₦airaland Forum

It's true! Someone just called to warn me to avoid the area. She had to make a U-turn. God help us

owobokiri:
Lemme bore you a bit with my weird travelling style: i personnaly don't fly in Nigeria and this has nothing to do witgh money or "stinginess". I have a phobia for flying but my work demands I fly almost 18 to 20 hours in the air every few months, so I fly. It is easier with a foreign airline with their reasonable standards but once I land at Lagos or Abuja, I move around within the country with the land routes. Akward? Better to me than having a heart attack with every turbulent shake in your 45 minutes- Jesus save me- flight from Lagos to Owerri. . . My friend, Obioma wasn't stingy. He was simply forced into making dangerous choices by a failed system.

I seldom comment on this forum, but I really want to address this your point.
If I get a dollar every time I hear "land (road) transport is better than flights in Nigeria" from foreign based friends, I'll be rich!
Flights are way safer than going by road in Nigeria. Don't believe, just check the stats. FRSC records the number of fatalities on our roads daily. I've haven't done the computation but I can bet the probability of a fatal accident happening is higher going by road. Save the major airline mishaps that happen once every few years or so, Nigerian passenger flights are safer (esp. Arik). However, I understand aero phobia is more frightening than any apprehension over road accidents.

msmon:
Objectivity at it's peak!

If you like political objectivity, see my piece on my profile. It's gonna be published in newspapers very soon.

@dadexcel thanks. The idea is for people to reach a decision based on issues important to them.

Seun ishilove lalasticlala Obinoscopy Front Page pls. Would be voters will be better informed.
I know it's a bit long, but it's very objective and non-partisan. Thanks

For The Undecided Voter: Determining the Lesser Of the Two Evils

There are 14 candidates vying for the post of president at Febuary 14th polls. On the surface it seems the electorates are spoilt for choice on who to elect as President, but upon critical analysis - separating the pretenders from the contenders - we are left with only two real options: PDP's incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan & the APC's candidate Major-General Mohammadu Buhari. When I speak to young, educated Nigerians, there's a general lethargy caused by a feeling of choicelessness. Many allude to being disappointed at the quality (or lack thereof) of the candidates thrown up by both political parties to head a country of over 170 million (majority of whom are teeming youths).

You'll hear phrases like "this is an election of the lesser of two evils" or ”a choice between the devil & deep blue sea". Renowned businessman and founder of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside, posits that, in elections like this, undecided voters (who vote in the end), are likely to vote against candidates they're more afraid of (uncertain about) rather than vote affirmatively. Based on the foregoing, I'm going to try and evaluate both candidates, focusing solely on their perceived flaws and propose a method by which you (the undecided voter) can independently determine who is better (not quite as bad) for the nation.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
1. CORRUPTION
Even President Jonathan's ardent supporters would agree that this is one of Jonathan's weaknesses. His critics will go as far as saying this administration is on par with the ousted Alhaji Shehu Shagari's government, if not worse. Although Transparency International says we are less corrupt (Nigeria climbed up to 136th on its corruption index; in 2000, we were in last position), the common man's perception is different.
From the pension scam to subsidy thieves to Sanusi's allegation of unremitted $20b, this administration has been rocked with multiple corruption scandals. As if that wasn't bad enough, the President's body language and indeed his actions (pardoning criminals) and utterances (stealing is not corruption, Jim Nwobodo quote, not prosecuting corrupt officials but instead using only technology to fight corruption), paints a picture of a man who condones corruption.

"Corruption is a problem for all countries. A poor score is likely a sign of widespread bribery, lack of punishment for corruption and public institutions that don’t respond to citizens’ needs,” TI said.

Most Nigerians feel corruption is the bane of this nation. Solve this problem and you've taken off the shackles that has been holding the country back since independence.

