What have we done to ourselves?

For once I will not criticize the followership. That will come later.

This madness on display here is the legacy of the Buhari administration. There is a federal police with state police commands - a federal police headed by an Inspector General who is appointed by, and reports to the president. There were just two elections in Kogi and Bayelsa state over the weekend. What excuse does the federal government have for not being able to provide security? What excuse?

The Buhari administration is an utter failure. A cynical band of hoods united by their indifference to great human suffering. Shameful. Shameful!

Unbelievable responses.

There is just one thing about the OPs rather verbose write up that is relevant. It is a simple matter really. Did the APC leader forfeit any money to the US government at any time on the grounds of such money being the proceeds of narcotics trafficking or sales? Yes or no?

All the posts supporting the man have not addressed this question - and this question will NOT go away. There are similar questions too - the GCI matter for one. But this funds forfeiture matter is the real MVP. All the responses supporting the man did not address the question. Did he or didn't he?

The truth shall make us free...and keep us free indeed.

It pays to be quiet until all the facts are in.

Some posters here are saying these two young men resisted attempts by thugs to seize the ballot boxes in their polling units - and paid with their lives for doing so.

If it is indeed true that these were ordinary voters just trying to protect their votes then the critics need to revise their comments. If these boys were not thugs but ordinary Nigerians insisting on having their electoral choices respected - then these boys are the real patriots.

Anyone on the ground with eyewitness accounts should provide a full update on what exactly happened.

Where are the usual suspects? You know, those who come on here to fill our ears with foolish stories about how Nigerian soldiers are "special". Can you see your 'heroes'?

No discipline. No honour. No fidelity. No courage in the line of duty. No integrity. No positive qualities of any kind. Nothing. Nothing to offer except a massive sense of entitlement that has to be seen in action to be believed.

Toy soldiers.

The Nigerian government cannot provide jobs - and the same government makes it very hard for the private sector to do so.

The Nigerian government cannot provide security. The Nigerian government cannot stop the flow of illegal guns - and the same government prohibits legal private ownership of firearms by law abiding Nigerians.

The Nigerian government cannot provide hope. It is nothing but a dream killer.

Nigerians need to get involved in the political process. It is literally a life and death matter. There is no room for apathy. We cannot continue like this.

Now this young man's sight hangs in the balance. A young man trying to make a way for himself in a cruel and uncaring country.

It could be anyone of us tomorrow. It will be all of us tomorrow if we don't hold our leaders accountable.

Heads will surely roll for this - and some innocents may be caught up in it.

sammily:



Among the lubricant brands you mentioned, which one do you think is the best?

^^^
Hard to tell.

As I said earlier, the only way to have a rough idea is to do a UOA.

I have done UOA for at least 1 of these oils on a second vehicle - with surprising results. The test results showed unusually high iron levels in the sample. So far we have not been able to find the cause - it could be accelerated cam wear or something else. We just don't know what is causing it.

To get an idea of which lubricant is suitable - one has to use each of them for a period and carry out UOA after each oil change while controlling mileage and/or time - to avoid bias. This takes time.

I'll only be able to say with certainty once I have done UOA for each brand over a period of time. I'm slowly getting this done.

P.S. The oil filter is just as important as the motor oil - there's no point getting good motor oil and wrecking your engine with bad oil filters. I have heard consistently good reviews about OEM Toyota filters and I use them myself - you can't go wrong with them.

pattybf:

But isn't N20,000 a rather steep fine, especially for first-time offenders? According to Olumide, it serves as a deterrent.

There is, however, an option to review the fine but this is completely at the discretion of the officer.

"At the end of the bill, it tells you that if you want to come for review, come with the valid document. So sometimes, after compassionate consideration, whoever is in charge, the head of control regulation and enforcement could decide to do a little bit of redress for you because it's important to us to give a fair hearing''.

^^^
"Review of the fine is an option but this is completely at the discretion of the officer". "Compassionate consideration".

What does the above even mean? Isn't this code for 'negotiations' that lead to VIS officials soliciting for and accepting bribes?

Within the last month I have had to do business (renewal of certificate of roadworthiness) with the Lagos VIS. I visited at least 2 of their offices. In each of them I was given wildly different quotes for the same service - quotes that could go up or down depending on your bargaining power. Is this a government agency or a market trader selling groceries?

