@ Gbawe to add to what you just said about  Prof .Pat Utomi, here is a link for people who believe, that people like him are the kind we need in leadership.

Then sign up here.

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=216233915365&h=odAmo&u=bRCKa&ref=nf

The first truly grassroots campaign in Nigerian history – organizing volunteers and supporters in every region of Nigeria.

Remember its the small changes, that make the biggest difference.  That’s part of the beauty of the NL forum, we debate we share knowledge and healthy views and we challenge our conscience and those who see nothing wrong with the status quo, that  we need a change .

For those who feel posting on NL and discussing the issues dose no good, well its a shame you  still cant see the big picture.

Wait wait wait!!!, it gets worst, but on this occasion the rotten apple got caught


Nigerian man charged in drugs bust

08 July 2009


A 47 year old man was charged on Sunday evening, 5 July 2009, with attempting to smuggle around half a kilo of cocaine into the United Kingdom, through Birmingham International Airport, as part of an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs.

Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) detected the drugs when the American national passport holder, of Nigerian origin, arrived on a flight on Sunday afternoon from South America via Istanbul.

Officers discovered the drugs following a search of luggage. The cocaine has a value of around £25,000 - although this would likely have doubled or trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers.

Dawn Cartwright, Senior investigation officer for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), said:

'This is another excellent result and sends out a clear message that regional airports like Birmingham are not a soft touch for drug smuggling. We will continue to work with our partners in the UK Border Agency to tackle smugglers who attempt to bring these dangerous drugs into the UK. These hauls demonstrate our continuing efforts to do everything we can to reduce the devastating effects of drugs in our communities. This is a serious offence and we would strongly encourage anyone with information relating to smuggled goods to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.'

Stanley Nwanne Igbokaeze (DOB 30 09 61) was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, contrary to the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Solihull Magistrates Court of 14 July 2009.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2009/july/nigerian-man-charged-in-drugs

While we complain of bad leadership and corruption by our leaders, the followership too needs a purge of its conscience. Here is one more desperate Nigerian who is amongst the rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel, and yet we wonder why it’s so difficult for honest Nigerian to get a visa to travel, or not face unnecessary and embarrassing checks at foreign ports of entry because of our nationality . God help us, but seriously we also need to help ourselves.

Of all places, this story was posted boldly on the Home office website


Nigerian man charged in drugs bust

08 July 2009


A 47 year old man was charged on Sunday evening, 5 July 2009, with attempting to smuggle around half a kilo of cocaine into the United Kingdom, through Birmingham International Airport, as part of an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs.

Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) detected the drugs when the American national passport holder, of Nigerian origin, arrived on a flight on Sunday afternoon from South America via Istanbul.

Officers discovered the drugs following a search of luggage. The cocaine has a value of around £25,000 - although this would likely have doubled or trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers.

Dawn Cartwright, Senior investigation officer for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), said:

'This is another excellent result and sends out a clear message that regional airports like Birmingham are not a soft touch for drug smuggling. We will continue to work with our partners in the UK Border Agency to tackle smugglers who attempt to bring these dangerous drugs into the UK. These hauls demonstrate our continuing efforts to do everything we can to reduce the devastating effects of drugs in our communities. This is a serious offence and we would strongly encourage anyone with information relating to smuggled goods to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.'

Stanley Nwanne Igbokaeze (DOB 30 09 61) was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, contrary to the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Solihull Magistrates Court of 14 July 2009.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2009/july/nigerian-man-charged-in-drugs

For some reason which i dont know, this piece has been deleted twice when i posted it on NL, Please Mr. Site admin whats the problem,

While we complain of bad leadership and corruption by our leaders, the followership too needs a purge of its conscience. Here is one more desperate Nigerian who is amongst the rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel, and yet we wonder why it’s so difficult for honest Nigerian to get a visa to travel, or not face unnecessary and embarrassing checks at foreign ports of entry because of our nationality . God help us, but seriously we also need to help ourselves.

Of all places, this story was posted boldly on the Home office website


Nigerian man charged in drugs bust

08 July 2009


A 47 year old man was charged on Sunday evening, 5 July 2009, with attempting to smuggle around half a kilo of cocaine into the United Kingdom, through Birmingham International Airport, as part of an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs.

Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) detected the drugs when the American national passport holder, of Nigerian origin, arrived on a flight on Sunday afternoon from South America via Istanbul.

Officers discovered the drugs following a search of luggage. The cocaine has a value of around £25,000 - although this would likely have doubled or trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers.

Dawn Cartwright, Senior investigation officer for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), said:

'This is another excellent result and sends out a clear message that regional airports like Birmingham are not a soft touch for drug smuggling. We will continue to work with our partners in the UK Border Agency to tackle smugglers who attempt to bring these dangerous drugs into the UK. These hauls demonstrate our continuing efforts to do everything we can to reduce the devastating effects of drugs in our communities. This is a serious offence and we would strongly encourage anyone with information relating to smuggled goods to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.'

Stanley Nwanne Igbokaeze (DOB 30 09 61) was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, contrary to the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Solihull Magistrates Court of 14 July 2009.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2009/july/nigerian-man-charged-in-drugs

While we complain of bad leadership and corruption by our leaders, the followership too needs a purge of its conscience. Here is one more desperate Nigerian who is amongst the rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel, and yet we wonder why it’s so difficult for honest Nigerian to get a visa to travel, or not face unnecessary and embarrassing checks at foreign ports of entry because of our nationality . God help us, but seriously we also need to help ourselves.

This news of all places, was boldly posted on the Homeoffice website.

Nigerian man charged in drugs bust

08 July 2009


A 47 year old man was charged on Sunday evening, 5 July 2009, with attempting to smuggle around half a kilo of cocaine into the United Kingdom, through Birmingham International Airport, as part of an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs.

Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) detected the drugs when the American national passport holder, of Nigerian origin, arrived on a flight on Sunday afternoon from South America via Istanbul.