2. SECURITY
Another area of apparent weakness in this administration is security. From the almost daily bomb blasts to the missing Chibok girls to the brazen atrocities committed by Boko Haram (all in the North), to the general sense of insecurity (commercial kidnapping and armed robbery in the South), the security situation in the country has never been worse.
Commenting on the performance of the Nigerian government in their fight against BH, President Obama said:
"The Nigerian government has not been effective as it needs to be in not only finding the girls but also stopping these extremist organization from operating in their territories." Social media is awash with disturbing images of the carnage caused by BH. Some have now become de-sensitized to news of their barbaric attacks - nothing shocks them anymore.
Boko Haram has grown in leaps and bounds in the last five years - from a ragtag insurgency to a daring, sophisticated terror group ransacking villages/towns and capturing territories.
All this against the backdrop of 4.4 trillion naira military spending since 2010 (not counting $1b borrowed to buy weapons last year).
In spite of the President's assurances that we are winning the battle against Boko Haram, there's a general feeling of hopelessness. No-one knows when the killings and bombings will stop. For whatever reasons (be it incompetence or sabotage), the government is at best, just about managing to contain BH - and not aggressively diminishing the threat posed by the vile terror group.


3. ECONOMY
Right now, the economy is a hot button issue. Not least due to the ongoing war of words between two of the nation's foremost economists: Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former CBN Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Thus, it's a bit more challenging trying to be objective with this issue because both sides can always use favourable indicators to back up their arguments; given that there's a plethora of indices to cherry-pick from. That being said, I'll reel out the stats in favour of, and against President GEJ. Readers can draw their own conclusions from them.

Pro-GEJ stats:
*Third fastest growing economy in 2015 - CNN Money
*Among Top 3 destinations for FDI in Africa - UN
*Africa's largest economy
*Steady diversification of the economy (oil now accounts for only 70% of government revenue)
*New automobile plants in Nigeria
*Exports up (cement, sugar, agricultural produce etc.)
*Food imports down due to Agricultural revolution, which has drastically increased domestic supply

Anti-GEJ stats:
*High Unemployment (24%)
*Poverty (71% in 2011- disputed)
*Depletion of foreign reserves and ECA
*Growing debt profile
*Exchange rates: Record lows of N211/$1
General Mohammadu Buhari
Given the seemingly obvious shortcomings of GEJ, it's not hard to imagine why the citizenry would be calling for change. But in spite of the frustrations felt by most undecided voters, the viable alternative to GEJ, the APC’s presidential candidate, General Mohammadu Buhari has his own areas of concern.

1. AGE (OF IDEAS)
To many, it does seem odd that a 72-year-old, former military dictator is the face of change in Nigeria today. Particularly after considering the fact that he has ruled Nigeria before and has run for the post three times prior. To some, he is part of the old era. Some even say it is unimaginable, unforgivable for a military ruler that overthrew a democratically elected government and truncated Nigeria’s then nascent democracy to be seeking the presidency in a new democratic dispensation. They feel he should be consigned to that regrettable chapter in Nigeria's history of coup d’états.

His critics argue that Nigeria in this digital age is too complex, too boisterous for a 72-year-old retired General to run. His supporters point to Ronald Reagan and Mandela (et al) who rescued their country at the tail end of the lives.

Aside the hysteria over GMB's age (which is a valid issue - considering how physically demanding the job is, and the enormous pressures faced by presidents), there's also a question of the age of his ideas.

We've all heard the bold campaign promises (tackling corruption head-on, ending Boko Haram insurgency in months, 2 million jobs for the youths, diversify the economy etc.), but what we haven't heard is the candidate himself, articulate a clear blueprint for achieving these lofty goals. His speeches are usually flat and bereft of new ideas. He doesn't seem to have a firm grasp of Nigeria's economy today. For every question thrown at him, he somehow manages to end up talking about corruption.

To many there's a disconnect between the portrayal of the person in the shiny posters and slick TV ads (face of change), and the candidate himself.

2. CREDIBILITY GAP
Given GMB is running on platform of Mr. Integrity & his anti-corruption credentials, it makes sense for him be 100% transparent in all his dealings. Therefore, he cannot afford to be seen as the typical Nigerian politician shrouded in controversies and scandals. Three issues:

A) Certificate Saga
The 2011 electoral act requires candidates to provide proof of their educational qualification. GMB attached an affidavit to his form which has raised constitutional questions about his eligibility to run for office. In an attempt to clear the air surrounding his WASC certificate, GMB addressed a press conference in Kano, where he tried (unsuccessfully I must add) to explain away the certificate issue. On the same day, a purported statement of result surfaced, issued by the Katsina State Government’s Ministry of Education of one "Mohammed Buhari". (It should be noted that neither GMB nor APC have claimed ownership of the said result.) Instead the party's publicity secretary Lai Mohammed summarily declared the matter closed. GMB himself, reacting to news of concerned citizens challenging his eligibility in court, rather disdainfully, said "we have satisfied INEC’s requirements and the plaintiffs should remain in court". The arrogance displayed by GMB and the APC in this matter is astonishing! If indeed you have nothing to hide, why not do the needful (Cambridge certified-true-copy of results)? Why have the cloud of perjury and forgery over your head going into a general election? Why not show the electorate (especially the undecided voters) you have nothing to hide and reinforce your much touted anti-corruption credentials? Mind you, should the allegations of perjury (I'm discounting forgery because GMB hasn't claimed the Katsina statement of result) prove to be true, it would amount to...wait for it...corruption!

