FG Approves Construction Of City Within City.

The burgeoning profligacy of the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration was further underlined in Abuja today as the government announced it has given approval for the construction of a new modern city within Abuja for the country to celebrate its centennial.

The approval was given by the Federal Executive Council at its weekly meeting, which was presided over by President Jonathan.
Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting which lasted about eight hours, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said the new city is an entirely private sector driven.

“The new city that has been proposed as part of our centenary celebration is entirely private sector driven, no kobo from government.  Let that be very, very clear. This is absolutely private sector driven with private sector investment.”

He said that the government’s only contribution will be to provide land through the FCT and agree on a proper design, following which it will be completely taken over by the private sector.

“The only few government facility that will be there will be an archaic for celebrations,” Maku added, pointing out that the new city might take up to 10 to 15 years to develop.

The city of Abuja, which has been in use for less than 30 years, has attracted a bad reputation as one of the world’s most expensive cities, with current and former top government officials relentlessly and greedily pillaging whatever they wish, no matter its price tag.

As a geo-political entity, Nigeria came into existence in 1914 following the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates by the British, represented by the then Governor-General of the country, Lord Frederick Lugard.

Still speaking to the correspondents, Mr. Maku blamed the media for Nigeria’s poor image as a corrupt country.  Commenting on a new report by Transparency International in which Nigeria is ranked 37th on the global corruption index, Mr. Maku urged the media and the people of the country to help the government to present a better image of the nation to the world.

The Minister did not say when government officials would lead by example or when his government will start combating corruption.

Responding a few months ago to the national clamor for him to declare his assets, President Jonathan answered that he does not give a damn and will never publicly declare his assets

Never EVER Talk Bad Of Your Husband To Anyone…Learn!!!

Wow! This is a MUST read story guys! Came across this piece online and not sure who wrote it, but it’s a great story with a solid lesson to teach and a reminder to every woman. Please continue reading and don’t forget to share…..someone out there might need this!

“Biyi hasn’t worked for that long?” Dayo’s voice drips with resentment. “For real?” “He’s been trying,” I say in feeble attempt to defend my husband. “You know how the economy is.”

…My husband and I had vowed never to bring in a third party into our relationship but with a bank account screaming for revival, I need to share my burden with someone else. I grip the phone. Dayo is unusually quiet. “You still there?” I ask. “Hello?” “I am here,” she says. “I just didn’t know things were this bad. And all this while, I thought Biyi was providing for the home.” But he is, I argue silently. Well, maybe not financially for now, but in every way else, Biyi is a rock. “It’s not that bad.” My words sound frail. Dayo clucks her tongue. “You might as well be a widow.”
The words hit me like a fist. “Na you I blame,” she continues, oblivious to the damage her words have caused.

“Me? Why?” She is blaming me for this? Seriously?
“Why do you keep paying the bills?”
“Because there is no one else to do it,” I protest, upset.
“For real? He drives your car too?”
“He needs it,” I mutter. “To attend job interviews and stuff. He gets back late sometimes.”
“How late are you talking?
“Nine, ten…ish.”

Dayo pauses for a second. “I hate to say this gurl, but your husband spending your money on another woman.” Whoa! Hang on. Where did that come from? “Haba, Dayo. Biyi would never—” “Look, I know men,” she slices in. “You are his moneybag and he will take you for a ride as long as it takes. Where is your dignity, gurl?” Ride. Dignity. Moneybag. Ouch. “But he’s a good guy,” I manage. Can my husband be using me? It had never crossed my mind in the past, but I now wonder if Biyi is actually having an affair.

“I trust my wonderful Dennis…,” Dayo is saying. I barely listen. My eyes are on the clock. It’s almost midnight and Biyi isn’t home. I force myself to hear what Dayo is saying about Dennis Ono, her multimillionaire-oil- company-golden-husband. Gosh I envy her life, her perfect marriage. “My marriage is wonderful,” Dayo says, as if in affirmation to my undeclared words. “But only because I show Dennis who the boss is. He cannot try nonsense with me. Abi, you think it’s easy to get ten thousand pounds a month as pocket money?” She really gets ten grand a month? That’s like, my entire annual salary in my crappy job plus bonuses. Life is unfair. Honestly. “I am Biyi’s wife,” I say. “I cannot just desert him.” Or can I? At this rate… “In that case,” there is an edge to her voice now, “give him an ultimatum. He gets a job in two weeks or you are out of that marriage.”

“I—”
“Look, I know his type,” she says with conviction. “He conveniently won’t get a job as long as you keep dishing out your money.”
“But—”
“Starve him,” she adds. “No sex. Make life hell. You are not an ATM machine.”

Keys jangle in the hallway. Biyi is home. “Talk later,” I say to Dayo. “He’s back.” “Stand your ground,” Dayo whispers menacingly. “Ultimatum. Two weeks.” I hang up with a sigh. My husband is leaning against the door frame. For a second my heart falters. He looks tired, drawn. But Dayo’s words punctuate my compassion. “Where have you been?” Biyi gives me a side smile. “No hug?” I jerk my head at the wall clock.” Its midnight.” “I had a job interview in Birmingham,” he says. “I called you tell you I was stuck in traffic but I kept getting your voicemail. What’s wrong?” I cock my head. Is that a whiff of female perfume? It is. Dayo is right. He has been with another woman. With my car. Spending my money. My head spins. “Biyi,” I glare at him, “Where are you coming from?” He steps back, surprised. “I went to Birmingham—”
“Did you get it?” I screech. “The job?”
Biyi shakes his head. “I didn’t—”
This is the last straw. I wrench my hand out. “My car keys.”
He gives me a hard level stare. “What is wrong with you, Toni? Did I offend you?”
“Pass my keys!”