Officers discovered the drugs following a search of luggage. The cocaine has a value of around £25,000 - although this would likely have doubled or trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers.

Dawn Cartwright, Senior investigation officer for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), said:

'This is another excellent result and sends out a clear message that regional airports like Birmingham are not a soft touch for drug smuggling. We will continue to work with our partners in the UK Border Agency to tackle smugglers who attempt to bring these dangerous drugs into the UK. These hauls demonstrate our continuing efforts to do everything we can to reduce the devastating effects of drugs in our communities. This is a serious offence and we would strongly encourage anyone with information relating to smuggled goods to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.'

Stanley Nwanne Igbokaeze (DOB 30 09 61) was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, contrary to the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Solihull Magistrates Court of 14 July 2009.


http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2009/july/nigerian-man-charged-in-drugs

Tudór:

Yara'mumu must be a big idiot! Look at the way he's ranting and demanding as if the G-8 promised him a kidney and failed. Besides what has he done to fulfil his own seven point agenda, and he's busy demanding like it's his right.

Ol boy you cracked me up with the Yara,mumu, thing! , i thought i have heared it all, Mr.Clueless, Babagoslow,

It’s sad, we have resort to calling him all sort of names, but I guess it’s a reflection of the frustration Nigerians have with his government.
Mr. President really goofed as always, while Obama is singing the song of,, the solution to Africa’s problems lies with Africans, The Chief Alimajiri with bowl in hand, is saying to the G8, abeg na, what of that thing una promise .

How sad, if he can’t say anything sensible, why not just shut up! and listen, even a fool is considered wise just by not speaking…haba!

@ Gbawe and all people that stand for Truth!!!, Thanks for speaking like true enlightened Nigerians, and hitting the bulls eye with your arguements,

We all know the likes of Anenih and Bode George and the hundreds of them all over the land are shameless old men,whether they listen to Obama or not, let’s not bother ourselves with that, but at least for one thing we know and should be glad about, is that a world leader is out rightly scolding them and saying it the way it should be said.

To me this sets a precedent and in the future we will see the same condemnation coming from other world leaders specifically towards bad and corrupt leadership in Africa, who always wants to seek legitimacy from the west, yet perpetuate evil and irresponsible governance.

All apologist of the Thieving Anenih, Bode George, and PDP on this forum, shame on you too, and that goes for anyone standing in defence of Anenih and Bode George by claiming obama is not a saint, what a lame and unenlightened argument, What a waste,, Nonsense indeed.

Sammy107_d:

All true. But these are things we already know, and it wouldn't have any meaning only because we heard it from Obama. Obama's "world lover" tactic is rendering him more ceremonial like the English queen; trying not to directly hurt anybody and propose risky foreign policies, thereby failing to reach any definite resolution. He might as well have written a letter.

Yeah,i think these are thing we already  know, and by we I presume you mean our leadership ? well if they know these thing and chose not to do them and yet are told over and over again by  world leaders and visiting US presidents to Africa. Then it seems to me that we have an absolute stupid or deaf leadership. There’s nothing wrong with Obama saying it over and over again,  more importantly I think the fact that Ghana is showing signs of heeding to the words and the cry for good leadership in  Africa, then why not  use that as a spring board and address African .Letting us know that for those who choose to  change and progress, that they too will be celebrated.

So  Obama did nothing wrong for saying the obvious, to me I think, Babagoslow should even be told same at the G8, instead of him asking the G8 to fulfil there promise to Africa,  as if Africa will live all eternity in Aid from the west.

A quote from the speech There are wars over land and wars over resources. And it is still far too easy for those without conscience to manipulate whole communities into fighting among faiths and tribes," President Obama

To me this sounds very much like his is talking about our dear Nigeria, but the most painfully and equally shameful thing is that our so called leaders, and past crook leaders also, who have no other way of making money other than government, will most probably not even listen to this speech,  even if they do it means absolutely nothing to them.

While countries like Ghana, are facing up to the challenges and striving to move up, not just to gain recognition in the international community, but also to build a strong and virile economy and democracy.

Our land that is far more blessed in every way you can compare it to Ghana is rather unfortunately in a state of retrogression, nothing seems to be changing for the better, in both governance and the economy.

Dear NL, let not just pray for this land called Nigeria, lets refuse in any way we can  this  sect of people truncating the destiny of  over a 140million souls.
Mr. Clueless ,should finishes his sitdown look adventure to the G8 and come back to rule oh.
One more thing, I won’t be surprised if that bag called (Ghana must go), is now changed into (Nigeria must go)…

A good read, but very much differ from my own idea of how to end the Niger Delta issue

The End Game: MEND Versus Federal Republic Of Nigeria
Written by Dr. Olusola Osineye

The only game I have ever taken any deep interest in is chess. I also follow football but more out of the necessity to keep informed with the most popular game on earth. Chess is probably the only game that requires at least an average intelligence quotient (IQ) for you to be able to participate; but then you will not enjoy it because it will be quite a struggle comprehending what is going on. Little wonder why it attracts students and professionals in fields like medicine, law, engineering and so on.

I can still recollect, with nostalgia, couple of years back when all the best chess players in Nigeria used to converge in LUTH, Idi-Araba to play blitz-which can aptly be described as speed chess. There was the only International Master in Nigeria then, Tola Akintola; I cannot forget the genius, Odion, the fastest chess player in Nigeria (national blitz champion) who later became an international master by drawing with a Russian GM at the world chess Olympiads. Others include, Dashe, Bimbo Adelaja, Martin Odum, Okechukwu Iwu (No relation of the dim-witted, rogue, Maurice Iwu of INEC). Okey Iwu, now a US- based cardiologist; he was a year ahead of Odum and I. Odum Martin is based in Nigeria practising medicine

Although the game of chess originated in India, the Russians (USSR) have been far more successful compared with other chess-playing nations ever since they have their first contact with the game in the 9 th century AD.

