombing of Thisday Abuja
19. More bombings and killings in Yobe, Kano, Jos etc
20. EFCC boss’s alleged collection of Ibori’s bribe
21. SURE reforms? Non existent. What has been happening to the N32/litre gained since January?
22. Budget??
23. Cassava bread
24. PHCN still moribund. Epileptic power supply as always
25. Lagos State Doctor’s strike
26. Sack of striking Doctors
27. 3bn bribe of Senators by Pension scam players
28. Buhari threatens bloodshed in 2015 if rigging occurs
29. Malabu oil scam
30. Reinstate or do not reinstate Salami
31. SEC probe and bribery allegations
32. Nigerians have adapted
33. Hustle and jostle for 2015
34. GEJ will contest or will not
35. UNILAG babes now Moshood Abiola babes....
Please add more. I wan go sleep. Happy democracy day.

[s][/s]hmmmmmmmmmm
questions still begging for answers.
hapi democracy day....

Rflmaojufdsufdactltifa
This is d craziest post I ve seen this year. Dem for frame you for show glass wrapped in d maps of Badagry, Benin and Togo.
Hehehehehehehe

The news is inaccurate. The fact is they obtained more than the quoted figures. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria led by thieves!

Sad but apt. Redemption is pertinent.
I concur totally.

painful. May God grant her eternal rest!
Well done TeHN.

HBD Sir. May God bless you with more fruitful years IJN. Amen

Saw the documentary on Obama's road to the White House today and I was moved beyond measure. Yes, he may have not achieved a tenth of his campaign manifesto cum promises, but the fact remains he is astutely passionate about the mandate given to him and committed to giving Americans the much desired change.

@ wowo,
Ur comments no wowo at all. Spot on!

This is the only honest and pragmatic Governor in Nigeria. He has taken upon himself to serve his people with all sincerity. May God preserve you Rochas. MAy you attain greater feats IJN. Excellent!

IMO, Nuhu shld reject this appointment. This team will only add to the cost of running govt and further add to the moribund MDAs - Ministry of Petroleum, NNPC, PPRA, PPMC etc, messing up the Petroleum resources. What is required is an outright sanitization of the sector with some culpable culprits brought to book.

@ expert666,

You must be deluded to have hurled all those insults for no just cause. You sounded overtly uneducated and rash. Poor communication. Learn to respect people. NL isn't for your crop. Tame your uncouth lame pipe and curtail spewing more gibberish herein.

@iv4fb,
D point is clear. GEJ has not exuded signs of control. Lives are lost daily in this country due to Govt's ineptitude. Suspects disappear in custody. Sponsors are granted unconditional bail. Security foot soldiers are being killed daily. Churches are being razed. Yesterday Kano, Today Bauchi and Yobe. Corruption and embezzlement deep in FGN. Poor economic policies backed by elementary reasons are spewed daily. Ministers are paper qualified with no clue of governance, parading themsleves like rats. Ministers denying involvement in policies right under the president's nose, shows total disrespect for ur hard hat president. No one gets punished. How many more will die? If my perception is right, BH requires only 36 days to burn Nigeria down. Let govermrnt continue in its stride of poor action. Keep watching. Perhaps the infamous office you have sought so much respect for may end up not existing afterall. With this crop of leaders, only God can save thiscountry. The worst ever. A word is enough for the wise.