The Lagos VIS is a thoroughly corrupt organisation like its brethren across the length and breadth of of the state. That is why it does not paste on its office walls clear details of the services it offers - and the charges for these services. That is why it prefers cash collection by its 'officers' for the services it offers instead of bank payments by the motoring public. That is why receipts are not issued for certificates of roadworthiness - and the amount paid is not stated anywhere on the certificate itself.

Meanwhile, Nigerians continue to die because of the failure of VIS staff to perform their core functions. What is the update on the investigation into the accident caused by a rogue petrol tanker at Berger in 2018? - an accident that led to several deaths? Was that vehicle roadworthy? Has anyone been held accountable?

A people get the government they deserve.

There are several brands you can choose from. Just make sure your choice meets your car's oil quality (API SL or the corresponding ILSAC qualification) and viscosity (5W 30) specifications - as already mentioned.

You are also free to choose between synthetic or mineral/conventional oils available. Just make sure you comply with the manufacturer's service interval (time in months or mileage). Note that you may have to reduce the service interval if your vehicle is used under severe operating conditions (which vehicle in Nigeria isn't? )

I use synthetic (the term 'synthetic' can mean a thousand things but that's a topic for another day) oil for my 07 Corolla but that's only because I don't usually cover up to 5,000 km per annum. Since I don't cover the mileage recommended, I usually extend my oil change intervals (OCI) from 6 months to between 10 and 11 months. I use synthetic oils as an 'insurance' of sorts. If you cover longer distances in a shorter period of time then conventional oil may be perfect for you, budget wise. Just make sure you change it regularly - and on time.

I have used (in no particular order) Castrol, Mobil, Liqui Moly, Motul etc. motor oils - with mixed results. Don't be misled by marketing hype - if you truly want to know what's going on in your engine and the oil you use - then you'll have to incur the expense of used oil analysis (UOA) with a reputable lab. That's also a topic for another day.

Scintillating.

Nigeria - behold one of the key members of your ruling party - and the controversy he is enmeshed in. Nigeria - these are your decision makers.

But this lesson must be learned. The road to excess indeed leads to the palace of wisdom.

Those of you who have a job to do here defending the indefensible - should do it quickly. You clearly believe that old Swiss saying: "money has no smell".

But all the image laundering in the world cannot erase the truth about your principal. If he were who you say he is, you wouldn't need to be on here. There would be no need for you to manufacture 'facts' in his defence.

But you know the truth - and that is why you lie - because you cannot stand the truth. Your principal is unsuitable for high office - plain and simple.

I ask again on behalf of ex GCI students: where is his GCI certificate?

Of course.

Honorary degrees from newly minted 'universities' are the only way out for him now.

After failing to become a ex-GCI student 'by force', his options are fewer now.

Some people want the prestige of academic laurels without the sacrifice required to earn such degrees. They want the prestige of honorary degrees without the service to humanity necessary to earn such degrees. Why not meet the NURTW to confer honorary membership of the union instead?

You can't turn lead into gold no matter how hard you try...

Bait and switch...

Wasting people's time with this rubbish.

The man is completely unsuitable for "low" office - only in this country would he be a candidate for high office.

But then - we are well known for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. After all, his thoroughly discredited party is in power, isn't it?

As some say - Nigeria is turn by turn.

Some of the comments here are something else. People with long held, deeply rooted grudges are pouring them out here like rain - even though no one really knows this unfortunate young lady's full story - or at least enough of her story to blame her. But these fellows can't be bothered - they need to bitch and gripe about 'whores' who had it coming - and who deserved what they got.

But they forget Nigeria is turn by turn. There is a government agency called FSARS that seems bent on turning young (and sometimes not so young) men into an endangered species in this country. These same fellows on this thread mocking this woman will suddenly become sober and uneasy whenever news of the latest outrage by FSARS hits the airwaves. Why? They know they could be next. They know that their dreadlocks and tattoos (if they have any) could very well be a death sentence of sorts - and they will be blamed for bringing it upon themselves. They know that just by being young males, they are at risk. And that scares them shitless.

Nigeria is turn by turn. Let us just wait patiently till "it" (where "it" is any one of the many horrors available) gets to each and every one of us.

Let's go there!

Bacteriologist:


You are not incorrect. But I don't totally think the nigerian space is alien to cycling culture. Pictures of the colonial era and few post colonial years usually depict a prevalent cycling culture. It is just a pity that has been overshadowed by egoistic, poison-emitting and lousy combustion engines in cars.

But even the Dutch went through that phase when cars wanted to make a comeback to their roads. They resisted it and now those countries are inarguably the quietest, most green, serene and traffic-resistant areas of the world. And of course the air quality is so good. Car engines are just silent killers.