Interestingly, the known Russian chess players of the past were high-ranking military officers, the ruling class or the bourgeois. Notable amongst them were, Ivan IV “the terrible,” Sergey Urusov (1827-1897), who later became a Major General in the Russian army and also had a chess opening named after him – Urusov Gambit. Carl Jaenisch (born in 1838) was a major in the Russian army and was credited to have written many books on chess openings; Nikolai Krylenko (1885-1938) was a Russian revolutionary and Soviet jurist. He held the position of commander in chief of the Russian forces. The popular Russian champions of the 1980s and 1990s include Anatoly Karpov and Gary Kasparov.

Cuba is another country that has a profound chess culture. The country produced one of the greatest chess champions ever, Jose Raul Capablanca (1888-1942). The former Cuban president Fidel Castro and his revolutionary pal Dr. Che Guevara were known to be keen enthusiasts of the game.

One thing that fascinates me about the chess game is the way it can easily be used to mirror real life situation. I would not be surprised if the interest shown by some of the men I have mentioned above goes beyond the physical chess board and the pieces.

Anyway, I was recently prompted to bring out my computer chess board again after a very long time because of the unfolding events in the Niger Delta. After a few thoughtful games, I decided to offer some advice to my brothers in the movement for the emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) who might be tempted to consider the amnesty offer recently made to them by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In a game of chess, a well played opening would give you a better position which, if well handled, can lead to a massive advantage in the middle game. MEND played the opening game brilliantly and that is why they are now recognised by all regional bodies and even the United Nations. MEND is the officially recognised body that can speak on behalf of the long-suffering masses of the Niger Delta region. In my opinion, the hope of all the suffering masses in the whole country might actually rest on the activities of MEND.

The achievements of MEND arguably dwarf all previous attempts by any known ethnic group within the country to bring the FGN to recognise the injustices that have been committed against the masses by the irredeemably hopeless ruling class. The Igbos have tried with very little success; June 12 was another injustice against the Yorubas. The Hausa/Fulani hegemony continued to terrorise the Christians of Southern Kaduna; the issues in Plateau state continued to be a festering sore. These are just a few. NADECO and later PRONACO have continued to plead that the country needs a sovereign national conference, but the FGN doesn’t see them as a potent threat. The OPC and Bakassi are just tribal nonsense with no real impact on the activities of the thieving politicians.

The chess game between MEND and the government of Nigeria entered the middle game and suddenly things changed. Criminality entered the struggle; and there were kidnappings for ransom while some militants were engaged in outright armed robbery. Some were even used by the political class as thugs to rig elections. At this point, MEND had thrown away all the advantages that they had at the opening of the game. They lost so much goodwill and divided the whole nation. Some saw them as criminals while others still identified with the struggle. I belong to the latter group.

Similarly, in the game of chess you can lose your opening advantages either because you did not realise you had one or because you lack the skill and wherewithal to exploit it. Anyhow, at that point what usually happens is called equality, with the game looking increasingly like a draw. That was exactly what happened when criminality took over the struggle in the Niger Delta. In fact, the FGN came out better in the middle game and were looking forward to finish off MEND. That was a mistake!

In chess, an obvious advantage can actually be a fluke because if you lack a very deep understanding of the game it might be a grievous error to go for a kill on the back of an isolated gain. A good chess master would rather accumulate the advantages and wait for the enemy to self-destruct.

The government of Nigeria and their posse of advisers spotted a fluke isolated advantage and went for the jugular of MEND by ordering a full attack on the militants with no considerations whatsoever for the defenceless women and children in that region. One of the members of the ruling class even suggested the extermination of twenty million Niger Deltans. Meanwhile, their own wives and children are all over America and Europe shopping and enjoying the money that came from the Niger Delta. The Nigerian ruling class are the most callous set of human beings that I have ever read about. The Khmer Rouge of Vietnam, in my opinion, came a distant second. Anyhow the last move by the government automatically drew the battle line for the end-game.

Maybe it is me, but has anyone noticed the grave silence from all the other ethnic groups, including PRONACO, that have issues with the way things are in the country? It was exactly the same during the BIAFRA; all the other groups suddenly developed mutism; while others gave their tacit support to the murderous regimes in power at the time. Only one political party, Action Congress, has been consistent in their criticism of the actions of the government. The Nigerian press gave more space to the reported R. Kelly gig that took place in South Africa.

MEND got battered in the middle game and entered the end game badly bruised and realised that the game might be coming to an abrupt end. However, in chess, your opponent becomes more deadly when the game seemed to be coming to an unexpected end. That is when he becomes calmer and therefore able to think and see better. The government was coasting to an easy win when suddenly MEND discovered the age-long move - “kamikaze!”

The kamikaze were suicide attacks used by the Japanese in World War II against the allied forces. The kamikaze pilots would attempt to intentionally crash their aircrafts - which are often filled with explosives and bombs - into allied ships. In the game of chess, kamikaze are form of gambits, sacrifices which you make to force your opponent to lose concentration and cede to you some of the advantages he might have previously gained.

MEND’s strategy shifted from taking what rightly belongs to them to sabotaging oil installations in the Niger Delta. How could this move possibly benefit the Niger Delta? No, it wouldn’t but then it is also not in the interest of Abuja to not have any income to run the affairs of the state; or better still to not have any money to steal.

The gambit worked! The government of President Yar’Adua panicked; and this was too obvious to even a primary school pupil. Overnight MEND had achieved what no other ethnic group had been able to since Nigeria became independent in 1960. The government suddenly started brandishing an olive branch - N50.0 billion amnesty offer. What kind of amnesty offer is that? A committee was hurriedly set up to work out modalities for the programme, but MEND continued to weaken the government’s position by destroying more pipelines. I am loving this game! I have a feeling those boys in the creek are enjoying the game too. Interestingly, some so-called militants have started showing up from nowhere claiming they are ready to take the government’s offer. My fellow Nigerians, these are the real criminals behind the kidnappings, raping and all other atrocities. Only criminals take up amnesty; revolutionaries either achieve what they set out to do- which is fairness and justice for everybody- or are defeated or die in the course of the struggle. Criminals on the other hand take up amnesty offer. BIAFRA never took any amnesty offer - It was a no victor, no vanquished outcome.

