Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,151,981 members, 7,814,341 topics. Date: Wednesday, 01 May 2024 at 11:20 AM

Rexoluj's Posts

Nairaland Forum / Rexoluj's Profile / Rexoluj's Posts

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (of 12 pages)

Fashion / Re: Should 2face Be Jailed For This Outfit? by rexoluj(m): 9:02am On Jan 26, 2015
olatomiwa:
OP, take your time and look carefully, Tuface is only wearing sound Sultan ' s Agbada over his outfit.

You have great EYES!!! Can you also use those EYES of yours to tell us who will win this presidential elections? lolz

Welldone
Politics / Re: Anytime Buhari Contests, They Dredge Up False Accusations Of Sectionalism In PTF by rexoluj(m): 12:15pm On Jan 25, 2015
okpamson15:
Must he always contest?

I believe Americans also asked Abraham Lincoln that same question back then, but 9 trials, he finally became president of the US
Politics / Anytime Buhari Contests, They Dredge Up False Accusations Of Sectionalism In PTF by rexoluj(m): 11:04am On Jan 25, 2015
Popular ThisDay newspaper columnist, Waziri Adio speak up and clear
the air on false accusations that Muhammadu Buhari,
presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress
(APC) was ‘sectional’ in the widely-acclaimed impact of the
Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) he chaired under the Sanni
Abacha regime.
In a series of, tweets, 35 in total Waziri made it clear that
“the South got 70% in terms of amount located, and the
North got 30%”.
The tweets are very enlightening. :
Muhammadu Buhari
In a few minutes, I will start tweeting about the Petroleum
Special Trust Fund (PTF) headed @ThisIsBuhari btw May
'95 and May '99.
2. There have been allegations that the PTF projects were
lopsided in favour of the north, aimed at portraying
@ThisIsBuhari as sectional.
3. There have also been allegations of fraud in PTF, meant
to show that @ThisIsBuhari not as clean as portrayed.
4. I will provide some background on PTF and present some
facts based on public documents and leave you to draw
your conclusions.
5. PTF was set up by Gen Abacha in May '95, headed by
@ThisIsBuhari, with Chief Tayo Akpata as Secretary.
Other members representing different zones were Y. Gusau,
A Talib, Rufus Giwa, Prof. Chimere Ikoku, Prof. JP Clark,
D.B Zang.
7. PTF was charged with using portion of increase in fuel
price to rehabilitate roads, schools, hospitals, water
schemes n provide supplies
8. Despite charges of being a parallel govt, at no point was
PTF budget more than 10% of total budget of the federation.
9. Widely circulated allegation of lopsided siting of PTF
projects by Afenifere a bit exaggerated.
10. It is true that out of the 13,090km roads rehabilitated,
32% in the south and 68% in the north. But that's half the
story.
11. In terms of km, 7.3% of d rehabilitated roads were in SE;
8.5% in SW;16.25 in SS; 21.1% in NW; 23.4% in NE; and
23.5% in NC.
12. But it is also true that the landmass varies among
zones and same with degree of difficulty and cost.
13. A look at the cost of roads in different zones and the
overall allocation to zones in all PTF projects show a
different picture.
N77. 2b was committed to roads out of the total of N187b
allocated to PTF till May 99.
15. Of the N77.2b to roads, SW got N 9.7 b; SE, N14.5b;
SS, N 30. 5b. This means SW got 12.6% of road budget;
SE, 18.8%; SS, 39.5%.
16. Of d N77.2b committed to roads, NE got N7.1b; NC,
N7. 4b; NW, N7.9b, meaning NE got 9.2%, NC got 9.6%
and NW 10.3%.
17. This shows that in terms of cost, the variation btw north
and south reversed in favour of d south.
18. Under roads, the south got 70% in terms of amount
allocated and the north got 30%.
19. It may sound counter intuitive, but it is also an
established fact that road construction costs more in the
south than in the north.
20. Those circulating facts about kilometers of roads
possibly also have information about cost of the roads and
total allocation.
21. Possibly, they selectively chose the data set that will
help their argument that @ThisIsBuhari is sectional.
22. Also, of the total N187b allocated to PTF, the south got
more than the north.
23. In the 6 areas under PTF, SE got N26.9b; SW, N28.8b;
SS, N49b. Representing 15% for SE, 15.4% for SW, and
26.2% for SS.
24. That is a total of 56.7% for the south out of the entire
budget of PTF.
25. Of d total PTF allocation, NC got N20bn; NE, N26b; and
NW N34. 9b. Meaning 10.7% for NC; 13.9% for NE; and
18.7% for NW.
26. That's 43.3% for the North out of the total N187b
allocation to PTF.
27. On allegations of fraud in PTF under @ThisIsBuhari, it
is important to bear a few things in mind.
28. OBJ set up two interim mgt committees on PTF, before
eventually asking PTF to be wounded up.
29. First committee was under Dr. Haroun Adamu. 2nd
under Alh. Garba Mubi. Dr Adamu Maina - Waziri was
asked to wind up PTF.
30. For two years, police and SSS interogated officials of
Afri-Project Consortium, project consultant to PTF.
31. Up till today, no one charged or prosecuted. In fact two
of d founders of Afri-Project Consortium later served in
OBJ's govt.
32. Murtala Aliyu was minister of state for works, and
Amina Mohammed served as SSA on the MDGs and is now
an adviser to the UN Sec-Gen.
33. However, anytime @ThisIsBuhari is planning to contest
some people dredge up allegations of sectionalism and
fraud in PTF.
34. Sometimes it is claimed that no one prosecuted so as
not to embarrass @ThisIsBuhari. But what does that say
about those making d claims?
35/35. This is it for now on PTF and @ThisIsBuhari.

http://saharareporters.com/2014/12/26/anytime-buhari-contests-they-dredge-false-accusations-sectionalism-ptf”-–-columnist
Politics / Stealing Is Not Corruption! Where Do You Stand? by rexoluj(m): 4:22pm On Jan 24, 2015
Stealing is not Corruption .... Gosh! So much for the failure
of Moral Education in this country.

We need to include that primary school subject back into
our educational curriculum up to tertiary level.

Little did he know that statement literally means his
government condones stealing and is acceptable.

I will not accept a Government that has decided to change
my orientation on morals and values.
Jokes Etc / What Would You Say Of This Kid? by rexoluj(m): 10:30pm On Jan 22, 2015
Have you ever been in this kinda situation before or something worse?

I want to believe I have fallen into a typical Lagos gutter before, but not as totally soiled as this.

Share your experience...

Jokes Etc / Reminisce And Share Your Experience With This Brand Of Iced Cream by rexoluj(m): 11:57am On Jan 22, 2015
Whenever we close from my public school back then, I remember how i always rush and buy my favourite, the orange colour, for 1naira and will drain d sweetness and colouring in 1min and then concentrate on d block like say 2mao no dey. how time flies

1 Like

Travel / Re: Nigeria Railway Takes Delivery Of Five 68-Seater Coaches: Pic by rexoluj(m): 7:25pm On Jan 21, 2015
#Politicallymotivated

The train system does work in Nigeria even before the intervention of the fed govt. I remember I boarded it from agbado to iddo in 2008 @120naira. What the govt did was to bring in fairly used coaches from developed countries to replace the old ones.

Bamanga tukur, former PDP chairman was appointed as the chairman of the nigeria railway corporation last year.

The fed govt is only fulfilling its political promise to Alh tukur, but Nigerians will call that transformation.

Did u know the rail transport system which is normally the cheapest means of transport in the world now cost 750 naira per trip within Lagos. Will u be able to pay such fare for a whole month considering your monthly income.
Jokes Etc / Re: Laugh Off Your Sorrows With This Hilarious Joke by rexoluj(m): 7:44am On Jan 20, 2015
Three thieves, Akpos, Emeka and Eze, were taken to court,
and
found guilty.
The Emeka stole a tin of sardine. The judge sentenced him
to
three years in prison because there were three fishes in
the
tin.
Eze stole a tray of eggs, he got 30 years in prison because
a
tray of egg contains 30 eggs.
Akpos collapsed. He stole a bag of rice
One word for him? Good morning fellas and have a
blessed day ahead

2 Likes

Jokes Etc / Re: Share Your Funny Pics And Dps Here by rexoluj(m): 7:54pm On Jan 16, 2015
Lmfao

Jokes Etc / Re: Share Your Funny Pics And Dps Here by rexoluj(m): 3:01pm On Jan 16, 2015
More

Jokes Etc / Share Your Funny Pics And Dps Here by rexoluj(m): 2:52pm On Jan 16, 2015
grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy grin cheesy grin cheesy grin cheesy grin #SMILE
grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy grin cheesy grin cheesy grin cheesy grin #SMILE
grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy grin cheesy grin cheesy grin cheesy grin #SMILE
grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy grin cheesy grin cheesy grin cheesy grin #SMILE

Politics / Re: APC Presidential Rally Benue State Live (pics) by rexoluj(m): 12:55pm On Jan 16, 2015
Islamisation at this civilised age of freedom of expression and association!!!!!!!!!!!!. SMH, wake up guys

2 Likes

Politics / Re: 5 Questions Obasanjo Asked Jonathan In Abeokuta Meeting by rexoluj(m): 4:04pm On Jan 15, 2015
I guess this answers the questions raised.