^^^
Fair points.

I don't think our space has an aversion to cycling. Not at all. I am with you on this - those old pictures do show several cyclists on the move on some well known bridges. The advantages of a cycling culture are simply not open to debate by sensible people. But making these things work requires vision, thoughtful planning and sensible execution by the powers that be - and these things qualities are in short supply here.

People respond to incentives. If the reward and punishment system is distorted and/or contradictory, then people make their own choices the best way they can. Why should I endanger my life cycling on bad roads that do not have dedicated bicycle lanes? It is simply suicidal to compete for road space with insane motorists who consider cyclists a nuisance to be crushed at will.

Over the years we reached several forks in the road when we had to make critical choices about our public infrastructure. Unfortunately, we chose poorly and ended up with a bastard version of the US model (in which life is organized around the automobile with no room for pedestrians or cyclists) . The only thing preventing us from becoming morbidly obese like the Americans is the mass poverty in our system and the fact that junk food hasn't really tightened its grip around us yet. But we are getting there.

Bacteriologist:


Why do you think Bicycles cannot be used in some areas? A lot of developed countries are actually incentivising riding. It is just simply a more sustainable form of transport. These are countries with even more challenging topography in hills and mountains compared to Nigeria and bicycles are their main form of transport.

A geared bike makes it so much easier to climb hills. There are bicycles than can get you up to speeds of 75km/h on a flat. Because of gears. Family men, women, Adults, Teenagers, Paeds. Even old people can ride without hassles. Gear technology has made it possible for anyone to get on a bike and ride peacefully and stress free.

Cycling is the future. It's simply better than other forms of transport.

^^^
The infrastructure just isn't there. That's the real problem.

Without an integrated transport plan nothing sustainable will take place.

The Dutch are the standard when it comes to transport systems in which cycling is central. They didn't get there by accident.

Nigeria is light years away from this. Former minister Ojo Maduekwe tried some years ago to float the idea of mass cycling - and predictably, his suggestion was met with derision.

We are not ready yet.

Afobear:


Keep quiet religious zealot

^^^

Bale's story is indeed dramatic. Very surprising to see here that he started out as a defender.

How do you go from being a left back (no offence to left backs please!) to scoring 2 goals (one of them a "made for TV" overhead kick) in a Champion's league final - and only after being brought on as a sub?

When its your time and your turn to shine..

BRATISLAVA:


I'm surprised at the callous response of men. This is why he didn't report it. He probably walked confused and traumatized to wherever he did. Some are asking why he didn't show the police his bleeding anus(can you imagine that?), so that they will lock him up for 14 years without provocation, or what?

^^^
You shouldn't be.

It has been this way in Nigeria for years - only that women were almost exclusively the victims. That is beginning to change - or at least the reporting is beginning to change.

In our system, men habitually mock female rape victims with the same old tired excuses ("she was asking for it", "what was she looking for in his house", "why was her skirt knee length instead of ankle length" etc.). When in frustration, someone said men will only begin to take rape seriously when homosexual rape becomes widespread, she was scorned. But we are slowly getting there.

There are settlements, trailer and motor parks, markets etc. in this country where you are finished if you are male and you have car trouble or are lost after dark. . Losing your material possessions such as phones and money will be the least of your problems.

There are cultural or occultic beliefs (yes - in this country) which view homosexual rape as leading to some kind of spiritual transfer (whatever the hell that means ) of the 'luck' or 'destiny' of the victim to the rapist. Yes...in this country.

This is the hell we have created for ourselves and some on here are pretending not to see it.

We shall see.

valarinz:


Why don't you type my moniker and sat your mind directly? You scared of something?

As for the bolded, what an irony coming from someone who's more angry than the whole of Nigeria combined, always fighting and doing oversabi on almost every thread on NL, don't forget I'm following you, I see your fights on a daily, whoever doubts can go through both our posts and see who's actually the angry one

Pls stay in your lane, it's a new month

^^^^
Dear oh dear...

It seems I touched a raw nerve.

For the record, I don't do online feuds. Life's too short for that sort of thing.

If you go through my posts on this thread, you can see the emoticons I used. Those emoticons provide context and nuance. They prove its friendly banter - even though I don't know and have never met the guy I was discussing with. I can take a joke without getting offended, Sir. (up to a point though )

Rather odd - your description of me as angrier than the entire country! Even more odd is your claim about my 'oversabi' on multiple threads . Why is it you never contributed to or set me right on those multiple threads? Wouldn't that make more sense?

