₦airaland Forum

‘Political Solution’ll Resolve PDP Crisis’

Mr. Olufemi Aduwo is the National Coordinator of Rights Monitoring Group (RMG). In this interview, he speaks on the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections, among others. WALE ELEGBEDE reports

What do you make of the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party and the various court rulings on the matter?

I am worried because when you look at the characters that formed the political parties in Nigeria, either the PDP, APC and others, you will find out that only one interest is common to all; how to plunder and enrich themselves at the expense of the people. For the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis, the first question to ask is: How did Senator Ali Modu Sheriff emerge as the party’s chairman? It is a common knowledge that when the former chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu left, some governors like Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose brought Sheriff into the party to conclude the term of that zone, which was made vacant by the resignation of Mu’azu. Suddenly, the powers that brought him in as the chairman decided to get rid of him.

But the man felt that you can bring him in to come and stabilise the party and humiliate him. He man went to court and the judgement was in his favour. It was baffling that the same PDP went to another court of the same jurisdiction in Rivers State on the same issue to get an injunction. It is sad that they are ridiculing the judiciary on this issue and people are not talking. From what I know, the PDP constitution does not give room for caretaker committee. Secondly, who proclaimed the Port Harcourt convention, where Sheriff was removed to hold? Was there a subsisting court order that elections into some positions should not be conducted? As of today, legally, Sheriff is the chairman of the PDP.

https://newtelegraphonline.com/political-solutionll-resolve-pdp-crisis/

The Godfather, Godson Combat

The Forthcoming National Convention Of The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Is Set To Produce One Of The Characteristics That Makes Politics A Game Of Interest As A Former Deputy National Chairman Of The Party, Chief Olabode George, Battles His Political Godson, Mr. Jimi Agbaje For The Party’s National Chairmanship. WALE ELEGBEDE Reports


For those adept with the act of politics, it is a game where morality is only heard and seen but rarely observed especially when interests are involved. As succinctly put by some political scientists; there is no morality in politics.

Although, the game has rules, the terms of engagement can easily be busted without a corresponding punitive measure to the delinquent. In the dictionary of politics, no such things as values and morals exist, only interests matters at every point in time.

In the build-up to the last general election in Lagos State, the dramatis personae in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in state were the former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George; former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Mr. Jimi Agbaje, who eventually became the governorship candidate of the party.


https://newtelegraphonline.com/godfather-godson-combat/

Meeting With Niger Delta Avengers: Minister In Trouble, Buhari Orders Probe

*Dalung disguised, sneaked into Oporoza
*Community denies minister’s visit
*Ex-Supreme Court Justice’s son facilitated trip


Days after his acclaimed meeting with the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), Sports and Youth Development Minister, Mr. Solomon Dalung, appears to have run into trouble as President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the probe of circumstances surrounding the parley.

“Mr. President has ordered that the minister provides an answer as to whether or not he actually met with Avengers, and if truly he did, he wants to know from him who authorised the meeting,” a presidential aide told our correspondent.

This development came, as it emerged that one Jude Tabai, the son of a retired justice of the Supreme Court, facilitated Dalung’s trip to Oporoza.

But the minister did not disclose his identity to the host community during his visit as he introduced himself as the head of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working for development in the Niger Delta.

The duo of the minister and Jude went without any security escort, a local source said. On Monday, the Sports Minister claimed to have met with the leadership of the militant group as well as community leaders in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom of Warri South West Local Government area of Delta State.

But the source, who spoke on the heels of the NDA’s and Oporoza community’s denial of any meeting with Dalung, disclosed that the president has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Mohammed Monguno (rtd) to “get to the root of the meeting.

“The first question Mr. President raised on the report that the minister visited the leadership of the Avengers and Oporoza community was, who authorised the visit? The question became necessary because neither the NSA nor the petroleum minister or even the military task force was aware of the minister’s trip to the area.

”One thing again is the fact that anything could have happened. And again, it raises the question that if government now knows who the leaders of the Avengers are, then what next? “Mr. President is unhappy over this and he directed the NSA to get to the root of the said meeting because it became more embarrassing when both the Avengers and the community are denying that they met with the minister,” the source told New Telegraph.

A community leader from Oporoza, Mr. Ekilegha Elvis, said the only person who visited the community was the head of an NGO who came with Jude Tabai to meet a few youths. ”They said the man was an NGO man, he only met with some youths who were playing football, interacted with them and left without even seeing the traditional ruler,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Oporoza community has dissociated itself from the purported meeting between the sports minister and the community. The community, in a statement raised the alarm that the claim was an attempt to link Oporoza with the Avengers.