1 Like

Celebrities / Re: Charlie Boy Addresses Students: Do You See Anything Wrong With This Photo? by rexoluj(m): 10:25am On Jan 13, 2015
grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin

Nice one bro

stanisbaratheon:
the one that folded his hands must be thinking: the hell fire wey this man go enter eeh na fire dem go take quench am...grin

2 Likes

Politics / APC Press Release In Response To Several Allegations By The DSS by rexoluj(m): 10:09pm On Jan 11, 2015
Text of a press conference addressed by the National
Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Sunday, Jan. 11th 2015 at the APC
Data Centre, Ikeja, Lagos on Jan. 11th 2015
Good afternoon gentlemen!
As you are very much aware by now, the Department of State
Services, DSS, on Jan. 7th 2015 released the so-called
findings from its investigation following the Gestapo-like raids
of our Data Centre here at Number 10, Ajibola Street, Ikeja, on
Nov. 22nd 2014.
The summary of the 'findings' is that our party, the All
Progressives Congress (APC), had an ''articulated plan to
inflate the party's membership data as well as hack into
INEC's voter registration database through the creation of
party membership forms and cards to match INEC's voters
register across the country''.
Our immediate response, which was issued on the same day
and which got a big play, was to dismiss the 'findings' as
hogwash, a great disservice to Nigeria and an embarrassment
to all intelligence-gathering organizations around the world.
Our stand on the 'findings' has not changed.
However, having taken our time to study the 'findings', we
believe it is necessary for us to respond to the allegations in a
more detailed manner that will show that we were even
charitable to have described the report as hogwash. That DSS
report is bunkum, garbage, and is not worth the paper on
which it is written. We will demonstrate that to you shortly
But first, let us address the motive of the DSS for this report
and the timing of its release.
We will like to tell all Nigerians that the crap called 'findings' is
part of the ongoing efforts by the Jonathan Administration to
postpone next month's general elections. Having seen the
handwriting on the wall vis-a-vis the growing rejection of the
PDP by Nigerians, the Jonathan Administration has gone into
a panic mode, while embarking on a plan to postpone the
elections.
Apparently, the thinking at the DSS, which is working in
cahoots with the PDP, is that its report that the APC plans to
hack into the voters' registration Data Base of the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) will raise doubts about
the integrity of the voter's register to be used for the
forthcoming polls, and subsequently force a postponement of
the elections since the existing register cannot be used for the
polls.
Unfortunately for DSS and the PDP, this thinking was based
on a wrong premise, as we will show shortly, and it has
backfired.
Before you say our claim is outlandish, remember that some
prominent Nigerians have publicly called for the
postponement of the election - which can only benefit the
Jonathan Administration and delay its impending Waterloo at
the polls. Place the calls side by side with the apparently
doctored outcome of the DSS investigations and the timing of
the report's release, and you will understand where they are
coming from.
THE 'FINDINGS'
We make bold to say that those 'findings' cannot stand a
serious scrutiny by independent investigators.because the
DSS worked backwards, from answer to question, in an effort
to reach a pre-determined conclusion
HACKING OF INEC’s DATABASE
The allegation that the APC planned to hack into INEC's
voters' registration Data Base is false. The fact that the DSS
made the allegation at all shows that the agency does not
understand the concept of hacking, which is pathetic for a
primary intelligence agency of its stature.
We are not aware that INEC has made a complaint of anyone
or group trying to hack into its system. The DSS 'findings' are
baseless as INEC'S database is a reflection of the registered
members with the Permanent Voter's Cards (PVCs). Please
note that at the time of the DSS' raids, the PVCs had already
been printed. Therefore, of what value would it be to hack into
the system and input more names?
Simply put, it is not possible for the APC to hack into the INEC
Data Base for the following reasons:
INEC’s database is not online, how then is it possible for
anyone to hack into it?
To prevent virus intrusion, there is no Internet service at
the APC Data Centre that was raided. Therefore it is not
possible to hack into INEC’s database.
The DSS has claimed that hacking tutorials were
discovered on an external hard drive. This is a lie! All the USB
ports on the pc systems in the office were disabled to prevent
virus intrusion. Therefore, the use of external hard drives is
not allowed at the APC Data Centre. If this is so, how is it
possible for an external hard drive containing these so-called
hacking materials to be found on the premises of the APC
Data Office?
Please note that the work stations at our various data
registration centres in the country are manned by unemployed
youths with just basic computer knowledge. The question to
ask is: Would the party have employed these people if the
intent were to hack into INEC's Data Base or employed gurus
in the IT world?
It is clear that the DSS purchased a hard drive and
downloaded the information themselves from the Internet.
After all, the DSS, by virtue of its duties, should be the hacking
experts, hence hacking tutorials will be part of their staff
induction training.
TIMING OF THE DSS RAIDS
As we have said, the overall motive of the raid of our offices
and the so-called findings is to give the impression that the
INEC voter's register has been corrupted, hence cannot be
used for next month's elections. Now, a more specific
question: Why did the DSS break into the APC Data Centre at
the time it did?
It is no coincidence that the DSS raided the APC Data Centre
on Nov. 22nd 2014, exactly one week before the start of the
PVC distribution exercise on Nov. 28th 2014.
The reason the DSS came to vandalize our Data Centre is
because the Service is working hand-in-hand with the PDP.
They carried out the raids to know our party's strength in
terms of membership. Please note that after the raids, many
of our registered members could not find their names on the
list when they went to collect their PVCs. This is not a mere
coincidence.
ALLEGED MULTIPLE REGISTRATION OF MEMBERS
After the first visit of the DSS, it was clear to all Nigerians that
the Service's claim that we were cloning PVCs could not be
sustained. That explains why they could not display a single
cloned PVC
During the second raid carried out by the DSS on the same
APC Data Centre, the security personnel carted away bags
with unused membership registration forms. These are the
forms to which they have fraudulently attached pictures of
babies & military personnel in order to implicate the APC.
Or what on earth was the purpose of the DSS carting away
blank APC membership registration forms? Why did it take the
DSS almost 50 days to reveal this information? If it were true,
won’t they have released the information to the general public
immediately? Has the DSS hired any renowned IT
organization to attest to its 'findings'? Can you be an accuser
and a judge at the same time?
ALLEGED REGISTRATION OF ARMED FORCES/PARAMILITARY
PERSONNEL
This is a no-brainer! The question to ask the DSS is: Will any
member of the armed forces and paramilitary organizations
be so daft as to join a political party using a passport
photograph of himself or herself in uniform? The DSS must
think Nigerians are fools.
ALLEGED REGISTRATION OF BABIES
To the best of our knowledge, a baby cannot vote? So, why
would any organization register a baby as a member? Our
application edits date of birth, hence will not allow the
registration of under-aged persons. The DSS should tell the
world where it got the pictures of babies that it affixed to the
blank forms that were carted away from our Data Centre. We
did not and could not have registered babies as members.
This allegation is nitwitted, to say the least.
ALLEGED CONFESSIONS BY WORKERS ARRESTED FROM THE
DATA CENTRE
Please recall that in a statement we issued of Dec. 5th 2014,
we accused the DSS of resorting to the use of torture to
obtain forced confessions from the workers who were
arrested during the first raid on our party's Data Centre.
In that statement, we called the action of the DSS a
contravention of the UN Convention against Torture to which
Nigeria is a signatory and a violation of the citizens'
fundamental human rights.
We also said:
- The DSS shackled the hands and legs of those arrested and
blindfolded them while they were being taken to Abuja; The
arrested persons remained in chains even at the dark
detention cell where they were made to sleep on the bare floor
for the 10 days they were detained illegally.
- The workers had guns pointed at their heads by DSS
personnel who threatened to shoot them
- A pregnant woman among those who were arrested was
denied access to her drugs even when she started bleeding
due to the torture to which she was subjected by the DSS.
Gentlemen, we now present to you some of those who were
arrested and tortured by the DSS, so they can narrate to you
their ordeal in the hands of the DSS - A national institution
being maintained by taxpayers' funds but which has now
become the enforcement arm of the PDP to be used by the
ruling party to terrorize innocent citizens.
The DSS said it had charged these workers to court. This is a
lie. We were the ones who charged the DSS to court, and the
court ordered the security agency to release the arrested
workers. Be that as it may, we are expecting them to join us
in court, and let the court decide on the crap they called
findings. We are confident that the 'confessions' extracted
from these people, after they were subjected to incredible acts
of torture, cannot even stand in any court of law.
I thank you!
Alhaji Lai Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Lagos, Jan 11th 2015

2 Likes

Politics / Arise O Compatriots - Must Read by rexoluj(m): 10:07pm On Jan 09, 2015
*** Nigeria National Anthem rendition ***

Fellow Nigerians,

This is another election year. I believe as young men and women of this great country, we have a responsibility to take our future into our hands and agree on what's best for us. The country is not in a pleasant shape as we all know and we cannot, I repeat, we cannot wait for another four years of poor leadership and institutionalised corruption before we make a change.

An opportunity has presented itself to rewrite our course of history. Four years is more than enough to appraise this current administration or any other administration, even the Government accepts it has failed in its six years and is begging for a repeat, which we should not allow. This is our best moment of change.

Lets leave sentiments, ethnic or religious affiliations aside as they are the root cause of our present circumstances, lets envision the future. The ruling party has failed and the nation has become a mockery among the committee of nations. GEJ has done his best, and that's all he can offer. His quest for re-election, amongst other wrong advises he normally receive is solely influenced by self centered associates and politicains who crave for undue power and relevance and does not have the interest of the citizens at heart. Nigerians are wiser now, we know better and we know what's best for us.

