Vikkie14: Apologizing may not be a Sign of Weakness but Strength. The problem why reconciliation (even in marriage)becomes an herculean task is because we are too proud to say SORRY when we are on the wrong side. Someone is Lying between Tinubu and Bode George and i can deduce that either Tinubu or George is trying not to be seen as Weakling, or either one of the duo is trying to show he has more power and respect than the other.
Come on now, whose account sounds more credible?
Clearly, Georgie Boy appears to be one preparing a soft landing with respect to his own volte-face:
Speaking with Vanguard, on the PDP’s defeat at the polls, the PDP chieftain said “What will I be doing here? I can decide to go and live anywhere. Look at everyone surrounding him (Buhari).
”So, I am not joking about it, what will I be doing here? At 70, what will I be doing here? All we have been doing to restructure the country has been lost. We have been trying to ensure balance in the polity but all that has gone. What else will I be doing here? Speaking with Vanguard, on the PDP’s defeat at the polls, the PDP chieftain said “What will I be doing here? I can decide to go and live anywhere. Look at everyone surrounding him (Buhari).
”So, I am not joking about it, what will I be doing here? At 70, what will I be doing here? All we have been doing to restructure the country has been lost. We have been trying to ensure balance in the polity but all that has gone. What else will I be doing here?
^^^Since he was not joking, according to the article excerpted above, he needs to be done with his emigration forthwith. The day Bode George stops polluting his local ward on Lagos Island with perfidy, will be the day sanity returns.
I did not apologise to you, Tinubu replies Bode George
National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied ever apologising to Chief Bode George, the erstwhile deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP over his incarceration for alleged contract splitting.
In a statement issued by his media office, Tinubu said George’s account of their meeting at the burial of Chief Alao Arisekola last year was a twist of the facts as he said that he, Tinubu, was only beckoned by some dignitaries to greet George who he claimed he had earlier ignored.
Tinubu said that the attempt by George to take that greeting as an apology could only be a way for the PDP leader to walk back from his earlier vow to go on exile should General Muhammadu Buhari win the presidential election.
Chief George had in an interview by a national weekly last weekend claimed that he had forgiven Tinubu for his alleged role in sending him, George to prison after receiving the apology at Arisekola’s burial last year.
Tinubu’s response read thus: “I was informed about a recent interview by Bode George in one of the national dailies and felt it necessary to clarify his claim that I begged him for forgiveness. I don’t know when and how I ever offended Mr. George. I have never wronged the man or even thought of it. I sought no forgiveness because no forgiveness was needed.
“I think somehow he is still trying to implicate me as instigating the criminal proceedings once lodged against him. From my recollection, Mr. George was found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction based on convincing evidence of wrongdoing. He insults the judiciary by implying that his conviction was wrongly derived.
“Mr. George seeks to imbue me with more power than I could possibly have. I am flattered but in all humility, I must protest the false assessment.
If he can remember, the government of the day was that of the PDP. I have never had nor sought much influence in those circles.
”He was charged by the government ruled by his own party for an offence concerning financial irregularities at the Nigeria Port Authority, NPA, an appointment he received from that same government. It is an incredible tale indeed to state that somehow I could direct a party that tried to dismantle the progressive political structure of my party to bring down one of its key members.”
Today the EFCC case against the head of Buhari’s inauguration committee will resume in Abuja
April 28, 2015
We were very shocked last week when we heard that Pres-elect Muhammadu Buhari had appointed Timipre Sylva, the ex-governor of Bayelsa state to head his inauguration committee.
Even though no court has indicted Sylva, the fact that he has an ongoing corruption and money laundering case to the tune of N19.2bn seemed like a good enough reason not to have him become the first appointment of a president-elect who campaigned on a vow to wage an anti-corruption war.
Anyway, the trial of the ex-governor is to resume today before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accused Sylva of using three companies to commit the money laundering offences between 2009 and 2012 when he was governor of the tiny but resource rich state of Bayelsa.
The companies are Marlin Maritime Limited, Eat Catering Services Limited, and Haloween- Blue Construction and Logistics Limited.