“Our attention has been drawn to a statement by the minister of youth and sports as contained in the newspapers, that he paid a visit to the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oporoza town to have interactive session with members of the Niger Delta Avengers and community people.

“It is pertinent to state that, to the best of our knowledge, we the leadership of the community did not receive the minister of youth and sports, or any other government official in Oporoza town last week. We have stated in many fora and occasions that we do not know anything about the Niger Delta Avengers.

“Oporoza town or any other community in Gbaramatu Kingdom has nothing to do with the Avengers and their activities. We have, in time past, condemned the activities of the Avengers, therefore could not have anything to do with them in our community,” the statement, signed by Mr. Johnbull Demebi, said. The community added that the minister should know that he has been deceived by mischievous persons and perhaps must have been swindled.



The community stated that: “As peace loving and law abiding citizens of Nigeria, we make bold to say that we are very receptive people, and have received several top government functionaries in our community, Oporoza.

For the avoidance of doubt, the last government visitor to Oporoza community was the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, and he was given a rousing welcome by the community, led by the chairman, Mr. Johnbull Demebi. And so, we doubt the claim of the Hon. Minister that he visited Oporoza community last week and had a meeting with members of Niger Delta Avengers and other community people.

“At this juncture, we wish to warn and advice government functionaries and Very Important Persons (VIPs) to be careful and mindful of persons they associate with, particularly with the intention of visiting our communities, as some persons are out there to make money from top government functionaries and bring the name of the community to disrepute.

“And so, whoever, wants to visit our communities should make proper arrangement with the leadership of such communities so as to avoid any mishap in the course of embarking on such journey.”

Dalung, who spoke to some journalists at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting of the southern senatorial zone of Plateau State in Shendam, said he took a two-hour journey on the sea to Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom where he met with the leadership of the NDA who gave him a sealed hand-written letter to deliver to President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: “On reaching the community after the two-hour journey on the high sea, I met with the members of the communities who told me that their dream was to be included in the Nigerian project, that the education facilities and other basic social amenities are almost nonexistent in the communities.

They also raised concern of incessant attacks by the Nigerian military. “As a youth minister, I know that the Avengers are mostly youths who have potential to be great citizens of this country,” he had said.

Dalung stated that after meeting with the communities, he was escorted by the Niger Delta ambassadors to the leadership of Avengers who gave him a hand-written letter specifying their demands which, he said, he was yet to present to the president. Although the minister said he did not unseal the letter, he said the Avengers had raised three important issues to him.

“The issues include the Niger Delta Maritime University, pipeline community policing, which, they said, government had denied them and the inability of government to continue with the amnesty programme established by former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua,” he had said.

Source: https://newtelegraphonline.com/meeting-niger-delta-avengers-minister-trouble-buhari-orders-probe/

WALE ELEGBEDE writes on how the bond between Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Senator Buruji Kashamu, came crashing less than two years after it was consummated



Whilst it is true that in politics there is no permanent friend or enemy but permanent interest; there are, however, some stories of friends turned foes, which makes people to recoil in shock over their separation.

One of the classic examples of such bewilderment is the current parting of ways between Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and the senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, Senator BurujiKashamu.

Two years ago, the duo were the epic definition of political ally who watched each other’s back against perceived or imagined enemies; and they made no pretense about it. For the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State, which Fayose won in an overwhelming manner by defeating the then incumbent, Dr Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the duo struck a common bond, strategised together and they got an uncommon result at the June 21, 2014 poll.

After a successful outing in Ekiti, the two new political leaders in the South-West Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), moved from the zonal level to the national level. But the political romance has crumbled within two years.

The once jolly friends, who even publicly ate yam flour (Amala) together in the Ekiti State capital, have gone their separate ways, a development that has made many tongues to waggle over what could have been responsible for the breakup.

https://newtelegraphonline.com/friendship-gone-sour

Lagos 8th Assembly: So Far, So Good

Not a few residents of Lagos State anticipated a stormy tenure for the 8th legislative Assembly in the state when eight members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won seats to the House. WALE ELEGBEDE takes a look at how the House has fared in the last one year

For the first time in its history, the Lagos State House of Assembly has a record of eight opposition members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its fold. For those not adept with the history of the 37-year-old Assembly, this may not be news. But for those who could relate with the history of opposition within the chamber, they can reckon that this is the first time that the House will produce such a high number of opposition lawmakers in a legislative session.

