₦airaland Forum

Mine is the KING JAMES VERSION! I love it because one can easily memorize its contents especially with the 'Elizabethan style of English' it is structured! Phrases like 'what seekest thou', 'thou hast been my Lord', 'thy sins be forgiven thee' and many more all catch my fancy

Katsumoto: Of course he did, according to you.

We should accept the view of the minister of propaganda for Biafra and ignore the views of British journalists simply because Britain supported Nigeria?

But I understand your position, so I am not bothered.

....But you never bothered to ask me why! You also downplayed the position of Frederick Forsyth account on the war, dont you?

Dede1: You have been twisted out of human form due to the eyewitness account published by Achebe yet you found favor in the conjectural craps published by people who were thousands of miles away in their cozy offices taking formative instructions from governments sympathetic to Nigeria.

He got you there Katz!

Our leaders have failed us over the years, 'Corruption had been institutionalized way back under Babangida's Regime' the psyche of most Nigerians is how to make it at all costs. Indeed, corruption is the biggest single employer of Nigerians today. Almost all categories of Nigerians, from the lowly to the mighty, from the young to the old, owe allegiance to it in one way or the other!

And this is what we have now in our Nigerian Police activities; "brutality"

.....more

The principle of egalitarianism was more pronounced when Nigeria was under regionalism, at least going by what obtains in each region. Ironsi scattered that wonderful platform and Gowon watered it to maturity by his creation of 12 states, a precedent that led to Nigeria’s precarious situation till date. No thanks to these two soldiers! You will agree with me that, a belligerent Nigeria is what this present arrangement (a too powerful central government plus a multi-coloured system of government) has turned Nigeria into. I would have preferred to see a more united and purposeful Nigeria entrenched in the principle of egalitarianism but with this present arrangement? No way! I would rather be a staunch supporter of a bloodless divided Nigeria; I believe Nigeria can divide peacefully! What many emotional-laden Nigerians have failed to understand is that we only practiced with regionalism that favoured federalism for 6 years, if we had stay a little longer with it, by now we (as a Nation) would have been the “real giant of Africa” and a force to be reckoned with economically in the comity of nations!

It is no longer news that Nigerian system of government is a wasteful one, the lack of proper consideration before establishing government-controlled parastatals, ministries, commissions and agencies had led to proliferation of bodies without due diligence hence, leading to overlapping of functions and on a more serious note, misappropriation of public funds, painful inefficiencies and economic wastage. In 2011, Jonathan had set up a committee headed by the then Head of Service of the Federation, Steve Oronsaye, to restructure and rationalize the Civil Service, the committee was given 8 weeks to conclude its work. At the initial stage, the committee’s activities were slowed down by ‘powerful interest groups’ in the society. However, the committee was able to finish up on its onerous task and finally submit the 800-page report to the President in early 2012.

The report revealed that the federal government would save over =N=862 billion by 2015 if its recommendations are implemented, a credence to the fact that most of government ministries, parastatals and agencies are waste pipes. It had recommended; the reduction of statutory agencies of government from 263 to 161, abolition of 38 agencies, merger of 52 and reversal of 14 to departments in ministries. It also recommended that both the legislature and the judiciary must make spirited efforts at reducing their costs as well as restructuring and rationalizing the agencies under them, if the cost of governance must be reasonably trimmed. The committee revealed that the average cost of governance in Nigeria ranks among the highest in the world, and for a country at a developing stage, it is killing!

For the records, out of the various cabals that have misappropriated public funds in Nigeria for their own uses, the civil service mafia is the oldest and most successful. According to Professor Onwuchekwa Jemie of the BusinessDay, he posited, “The Nigerian Civil Service is committed only to its own survival. Its function, as it sees itself, is neither to produce nor to manage the nation’s wealth but to consume it. Its corporate survival guarantees the well being and progress-in-cash of the individual members. The civil service is like a blood brotherhood, sworn to secrecy, sworn to protect one another and not to testify against one another except under extreme duress. No one wants to change the rules – unless to create more loopholes and increase the windfall.”

Their offices (especially the senior among them) came with some “privileges,” starting from the free housing in the exclusive Government Reserved Area (GRA) formerly named “European Quarter” for the white colonial officers formerly there. The “privileges” continue in the form of car loan repayable over the space of six years with a generous petrol and maintenance allowance. When joining the service or on official travels, they must travel first class by air with family; when on transfer to a new station, 5 star hotel accommodation and feeding with all expenses are paid for self and family for 28 days (equivalent of one month) and the shocker, renewable indefinitely until permanent accommodation befitting rank and status is found; and while attending conferences, workshops or other official duties they are given first class treatments in hotels with feeding all at the expenses of the government. The out-of-station or ‘bush’ allowance; estacode (foreign travel allowance) complete with excess baggage coupons to facilitate the purchase of foreign goods; leave (or furlough) allowance; telephone allowance; entertainment allowance; study leave for three or more years at home or abroad of course with some pay; there are still hidden ones!

