₦airaland Forum

lewa:
For Utomi then or Buhari!Which ones now?

Really your choice.

@ Antonio, when I see the sense in your post, I will reply (you remind me of some of my students in ABU Zaria in the 1980's who could not understand the distinction between scientific thought and social discourse).

Until then, I have offered you a smart way of double-checking my credentials (mail me and we can continue this discussion in detail) to claim the authority to be able to critique Oyibo's work. I do not waste intellectual energy in ripostes with people I do not know, or cannot verify are capable of making this assessment.

Apparently, your 'professor' comment was aimed at belittling, but is laughable, because 17-years ago I was already a Lecturer I and my peers in the University system were professors almost 9-10 years ago. I made the choice to go into industry, but even here have remained in the forefront of research in rock physics.

PS - as I noted to the administrator of nl, Seun, earlier, a lot of people who visit this site make the assumption that everyone is young, have no experience or credentials and post for the fun of it.

You may also post your e-mail and I will follow this up with you.

McKren:
@Ugwumba

Appologies are rendered when you have any regrets for your actions or what you said. I do not have regrets for my arguments on this issue, because common sense should tell us that aspects of constitution that has to do with electoral matters should be implemented by the electoral commision. What supreme court has succeeded in doing today is to give politicians a tool to circumvent the constitution, meaning that a political party could field a 10year old for election and INEC would have no say provided no other political party petitions the court of law.
However, I do accept the ruling of the Supreme court and expect INEC to abide by the ruling.
Do I have any regrets for my stance on this issue? NO. Thus sorry I am not going to appologise for the sake of it.

@ McKren, much as I enjoy reading your comments on nl and list you among some of the more articulate, you can of course understand my disappointment at your response above.

You seem to infer that the 'law is an a$$', by stating that the current ruling can be used to establish grounds for a 10-year old to contest elections. You miss the point, which I can attempt to help with below.

1. If a party nominates a 10-year old knowingly and indicates this in its submissions (i.e. that he is 10 years of age), INEC may proceed (only as executors of the electoral law) to disqualify him. However, this disqualification can still be challenged in court, but of course the courts would clearly not rule in the 10-year olds favour in this case.

2. If INEC claims that a party's candidate is 10-years old, when the party has indicated a different age, then INEC cannot disqualify until they can prove that this individual is actually 10 years old.

Therein lies the dilemma and the root of the issue with Atiku's disqualification. AC nominated him as a candidate and without recourse to the established process for proving his inadequacy, INEC disqualified him.

The Supreme court has clearly established their independence and, overall, that the rule of law is not subject to the whim and caprices of any individual, no matter how highly placed - the oft quoted 'No one is above the law'.

While we celebrate this victory of the separation of powers, I urge my brothers to vote against Atiku, PDP and all they represent.

Ugwumba:
@ clocky, my early post-graduate work was on QCD (quantum chromodynamics) and i will attempt a  lay mans' explanation here.

The GUT (grand unification theory, theory of everything) in physics attempts to combine the tripod of  fundamental symmetries - QCD (the strong interaction), the weak force and hypercharge.
Each symmetry is fairly successful in desribing physical phenomenom at different scales, but are less successful at the boundaries where the other force is dominant.

GUT is an attempt to have a 'single' concept that describes all physical phenomena, and physicists from Einstein's time have struggled with this.

Now, while Dr. Oyibo's work makes mathematical sense (has been peer reviewed by people like Prof. Animalu - a great Nigerian physicist) the connection to physics that all such great theories make has not been established.

It therefore remains in the realm of 'mathematical manipulations' and not physical theory, and therefore does not bring him close to a Nobel Prize in Physics (none in mathematics) which was the media hype.

@ Anthonio, not sure of where you want to go with this, but above are my comments on Oyibo, who you so eloquently have tried to defend. No where there did I disparage Oyibo's efforts, but simply put his achievements in the context in which they should be understood.

GAGUT, as I had inferred, was mathematically plausible, but physicists reject it on the grounds that it really does not satisfy established criteria for sound physical theory - e.g. Einstein's work was established long before any actual experiments/ observations through his use of thought experiments (like the 'twin paradox') and postulates (like the existence of 'black holes').

Not wanting to exchange comments with you on this, because I am not certain at what level you are qualified to understand these details. If however you are a theoretical physicist or classical mathematician (possibly at post-graduate level), please indicate as much and we can start a private conversation on this. If however, you fall into the category of those who just post a comment on issues they do not or cannot comprehend, then you can be forgiven.

Ama Nduka taught me Quantum Physics at the UNIFE in 1980, before moving to the then FUTO, and up to the time I left core theoretical physics to industry (but still as a physicist), without boasting, I was one of the new generation of Nigerian physicists being lauded by Professors (Animalu, Maduemesie, Allotey, Nduka, Oluwole, Ade Amusa, the Chike-Obi sons) across the country, for my early work in quantum physics. I also worked my a$$ off on several areas of mathematical physics and at 24 was already lecturing post-graduate quantum mechanics at both ABU Zaria and later Imo State University.

