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Saturday 5 December 2015
Hurray! Arakale Igbede Jenyo (AIJ) Is 10..... By Adefemi
In life we appreciate our imperfection and build capacity through our togetherness with belief that we owe it all to God and patience which is the almost great virtue. I was there 10years ago sitting comfortably on a long bench in front of great elder and leader (Rotimi The Genius) who trained an indefatiguable boy now a great of exceptional intellect (Pakufirin) .... Waooo! Just like yesterday when the motion was raised on the name we are going to call brain child.... Discussion was awesome and contribution was massive.... At the end of the day we arrived at ARAKALE IGBEDE JENYO (AIJ). A great hood where the young and social personality and Master of any ceremony Mc Lokko surface from, Dejimania of this world, the Cee Keay, Aunty Oyinbo a great and wonderful sister, Curtis Ojo, Sister Bunmi Alaran a great sister, Respect to Oldest n Bro Lanre Akinlolu, Bros Gaddafi, Chijioke, Chiz, Bro Emekus, Onyiye, where the likes of Skipo Banjo Patrick (NO 10), where the Talented Basketballer Ajala grew up, where A special and loyal nigger the great cordinator Charles Charlly House grew up, where Tolu Cali is known, where Fisayo Fine Boy Oluwhafizzy is known, where Segun, Dotun from the great Sanjay, where AdX Adeola, where Tony The great brother is known, where Dennis bro is doing great, where a great leader Kunle Ariyo the ace broadcaster is known, where biggest bro Otunba is flexing and giving us concepts, where Chukwuma Akabueze is well recognise, The Kekereowos, Foyin now the big girl, The solar and Abellar, Tope Ajiki Nigerian Army, Femi Ajiki a respected personality, Busayo Oloms my baby of life, Akerele Olamummy the great and hard working sister, Tosin Paso of great personality, Abbey Tallest of loyal value, Ope Alive not Ghost is well surest.... So many names to mention but time cannot permitt because of all great people that is involved, we have one way or other passed through this great hood. All these is to give a face and say that our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate but we believe that knowledge is like an ocean and from the bottom of my heart I say thank you OLODUMARE (God) for successful ten years of AIJ because this is not by our power but for your mercy is all over us. Written By Adefemi Mc Lokko Pcfr
Dokpesi's Son Reacted Says My father never bidded for any arms contract during Jonathan's govt
Kindly read the full text below...
THE CONTINUED DETENTION OF HIGH CHIEF RAYMOND DOKPESI BY THE EFCC ON ALLEGATIONS OF MONEY LAUNDERING
1. It has become very imperative that following an article published in the Nation Newspaper and reprinted in other online and social media, that we provide more clarification on the current detention without trial of Dr. Raymond Dokpesi by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC in Abuja over allegations of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering.
2. In the first place there is no iota of truth whatsoever that Dr. Dokpesi had a hand in any transaction with the former National Security Adviser regarding the purchase of arms, locally or internationally. This falsehood has become commonplace as his detention is constantly being associated with what has generally become known by the media as the $2.1 Billion US Dollars Arms Deal Scandal.
3. We will like to make it abundantly clear that Dr. Dokpesi's DAAR INVESTMENT & HOLDINGS COMPANY LTD, initiated a proposal to the Presidency of Former President Goodluck Jonathan proposing a Multi Media Strategic Development Support Project to promote and project the achievements and highlight the challenges of his government whilst demystifying false information gleefully circulated by the propaganda machinery of the then opposition party.
4. The proposal was submitted to the Former President in person by Dr. Dokpesi and his team in the presence of the Former Vice President and the Former National Security Adviser at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. We must further emphasize that the proposal had absolutely nothing to do with the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), nor the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).
5. We understand that this proposal was thoroughly studied, approved and paid for by the Presidency through the office of the National Security Adviser which to the best of our knowledge has multiple budgetary sub-heads including for the promotion and propagation of information to sustain and stabilize the government and its administration.
6. We are still at a loss as to why a Federal Government that claims to have been popularly elected only about six months ago, will embark on a wide scale propaganda, misinformation and brazen falsehood just to achieve its objective of decimating its perceived political opponents and supporters of the previous government's administration.
7. High Chief Raymond Dokpesi remains a law abiding and consummate patriot who has served his fatherland to the best of his ability with Zeal, Zest and oftentimes a very infectious sense of patriotism.
8. For the avoidance of doubt, Dr Dokpesi has never applied nor bidded for a contract for the purchase of arms. Nor has he ever been registered with the Ministry of Defence for the similar objective of engaging in the supply of Arms for the Government. Unfolding events will soon prove irrefutably and unlike what fictious stories are being fed to the media as published by The Nation Newspaper on Friday 4th December 2015.
9. We urge the Buhari-led APC Government to rigorously investigate all political and economic crimes thoroughly before embarking on a media trial and sentencing even before the law courts of Nigeria have an opportunity to adjudicate.