Let's join the train of wise men who want a better and secured country for the future generations, that's the best of legacies we can leave behind. The older generation failed us, we should not turn this to a generational cause and pass it unto the next generation. We have our future right with us. Lets rewrite our history. Let's join a leadership that is ready to reform the decays of the current administration. Lets elect leaders that can be held accountable for its actions and inactions.

The bloodshed in the Northeast will speak against us if we allow another four years of insurgency, bombings, manslaughter, injustice, human rights violations, insecurity and deprivations. We can make a change, and now is the time. Change by non-violence, Change by ballots and elections, Change by our collective desire for a change and Change to a better alternative to bad governance.

Arise O Compatriots, Let's obey the clarion call for change and rebuild our nation with renewed vigour and hope for a more promising future.

God bless Nigeria...
Foreign Affairs / Re: US Opens Up On Why Nigeria Cancelled Military Training by rexoluj(m): 9:31am On Jan 09, 2015
iv4fb:

Let me try to educate u still as I've got a brother in the war front (he's capable of taking care of himself though), the machinery are obsolete, Nigeria was ready to buy new ones for the training but the US refuse to sell and the NA is scared of air assault coz of high civilian casualty. Any country trying to help want to spite another one, the request for foreign military camps and all that. Whichever way you look at it, it's more complicated than you think so please go back to abusing the government and her supporters in the 'street' of social media as this is beyond your mental comprehension

Good luck!

The United States of America’s envoy to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle, has denied reports that the US has refused to sell arms to Nigeria on account of human rights violation in the fight against insurgency in the country.
US President Barack Obamar) talks with President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria before their bilateral meeting in New York on September 23, 2013 on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly. AFP Photo
Entwistle, who was speaking as a guest at the Diplomatic Dialogue Series organised by the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, NLI said the US has not cut off Nigeria militarily and that the two countries continue to enjoy healthy military relationship.
He insisted that his remark on arms sale to Nigeria recently was misrepresented and that there was never a time he said the US will not sell arms to Nigeria on account of human rights violations.
According to him, “Nigeria and the US have a military relationship that continues. We look at every aspect of that relationship very carefully in the context of our policy, Nigeria policy including human rights. This is a process that we undergo with every country in the world. But we have a rich military relationship with Nigeria that continues even as I speak.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/10/us-denies-reports-refusal-sell-arms-nigeria/#sthash.eSKWQXeO.dpuf

Bros, have u bothered to ask what kind of arms Nigeria military wants to buy.
Literature / Re: Unfulfilled Promises By Audrey Timms by rexoluj(m): 3:25pm On Jan 05, 2015
More power to your elbow Madam. We love you.
Nairaland / General / Re: The Gathering Storm & Avoidable Shipwreck: How To Avoid Catastrophic Euroclydon by rexoluj(m): 12:28pm On Jan 05, 2015
OUR PROPOSITIONAL ALTERNATIVE
What I have said in the past to our nation and our leaders, I will repeat here once more. To avoid the gathering storms, the following steps should be taken:
1. Activate the constitutional provisions for the suspension of elections
Section 135(3) of the 1999 Constitution provides as follows:
If the Federation is at war in which the territory of Nigeria is physically involved and the President considers that it is not practicable to hold elections, the National Assembly may by resolution extend the period of four years mentioned in subsection (2) of this section from time to time; but no such extension shall exceed a period of six months at any one time.
The argument against this would be the notion that the country is not at war. If indeed the country is not at war, how can one explain the invasion and annexation of Nigerian territory by insurgents launching attacks from our borders and neighbouring countries? Let us not forget that on May 14, 2013, while declaring a state of emergency in three states, President Goodluck Jonathan said of the activities of terrorists:
“These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten its territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this”.
Records indicate that since that declaration, the situation has only worsened. Therefore, if the country was at war then, according to the president, it is even more so now.
I do recognise the fact that opinions are divided on whether or not the Boko Haram plague can be described as war or just an act of insurgency. Truth be told, this is mere semantics. As Aesop said, “the injury we do and the one we suffer are not weighed in the same scales”. Depending on which side of the divide one belongs, the difference between war and insurgency can be likened to the difference between terrorists and freedom fighters. One man’s meat is another man’s poison, just as one man’s music is another man’s noise. Those that are condemned as ‘terrorists’ by one group are hailed as ‘freedom fighters’ by another.
Therefore, I submit that if the President considers that a part of the federation will be disenfranschised by reason of the Boko Haram plague, a postponement of the election may not be out of place. In my view, the litmus test to arrive at the type of war contemplated by the constitution is the practicality of getting people in the affected states to line up to vote for candidates of their choice in situations where they cannot predict when the next attack will be launched by insurgents. I hold the view that the drafters of the law feared for mass disenfranchisement of Nigerians who will refuse to risk their lives, hence the requirement that the nation wins the war before conducting an election.
Be that as it may, there is yet another argument. It goes thus: “Since the government has demonstrated a very high degree of incompetence as far as combatting terrorism, is it not better to have a replacement, particularly in terms of a new government led by the person of the APC candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, which can only happen through elections?” This reasoning seems valid, for though the president has made several attempts at tackling the issue, his avowed political will has not yielded fruit and the situation has only worsened. It is perhaps too complicated for him to deal with. But what is the guarantee that there will be free, fair and credible elections and the opposition will not be rigged out of victory once again? What is the guarantee that the power of incumbency will not successfully manipulate the presidential elections? Even if General Buhari wins, what would happen if, in response to a Buhari victory, another wave of insurgency explodes in the South-South in such proportion that will completely ground the Nigerian economy? Is that what we want as a nation?
However, I must state that the proposal for suspension of elections is not with a view to giving the president an avenue for undue tenure elongation but for the purpose of building a coalition that will bring lasting solutions to our problems.
2. Create a Transitional Government
In suspending the elections, to gain the support of all stakeholders, the president must not act with the intention to seek re-election. Rather, he should, within the period, commit himself to building a non-partisan coalition comprised of major stakeholders and competent statesmen from each geopolitical zone. This coalition, headed by the president, will constitute a combined force that will tackle terrorism and address what I have earlier referred to as the fundamentals, within a time frame of two years or less.
3. Address the Fundamentals
Addressing the fundamentals calls for immediate implementation of the report, or part thereof, of the 2014 National Conference especially as it relates to:
1. Restructuring with a view to achieving true federalism under Zonal Commissions as well as fiscal federalism ensuring, as proposed by the report of the National Conference, that adequate allocation is given to a Solid Minerals Development Fund in addition to other recommendations geared towards economic diversification.
1. Achieving national reconciliation and integration by adopting, constitutionalizing and propagating the National Charter for Reconciliation and Integration.
4. Conduct accurate census
Aside facilitating development planning, an accurate census will lay the foundation for a sound identity management scheme, facilitate effective and efficient local government administration, provide the basis for proper constituency delineation and enable the conduct of well-organized voter-registration exercises.
5. Establish a truly independent electoral body
A truly independent electoral body whose head will no longer be appointed by the president and whose funding will be drawn from first line charge on the federation account will guarantee the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
6. Create a true people’s constitution that will reflect the aforementioned features
A true people’s constitution, rather than being preambled by a military decree, as in the case of the 1999 constitution, will be preceded by the people’s expressed interest to co-exist as a nation and be governed under agreed principles as espoused in the Charter for National Reconciliation and Integration adopted at the 2014 National Conference.
7. Conduct free, fair and credible elections in the consensually accepted constitutional arrangement
In the end, as an integrated rather than regionally and religiously divided nation, we will arrive at the same juncture we are currently but, at that time, better prepared with the fundamentals in place and with the nation set for the leadership of the best of the north and the best of the south while the federating units, truly federal, are constitutionally empowered for collaborative and competitive development.
SETTING SAIL IN SPITE OF THE STORM CLOUDS
Despite this timely warning which includes the way forward to credible elections and to a stable and prosperous nationhood, I am almost certain that, like the helmsman and owner of the Alexandrian ship in Acts 27 as well as the majority in the ship, the handlers of our nation will prefer to set sail rather than winter at Fair Havens. From the 13th verse of Acts 27, we understand that the decision to set sail was fuelled by the fact that the southern wind blew softly and gave the illusion of safety. It reads:
13When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. [Please note that Crete means carnal or fleshly.]
Ladies and gentlemen, the south wind blew recently, when Gen Muhammadu Buhari against formidable contestants and money bags won with a landslide majority at the APC primary in the heart of Lagos, South-western Nigeria – and that against all odds.
Added to that, the relative peace in the South has kept us from seeing the severity of the crisis rocking our nation and its potential to be aggravated by premature electioneering. However, in the14th verse of Acts 27, we find that, not long after, a tempestuous wind called Euroclydon arose and hit the sea and the ship was caught in the midst of it until it could no longer be controlled. That ship drifted until it was wrecked.
Euroclydon is a cyclonic, tempestuous north-east wind. It is reminiscent of the wave of terror attacks bedeviling the nation from the North-East as though reminding us that, going by precedent, an incumbency-rigged election could cause the volatile electorate in the region to take advantage of the Boko Haram crisis which has snowballed from the North-East to unleash a storm on the nation from the North and that likewise, a Northern victory will only resuscitate a South-South resistance.
AFTER THE STORM: NIGERIA, THE BIGGEST MIRACLE OF THE CENTURY
It is noteworthy that, after all was said and done, just as God assured Paul, no life was lost, though the ship was wrecked and property was lost. It is very gratifying that, in the end, the majority that was wrong became the minority and the lone voice minority that was right became the majority.
Paul, the prisoner, became the commander with a clear blue print on how to salvage lives from the avoidable wreckage. And as he instructed the centurion, he had no choice but to comply.
Ladies and gentlemen, my heartfelt prayer at this juncture is that our leaders will listen and do the needful to avert an avoidable disaster, so that there will be no need for anyone to say at the end, “we told you so”.
I find it very useful to repeat the words of Paul here with all humility, trusting God that all men of goodwill in and outside of government will hear, heed and act accordingly.
Acts 27:20-26 (NKJV):
20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. 21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
Paul further said in Acts 27:30-36 (NKJV):
30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off. 33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began toeat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves.
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, let me at this juncture encourage you all, those within the country and those in the Diaspora, to join us at The Latter Rain Assembly as we observe a 14-day solemn assembly – a time of corporate fasting and prayer from Sunday the 1st of February to Saturday the 14th of February, 2015 to entreat the God of heaven for the survival of our nation. We shall meet daily for corporate prayers on all 14 days from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
In closing, let me place on the register my full persuasion regarding the outcome of our present dilemma. I am fully persuaded that, no matter how dark it becomes for Nigeria, there is a silver lining beyond the dark clouds and this nation will overcome the storms and rise to fulfill her destiny. I believe that no matter how unstable the polity may become, we will transit from shame to fame in the name of Jesus. Amen. I am persuaded that no matter the level of economic collapse, the economy of Nigeria will recover. So, in preparation for a previous prophecy, let us begin to expect the emergence of the tender plant from the side of the North, afore-prepared before the foundation of the world to steer Nigeria into her prophetic destiny. We are in the season of his emergence. What the mouth of the Lord has spoken, the zeal of the Lord will accomplish. Amen.
I am further persuaded that our national reconciliation, integration and full recovery will be a wonder to the world and that leaders of nations will beat a path to our doorstep to understudy God’s power at transforming nations.
Our authority for this assertion is God’s word as recorded in Psalm 126: 1-6 (NKJV):
1 When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad. 4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South. 5 Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. 6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.
Therefore, come rain, come shine, by the grace of the living God, Nigeria will be saved, Nigeria will be changed and Nigeria will become great in my lifetime.
Thank you, God bless you and God bless Nigeria. Happy New Year to you all.