Others charged with Sylva are Francis Okoburo, Gbenga S. Balogun, Samuel Ogbuku.
The EFCC instituted 42 counts of money laundering against the accused persons before Justice Ahmed Mohammed.
APC’s Mohammed Lai Releases Statement On AIT & Other Media
APC just released a statement saying all accredited media, including AIT, are free to cover President-elect’s activities. Read the statement below.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that all accredited media organizations in the country, including the African Independent Television (AIT), are free to cover the activities of the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the incoming Buhari Administration will not discriminate against any media organization, irrespective of its role during the electioneering campaign leading up to the recent polls.
It however enjoined all media organizations to observe the highest level of professional standards in carrying out their duties.
”There is a Code of Ethics guiding the practice of journalism in Nigeria, and this demands every journalist to ensure a strict adherence to the highest levels of ethics and professionalism in carrying out their duties.
”There must be repercussions, within the realms of the law, for media organizations which have wantonly breached the Code of Ethics of the journalism profession and turned themselves to partisans instead of professionals. But such repercussions will not include barring any accredited media organization from covering the activities of the President-elect,” APC said.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC) Abuja, April 28th 2015
yusufalabere: What is your business with another mans' life, we kwarans believe in the leadership of Saraki dynasty. So, I will advice you to find something tangible to do than posting rubbish here.
It is only someone with a forked tongue who speaks from both sides of the mouth.
If you are going to condemn godfatherism elsewhere, make sure the same yardstick is applied to governance in Kwara state.
I am fully aligned with @OP on this one, because there are more effective ways of containing unconscionable media organizations like AIT; than resorting to tactics which hark back to a dark period in Nigeria's history.
it would be judicious to act with magnanimity towards a prostrate foe ~ Zachary Taylor
P.S - You are overreaching yourself with the contrived edict copied in below, @Barcanista
Finally, let me remind President-elect Muhammadu Buhari that Nigerians are looking up to him to fulfil his numerous electoral promises. We will not tolerate any form of impunity or "executive rascality" whether from him(as President) or from any officer of his incoming government.
If ethics is the main issue, as we are informed, not even Garba Shehu (Buhari's spokesman) of the Transcorpgate picture saga is beyond reproach.
They have been asked to step down their coverage until we resolve the matter with them on ethics and standards,” he said. Shehu however denied that the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, was also bared. Shehu said the NTA crew are free to attend the events of the President elect and to cover it accordingly
Come to think of it; even SR that I have supported non-stop on these boards, sails close to the wind on 'ethical standards of reporting'.
If ethics is the main issue, as we are informed, not even Garba Shehu (Buhari's spokesman) of the Transcorpgate picture saga is beyond reproach.
They have been asked to step down their coverage until we resolve the matter with them on ethics and standards,” he said. Shehu however denied that the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, was also bared. Shehu said the NTA crew are free to attend the events of the President elect and to cover it accordingly
Come to think of it; even SR that I have supported non-stop on these boards, sails close to the wind on 'ethical standards of reporting'.
Do you know the difference between a contract and a MOU?
Read slowly now;
I am sure you would gladly enlighten me. Before you do so, pay attention to the photograph in my post and the one referenced in the following excerpt (by OP):
Senator Ibikunle Amosun with the Chinese Consul General, Chairman for CCECC, M.D for CCECC and G.M Southwest CCECC during the signing of 3.2 Billion Dollars contractor finance Contract for The Intercity rail network of Ogun State which is in Phases.
Also, please find me a credible source that actually mentions a 3.2 billion dollar contract. Anyone will do.
South Africa doesn’t deserve to be a leader – Obasanjo speaks on xenophobia (WATCH)
APRIL 27, 2015
While speaking at the Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, Texas on April 25, Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, says that South Africa doesn’t deserve to called an African leader if it can’t accommodate other nationals.
Obasanjo was at the institution to deliver a special lecture on the political and economic situation in Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.
During the QA session, OBJ was asked about his views on the recent Xenophobia crisis in South Africa.
Do you know the difference between a contract and a MOU?