10. Our democracy must grow on all fronts but more so under the rule of law which remains the bedrock of any democratic system.
Signed
Raymond Dokpesi Jnr.
For the Dokpesi family
THE CONTINUED DETENTION OF HIGH CHIEF RAYMOND DOKPESI BY THE EFCC ON ALLEGATIONS OF MONEY LAUNDERING
1. It has become very imperative that following an article published in the Nation Newspaper and reprinted in other online and social media, that we provide more clarification on the current detention without trial of Dr. Raymond Dokpesi by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC in Abuja over allegations of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering.
2. In the first place there is no iota of truth whatsoever that Dr. Dokpesi had a hand in any transaction with the former National Security Adviser regarding the purchase of arms, locally or internationally. This falsehood has become commonplace as his detention is constantly being associated with what has generally become known by the media as the $2.1 Billion US Dollars Arms Deal Scandal.
3. We will like to make it abundantly clear that Dr. Dokpesi's DAAR INVESTMENT & HOLDINGS COMPANY LTD, initiated a proposal to the Presidency of Former President Goodluck Jonathan proposing a Multi Media Strategic Development Support Project to promote and project the achievements and highlight the challenges of his government whilst demystifying false information gleefully circulated by the propaganda machinery of the then opposition party.
4. The proposal was submitted to the Former President in person by Dr. Dokpesi and his team in the presence of the Former Vice President and the Former National Security Adviser at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. We must further emphasize that the proposal had absolutely nothing to do with the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), nor the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).
5. We understand that this proposal was thoroughly studied, approved and paid for by the Presidency through the office of the National Security Adviser which to the best of our knowledge has multiple budgetary sub-heads including for the promotion and propagation of information to sustain and stabilize the government and its administration.
6. We are still at a loss as to why a Federal Government that claims to have been popularly elected only about six months ago, will embark on a wide scale propaganda, misinformation and brazen falsehood just to achieve its objective of decimating its perceived political opponents and supporters of the previous government's administration.
7. High Chief Raymond Dokpesi remains a law abiding and consummate patriot who has served his fatherland to the best of his ability with Zeal, Zest and oftentimes a very infectious sense of patriotism.
8. For the avoidance of doubt, Dr Dokpesi has never applied nor bidded for a contract for the purchase of arms. Nor has he ever been registered with the Ministry of Defence for the similar objective of engaging in the supply of Arms for the Government. Unfolding events will soon prove irrefutably and unlike what fictious stories are being fed to the media as published by The Nation Newspaper on Friday 4th December 2015.
9. We urge the Buhari-led APC Government to rigorously investigate all political and economic crimes thoroughly before embarking on a media trial and sentencing even before the law courts of Nigeria have an opportunity to adjudicate.
10. Our democracy must grow on all fronts but more so under the rule of law which remains the bedrock of any democratic system.
Signed
Raymond Dokpesi Jnr.
For the Dokpesi family
GIVING POWER TO THE VOICELESS TO TALK By Omoluabi
Sir, can you help us to help in your constituency? We have many bills pending but the truth is far from us in this countryside. PIB is still hanging , disable bill is in the dustbin, anti corruption bill , nobody to front it. Voluntary step down from power bill , nobody to think of it. Where is the template of running this country. Foreigners are importing goods unscrupulous getting away with it , escaping with a lot of money , nothing to do about it. Oma se oooo. Foreigners come to this country cart away with our natural resources but no one to shout or debate it but yet we shout at freedom of speech. Cabal wasting public resources but you guys are afraid of them . We are not sleeping. Do we debate how much will loose everyday to custom, port authority, importers, exporters and many other sectors not debated. Governors planning to reduce workforce, no one to caution them . The implication is simple. Unrest in the land, Devils workshop in that family. Better raise alarm not to increase crime rate in the country. Youth bill is there no one to draft it but debating unproductive bill. We must change not only party but our attitude to humanity . We are change agent from good to better not to worst. The journey of destruction begins the day APC works against her forces. We are the force of truth and integrity. We must go back to the drawing board and make our country great.
Written by Unusual Omoluabi
Written by Unusual Omoluabi
Sugabelly, Rape and Audu’s sons By Reuben Abati
You probably don’t know Sugabelly. I don’t know her either. But it is the twitter handle of a Nigerian lady: @sugabelly, who in the wake of the death of former Governor Abubakar Audu of Kogi State felt the urge to go public with her story. My foregrounding her/story as opposed to his/story, is further affirmation of an earlier submission that Audu’s death is “inconclusive” (The Guardian, Nov 27).