In my last article titled: Nigerians: The Happiest People And The Most Stupid, a lot of the comments asked me to proffer solution rather than moaning about the decay in the country. Well, the MEND issue and the fact that the government is badly wounded now, is my only answer. If we lose this opportunity to hammer the government into a state of total stupor, we might never have another chance in my lifetime. MEND had exposed the underbelly of the Nigerian government. They are a bunch of thieves and would do anything to keep the oil flowing.

MEND should continue to sabotage the oil installations until our output reaches zero. They don’t have too many choices anyway. Nigerians that seek justice, fairness and a country that they can be proud of must continue to support MEND in whatever way they can. I hope Gbomo Jomo, the spokesperson of MEND reads Sahara reporters and NVS. Palestine authorities have clandestine ways of raising money from Palestinian citizens all over the world; same goes for other organizations all over the world.

MEND is recognised worldwide for their struggle against the forces of darkness. MEND should also know that there are many Nigerian groups in Diaspora who are ready to send regular donations in hard currencies to them. They should get in touch with the different platforms like Sahara-Reporters and NVS – on these sites are people who support the struggle. They should just give the words and the money will roll in-tens, twenties, fifties - dollars and pounds. Fifty pounds monthly would not hurt a lot of Nigerians in Diaspora who believe in the struggle to free Nigeria from the shackles of oppression.

This is the end-game so MEND should expect all sorts of illegal tactics from a wounded government. Like in a game of chess, MEND must hold their nerves, remain calm, double check every single move, wait, wait and wait even more, until the government is completely haemorrhaged to death. Then out of the carcasses of the old Nigeria a new Nigeria will emerge where all the different nationalities will decide over a round table how they want to live together. MEND should realise that they are carrying the hopes of over one-hundred and forty million Nigerians who are too scared and have been cowed into living like dogs in their country. When ‘blood oil’ stops flowing and there is no more free money to steal, the present blood-stained Nigerian state will die naturally.

A Good read, but very much differ from my own idea and believe of how to end the Niger Delta issue.


The End Game: MEND Versus Federal Republic Of Nigeria
Written by Dr. Olusola Osineye

The only game I have ever taken any deep interest in is chess. I also follow football but more out of the necessity to keep informed with the most popular game on earth. Chess is probably the only game that requires at least an average intelligence quotient (IQ) for you to be able to participate; but then you will not enjoy it because it will be quite a struggle comprehending what is going on. Little wonder why it attracts students and professionals in fields like medicine, law, engineering and so on.

I can still recollect, with nostalgia, couple of years back when all the best chess players in Nigeria used to converge in LUTH, Idi-Araba to play blitz-which can aptly be described as speed chess. There was the only International Master in Nigeria then, Tola Akintola; I cannot forget the genius, Odion, the fastest chess player in Nigeria (national blitz champion) who later became an international master by drawing with a Russian GM at the world chess Olympiads. Others include, Dashe, Bimbo Adelaja, Martin Odum, Okechukwu Iwu (No relation of the dim-witted, rogue, Maurice Iwu of INEC). Okey Iwu, now a US- based cardiologist; he was a year ahead of Odum and I. Odum Martin is based in Nigeria practising medicine

Although the game of chess originated in India, the Russians (USSR) have been far more successful compared with other chess-playing nations ever since they have their first contact with the game in the 9 th century AD.

Interestingly, the known Russian chess players of the past were high-ranking military officers, the ruling class or the bourgeois. Notable amongst them were, Ivan IV “the terrible,” Sergey Urusov (1827-1897), who later became a Major General in the Russian army and also had a chess opening named after him – Urusov Gambit. Carl Jaenisch (born in 1838) was a major in the Russian army and was credited to have written many books on chess openings; Nikolai Krylenko (1885-1938) was a Russian revolutionary and Soviet jurist. He held the position of commander in chief of the Russian forces. The popular Russian champions of the 1980s and 1990s include Anatoly Karpov and Gary Kasparov.

Cuba is another country that has a profound chess culture. The country produced one of the greatest chess champions ever, Jose Raul Capablanca (1888-1942). The former Cuban president Fidel Castro and his revolutionary pal Dr. Che Guevara were known to be keen enthusiasts of the game.

One thing that fascinates me about the chess game is the way it can easily be used to mirror real life situation. I would not be surprised if the interest shown by some of the men I have mentioned above goes beyond the physical chess board and the pieces.

Anyway, I was recently prompted to bring out my computer chess board again after a very long time because of the unfolding events in the Niger Delta. After a few thoughtful games, I decided to offer some advice to my brothers in the movement for the emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) who might be tempted to consider the amnesty offer recently made to them by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In a game of chess, a well played opening would give you a better position which, if well handled, can lead to a massive advantage in the middle game. MEND played the opening game brilliantly and that is why they are now recognised by all regional bodies and even the United Nations. MEND is the officially recognised body that can speak on behalf of the long-suffering masses of the Niger Delta region. In my opinion, the hope of all the suffering masses in the whole country might actually rest on the activities of MEND.

The achievements of MEND arguably dwarf all previous attempts by any known ethnic group within the country to bring the FGN to recognise the injustices that have been committed against the masses by the irredeemably hopeless ruling class. The Igbos have tried with very little success; June 12 was another injustice against the Yorubas. The Hausa/Fulani hegemony continued to terrorise the Christians of Southern Kaduna; the issues in Plateau state continued to be a festering sore. These are just a few. NADECO and later PRONACO have continued to plead that the country needs a sovereign national conference, but the FGN doesn’t see them as a potent threat. The OPC and Bakassi are just tribal nonsense with no real impact on the activities of the thieving politicians.