Read slowly now;
I am sure you would gladly enlighten me. Before you do so, pay attention to the photograph in my post and the one referenced in the following excerpt (by OP):
Senator Ibikunle Amosun with the Chinese Consul General, Chairman for CCECC, M.D for CCECC and G.M Southwest CCECC during the signing of 3.2 Billion Dollars contractor finance Contract for The Intercity rail network of Ogun State which is in Phases.
Also, please find me a credible source that actually mentions a 3.2 billion dollar contract. Anyone will do.
abeltolu: Senator Ibikunle Amosun with the Chinese Consul General, Chairman for CCECC, M.D for CCECC and G.M Southwest CCECC during the signing of 3.2 Billion Dollars contractor finance Contract for The Intercity rail network of Ogun State which is in Phases.
This is a welcomed development.
As far I know, this MOU was signed in 2013. Two, where did you get your nicely rounded figure of 3.2 Billion dollars from?
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday said countries across the African continent are happy over the outcome of the presidential election in Nigeria, which saw the defeat of incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
Mr. Obasanjo said his checks in a number of African countries suggested they were as happy over the result of the election as majority of Nigerians are.
He referred to President Goodluck Jonathan as a moving train who was providentially stopped from collapsing Nigeria. “I have visited six countries since the election, they are as happy about the results as we are in Nigeria. It is good not only for Nigeria, it is good for Africa and I believe it is good for the world.”
Mr. Obasanjo, who led the African Union Observation Mission to the April 2015 General Election in Sudan, spoke on Thursday at a Washington DC event.
The former president described Nigeria as a country that obsessively plays “a dangerous game of moving close to the precipice”.
He said the country came close to disintegration in the run-up to the 2015 elections but switched swiftly to the path of redemption after the polls.
“I hope we will not fall over one of these days,” he said.
He said one month to the election, no one believed “we will have a peaceful election that is reasonably free and fair.”
Describing his role in the election as that of a person standing on the track of a moving train, the former president said during the countdown to the elections, he faced the option of “jumping off” the tracks or “be crushed” if the train did not providentially get “derailed and stop.”
He said he did not jump and was not crushed adding that “at every stage, there must be leaders imbued with sufficient courage and will to stand firm when you have to stand firm.”
He described the results of the elections as what Nigerians “deserve” though some Nigerians “did not want it”.
Mr. Obasanjo was the featured speaker at the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) event titled What is Right with Africa: Reframing Africa’s Leadership Challenges.
He made these remarks in response to a question by Princeton Lyman, a former ambassador to Nigeria.
Mr. Obasanjo observed that Nigeria’s tendency to flirt with near-death experiences stretches back to colonial times when it almost cost the country the chance of gaining political independence from Britain.
Recalling colonial-era disagreements over self-rule, the former President said at a stage, advocates of self-rule from the Eastern and Western Regions decided to “let the North go” since their leaders were reluctant to accept regional autonomy back then.
“But reason prevailed,” he said, “East and West got internal autonomy in 1957, North got same in 1959 and the whole country got independence in 1960.”
Listing the 1964 post-election violence in the south west and the 1966 coup d’etats which led to “pogrom and civil war” as other self-destructive phases in the country’s history, the former president remarked that Nigeria emerged from all of these as “one entity” in spite of contrarian speculations.
“Not only did we survive the civil war but, within nine years, somebody from the rebel side, as we called them, and somebody from the vandal side, as they called us, became president and vice-president of Nigeria. Not many countries achieve that,” he said.
President Obasanjo described the 2015 election as “almost in the same category” as other near-death experiences in Nigeria’s history.
He said one month to the election, no one believed “we will have a peaceful election that is reasonably free and fair.”
“I think we are now building institutions that can withstand what we may see as danger to good governance in Africa. The election has moved Nigeria one very important step up in our democratic dispensation, process and practice.”
The difference between Barcanista's ideological deficiencies and that of the person behind the CramJones handle is, what you get when you remove six from half a dozen.
Interestingly, both parties also appear to relish nothing more than the adulation and opprobrium which their discussion threads attract in equal measure.