B) Debate Dodger
GMB has turned down the opportunity to debate President GEJ twice, citing "unhidden bias" of the would-be organizers and/or panelists. Even if you believe the first debate organized by NEDG (BON/NTA/AIT) would give GEJ an unfair advantage, surely that argument holds no water with regards to the second group - Channels TV/Arise TV/ NPAN alliance. Channels TV is widely believed to be sympathetic to the opposition party and the rest are neutral (or their biases cancel out). Furthermore, should we the electorate, decide to be overly gracious to accept APC's allegation of conspiracy and imagined bias against their party, why then do they not take PDPPCO’s Publicity Director, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode’s challenge to organize a televised debate constituting whichever panelist they like and offer Nigerians an opportunity to see both candidates make their case to be president. It does seem rather odd that the ruling party is willing to a have debate (and even willing to bend over backwards to accommodate the APC's demands), but the opposition is stonewalling. It begs the question: why is the APC shielding GMB from a debate? What are they scared of? Again, this is an opportunity for GMB to come out and clear the air and set the record straight concerning the certificate saga amongst other issues. More importantly, the debate pitting him against GEJ, would provide GMB an ideal platform to articulate his plans and vision for Nigeria and challenge GEJ on his perceived shortcomings.

C) Questionable Associates
It is widely believed GMB's presidential campaign is largely being funded by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov. Rotimi Amaechi. Apart from these APC party leaders, other prominent members of the party include: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Bukola Saraki, et al. All these questionable characters belong to the current political class and do not represent any change whatsoever. As president, how does GMB spearhead his anti-corruption campaign against this backdrop? Are we going to return to the days of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, when he used the EFCC as a veritable tool to persecute perceived political enemies? Or is GMB going to go against the same people that have invested heavily in his presidential campaign? Your guess is as good as mine. But be mindful of the timeless idiom: He who pays the piper dictates the tune.

3. INTOLERANCE
There's a running joke on social media that says: GMB looks like the kind of person that will ban Orijin. Silly as that may sound, there's a palpable fear among certain undecided voters on the implications of a Buhari presidency.
Given his antecedents as a military dictator, those fears are not totally unfounded. His regime was a bit high-handed, to say the least (Decree 4, political suppression, WAI, retroactive laws etc.)

I make bold to say that GEJ, in spite of his shortcomings, is the most democratic president we have ever had. Under his administration, he has allowed political space for the opposition and granted Nigerians unprecedented freedoms (he signed FOI Bill, press freedom, allowed open dissent etc.). He has also deepened our democracy by enabling INEC to conduct some of the most credible elections ever in our history. The fact that we are just a few days away from the elections, and the main opposition party feels they have a genuine chance of winning, is testament to this. (OBJ would never have allowed that.)

Many are wondering, should GMB win, are we going back to the days of political oppression and autocratic leadership?
His supporters would say, oh that was over 30 years ago, and besides you have to be heavy-handed as a military ruler to survive. Fair enough then. But GMB of now does seem irritated by criticism. In a BBC interview he granted in 2004, GMB implied press freedom was a distraction to the government, and insisted that the truth was no defence to the "crime" of embarrassing government officials. Only last week, his campaign organization threatened to sue NTA and AIT for airing a propaganda documentary against him.

GEJ as incumbent president has endured ten times the amount of criticism and abuse GMB is now receiving, and he seems unfazed by it all. One shudders to think what GMB will do as president.

CONCLUSION

When asked about the forthcoming general elections, it's little wonder, world renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said none of the two main candidates inspire her. For a lot of undecided voters, the election has presented them with less than satisfactory choices for the post of president for a country as dynamic as Nigeria.