The chess game between MEND and the government of Nigeria entered the middle game and suddenly things changed. Criminality entered the struggle; and there were kidnappings for ransom while some militants were engaged in outright armed robbery. Some were even used by the political class as thugs to rig elections. At this point, MEND had thrown away all the advantages that they had at the opening of the game. They lost so much goodwill and divided the whole nation. Some saw them as criminals while others still identified with the struggle. I belong to the latter group.

Similarly, in the game of chess you can lose your opening advantages either because you did not realise you had one or because you lack the skill and wherewithal to exploit it. Anyhow, at that point what usually happens is called equality, with the game looking increasingly like a draw. That was exactly what happened when criminality took over the struggle in the Niger Delta. In fact, the FGN came out better in the middle game and were looking forward to finish off MEND. That was a mistake!

In chess, an obvious advantage can actually be a fluke because if you lack a very deep understanding of the game it might be a grievous error to go for a kill on the back of an isolated gain. A good chess master would rather accumulate the advantages and wait for the enemy to self-destruct.

The government of Nigeria and their posse of advisers spotted a fluke isolated advantage and went for the jugular of MEND by ordering a full attack on the militants with no considerations whatsoever for the defenceless women and children in that region. One of the members of the ruling class even suggested the extermination of twenty million Niger Deltans. Meanwhile, their own wives and children are all over America and Europe shopping and enjoying the money that came from the Niger Delta. The Nigerian ruling class are the most callous set of human beings that I have ever read about. The Khmer Rouge of Vietnam, in my opinion, came a distant second. Anyhow the last move by the government automatically drew the battle line for the end-game.

Maybe it is me, but has anyone noticed the grave silence from all the other ethnic groups, including PRONACO, that have issues with the way things are in the country? It was exactly the same during the BIAFRA; all the other groups suddenly developed mutism; while others gave their tacit support to the murderous regimes in power at the time. Only one political party, Action Congress, has been consistent in their criticism of the actions of the government. The Nigerian press gave more space to the reported R. Kelly gig that took place in South Africa.

MEND got battered in the middle game and entered the end game badly bruised and realised that the game might be coming to an abrupt end. However, in chess, your opponent becomes more deadly when the game seemed to be coming to an unexpected end. That is when he becomes calmer and therefore able to think and see better. The government was coasting to an easy win when suddenly MEND discovered the age-long move - “kamikaze!”

The kamikaze were suicide attacks used by the Japanese in World War II against the allied forces. The kamikaze pilots would attempt to intentionally crash their aircrafts - which are often filled with explosives and bombs - into allied ships. In the game of chess, kamikaze are form of gambits, sacrifices which you make to force your opponent to lose concentration and cede to you some of the advantages he might have previously gained.

MEND’s strategy shifted from taking what rightly belongs to them to sabotaging oil installations in the Niger Delta. How could this move possibly benefit the Niger Delta? No, it wouldn’t but then it is also not in the interest of Abuja to not have any income to run the affairs of the state; or better still to not have any money to steal.

The gambit worked! The government of President Yar’Adua panicked; and this was too obvious to even a primary school pupil. Overnight MEND had achieved what no other ethnic group had been able to since Nigeria became independent in 1960. The government suddenly started brandishing an olive branch - N50.0 billion amnesty offer. What kind of amnesty offer is that? A committee was hurriedly set up to work out modalities for the programme, but MEND continued to weaken the government’s position by destroying more pipelines. I am loving this game! I have a feeling those boys in the creek are enjoying the game too. Interestingly, some so-called militants have started showing up from nowhere claiming they are ready to take the government’s offer. My fellow Nigerians, these are the real criminals behind the kidnappings, raping and all other atrocities. Only criminals take up amnesty; revolutionaries either achieve what they set out to do- which is fairness and justice for everybody- or are defeated or die in the course of the struggle. Criminals on the other hand take up amnesty offer. BIAFRA never took any amnesty offer - It was a no victor, no vanquished outcome.

In my last article titled: Nigerians: The Happiest People And The Most Stupid, a lot of the comments asked me to proffer solution rather than moaning about the decay in the country. Well, the MEND issue and the fact that the government is badly wounded now, is my only answer. If we lose this opportunity to hammer the government into a state of total stupor, we might never have another chance in my lifetime. MEND had exposed the underbelly of the Nigerian government. They are a bunch of thieves and would do anything to keep the oil flowing.

MEND should continue to sabotage the oil installations until our output reaches zero. They don’t have too many choices anyway. Nigerians that seek justice, fairness and a country that they can be proud of must continue to support MEND in whatever way they can. I hope Gbomo Jomo, the spokesperson of MEND reads Sahara reporters and NVS. Palestine authorities have clandestine ways of raising money from Palestinian citizens all over the world; same goes for other organizations all over the world.

MEND is recognised worldwide for their struggle against the forces of darkness. MEND should also know that there are many Nigerian groups in Diaspora who are ready to send regular donations in hard currencies to them. They should get in touch with the different platforms like Sahara-Reporters and NVS – on these sites are people who support the struggle. They should just give the words and the money will roll in-tens, twenties, fifties - dollars and pounds. Fifty pounds monthly would not hurt a lot of Nigerians in Diaspora who believe in the struggle to free Nigeria from the shackles of oppression.

This is the end-game so MEND should expect all sorts of illegal tactics from a wounded government. Like in a game of chess, MEND must hold their nerves, remain calm, double check every single move, wait, wait and wait even more, until the government is completely haemorrhaged to death. Then out of the carcasses of the old Nigeria a new Nigeria will emerge where all the different nationalities will decide over a round table how they want to live together. MEND should realise that they are carrying the hopes of over one-hundred and forty million Nigerians who are too scared and have been cowed into living like dogs in their country. When ‘blood oil’ stops flowing and there is no more free money to steal, the present blood-stained Nigerian state will die naturally.