As the rest of Nigeria mourned the death of Abubakar Audu and pondered the implications of an inconclusive electoral process, Sugabelly showed up on social media and started celebrating his death. Her message was that the death of the man was good riddance to bad rubbish. “I feel so amazing”, she wrote. “Like God actually answered my prayers… That’s usually how it is. Powerful people rarely remember the people whose lives they destroy.” She alleged that Audu’s sons once gang-raped her- seven of them, when she was an impressionable 17-year old and that Governor Audu used his position as a big man to rubbish her, slammed her with a $2 million libel suit, denied her from getting justice, with his lawyers insisting that “14 years” is the age of consent under the Penal Code in the FCT, and so there is no case. For eight years, her life, she says, has been a nightmare including contemplations of suicide and spells of manic depression. Her frustration is well articulated in her twitter handle and an extended commentary titled “Surviving Mustapha Audu and His Rape Brigade” (sugarbellyrocks.com/2015/11/surviving-mustapha-audu-and-his-rape-brigade.html).
I have heard people proclaim loudly that a traditional proverb says: “the witch cried last night and the child died in the morning” and they have been wondering whether there was some kind of extra-terrestial, meta-physical animus which led to Audu’s sudden death. Howbeit, Sugabelly’sallegation is that of rape. Her protestation made the rounds for a few days largely uncelebrated, but it caught fire last Friday. For days, rape was the subject of discussion on Nigerian twitter. Opinion was divided with some calling Sugabelly, “a whore” and a badly brought up child but soon, the weight tilted heavily in her favour as the reactions panned out to focus on the menace of rape and the devastating effect on persons, families, the victims and society.
One of the sons of Abubakar Audu was soon fingered as the leader of the rape brigade -by bothSugabelly and her staunchest supporter, @Echecrates. What happened subsequently is better experienced. A lady tweeting as Zahra - @oakleafbycg - jumped into the fray to defend him - hers was quite a spirited fight that lasted for hours, defending the integrity of her husband. She probably was defending herself too. Her father-in-law was so close to being Governor and he lost it, only for some twitter activists, and a sugabelly (what a name!, by the way) to start suggesting that her husband has a rape case to answer. She is a good woman, isn’t she? I monitored the conversations, and it is difficult to conclude that anyone was successfully convicted for there were persons who raised questions about sugabelly’s identity, her motives and whether she is not just a spoiler, playing a sponsored political game.
The emergent consensus however focused on the menace of rape in our society. Some male commentators seeking to genderize the discussion also pointed out that they were once raped too, but the pervasive impression was that young girls are more often the victims. I noted that there was very little talk about marital rape, which is ordinarily a major issue in the West, but which will be considered absurd by Africans. There were some suggestions about rapists being put to death in line with the still untested Violence Against Persons Act, but as is the case with twitter, 140-word interventions do not necessarily a honest thinker nor an intellectual make. It creates an illusion though, the illusion that someone whose reasoning is below 140 words is a mega-man of knowledge and insights.
Nonetheless, the matter between sugabelly and the Audu sons deserves a little more probing. I am tempted to commend sugabelly for throwing up the subject, but the real problem with rape in our society lies in the inadequacy of both legal and social responses. Both the law and the society stigmatise rape, and wrong-foot the victim. The relevant sections of the law in Nigeria today more or less ridicule the victim, and usually, the victim is female. The biggest challenge for decades has been this manner in which the law humiliates the female victim: the procedure requires examination by a medical doctor and in open court, proving actual penetration up to the labia majora. That is a tough call for victims and families, and so, many cases end up unreported. Besides, the criminal justice system peopled by phallocentric officials is wont to dismiss any woman reporting rape: in Nigeria, it would be ridiculous indeed for a married woman or a girlfriend to report being raped by her husband or fiancée. From the policeman at the station to the presiding judge, if it gets to that stage, the case may die a natural death in the vortex of misogyny.
Culture is a major barrier: the search for virgins at the bridal chamber by African families is a long dead custom, but few families can stand the stigma of taking as wife, a woman who has been raped, and whose indignity has been broadcast. Female victims are therefore reluctant to seek legal redress, first because of social stigma, and that is why there are very few convictions despite the regular incidence of rape. Any woman that is labeled a rape victim stands the risk of not getting a husband: families of prospective suitors will latch on to that evidence as if it a mark of leprosy, and urge their sons to steer clear, creating for the woman’s family an undeserved dilemma. Despite the wave of modernity in our land, tradition remains resilient and marriage, going to a man’s house, is still, quite sadly, considered a woman’s ultimate achievement.
This is probably why, in due course, the accused also showed up in the conversation releasing e-mail exchanges between him and Sugabelly, and going as far as revealing her true identity and painting her as a “whore,” a liar and an opportunist. Parents, keep an eye on your sons and daughters! The family, the most important social unit, has a role to play. Both male and female children should be brought up to respect ethical values and the rights of other human beings to dignity. The inferiorization of the female gender often begins in the home, and there are too many cultural paradigms sustaining an objectionable model of parenting, which must change. Too many parents, too busy trying to make survival possible, have abdicated responsibility and it is society that is hurt as a result.