http://tundebakare.com/gathering-storm-avoidable-shipwreck-how-to-avoid-catastrophic-euroclydon/
Nairaland / General / Re: The Gathering Storm & Avoidable Shipwreck: How To Avoid Catastrophic Euroclydon by rexoluj(m): 12:28pm On Jan 05, 2015
Sign 1: Poor Level of Election Preparedness
Reasonable people are inclined to ask how prepared the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is for the upcoming general elections. Despite the desperate efforts of the Commission to manage pre-election logistics, the tales of woe that have trailed the Permanent Voters’ Card collection exercise have raised a lot of questions as to the level of preparedness of the Commission with many Nigerians fearing disenfranchisement. The Vanguard of November 15, 2014, in an article titled “Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVC: How INEC Failed Nigerians”, reported that more than 75% of the PVCs in rural areas in Lagos were left uncollected. Similar and even worse tales of woe trailed the exercise in other states such as in Edo State where PVCs were stolen. TheNigerian Pilot of November 17, 2014 reported a collection rate of less than 50% in Abia State. A survey conducted by News Agency of Nigeria on public perception regarding INEC’s preparedness for the elections, including the organization’s handling of voter registration and card collection exercises and the adoption of recommendations to forestall the challenges of the 2011 elections, gave INEC a low scorecard.
Similarly, acts of lawlessness on the part of political parties and seeming partisanship on the part of security agencies have raised questions as to the readiness of stakeholders to conduct or to allow the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. How else can one explain the fact that in violation of section 99(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), political campaigns commenced long before the opening of the window? How else can one explain the invasion of the secretariat of the APC by the Department of State Security? Either a political party was devising unlawful schemes in which case culprits ought to be prosecuted and details exposed or the DSS was acting out a script written to repress opposition parties. Whichever may have been the case, it questions the readiness of stakeholders to operate by the rules.
Sign 2: Safety and Security Risks
A study on Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria in the period between 2006 and 2013 by Chatham House in the United Kingdom revealed that 17 states in the North were terror prone and recorded varying degrees of violent attacks leading to violent deaths. In terms of frequency of attacks, Borno, Yobe, Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa and Bauchi, in that order, led the other states. Further compilation of recorded incidents from other sources showed that towards mid-2014, Boko Haram attacks had become an almost daily occurrence in Borno State. Terror attacks or threats of same were also reported in northern states that had previously been free of such, including Kogi and Nasarawa, as well as in southern states such as Lagos, Delta and Imo.
Given the new tactics being adopted by the Boko Haram sect especially suicide bombing by teenage girls who, it appears, the sect is increasingly targeting for abduction, the risk factor in massive political rallies and polling units across the North of the country and, to a lesser extent, in the South, is dangerously high. Let us not forget that in December 2014, a female suicide bomber arrested by vigilante forces in Borno State revealed that 50 other female suicide bombers had been let loose.
As INEC has requested of the Federal Government a massive deployment of armed forces and security agencies for the general elections, a proposal that is being opposed by opposition parties, I challenge the Federal Government to conduct an honest assessment of the capability and numerical strength of each of the security agencies and armed forces and assure Nigerians that the ratio of forces to polling units across the federation is such that can effectively ward off potential attacks and guarantee security. The logic would be to deploy more forces to areas that are highly prone to terror but security tacticians must not forget that deceit is a weapon of war. Terrorists might seek to take the nation by surprise and target less protected areas which, ordinarily, might have been less terror prone. Let the security agents also be mindful of what I will refer to as the Ziklag factor (1st Samuel 30). If security agencies are to be massively deployed to polling units on Election Day, it would be risky to leave the home front unprotected in terror prone areas as terror attacks might be unleashed on homes to target the non-voting population. Worse still, with their antecedents of becoming partisan and getting caught up in politicking during elections, can our security agents maintain the level of alertness required to quell potential attacks? We might have succeeded in organizing some gubernatorial elections in the South, and the aborted gubernatorial election in Adamawa due to the subsequent swearing-in of the deputy governor, by massively deploying military and civil defence forces; however, we cannot ignore these threats ahead of the general elections.
Sign 3: Likely Minority King-making
Nigeria has a history of low voter turnout. For instance, the 2011 parliamentary elections recorded 25.8% turnout while the presidential elections recorded 48.32%. In essence, electoral decisions in Nigeria are made by the minority. Given the state of the nation, in spite of the excitement trailing the emergence of candidates, the 2015 elections threaten to record an even worse turnout. Aside the problems associated with voter registration and PVC collection, if the reported hundreds of thousands of displaced persons in terror prone areas are considered with respect to their status as part and parcel of the electorate, and if terror-stricken towns are considered in terms of polling units involved, then we are faced with the likelihood of massive disenfranchisement and voter apathy that could render the elections disputable and inconclusive.
Sign 4: Looming Constitutional and Legal Crisis
The constitutional provisions for election into the office of the president as articulated in section 132 of the 1999 Constitution provides a window for challenging the validity of any presidential election if elections cannot be held in some parts of the country as might be the case if the security situation is not addressed before the elections. Section 132(4) provides that:
For the purpose of an election to the office of President, the whole of the Federation shall be regarded as one constituency.
Section 47 of the Electoral Act 2010 further provides that: Voting in any particular election under this Act shall take place on the same day and time throughout the Federation.
By these provisions, it is clear that any presidential election that excludes certain parts of the nation will result in constitutional crisis and legal battles that may further heighten sectional tensions.
Sign 5: Impending Post-election Tension
This necessitates a look at those pointers to possible post-election tension. First, like the gathering of the clouds, the utterances of vested interests from the northern and southern sections of the country as to how they will react if the election turns one way or the other is a pointer to an impending storm that the nation must not ignore. In recent times, direct threats in this regard have been coming from vested interests in the South-South with a history of militancy. This should give the nation a grave cause for concern when considered against the massive oil theft in the region as well as reports suggesting arms build-up with ex-militants allegedly linked to a botched South African arms deal that was widely reported, and to the purchase of six warships as reported in The Punch newspaper of December 13, 2014. Mind you, the Global Terrorism Index report identified 6 terror groups in Nigeria. Contrary to public perception, according to the report, even though Boko Haram is currently the deadliest terror group in the country and has laid claim to about 90% of the terror attacks in the period covered by the report, the largest terror group in Nigeria is the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) with a membership strength of about 15,000 despite its having recorded much fewer attacks than Boko Haram. Ladies and gentlemen, one does not need a soothsayer to know this is a red flag!
On the other hand, the readiness of the multitude of northern youth to violently defend what they perceive as theirs, rightly or wrongly, is well documented in our recent election experience. The nation would not want to be caught-up in violence involving two regions. Another civil war in addition to terrorism would be too much weight on an ailing nation. Why not first address the root causes of these tensions that mount up every election year – root causes that elections themselves cannot resolve but aggravate?
Sign 6: Looming Economic Collapse
Alongside these pointers to political upheaval are the signs of an impending economic collapse. Any of the following scenarios is possible:
1. Inflation
With the proposed diversification of revenue base from oil to taxation and with the devaluation of the naira in an economy that is largely import dependent, cost-push inflation is likely to occur. Also, the flow of money into the economy through politics within the first quarter of the year ahead of the elections could as well facilitate a demand-pull inflation. The so-called average Nigerian who has no place on the dinner table would bear the brunt. It is even doubtful that they can access the crumbs that fall from the master’s table.
2. Deflation
With the expected reduction in government spending for a nation whose financial sector is still largely government supported and with likely reduction in purchasing power due to taxation and possible job cuts in the public as well as private sector, a fall in aggregate demand would eventually lead to deflation. An inflation-deflation transition could result in losses for investors in volatile markets such as securities and property.
3. Monetary Collapse