He thrusts the car keys to into my palm. I push past him, grab my duffel bag and stuff my overnight things into it. I know I am acting crazy but I have to show him that I would not be taken for a ride. That I am not a moneybag. That I have dignity. I zip the bag up and spin around. My husband is staring at me. “Is everything all right with you, sweetheart?”
“Get out of my way.”
“Where are you going with that bag?”
“I need to clear my head.” I am still yelling.
“Can we talk first?” Biyi suggests.
“I don’t want to talk. Get out of my way.”
He moves out of my path. I swipe a hand across my face, smearing my cheeks with mascara. “Don’t look for me. I will be back when my head clears.” I rush out of the house, jump into my car. My rage doubles as the feminine scent permeates the car. He has been with a woman in my car. I feel like an idiot.

* * *

I pull up in front of Dayo’s mansion. Her husband’s Porsche is in the driveway, and the porch lights illuminate my dreary form as I reach the door. I ball my fists to knock, but a scream freezes the motion.
“Kill me!” I hear Dayo scream. “Good for nothing idiot. Womaniser of the century!” Whoa. Momentarily, I am unable to move. My hand hovers in the air. Dull thuds, muffled screams. Dennis curses. “I warned you never to serve me stew that is not freshly cooked!” “Am I your slave?” Dayo yells back. “If you want fresh stew, get your PA to cook it for you. Or you think I don’t know about her? You think…”
Dayo’s words are silenced by another thump. My hands fall to my side as a flurry of blows stifle her cries. I want call the police, do something…anything. But I cannot move. And so I shut my eyes tight and listen as my friend is pummelled by her husband. The beating stops. I should dash to my car, but something holds me back. “I am sorry I got you upset darling,” Dayo finally says. Her voice is laced with pain. “It is my fault. I should have cooked for you. I…Toni wouldn't let me get off the phone…its her fault.”
“Next time you talk to me like that, I will tattoo a punch on your forehead,” Dennis growls. “Get into the kitchen and make me fresh stew. And do something about that leech you call a friend.”
That is enough for me. I sprint back to my car and drive home.

* * *
A knock sounds on the window. Biyi. I wind down and he gives me a smile. “Head clear now?” he asks. “Leave me alone,” I mutter. Dayo’s wonderful Denis beats her up? And she never mentioned?
“I will leave you alone in two seconds,” Biyi says. There is a twinkle in his eyes. “But first, get out of the car.” I oblige, grudgingly. “What?” He reaches under the car seat and pulls out a small basket. “I didn't come home straight from the interview. I stopped over at the Perfume shop to get you this.” He hands the basket over. Inside is a range of exotic feminine perfumes and a small card. I pull the card open, read the words: “Thank you for your support during the hardest times of my life! I love you.”

“That’s why I was late,” he explains as he pulls me into a warm embrace. “You have been so good to me, Toni. I couldn't have asked for a better wife.” I can’t reply. My throat is lumpy.
“When you left the house to clear your head, I got a call back from the recruiter,” he says with a beam. “God answers prayers, babe. I got the job. It’s a package you won’t believe. Let’s go in. I’ll tuck you into bed and you can tell me what’s bothering you?”

* * *
I awaken to a text message from Dayo. “Denis is flying me to Seychelles this weekend. This is what you get when you stand your ground. You have to be a no nonsense gurl! Don’t you just love my life? Ciao sweetheart xxx.”

I type a quick response back: “Ciao! and i deleted her number right away.

Now, this is one story every woman should read. The grass is never greener on the other side, best believe that. No matter how good a friend’s marriage it, NEVER EVER compare with yours. It’s DEADLY and could cost you so much!

by Abimbola Dare

Attack Obasanjo And Lose Your Job – Jonathan Warns His Aides.

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed his aides to stop the media war against former President Olusegun Obasanjo with a warning that any aide that errs will lose his job.

The presidential directive came on the heels of intervention by some unnamed chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. The party elders were said to have asked the President to caution his aides.

A Presidency source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Punch that some members of the party felt that the exchange of words between the President, his aides and the former President was not good for the image of the party.

The source said: “The party informed the President that the members of the opposition could capitalise on the disagreement to cause a major friction between the two leaders of the party.

“The President has directed his aides not to speak either directly or indirectly on anything that is injurious to the former President on any issue. This is because some leaders of the PDP have advised him not to take on the former President in a fight.

“Apart from the political implication of such, we also believe that it could heat up the polity and cause tension in both the party and the polity.

“Moreover, the party has seen that the opposition is already trying to make gains from the fight and that will not be a good thing either for the two leaders or our party.

“The President respects Obasanjo. He will not do anything that will widen the gap between them. I am sure that the disagreement will be settled.

“Besides, there are no plans by the President to witch-hunt Obasanjo with any probe.”

Recall that both men’s relationship has been cold since President Jonathan condemned the invasion of Odi, a village in his state, Bayelsa, by the government of former President Obasanjo on National Television.

If Igbo Leaders Had a Quarter of Awolowo's Vision We Would not be Where Achebe Says We Are ~ Nwaezeigwe.

I have, therefore, decided to comment on a subject I strongly feel is both over-flogged and irrelevant at this point of our history. However, to the professional historian, no literary work is an end to itself, not even the one coming from such literary icon as Professor Chinua Achebe.

Every work of literary art is, therefore, to the professional historian, a means to an end, a tool and source-material for the professional historian in pursuit of the end. That end is definitely the solution to the intractable political socio-economic, and allied problems of mankind.

