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Politics › Re: Soldier Dismissed For Driving On BRT Lane! by Reference(m): 6:59pm On Jun 28, 2011
percipi1:
I respectfully disagree with your view. The fact in issue here is where a military man who breached a civil code should be tried.

The man should be tried in the Lagos state court while the military provide representation. The military in a democratic setting is subordinate to civilian authority

Handing over the soldier to the civilian authority after dismissing him from service is an aberration of justice. He should be tried as a military officer and not as a civilian.

Nigeria really need to clear their system of the recurrences of military vestiges if we are to move up the hallowed steps of democracy
I think it goes beyond the breach of traffic laws to something alarming we quite readily overlook. The bearing of arms illegally in public without authorization. This recurring issue of a soldier in a breach calling for so called backup and his colleagues coming into civilian territory bearing arms. It is very dangerous and totally unlawful. This is tantamount to usurping government and its agents by the force of arms. If it was a military to military thing what do you call that. The chap will be sentenced to death, period.

Let's not treat this brazen illegality with kids gloves simply because we have been traumatized and cowered by decades of military rule. The police good or bad are custodians of the rights of the generality of people to live an organized, civil and just society that the military continually usurps with reckless abandon.

We know it hurts them that they are out of power but what they should remember is that above all they remain civil servants on the payslip of the people. They are paid by our sweat and our collective wealth and thus should be accountable. Let us welcome this soldier to civilian life, wasteful, brainless man. Where was he rushing to. Now I hope he has slowed down sufficiently to think through his actions.

If I was the GOC or the Army chief I would go one step further to totally ban the bearing of arms in public places and any one found contravening should be arrested and if he resists he should be shot, period.
Properties › Re: Can 1.3 Million Naira Build 3 Bed Room Flat? by Reference(m): 6:42pm On Jun 28, 2011
[quote author=invisible!! link=topic=515718.msg7283170#msg7283170 date=1291662956]E go hard o!
But if its a flat land, dry and stony, no fence, then you can give it a try;
100 bags of cement @ 160k
6 trips of sharp sand @ 36k
2 trips of plastering sand @14k
3 trips of gravel @ 45k
2000pcs of 6" blocks @ 200k (you could also mould, it will be cheaper)
50k for rods
180k for wood (including roofing wood)
12 bundles of zink @ 108k
15k for nails, etc.
40k for asbestors ceiling board
70k for carpentry labour (including roofing)
200k for all mason works
70k for windows (aluminium, black, plain, 3.5mm glass)
50k for wooden doors, keys and hinges/fixing labour
35k for metal protectors for windows
40 k for wiring labour and materials (surface wiring)
50k for suckaway pit, digging and works
30k for toilet accessories, no tiles please
foundation digging/blinding labour @ 30k

Total of 1,425,000.00 despite all efforts to manage, as stated earlier, e go hard.[/quote]grin grin grin Really. Na igloo you wan build
Sports › Re: Obinna Nsofor Joins Lokomotiv Moscow by Reference(m): 7:07pm On Jun 24, 2011
What do they say again about the rolling stone huh huh huh
Properties › Re: Nigerians To Own Houses For N1.5m Soon - Developers by Reference(m): 5:23pm On Jun 24, 2011
grin grin grin Pie in the sky. He,he,he Nigerians love tales. Oga, we have been building houses for over a hundred years and know why the costs continue to rise. When those issues are addressed then you can begin to dream. Folks the basic and only way to reduce the price of any item in this world is to invest in its development. The building industry is multi-componented. What makes a three bedroom bungalow cost over five million now are materials as diverse as sand, gypsum, rubber, copper, steel, zinc, glass, lead, wood, porcelain, in items from electrical systems, sanitary fittings, windows, doors, roof, etc. Each of these components are independently priced and their manufacture are not in any way connected. So which of these components do the developers wish to attack and suppress.

Our buildings are expensive simply because we manufacture very little and I don't mean assemble, manufacturing so we cannot control costs, research and develop new products. You can only improve what you make. Even the humble local materials such as timber are terribly expensive. Typical timber roofs can cost any thing up to a million to instal. Look at the picture in the feature article again. That roof is a granular coated iron/zinc alloy going for anything up to 5,000 per square metre. Which part for that we dey make. How we go fit reduce that cost by four. Impossible. Together with the timber carcass underneath I bet it cost close to a million and a half.