The solution also lies in legal reform: the laws on rape must become more progressive and enlightened. The statutes have been in urgent need of review for long; they must provide the necessary deterrence and not ridicule the victim; even the Violence Against Persons Act (2015) does not fully correct the mischief in the Criminal and Penal Codes.
There is also a trend now that must be addressed, namely the objectification of women for profit or other purposes. The most recent illustration I find is the battle being waged on twitter and instagram by @blossomnnodim, who has since changed to @blossomozurumba (good luck to the man who is responsible for this blossoming), as she takes on a TBWA power charger advert, which instead of promoting the subject focuses on a woman’s biological gifts. Blossom objects to this but she has since been accused of witch-hunting and idleness. Her critics miss the point. The objectification of women in popular culture erodes the dignity of women. But the worse of it all, is that women themselves promote this negative effect. Nigeria has been lucky in locking into global trends on all fronts, but in a global village, we have not been successful in retaining local standards as a bulwark against negative, imperial cultural influences.
Social media, for example, is dominated by images of sexual libertinism; even our young ladies who are now role models on the basis of concrete accomplishments help to foster this image. I am making this point delicately; my concern is that we have too many Nigerian female role models who are busy trying to be like Amber Rose, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Rita Ora, Miles Cyrus, Blac Chyna – if you know what I mean, all those foreign cultural icons whose lifestyles commodify women. Our own equivalents are all over social media: pretty girls who are perpetually showing cleavages, wearing body tights that accentuate curves, some even boast that they won’t wear bras and pants and that illicit sex is cool: that is how this self-denigration has grown all the way down, creating a sexual tension even among the uneducated wannabes. I am not victimizing the victim, knowing fully well that there is that human rights border of freedom of choice and expression; still, new cultural realities should command certain limits.
Sugabelly may not get the sugar of contentment that she seeks, but let her be consoled that she has ignited a debate that may shed more light on the dilemma of rape, and/or sex with a minor (Penal Code or not), and the sad manner in which our society continues to produce children and adults who behave badly. Let us also hope that sooner or later, the sleeping Abubakar Audu will be allowed to lie, by his sons and the girl they allegedly raped. It is not Audu that is on trial, it is his sons: sons of big men who go overboard with their life of privilege, and of course, Sugabelly- the overtly impressionable young girl- who are all still alive to be called to account, if not in regular court, but now, in the court of public opinion.
Written by Former Presidential Spokesperson Reuben Abati
As the rest of Nigeria mourned the death of Abubakar Audu and pondered the implications of an inconclusive electoral process, Sugabelly showed up on social media and started celebrating his death. Her message was that the death of the man was good riddance to bad rubbish. “I feel so amazing”, she wrote. “Like God actually answered my prayers… That’s usually how it is. Powerful people rarely remember the people whose lives they destroy.” She alleged that Audu’s sons once gang-raped her- seven of them, when she was an impressionable 17-year old and that Governor Audu used his position as a big man to rubbish her, slammed her with a $2 million libel suit, denied her from getting justice, with his lawyers insisting that “14 years” is the age of consent under the Penal Code in the FCT, and so there is no case. For eight years, her life, she says, has been a nightmare including contemplations of suicide and spells of manic depression. Her frustration is well articulated in her twitter handle and an extended commentary titled “Surviving Mustapha Audu and His Rape Brigade” (sugarbellyrocks.com/2015/11/surviving-mustapha-audu-and-his-rape-brigade.html).
I have heard people proclaim loudly that a traditional proverb says: “the witch cried last night and the child died in the morning” and they have been wondering whether there was some kind of extra-terrestial, meta-physical animus which led to Audu’s sudden death. Howbeit, Sugabelly’sallegation is that of rape. Her protestation made the rounds for a few days largely uncelebrated, but it caught fire last Friday. For days, rape was the subject of discussion on Nigerian twitter. Opinion was divided with some calling Sugabelly, “a whore” and a badly brought up child but soon, the weight tilted heavily in her favour as the reactions panned out to focus on the menace of rape and the devastating effect on persons, families, the victims and society.
One of the sons of Abubakar Audu was soon fingered as the leader of the rape brigade -by bothSugabelly and her staunchest supporter, @Echecrates. What happened subsequently is better experienced. A lady tweeting as Zahra - @oakleafbycg - jumped into the fray to defend him - hers was quite a spirited fight that lasted for hours, defending the integrity of her husband. She probably was defending herself too. Her father-in-law was so close to being Governor and he lost it, only for some twitter activists, and a sugabelly (what a name!, by the way) to start suggesting that her husband has a rape case to answer. She is a good woman, isn’t she? I monitored the conversations, and it is difficult to conclude that anyone was successfully convicted for there were persons who raised questions about sugabelly’s identity, her motives and whether she is not just a spoiler, playing a sponsored political game.