In my current subject matter (Petroleum Engineering - rock physics), I am recognised as a global expert and have been selected for the 2007 Marquis' Who's Who in Science & Engineering.  You can verify this by sending a mail to my private mail box, after which I can send details that you may cross-check.

SO, I HAVE NO NEED TO BE JEALOUS OF EMEAGWALI OR OYIBO!!!!!!!!!

Now, to your issues of questioning the GAGUT - I can post to you detailed rebuffals of the GAGUT (hope you can follow the 'speak' of advanced mathematics and theoretical physics) by very notable scientists - which is why Oyibo no longer gloats about his Nobel Prize nomination.

Please also note, that, like in all human endeavour, a nomination for such a prize does not neccessarily carry the toga of approval/ confirmation that most Nigerians assume it does.

It simply is a recognition by some of your peers on work you have done. To my knowledge, thousands of scientists are nominated every year for the Nobel prizes, but the short list finally contains only a few. If Oyibo's claims had been as a leading physicist, there would have been no uproar, but our people are wont to exaggerate any recognition by going on a media circus. I do not recall any Nobel laureates who behave in this manner.

We can rightfully be proud of achievement (we afterall have Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Animalu, Oluwole, Chike Obi), but must ensure that we are not seen, in the scientific community, to be commiting 'intellectual 419' - obtaining recognition for our academic work under false pretenses: Emeagwali is guilty of this and, to some extent, Oyibo as well.

PS - since you ask, in my chosen field I have well over 40 references to my work (which span a period of about 20 years -published my first scientific article in 1986), and I am still working. You may be right that Oyibo is not my 'mate', as you so immaturely put it, but we do not usually use 'mate' as defence in responding to scientific critique.

@ McKren,
Methinks, you owe me an apology. Below are excerpts from our discussions on the Atiku issue, where I indicated that I would offer an unreseved apology to you if the Supreme court ruled that Atiku could be disqualified. I also noted that you should return the favour if Atiku's disqualification was trashed. Be man enough to concede.


Please carefully read what I have written. I addressed a 'conviction' in 1. and an 'indictment' in 2., which is why they were separate statements. Either disqualifies the candidate. However, while the former (a standing conviction by a court) has some finality, the latter (an indictment) if improperly arrived at, can be overturned quite easily.

1. The constitution clearly contains sections that deal with the right to fair hearing, which is understood in civil society to include the 'constitution' of the (in this case) Administrative panel of inquiry (the judge & jury dilemma), requirements for the full disclosure (documents et al) of the accusations to the accused, the right to fair representation and, most importantly, the right of appeal.

Until, and unless all these are satisfied, the 'indictment' remains a farce. Gazetting such an indictment is comical. I would ask that you wait for the conclusions of the higher courts on these issues and see whether you are wrong in your interpretation of this provision, or whether the learned professors who have so far spoken, are.

[size=14pt]I will offer unreserved apologies if you are right (i.e. the courts uphold that the indictment is compliant with the spirit of the constitution). I hope you can return the favor when proven wrong.[/size]

2. On the issue of the right to disagree with the Sultan, I cannot agree more, but the language of our discourse must show respect for both the person and the institution he represents. That Americans hurl all manner of insults on their leaders, does not make it the right thing to do. In America, under the guise of freedoms, even Jesus Christ and other religious icons can be insulted.

3. If you cannot understand the consistency in Wole Soyinka's comments on the PTDF scandal and, at the same time his protests about INECs banning of Atiku, then let me see if I can help.

Soyinka is no fan of Atiku's, but understands that if you want to remove him on an impeachable offense, like corruption, you must follow the constitutional provisions.

If you refuse to impeach, then you lay the grounds to be accused, rightly, that the indictment is political, and therefore cannot be used as a reason for disqualification as a candidate for election.

As I stated, the right to vote and be voted for is inalienable.
This presupposes that the qualifiers for these rights are met. e.g. to vote, certain minimum age requirements must be met, and so to be voted for, certain qualifications must be met. This does not mean the right is not inalienable.

As an example, the right to life is inalienable, but our constitution contains several qualifiers on when life can be taken.

Any student of history understands the challenges our dear country currently faces,and we cannot let the arrogance of one man (OBJ), drive us to the brink.

While not lauding Atiku as good presidential material, I beg to differ with some of the opinions expressed here.

In an earlier thread, I had argued that Atiku has not been convicted of any crime, and that the politically motivated indictment by the administrative panel, would not stand the test of a rigorous legal challenge.

To conclude that Atiku, or for that matter OBJ, are 'thieves' without convictions from the courts is absolute nonesense. I have my suspicions, but until, and, when they can be proven to be, these men remain legally innocent.

However, we can use our moral value system to indict both Atiku and the PDP, and 'execute' the sentence by voting against both. This is the choice that democratic practice provides for us.

CNN just announced this a minute ago. Can anyone confirm this?

Although my main office is in Holland I visit Abu Dhabi at least once every quarter on business trips. Got some great pics too.

Petroleum Engineering consultant by day, ogwu-aja (dirt digger) by night.

babyosisi:
ndewo nuoooooooooooooo.
nnenne girl,someone said I had three personalities in nairaland.
I was accused of being nnenneigbo,cute ass and my self babyosisi.