That is the reality. No investment, no manufacturing base, no possibility of cost reduction. All this alchemy business is killing us. Na only hard work dey bring money.
Politics › Re: Soldiers, Policemen Clash Again In Lagos(pics) by Reference(m): 4:58pm On Jun 24, 2011
Koolking:
Police too use BRT lane. They are culprits too.

The Nigerian state would have been better off without the Nigerian Police of now. They are bad omen to the Nigerian society.

Pray from now till tomorrow for these guys (NP) nothing will change. They are cursed, Gbam!!!!
You see.
Politics › Re: Soldiers, Policemen Clash Again In Lagos(pics) by Reference(m): 4:39pm On Jun 24, 2011
johnie:
I heard on the news that the governor called the top army brass to report the case and a Brigadier-General was dispatched to the scene.

The general ordered the arrest of the erring soldier and told reporters that the soldier will be tried accordingly.

He also made it clear that it is the reponsibility of the Police to handle such matters even if a soldier is involved.  

I was quite impressed with the General.

He even said that the LASG has made available leaflets which are being distributed to all the army formations in the state to educate the soldiers about such matters.

On my way home yesterday, I heard quite a number of callers to a call-in programme blaming the policemen for trying to arrest the soldier.

According to them, soldiers are "superior" to the police and so should not be challenged by the police.

I was saddened not only by that line of thought but the high number of callers who subscribe to that view.


It is obviously a sign that we are still suffering from "military regime hangover". People who hold the view are still beclouded by the "almightiness" of the military who could not be challenged during their days in power.

This is a civilian dispensation and soldiers should learn to obey civil laws and regulations.

Some of the callers however made a valid point about the lack of discipline in the police force.

That is a matter I woud discuss another  day.
I am not surprised at all. Those who think this is merely a police versus army thing should rethink again. These law enforcement agents were not acting alone. They were sent there to enforce laws established by civilian authority. What these soldiers are saying is that they are governed by separate laws superior to civilian state laws. This is pathetic and outright dangerous. So if a soldier offends, robs, maims and even kills it is the army that decides what happens to the offender. When they (the military) ruled did they not expect we bloody civilians to obey. When they ruled why did they not proscribe the police. Now they are out of power they want to remain above the law.

For Nigerians who support them I can only say we absolutely deserve the society we cultivate and tolerate. Tomorrow we turn round and blame government for all its ills while we continue to support barbarity. If to keep common BRT lanes clear is an issue then as a society we deserve to suffer hardship. We cannot make even the basic sacrifice to instill sanity. What a national, yes, national shame. We should all be ashamed. These soldiers have parents, brothers, sisters and children that make noise all around blaming government but see what they do.

I continue to say this the king that will put a ring on our noses and drag us around like cattle is coming. And I hope we will love that. Let us continue with this mess. Rubbish, nonsense, useless, angry angry angry
Politics › Re: Soldiers, Policemen Clash Again In Lagos(pics) by Reference(m): 4:29pm On Jun 24, 2011
johnie:
I heard on the news that the governor called the top army brass to report the case and a Brigadier-General was dispatched to the scene.

The general ordered the arrest of the erring soldier and told reporters that the soldier will be tried accordingly.

He also made it clear that it is the reponsibility of the Police to handle such matters even if a soldier is involved.  

I was quite impressed with the General.

He even said that the LASG has made available leaflets which are being distributed to all the army formations in the state to educate the soldiers about such matters.

On my way home yesterday, I heard quite a number of callers to a call-in programme blaming the policemen for trying to arrest the soldier.

According to them, soldiers are "superior" to the police and so should not be challenged by the police.

I was saddened not only by that line of thought but the high number of callers who subscribe to that view.


It is obviously a sign that we are still suffering from "military regime hangover". People who hold the view are still beclouded by the "almightiness" of the military who could not be challenged during their days in power.

This is a civilian dispensation and soldiers should learn to obey civil laws and regulations.

Some of the callers however made a valid point about the lack of discipline in the police force.

That is a matter I woud discuss another  day.
I am not surprised at all. Those who think this is merely a police versus army thing should rethink again. These law enforcement agents were not acting alone. They were sent there to enforce laws
Properties › Re: Building A Luxury Block Of Flats: Day-to-day Updates (with pictures) by Reference(m): 4:17pm On Jun 24, 2011
brabus:
The land is higher than the road and it wasn't too difficult for us to establish the level since there was an existing foundation on the lot. I think the pic below should explain it better.
Also, there are drains and the particular lot is not in any way vulnerable to anything. I can bet that! The land is uphill. But I must say thank you for the observation. One point to note here is that there's filling sand on the land which makes it look as if we are on the road level. Look more closely and you'll see.