Achebe no doubt, like other writers and commentators has done his bit of contribution towards that end. However, whether Achebe’s contribution is adjudged to be positive or negative in orientation, it remains a matter literary conjecture, since every writer is entitled to his personal opinion based on his exclusive perception of a given subject matter. In this regard, the title of the book is self-explanatory. One does not, therefore, understand why the personal view of an individual will constitute a whole lot of an enveloping controversy. Or, could be because such a comment is coming out of the mouth of a “Professor Chinua Achebe”? Just like a Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon, or a Mungo Park discovering the source of River Niger. I ask this question because the subject matter is no longer new, as it has over the years formed one of tools against possible Igbo-Yoruba common front against a perceived common enemy.

The fact remains, however, that the issue of Chief Awolowo’s anti-Igbo roles during the civil war is highly over-bloated with irreconcilable body of evidence. This issue was fully explained in my October 1998 Guest Lecture to the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, titled: “Ethnicity and the Politics of Igbo-Yoruba Relations: case of a celebration of defeat?”

In the first instance, the Igbo first lost the golden opportunity to have Chief Awolowo fully on their side when, neither General Ironsi nor Col. Ojukwu failed to see the wisdom in releasing the former from prison custody in Calabar. Chief Obafemi Awolowo had to wait for the six or seven months before he could be released and granted amnesty by General Yakubu Gowon, who subsequently elevated him.

There was no doubt that the Yoruba under the leadership of Chief Awolowo were ready to secede along with the Igbo, had circumstances on ground not prevented the scheme. Fundamental in that circumstance was the presence of the Northern troops in Ibadan, Abeokuta and Lagos. Since the Yoruba at that time lacked the needed military presence in the army to confront the occupying forces, there was little they could have done. The Yoruba leaders had actually demanded for the withdrawal of the Federal troops from their territory to enable them carry out their scheme of secession. It was actually on account of that demand that the Federal authorities announced on Thursday, May 25, 1967 that the Northern troops would be withdrawn from the West Region.

However, that withdrawal eventually meant the withdrawal of troops at Ibadan and Abeokuta for the reinforcement of the Lagos garrison as well as for the strategic cities of Jebba and Ilorin. Even the acting Military Governor of the Western Region at that tme, Col. Adebayo, in his subtle protest on May 26, described the presence of Northern troops at Ikeja as “this outstanding problem,” and pleaded with his people to exercise patience since he was discussing the matter with General Gowon.

It was under this charged political atmosphere that Gowon announced the following day, May 27, the creation of the 12-State structure. That action eventually led to the fission of Yoruba minds towards secession, particularly since the indigenes of the new Lagos State saw their new status as a freedom from the domineering image of Chief Awolowo. The subsequent elevation of Chief Obafemi Awolowo to number two position was to erase the idea of a Yoruba secession.

It could also be recalled that on March 3, 1967, the Biafran leader, Col. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, then still acting on the capacity of a Regional Governor, affirmed this evident incapacitation of the West by the occupying Northern troops. Odumegwu-Ojukwu had said that both Governors of the two Southern Regions of West and Midwest were in full support of his position against the North, but could not do much because of the presence of Northern troops in their territories.

Chief Awolowo’s inability to carry out his threat of secession if the East seceded could not therefore be interpreted as an act of betrayal. Beyond the matter of sentiments, objective judgment agrees that there can never be secession without a back-up military force. Comparatively, the Yoruba had thrown a much stronger loyal support to the leadership of Nnamdi Azikiwe than the Igbo ever exhibited toward Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Thus in speaking of Awolowo’s roles in the civil war, objectivity demands that reference be made also of such Yoruba-born pro-Igbo partisans of the war, like Professor Wole Soyinka and those who chose to fight and die for Biafra like Colonels Banjo and Ademoyega.

Gruesome experiences

There was no doubt that Professor Chinua Achebe, from the accounts of his civil war experiences was a privileged Biafran citizen who only watched but never suffered the gruesome experiences of hunger, diseases and homelessness during the war. If the father of African literature actually wants to be objective concerning the conduct of the civil war, then he should first focus his literary search-light at the internal mechanisms of the conduct of the war on the side of Biafra.

In other words, if any blame were to be apportioned for the defeat of Biafra and the suffering of the Igbo masses, it cannot be targeted at external forces such as Awolowo, but at the internal elite who masterminded the failed civil war policies of the leader, like Achebe himself. One would want Professor Achebe to explain to Nigerians in general and the Igbo in particular, what happened to the millions in foreign currency raised abroad in support of Biafra but which never got to the shores of Biafra? How much of such money were actually raised and who were those Igbo leaders of Biafra entrusted with the duty of bringing the fund to Biafra?

What also happened to the millions given to such people as Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe and Mojekwu, a relative of Odumegwu-Ojukwu for the purpose of purchasing arms and ammunition to prosecute the war? Did they not cart away with the money and never returned to Biafra until after the defeat? Where again could one place those who sold relief materials meant for the poor and suffering citizens of Biafra, when it was meant to be distributed free? Were all these atrocities against the Igbo equally masterminded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo?

Viewed critically, even the literary icon himself, acting on the capacity of Biafra’s Minister of Communication, could not have supported any policy that would have given the Federal Government undue advantage over Biafra. Even the Federal Government’s policy of an all-round twenty pounds exchange cannot be faulted by any economic theory given the undetermined value of the Biafran currency. It is important for Professor Achebe to know that the Igbo of today fully understand who their actual friends and foes are in the present Federation.

Abandoned property saga

The 1966 pogroms against the Igbo were Hausa-Fulani schemes and not those of the Yoruba. Many Igbo lived unmolested in Yorubaland throughout the war. The coup d’etat that toppled General Aguiyi-Ironsi was a Northern act and not a single Yoruba soldier was involved. The abandoned property saga did not take place in Yorubaland.