The composition which arose after the April 11, 2015 election set the stage for a new wine in a new bottle. After the inauguration of the 8th Assembly last June by the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the present Speaker of the House, Hon. Mubashiru Obasa, emerged as the Eighth Speaker of the 40-member Assembly comprising 32 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers and eight PDP members.

Since his inauguration, Obasa, a fourth term legislator representing Agege 1 state constituency, has been piloting affairs of the Assembly alongside his deputy, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni; Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade, Ikorodu 1; Deputy Majority Leader, Muyiwa Jimoh; Chief Whip, Rotimi Abiru; Deputy Whip, Omotayo Aramide Oduntan and Minority Leader, Hakeem Bello. Interestingly, the current Assembly, which official language are English and Yoruba languages, has a member, Hon. Emeka Idimogu from Imo State, South-East.

http://newtelegraphonline.com/lagos-8th-assembly-far-good/

I Did Well To Curtail Corruption – Jonathan

Your successor said he inherited a virtually empty treasury. Is that correct?

It is not true; there is no way that he would have inherited an empty treasury and at the same time give bailout to the states. It’s not possible. Nigeria is a fairly robust economy but sometimes, we over politicise some certain issues and make it look so bad. It was not that bad.

There is a perception among Nigerians that corruption was rampant during your tenure. What do you have to say to that?

Read more http://newtelegraphonline.com/well-curtail-corruption-jonathan/

Hope Dims For Confab Report


Hope seems to have dimmed for the implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, which many believe hold the key to Nigeria’s future given the recent statement credited to President Muhammadu Buhari that the confab report would be sent to the archives. FELIX NWANERI reports

At independence from colonial rule in 1960, Nigeria held the hope of black renaissance. With a citizenry fired by the zeal to make a mark within the shortest possible time, the country looked forward to a future with prospect.

But the lack of bond between the over 350 ethnic nationalities that make up the country, dashed the hope of Africa’s most populous nation stamping its feet in the comity of nations in a record time despite abundant human and natural resources.

It was against this backdrop that calls for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) dominated the political space for decades. To advocates of an SNC, Nigeria must be restructured for her to make progress and save her disintegration.

http://newtelegraphonline.com/hope-dims-confab-report/

A season of factions


Before now, the word ‘faction’ is synonymous with politics. But like a wild fire, it is gradually spreading to other units in the polity. In this report, WALE ELEGBEDE examines how unbridled ambition is making some political parties, trade unions, associations, and others go the way of faction

According to Oxford Dictionary, a faction is a small organised dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics. In Nigeria, the term, faction, is not strange to politicians especially when they are in the heat of competing ambition.

For all that counts, politicians, consider factionalisation as the endgame to their unrecognized interest. But whether forming a parallel control unit is the only option at that their disposal is a different kettle of fish.

Although having a dissent voice in matters of politics is not new to the polity but the dimension at which the fiber of ginger groups is resonating beyond politics to other facets of leadership is getting worrisome. Many Nigerians are fast developing the tendency for factions in almost every sphere. Interestingly, dissenting groups in some instances get corresponding recognition than the larger, recognise groups. This trend appears to be shoving aside the popular dictum, ‘united we stand, divided we fall’.

http://newtelegraphonline.com/a-season-of-factions/

I can relate wella....plus ejade ki a bura wa ooo @ Awo Hall (Come out let us abuse ourselves by Awo boys)lol! My Great Ife!

A season of factions


Before now, the word ‘faction’ is synonymous with politics. But like a wild fire, it is gradually spreading to other units in the polity. In this report, WALE ELEGBEDE examines how unbridled ambition is making some political parties, trade unions, associations, and others go the way of faction

According to Oxford Dictionary, a faction is a small organised dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics. In Nigeria, the term, faction, is not strange to politicians especially when they are in the heat of competing ambition.

For all that counts, politicians, consider factionalisation as the endgame to their unrecognized interest. But whether forming a parallel control unit is the only option at that their disposal is a different kettle of fish.

Although having a dissent voice in matters of politics is not new to the polity but the dimension at which the fiber of ginger groups is resonating beyond politics to other facets of leadership is getting worrisome. Many Nigerians are fast developing the tendency for factions in almost every sphere. Interestingly, dissenting groups in some instances get corresponding recognition than the larger, recognise groups. This trend appears to be shoving aside the popular dictum, ‘united we stand, divided we fall’.

http://newtelegraphonline.com/a-season-of-factions/

A season of factions


Before now, the word ‘faction’ is synonymous with politics. But like a wild fire, it is gradually spreading to other units in the polity. In this report, WALE ELEGBEDE examines how unbridled ambition is making some political parties, trade unions, associations, and others go the way of faction

According to Oxford Dictionary, a faction is a small organised dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics. In Nigeria, the term, faction, is not strange to politicians especially when they are in the heat of competing ambition.