That notwithstanding, if one must perform his or her civic duty to vote, I suggest they take the time to critically analyze the main challengers, and in a methodical manner evaluate who they feel in good conscience, would be less deleterious to the country.

To help with this task, you can rule a table with each contender heading a column. And the rows would represent issues important to you.

For each topical issue, you should ask yourself, would candidate A or B be better, worse or continue with the status quo in dealing with this issue. Do that for as many issues you feel are pertinent to you.

Of course some issues may be of greater importance to you than others, for which you can assign double points.

At the end of this exercise, you should have a clearer picture of who you think would be "less harmful" to the Nigerian project.

The decision is yours!

Ugochukwu Onuoha
ugoonuoha@yahoo.com

@Op I don't know if you saw the last thread on my page. It addresses the issues you raised and prescribes a way to independently make up your mind. Good luck!

CONCLUSION

When asked about the forthcoming general elections, it's little wonder, world renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said: "none of the two main candidates inspire her". For a lot of undecided voters, the election has presented them with less than satisfactory choices for the post of president for a country as dynamic as Nigeria.

That notwithstanding, if one must perform his or her civic duty to vote, I suggest they take the time to critically analyze the main challengers, and almost in formulaic manner choose who they feel in good conscience would be less deleterious to the country.

To help with this task, you can rule a table with each contender heading a column. And each row would represent issues important to you.

For each point, I suggest you ask yourself, would candidate A or B be better, or worse or continue with the status quo in dealing with this issue. Do that for as many issues you feel are pertinent to you.

Of course some issues may be of greater importance to you that others, for which you can assign double points.

At the end of this exercise, you should have a clearer picture of who you think would be "less harmful" to the Nigeria project.

The decision is yours!

3. INTOLERANCE
There's a running joke on social media that says: GMB looks like the kind of person that will ban Orijin. Silly as that may sound, there's a palpable fear among certain undecided voters on the implications of a Buhari presidency.
Given his antecedents as a military dictator, those fears are not totally unfounded. His regime was a bit high-handed, to say the least (Decree 4, political suppression, WAI, punitive retroactive laws etc.)
I make bold to say that GEJ, in spite of his shortcomings, is the most democratic president we have ever had. Under his administration, he has allowed political space for the opposition and granted Nigerians unprecedented freedoms (he signed FOI Bill, press freedom, allowed open dissent etc.). He has also deepened our democracy by enabling INEC to conduct some of the most credible elections ever in our history. The fact that we are just days away to the elections, and the opposition feel they have a genuine chance of winning, is testament to this. (OBJ would never have allowed that.)
Many are wondering, should Buhari win, are we to go back to the days of political oppression and autocratic leadership?
His supporters would say, oh that was over 30 years ago, and besides you have to be heavy-handed as a military ruler. Fair enough then. But GMB of now does seem irritated by criticism. In a BBC interview he granted in 2003, GMB implied press freedom was a distraction to the government, and insisted that the truth was no defence to the "crime" of embarrassing government officials. Only last week, his campaign organization threatened to sue NTA/AIT for airing a propaganda documentary against him.
GEJ as incumbent president has endured ten times the amount of criticism GMB is now receiving, and he seems unfazed by it all. One shudder's to think what GMB will do as president.

B) Debate Dodger
GMB has turned down the opportunity to debate President GEJ twice, citing "unhidden bias" of the would be organizers/panelists. Even if you believe the first debate organized by NEDG (BON/NTA/AIT) would give GEJ an unfair advantage, surely that argument holds no water with regards to the second group - Channels TV/Arise TV/ NPAN alliance. Channels is widely believed to be sympathetic to the opposition party and the rest are neutral (or their biases cancel out). Furthermore, should we the electorate, decide to be overly gracious to accept APC's allegation of conspiracy and imagined bias against its party, why does it not take FFK up on his offer and organize a televised debate constituting whichever panelist they like and offer Nigerians an opportunity to see both candidates making their case to be president. It does seem rather odd that the ruling party is willing to a have debate (and even willing to bend over backwards to accommodate the APC's demands) with the opposition, but the opposition is stonewalling. It begs the question: why is the APC shielding GMB from a debate? What are they scared of? Again this is an opportunity for GMB to come out and clear the air and set the record straight concerning the certificate saga amongst other issues. More importantly, the debate pitting him against GEJ, would provide GMB an ideal platform to articulate his plans and vision for Nigeria and challenge GEJ on his perceived shortcomings.