The depletion of our foreign reserves, the dip in crude oil prices and its downward impact on our foreign earnings, the weak state of our manufacturing sector, and our import dependence could lead to a sustained downward spiral in the value of our currency.
We are therefore faced with the challenge of managing a volatile transition process and a looming economic downturn at the same time. It will interest you to note that the same fundamentals that must be addressed in the political dimension of our challenges also hold the key to economic stability and prosperity for our beloved nation. However, before we take a look at these fundamentals, it is necessary to point out one more sign of the gathering storms that has to do with my constituency, the church, and its interaction with the political space in 2015.
Sign 7: Potential Religious Confusion, Betrayals, Scandals and Persecution
In 2011, when I was selected by General Buhari as running mate, there was a gang-up against that ticket by a substantial section of the church which preferred the candidate that was perceived as Christian, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Not only was the church not convinced about General Buhari’s non-fundamentalist stance, it also refused to give support to the running mate who, in its perception, is controversial and non-conformist. At that time, the mantra amongst many men of God was that a pastor had nothing to do with politics. Reports also have it that Christian clergy received financial inducement from their preferred candidate who is again contesting against the same General Buhari in 2015. To compound the matter, General Buhari’s running mate is another pastor who should ordinarily have the support of his home church, a very influential denomination in and outside the country and whose head is highly respected in the Christian establishment. Therefore, ordinarily, for those to whom religion means a lot in the making of electoral decisions, the current running mate of the APC should be tiwa n tiwa, that is, “our own” and should be massively supported by the church. But it is not going to be that easy. What would be the implication of turning away from the incumbent who was massively supported in 2011 by the church establishment? How about those for whom the president has done one favour or another, such as waivers, contracts, soft landings, protection of vested interests in one form or another, or even outright monetary gifts – not necessarily bribery, just a ‘harmless’ gift? Would these pastors, priests and prophets now turn against their benefactor, the president, to give support to “our own”? What will be the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), organizations that have been massively behind the president and who are likely biased against APC as PFN’s 2015 round-the-clock circulated prayer bulletin reveals? Would there be reminders that this same incumbent has knelt before us at our conventions where we laid hands on him and supposedly endorsed him? Or, would we make a u-turn now that this is “our own”? Would such a u-turn not come with dire consequences reminiscent of the Abimelech experience with the men of Shechem in Judges 9:22-24 (NKJV)?:
22 After Abimelech had reigned over Israel three years, 23 God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, 24 that the crime done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might be settled and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who aided him in the killing of his brothers.
Let us not forget that the men of Shechem paid dearly for it – with their lives, in fact. Do we see persecution looming for the church? Do we see high profile scandals emerging if the church makes such a u-turn? Or would the church simply deny or betray its own or, like the ostrich deprived of wisdom, treat its young harshly and choose to support incumbency in order to stay safe and protect interests and investments? Would the question of support and endorsement pitch major religious leaders against one another with brothers fighting against brother whether in secret or in the open? See Job 39:13-18 (NKJV):
13 “The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, But are her wings and pinions like the kindly stork’s? 14 For she leaves her eggs on the ground, And warms them in the dust; 15 She forgets that a foot may crush them, Or that a wild beast may break them. 16 She treats her young harshly, as though they were not hers; Her labor is in vain, without concern, 17 Because God deprived her of wisdom, And did not endow her with understanding. 18 When she lifts herself on high, She scorns the horse and its rider.
Challenging as all these may be, our confidence is in the fact that no matter the degree of shaking that will occur, it will only produce a glorious church without spots or wrinkle, for Jesus, the true Head of the Church, said He would build His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Alleluia! (Matthew 16:18)
Having said that, let us take a look at the options available to our nation, that is, the alternative to setting sail in spite of the imminent storms of a political, economic, military and religious nature – the stirrings of the Four Winds of the Earth upon our nation.
Nairaland / General / Re: The Gathering Storm & Avoidable Shipwreck: How To Avoid Catastrophic Euroclydon by rexoluj(m): 12:27pm On Jan 05, 2015
THE STATE OF THE NATION
Today, Nigeria is supposedly the largest economy in Africa, surpassing South Africa and Egypt with a GDP of $522 billion, a value obtained since the rebasing of the economy in April 2014. With this nominal GDP, Nigeria is now the 26th largest economy in the world. It would appear, then, that her aspiration to become one of the twenty largest economies in the world by 2020 is within reach. However, whenever the GDP figures are brandished by the government as signs of achievement, red flags start emerging as the people look around them and wonder if GDP stands for garri don peme because even staple foods are becoming unaffordable to the so-called ordinary Nigerian. In any case, we need not go into those socio-economic realities that challenge the bogus claims of economic growth; let us simply dwell in the realm of economic statistics with which experts have often attempted to blind the eyes of Nigerians.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics as well as Trading Economics, a resource centre for economic indicators for countries the world over including Nigeria, there was a decline in average GDP growth rate between the third quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2014 with growth declining to an average rate of 4.5% within that period compared to earlier rates as well as a 2014 rate of 6%. Were these not signs of a staggering economy; signs that were strongly denied by the government until recently when the fact could no longer be hidden following the fall in oil prices? One also wonders if this decline was not the pointer to the fact that the economy could no longer sustain the massive corruption in the fuel subsidy regime which then informed the attempted subsidy removal and the increase in fuel price in January 2012, a policy which the people protested, defying intimidation until the protests were crushed by a combined force of political intrigues, economic sell-outs and military deployment with no action taken against the major culprits in the subsidy fraud. Also, one wonders if, despite all the acclaimed benefits of the rebasing exercise, it was not mere recourse to plastic surgery as an attempted solution to an internal disease in a last-minute effort to window-dress the economy and attract investments rather than address the problems fundamentally, considering the fact that it was done in the first quarter of 2014.
The gap between the bogus GDP claims and the economic realities of Nigerians is seen in the fact that Nigeria, according to the World Bank, has one of the lowest GDP per capita based on purchasing power parity (PPP) in the world at the 123rd position out of 185 countries, thus revealing that the value of our currency as an import-dependent economy makes our GDP claims of little worth. Worse still, the level of inequality in the distribution of wealth that shows that a select few have cornered the wealth of the nation is seen in a Gini coefficient of 43.8 which is one of the highest inequality indicators in the world according to World Bank statistics. To explain to Nigerians what this means, the Leadership newspaper of March 1, 2014 revealed that in a population of about 170 million people, only about twelve Nigerians control one-eighth of the entire Nigerian economy!
More damning revelations were unveiled in an article titled “Bitter Truths about Economy the Jonathan Govt. Does Not Want Nigerians to Know”, published by Premium Times on December 22, 2014. In it, inconsistencies in statistical indicators being brandished by the government were unveiled. The fact was revealed that in the first five years of civil rule, oil prices were not as high as they were between 2009 and 2013. Yet, whereas in those first five years, we had fiscal surpluses, we have been having fiscal deficits despite the relatively more favourable oil prices between 2009 and 2013. It will also interest Nigerians to know that within the same period when oil prices were high, all other oil producing countries recorded surpluses and deployed those surpluses to long-term infrastructure projects while Nigeria was recording deficits and borrowing to service the deficits. Again, despite the fact that only about 70% of the budget is implemented annually in Nigeria, we keep borrowing and accumulating debt supposedly to service the contrived deficit. Also, whereas growth has supposedly remained strong, we have never been as indebted as we are now since our exit from the Paris Club with a $3.5 billion external debt and a N2.2 trillion naira domestic debt even though what the debt has been used to achieve remains to be seen. Considering the negative correlation between growth and public debt, does this not suggest a statistical window-dressing of our claims of growth? Why do we store our excess earnings in foreign reserves that give us a paltry 3% interest while we accumulate debt at an average interest rate of 13-15%? Even worse is the fact that, according to Chatham House, oil theft averages $3-8 billion annually. Yet, this monumental loss of an industrial scale does not reflect negatively in our growth claims. Definitely, some voodoo economists are cooking our books.