For all that counts, politicians, consider factionalisation as the endgame to their unrecognized interest. But whether forming a parallel control unit is the only option at that their disposal is a different kettle of fish.

Although having a dissent voice in matters of politics is not new to the polity but the dimension at which the fiber of ginger groups is resonating beyond politics to other facets of leadership is getting worrisome. Many Nigerians are fast developing the tendency for factions in almost every sphere. Interestingly, dissenting groups in some instances get corresponding recognition than the larger, recognise groups. This trend appears to be shoving aside the popular dictum, ‘united we stand, divided we fall’.

http://newtelegraphonline.com/a-season-of-factions/

Wike: I inherited the worst govt from Amaechi

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has said that he inherited the worst government in the history of the state from his predecessor and current Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi.

Speaking yesterday at a stakeholders Town Hall Meeting held at the Obi Wali Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, to give account of his one year stewardship, the governor said the previous government left huge debts for his administration.

“We inherited the worst government in the history of this state as the previous government left huge debts and boasted that they will see where we will get money to pay salaries and run the government,” he stated.

http://newtelegraphonline.com/wike-inherited-worst-govt-amaechi/

Ambode: Silencing opposition with performance


Wale Elegbede reports on the several accomplishments of the Akinwunmi Ambode administration in Lagos State in the last one year, which even his critics cannot dispute

At the early stage of the administration in Lagos State, the discourse in the public space was about the competence and capacity of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

But for a man who knows his own onions very well, having reached the zenith of the civil service before voluntarily retiring, he chose rather not to join issues with anyone but concentrate on his mandate to deliver good governance to Lagosians irrespective of what part of the state they reside.

Fresh from an election where Lagos residents voted en mass for him and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor knew that his major challengers at the poll are still lurking around to cast aspersion on his policies, but interestingly, one year after, the very opponents have been wowed by the sterling achievements of the former Accountant General of Lagos.

A scenario that has been aptly tagged silencing opposition with achievements.

For those who know how to read issues, the governor’s current goodwill and popularity didn’t just spring up overnight.

It was a case of diligence; hardwork and the ability to listen to the very people you want to serve.




http://newtelegraphonline.com/ambode-silencing-opposition-performance/

I beg remove or edit this post. This is not Emmanuel Emenike!

Great Ife!

Praises President Buahri for his courageous decision
The Pain is necessary for the Gains to come.

The president's decision to reallocate funds once earmarked for the fuel subsidy and commit those funds to other more socially productive services and undertakings was a difficult decision. It was also a necessary one.
Politically, it would have been easy for the President to sit back and let the subsidy remain in place, yet in the art of governance, the easiest policy is rarely the best one.

As originally envisioned, the subsidy formed a basic part of the social contract between the people and their government. It was a benefit all were to enjoy. Yet, because past governments were not for and of the people, the true meaning and objective of the subsidy policy became lost. Over the years, the operation of the measure was distorted to where it no longer functioned for the benefit of the masses but for the undue enrichment of a small club of businessmen, some legitimate in their work, some not.

Instead of remaining a positive aspect of the social contract, the subsidy was transformed into an opaque haven of intrigue and malfeasance. It was turned into a shadowy process from which the unscrupulous extracted large sums of money without providing the services and products duly paid for. Fake businessmen became true billionaires over night as if by supernatural force. They paraded themselves as such. Meanwhile, the rest of the nation, the innocent people where left to face erratic supply and were made to groan in the misery of long fuel queues and the high costs and loss of time attendant to this situation.

To allow this unfairness to continue would have been a breach of the promise made by this government to the people. While we all have an emotional and sympathetic attachment to the ideals upon which the subsidy was founded. We all must recognize that the institution was hijacked years ago. Instead of a bonus to the masses, it became a factory of corruption enrichment. so imbued with trickery deceit and theft, it stopped serving the interests of the people. It became a weapon of profiteering. The machinery of the subsidy had become so polluted that it was no longer feasible to talk about reforming it. Either it had to cease or we would have to surrender to the corruption now inherent in it.

This administration entered office with a mandate of CHANGE. The government could not forever sit back and allow this dire inequity to continue less it forfeit the essence of its mandate.