C) Questionable Associates.
It is widely believed GMB's presidential campaign is largely being funded by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov. Rotimi Amaechi. Apart from these APC party leaders, other prominent members of the party include: former VP Atiku, Senator Bukola Saraki, et al. All these questionable characters belong to the current political class and do not represent any change whatsoever. As president, how does GMB spearhead his anti-corruption campaign against this backdrop? Are we going to return to the days of OBJ when EFCC was a veritable tool to persecute perceived political enemies? Or is GMB going to go against the same people that have invested heavily in his presidential campaign? Your guess is as good as mine. But be mindful of the timeless idiom: He who pays the piper calls the tune.

2. CREDIBILITY GAP
Since GMB is running on platform of Mr. Integrity & his anti-corruption credentials, it makes sense for him be 100% transparent in all his dealings. He cannot afford to be seen as the typical Nigerian politician shrouded in controversies and scandals. Three issues:

A) Certificate Saga: the 2011 electoral act requires candidates to provide proof of their educational qualification. GMB attached an affidavit to his form which has raised constitutional questions about his eligibility to run for office. In an attempt to clear the air surrounding his WASC certificate, GMB addressed a press conference in Kano, where he tried (unsuccessfully I must add) to explain away the certificate issue. On the same day, a purported statement of result surfaced, issued by Katsina state govt of one "Mohammed Buhari". It should be noted that neither GMB nor APC have claimed ownership of the said result. Instead the party's publicity secretary Lai Mohammed summarily declared the matter laid to rest. GMB reacting to news of concerned citizens challenging his eligibility in court, rather disdainfully, said "we have satisfied INEC requirements and the plaintiffs should remain in court". The arrogance displayed by GMB and the APC is astonishing. If indeed you have nothing to hide, why not do the needful? Why have the cloud of perjury and forgery over your head going into a general election? Why not show the electorate (especially the undecided voters) you have nothing to hide and reinforce your much touted anti-corruption credentials? Mind you, should the allegations of perjury (I'm discounting forgery because GMB hasn't claimed the Katsina result) prove to be true, it would amount to...wait for it...corruption!

GMB
Given the seemingly obvious shortcomings of GEJ, it's not hard to imagine why the citizenry would be calling for change. But in spite of the frustrations felt by most undecided voters, the viable alternative to GEJ -GMB - has his own areas of concern.

1. AGE (OF IDEAS)
To the many, it does seem odd that a 72-year-old, former military dictator is the face of change in Nigeria today. Particularly after considering he has ruled Nigeria before and has run for the post three times prior. To some, he is part of the era old problem of military rulers in Nigeria, given his role in truncating democracy in the Second Republic back in 1983. They feel he should be consigned to that regrettable chapter in Nigeria's history of coups and counter-coups.

His critics argue that Nigeria in this digital age is too complex, too boisterous for a 72-year-old retired General to run. His supporters point to Ronald Reagan and Mandela (et al) who rescued their country at the tail end of the lives.
Aside the hysteria over GMB's age (which is a valid issue - considering how physically demanding the job is, and the enormous pressures faced by Presidents), there's also a question of the age of his ideas.
We've all heard the bold campaign promises (tackling corruption head-on, ending Boko Haram insurgency in months, 2m jobs for the youths, diversify economy etc.), but what we haven't heard is the candidate himself, articulate a clear blueprint to achieving this lofty goals. His speeches are usually flat and bereft of new ideas. He doesn't seem to have a firm grasp of Nigeria's economy today. For every question thrown at him, he somehow manages to end up talking about corruption.

To many there's a disconnect between the shiny posters and clean TV ads (face of change), and the candidate himself.

3. Economy -
Right now, the performance of the administration in the handling of the economy is a hot button issue. Not least due to the ongoing war of words between two of the nation's foremost economists: NOI vs CS.
Thus, it's a bit more challenging trying to be objective with the economy because both sides can always use favourable indicators to back up their arguments; given that there's a plethora of indices to cherry-pick from. That been said, I'll reel out the stats in favour of, and against GEJ. Readers can draw their own conclusions from them.