It was not clear why Otti was at the venue of the meeting with the leaders of the APC but insiders believe his visit was to consolidate on a working relationship he has developed with the APC.
Wetin this one know about hard knocks? Ok, so he finish law at 20 (His name is Seni Saraki and he is 20. He recently finished from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, but now in the UK) - good for him. Let's hope he understands how godfatherism continues to blight hopes and dreams, in Nigeria
Chai, my country don suffer. So this is the so-called weapons expert?
An expert in explosives and weapons research, Mr. Biedomo Paul Iguniwei, on Monday said the six-storey guest house belonging to the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) could have been fired with a high energy infrasonic weapon leading to its collapse.
Iguniwei, a 37-year-old graduate of Chemistry from the University of Maiduguri, made this claim on Monday while testifying before the Coroner’s Inquest investigating the circumstances which led to the collapse of the six-storey guest house on September 12.
Those who are clamouring for a halt to the coroner’s inquest into the September 12, 2014 disaster that occurred at the ‘SCOAN’ headquarters killing 116 people including about 84 South African nationals should know this;
“Section 74(1) of the Physical Planning and Development Law of Lagos State states inter alia that at any time there is a collapsed building within the state. Wherever it is discovered that there is a negligence on the part of the owner or the developer, that land will be confiscated and whoever is at the other side of the law will be prosecuted,” therefore, the ‘SYNAGOGUE’ can’t be an exception.
While the collapse of the the newly built 6-storey structure at the ‘SCOAN’ head quarters still remains a mystery, the hovering of what appeared to be a Hercules C-130, which is a military aircraft according to CCTV and expert analysis compounds the theories.
If at all we want to overlook the claims by the military expert from the Nigerian Defence Academy, what was the aircraft doing atop the building for so long abi ‘TB’ don get airport inside SCOAN? Probably Shekau now pitches his tent with SCOAN.
Ikotun is definitely not a small place yet the pilot chose the synagogue for his flying lessons or was it to test weapons, after all this is what the so called aircraft is designed for
I’m still pondering though, how the expert got to know the kind of aircraft that flew across the building from such distance. Was the plane hovering just over the synagogue or was it due to the fact that it was viewed from the premises of SCOAN, that was why that assumption was put forward?
I thought only helicopters have the ability to hover round a building …
However, regardless of how ridiculous the conclusions made by the representatives of Prophet T.B Joshua may sound, don’t you think there is an element of truth in the arguments raised?
Is it possible for a newly constructed building to collapse on its own accord without any strong external presence that would upset the statics of the building? Considering the fact that on the said day, there were no heavy rainfall, unusual wind and even if wizards were flying through the building on broom sticks, Prophet T.B Joshua would definitely had detected that, but of course if Nigerians thought the infrasonic radiation ‘tingy’ was ridiculous, how much more a talk about wizardry.
So, was it wrong to make those mind-blowing assumptions about that strange aircraft?
Why is the Lagos state government not investigating the aircraft itself? After all video replays suggested that the aircraft may have had a hand in the catastrophe that ensued moments after it left the vicinity of the collapsed structure.
If this hubris about control demolition of the SCOAN building by some strange flying saucer emitting radiation via an infrasonic weapon, as claimed by the explosives and weapons expert, is to be taken any serious, one wonders what could have been the motive of such action. One fact that ought not to be ignored or undermined in this case is the originally approved capacity of the foundation of the building; was the original building foundation designed to carry a two-storey structure?
At what point and on whose permission was it reviewed to accommodate additional four-storey?
How credible is the assessment of the NDA Post graduate student?
Why do I have a feeling he just came up with a theory he googled or got from a scientific journal? A poorly conceived piece of fiction!
I hope we won’t hear soon from another military expert in astronomical science that aliens are presently been employed to rig the forthcoming elections. After all that’s all they do; take us on a ride through fool’s paradise.
There is nothing we won’t hear in this country.
If the military had a weapon as destructive as that, then why has it not been used in sambisa forest? Why does the military lack regular arms and ammunition to tackle insurgency? Why are we still begging every Tom Dick and Harry for weapons?