Furthermore, earlier in 2014, the then Governor of Central Bank, Lamido Sanusi Lamido alleged that about $20 billion was not remitted to the federation account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) – a claim that was later dismissed. Was this allegation thoroughly investigated without bias? Considering the fact that this allegation was made in a year preceding general elections, and just before a fiscal era where Nigerians are being asked to tighten their belts, we are compelled to ask where recent huge campaign donations are coming from and for what purpose such humongous donations in clear violation of the law are made. It appears the PDP campaign slogan for the 2015 election is “to hell with the poor”.
In the midst of these provocations, a supposedly successful Transformation Agenda is being peddled as the basis of re-election for four more years. We have failed to admit that our economic growth is not so much the result of astute fiscal and monetary policy as it is of the global stirring of the Four Winds of the Earth. In our mono-product economic structure, international political and military crisis, especially among oil producing states, has been the cause of our acclaimed economic growth due to the resultant high oil prices brought about by a shortfall in the supply of the product. Now that the prices have fallen, with some of our erstwhile major importers abandoning our crude and with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) vowing not to cut production output even if the price falls to $20 per barrel, we are face-to-face with an economic crisis that an austerity budget based on uncertain income projections cannot address.
These red flags of economic upheaval are being raised alongside an alarming security situation that has so far cast serious doubt on our military capability. Who would have thought that Nigerians would one day be displaced from their homes and would become refugees in countries like Chad and Niger? Who would have thought that entire communities in one geo-political zone of the country would one day be under the control of terror groups or that the time would come when hundreds of women and children would be carted away by terror groups on more than one occasion with no intervention by security forces? Who would have expected that Nigerian soldiers would one day be helpless against insurgents to the extent of abandoning inferior weapons and fleeing to neighbouring Cameroon? Who would have thought that Nigeria would one day be classified alongside Iraq and Afghanistan on the list of terror-stricken nations? In the recent Global Terrorism Index, based on 2013 incidents, Nigeria ranked 4th among 162 countries with 303 reported attacks, 1,826 fatalities and 457 injuries. Terrorism was said to have cost Nigeria $28.48 billion in the year 2013. Nigeria is surpassed only by Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq in this index. Given the dastardly activities of Boko Haram last year, the 2014 index would be even more damning for Nigeria.
WELCOME TO FAIR HAVENS: A TRANSITIONAL HARBOUR
ACTS 27:7-8 (NKJV):
7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone 8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
With great difficulty, the Alexandrian ship in which Paul travelled arrived at a place called Fair Havens and, in verse 8, we notice that there was contemplation to temporarily harbor the ship in that location but the harbor was not suitable to winter in. In like manner, the journey of the ship of the Nigerian state has thus far been difficult and we have largely been drifting under the influence of the winds. It is clear that a great storm lies ahead as we are approaching elections without addressing the fundamental flaws in the polity. These flaws include:
i. the awkward geopolitical structure that has the form, but lacks the substance, of federalism;
ii. the consequent lopsided economic structure in which a single product from one region of the country contributes the bulk of the revenue of the entire nation despite the abundant resources spread across the nation;
iii. a constitution that lays claim to the phrase “we the people” but to which the people made no input;
iv. contentious population figures that have been the harbinger of election disputes since the pre-independence era; and
v. an electoral body that wears the label ‘independent’ but is practically under the control of the presidency.
These factors have directly and indirectly contributed to the current economic crisis, the political instability, and the security situation. We managed to trudge on in this condition, advancing with great difficulty until we got to our Fair Havens. We arrived at our Fair Havens when, for the first time in the history of our nation, a person from the South-South, the region worst hit by the fundamental flaws in our polity, became president. One would have expected that being from the Niger Delta and an academic for that matter, President Jonathan would understand the role carved out for him, lay aside transient political ambitions and champion the cause of restructuring while pursuing national integration, and then go down in history as Nigeria’s greatest leader hitherto; but this is yet to be seen. However, President Goodluck Jonathan came close to living up to this when he convoked the 2014 National Conference – a gathering of nobles, elders and the young from across the nation in which these issues were critically examined and recommendations made. Fellow Nigerians, I speak expressly to you that the report of the 2014 National Conference is the Fair Havens in which Nigeria must winter to avoid the storms that are ahead.
Just the way Paul on the Alexandrian ship perceived that the voyage would end in much loss and warned the centurion, helmsmen and ship-owner (Acts 27:9-10), I warned the nation through a broadcast and press conference held at the Latter Rain Assembly on Sunday, July 22nd, 2012. I told the nation that I perceived that there would be no 2015 if we failed to fix 2014. Indeed, those perceptions were signals I was picking at the time but there are practical pointers in that direction today even if faintly perceptible to the discerning. Between 2012 and now, the signs have become more visible though stakeholders still refuse to pay attention. Like Paul, our counsel has become unpopular. As it was in the Alexandrian ship (verse 12), the majority has asked that the ship of state set sail towards the general elections rather than winter in fundamental reforms such as those proposed in the 2014 National Conference and the reason is obvious – just like Fair Havens was an inconvenient place for the Alexandrian ship to winter in, change or reformation is a difficult process and is often not suitable to the comfort zone mentality that prefers to do the same thing over and over again and hope for a different result; a mentality which, according to Albert Einstein, is the very definition of insanity.
WEATHER FORECAST: OMINOUS SHADOWS AND GATHERING STORM
In Acts 27:9-10, Paul warned that the voyage would end in disaster. But the centurion, the commander of the army that was charged to take Paul to Rome, was persuaded more by the opinion of the ‘experts’ – the helmsman and owner of the ship – than by what Paul was saying. One would want to ask: were there no visible signs of the impending storm? Was it just Paul’s spiritual perception that was at work? We will find that the journey all the way to Fair Havens from the coasts of Asia, beginning from the ship of Adramyttium, was laden with difficulty because of contrary winds that caused difficulty in navigation and obstructed procession (verses 4 and 7). Likewise, in our nation, despite the warnings, Mr. President is more persuaded by the assurances given him by the experts – including the managers of the economy, the organizers of the elections, the heads of the armed forces and security agencies – as well as the expectations of the majority than by a lone voice charging him to camp for a while in order to fix the fundamentals. However, the same question applies in the case of our nation: is it just my perception and those of others in the minority that have prompted this warning of an impending storm? Are the signs not visible? What is the weather forecast saying?
Weather forecasting entails the gathering of quantitative data and the application of an understanding of atmospheric behavior to predict the changes in weather. Jesus made reference to this practice in Matthew 16:1-3 (NKJV):
1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.
When I first alerted the nation that there would be no 2015 if the fundamentals were not addressed, I was asked if I was giving a prophecy in the order of “thus saith the Lord”. Even now, many are asking the same question. At that time, like Paul, I told you that I had perceived it. But, I would want to ask, are the signs not there? If we can predict the weather, would it not be hypocritical to feign ignorance regarding the foreboding state of the nation? Can we not see the clouds gathering ahead of a major storm? Warning! There is too much turbulence ahead! A competent helmsman knows not to sail in such a situation instead of ignoring the weather forecast only to subsequently shipwreck, kill himself, the crew and the passengers, as well as destroy the ship and cargo!
I will briefly highlight certain crucial developments that we may be disregarding as we set sail into the general elections but I must first point out that the purpose for highlighting these red flags is to challenge decision makers and political stakeholders as well as security, military and intelligence agencies to take the steps necessary to avert crisis before elections, during elections and after elections whenever they hold. I must also warn that if we sail into general elections at this time without fixing the fundamentals, no matter what precaution is taken by the helmsman and the owner of the ship, once the ship sets sail from Fair Havens, an encounter with Euroclydon would be inevitable. Against this backdrop, I present the signs of the gathering storms:
Nairaland / General / The Gathering Storm & Avoidable Shipwreck: How To Avoid Catastrophic Euroclydon by rexoluj(m): 12:25pm On Jan 05, 2015
BEING TEXT OF SPEECH BY PASTOR ‘TUNDE BAKARE AT THE STATE OF THE NATION BROADCAST ON SUNDAY THE 4TH OF JANUARY, 2015.