The emergent consensus however focused on the menace of rape in our society. Some male commentators seeking to genderize the discussion also pointed out that they were once raped too, but the pervasive impression was that young girls are more often the victims. I noted that there was very little talk about marital rape, which is ordinarily a major issue in the West, but which will be considered absurd by Africans. There were some suggestions about rapists being put to death in line with the still untested Violence Against Persons Act, but as is the case with twitter, 140-word interventions do not necessarily a honest thinker nor an intellectual make. It creates an illusion though, the illusion that someone whose reasoning is below 140 words is a mega-man of knowledge and insights.
Nonetheless, the matter between sugabelly and the Audu sons deserves a little more probing. I am tempted to commend sugabelly for throwing up the subject, but the real problem with rape in our society lies in the inadequacy of both legal and social responses. Both the law and the society stigmatise rape, and wrong-foot the victim. The relevant sections of the law in Nigeria today more or less ridicule the victim, and usually, the victim is female. The biggest challenge for decades has been this manner in which the law humiliates the female victim: the procedure requires examination by a medical doctor and in open court, proving actual penetration up to the labia majora. That is a tough call for victims and families, and so, many cases end up unreported. Besides, the criminal justice system peopled by phallocentric officials is wont to dismiss any woman reporting rape: in Nigeria, it would be ridiculous indeed for a married woman or a girlfriend to report being raped by her husband or fiancée. From the policeman at the station to the presiding judge, if it gets to that stage, the case may die a natural death in the vortex of misogyny.
Culture is a major barrier: the search for virgins at the bridal chamber by African families is a long dead custom, but few families can stand the stigma of taking as wife, a woman who has been raped, and whose indignity has been broadcast. Female victims are therefore reluctant to seek legal redress, first because of social stigma, and that is why there are very few convictions despite the regular incidence of rape. Any woman that is labeled a rape victim stands the risk of not getting a husband: families of prospective suitors will latch on to that evidence as if it a mark of leprosy, and urge their sons to steer clear, creating for the woman’s family an undeserved dilemma. Despite the wave of modernity in our land, tradition remains resilient and marriage, going to a man’s house, is still, quite sadly, considered a woman’s ultimate achievement.
This is probably why, in due course, the accused also showed up in the conversation releasing e-mail exchanges between him and Sugabelly, and going as far as revealing her true identity and painting her as a “whore,” a liar and an opportunist. Parents, keep an eye on your sons and daughters! The family, the most important social unit, has a role to play. Both male and female children should be brought up to respect ethical values and the rights of other human beings to dignity. The inferiorization of the female gender often begins in the home, and there are too many cultural paradigms sustaining an objectionable model of parenting, which must change. Too many parents, too busy trying to make survival possible, have abdicated responsibility and it is society that is hurt as a result.
The solution also lies in legal reform: the laws on rape must become more progressive and enlightened. The statutes have been in urgent need of review for long; they must provide the necessary deterrence and not ridicule the victim; even the Violence Against Persons Act (2015) does not fully correct the mischief in the Criminal and Penal Codes.
There is also a trend now that must be addressed, namely the objectification of women for profit or other purposes. The most recent illustration I find is the battle being waged on twitter and instagram by @blossomnnodim, who has since changed to @blossomozurumba (good luck to the man who is responsible for this blossoming), as she takes on a TBWA power charger advert, which instead of promoting the subject focuses on a woman’s biological gifts. Blossom objects to this but she has since been accused of witch-hunting and idleness. Her critics miss the point. The objectification of women in popular culture erodes the dignity of women. But the worse of it all, is that women themselves promote this negative effect. Nigeria has been lucky in locking into global trends on all fronts, but in a global village, we have not been successful in retaining local standards as a bulwark against negative, imperial cultural influences.
Social media, for example, is dominated by images of sexual libertinism; even our young ladies who are now role models on the basis of concrete accomplishments help to foster this image. I am making this point delicately; my concern is that we have too many Nigerian female role models who are busy trying to be like Amber Rose, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Rita Ora, Miles Cyrus, Blac Chyna – if you know what I mean, all those foreign cultural icons whose lifestyles commodify women. Our own equivalents are all over social media: pretty girls who are perpetually showing cleavages, wearing body tights that accentuate curves, some even boast that they won’t wear bras and pants and that illicit sex is cool: that is how this self-denigration has grown all the way down, creating a sexual tension even among the uneducated wannabes. I am not victimizing the victim, knowing fully well that there is that human rights border of freedom of choice and expression; still, new cultural realities should command certain limits.