Now, you understand why that assumption sounds like a big joke, right?
Supposing it was a terrorist attack, why has no terrorist group made claim to the collapse? I’m sure Boko haram would be proud to own up to it if it were there doing. At least, who would think they had become so advanced to use an infrasonic weapon emitting radiation
Even the strange historical collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington in 1940 was never attributed to infrasonic radiation from a weapon.
if this ‘talk made simple’ weapon was in existence then why did Al Qaeda go through the stress and risk of crashing planes into the world trade centre and the pentagon in 2001?
So many questions begging for answers…
At least, Iguniwei has successfully used “infrasonic weapon” theory not only to blast Nigeria to outer space but to also make a name for himself and I suppose he got his “rocket science” degree from the NDA. Oops! I forgot! He’s still studying.
I hope he takes us to the moon soon!
Why all the questions remain unanswered, I hope we won’t have to wait for long to get to the root of this matter while the Fashola led-government remain resolute in proving that shoddy workmanship and bad designs led to the collapse of the SCOAN guest house and not any external factors.
But the fact remains that the collapsed guest house had no approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment like many other structures in Lagos which is itself an offence even if there was an approval in the offing as claimed.
Remember the people that died were non-Nigerians neither were they the revered Prophet’s family members; they were his guest. Therefore I don’t see anything wrong in the coroner’s inquest into the primary cause of the collapse as long as it’s with genuine intentions.
After all said, whatever it is the Lagos State Government is pursuing should end sooner than later.
tophumble: Immediately Fayemi lost election last yr june, the Federal Govt did not release Sept and Oct allocation to him, the allocation was released to Fayose in December, 2014, infact GEJ used it to campaign in Ekiti state. Did u get my point nw, Hw is Fayemi suppose to pay Sept salary without allocation?
Too right.
28 Facts About Ekiti State -Dr. Kayode Fayemi
The immediate past governor of Ekiti State Dr. John Kayode Fayemi (JKF) was today interviewed on a live broadcast program at Adaba Fm in ondo state, where he explained how he run his administration.
Below are the facts about Ekiti State as explained by him.
1. Deduction per month on Ekiti Bond is N498 Million as against N1 Billion claimed by Governor Fayose. 2. Owed 1 month salary which was September 2014, and its allocation was not paid by Abuja, until the inauguration of Gov. Fayose. 3. Government of JKF commitments in ERM of salary are numerous than present in term of payment to Traffic Officer, Aged Social Securities, Street sweepers, Peace Corps etc, which are no more paid. 4. Paid 30% monthly basic salary as Xmas Bonus. 5. JKF Government increased salary thrice. 6. Same Government at the 3 weeks in office approved COHENS and other health sectors salaries. 7. Fayose’s administration was given September 2014 allocation at his resumption in October, 2014 and supposed to pay for the month. 8. Nobody left N10.4 Billion in 2006, it is commonsensical to prove such statement, he only left N3.5 Billion. 9. That Gov. Fayose’s governance centred on lies fabrication. 10. Cars bought to Kabiyesis and Civil Servants from Coscharis have been fully paid except the little outstanding from that of top Civil Servants. 11. That the statement credited to Fayose on the incompletion of Ayoba Hill Govt House is a total false. 12. The building is not only practically completed but well furnished and accommodated before my leaving. 13. Cited Kaduna and Plateau Govt Houses cost of buildings examples to deflate the claim that the Ekiti Building is too costly. 14. Advised Fayose to go out himself to Egbe Dam, or ask the Kabiyesis from Ode, Aisegba and others whether there is water or not. 15. JKF went to the World Bank to canvass for the $50 millions to be spent on water which was at the point of release when leaving the office and would be collected by this administration. 16. JKF ran focused and professional civil service. 17. All the Permanent Secretaries, even the Head of Service under JKF was based on competency tests. 18. No vendetta throughout the JKF administration in the selection/appointment of any public officers. 19. JKF gave approval limit of Head of Service is N500,000 while that of Permanent Secretaries is N100,000; unlike now that everything must be approved by Mr. Fayose. 20. That JKF paid 20% rural allowance, 27.5% peculiar allowance and core subject allowance. 21. JKF also paid December salary throughout not later that Dec. 18th. 22. JKF tenure witnessed peace all through by taking care of all logistics needed to counter crimes which were given quarterly. 23. Throughout JKF tenure, Ekiti only witnessed robbery at First Banks at Ilasa and Okesa in Ado. 24. JKF believes that the Security status of any community depends on the attitude of the leader of such community to it. 25. Separation of power is between the House of Assembly, Judiciary and Executive in JKF administration. 26. Neither legislators nor judges were intimidated during JKF era. 27. JKF advised Mr. Fayose to dedicaate his time to studying the 500 pages hand over note for the clarification of any ambiguity in governance. 28. JKF affirmed it that all the ongoing work in Ekiti were awarded and paid for before leaving office and that all the projects awarded by his administration were thoroughly due processed.