Yeah, copy that. Then consider that the FRL and the base of the drain (whenever that is done) will probably rise another 1 to 2 feet (depending on the gradient of the surrounding terrain). The closed gate (dunno whether its yours) will be below the street level in due course. Your compound FFL should be at least 6 inches above the anticipated FRL and a minimum of 12 inches at the farthest extreme (back fence) to ensure rain water flows to the road (if you do not intend to instal compound drainage. Then the FFL of the building can be anything 1 foot above that.

So all in all your german floor should to be a minimum of three and a half to four feet above the existing road way level. Sounds crazy now but believe me water pumping machines is much more expensive. Consider diligently. Good luck.
Foreign Affairs › Re: Ghana GDP Growth Accelerates To 23% by Reference(m): 11:26am On Jun 24, 2011
greateros:
See how una dey ague dey blow economics grammar!

THE FACT IS GHANA BESTS NIGERIA ANY DAY! ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY, AND EDUCATION WISE - GHANA BESTS NIGERIA!

AFTER 4 YEARS OF FRESH poo SMELL FROM GEJ PDP, GHANA WOULD AV REACHED ELDORADO!

MAY THE SPIRIT OF TAFAWA BALEWA, NNAMDI AZIKIWE, CHUKWUMA KADUNA NZEOGWU, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO, MURTALA MOHAMMED, ISSAC ADAKA BORO, FUMILAYO RANSOME KUTI, FELA ANIKOLAPO KUTI, GANI FAWEHIMI, THE FOUR INNOCENT KIDS FROM SAME PARENT THAT WERE KILLED IN INDEPENDENCE DAY BOMBING  AND ALL OUR PAST HEROES THAT LABOURED AND MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE OF DEATH FOR THE SAKE OF THIS NATION COURSE ANYBODY THAT VOTED PDP AND GEJ IN THE PAST 2011 ELECTION!

THOSE THAT VOTED PDP IN 2011 ELECTION ARE THE REAL ENEMIES OF NIGERIA. THEY WILL NOT LEAVE TO SEE NIGERIA REACH THE PROMISE LAND.

The General wept and they never saw why he was weeping! before they realize why he wept, Nigeria would been rating same with Somalia!

Long live Col. Jerry Lawrence of Ghana, Long live the people of Ghana - May your sun continue to shine brighter.


As for us in Nigeria, it will happen one day - We will say enough is enough - just one day.
Na true. Are the people drilling oil in the Niger-Delta not the same set drilling off-shore Ghana. Can a student teach his teacher. These companies are well schooled in oil economics and political expediency. They are pros in cornering politicians and robbing the populace. Which South American government has not tried to kick them out. See what they have done to a warlord in Dos Santos in Angola. Ghanians will not scare them. They will divide and rule. Period. And if you think that our fellow black brothers are superhuman and cannot sell their birthrights then consider that Ghana once held a substantial portion of gold reserves in their soil when gold was the anchor to world currency. So they have had their shot at stardom before but the news is similar. While they danced with the exploiters, white South Africa was developing exponentially with the same resources. Why. Because the whites ruled the country. Do they rule Ghana.

They exploit your oil and buy the stuff at the price they want how then can you prosper. When it is your turn to buy their Landcruisers, Rolex watches and fine wine they sell at the prices they fix. And you still feel you're doing well. This continent sef. undecided undecided undecided
Foreign Affairs › Re: Ghana GDP Growth Accelerates To 23% by Reference(m): 10:56am On Jun 24, 2011
Can natural exploratory resources ever be a blessing to a black man. Can't say their lives will get better but it will surely become more complicated. Worked examples right round the continent are just too many to ignore. Just wait till the British begin to tussle with the French and the Americans with the Chinese. My rating of nations and peoples are by what they make with their hands working in tandem with their brains not what is in their fields or backyards.
Business › Re: North’ll Kill Petroleum Industrial Bill-ex-minority Leader by Reference(m): 9:46am On Jun 24, 2011
hackney:
Majority of food stuff are grown in the north ( i presume).