Above all, although there could exist a situation of mutual rivalries between the Igbo and Yoruba, such competitions never for once degenerated into a state of anti-Igbo riots, with countless loss of lives and property. The Igbo thus know who their friends are, and they know that the Yoruba are not their foe. In conclusion, it is important to let Professor Achebe understand one evident fact: if any Igbo leader could have one-quarter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s vision for the Yoruba, then the Igbo are saved the pains of recurrent political idiocy.

• Dr. Nwaezeigwe is Senior Research Fellow, Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

A season of kidnapping.

As we are approaching the end of the year, recent headlines in our news are pointing to a new season of kidnapping. 

Below are some of the headlines in September:

• Gunmen kidnap businesswoman in Lagos
• Indian engineer abducted, released 10 days later
• Gunmen kidnap Bauchi PDP chieftain
• Delta lawmaker's wife kidnapped
• Gunmen kidnap Edo businessman’s children, kill aides
• Three arrested for kidnapping, killing Lagos businessman

13.09.12 - Gunmen kidnap businesswoman in Lagos

Morenike Popoola was kidnapped Wednesday night around 9:30 -10 in Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos on her way home. Her car, a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla Sports car was also taken, but was recovered very early Thursday morning around Kirikiri. Morenike's abductors demanded for N10million but she has since returned safe and sound to her family.

23.09.12 - Indian engineer abducted, released 10 days later

An Indian abducted by armed men in Nigeria where he had been employed as an engineer in a construction firm, was on Monday released after being in captivity for over ten days, his family said.

44-year old Rajimon, working in the firm at Uromi in Edo state of Nigeria and kidnapped on September 13, contacted his wife and father and informed them about his release.

Rajimon has reported to the nearby police station at Uromi and is staying at a friend's house. He told the family that there was no harassment from the abductors who provided him food and other facilities.

The abductors had contacted the company officials demanding a ransom for his release though it was not clear whether the ransom was paid.

24.09.12 - Gunmen kidnap Bauchi PDP chieftain

Unknown gunmen on Monday kidnapped a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain in Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Sade, and killed his bodyguard.

Sade, who is also a former chairman of the Bauchi State Fertiliser Distribution Committee, was seized by the hoodlums from his residence on Railway Road in Bauchi at 5a.m in his way to attend the Fajr (morning) prayer at a nearby mosque.

He was forced into a vehicle and driven away, just as his bodyguard was shot dead.

24.09.12 - Delta lawmaker's wife kidnapped

Wife of Mr. Kenneth Preyor, member representing Bomadi State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs. Campaign Preyor, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

Mrs. Preyor was abducted at Kpakiama community, Bomadi  Local Government Area of the state on Saturday night.

Sources said the heavily-armed kidnappers had stormed the Kpakiama country home of the legislator with intent to abduct him, but had to whisk his wife away in a waiting speed boat when it was discovered that he was not at home.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Mr. Charles Muka, said no ransom had been demanded as the abductors were yet to open any channel of communication.

Saying that the command was determined follow the development to the letter with a view to bringing those involved to book, Muka said the incident was an exceptional case.

24.09.12 - Gunmen kidnap Edo businessman’s children, kill aides

Gunmen killed the driver of a businessman in Benin, Edo State, Oseyawe Iyamu,
and took away two of his children. Witnesses said the gunmen shot the driver as he taking the children to school.

25.09.12 - Three arrested for kidnapping, killing Lagos businessman

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three men -Ogbuesor Sadiq, Abdulwahab Mutairu and Adenola Lanre- for the alleged kidnap and murder of a businessman, Akinsanjo Akinlade.

Akinlade was alleged murdered in Ogijo, a border town between Lagos and Ogun states on August 31, 2012.

According to police authorities, the suspects kidnapped, killed Akinlade and dumped his body in Ogijo.

It was learnt that the suspects ransacked their victim’s apartment and dispossessed him of jewellery, laptop and other valuables.

The suspects later abducted the man, drove him in his car to an unknown destination from where they called his wife to demand for a ransom of N200,000.

S.O.S: N2 million can save this boy’s life.

N2 million can save this boy’s life

BORN into the family of Reverend and Mrs John Oluranti Oyediran in 2005, Emmanuel’s birth brought joy to the clergyman’s family but the joy was shortlived when it was discovered that the little boy had health challenges.

As it is the usual practice of a proud father to play with his children, Reverend Oyediran, in one of such outings, noticed that Emmanuel’s breathing was abnormal. Emmanuel was around six months old at that time. From then, the journey to make the little boy live a normal life began, taking its toll both on the parents’ psychological and financial capabilities.

According to Reverend Oyediran, “on a light day while I was playing with my son, I just discovered that his breathing was becoming abnormal. On noticing this, I consulted a friend who directed me to a doctor friend in Jericho, where I was directed to the University College Hospital, Ibadan. He was nine months old then in December 2006.

“On discovery, I couldn’t believe my eyes after series of tests conducted and it was discovered that he had a hole in his heart. As a Christian, I believe God is in control and He will perform His miracle in Emmanuel’s life. This is our story. It has taken us through many valleys but we have a high hope in God that our son will live a normal life again, especially with the help of Nigerians.”

That has been the travail of the Oyedirans since December 2006, when Emmanuel was diagnosed with a hole in the heart. The family has been running helter skelter in order to see that Emmanuel lives a normal life again. One of the treatments given to him to enable him to get relief was the insertion of a template put in place five years ago. In a letter written by a Paediatric Cardiologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr O.O. Ogunkunle on August 2006 entitled: Re: Emmanuel Oyediran, (M): UCH No. 1084055, “This nine month-old boy is a patient of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. He has a cyanotic congenital heart disease called Fallot’s Tetralogy. He requires surgery to correct it. Initial surgery in UCH will cost about seventy thousand Naira (N70,000.00k), after which he will require open heart surgery abroad which may cost up to two million naira (N2,000,000.00).”