“Fayose has not paid us since September yet you are fighting for him” – Workers slam labour leaders
April 24, 2015
The rally cry by the Governor of Ekiti State Ayo Fayose to citizens of the state in a bid to tilt the advantage to his side in the continuing feud with the House of Assembly has caused divisions in the labor sector as some workers in the state are said to be unhappy with labour leaders who have allegedly abandoned their primary duties of agitating for their welfare and instead chosen to dabble in politics.
Acting under the aegis of Ekiti Enlightened Workers’ Forum, EEWF, the workers slammed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) for their role in locking 19 All Progressives Congress lawmakers out of the state.
The workers noted that it was wrong for labor to have joined hoodlums in blocking roads and causing statewide panic claiming that labor leaders were pursuing personal gains.
They wondered if labour had become an branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, saying the issue of workers’ welfare rather than taking sides with political gladiators should concern the unionists.
The workers urged the union leaders to steer clear of politics, especially the raging impeachment crisis and face their welfare, which they said has affected their morale. Also, the interests of workers, they claimed, should be the topmost priority of their leaders and this must not be traded on the altar of politics which they believed labour leaders have turned into a lucrative business venture when civil servants and other workers are wallowing in poverty.
The EEWF further stated that it was callous of NLC, TUC and JNC leaders to fight an unnecessary political war when the labour force have not been paid salaries since September, maintaining that the government has since received September allocation, hence payment should not be delayed. Other demands of the aggrieved workers include payment of 2014 leave bonus, remittance of various deductions, such as cooperative, check-off dues and loans to banks made from workers’ July to September 2014 salaries.
“It should be stressed that workers rely on ‘sharp-sharp’ loans and rather for the leadership of Labour to demand for improved welfare, the so-called labour leaders are conniving with the government to introduce another form of ‘sharp-sharp’ loans to workers. The burden resulting from interests on these loans is too hard for workers to bear! Government is a continuum, as soon as a government is sworn in, such government acquires assets and liabilities of the previous administration. The above matters are issues which the leadership of labour is expected to pursue but the so-called self-imposed/anointed leaders in NLC, TUC and JNC have vowed not to pursue because of their personal gains. At any rate, our present state of labour ineptitude may remain with us for a long time to come, unless the good workers of this state take some drastic steps to stem this unfortunate tide,” they said.
walepinna: The prob is that we don't read to understand, we only read...People should take patience to read whatsoever any one says without misinterpreting such person... That's how they said buhari has started changing his manifesto without understanding what he means by what he said... SMH
I beg to disagree. The truth is; we read, we understand, but are too damn cynical to consider the merits of alternative view points.
Mogidi: Those who made Jonathan's administration impossible are gradually being rewarded for job well done.
Whats next? Shekau getting the defence ministry?
At this rate Tinubu might be getting the keys to Central bank.
^^^Says one of most incorrigible TANoids on these boards. Do you have an ounce of empathy in you at all? Or must everything be reduced to proselytizing party politics, while in a frame of mind where your scruples and conscience are malleable?