The over-budgeted estacode is a cause for worry; top civil servants are known to cook up fanciful projects that would have shamed the former “whites” in that exalted posts. They (Nigerian Civil Service) are elusive, they pride themselves on their survival irrespective of the odds stacked against them by the government of the day. Governments come and go, but they are ever present. The Presidents or heads of states, governors, ministers and commissioners are nothing but “Temporary Lords” while they (especially the permanent secretaries) remain as the “Permanent Lords”! If threatened by the Minister (Temporary Lord) for instance, the game of wits is played. His tactic is delay, his defense is caution, his attack is the rule book which he slams in the enemy’s (the Minister) face. In the end, every new government no matter how committed to rid the Civil Service of corruptions or short cut practices is defeated by the permanent secretaries (popularly called ‘perm sec’) and his formidable army of deputies, principals and assistants (masters of the dribble, masters of delay and the last-minute surprises), clerks (who hide the files), messengers (who make sure the letter arrives late or never), and security men (who burn the account books when the game is up).

Looking at the rich Oronsaye Reports, I am afraid it might go the way of a similar one raised by Obasanjo in 2000 by the name, “Ahmed Joda Panel.” The Panel submitted a White Paper on the Review, Harmonization and Rationalization of Federal Government Parastatals, Institutions and Agencies with the aim that some parastatals and agencies should either be scrapped, commercialized, privatized or self-funded. Unfortunately, few of the suggested parastatals and agencies are still being funded by government with billions of Naira.

Another set of pics

The biggest carnival in Nigeria, the Abuja National Carnival was unveiled on Saturday 24th November, 2012 and it will run through till Tuesday 27th November, 2012. The experience to say the least is to conclude that its going to be a breathtaking one, this I know based on my experience in 2009. To those based in Abuja, the carnival train normally kicks of at Area 1 just after that bridge, then proceedings move to Army headquarters from there movement will be towards Chelsea Hotel to CBN headquarters and from there it ends up at the famous Eagle Square. I have decided to supply the many pictures I took then to evoke some feelings of pride in the hearts of many Nairalanders that really appreciate the numerous cultures and traditions that pervades our land. Truly, our strength as a country lies in our diversities! The costumes, cultural displays, choreographies, organization and the fun involved in the carnival makes it worthwhile and one worthy of international adulation, to those who have never been to any carnival events before or not aware of such I do hereby present this rich carnival I attended in 2009, happy viewing;

I can never forget that standard and appealing colour of the Nigerian Police Force uniform way back then, it was a rich green-grey, starched, and well ironed uniform of our Police then. They (the Nigerian Police) were so orderly and battle-ready for any crimes whatsoever; it was an era the Nigerian Police Force made sense. Unfortunately, during the inglorious regime of Presidential Ibrahim Babangida and under the watch of the then Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji M. Gambo Jimeta, the colour of the Police uniforms were changed from the revered green-grey colour to black-black on the 4th April, 1988. Many critics had argued over the years that this singular act really affected the efficiencies of the Police Force. I have always believed that colours have a way of shaping the activities and destinies of sportsmen and even some humans. I can never forget the famous red and black stripped jersey of the great football club, AC Milan under the invincible Fabio Capello in the early 90s to mid 90s, they were indeed insurmountable anytime they have their famous red and black stripped jerseys on. So real was their invincibility, that they dominated the Serie A in the 90s, they were a team to watch and adore anytime, any day, I just love them play especially under the guide of Fabio Capello. Can the same be implied about our Nigerian Police Force?

Definitely it's a YES from me, real men of God act as seers for a country (the Bible gave many instances in the book of Kings)! They sound the note of warning and if heeded can lead to economic prosperity, a typical example in our contemporary time was the story of Paul (now David) Yonggi Cho from South Korea who through prayers and fastings changed the economic status of the country for better! I confirmed from few men of God while listening to their sermons. So, it's possible in Nigeria!

obadiah777: THATS WHAT HE GET FOR MESSING WITH ME INITIALLY <<< EBONICS

Trust me you are a funny guy with a class! You are a master of the flow even in your jokes you could still point out his 'little gbagauns' despite his claims of 'grammer mastery'

tintingz: what spirit? We already have spirit in us. . .we are not zombies nau

No you can never understand such a deep statement in your life, except the Holy Spirit interpretes it to you! Someone engaging in, "lie lie e-lie lie" is not expected to understand the spiritual and deep words of the BIBLE (the world most popular, powerful, sought-after and highest selling book for the past 40 years running)! Lord Jesus, thank you for making me to know the truth(Amen)

caseless: if what i've said is not the fact, then i stand to be called names. Holy spirit can't convince me...how can somethin i can't see or touch convince me? Why is ur religion associated with spirits? Which of the spirits did jesus deal with? Toma, ur point is as soft as tomato so it can't stand my posts as i'm factual in what i say.