The race to raise the needed fund for the treatment overseas, according to Reverend Oyediran, has compelled the management of the UCH to assist in raising the money. In a letter signed by the Senior Registrar of the hospital, Dr A. Kigbu, on January 31, 2012, the management gave the family a letter for the authentication of the surgery which would come up in India.

The medical team is ready and the time is up for Emmanuel’s operation. Funding is however unavailable. This, his father said, was giving him a headache. “As a father, I’m not happy seeing him passing through the pains. As a young boy he can’t relate freely like his peers because of this challenge. The doctors say his PV is high because of his condition. Though I’m a Christian, the only hope we have now is for him to travel to India for the open operation as recommended by the doctors. I am appealing to Nigerians to come to our aid. We want him (Emmanuel) to live beyond his current age but we don’t have the means now because it’s beyond our reach. But I know that Nigerians would come to our assistance,” he said. Interested persons who wish to assist Emmanuel Oyediran could please send their widow’s mite to: First Bank Account no: 3062617719, Oyediran Johnson Oluranti.

The ignorance of faithless believers.

Which subtler way to put the recent display of violent demonstrations in parts of Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan and now northern Nigeria, which was characterised by burning of flags and pictures, and even leading to the killing of people in some cases, over a stupid obnoxious video clip?

For me, it is a stark exhibition of dangerous ignorance of the way the world works plus a clear proof of lack of faith in an omnipotent God by the masterminds of the so called protests we were forced to endure. It is time we tell these uncivilised thugs without mincing words that their senseless actions have no place in a modern world where normal ordinary people, regardless of their race, faith, gender or ethnicity, just want peace and prosperity for themselves and their loved ones.

As I write these notes, I am also staring at the footages of the mob that went out in Kano to protest and burn flags and pictures over the weekend; please have a look at those pictures if you can. Without much analysis, two things immediately come to mind. One is that the crowd we see is an organised and coordinated team, not a spontaneous group of angry protesters. The second is that I doubt that those people in the images we saw in the streets of Kano have actually seen the video clip they claim to be protesting about. This ill famed stupid tasteless video is not available in public domain anymore. I had to make a special request and prove I needed it for my studies for me to see it.

Let us not fool ourselves, a clear and reasonable implication of such observations is that there is someone or some people with resources sustaining these actions and guiding these crowds. In the Nigeria of Boko Haram, a person or people with enough resources to inform, convince, mobilise and coordinate others to go to the streets to burn flags and picture in the name of religion and actually doing so should be identified and kept under close scrutiny by those charged with protecting our lives and properties. If any more reason was needed, this is a golden opportunity for our secret service and they should seize it in order to prevent future calamities.

With their actions, those orchestrating these uprisings and the devotees executing on their behest and influence are clearly showing that their understanding of how things work in countries like the USA is shockingly modest and dangerously wrong. In their ignorance, they are equating the action of a faceless individual to that of a government or even a whole country. From their shallow point of view, they seem incapable of understanding that from all available analyses and polls we have today, the people of America and their government have no desire to go to war with more countries or movements. These ignorant flag and picture arson orchestrators that claim to be causing mayhem in the name of a God in which they seem not have complete faith are clearly showing themselves as incapable of understanding that the crux of present American administration’s foreign policy is to put emphasis on negotiation and collaboration rather than confrontation and unilateralism.

If there was a bit more depth to their thoughts they would probably realise that with their actions they are giving validity to those foreign policy hawks who claim there is no point in trying to reason with non-Christians as they are just haters that needed to be isolated, dominated and quashed. If they could think just a little bit more, they might easily realise that if the American people reasoned like them then they would see the people in Kano burning the American flags and in retaliation consider Nigeria an enemy country. Could it be that these people actually want that? Could it be that they want war? Looking at the images of Kano and elsewhere with all those children and woman amongst that mob one cannot but wonder and ask what value do these people place on the lives of their dependents. What kind of injudicious and selfish cynicism are we dealing with here?

A lot is amiss; for the purpose of understanding these irritating and criminal acts, even if we were to grant just for the sake of argument that the orchestrators are mere reckless injurious cynics and that their devotees are fuelled by the belief that they are doing something godly, one must still ask a few questions on how these people conceive their God. Do they really see their God as omniscient, omnipotent and merciful? It is legitimate to doubt these arsonists and especially those supporting and guiding them really have enough faith to believe that their God that sees and knows all, has enough power to deal with someone that insults his commandments and Prophet.

They seem to believe that God and his Prophet need their help to protect themselves from an ugly video clip. They are the faithless ones. Their act is a display of ignorance of faithless believers who want to play God. They should beg for forgiveness of their sins.

President Jonathan Should Sack Sanusi Now! By Eghes Eyieyien.

"Sanusi behaved as if he was the de facto President of Nigeria. He had cashed in on the weakness of the Jonathan administration to run his own parallel government...It is strange how a man of such sartorial tastes ended up in banking and not showbiz...The profession he chose [is] not for vainglorious and adventurous rabble-rousers." ~ Bashorun Dele Momodu

After reading Dele Momodu's article which he aptly titled " The Bully Called Sanusi" published in his back page column in the Saturday, 22nd September, 2012, edition of Thisday newspaper, the urgency to sack Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the CBN Governor dawned on me.

Sanusi has outlived his usefulness in that hallowed office! His arrogance, infantile flippancy, ineptitude and incompetence should no longer be countenanced. Why he has stayed in office this long despite his folly and foibles is a mystery.