Denying the north the proceeds of crude oil will be an act against humanity. (same country)
I believe the S.S deserves much more of the proceeds but one needs to show fairness to
the north because if nothing else,they have some humans amongst them and they need to run their society too.
Good try but in those days when a bag of beans sold for N 3,000 farm gate in Bauchi it sold for N 10,000 at Mile 12 in Lagos. When you ask them why they say transport costs. Do government subsidize this cost. No. Who controls long haul today, its all northerners - tankers, trucks, the lot. They should haul the fuel for free. I would seriously bet that the naira value of foodstuff coming down south will exceed the value of petroleum products going north. They have assets but are too lazy to realise that. May this government seize this wanton waste of resources. It is killing this country's resources, fueling corruption and ineptitude.
Politics › Re: Is Fashola Over Celebrated? Or He Is On Vacation by Reference(m): 9:16am On Jun 24, 2011
majoroller:
Someone just compare calabar to lagos,lagos is a commercial center so what do you expect even big cities like new york ,london and japan we see the kind of dirt lagos see everyday but the different is just that they have people working around the clock and in most cases all night to clear up the dirt and they also have bins in all high streets so when you drink your pure water you can throw it there,so why can lagos borrow this and have bins at every high streets so pure water sachet dont always go inside the gutters and block drainages, fashola is a good governor but in a bad state and a bad party he surely has all it takes to turn this state around and with the amount been collected as tax every month ,if given a free hand lagos will definately be a clean state and we shall witness good governance,
Fine if you would have to replace them every six months. Look let us be realistic. If the average Londoner or New-Yorker would use and no abuse those bins, nick and resell them then you could extend your resources. Handrails gone, streetlights gone. Even the wrought iron mini fencing used to protect sidewalk lawns are fast disappearing in high brow Ikeja, all in the name of poverty. Ask those people and what they say is the economy is bad. There is a disconnect between prosperity and the environment that is evident on the streets and on this forum.

You cannot make a hungry man care for his environment. You cannot make him leave a bustling city though he has no job, you cannot make him obey laws. Fashola cannot change the mindset of Lagosians, he can only appeal. He cannot raise the per capita, he can only provide an enabling environment. London may be cheaper than Liverpool but we don't speak of Londoners, we speak of the British. He cannot create an island of splendor in the middle of a poor and backward country. If he does Lagos will become an even bigger magnet and perhaps the 20,000 souls entering the city a day will become like 200,000.

Believe me if we want to turn around this situation fast we need even more sacrifices as a people than we are currently offering. Watching the series currently running on BBC knowledge about Lagos the running battles between KAI, the baddies and the people what you ca glean out of the whole thing is that the average Nigerian, Lagosian is unwilling to give up anything for others or his environment all in the name of poverty.

While we are busy here blaming government for everything, people (right now) are building shops on drains, trading on the streets, vendors throwing corn cobs and husks, plantain peels into gutters with a care free attitude. Do you have to tell a man in New York or an Asian shop keeper in Birmingham to sweep the front of his shop. But Lagos has to shut down till ten in the morning on Thursdays to get people to clean up at a cost to government (in enforcement personnel, equipment and the works) of hundreds of millions per year. This is a monumental waste to attack waste. We can take care of our houses and shops ourselves. When we see a fellow passing by our house and drops a sachet of pure water we can bin t or call him to task. What is all this government this, government that. How many government bins are in the village. Why is the place not filthy. Simple because attitudes are different. The village belongs to us, the cities belong to government.
Properties › Re: Building A Luxury Block Of Flats: Day-to-day Updates (with pictures) by Reference(m): 12:10pm On Jun 23, 2011
Good progress sir, but one very, very, very important thing I have not seen is survey levels. If this building is anywhere south of the Niger drainage is very important. I would have expected that you establish level before commencing works. I can observe that the road outside the compound is not asphalted and I'm sure there are no established drains anywhere around so you are vulnerable to future development but public and private. Consider this very critically. Its not about materials alone.
Travel › Re: Turn Off The Light: The Daily Life Struggle Of Nigerians In London by Reference(m): 10:53am On Jun 23, 2011
Hmmm, you see what round the clock power can cost. Self sanctions. Just reminds me when we were kids and split our toe caps playing footy on the pavement. Mummy holding the bottle of hot iodine, would say I told so. No, no no, mummy you can't apply that, then she gives you the brownish cotton wool. Do it yourself or bleed to death. So for Nigerians screaming their heads off and insulting PHCN folks left, right, centre, here in Nigeria, be careful what you wish for. grin grin grin.
Politics › Re: Is Fashola Over Celebrated? Or He Is On Vacation by Reference(m): 10:22am On Jun 23, 2011
No. He's not overrated. There are public works going on across the state not just in Ikeja or Lekki. Can he repair all the roads and de-flood Lagos in eight years, no. Can he provide stable power in Lagos and rid every refuse heap, no. Why? Because Lagosians cannot pay for these things. That is the truth. If with the heavy taxation he hasn't created the garden of eden then we should begin to realign our expectations. Lagos will never be like London. Our GDP and per capita incomes are not similar. What is your expectation. Work it out.
Career › Re: Working For Five Months Without Pay by Reference(m): 9:49am On Jun 23, 2011
odumchi:
Man, it's easier said than done. I spoke with him the other day, and he updated me on the seriousness of his condition. I never believed that a man could decline the way that he had. He told me that he has sold his car and some few belongings inorder to satisfy the overdue mortgage and he asked me to send some money to him.
Believe me, I was shocked when he said this.