You still dont get it do you? God is a Spirit and those that worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth. Christianity is a deep religion!

caseless: ignorant adheren
To tell u evrything has changed, jesus dosn't deliver/heal anymore, that's now left in the hands of ur miracle-peddling pastors. I can never follow ur man-made way to get to God. Infact, that ur so called oneway is full of flaws. Thank u!

I know people like you exist, who just love engaging in banal statements for the love of it. The Holy Spirit is the one that can convince you, I cannot help your caseless case

caseless: hmmmm...anti-christ apostle!

Only the ignorant (caseless) can call to the ignorant (tintingz)! JESUS CHRIST, the same yesterday, today and forever! He still heals, delivers and converts as He did thousands of years ago today. Ignorance is no excuse in the courtyard of Heaven and Apostle Paul never preached against the teachings of Christ and his disciples.There is only one way to God the Father and that only way is JESUS! If you follow another way, you are lost!

The sinister move by these 'funky Mallams' is to cunningly cause a drama in the judiciary and electoral process to scheme out Jonathan from contesting in 2015 and trust me Southern Nigeria is wiser now! Jonathan has replied them too that he is more than qualified to contest. I don't know the problems of these goons? They desperately thirst for power as if they know what to do with it. I can bet no be Aboki go be there come 2015, it is Jonathan all the way

It will be the biggest mistake in the political calculations of Nigeria if by error of commission or omission, the North hijack power come 2015! Because, going by the threat of the senile Mallam Adamu Ciroma in 2011 that the country will be ungovernable should Jonathan emerged and if one looks deeply, they (the North) made good their threats!I think come 2019, after Jonathan would av finished his 2nd term an Igbo candidate should come next.... North ko, Aboki ni

rodeo0070: Me thinks AOL is better...

There is an acronym already bearing that already, remember 'America Online' (AOL)

ihedioramma: IF THE GUY IS A MAN WHY NOT COME THE TIME THE MEN IS ALIVE ? TELL THAT GUY LET HIM GO AND WORK AND LIVE THAT WOMAN . HE WANT TO TELK SOMETHING FROM A W,DO ? .

A fresh graduate in English Language from Patience Ebele Jonathan University (PEJU)

victord1st: obasanjo was adulterously involved with his daughter-inlaw and twice the president of ur country nigeria.shm

*GBAM* OUCH! OUCH! OUCH!

Wao Sowore, I am proud of this guy a very bold and courageous Student Union President of UniLag in the mid 90s, he was the guy attacked by cultists and injected with lead poison after being beaten black and blue, when I remember Sowore of UniLag, I remembered Tony Fash of Great Ife (my alma mater)! Sowore is going places, though no one is perfect and I think as human, Sowore will have his mistakes! However, he is doing a yeoman's job with his Sahara Reporters, well done Sir!

yoged: . Obadiah!obadiah!obadiah? How many time did I called you? I swear, you are a clown.

Seconded! **tomakint rolling on the floor, laughing with tears** indeed OBADIAH is a joker, just love the way he was messing around with the London guy

991: Keep off that computer kid! Go wash plates in the kitchen, mom will soon be home.

I really appreciate the way you answered that 'lacasera' guy, he is too young to understand simple logic that Gowon is not the type to open his mouth and castigate an Obj for a crime he is as well more guilty of!

ITbomb: Like I say N200million and we have a deal.
I'm dead serious

Friend, no matter your level of challenge, don't u ever try it because if you do, you have just walked into one big trap!

Oil theft by oil barons and their foot soldiers have come to stay! It is on record that Nigeria looses about $5 billion annually to illegal refining businesses. There are an estimated 5000 illegal refining outfits built by youths in strict collaboration with their well-connected sponsors. These economic sabotage swells the pockets of the oil barons and their boys with a princely $400 million daily.Ironically, these were the children of the Biafran war veterans! Jona never see anthing! hmn

juman: Gen. Gowon deserve a gift of a private jet.

For what? How old are you baby boy? The sooner you realised that Obasanjo is the one who is going to be vindicated on this one, the better for you! Tell me the level of security we have achieved against the Boko Haram insurgents? In case u don't know, Boko still attacked and killed yesterday(thursday)! Who is Gowon? The same clown that wasted 2millions Biafrans now condemning an Obasanjo for invading Odi? Obj will respond!

[quote author=swaggie!!!]2 million isn't enough to achieve anything these days.[/quote]The question is, if the man up it to N20 million will you marry her?

hunkydory: I dont think it will cost up to 5 billion to rebuild it.

The point is 5.2 billion will build two of that UN building from the scratch, it's a place I have been to and I don't think our Naira is that worthless like the Zimbabwean Dollars to warrant this economic wastage, somebody got gamed bro!