We all want fuel at a cheaper price. under the subsidy, we got the right price but not the fuel. Meanwhile, some were getting rich on the common man's predicament. They were laughing to the bank while the rest of Nigeria wanted in the petrol line. This is not the way to democratic development. It is a recipe for creating a class of economic predators that would feed off the people and in time gain such power and wealth that they would seek to buy and control if not own government as well.

President Buhari has with this decision put an abrupt and just end to this assault against our economy and political system. He has made a courageous and prudent decision. It is time to end the fuel subsidy and to begin to subsidize the true needs of the people.

.
To Mr. President, I say congratulations for having the courage to remove the subsidy. The President has taken this tough decision in the interest of the present and future generations of Nigerians.

For some time, I have been a proponent of this action. I believed ending of subsidy was the only sure way to put to sleep the myriad demons that had invaded the subsidy process, sucking the blood of Nigeria, swallowing much of our needed money.

The rentiers will no longer be able to make free money at our common expense. They will no longer be laughing to the bank while you languish in endless fuel queues. Nigeria has taken the historic step needed to create a competitive environment that that will eliminate smuggling, provide incentives for private refineries and attract foreign investments in the downstream sector and create employment.

Instead of just shipping off the oil and having the more expensive finished products sent back to us, Nigeria will move closer to realizing its potential to become the plastic center of the continent by manufacturing these by products. Nothing can stop Nigeria from being the net exporter of fertilizer from the bye products of the oil industry.


I am hopeful but also realistic about this measure. I am also mindful of the situation of our people. this change will mean higher fuel costs in generally. I would be lying if I said this will cause no pain or dislocation. However, it will rational supply and end the hidden buy substantial costs associated with long waits and delays for fuel. The days and hours of waiting for fuel will be a thing of the past.

In a perfect setting, I wish we could have sanitized the subsidy regime and thus continue it. However, I believe that president Buhari correctly understood that there were to many malefactors and flaws in system for that hell to be turned into heaven. Better that we remove it. But I believe he is removing it not for the austere purpose of saving money but for the nobler purpose of putting those same funds to fairer, more equitable use in order that government might better serve those of us who are truly in utmost need.
Now that the subsidy is being phased-out, we should simultaneously phase in social programs benefiting the poorest, most vulnerable among us. Programs such as transportation grants, school feeding, improved basic medical care and coverage for the poor, and potable water projects are profound social objectives that can be funded with the funds that were once going to rentiers and speculators. This way we can use government funds to ensure that fruits go to the hungry, not the already well fed.

Thus, I ask everyone to take a step back to coolly and objectively assess what has been decided. We must not make the mistake of allowing our political and sympathetic attachment to the subsidy blind us to the hard fact that the purpose and benefits of the subsidy had long ago been taken from the common man to reside in the purse of an elite few. We cannot persist in this imbalance and think it will help us to development.

Instead, it is better to end the subsidy and use the funds to establish well-targeted anti-poverty programs that actually assist the people in need. true, this measure will increase fuel cost in the immediate term. here, government must be vigilant to ensure market forces are allowed to work and to bring about a fair balance between supply, demand and longer-term price. Collusion and manipulation of the market cannot be allowed.
If government sets the system fairly, it will ensure better supply and with it economic certainty. Over the longer term, it will boost investment that can spur employment in this and related sectors. Perhaps more importantly, it will liberate money that this government may now use to lower the social costs of living for our brothers and sisters who really need the help.

While this may not be perfect, it is a much better deal than the one the subsidy offered us.

Praises President Buahri for his courageous decision
The Pain is necessary for the Gains to come.

The president's decision to reallocate funds once earmarked for the fuel subsidy and commit those funds to other more socially productive services and undertakings was a difficult decision. It was also a necessary one.
Politically, it would have been easy for the President to sit back and let the subsidy remain in place, yet in the art of governance, the easiest policy is rarely the best one.

As originally envisioned, the subsidy formed a basic part of the social contract between the people and their government. It was a benefit all were to enjoy. Yet, because past governments were not for and of the people, the true meaning and objective of the subsidy policy became lost. Over the years, the operation of the measure was distorted to where it no longer functioned for the benefit of the masses but for the undue enrichment of a small club of businessmen, some legitimate in their work, some not.

Instead of remaining a positive aspect of the social contract, the subsidy was transformed into an opaque haven of intrigue and malfeasance. It was turned into a shadowy process from which the unscrupulous extracted large sums of money without providing the services and products duly paid for. Fake businessmen became true billionaires over night as if by supernatural force. They paraded themselves as such. Meanwhile, the rest of the nation, the innocent people where left to face erratic supply and were made to groan in the misery of long fuel queues and the high costs and loss of time attendant to this situation.