He said that he had stopped work for a few days and when he went in to submit his resignation letter attached with a personal letter to his oga, they told him that he had travelled. He was very furios and annoyed and has officially stopped work. As of now he us unable to take loans from the bank since there is no means of paying back and he does not want to risk his house. I asked him what he planned on doing and he said that what is most important is getting in contact with his employer and getting those months of labor compensated. I advised him that it is best if he starts searching for another job but he requires the knowledge of his employer inorder to submit his resume.

I never believed that people could be so heartless. Whenever I get more from him, I will continue to update you guys.
Sorry I've been absent from this thread. It is difficult to offer a direct view since all the facts are not at hand but from indications above it would appear there is almost a total breakdown in communication between employer and employee. If the chap cannot reach his boss, does the boss not have a deputy or senior confidant. This sounds very much like a one man show and while these types of outfits are more unstable they are more malleable.

The question I would like to ask. If the boss is not around what are the effects on the work and earning potentials. Why can't the workers with the skills carry on and generate income. In all production processes (with the exception of the ultra high skilled ones) and some service businesses the top man does not have to be there for things to happen. Even if it is a client type driven thing you can still get in touch with them. I really suspect there's some information not too clear. IMHO the staff of that company are just too weak.

The example Mr Ajanlekoko gave earlier about the software company is an example. The boss doesn't write software and probably does not market it. He establishes contacts and manages the money. That is just one component of the chain that can be replaced very easily. What stops the staff from telling the visiting clients that the office remains open for business. I know its not easy but the truth in business is that money changes hands for goods or services rendered. Just keep on providing these and you will remain in business. And except if there;s some fundamental flaw in the system things can be repaired.

From the report I think your friend is more concerned and I would dare say distracted by his 'personal problems'. I don't blame him but this is dangerous. Even if he was self employed he must maintain focus and focus on work/income not peroblems/expenditure. There's no guarantee he will strike a job quickly and to me it is far easier to repair what you have than buy a new one. But if he can't rise to control the situation the question remains begging; why he left it this long.

I insist. Do not work for a company or venture into a business you cannot influence or control. Even if you enter at the very bottom, green in the ears, the Nigerian economy today dictates that you work extremely hard to create room for shocks which can happen at any time. I would venture to twist the chicken and egg stuff once again smiley, I don't know of any boss of a real business out there that wants his workers to sink or swim at his whims. Most would rather have people operating their businesses whether they are dead or alive. Particularly the one man shows.
Business › Re: Customs Discover Sack Of Dollars In Container ($110,000) by Reference(m): 3:56pm On Jun 22, 2011
Richvkunt:
I would like to commend the customs officials at Tin Can Island port.
The customs are doing a good job considering the constraints under which they operate.
Poor salary,no good operational vehicles,delapidated barracks,and multiple footpaths along our ill defined borders.
I am talking about the junior officers and the middle cadre officers and not the fat cats at the top.
Once again kudos for a job well done!
No, no, no. I would not commend them just yet and i think this is exactly why our law enforcement officials rarely solve a crime. You make a discovery and announce it on radio and t.v, Worse you openly allege you're after the perps and worst you announce the location of your search. I was listening to the story on the radio while driving this morning and I couldn't but think if I was the one involved. If I was a criminal I would drive straight back home and pack out fast. To further scramble my mind the newscaster announced that piece just after one about the Abuja Force HQ blast and I could not help but wondering if there cannot be a sort of connection here. That cash is obviously illegal but could it be a way these terrorists fund their activities (remember the cache of arms) discovered by the same Customs and openly displayed. What has happened to the case today. Perhaps forgotten then months later your forces are attacked. We will not be free till the wanton incompetence in our law enforcement agencies is weeded out completely.