Nigeria needs a new CBN Governor like YESTERDAY! My recommendation for the position is Mr. Ballama Manu. He was the Executive Director, Operations, NDIC; former, Executive Director, Union Bank; former Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service; and former Interim Chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange. He would make a great CBN Governor. By the way, he is from Yobe State and a Muslim. If the CBN Governor must be a northern Muslim, there are of course very many others who are imminently qualified: a person like Alh. Ado Wanka (MD of Unity Bank) and Mohammed K. Ahmad (Director General of the Pension Commission) readily come to mind.

But this is not even about section or religion. I am a NON-TRIBALISED (as distinct from "de-tribalised"!) Nigerian. My marriage, close friends, business associates and employees bear testimony to this fact.

Sanusi is an Old Boy of my alma mater (King's College, Lagos) and I used to be his fan. I supported his appointment as the CBN Governor and also spoke publicly in favour his controversial removal of the eight bank MDs. I was on Channels TV's live programme, Sunrise (with Chamberlain Usoh and Suleiman Aledeh as hosts), pushing his suitability for the post the day he appeared before the Senate for his confirmation hearing. I was also on Channels TV's live programme, Business Morning (with Boason Omofaye as the presenter at the time) defending his take-over of the eight banks and the sack of their MDs. 

So what happened? Sanusi's imposition of his wrong-headed, illegal, unconstitutional, Malaysia-style Islamic Banking policy exposed him as an Islamist. I subsequently also became aware of his inglorious role in the infamous Kano religious riot which culminated in the beheading of Gideon Akaluka in 1996 and for which he was incarcerated for two years in Sokoto Prison by the government of Gen. Sani Abacha. This vital factual information is, understandable not disclosed in any of his profiles. The Senate was misled by late President Umaru Yar'adua (who ensured that this information was not highlighted in his Security Report) to confirm him as the CBN Governor. I have challenged Sanusi publicly to come clean on this issue or sue me if I have maligned him!

Moreover, his incompetence, profligacy (he now wants CBN to be sponsoring the Super Eagles!! LOL!!) and inane monetary policies have damaged the financial services sector and badly affected our nation's economy. 

President Goodluck Jonathan should sack this guy before he does even more damage! It has now reached a crisis point. And the time to act is NOW!!

God bless Nigeria!

Eghes Eyieyien

JTF Claims Progress Against Boko Haram.

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The Nigerian military says it killed 35 Islamist militants and arrested more than 150 in recent days in two northeastern states. The military says this is a sign it is overpowering the group known popularly as Boko Haram. But some analysts say battles will not be enough to eliminate the threat.

The military says the battle was "fierce'’ and lasted from early Sunday evening through the night.  
 
In a phone conversation from Yobe State, on one of Nigeria’s notoriously bad phone lines, spokesperson Lieutenant Eli Lazarus said two soldiers were injured in the battle, and that the military recovered guns, ammunition, bombs, swords and even bows and arrows after the fight.
 
Lazarus said the raid was part of “Operation Restore Sanity,” which included the arrest of 156 suspected Boko Haram members in Adamawa State, also in Nigeria’s northeast.  One suspect was also reportedly killed in that raid.
 
Lazarus said from a military perspective, this is a sign that the Nigerian government is beating Boko Haram, which has been blamed for roughly 1,400 deaths since it began attacks in 2009.
 
But some lawmakers, including Senator George Akume, say that from a social perspective, Nigeria’s mostly-Muslim northern states need development and jobs to eliminate the threat.   

“Because of lack of power and collapse of industries you have a large group of unemployed people,” said Akume. "There are so many of them, in millions, doing nothing.  It is so easy to recruit from this group.”
 
Boko Haram has not released a statement since the government announced the arrest and killing of a man known as Abu Qaqa, the Boko Haram spokesperson, last week.
 
Kabir Mato, director of the Institute for Anti-Corruption Studies at the University of Abuja, says the Boko Haram group formed in part as a response to extra-judicial killings, and Qaqa's alleged death is a part of a larger ongoing problem.   

“If it were a sensible society and if it is true that the spokesman of Boko Haram was arrested and without a weapon in his possession and he was killed then there are more questions there than answers,” said Mato.
 
Boko Haram demands the imposition of Islamic law and freedom for imprisoned members, and has attacked churches, government buildings, security forces, schools, the media and individual government officials.  
 
The United States has put three Boko Haram leaders on its list of foreign terrorists and analysts say the group is connected to other militant groups like al-Qaida and al-Shabab.  
 
However, their only non-Nigerian target to date was last year’s bombing of the local United Nations headquarters. (VOA)

Nigerians spend N1.6 trillion on generators annually -Channels TV.

The Director-General of Centre for Management Development, Kabir Usman has disclosed that about 60 million Nigerians spend N1.6 trillion on generators annually.

He also said that Nigeria had the highest number of standby generators, which had become permanent, making the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) the standby.

Mr Usman disclosed this at the launch of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) graduate skills development programme  in Abuja, on Monday.

He noted that the presence of too many generators has also been the cause of many deaths in the nation as a result of carbon monoxide emission.

“Still on the use of generating sets as alternative sources of electricity, it is no news that irregular power supply has adversely affected businesses in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Usman revealed that Nigeria’s highly inadequate supply of electricity adds 40 percent to the cost of goods produced in the country.

According to him, “the situation has compelled many industries to either shut down or relocate to neighbouring countries.”

He  said that the poorest Nigerians paid more than N80/kwh burning candles, kerosene and firewood while  manufacturers paid between N45 and N60/kwh on diesel to run their generators.

Female U-17 World Cup: Nigeria destroys hosting Azerbaijan 11-0.