Pro-GEJ stats:
*Third fastest growing economy in 2015 - CNN Money
*Among Top 3 destinations for FDI in Africa - UN
*Africa's largest economy
*Steady diversification of the economy (oil accounts for only 70% of govt revenue)
*New automobile plants in Nigeria
*Exports up (cement, sugar, agricultural produce, etc.)
*Food imports down due to Agric revolution, which has drastically increased domestic supply

Anti-Govt stats:
*High Unemployment (24%)
*Poverty (71% in 2011- disputed)
*Depletion of foreign reserves
*Growing debt profile
*Exchange rates: Record lows of #211/$1

2. Security -
Another area of apparent weakness in this administration is Security. From the almost daily bomb blasts to the missing Chibok girls to the brazen, barbaric acts committed by Boko Haram (all in the North), to the general sense of insecurity (commercial kidnapping and armed robbery in the south), the security situation in the country has never been worse.
Commenting on the performance of the Nigerian government in their fight against BH, President Obama said:
"The Nigerian government has not been effective as it needs to be in not only finding the girls but also stopping these extremist organization from operating in their territories." Social media is awash with disturbing images of the carnage caused by BH. Some have now become de-sensitized to news of the evil, medieval attacks by BH; nothing shocks them anymore.
Boko Haram has grown in leaps and bounds in the last five years - from a ragtag insurgency to a daring, sophisticated terror group capturing territories.
All this against the backdrop of 4.4 trillion naira military spending since 2010 (not counting $1b borrowed to buy weapons last year).
In spite of the President's assurances that we are winning the battle against Boko Haram, there's a general feeling of hopelessness. No-one knows when the killings and bombings will stop. For whatever reasons (be it incompetence or sabotage), the government is at best, just about managing to contain BH - and not obliterating the vile terror group.

There are 14 candidates vying for the post of president at Feb 14th polls. On the surface it seems the electorates are spoilt for choice on who to elect as President, but upon critical analysis - separating the pretenders from the contenders - we are left with only two real options: PDP's incumbent GEJ & the APC's candidate GMB. When I speak to young, educated Nigerians, there's a general lethargy caused by a feeling of choicelessness. Many allude to being disappointed at the quality (or lack thereof) of the candidates thrown up by both political parties to head a country of over 180 million (majority of which are teeming youths).

You'll hear phrases like "this is an election of the lesser of two evils" or " a choice between Devil & deep blue sea". Renowned businessman and founder of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside, posits that, in elections like this, undecided voters (who vote in the end), are likely to vote against candidates they're more afraid of (uncertain about) rather than vote affirmatively. Based on that, I'm going to try and evaluate both candidates, focusing solely on their perceived flaws.

GEJ
1. Corruption -
Even GEJ's ardent supporters would agree that this is one of Jonathan's weaknesses. His critics will go as far as saying this administration is on par with the ousted Shehu Shagari's govt, if not worse. Although Transparency International says we are less corrupt (Nigeria climbed up to 136th on its corruption index; in 2000, we were in last position), the common man's perception is different.
From the pension scam to subsidy thieves to Sanusi's allegation of unremitted $20b (well done PWC, just at the nick of time!), this administration has been rocked with multiple corruption scandals. As if that wasn't bad enough, the President's body language and indeed his actions (pardoning criminals) and utterances (Stealing is not corruption, Jim Nwobodo quote, not prosecuting corrupt officials but instead using only technology to fight corruption), paints a picture of a man who condones corruption.
"Corruption is a problem for all countries. A poor score is likely a sign of widespread bribery, lack of punishment for corruption and public institutions that don’t respond to citizens’ needs,” TI said.

Most Nigerians feel corruption is the bane of this nation. Solve this problem and you've taken off the shackles holding the country back since independence.


2. Security

I

Wayne2:
LAUGHS!!! Such a nice comic relief. Buh seriously, ladies describe guys with loads of cash as sexy. I even heard a lady saying OBJ is so so sexy . Congrats to the guy sha, buh me thinks it would have been better if he was picked by an oil and gas company or any good telecoms company.

I agree 100%. With that he gets financial security.
PS- I tried sending you a PM, did you get it?

P

UniqueGem:
Madam. I have just 2 problems with Babyoshi.
1. She's asking people to leave their certs at the mercy of millions.
2. She calls it a gift when the people in question are actually working for it.
See in life, nobody is forcing anybody to do anything. Don't discomfort people just to comfort yourself.
BTW: i am not unemployed, i'm not employed and i am not searching for a job.
One more thing, instead of yawning here, leave your account details, i'll send you a christmas gift in the next 1hr. You sound hungry and desperately in need of one.