To allow this unfairness to continue would have been a breach of the promise made by this government to the people. While we all have an emotional and sympathetic attachment to the ideals upon which the subsidy was founded. We all must recognize that the institution was hijacked years ago. Instead of a bonus to the masses, it became a factory of corruption enrichment. so imbued with trickery deceit and theft, it stopped serving the interests of the people. It became a weapon of profiteering. The machinery of the subsidy had become so polluted that it was no longer feasible to talk about reforming it. Either it had to cease or we would have to surrender to the corruption now inherent in it.

This administration entered office with a mandate of CHANGE. The government could not forever sit back and allow this dire inequity to continue less it forfeit the essence of its mandate.

We all want fuel at a cheaper price. under the subsidy, we got the right price but not the fuel. Meanwhile, some were getting rich on the common man's predicament. They were laughing to the bank while the rest of Nigeria wanted in the petrol line. This is not the way to democratic development. It is a recipe for creating a class of economic predators that would feed off the people and in time gain such power and wealth that they would seek to buy and control if not own government as well.

President Buhari has with this decision put an abrupt and just end to this assault against our economy and political system. He has made a courageous and prudent decision. It is time to end the fuel subsidy and to begin to subsidize the true needs of the people.

.
To Mr. President, I say congratulations for having the courage to remove the subsidy. The President has taken this tough decision in the interest of the present and future generations of Nigerians.

For some time, I have been a proponent of this action. I believed ending of subsidy was the only sure way to put to sleep the myriad demons that had invaded the subsidy process, sucking the blood of Nigeria, swallowing much of our needed money.

The rentiers will no longer be able to make free money at our common expense. They will no longer be laughing to the bank while you languish in endless fuel queues. Nigeria has taken the historic step needed to create a competitive environment that that will eliminate smuggling, provide incentives for private refineries and attract foreign investments in the downstream sector and create employment.

Instead of just shipping off the oil and having the more expensive finished products sent back to us, Nigeria will move closer to realizing its potential to become the plastic center of the continent by manufacturing these by products. Nothing can stop Nigeria from being the net exporter of fertilizer from the bye products of the oil industry.


I am hopeful but also realistic about this measure. I am also mindful of the situation of our people. this change will mean higher fuel costs in generally. I would be lying if I said this will cause no pain or dislocation. However, it will rational supply and end the hidden buy substantial costs associated with long waits and delays for fuel. The days and hours of waiting for fuel will be a thing of the past.

In a perfect setting, I wish we could have sanitized the subsidy regime and thus continue it. However, I believe that president Buhari correctly understood that there were to many malefactors and flaws in system for that hell to be turned into heaven. Better that we remove it. But I believe he is removing it not for the austere purpose of saving money but for the nobler purpose of putting those same funds to fairer, more equitable use in order that government might better serve those of us who are truly in utmost need.
Now that the subsidy is being phased-out, we should simultaneously phase in social programs benefiting the poorest, most vulnerable among us. Programs such as transportation grants, school feeding, improved basic medical care and coverage for the poor, and potable water projects are profound social objectives that can be funded with the funds that were once going to rentiers and speculators. This way we can use government funds to ensure that fruits go to the hungry, not the already well fed.

Thus, I ask everyone to take a step back to coolly and objectively assess what has been decided. We must not make the mistake of allowing our political and sympathetic attachment to the subsidy blind us to the hard fact that the purpose and benefits of the subsidy had long ago been taken from the common man to reside in the purse of an elite few. We cannot persist in this imbalance and think it will help us to development.

Instead, it is better to end the subsidy and use the funds to establish well-targeted anti-poverty programs that actually assist the people in need. true, this measure will increase fuel cost in the immediate term. here, government must be vigilant to ensure market forces are allowed to work and to bring about a fair balance between supply, demand and longer-term price. Collusion and manipulation of the market cannot be allowed.
If government sets the system fairly, it will ensure better supply and with it economic certainty. Over the longer term, it will boost investment that can spur employment in this and related sectors. Perhaps more importantly, it will liberate money that this government may now use to lower the social costs of living for our brothers and sisters who really need the help.

While this may not be perfect, it is a much better deal than the one the subsidy offered us.

Convention: PDP allocates offices to South-West states

As the May 21st National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), draws closer, the zoning committee of the South- West zone has released the sharing formular for the offices zoned to the six states that made up the zone.

According to the report of the committee on zoning headed by a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun, the office of the National Secretary has been zoned to Osun State, National Auditor to Ogun, while the office of the National Publicity Secretary was zoned to Ondo State.