Sugabelly may not get the sugar of contentment that she seeks, but let her be consoled that she has ignited a debate that may shed more light on the dilemma of rape, and/or sex with a minor (Penal Code or not), and the sad manner in which our society continues to produce children and adults who behave badly. Let us also hope that sooner or later, the sleeping Abubakar Audu will be allowed to lie, by his sons and the girl they allegedly raped. It is not Audu that is on trial, it is his sons: sons of big men who go overboard with their life of privilege, and of course, Sugabelly- the overtly impressionable young girl- who are all still alive to be called to account, if not in regular court, but now, in the court of public opinion.
Written by Former Presidential Spokesperson Reuben Abati
A Tale Of Social Nature And Homely Nature By Adefemi
I have been opportuned to see some different faces of understanding in woman nature. Often time I tried to see differently from the perspectives of what they believe. Women are so special and essential value in our day to day life. Therefore, I developed an inner theory of opinion about Dating, Marrying or having the choice of living with a woman of Social Reserved nature and Homely Reserved nature. To be happy in life you don't need to deceive yourself in choosing wrongly when it comes to a woman. I have been able to realised that sentiments should not be the basis of choosing a life partner or happy marriage. Just deal with it the way it comes with proper and thorough heart search. Everybody have a week point but ability to manage it makes it a reality. For the fact the personality of these duo are exceptionally great, it is suffix to say that there nature depicts different things entirely. Deziani seems to be social and glamorous while Okonjo is homely, reserved and strategist. When it is Deziani's nature to live life with choice of what pleases her in term of bling bling reverse is the case in term of Okonjo because once she tied her gele (head gear) with her simple ankara (Home made) fabric she is good to go. Infact both of them are educated and intellectually special. Infact they know when to apply policy on how to move nation forward. Both of them are principled and career driving. Bringing this factor to human life and in making a great decision in whon to go with. It is of highly importance that living with both of them will boost home growth foreign reserved and the choices are so opened for such preference to be decided in human existence. What's your take?
Adefemi
Adefemi
President Buhari’s foreign trips not frivolous — Lai Mohammed
In a move to doused the tension in the general public, The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has justified the many foreign trips of the President, saying that such trips by President Buhari since assuming office are critical to the implementation of his administration key policies of enhancing security, jump-starting the economy, creating jobs and fighting corruption
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and Culture, Segun Adeyemi, the Minister said all the trips have started yielding fruits in terms of turning the tide in the fight against the insurgents, attracting investments in the range of billions of dollars, and securing global support for the administration’s anti-corruption fight.
“Nigerians, whether in the ruling or the opposition parties, have a right to ask questions about the activities of their President, but it is absolutely important that they do so from an informed, rather than partisan or sensational, standpoint,’’ he said.
The Minister explained that most of the President’s trips to Nigeria’s neighbouring countries of Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, as well as to Germany, the US, France and the UN – were devoted to rallying regional and global support for the war against terrorism.
“He was in Germany at the invitation of the G7 to solicit support from the Industrialized Nations for the war against terrorism. No one who has witnessed the killings and maiming in the past seven years by Boko Haram will call such trips frivolous. After all, the security and welfare of the citizens are the reason for the existence of any government.
“The President’s visit to South Africa was to attend the regular summit of the African Union; the trip to Ghana was aimed at fostering better relations with a brotherly country; the trip to India was for the India-Africa summit that provided the opportunity to explore ways of enhancing Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from Indian investors.”
On the trip to Iran, he also explained that the President represented Nigeria in the forum of Gas Exporting Countries, a veritable platform for discussing how to better harness Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for industrial/domestic consumption and export, at a time of dwindling oil prices.
“The President also travelled to Malta to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, from where he travelled to Paris for the UN Conference on Climate Change. The President’s second trip to South Africa since assuming office is for the China-Africa forum. On the few occasions that the President has embarked on a State Visit, he has tied that to an agenda that will further the quest for support for the war against terror and the efforts to enhance FDIs, thus stimulating economic growth and creating jobs,’’ he said.
He said that apart from rallying global support for the country’s wars on terror and graft or seeking foreign investments, it is important that Nigeria leverages President Buhari’s brand, a high integrity quotient and an embodiment of committed and dedicated leadership, to further Nigeria’s relevance and visibility on the global stage.
Vanguard
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and Culture, Segun Adeyemi, the Minister said all the trips have started yielding fruits in terms of turning the tide in the fight against the insurgents, attracting investments in the range of billions of dollars, and securing global support for the administration’s anti-corruption fight.
“Nigerians, whether in the ruling or the opposition parties, have a right to ask questions about the activities of their President, but it is absolutely important that they do so from an informed, rather than partisan or sensational, standpoint,’’ he said.
The Minister explained that most of the President’s trips to Nigeria’s neighbouring countries of Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, as well as to Germany, the US, France and the UN – were devoted to rallying regional and global support for the war against terrorism.
“He was in Germany at the invitation of the G7 to solicit support from the Industrialized Nations for the war against terrorism. No one who has witnessed the killings and maiming in the past seven years by Boko Haram will call such trips frivolous. After all, the security and welfare of the citizens are the reason for the existence of any government.