Anothere Good Article, but very much differs from my own idea of solving the Niger delta / Nigeria problem

The End Game: MEND Versus Federal Republic Of Nigeria
Written by Dr. Olusola Osineye

The only game I have ever taken any deep interest in is chess. I also follow football but more out of the necessity to keep informed with the most popular game on earth. Chess is probably the only game that requires at least an average intelligence quotient (IQ) for you to be able to participate; but then you will not enjoy it because it will be quite a struggle comprehending what is going on. Little wonder why it attracts students and professionals in fields like medicine, law, engineering and so on.

I can still recollect, with nostalgia, couple of years back when all the best chess players in Nigeria used to converge in LUTH, Idi-Araba to play blitz-which can aptly be described as speed chess. There was the only International Master in Nigeria then, Tola Akintola; I cannot forget the genius, Odion, the fastest chess player in Nigeria (national blitz champion) who later became an international master by drawing with a Russian GM at the world chess Olympiads. Others include, Dashe, Bimbo Adelaja, Martin Odum, Okechukwu Iwu (No relation of the dim-witted, rogue, Maurice Iwu of INEC). Okey Iwu, now a US- based cardiologist; he was a year ahead of Odum and I. Odum Martin is based in Nigeria practising medicine

Although the game of chess originated in India, the Russians (USSR) have been far more successful compared with other chess-playing nations ever since they have their first contact with the game in the 9 th century AD.

Interestingly, the known Russian chess players of the past were high-ranking military officers, the ruling class or the bourgeois. Notable amongst them were, Ivan IV “the terrible,” Sergey Urusov (1827-1897), who later became a Major General in the Russian army and also had a chess opening named after him – Urusov Gambit. Carl Jaenisch (born in 1838) was a major in the Russian army and was credited to have written many books on chess openings; Nikolai Krylenko (1885-1938) was a Russian revolutionary and Soviet jurist. He held the position of commander in chief of the Russian forces. The popular Russian champions of the 1980s and 1990s include Anatoly Karpov and Gary Kasparov.

Cuba is another country that has a profound chess culture. The country produced one of the greatest chess champions ever, Jose Raul Capablanca (1888-1942). The former Cuban president Fidel Castro and his revolutionary pal Dr. Che Guevara were known to be keen enthusiasts of the game.

One thing that fascinates me about the chess game is the way it can easily be used to mirror real life situation. I would not be surprised if the interest shown by some of the men I have mentioned above goes beyond the physical chess board and the pieces.

Anyway, I was recently prompted to bring out my computer chess board again after a very long time because of the unfolding events in the Niger Delta. After a few thoughtful games, I decided to offer some advice to my brothers in the movement for the emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) who might be tempted to consider the amnesty offer recently made to them by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In a game of chess, a well played opening would give you a better position which, if well handled, can lead to a massive advantage in the middle game. MEND played the opening game brilliantly and that is why they are now recognised by all regional bodies and even the United Nations. MEND is the officially recognised body that can speak on behalf of the long-suffering masses of the Niger Delta region. In my opinion, the hope of all the suffering masses in the whole country might actually rest on the activities of MEND.

The achievements of MEND arguably dwarf all previous attempts by any known ethnic group within the country to bring the FGN to recognise the injustices that have been committed against the masses by the irredeemably hopeless ruling class. The Igbos have tried with very little success; June 12 was another injustice against the Yorubas. The Hausa/Fulani hegemony continued to terrorise the Christians of Southern Kaduna; the issues in Plateau state continued to be a festering sore. These are just a few. NADECO and later PRONACO have continued to plead that the country needs a sovereign national conference, but the FGN doesn’t see them as a potent threat. The OPC and Bakassi are just tribal nonsense with no real impact on the activities of the thieving politicians.

The chess game between MEND and the government of Nigeria entered the middle game and suddenly things changed. Criminality entered the struggle; and there were kidnappings for ransom while some militants were engaged in outright armed robbery. Some were even used by the political class as thugs to rig elections. At this point, MEND had thrown away all the advantages that they had at the opening of the game. They lost so much goodwill and divided the whole nation. Some saw them as criminals while others still identified with the struggle. I belong to the latter group.

Similarly, in the game of chess you can lose your opening advantages either because you did not realise you had one or because you lack the skill and wherewithal to exploit it. Anyhow, at that point what usually happens is called equality, with the game looking increasingly like a draw. That was exactly what happened when criminality took over the struggle in the Niger Delta. In fact, the FGN came out better in the middle game and were looking forward to finish off MEND. That was a mistake!

In chess, an obvious advantage can actually be a fluke because if you lack a very deep understanding of the game it might be a grievous error to go for a kill on the back of an isolated gain. A good chess master would rather accumulate the advantages and wait for the enemy to self-destruct.

The government of Nigeria and their posse of advisers spotted a fluke isolated advantage and went for the jugular of MEND by ordering a full attack on the militants with no considerations whatsoever for the defenceless women and children in that region. One of the members of the ruling class even suggested the extermination of twenty million Niger Deltans. Meanwhile, their own wives and children are all over America and Europe shopping and enjoying the money that came from the Niger Delta. The Nigerian ruling class are the most callous set of human beings that I have ever read about. The Khmer Rouge of Vietnam, in my opinion, came a distant second. Anyhow the last move by the government automatically drew the battle line for the end-game.

Maybe it is me, but has anyone noticed the grave silence from all the other ethnic groups, including PRONACO, that have issues with the way things are in the country? It was exactly the same during the BIAFRA; all the other groups suddenly developed mutism; while others gave their tacit support to the murderous regimes in power at the time. Only one political party, Action Congress, has been consistent in their criticism of the actions of the government. The Nigerian press gave more space to the reported R. Kelly gig that took place in South Africa.