Like Mama Piss like Mogidi. Two peas in a pod that would go to any length to mortgage the truth.
How did the ‘BringBackOurGirls’ campaign start?
I have been following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls since April 14 and I have been concerned and consistently worried about the huge number of girls that were abducted in view of the fact that we’ve seen continued pockets of abductions. I have been worried following up the story and two weeks after that, exactly April 24, I just decided there was no need for me to sit and keep wondering what could happen. We should engage our government to find out the status of the rescue operations. So, on the 24th I called Maryam Uwais, who is a human rights lawyer that I am familiar with. I called her and I said ‘I will like to come and see you aunty Maryam, I want us to talk about these Chibok girls, am very concerned, and it bothers me’. She said ‘okay come tomorrow’ and the next day, which was Friday I drove to Maryam Uwais’ office. I went in and said ‘Aunty Maryam you a human rights lawyer, you do advocacy for women and I am coming here to talk to you about Chibok girls, we can’t sit and just be quiet. I am concerned about our values as human beings and Nigerians’. She said ‘okay’ but she wasn’t sure if protests will be effective. She was quite concerned that there have been protests
Interestingly and about the same time, Aunty Oby Ezekwesili had already tweeted ‘bringbackourgirls’ and without knowing of the tweet, on the 24th I went to Aunty Maryam Uwais’ office and said ‘Let’s give this thing a definition and purpose’, I wasn’t aware of Aunty Oby’s tweet and emails kept building up. I sent emails to a few journalists that I know asking them to join us. For me it is not about the number but the symbolism and this is really the evolution of the genesis of how we started the underground protest of bringbackourgirls.
What inspired you to take up this challenge?
I was inspired by the fact that a little group, a small local government area somewhere in Borno State is crying out for help, their daughters have been abducted and nobody was saying anything. I was moved as a woman and mother. When I imagined those mothers going to sleep every night without knowing where their daughters are. I was moved as a Nigerian, especially the fact that our security apparatuses are not doing what we expect from them as citizens. We have put in their hands the protection of our lives and property and here we as a people are scared to go to the market, scared to go to the motor parks. So, that really moved me I have been privileged to have education, I know the impact of education on the girl child, I know what education in the North is and I know how challenging and difficult it is for females to go to school and even go to the point where they are writing WAEC exams. This is such a huge thing in the North because half-way through secondary school a lot of girls are dropping out, they are married off, they don’t allow them to go to school, they are making them go into trade. So, for a girl to reach the SSCE stage writing her WAEC exams, her family must have given up a lot to nurture her to that level. And at that critical time when she is writing exams and then she is snatched away, abducted by terrorists and we do not see our government taking up this task seriously, it is for me a great challenge.
The woman in this case says she came to the UK from Nigeria in 1991 after her parents were killed in a car crash and her aunt and uncle tried to force her into marriage with an older man.
She paid traffickers to get her to the UK, where she worked illegally in a shop before becoming pregnant and having her son in 2009.
In 2010, she claimed asylum on the basis she feared persecution if she returned to Nigeria.
Her claim was refused but the appeals process dragged on until January this year when she and her son were deported. A key part of the ruling is that his best interests have not been taken into account.
Profile: Mr Justice Cranston
Mr Justice Cranston is a former Labour MP, a friend of Tony Blair and ex-Solicitor-General who has made a series of high-profile human rights rulings in recent years.
Ross Cranston, MP for Dudley North, with Cherie Blair at a Downing Street event with young constituents in 2002 (PA)
The 66-year-old was born Ross Cranston in Australia and educated at Queensland University, Harvard and Oxford before becoming a barrister. Mr Blair recommended him for the seat of Dudley North in 1997 and appointed him Solicitor-General until 2001.
Mr Cranston left Parliament in 2005, and in 2007 became a High Court judge.
Last month, with the Lord Chief Justice, he overturned the conviction of a News of the World journalist for paying for leaked information from a prison officer.
Politics / Re: Buhari And Osinbajo Taking Breakfast Tea With N35 Milo (pics) by TheOtherview: 9:57am On Apr 29, 2015 