VENUE: THE LATTER RAIN ASSEMBLY, END-TIME CHURCH, 4, AKILO ROAD, OFF OBA AKRAN AVENUE, OGBA, IKEJA, LAGOS.

THEME: THE GATHERING STORM & AVOIDABLE SHIPWRECK: HOW TO AVOID CATASTROPHIC EUROCLYDON
CENTRAL TEXT: ACTS 27:1-25 (NKJV)
ACTS 27:1-25 (NKJV):
1And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. 2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. 3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. 4 When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. 8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. 21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.
INTRODUCTION
Fellow citizens of our country, gentlemen of the Press, ladies and gentlemen:
At this crucial juncture in the history of our nation, I bring to you a word in season which, in time to come, may turn out to have been a final warning regarding the imminent storms threatening to hit our nation. At the same time, this is a word of hope; the assurance that despite the looming chaos, Nigeria in the hands of God is going to be the biggest miracle of the century.
First, I must reiterate in unequivocal terms that my position in the unfolding political situation of our nation is that of a nation-builder and not a politician, and that my desire is to see a nation that works in my lifetime. On the 16th of November, 2014, as I stood on this platform to share with you “The Nigeria of My Dreams”, I laid it bare to all and sundry why I would rather incline my ears to the melodies within my reins as to the beat of a distant drum. Although the position I stand here today to declare may appear as controversial to many, I do not go about seeking controversies. It is the Lord who has a controversy with the nations, with the inhabitants of the land, and with His people, because their counsel is contrary to His, according to Jeremiah 25:31 (NKJV):
‘A noise will come to the ends of the earth – For the Lord has a controversy with the nations; He will plead His case with all flesh. He will give those who are wicked to the sword,’ says the LORD.
Let me therefore declare upfront my desire for a successful transition exercise irrespective of political party interest. About this time five years ago in 2010, when the nation was engulfed in a constitutional crisis that bordered on the refusal to transmit power to the current president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and the hijack of presidential powers by a cabal following the incapacitation of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, as I was inspired by God to take action, I gathered the heroes of democracy with the help of civil society organization leaders at The Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, and the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) was born. We marched the streets of Abuja and Lagos until the Doctrine of Necessity paved the way for the restoration of constitutionality. After President Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in, we, at the Save Nigeria Group, had a series of meetings with him in the bid to chart a new course for our nation offering him what we termed “A Contract to Save and Transform Nigeria”, which we consider an irreducible minimum standard of governance below which the Nigerian people should not be subjected. We sought to lend capacity to a man in whom both God and the people had great expectations. We thought that, having come from a part of the country that had borne the brunt of our lopsided political structure, Mr. President would understand, like the Biblical Queen Esther, that “for such a time as this he was brought into the kingdom” to be the facilitator of geopolitical restructuring and national integration. However, when we could not find fruit of genuine commitment to these ideals at that time and when it appeared to us that the president had chosen a path that could lead to the antithesis of what we consider his unique role, we went across the nation talking to leading political contenders in search of the most suitable candidate to whom we could lend our support. On the 31st of July, 2010, we brought together those we called ‘Arrow Heads’ who could constitute a team of transformational leaders for our nation, including the likes of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, ex-governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Fola Adeola, Jimi Lawal, Hon. Wale Osun, Yinka Odumakin, amongst others. Meetings were held in my home where I made it clear that I would not be seeking political office so that people would not think I convened Save Nigeria Group for that purpose. It was thereafter some of us found General Buhari to be the most suitable of the leading presidential contenders. When, months later, he invited me to be his running mate on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), I flatly refused until after much persuasion and corroborating counsel. Details of what transpired in that period will be out in my book, Strategic Intervention in Governance: Volume I,which will be presented to the public on the 4th of February this year by God’s grace. I say all of this to make it clear that I do what I do just because I desire a Nigeria that works, not because I seek any political office. However, it is my considered opinion that capable men and women who love God and love the people must offer themselves to serve when the opportunity arises, for, as Plato said, “the price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men”. That is why I am so grateful to God and thankful to General Buhari for offering me the opportunity to break the jinx and forever eliminate from our consciousness the notion that no pastor should have anything to do with politics. The fact that another pastor who has never won an election is running mate to General Buhari in the 2015 elections is a testimony to that.
As we approach the general elections few weeks from today with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) pitted against General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the second time around, there have been questions regarding my political leanings. It is clear except to the mischief makers where my loyalties lie but this broadcast is not about political endorsements; it is about alerting the nation of the storms ahead. If you must know, my political loyalty lies with General Buhari and I cannot claim not to know the issues surrounding the APC Primary and the processes that led to the selection of his current running mate. Nevertheless, this broadcast is about the counsel of the Most High who rules in the affairs of men and gives rulership to whoever He wills.
THE WINDS AND THE MAKING AND UNMAKING OF NATIONS
First, I would love to remind you that the Most High cannot be crowded out of history because history is His story. Kingdoms have emerged or disappeared, nations have risen or fallen, great leaders have mounted and exited the stage, but none of these have occurred without the direction or permission of God Almighty. Not only has He authored history, He has also ordered the times and seasons for the unveiling of the content of its pages, having predetermined the appointed time for each nation. As though opening the pages of a book with His hands to reveal its content, God orders and unveils the story of the nations with the stirring of the winds. In the Bible, we see the destiny of nations unfold in response to this stirring of the winds upon the earth and the sea. Whenever these winds blow, changes occur in the governance of nations, for good or for evil.
In the Book of Daniel we see the Four Winds of Heaven stirring up the Great Sea which represents the people, multitudes, nations and tongues (Daniel 7:1-cool. In response to this stirring, four beasts came out of the Great Sea. These four beasts were four kings and their kingdoms known today as the Babylonian Kingdom, the Medo-Persian Kingdom, the Greek Empire, and the Roman Empire. The Four Winds of Heaven are the attributes of God: Mercy, Truth, Righteousness and Peace.
Psalm 85:10-13 (NKJV):
10 Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.
Ironically, when these forces impact upon the earth, they expose the beasts in the rulers of nations. These beastly rulers leave behind them a trail of devastation and dryness after which the Four Winds of the Heavens are again prophetically stirred to expel these beastly forces and bring restoration to the Valley of Dry Bones and its content (Ezekiel 37: 1-14).
In the parallel Book of Revelations, the Four Winds of the Earth are revealed as forces affecting the nations. These forces result in the troubling or change of governmental orders. The Four Winds of the Earth are politics, economy, military and religion. These forces could be channeled to either the making or ruining of nations depending on the dispositions of the leaders and the people. For instance, national ruin was the result in many African states with the emergence of tyrants after independence – the likes of Idi Amin Dada of Uganda, Mobutu Sese Seko of Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean Bédel Bokassa of Central African Republic, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, General Sani Abacha of Nigeria, and many other ambitious men whose dreams, drives and delusions unleashed a devastating storm into the political space of their respective nations. This political storm resulted, or has resulted, as the case may be, in economic ruin as these men enriched themselves at the expense of their respective nations. At some point in Uganda, for instance, currency was printed just to satisfy the whims and caprices of Idi Amin without recourse to any principle of monetary policy management. Mobutu, on his part, amassed so much wealth through corruption that he was reportedly richer than his country and appropriated many of his country’s assets as it plunged into infrastructural collapse. Bokassa, intolerant of opposition politicians whom he allegedly killed and ate or fed to crocodiles, diverted and squandered the little wealth his country had. General Sani Abacha became the most brutal dictator in the history of Nigeria, eliminating perceived opponents by means of a deadly killer squad and stashing away over $3 billion of public monies in foreign accounts. Obiang, who is still the president of Equatorial Guinea, is reportedly worth $600 million. He is said to have taken full control of his country’s national treasury and deposited more than half a billion dollars into accounts controlled by himself and his family claiming that he did this to prevent civil servants from being tempted to engage in corrupt practices. It will be observed that the emergence of these African dictators was as a result of the invasion of the military wind manifesting through coup d’états or civil wars which, in some cases, resulted in counter-coups or extended civil wars. In more recent times, especially since the turn of the century, the wind of religion and the wind of the military have been unleashed upon the continent and upon the nations of the earth like a genie in a bottle, manifesting in the form of terrorist organizations from Boko Haram in Nigeria to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Al-Shabab in the Horn of Africa; from Osama bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS); and from Hezbollah in Lebanon to Hamas in Palestine.
Conversely, the Four Winds of the Earth have also served in ushering nations into seasons of genuine or perceived transformation. For example, the formation of the United States of America was preceded by the stirring of the combined winds of religion, economy, politics and military in Europe as well as in America. Many of the colonies which formed the United States were created by settlers who fled religious persecution in Europe. This quest for religious freedom and the discipline that characterized the puritan migrants became the fuel for the highly profitable agricultural and commercial activities that produced economic prosperity in the colonies. The political wind blew when the colonies declared independence and this declaration was accompanied by the war of independence upon which was laid the foundation of a prosperous nation that has become the most powerful country on earth today. Similarly, the formation of the Islamic kingdoms, the largest of which was the Ottoman Empire that later transformed to modern day Turkey under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was inspired by this interplay of the four winds of the earth. Other cases in point include the economic miracle of the Asian Tigers including Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore as well as the Asian giant, China.
It is gladdening to know that the Four Winds of the Earth, no matter how ferocious, are under the God’s control:
Revelation 7:1-3 (NKJV):
1 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”
NIGERIA AND THE FOUR WINDS OF THE EARTH
Let us now bring this back home by taking a brief look at the interplay of political, economic, military and religious winds in the journey of the Nigerian nation so far. Our pre-independence history saw the emergence of empires, kingdoms, fiefdoms and communal political arrangements whose rise and fall were driven by military expeditions motivated by economic interests and, in some cases, clad in religious motives. Since independence, these winds, operating through political power blocs, have produced governmental change from one regime to another. Between 1966 and 1999, it was often a case of one military government taking over from a civilian government or from another military government citing, amongst other factors, economic mismanagement and political corruption, and expressing a messianic mission to correct the blunders, even if insincerely. In the democratic arrangements that preceded the return to civil rule in 1999, such as the 1993 elections, religion was a much more silent factor among the four winds in the determination of political outcomes. That was why the June 12, 1993 elections could produce victory for a Muslim-Muslim ticket. However, following the return to civil rule, religion has become a major factor in the determination of election outcomes especially since the 2003 elections in which General Muhammadu Buhari first contested for the presidency, as he has often been erroneously associated with religious fundamentalism. The import of this factor got to what some might have thought would be a crescendo in the 2011 elections when, for the first time in Nigeria’s history, a pastor stepped into politics as running mate to General Buhari.
Nevertheless, in the year 2015, a crucial year in the unfolding history of our nation, the Four Winds of the Earth are about to hit the nation in one combined storm that will not leave her the same. The purpose of this broadcast is to give a timely warning before the storm arrives like Apostle Paul did on that journey to Rome in the Alexandrian ship (Acts 27) as well as to proffer an alternative pathway even if the warnings and the proposals are rejected as occurred in Paul’s case. But first, let us examine the state of the nation and show how we have stirred the ship of state with difficulty (verse 7), ignoring the warning signs, laying claim to fictitious economic achievements, celebrating political institutions with weak foundations, allowing criminality and rebellion to fester in the guise of religion, and denying the seeming comatose state of our military and its inability to withstand the pressure, thereby subjecting our nation to a depth of instability never before experienced since the Civil War.
Literature / Re: Unfulfilled Promises By Audrey Timms by rexoluj(m): 7:57am On Jan 05, 2015
AudreyTimms:
*Removed*