Nigeria registered a demoralising 11-0 victory over FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup hosts Azerbiajan, seeing them eliminated, with Chinwendu Ihezuo playing a part in eight of them.

Right from the off the game was being played almost exclusively in the hosts’ half, so it was little surprise when the first goal came. Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalising after Madel Effiom’s cross cannoned fortuitously off the bar to tap in from a yard out.

Three minutes later it was 2-0, Oluchi Ofoebu squaring from inside the box to see Halimatu Ayinde squeeze her first under Aytaj Sharifova.

It was clear the hosts couldn’t handle Nigeria’s pace or physicality, and a third came when Effiom once again crossed for Ihezuo, who laid the ball off for Tessy Biahwo to fire from the edge of the box.

Ayinde then made one and scored her second, lay the first on for Aminat Yakubu before Ihezuo turned provide.

Ihezuo then doubled own tally, Yakubu crossing for her to put in at the far post. Ayinde missed the chance to complete her hat-trick when missing an untended goal, but her pass on 37 minutes saw Ihezuo complete hers.

Nigar Jalilli had two chances to score for the hosts, one drawing a fantastic save from an otherwise unworked Gift Andy.

The tune didn’t change after half-time, Ihezuo netting her fourth after Ebere Okoye’s neat through-ball. Substitute Joy Bokiri then got in on the act, converting Ayinde’s cross.

Ihezuo got her fifth, rising to head Biahwo’s deep free-kick, before roles reversed as the midfielder curled an effort into the bottom corner for the final goal.

The quote

“So far we have played against Nigeria and Colombia and in these countries women’s football has been around there for 20 or 30 years – it has been there for generations. We need those generations, we need that time.” Sissy Raith, Azerbaijan coach. (FIFA)

Reps Condemn Saudi’s Detention of Nigeria’s Female Pilgrims.

Members of Nigeria’s lower chamber, the House of Representatives on Tuesday condemned the continued detention of 400 Nigerian female pilgrims by Saudi authorities in Jeddah.

Reports indicated that the Pilgrims were detained on Sunday by the Saudi authorities at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah over allegations that they did not travel with their approved male companions, otherwise called muharram.

Though some reports indicated that the problem has been resolved diplomatically, lawmakers at the National Assembly however said on Tuesday that the female pilgrims are still being detained with threat of deportation back to Nigeria hanging on their heads.

Ado Doguwa, a member of the House who said that three of his sisters were among those detained, said information he got when he called one of them was that the condition of the Pilgrims were pathetic.

He said one of his sisters who has taken ill in the course of the detention has not been able to access any form of medication.

After discussing a motion moved by Abdulrahman Kawu , the Deputy Minority Leader on the issue, the House mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs to meet with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and report to the House on the situation on Thursday.

Kawu had earlier during a debate on the issue expressed surprise that the female pilgrims had obtained valid visas from the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria without such condition made known to them.

He also said the action of the Saudi authorities is a negation of long standing understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on Hajj.

Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs who said the detention of the pilgrims was first of its kind however told journalists that the ministry of foreign affairs was looking into the issue.

Most of the detained are pilgrims from Sokoto and Jigawa State who arrived in Jeddah above Max Air on Sunday.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad had in an interview with Abuja based Daily Trust on Monday described the action of Saudis as insult on Nigeria.

“They never raised this issue and never demanded that female pilgrims must have muharram. They did not make this a requirement for issuing visas. They issued visas to all these pilgrims, only to embarrass, detain and threaten to deport them when they arrived in Holy land. How can they do this to us?” queried the Sultan. (PM News)

398 Unescorted Nigerian women held in Saudi Arabia

Nigerian officials say 398 Muslim women pilgrims traveling to Mecca were temporarily held at a Saudi Arabian airport for traveling without male relatives.

A spokesman for Nigeria's National Hajj Commission said Saudi authorities held the Nigerian women between Thursday and Monday at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah.

Spokesman Uba Mana said the women were allowed to proceed with their pilgrimage Monday following diplomatic intervention.

He said Saudi authorities held them for not traveling with a male relative due to a "communication gap."

He said an agreement between the countries exempts Nigerian women from requiring a male relative to escort them during the Hajj pilgrimage, which costs about $4,000 per person.

All able-bodied Muslims who can afford it are expected to perform Hajj at least once in their lives.

Kenyan MPs in Nigeria to learn from country's (mis)management of oil revenue.

Kenyan lawmakers have finished up a three-day tour of the oil production facilities in Nigeria, where they learnt tips on how to effectively prepare the country to handle oil and gas resources.

The study tour was meant to help the lawmakers keep abreast with practical means of lawmaking following the discovery of oil and gas resources in Turkana and other parts of the country, as they prepare laws to govern oil and gas resources in the country.

Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi said Kenya chose Nigeria due to its successes and pitfalls in managing petroleum resources.

“We came to pick lessons from Nigeria especially what to do and what not to do. Our plans are to look at afresh the New Nigeria Petroleum Industries Bill, which is before the parliament. We want to look at it and see how we can modernise our Exploration and Petroleum Act,” he explained.

“What we have is a political and oil management curse. To avoid this pitfall, what we look forward to do is to ensure that oil money is used on a three win basis- for the host country, for the host community and the win for the oil company,” he added.

Compared to Nigeria, Kenya has continued to walk the long and difficult journey for nearly six decades now in its efforts to search for oil and gas deposits in its four sedimentary basins Lamu, Mandera, Anza and Tertiary Rift which have a combined surface area of about 485,000 square kilometers.

Speaking during the tour, Chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Energy Nicholas Gumbo said, “What we are taking home is how to share oil revenues. Most oil conflicts revolve around sharing of oil revenues and environmental protections.”