How can I division myself into thrice?

@babyosisi, shows how versatile your posts are.

Odubade is a Yoruba name.

@ bodsi, for everyone of you who claim that the 419 menace is an igbo problem, there are millions of igbo who have never been involved in crime and will never be.

Your generation (and i can guess at your youth from your utterances), more than any other, is responsible for a lot of the image problems Nigeria currently has.

My generation, (the pre-civil war gen of the Falana's, Umar's, Pedro's, Akunyili's, Okonjo-Iweala's, Utomi's) of course had some very corrupt people, but these were in the minority, and during my mid twenties and early thirties, Nigeria was still a country we could all be proud of.

Cultism, financial crimes, 419, yahoo-yahoo, were virtually unknown when I was your age, and have grown, not because of the igbos, who you try so hard to malign, but as a result of the new 'get-rich-quick, ask-no-questions' mentality of your generation of Nigerians.

To shift the blame of this to one tribe, is despicable and shows that your generation has learnt nothing of the deep divisions ethnic bashing creates.

Unlike you, I will never descend to the level of casting aspersions on an entire race or people.

The SA you live in is riddled with crime (armed robbery, muggings etc.) and I am certain you have also concluded this is carried out by igbos (who whatever you may think, are your Nigerian brothers).

I used the term 'unintelligent' to describe your arguments on 'igbos planning to steal the resources of Lagos state' and if you have been called an 'igbo-hater' in the past, i wonder why.

Jakumo:
Ok Nja4eva let us at least agree that 99.95% of all 419 practitioners are Igbo Nigerians, and the remaining .05% of that criminal class are derived from other parts of the world.

Why not make it 100%, go pop a bottle of champagne and celebrate your victory in the 'igbo-bashing' sport.

@ bodsi - so, since there has been no Igbo governor of Lagos state, the resources have been used well? See how your ethnic leanings make you sound so unintelligent?

hmmmmm, mukina2, your happiness for today knows no bounds. As a fellow gunner, i happy with you, but take sofly dey celebrate this win oh!!! Gunners dey full of 'surprises' this season oh.  

Finally, the sensible ones in nl have weighed in.

ikamefa, Busta, walelead, we remain eternally grateful to those of you who do not stoop to this tribal bashing nonesense.

cutiee, you are doing quite well. Just keep it up and as our people say: Nwayo, nwayo k'eji ara ofe di oku.  

@nnenneigbo, nno!!! Obiuto egbukwal'anyi ebea ta. 

monshege:
ejighi m ego- literally means i don't have money
mu ji ego m- literally means i have my money
i owe you money- eji m gi ugwo

i used my money- e use ru m ego m (engligbo)

Ochi egbuolam ebea!! (LOL). Adalam n'ala n'achigbu owem nochi. (ROFLMAO).

babyosisi, ZuluN, Uche2nna, gettochyk, tosh nwa mama etchetaram, etchetaram, ol'ebe unu no - monshege egbulam eb'onasu ngiri-igbo.

anabell:
i speak igbo really well but writin am learnin

Ngwanu, jisike muta igu igbo. Ebube diri onye wanyi, maka ndioma igbo otinyere n'elu uwaa. Amin.

@anabell, ina su igbo?

Ynot:
Thank you. Ejighi m ego ugwu akwukwo m taa akara.

@ cutiee - says, he did not use his school fees to eat akara (a fried 'beans' delicacy, also called 'kose' by the Yoruba).

@ Ynot - PERFECT SCORE!!!!!

@anabell, welcome - and whenever nl annoys you, visit this site and 'swoon' in the peace and quiet here.  

@ cutee - VERY, VERY WELL DONE. Keep this up and you'll be glad you did.

@cutiee, try this.

Obere nwannem nwanyi, jisike muta okwu igbo, maka igbo mara mma. Ilu n'atuto n'okwu igbo, n'emekwa ka umuaka n'amuta iheoma di n'igbo.

A little harder than the first one?

@cutiee, you did quite well.

Igbo biri kwa - literal - igbo live; proverbial; igbo will survive.

onye si nanyi agaghi ebi - anyone who says we shall not survive.  

Ndi banyi, ekelem unu. Igbo biri kwa - onye si nanyi agaghi ebi, ya ga dakpuo na miri.

@fallguy, your idiocy knows no bounds.

Such tribal sentiments expressed in your post make it clear that 'igbo' bashing is a sport that little minded fools like you enjoy.

Hiding behind the anonimity of the web, you can spew your hatred and expect people to celebrate you.

If we were to trade facts on your own tribe and call names of your people who have been involved in one crime or the other, this thread will not end.

Take you silliness somewhere else - the discerning majority on nl have no use for opinions like yours.

debosky:
1 million Oprah shows will never solve this, don't get it twisted, its like saying showing 'crime fighters' on NTA will stop armed robbery, preposterous. The solution is zero tolerance in naija, by nigerians, and a clamp down on them by the police, as well as a true change of heart coupled with improved economic conditions as well as value system renewal in our dear country.

when all these will happen? like John Legend said 'Heaven Only Knows'

Well said, very well said.