MEND got battered in the middle game and entered the end game badly bruised and realised that the game might be coming to an abrupt end. However, in chess, your opponent becomes more deadly when the game seemed to be coming to an unexpected end. That is when he becomes calmer and therefore able to think and see better. The government was coasting to an easy win when suddenly MEND discovered the age-long move - “kamikaze!”

The kamikaze were suicide attacks used by the Japanese in World War II against the allied forces. The kamikaze pilots would attempt to intentionally crash their aircrafts - which are often filled with explosives and bombs - into allied ships. In the game of chess, kamikaze are form of gambits, sacrifices which you make to force your opponent to lose concentration and cede to you some of the advantages he might have previously gained.

MEND’s strategy shifted from taking what rightly belongs to them to sabotaging oil installations in the Niger Delta. How could this move possibly benefit the Niger Delta? No, it wouldn’t but then it is also not in the interest of Abuja to not have any income to run the affairs of the state; or better still to not have any money to steal.

The gambit worked! The government of President Yar’Adua panicked; and this was too obvious to even a primary school pupil. Overnight MEND had achieved what no other ethnic group had been able to since Nigeria became independent in 1960. The government suddenly started brandishing an olive branch - N50.0 billion amnesty offer. What kind of amnesty offer is that? A committee was hurriedly set up to work out modalities for the programme, but MEND continued to weaken the government’s position by destroying more pipelines. I am loving this game! I have a feeling those boys in the creek are enjoying the game too. Interestingly, some so-called militants have started showing up from nowhere claiming they are ready to take the government’s offer. My fellow Nigerians, these are the real criminals behind the kidnappings, raping and all other atrocities. Only criminals take up amnesty; revolutionaries either achieve what they set out to do- which is fairness and justice for everybody- or are defeated or die in the course of the struggle. Criminals on the other hand take up amnesty offer. BIAFRA never took any amnesty offer - It was a no victor, no vanquished outcome.

In my last article titled: Nigerians: The Happiest People And The Most Stupid, a lot of the comments asked me to proffer solution rather than moaning about the decay in the country. Well, the MEND issue and the fact that the government is badly wounded now, is my only answer. If we lose this opportunity to hammer the government into a state of total stupor, we might never have another chance in my lifetime. MEND had exposed the underbelly of the Nigerian government. They are a bunch of thieves and would do anything to keep the oil flowing.

MEND should continue to sabotage the oil installations until our output reaches zero. They don’t have too many choices anyway. Nigerians that seek justice, fairness and a country that they can be proud of must continue to support MEND in whatever way they can. I hope Gbomo Jomo, the spokesperson of MEND reads Sahara reporters and NVS. Palestine authorities have clandestine ways of raising money from Palestinian citizens all over the world; same goes for other organizations all over the world.

MEND is recognised worldwide for their struggle against the forces of darkness. MEND should also know that there are many Nigerian groups in Diaspora who are ready to send regular donations in hard currencies to them. They should get in touch with the different platforms like Sahara-Reporters and NVS – on these sites are people who support the struggle. They should just give the words and the money will roll in-tens, twenties, fifties - dollars and pounds. Fifty pounds monthly would not hurt a lot of Nigerians in Diaspora who believe in the struggle to free Nigeria from the shackles of oppression.

This is the end-game so MEND should expect all sorts of illegal tactics from a wounded government. Like in a game of chess, MEND must hold their nerves, remain calm, double check every single move, wait, wait and wait even more, until the government is completely haemorrhaged to death. Then out of the carcasses of the old Nigeria a new Nigeria will emerge where all the different nationalities will decide over a round table how they want to live together. MEND should realise that they are carrying the hopes of over one-hundred and forty million Nigerians who are too scared and have been cowed into living like dogs in their country. When ‘blood oil’ stops flowing and there is no more free money to steal, the present blood-stained Nigerian state will die naturally.

Thanks @ Ayoolu, extremely elated you could join us. Please do keep sharing your insight into the profession and your views. As this will be of immense benefit to many .

Cheers.

Nigerians For Change (N4C)

MISSION STATEMENT: To have a unified voice for change, to emancipate the minds of the younger generation of patriotic, passionate, and innovative people from diverse academic backgrounds, to work together to implement solutions for change in Nigeria for a brighter future.

If this is also your mission and vision for Nigeria, please join and invite other young energetic Nigerian visionaries.

BLOG: http://nigerians4change..com/ Open for forum discussions
TWITTER (follow us): http://twitter.com/N4C_OneVoice
FACEBOOK. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=21284173876

Contact us: info@nigerians4change.org
Office: Worldwide
Location: www.nigerians4change.org


US study oppurtunity.

N4C is partnering with AmeriCollege Express (ACE) to assist high achieving Nigerian secondary school students in their bid to study in the US, regardless of their financial situation.

We need potential students to participate in the inaugural program this year. Graduates that have been through the application process will help guide and mentor these students to achieve their success.

If you know of anyone that could benefit, please email:
Tolu Owodunni@ owodee@gmail.com
OR
Tomi Igun@ tomigunonline@yahoo.com
OR
any N4C admin .There are time constraints so please respond by July 18, 2009

Nigerians For Change (N4C)

MISSION STATEMENT: To have a unified voice for change, to emancipate the minds of the younger generation of patriotic, passionate, and innovative people from diverse academic backgrounds, to work together to implement solutions for change in Nigeria for a brighter future.

If this is also your mission and vision for Nigeria, please join and invite other young energetic Nigerian visionaries.

BLOG: http://nigerians4change..com/ Open for forum discussions
TWITTER (follow us): http://twitter.com/N4C_OneVoice
FACEBOOK. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=21284173876

Contact us: info@nigerians4change.org
Office: Worldwide
Location: www.nigerians4change.org


US study oppurtunity.

N4C is partnering with AmeriCollege Express (ACE) to assist high achieving Nigerian secondary school students in their bid to study in the US, regardless of their financial situation.