Kenya’s energy legislation – currently in the works – lays emphasis on local communities to ensure that those affected by the exploitation of this natural wealth will be effectively compensated.

The laws that govern oil resources sector came into existence in 1980, but there have been efforts to modernise the laws.

Kiraitu was part of a high-profile delegation, including the Chairman of the Parliamentary Energy Committee Eng Nicholas Gumbo, Wajir West MP Adan Duale, Labour Minister John Munyes, Turkana South MP Josphat Nanok and Turkana East MP Ekwe Ethuro.

Other government officials included the Ministry of Energy PS Patrick Nyoike, Chief Geologist in the Ministry Hudson Adambi and Camac Energy officials.

“The success of oil exploration does not come in isolation without attendant challenges,” Murungi noted.

“You will appreciate that unless properly managed, the stakeholders’ issues can bring the oil and gas operations to a disruptive halt,” he added.

Director of Department of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria Osten Olorunsola advised the lawmakers to think on areas to invest oil and gas revenue before the drilling of oil and exploitation of gas begins.

“Think where to invest oil revenue before drilling starts. By doing this you will have avoided all pitfall and conflicts that come with oil and gas money,” he urged.

He also encouraged the participation of local communities, while drafting the framework.

“What you have to keep in mind when drafting the law is communities’ participation, value additions of all oil products, environmental protection, modern oil and gas infrastructure network and avoidance of duplication of roles,” he said.

The Kenyan delegation engaged the National Petroleum Investment Management, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists and Camac Energy On-Shore drilling plant.

Camac Energy Chairman and CEO Kase Lawal told the Kenyan delegation to learn from Nigeria’s mistakes in order to develop the best policies in Africa.

“We would like Kenya to become a case study in Africa where everyone can say indeed Africa can exploit their natural resources and get it right,” he said.

However, Murungi assured oil investors that the Ministry has employed diplomacy in handling stakeholder issues via a series of meetings organized to have them put the issues on the table for an ultimate amicable resolution of the issues raised.

“It is of extreme necessity that any issues that can lead to disrupting or delaying operations must be handled expeditiously and in a manner that will assist oil companies to not be exposed to unnecessary financial risk,” he said.

FG names Otedola, Transcorp among top bidders for its power plants.

The first stage of electricity privatisation in Nigeria has not been without controversy but the with Tuesday’s announcement of winning bids for five power generation plants in an open process with international observers, the programme is back on track. Next up: distribution and transmission.

Among the winners in the generation round are companies from 13 countries including the US, Russia and China. The sale could net up to $1bn.

A consortium including Transcorp of Nigeria was the highest bidder for a single unit, offering $300m. Another group led by Forte Oil of Nigeria and including Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company bid $132m. A group of Chinese, UK and Nigerian companies bid $201m for another unit.

The bidding process attracted 271 interested parties and generated 25 proposals from pre-qualified bidders before the final bids. The Bureau of Public Enterprises paid two local television stations to broadcast the process live, in an effort to instill confidence among the public and investors.

The chairman of the privatisation committee, Atedo Peterside, said in a statement:

It is heartening to report that the seven bidding consortia for the generating companies… includes owners and operators of some of the world’s largest and most efficient electricity thermal and hydro generating companies. Even if I say so myself, all well-meaning Nigerians would be comforted and pleased to know that it would be difficult to assemble a more qualified group of bidders for our generating companies.

Super. But what of those controversies? Here’s a quick run-down:

Controversy 1: The Central Bank of Nigeria barred Nigerian banks from extending loans to 113 companies, some of which had submitted bids. However, the National Council on Privatisation said the blacklisting should not affect the bids.

Controversy 2: The consortia Mainstream and North-South had no competitors for their bids.

Controversy 3: One of the plants (Afam) is being re-tendered after the power minister Barth Nnaji resigned in August when it was revealed he had a stake in one of the consortia bidding.

Of the few listed companies taking part, Transcorp was up more than 4 per cent in Lagos. (FT)

Source: http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2012/09/25/nigeria-power-privatisation-winners/#axzz27VuJWv7z

Otedola, Transcorp to take over Ughelli and Geregu power plants

The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has named the preferred bidders for some of the five power generation plants that are to be privatised with the ongoing reforms of the power sector.

A consortium which included Transcorp PLC was the highest bidder for the Ughelli Power Company, with an offer of $300 million, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) announced at the bidding ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.

The bid for Geregu Power plant has won with a bid of $132 million by a group which included Forte Oil, a petrol importing company owned by billionaire oil tycoon Femi Otedola.

A consortium made up of Nigerian, Chinese and British companies is set to buy the Sapele Power Plant for $201 million, while Mainstream Energy, a group including Russian firm RusHydro and several Nigerian companies won a contract to manage the Kainji Power Company.

North-South Power, a mostly Nigerian consortium, won the bid for Shiroro Power Plant.

Mainstream Energy and North-South Power had no competitors for their bids, raising question marks over the legitimacy of the sales.

The sale of the remaining generation firm, the Afam power plant, is being re-tendered following the revealation that the former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji had a stake in one of the consortiums bidding for the plant.

Prof Nnaji, who has led the reform of the power sector since the advent of the Jonathan’s administration resigned his appointment from the cabinet last month.

There are concerns over financial difficulties after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), last week banned the nation’s commercial banks from granting loans to 113 companies for failing to pay previous debts.

These affected company include Forte Oil and some others that bidding for the power assets.

Speaking at the ceremony to announce the winners for generation firms in Abuja, the Minister of State for Power, Darius Ishaku, stated that “this is a milestone in the power privatisation process”, adding that  “I’m sure each and every one of you would agree the process has been transparent.”

The highest bidders for the electricity distribution companies are due to be announced on October 16. (Channels TV)