The report of the nineman zoning committee also indicate that Ekiti State will produce the office of the National Vice Chairman of the party. While dividing the offices on the basis of the three sharing blocks in the zone, namely, Lagos and Ogun, Oyo and Osun; and Ondo and Ekiti, the committee also alloted the ex-officio offices among the six states.

The alloted National Ex-officios include, Lagos (male), Ogun, (female); Ondo, (female); Ekiti, (male); Osun, (male); Oyo (male). Other members of the zoning committee include Senator, C.K.Awoyelu, Deputy Chairman; Prince (Senator) Buruji Kashamu, member Chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation Committee South-West; Ebenezer Alabi, Segun Odebunmi, former Lagos PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Ade Dosumu; Chief Aduke Maina, Alhaja Yeye Bose Adedibu and Segun Adekoya, who served as the Secretary of the committee.


http://newtelegraphonline.com/convention-pdp-allocates-offices-south-west-states/

Well, without not trying to hold brief or excuse the Newspaper, I guess what you are referring to was an advert or special project. From my little knowledge of it, such stuffs are prepared material from those placing it and sometimes it might be very difficult but not impossible to work on especially if it is a rush work. I'm sure no serious editor will allow ds pass as news story or analysis, it's criminal. I believe the paper should have found a way around this before publishing.

As fuel scarcity continues to bite harder, motorists and commuters across the country are lamenting the hike in transportation fares. A survey conducted yesterday by New Telegraph across the country showed that transport fares have been increased. A visit by New Telegraph’s correspondent to the popular NTA Motor Park located at Yakubu Gowon Way in Jos yesterday showed that transport fares have drastically increased.

An official of the NTA Park, Mr. Austine Robert, attributed the increase in fares to the fuel scarcity. “The transporters held a meeting and decided on the increase in fares. This is not a good decision, but there is nothing we can do since drivers find it difficult to get fuel. We buy a litre at N180, N190. So, we can’t continue with the normal transport fare,” he said. The transport fare from Jos to Abuja is N2,000 against N1,500; Jos to Kaduna goes for N2,000 against the usual N1,600 and Jos to Lafia is N1,300 against N1,000. Other places like Jos-Bauchi is N1,000 against N700 and Jos to Minna is N2,500 against N1,800. A passenger, Mr. Jericho Robert, who was travelling from Jos to Lafia, in an interview with New Telegraph, expressed sadness over the development. He said: “I paid N1,300 today to Lafia as against the usual N1,000 we used to pay.


Read more @
http://newtelegraphonline.com/nigerians-lament-no-fuel-no-electricity-no-money/

Former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Dr. Temitope Aluko has described his purported meeting of reconciliation with Governor Ayodele Fayose on Sunday in Lagos as an organised propaganda to stain his image.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Lagos, the embattled PDP chieftain said he came to Eko Hotels on the invite of a serving senator and a former governor, adding that he was not privy to the presence of the governor at the venue.

Aluko said: “I will also like you to know that I am dealing with a master fraudster who is always full of mischief. He is not a sincere man. We know each other in out and when I saw pressmen downstairs, I knew he had scammed me.

http://newtelegraphonline.com/peace-pact-fayose-set-aluko/

MadCow1:
What is Estranged?


Does that means she married a stranger?

The adjective estranged suggests a loss of affection, a turning away from someone. When a couple separates, we often refer to them as estranged — or no longer together.
The word estranged is an unfriendly word with a negative connotation. The word strange within it seems to suggest an alienation of affection, and that a loving relationship has not only soured, but turned distant and even somewhat hostile.

omusiliyu:
The prophet (Sallah allayin wasalam) said woe be on one who speaks and lies in order to make people laugh, woe be on him.

Oga, take it easy now. This is just a simple banter between a father and his children! We know you dey vex for the man but calm down, u too dey quick vex. But come oooo, d way Turaki just dey appear for Newspapers and social media lately, I guess he is cooking something towards 2019...Chai, Obasanjo go always spoil the soup for him with salt...lol‎. It is well!

Lagos lagoon after losing N6,000 to hoodlums

A 17-year-old boy (name withheld) has been rescued by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), just as he was about to jump into the Lagos lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge. The boy, a secondary school leaver, decided to take his life after losing N6,000 to some street urchins on the Lagos Island.