“The President’s visit to South Africa was to attend the regular summit of the African Union; the trip to Ghana was aimed at fostering better relations with a brotherly country; the trip to India was for the India-Africa summit that provided the opportunity to explore ways of enhancing Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from Indian investors.”
On the trip to Iran, he also explained that the President represented Nigeria in the forum of Gas Exporting Countries, a veritable platform for discussing how to better harness Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for industrial/domestic consumption and export, at a time of dwindling oil prices.
“The President also travelled to Malta to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, from where he travelled to Paris for the UN Conference on Climate Change. The President’s second trip to South Africa since assuming office is for the China-Africa forum. On the few occasions that the President has embarked on a State Visit, he has tied that to an agenda that will further the quest for support for the war against terror and the efforts to enhance FDIs, thus stimulating economic growth and creating jobs,’’ he said.
He said that apart from rallying global support for the country’s wars on terror and graft or seeking foreign investments, it is important that Nigeria leverages President Buhari’s brand, a high integrity quotient and an embodiment of committed and dedicated leadership, to further Nigeria’s relevance and visibility on the global stage.
Vanguard
Friday 4 December 2015
Shady Deals: Russia says it has proof Turkey involved in Islamic State oil trade
Turkish PM Erdogan had promised to resign if Moscow could prove collusion with Isil
Russian military chiefs have publicly accused the Turkish government of funnelling millions of dollars in illicit oil revenues to Islamic State terrorists in Syria and Iraq, in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two countries.
Russia’s top generals on Wednesday accused Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, and his family of personally involvement in a multi-million dollar oil smuggling operation that is funding terrorists from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isil).
"Turkey is the main consumer of the oil stolen from its rightful owners, Syria and Iraq. According to information we've received, the senior political leadership of the country - President Erdogan and his family - are involved in this criminal business,” Anatoly Antonov, a deputy defence minister, told reporters and several dozen foreign military attaches summoned at short notice to the army’s high-tech national defence command centre in Moscow.
Telegraph.uk
Russian military chiefs have publicly accused the Turkish government of funnelling millions of dollars in illicit oil revenues to Islamic State terrorists in Syria and Iraq, in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two countries.
Russia’s top generals on Wednesday accused Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, and his family of personally involvement in a multi-million dollar oil smuggling operation that is funding terrorists from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isil).
"Turkey is the main consumer of the oil stolen from its rightful owners, Syria and Iraq. According to information we've received, the senior political leadership of the country - President Erdogan and his family - are involved in this criminal business,” Anatoly Antonov, a deputy defence minister, told reporters and several dozen foreign military attaches summoned at short notice to the army’s high-tech national defence command centre in Moscow.
Telegraph.uk
We Will Unveils Our Baby's Face Very Soon Says Tiwa Savage
Recently, According to the singer, her husband made the decision to hide their baby’s face.
In her words: “Well that’s his dad’s decision. Every mother wants everyone to see the picture of her baby. I want everyone to see how cute he is but I understand my husband’s perspective too. He is the head of the house so I have to respect his wishes. Eventually, we will reveal his face but for now, he wants only close family and friends to have the special moment to bond and not share it with the world yet,’ she said.
She further disclosed how she bonded with her child after he was born.
“I’m going to be as candid as I can be and Genevieve is the only press I’ve ever told. They say you bond instantly with your baby but I didn’t have that instant connection. I was in a 20-hour labour and just when I was about to push him out, his heart rate dropped, so there was a lot of panic in the room and we were all in tears. Then, when he eventually came out, everyone screamed “congratulations” and they had to put him on my chest to bond. Instead, when they did, I said “he is beautiful, but can I sleep for just one hour?
Thereafter, I was so overwhelmed, that for a week after delivery, I would cry every day. And I don’t know why that happened. The midwives thought I was suffering from depression but I guess a lot of first-time mums have felt that way. I think it is the overwhelming feeling of being responsible for another human being. Now, life is no longer a joke. I cannot do just anything I want. Yet, on the other hand, I am very protective of him. Being a mother has made me like a lioness, and I’m ready to bite anyone’s head off over him.”
nigerianbulletin
In her words: “Well that’s his dad’s decision. Every mother wants everyone to see the picture of her baby. I want everyone to see how cute he is but I understand my husband’s perspective too. He is the head of the house so I have to respect his wishes. Eventually, we will reveal his face but for now, he wants only close family and friends to have the special moment to bond and not share it with the world yet,’ she said.
She further disclosed how she bonded with her child after he was born.
“I’m going to be as candid as I can be and Genevieve is the only press I’ve ever told. They say you bond instantly with your baby but I didn’t have that instant connection. I was in a 20-hour labour and just when I was about to push him out, his heart rate dropped, so there was a lot of panic in the room and we were all in tears. Then, when he eventually came out, everyone screamed “congratulations” and they had to put him on my chest to bond. Instead, when they did, I said “he is beautiful, but can I sleep for just one hour?