We need potential students to participate in the inaugural program this year. Graduates that have been through the application process will help guide and mentor these students to achieve their success.

If you know of anyone that could benefit, please email:
Tolu Owodunni@      owodee@gmail.com
OR
Tomi Igun@            tomigunonline@yahoo.com
OR
any N4C admin .There are time constraints so please respond by July 18, 2009

By: Salisu Suleiman

I am Nigeria. I have millions of acres of arable land and billions of cubic litres of water, but I cannot feed myself. So I spend $1 billion to import rice and another $2 billion to import milk. I produce rice, but don’t eat it. I have 60 million cattle but no milk. I am hungry, please re-brand me.

I drive the latest cars in the world but have no roads. I lose family and friends everyday on roads for which funds have been looted. I lose my young, my old, and my most brainy and productive people to the potholes, craters and crevasses they travel on everyday. I am in permanent mourning, please re-brand me.

My school has no teacher and my classroom has no roof. I take lecture notes through the window and live with 15 others in a single room. All my professors have gone abroad, and the rest are awaiting visas. I am a university graduate, but I am illiterate. I want a future, please re-brand me.

Malaria, typhoid and many other preventable diseases send me to hospitals which have no doctors, no medicines and no power. So my wife gives birth with candle light and surgery is performed by quacks. All the nurses have gone abroad and the rest are waiting to go also. I have the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world and future generations are dying before me. I am hopeless, hapless and helpless, please re-brand me.

I wanted change so I stood all day long to cast my vote. But even before I could vote, the results had been announced. When I dared to speak out, silence was enthroned by bullets. My rulers are my oppressors, and my policemen are my terrors. I am ruled by men in mufti, but I am not a democracy. I have no verve, no vote, no voice, please re-brand me.

I have 50 million youths with no jobs, no present and no future. So my sons in the North have become street urchins and his brothers in the South have become militants. My nephews die of thirst in the Sahara and his cousins drown in the waters of the Mediterranean. My daughters walk the streets of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, while her sisters parade the streets of Rome and Amsterdam. I am inconsolable, please re-brand me.

My people cannot sleep at night and cannot relax by day. They cannot use ATM machines, nor use cheques. My children sleep through staccato of AK 47s see through the mist of tear gas. The leaders have looted everything on the ground and below. They walk the land with haughty strides and fly the skies with private jets. They have stolen the future of generations yet unborn and have money they cannot spend in several lifetimes, but their brothers die of hunger. I want justice, please re-brand me.

I can produce anything, but import everything. So my toothpick is made in China; my toothpaste is made in South Africa; my salt is made in Ghana; my butter is made in Ireland; my milk is made in Holland; my shoe is made in Italy; my vegetable oil is made in Malaysia; my biscuit is made in Indonesia; my chocolate is made in Turkey and my table water made in France. My taste is far-flung and foreign, please re-brand me.

My people are cancerous from the greed of their friends who bleach palm oil with chemicals; my children died because they drank ‘My Pikin’ with NAFDAC numbers; my poor die because kerosene explodes in their faces; my land is dead because all the trees have been cut down; flood kills my people yearly because the drainages are clogged; my fishes are dead because the oil companies dump waste in my rivers; my communities are vanishing into the huge yawns of gully erosion, and nothing is being done. My livelihood is in jeopardy, and I am in the uttermost depths of despondence, please re-brand me.

I have genuine leather but choose to eat it. So I spend a billion dollars to import fake leather. I have four refineries, but prefer to import fuel, so I waste more billions to import petrol. I have no security in my country, but would rather send troops to keep the peace in another man’s land. I have 160 dams, but can not get water to drink, so I buy ‘pure’ water that roils my innards. I have a million children waiting to enter universities, but my ivory dungeons can only take a tenth. I have no power, but choose to flare gas, so my people have learnt to see in the dark and stare at the glare of naked flares. I have no direction, please re-brand me.

My people pray to God every morning and every night, but commit every crime known to man because re-branded identities will never alter the tunes of inbred rhythms. Just as the drums of heritage heralds the frenzied jingles, remember - the Nigerian soul can only be Nigerian - fighting free from the cold embrace of a government that has no spring, no sense, no shame. So we watch the possessed, frenzied dance, drenched in silent tears as freedom is locked up in democracy’s empty cellars. I need guidance, please re-brand me.

But then, why can I not simply be me, without being re-branded? Or does my complexion cloud the color of my character? Does my location limit the lengths my liberty? Does the spirit of my conviction shackle my soul? Does my mien maim the mine of my mind? And is this life worth re-branding? I am not yet born, please re-brand me.

@ abinibi, thanks for sharing. I for one will surely send you a PM.

Another day has gone. I'm still all alone. How could this be? You're not here with me. You never said goodbye. Someone tell me why? Did you have to go, and leave my world so cold?, But you are not alone. For I am here with you. Though we're far apart. You're always in my heart. Michael Jackson
Sunrise: Aug 29, 1958 - Sunset: June 25, 2009 .RIP MJ

Biliamin:

I stumbled on this thread in 2007 and I immediately developed a career path for myself. Kudos to Wills and others who have resolved to changing people's lives positively.

Thanks a million.

@Biliamin, Thanks for posting, its feedbacks like these that makes all the difference and encourages people to keep showing concern for others.

Knowing that people are always there to help and share useful information as one strives to build or further develop ones career path has kept this tread alive. In due course hopefully by the grace of God the plans to take this to a wider platform will someday materialize.

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How sure are you that we believe in the same thing? You didnt even ask what i believe in, yet said you believe, ?

What about you!

2 spoons, one ice cream, hmmmmm

, Goodnite to both of you!! sleeptight

ok i take that back, but u started it, oya kpele, sorry oh

See you mouth, the cow guy, you nko,, you be the cow gurl, common go sleep,, yeye pikin

lol

will u cows go to bed!