He told the police that he couldn’t face his mother and tell her that he had lost such an amount. The teenager is the second born of the four children and the first boy of his mother. The mother is a single parent. The mother said the kids’ father left her and travelled overseas to marry another woman. According to the police, the attention of RRS riders, who were on patrol of the Third Mainland Bridge, was drawn to the lonely teenager by a mechanic.


http://newtelegraphonline.com/teenager-attempts-jump-lagoon/

The Lord bless the MZTV family! At least, d obscene and senseless Nollywood flicks will be off our screen for something edifying and meaningful. Thank You Jesus! The Kingdom of God is moving!

Barring any last minute change, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, would soon be returning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he dumped for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the build-up to the 2015 elections.

It was learnt that Osoba is likely to return to the governing party before the party’s convention scheduled for April. Osoba headed the constitution drafting committee of the APC. New Telegraph learnt that the National Leader of APC and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is the brain behind Osoba’s return to the governing party.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun is not part of the planned return of Osoba. His political associates are likely going to work against the return. Multiple sources told New Telegraph that Tinubu and some leaders of the party in the South-West have been holding talks with Osoba on his return to APC. It was learnt that Osoba told the party leaders that he cannot return to the party as a “new comer, having been a foundation member.”.

Read more...http://newtelegraphonline.com/apc-leaders-woo-ex-governor-osoba/

The first civilian governor of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ibru is dead. He won the 2003 Senatorial elections for Delta Central. He passed to the great beyond after a brief illness. He was 80 years.

The first civilian governor of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ibru is dead. He won the 2003 Senatorial elections for Delta Central. He was 80 years.

I think your expectations were high based on the IV and the sight of the shoddy treatment you got was something you guys cant comprehend, but it does happen. Anyways, the lawmaker may not be privy to the treatment meted out to you guys but I know he will see this topic. You guys should relax but I expect the senator to correct the anomaly since he deemed it fit in the first instance to invite you guys. Stuffs happen!

EFCC in a bit!

http://newtelegraphonline.com/admire-men-sexy-lips-bose-oladimeji/

BOSE OLADIMEJI:I admire men with sexy lips


Fast rising Nollywood diva, Bose Oladimeji, is a delight to watch on screen. In this interview with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS , the graduate of English speaks on her career, relationship and the movie industry.

When did you venture into Nollywood?

I joined Nollywood in 2009 under the profound Bayo Tijani. I was acting and schooling at the same time. I must say that it wasn’t easy combining the two but God saw me through.

Did you have any formal training before joining Nollywood?

Yes, because as a literary student back then in school, all that had to do with acting was taught. I learnt both written and practical aspects in school, but my skill was honed under my boss, Tijani. However, you know learning is a continuum.

What was your first job and what was the experience like?

My first professional appearance on screen is in a movie titled, Owe Akala. I remembered that it was fantastic because seeing myself before camera elicited joy in my heart. Since then, I have lost count of flicks I have appeared in and I give all the glory to God.

Is it true that nothing is free in Nollywood especially for the ladies?

Yes ooooo! If nothing is free in Freetown, then there is no free ticket to anything in the industry and that applies to both male and female practitioners.

Whosoever gives you jobs in order to sleep with you will definitely have his way, so is advisable for ladies to do the right thing at the right time because when you are exceptional as an actress, nobody will ever come to you with rubbish because they will know that whatever job they give you deserve it.

Moreso, I have this belief that business should not be mixed with pleasure because if that is done, then one is putting the cart before the horse. I think people should go for the best cast and crew rather than put their lovers on set.

Were you also told that you couldn’t get job in Nollywood until you joined a clique?

Yes, I heard about that and I love the idea because it helps to sharpens one’s skills. By the time you mix with experienced hands, you have no choice than to learn. For budding actors and actresses, it is an easy way to develop in the industry.

Is it true that Yoruba movies don’t pay well?

Yes, the remuneration cannot be compared to the efforts and investments put into it but we thank the Lord. What keeps us going is the passion for the job. You can also see that piracy is killing so many things a situation where you used huge amount of money to produce a film the next thing is for you to see it in four-in-one, that is sad.

What part of your body do you cherish most?

I cherish my teeth, my face, and my boobs especially. But generally, all that has to do with my skin.

Have you been heart- broken before?

No!

Have you ever been attracted to a colleague while on set?

Yes, but I let them realise that business is different from pleasure.

What turns you on in a man?

I have a soft-spot for a man that has good carriage, character and sexy lips.

How is your love life?

My love life is awesome.

What are you working on presently?

I am working on my new project and it would soon hit the air and I believe my fans would enjoy it because I have never disappoint them. I will keep the name under wrap, let them watch out for the blockbuster.