I have other interests apart from autos. I speak up on serious issues on other threads that affect me and others around me. If you term that as 'fighting', there's nothing I can do about that, unfortunately. Besides, why are you following me - just to pick fights of your own on trivialities? I don't have the time or the energy for that.

You are right about one thing - it is a new month. Too early for me to start it on this note. Do have a good day, Sir.

Any one with ideas or experience on this full drain and refill thing should chime in. There's a lot riding on this for me.

nurey:


Is that all? why giving yourself headache over small thing.

Option 1
Buy 3X the quantity of refill you need, after first refill drive a distance of 100km by then the fluid would have gone several circles mixing together then drain and refill. Second refill should go through 1000km or a month then drain again and refill by then you should have a greater % of the old fluid gone. Ensure your change interval is reduced (yearly) if you intend to reduce the drain refill headache.

Option 2
These is easy but risky if the required expertise isn't available.
jack up the drive wheels, get your refill hose and funnel ready, get a gutter for drain, now start the vehicle and move the gear lever to drive.
while the fluid is draining, refill continuously and observe the fluid draining out. Once it becomes crystal clean then you know all old oil is out and fresh one remains. Couple back, fill oil to required level and guage.

NOTE: You should not have a Volvo moniker and be driving a Toyota what kind of foundation are you laying down for future generations?

^^
Thanks for the reply.

Option 1 is a bit inefficient. ATF isn't exactly cheap so doing several drain and refill cycles to get all the old, dirty fluid out will be expensive.

Option 2 is more like it. I take it you have done this on your own vehicle or had it done? Did you disconnect the cooler lines or you let the dirty oil out through the transmission oil pan/sump?

On the issue of a volvo moniker... ... You chilrens didn't haff respect...

Your case is better than the other volvo guy on this forum though - he actually was considering getting me arrested for impersonation or something because of this volvo moniker matter. . Very angry fellow .

I love both Toyotas (cast iron reliability and solid engineering design/production) and Volvos (unique styling and ergonomics light years ahead of the competition). There's enough room in the sky for all birds to fly...

Vehicle: 2008 Toyota RAV4
Engine: 1 AZ FE (2.0 Litre in-line 4)
Mileage: 129,610 km
Transmission: Auto

Problem: How to carry out proper Toyota approved transmission service?

I did a transmission drain and refill three years ago with WS ATF at about 119,000 km or so. The ATF at the moment is not black but it isn't red either - it is somewhere in between. It doesn't smell burnt and there's no sign of metallic residue on the transmission dipstick. I want to go beyond a standard drain and refill because of the large volume of ATF left untouched in the system when one is performed - is there really any point when over half of the old ATF is still in the system after a so called drain and refill?

I do not want to use transmission flush machines for a few reasons. There are a few online videos which recommend disconnecting the cooler lines during a drain and refill in order to get all of the old ATF out - but not a single mechanic I have contacted is willing to go through with this. I want to stop problems before they start so I am very keen on doing the cooler lines thing. Any ideas? What does the Toyota FSM say?

plaindealer:



You don't have to take my words, the projects and what's on the ground says so.

I can not provide any info about regarding financial details about the project, take the state to court, that's your only option.


Such projects are carried out in phases and I'm 100000% sure that $182 million figure is for the first phase and not for the entire project and projected estimate of $1.3 billion.

^^^


I see.

So, I have to take the LASG to court to compel it to provide financial details of a (at least in part) taxpayer funded infrastructure project? What are they hiding? Is a public infrastructure project (a light rail project!) a state secret? Or a matter of national security?

And you support this?

plaindealer:


Lay people making baseless comparison and a news media outlet making dumb and baseless comparison are 2 different things. News outlets practice journalism and credible news outlets do investigative journalism where they source fact from reliable sources and even take governments to court to force them to turn over documents before publishing ignorant and misleading conclusions.

Also, only ignorant people and worthless media outlets make compare without laying out the reasons why they are comparable like publishing contract documents stating required project specifications from distance to the type of gravel, the type of steel, the type of grading, number of stations, number of roads, freeways, lanes, bridges including over water bridges and so on. This is how you compare, not sourcing article and cost about a rail project in Ethiopia on the internet and start comparing with Lagos.

^^^
OK.

Let's leave the 'baseless comparers' to do their thing while we focus on the real issues.