My brother I completely agree with you.
I'm not a frequent commentator on here, but this has got me so riled up. Important points:
1. OP is incorrigible! Even though, her verification methods has been shown to be ineffective, she's still head strong about it.
2. Criterion is too much. Totally unnecessary.
3. OP is being public about her "gift", which means she's already got her reward [Jesus].

PS - I would have been eligible for this "contest", however, I can't belittle myself for $100

Cesclxg: It's complicated bro.... Just have a big bank roll, then come to me... I can't really help those that play with less than 100k... So it ain't my fault, it is just the strategy I used that requires the big bank roll...

I noticed you have 100% strike ratio from the screen shot. And the bets are almost evens...so good value bets. Why them bookies never ban you? Since you sending them to villa steady! Anyway, I sent you a PM request.

X

+2347059201503

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nikeron: Reasonably flexible, of course it will depend on the offer itself. Pls send your number. Sounds interesting. B.T.W. when did Lekki become "Ikoyi Extension" ;-) ?

Hi Nikeron,

Are you flexible on your requirements (location/budget)? If so, I will like you to consider a flat currently available at Ikoyi extension (Lekki Phase 1). The owner is willing to collect one year rent (which is a huge sticking point for others) and it also fits all your other requirements (24/7 light, water, security, ample parking space, spacious rooms).

If you're interested you can contact me for more info (photos/viewing times etc.) via PM or reply to this post.

Cheers

Hello NL house,

This morning after topping up my phone, I noticed the recharge amount was less than the 1k scratch card I bought.
I called their customer care (200) to make a complaint and seek an explanation/refund.
After making the routine enquiries, the etisalat rep placed me on hold to check my account. After he completed his investigation, he said it was the weekly fee for their NAIRALAND/BELLA NAIJA data plan for Opera Mini powered phones. When I protested that I never signed up for an AUTORENEWAL data plan, he admitted that most of their plans are like that (meaning they hide the fact that once you recharge your phone, the auto renewal fee kicks in and deducts your money) and he cannot offer me a refund, just a pathetic sorry.
It is particularly annoying because I use an iPhone and their service doesn't work with iPhones (he admitted that as well), so I never used it one day, only to be renewed automatically. So double jeopardy!

I know some reading this might say, why is this one moaning over a mere #200 deduction?
You are right! The amount may be meagre, but considering Etisalat Nigeria has about 20M subscribers - even if they commit this fraud to 1M people - the scale of the scam becomes HUGE!!!
Plus I like to believe even if one steals 1 naira, it is still stealing! It is the principle - not the amount - that matters.
Or they should send their rep to go and steal #200 naira in Balogun market and let us see what will happen to him...tyre around his neck...

In summary, it is so painful telcos get away with this (and other malpractices e.g. Random messages 100 times a day!!!) in Nigeria.
My suggestion is we get a strong, independent regulator (NCC is now a joke! #BringBackErnestNdukwe) in addition to an active Consumer Protection Agency/Advertising Standards Agency (to reduce misleading adverts).

What do you NLers think?

chumakk: pls don't spoil my mind. am planning to see it today

Hello Chumakk, I'll advise you go and see the movie and form an opinion for yourself. Art appreciation is relative. It rubs each person differently.
In my humble opinion, I think it is a fabulous movie! Having read the book and the reviews online, I kinda went in with very low expectations, considering how good the book was; but I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the movie.

amibonaija: This movie was over hyped, I have to rush and see it at cinema Delux. But it didn't meet my expectation.
I was expecting a detail of the civil was in picture but what I saw was like an abstract of the main thing.
Is this the "half of a Yellow. Sun" or should we wait for another?
What is your view ?

It is not a WAR movie. It is a love/family story set to the backdrop of the Biafra war. If you want more info about the war, go watch doccies or read up on history (online). To me, a proper WAR movie would have been too controversial and a bit boring. Story-telling wins for me.

Please House, second time of asking, any 2.2 graduate shortlisted? And is there any 2.1 graduate who didn't get invite? I just want to know if they use degree grade to shortlist....no other criteria

Thanks

Pls can anyone confirm if non-2.1 graduates were short-listed? That is either 2.2 with Masters degree or something similar etc....just like Chevron did for their aptitude test in September. I heard PwC used to consider those with at least 6 distinctions (A1-B3) in WAEC.