What is wrong in displaying the perps with the cash after they have been caught. Do some undercover work for once please. No. Their eyes are all shining for dollars just like their police counterparts for fifty-fifty at road blocks and pay the heavy price in terror attacks. They think their achievements in discovering the currency will persuade us they are on top of their game when we know fully the kinds of explosive and weapons these bandits, terrorists and militants use are certainly made abroad and find their way so easily into this country between their legs. Shior. angry angry angry
Career › Re: Working For Five Months Without Pay by Reference(m): 2:43pm On Jun 22, 2011
Just to add a bit to my earlier post. The truth is that when companies or individuals face financial challenges (which almost every company faces at one time or the other) they are vulnerable and undergo voluntary or mandatory restructuring and there's a lot of movement in and out. One thing is certain, managers have far less say and far less control over their staff. He can leverage on that. If is an advanced organisation they may have a formal or informal union. Information flows freely there. If it is a small establishment he probably can reach the boss and over a (glass of water smiley and find out what's going down. If he's story telling while living large then there's a serious problem. You can't change that but you can trade with it.

For instance if I'm working for Seun he can't tell me there's no money for salaries  tongue. It must be going somewhere else. I can't influence that but I can leverage that situation to position myself. However it is critical these days that you don't work in places you cannot know.
Career › Re: Working For Five Months Without Pay by Reference(m): 1:11pm On Jun 22, 2011
The problem with your friend and many other Nigerians is that they are completely ambivalent to the workings of the organizations they claim to belong. It cannot take me a month to know whether an organization is worthwhile and it is certainly not up to us onlookers to determine if he should continue. His success is entirely up to him. If I were him these are the questions I would ask myself. What are the prospects of the company. Is it earning income or not and does it have the potentials. Are there management problems. Are there issues with sales. Is is suffering from excessive competition. Are its products seasonal, expired, outdated or irrelevant. There are many factors to consider. Your friends' position in the Company, how much influence he has, the organizational structure and his relationship with his boss or bosses.

If he has no influence, no internal relationships and the Company is the typical one-man, socialist enterprise, then that's a complete sham, he's in real trouble and should leave promptly but on the other hand if the Company has potentials and he can communicate them effectively, he should pull up his socks as it can be a potential goldmine for him. I've seen people take the reins in similar situations and have driven themselves into management positions.

Spare sometime, do some after work work, research the company, its products or services and see what you can do personally to drive them then propose it to your clueless boss and don't just be a 9 - 5 statistic.
Politics › Re: Fashola (eko O Ni Baje ) Updates (pics) by Reference(m): 10:56am On Jun 22, 2011
I must say I am really impressed. This is what governance is all about. What I find disconcerting in view are the attacks. When government is spending what should we the private sector be doing - capitalizing on it. But we are not. We rather sit down and complain. Those trash compactors are from India - Tata, the armoured vehicles are from where, the infrastructural projects are handled by JBL and Co. This is good for Fashola but bad for us. That is why there is a disconnect between government spending and prosperity in this country. There is far too much capital flight. I could remember what happened in Cross-River state during Donald's time. He transformed the outlook of the state, reconstructed the entire capital - electricity distribution, water, roads, sanitation - he did everything but it had very little impact on the people because they were not involved primarily and he (Duke) attributed this to the paucity in capacity, professionalism and above all honesty.

The ball is in our court in Nigeria. What I am beginning to think these days is, even if all the road were fixed, electricity runs 2/4 and all the infrastructure is ship shape are we ready to pull ourselves out of poverty. Do we have what it takes to make it. If all what Fashola is doing still does not stir us into action (and I live partially in Lagos) then our continued excuse for bad governance is just that - a convenient excuse. Let's stop these recurring pull him down and join him in building our society. Enough of these Fashola come and sweep my yard syndrome or for Lagosians what happened in Cross-River will happen in Lagos. Today some there dearly wish for the good old days of Duke (as they are experiencing severe reversals on many fronts) simply because they isolated themselves from governance and instead took the role of perpetual critics (always talking instead of working) so were not able to sustain the momentum.