Hi Audrey, I'm just reading this piece and I appreciate ur talent. However, I am stuck at the part of the story where Dave died as all preceding post seems to have been removed. Am I missing something pls? God bless ur heart desires.
Nairaland / General / Handbook 2015 ... God Bless Your Heart Desires This New Year by rexoluj(m): 4:41pm On Jan 04, 2015
Handbook 2015??

??HEALTH??

??Drink plenty of water.

??Eat Breakfast like a king,
Lunch like a prince &
Dinner like a beggar.

??Live with the 3 E's--
Energy,
Enthusiasm &
Empathy.

??Make time to pray.

??Play more games.

??Read more books than you did
in 2014.

??Sit in silence for at least 10
minutes each day.

??Sleep for 7 hours.

??Take a 10-30 minutes walk
daily And while you walk,
Smile.



??PERSONALITY??
??Don't over do. Keep your
limits.

??Don't take urself so seriously.
No one else does.

??Don't waste your precious
energy on gossip.

??Dream more while you are
awake.

??Envy is a waste of time. You
already have all you need.

??Forget issues of the past.
Don't remind your partner with
his/her mistakes of the past.
That will ruin your present
Happiness.

??Life is too short to waste time
hating anyone. Don't hate
others.

??Make peace with your past so
it won't spoil the present.

??No one is in charge of your
happiness except you.

??Smile and laugh more.

??You don't have to win every
argument,Agree to disagree.




??SOCIETY??

??Call your family often.

??Each day give something good
to others.

??Forgive everyone for
everything.

??Spend time with people over
the age of 70 & under the age
of 6.

??Try to make at least three
people smile each day.

??What other people think of you
is none of your business.

➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰

??LIFE??

??Do the right thing!

??GOD heals everything.

??However good or bad a
situation is, it will change.

??No matter how you feel,
Get up,
Dress up and
Show up. The best is yet to
come.

??When awake in the morning
thank GOD for it.

??Your Inner most is always
happy. So, be happy.


Happy thanksgiving sunday and happy new year. See u at the top.
Politics / Re: Photo Prof. Osinbajo Takes Campaign To Ikenne Ogun State by rexoluj(m): 8:00pm On Jan 03, 2015
jmaine:


What a feisty response . . . . Keep it up . . . . grin

feisty indeed, she's not a gentlelady at all. #wiseresponse
Politics / Re: Buhari_vs_jonathan_curriculum_vitae by rexoluj(m): 10:48am On Dec 24, 2014
psucc:


I wouldn't believe that some people can be so blind when it comes to supporting their benefactor.

You mean you were not in this country or you've not heard that in 2011 your General threatened and in fact perfect it that he will make this country ungovernable should he fail the election?

Since then, had Nigeria and indeed Nigerians knew any peace?

Let's play with some truth at least so we can hand down history to posterity.

Is the country ungovernable as we speak my brother? I still await an objective instance of the General's extremism.
Politics / Re: Buhari_vs_jonathan_curriculum_vitae by rexoluj(m): 9:22am On Dec 24, 2014
BekeeBuAgbara:
One is a democrat and once a lecturer. The other is a coupist and religious extremist.

Can u pls sight an instance of such extremism?
Politics / Buhari_vs_jonathan_curriculum_vitae by rexoluj(m): 7:59am On Dec 24, 2014
# BUHARI_VS_JONATHAN_CURRICULUM_VITAE

MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S CURRICULUM VITAE
Born in Daura, Katsina State, on 17 December 1942
Education
Attended Primary School in Daura and Mai’adua, 1948-1952
Attended Katsina Model School in 1953 and Katsina
Provincial Secondary School (now Government College
Katsina) from 1956-1961.
Joined the then Nigerian Military Training School, Kaduna in
1963.
Attended Officer’s Cadet School in Aldershot (United
Kingdom), October 1963
Attended Platoon Commanders’ Course at the Nigerian
Military College, Kaduna, 1964
Attended the Mechanical Transport Officer’s Course at the
Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden (United
Kingdom) 1965
Studied at the Defence Services’ Staff College, Wellington
(India), 1973
Attended the United States Army War College, June 1979 to
June 1980.
Professional Achievements
Platoon Commander, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 1963-1964;
Mechanical Transport Officer, Lagos Garrison, 1964-1965;
Transport Company Commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade,
1965-1966;
Battalion Adjutant/Commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade,
1966-1967;
Brigade Major, 2nd Sector, 1st Infantry Division, April to
July, 1967;
Brigade Major, 3rd Infantry Division, August 1967 – October
1968;
Acting Commander, 4th Sector, 1st Division, November
1968 – February 1970;
Commander, 31st Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division,
February 1970 – June 1971;
Assistant Adjutant-General, 1st Infantry Division
Headquarters, July 1971 – December 1972;
Colonel, General Staff, 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters,
January 1974 – September 1974;
Acting Director Supply and Transport, Nigeria Army Corps
Headquarters, September 1974 – July 1975;
Military Governor, North Eastern State of Nigeria, August
1975 – March 1976;
Federal Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, March
1976 – June 1978;
Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, June
1978 – July 1978;
Military Secretary, Army Headquarters, July 1978 – June
1979;
Member, Supreme Military Council, July 1978 – June 1979;
General Officer Commanding, 4th Infantry Division, August
1980 – January 1981;
General Officer Commanding, 3rd Armored Division,
November 1981 – December 1983;
Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian
Armed Forces, December 1983 – August 1985.
Executive Chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund
(PTF), 21 March 1995 – May 1999.
Awards and Medals
GCFR: Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
DSM: Defence Service Medal
NSM: National Service Medal
GSM: General Service Medal
LSGCM: Loyal Service and Good Conduct Medal
FSS: Forces Service Star
CM: The Congo Medal
Honorary Doctorate Degrees
10 December 1994: Honorary Doctor of Science degree
(honoris causa) conferred on Buhari by Abubakar Tafawa
Balewa University, Bauchi.
21 December 1996: Honorary Doctor of Letters degree
(honoris causa) conferred on Buhari by the University of
Calabar.
6 June 1998: Honorary Doctor of Law degree (honoris
causa) conferred on Buhari by Benue State University.
GOODLUCK JONATHAN CURRICULUM VITAE
Born in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, on 20 November 1957.
Education
St Stephen’s primary school ( now state school ) Otuoke,
1961 – 1965
St Michael’s primary school, Oloibiri, Bayelsa State FSLC,
1966 – 1969
Mater Dei high school, Imiringi, Bayelsa State , 1971 – 1975
University of Port Harcourt, 1977 – 1981
University of Port Harcourt, 1983 – 1984
University of Port Harcourt, 1987 – 1995
Academic Qualifications:
First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) 1969
West African School Certificate (WASC) 1975
General Certificate of Education (GCE O/L) 1976
B. Sc. Zoology Second Class (hons) Upper Division 1981
M. Sc. Hydrobiology/Fisheries Biology 1985
Ph. D. Zoology 1995
Employment History:
Preventive Officer, Dept. Of Customs & Excise, 1975 – 1977
Science Inspector of Education, Rivers State Ministry of
Education, Port Harcourt , 1982 – 1983
Lecturer, Dept. Of Biology, Rivers State College of
Education, Port Harcourt , 1983 – 1993
Assistant Director, (Ecology)/ Head Sub – Dept. Of
Environment Protection, OMPADEC, 1993 – 1998
Deputy Governor, Bayelsa State from May 1999 to 2005
Governor, Bayelsa State from May 2005 to May 2007
Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria from May 2007
to February 2010
Acting President, Federal Republic of Nigeria from February
2010 to May 2010
President, Commander-in-chief of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria from May 2010 to date
Awards:
Best Performing Deputy Governor Award in the Federation in
2002, by the Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria
(IPAN)
Award of "Exemplary Leadership Quality and Good
Governance" conferred by the National Association of
Women in Education Development in July 2003
Honorary Award for Democracy and Good Governance
conferred by the NUJ Abuja Council
Celebrities / Re: CUTE PHOTO: Is Tonto Dikeh Pregnant For Her Boyfriend, Malivelihood? by rexoluj(m): 1:44pm On Dec 23, 2014
uwawealth1:
[img]http://1.bp..com/-JBJY9YbAitI/VJlENP2cqOI/AAAAAAAADOI/oOV1CzqS1zs/s1600/Is-Tonto-Dikeh-Pregnant-For-Her-Boyfriend-Malivelihood.jpg[/img]

Controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike alias ‘Poko Lee’ was recently spotted in Ghana where she had kicked off her charity organisation which caters for Abused Women, Unwanted pregnancy as a result of Molestation/Rape etc. and Motherless Children All around the world.

The River-State born Diva who has been waking recently with different kind of gift from her mysterious boyfriend she addresses as Mr. X, was caught by the camera lens displaying a seemingly protruded tommy.

- See more at: http://snipr.com/29jsy66

http://snipr.com/29jsy66

Who is Toto Dike?
Foreign Affairs / Re: Tension In Gabon As President Bongo Is Said To Be Of Nigerian Heritage by rexoluj(m): 12:50pm On Dec 23, 2014
pyyxxaro:
I blame APC for this cry

NO!, I blame PDP for allowing an intelligence-immuned man to rule us.
Politics / Re: Doyin Okupe Embarrasses GEJ On Twitter by rexoluj(m): 12:07am On Dec 20, 2014
TheMadame:
If a PHD holder does not know that stealing is corruption,then he should go back to all the schools he attended and ask for a refund.
Vote wisely,your vote is your power.

PhD in Zoology grin

1 Like

Forum Games / Re: How Many Match Sticks Are There In The Picture Below by rexoluj(m): 5:03pm On Dec 19, 2014
Ofumaria:
Let the game begin

5

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (of 12 pages)

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 251
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.