I would like to access those contract documents (and related documents such as the EIA) to draw my own conclusions. And I shouldn't have to take any self respecting, transparent government to court - or jump through any kind of legal hoops to get those documents.

What say ye?

plaindealer:


I'm not interested in the argument about cost or what Lagos state is spending on the project, my issue, and the only issue is the baseless and ignorant comparison that the projects are comparable when in fact they are definitely not comparable.

In fact, let me get into the cost argument for a second.

The trashy news article claimed that the projects are comparable so it is safe to assume that the cost should almost be the same, so why are the posters you referenced claiming that Lagos state paid only $182million? Is there any reason why the Lagos state paid less than half of what the spent on the same comparable project in Ethiopia?

If you are going to follow their baseless and ignorant logic that doesn't make any sense, try at least to take a look at the huge hole and absurdity in their argument and logic.

^^^
For argument's sake, let us even take your point as given - that the Addis project and the Lagos project are not comparable.

I and a few others want to compare the project with its peers worldwide. But as I said earlier there is a dearth of information on the project. Can you point us in the right direction to get the web resources we need? Without a court order?

Plaindealer;

I want you to address my questions - both the ones I asked NG Patriot and the ones I threw to you as well.

NGpatriot:



I don't think so, the main issue here is the baseless comparison and the assertion that the projects are comparable

You are free to approach the courts to force the state to produce facts regarding funding for the project, but the main issue here is the baseless comparisons, they are definitely not the same or comparable.

^^^


Perhaps people are making 'baseless' comparisons because they don't have all the information they need to make valid comparisons? Not everyone is a mischief maker out to stir up trouble.

On the FOI matter, I say no Sir.

The FOI issue exposed the duplicity of the then Lagos governor, Fashola. After condemning (and rightly so I might add) the graft and venality of the Goodluck Jonathan led Federal Government, Fashola hid behind thinly disguised legalese to oppose the domestication of the FOI bill in Lagos state. What a hypocrite.

The LASG can pass that bill in a couple of days if it so desires. But it won't. And we all know why. So don't ask me to go to the courts - after all, did any court compel the FG to pass the FOI bill?

The lack of transparency in the LASG's affairs is the reason why we are here engaging in endless conjecture over the cost and reasons for delay in critical projects such as this light rail project.

And ye shall seek the truth...

plaindealer:



Let us settle the main issue, are the projects the same and comparable, yes or no.

^^^
I don't know if the projects are the same and comparable, sir. And that's why the veil must be lifted. I've got to see, touch and feel the fruit to know if I've got apples or oranges. Or both.

Is it indeed true (as some posters here have insisted) that there is a significant difference between the project cost as stated by the contractor (in its financial statements) and the contract sum stated by the client (the LASG)? Nobody has addressed this.

NGpatriot:



You are right about FOI, but this is not the issue here, this is about the false and misleading comparisons between this project and the one in Ethiopia.

^^^
As I mentioned in my response to someone else on this thread - the secrecy and lack of transparency IS the issue.

Perhaps you can shed some light on the matter. Can you direct me to some resources on the web that will provide answers to the very cogent questions raised on this thread. For a billion dollar project - that is surely not too much to ask.

I don't need to beat down a path to the governor or the commissioner of transport's office to get answers. For a project this big, everything (and I mean everything) about the project should be on the LASG website.

Once the veil is lifted, baseless comparisons with other projects in Ethiopia (or wherever) will become redundant.

The truth will liberate us now and forever.

novaman:
Nigerian Journalist and sensational headlines for to sell Paper. This journalist was quick to make comparison with Ethiopia since we are all Africans but forgot to state that even in the same state, the same distance in different directions could cost different amounts due to the different topography of the terrain.

I took time to study the Ethiopia light rail and discovered that apart from the elevated track like the one in Lagos, there is no part of the project where they needed to construct a bridge over Lagoon and that cost quite a lot but the difference in the total contract sum could be significant.

The length of the elevated track could be an additional cost. So comparison should be eliminated in the discussion completely.

We should focus more on the reason for the delay and ask why it cost that much. The reporter should be able to cost the Chinese government and companies for more details, who know maybe the problem and delays could be from them.

^^^^
Why should you (and everyone else) be forced to speculate on the possible reasons for contract variation and delays in project completion time? Don't you deserve answers? Questions have been asked about this project for years and no real response has been forthcoming. Why?

The journalist is not holding office on behalf of the people. Who should be held to a higher standard - a journalist (important as his role in the Republic is) or an elected governor holding a position of public trust?

The truth will indeed make us free.