The next governor of Lagos will have his work firmly cut out and my fear is that if he cannot better this, a massive political backlash may occur. Governance is for all and the destiny of Lagosians should not be left to Fashola alone. Let us begin to work for ourselves so we can sustain what he's done when he is gone.
Politics › Re: Fg To Create Ministry Of Information Technology - Sambo by Reference(m): 12:49pm On Jun 21, 2011
Okay sir, we will pass the memo across to Messers Boko Haram for approval.
Travel › Re: Arik Aircraft In Near Mishap In Enugu by Reference(m): 12:46pm On Jun 21, 2011
Jakumo:
This was no "near-crash".

An "engine out on takeoff" scenario falls under the Abnormal Procedures sub-section of the Flight Crew Operating Manual, which the captain of this 737 evidently followed to the letter, by circling around right away to land.
Thanks for the fresh air. Reporters and their sensationalism. Nearly died indeed. That was standard operating procedure, nothing else. That aircraft can safely fly with one engine.
Career › Re: How Germans Abuse Nigerian Workers, On Nigerian Soil by Reference(m): 11:42am On Jun 21, 2011
cap28:
Here is an excerpt from an email sent by a german expatriate worker living in nigeria, explaining to his friend in germany  how fantastic life is in nigeria:
Read it and am not surprised. From that attitude it shows they are here more for a holiday and not really work. and that is the clear difference between an investor and a parasite. No fault of theirs. In the forty years they have been in Nigeria we have not succeeded in replicating what they offer so the slavery continues. By our laziness and ineptitude they have thrived. What does JBL do. Build roads and bridges. Nothing so spectacular. I've not seen a project they have executed that isn't common. They replicate their roads, bridges and buildings many times over yet Nigerians that work with and for them are not able to see. When you test JBL with something different such as the national stadium and velodrome they run back to Germany to reinforce.

I was watching a program on a new city built in China. Every single project was handled by a Chinese company. When we are ready to accept our standards of development then and only then will we make progress. As long as we are willing to ease up and slide sideways at the slightest challenge we will never develop. When cement increases we scream imports. when the price of fuel goes up we yell import, when our roads go bad we plead for JBL, when no gas reaches the power plants we cry to SPDC. Why won't they treat us like trash.

We just have a terrible mental block in this country that requires urgent attention. Even middle-eastern nationals are beginning to do stuff for themselves. When they are fully liberated I really don't know whom we would take consolation in.
Politics › Re: Group Advises Federal Government On Bitumen Extraction by Reference(m): 10:53am On Jun 21, 2011
But it is alright in the Niger-Delta. The proceeds of which are used to develop towns, cities and people thousands of miles away and fuel bank accounts the world over. They should explore it sharp sharp. It doesn't have to be for oil. Crack it a bit for heavy oils and the bitumen to fill the craters that abound on our roads. No white man involved in this please. Its not too hard.
Politics › Re: Prison Dog Better Off Than Inmate In Nigeria, Gets N3,000 Daily Allowance. by Reference(m): 10:43am On Jun 21, 2011
Hmmm, I thought you feed the prisoners to the dogs huh huh huh. We must cut costs at all costs. angry angry
Politics › Re: Fra Williams' 4 Sons Fight Over Father's N26b Estate Gets Messier by Reference(m): 5:14pm On Jun 20, 2011
KnowAll:
Too many Nigerians nowadays when they see any successful man or woman
irrespective of whether the man has any connection with Government he/she is a thief, I wish you can open your yeye mouth openly on the street of Lagos and call Mr Rotimi Williams a thief, it is then you would know that blood is thicker than water when the four siblings fighting each other abandon their quarrel and sue your bloody arse.

Thank God for the anonymity of the internet, you better continue spewing your non-sense in this forum “ no go make mistake to mis-yearn for public”
undecided
Hmmm, as a very high profile lawyer what should be expected is that he must have stepped on many toes. There will be people who have had encounters with him or stood on the other side and feel bad about it. For legal practitioners this is inevitable. I won't make comments about him, he was a great man. That's all I can say but I fully understand some feelings here and believe me they go way past petty jealousy or the camel passing through the eye of the needle. More like karma from their perspective.
Politics › Re: Reducing The Population Pressure On Lagos by Reference(m): 3:30pm On Jun 20, 2011
Indeed a recent study reveals that over [size=13pt][color=#770077]25,000 people from across the world move into Lagos for various reasons on a daily basis.

This statement is another high flying kite that's not entirely accurate. Our population is rapidly rising and rural urban drift is well in tango with wide spread poverty but this is common to all urban cities in Nigeria not Lagos alone. The Portharcourt I met in 1996 is a fraction of what it is today. Abuja in the days of the Abacha regime is nothing like it is today. Crowding, traffic jams, etc. To say or mean 25,000 people move into or locate to Lagos on a daily basis will no doubt empty the population of the remaining states and capitals of Nigeria in just 13 years when we know they are all growing simultaneously.

Our population growth is just unsustainable. This is one area we have to tackle with all vigour. China and India are two countries with similar profiles to ours and have both effected population control policies. And they came way before their boom years. However if we believe a large population is an asset like some do then that population has to be productive and hey can only be if they are educated and enlightened which unfortunately is not the case so we readily feel the impact.
Car Talk › Re: Pre-order Or Nigerian Buy; Which Is Better? A Dealer's Insight! by Reference(m): 12:42pm On Jun 20, 2011
BizBooks:
My brother, I think I have said enough. The only thing I will add is this:

Whenever surveys of the most dishonest people are done in the US, car salesmen frequently come out tops. No doubt, this is a dubious distinction. As we see everyday in the Auto Section, one do not need a survey to confirm that this is also true in Nigeria even more so. The big difference between the situation in Nigeria and the US is that honest car dealers in the US are continuously making efforts to set themselves apart from the rest of the pack.

Case in point: I recently bought a jeep for Carshopper from a reputable US auction house. Soon after, their technician called and told me that they discovered the jeep has serious structural problem. He gave me the option of going ahead with the transaction or getting my money back. After consulting with Carshopper, we decided not to go ahead with the transaction. The company thereafter refunded our money in full. You can bet that company is now my first company of choice. It is worthy to note that very few car dealers are this honest. Some will hide serious problems from you, knowing that once their vehicle gets into your hand, your money is gone for good.

Here in the Auto Section, the only solution we have seems to be “buyer beware” which can be interpreted as “buyer be scared”. A lot of buyers have taken heed of this warning and chosen not to do business here. Emperoh’s incisive article will help in educating some of them on the intricacies of the car buying process. But we still need a way to separate the honest dealers from the dis-honest ones. Only then will buyers’ confidence in the Auto Section be fully restored.
Very correct sir. That's why some are rising while others battle for the basement. The choice is basically ours.
Business › Re: Enugu To Build Coal-based Power Plant by Reference(m): 7:29pm On Jun 19, 2011
Very, very nice development though I would have preferred the Chinese doing it. They have more money, experience, a better completion rate and are not too touchy when it comes to tech transfer which is critical if the government has a financial stake in the plant. If they don't they should arrange with Nnaji to harvest 100% of the output locally first to industries. Must guarantee tech transfer and must be fully privatized no matter what stake the government has in it.
Business › Re: Dr. Okonjo-Iweala Fails To Show Up For Screening by Reference(m): 7:15pm On Jun 19, 2011
This is not quite right. It is not like she is called to serve in a military regime for goodness sake. Or does she harbour political ambitions with the opposition in the future. I don't get it. Must the weather be perfect for a glorious outing. We know she is not in it for the money, the power, nor the pride. She has succeeded before so what makes this different challenge suddenly appear unwieldy. For you to be crowned a champion and an achiever you will have had to surmount differing challenges and prevailed against all manner of opposition. This government is no exception. If she feels the President is not up to it, make him. If the environment is not suitable, create one. From a standing start it takes just about the same effort to create an economic mess than to repair one. The debt issue, the CBN problems, the Stock Exchange challenges.

If at anytime the challenges become human call the President's attention to them. If and when he fails to respond properly on account of unwillingness or inabilities simply call a press conference, state your position and publicly resign. Nigerians will then have to decide based on their knowledge of the inner workings where the problem lies. But for her to wait for another Obasanjo like figure to serve this country is a bit too far. re there any two leaders anywhere in the world totally alike. Or will she say she was comfortable with everything Baba said and did. I don't get it.
Politics › Re: Who Is Nigeria's Most Respected Statesman (dead Or Alive)? by Reference(m): 10:18am On Jun 19, 2011
If these names peddled here collectively brought Nigeria to the state we find ourselves then the meaning of respect is truly lost.

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