Thereafter, I was so overwhelmed, that for a week after delivery, I would cry every day. And I don’t know why that happened. The midwives thought I was suffering from depression but I guess a lot of first-time mums have felt that way. I think it is the overwhelming feeling of being responsible for another human being. Now, life is no longer a joke. I cannot do just anything I want. Yet, on the other hand, I am very protective of him. Being a mother has made me like a lioness, and I’m ready to bite anyone’s head off over him.”
nigerianbulletin
At Last Oscar Pistorius guilty of murdering Reeva Steenkamp
Justice in life they say can be delayed but can never be denied. That is what happened as Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of murder after a South African appeals court overturned an earlier manslaughter verdict.
Pistorius killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013 after shooting four times through a locked toilet door.
He is currently under house arrest after spending one year of his original five-year sentence in jail.
Pistorius will have to return to court to be re-sentenced, for murder.
Pistorius, a six-time Paralympic gold medallist whose legs were amputated below the knee as a baby, made history by becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics, in 2012, running on prosthetic "blades".
BBC
Pistorius killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013 after shooting four times through a locked toilet door.
He is currently under house arrest after spending one year of his original five-year sentence in jail.
Pistorius will have to return to court to be re-sentenced, for murder.
Pistorius, a six-time Paralympic gold medallist whose legs were amputated below the knee as a baby, made history by becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics, in 2012, running on prosthetic "blades".
BBC
Thursday 3 December 2015
The Genesis Of Dasuki's Trial By Adefemi
The genesis of Dasuki's trial was like a drama... Immediately the former President GEJ handed over the mantle of leadership, he did say during his valedictory service that "most of you that worked with me will be persecuted but do not be intimidated as you remain to the cause of standing for the truth" just a summary. Immediately few days later Dasuki's house was ran sacked by DSS and 5 riffles, G Wagon and some items were found in his house and it was revealed that those items can be used to destabilize a country. Anyway, I laughed because what are they expecting to find in the house of former NSA? is it beans or bananas? That's story for another day. It was after this that Dasuki approached court and he was granted an injunction that his passport should be released so that he can travels for treatment. I was surprised because how could someone that is facing charges will be allowed to travel? What if he didn't come back? Moreover, FG ought to have obeyed before complaining by providing strong security and asked Dasuki to visit Nigeria hospital. Infact, they did not obey the court order even in democracy? What happened next? PMB set up a committee to look into the money spent on ammunition and the investigation was carried out in Dasuki's absent which to me is cool in order to avoid any impediment. It was after the investigation that committee submitted their report to President Buhari that $2.1billion was mismanaged under Dasuki.. Buhari was angry and he ordered the arrests of anybody involved. That's a good step on the right direction but the bottom line is why the trial by media or on the pages of newspaper ? All the information bandied up and down that A collects' this and B collect's that is not the trial the people wants. If Dasuki is guilty of all the allegations he should kindly pay dearly for it. As it stands today, Dasuki's lawyer said he has never mentioned nor named anybody and that figures going round is figment of the imagination of the author. The case has now been adjourn till Dec 8.... By Adefemi
Must Read! HARD ANALYSIS
I found this interesting as it related to our daily activities...
Divide your SALARY by 30 days and see what you get (i.e. the number of days in a month and see the funny thing about your salary plan).
For example,
(1) An average level-12 worker in the state government civil service earns NGN 60,000.
**** And this translates to NGN 60,000÷30= NGN 2,000 every day. This is LESS THAN the amount made daily by an AVERAGE HAWKER in the city.
(2) A freshly EMPLOYED GRADUATE BANKER in most NIGERIAN BANKS earns an average of NGN120,000 monthly.
***So everyday, you get NGN120,000÷30= NGN4,000 as the daily value for your work-life. By implication, this is LESS THAN the amount earned DAILY by an AVERAGE DRIVER in d city and in some villages.....
(3) If you are a FRESH GRADUATE EMPLOYEE in some oil companies, you earn an average of NGN300,000 monthly. So in a day your WORK-VALUE is NGN300,000 ÷ 30= NGN10,000
**** This is LESS THAN the daily amount earned by an IRRIGATION FARMER supplying vegetables to Lagos MARKETS, a TIPPER CAR DRIVER supplying sand for three BLOCK INDUSTRIES and CONSTRUCTION SITES just 3 times a day and DRIVERS of DANGOTE TRUCKS who have bought off the trucks at scrap value and are using them to convey products between villages and the cities for just five business owners.
--------->>>HOPE BY NOW, IT IS SINKING IN, RIGHT?
And when there is an ISSUE in the FAMILY that requires FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, the DRIVERS, HAWKERS and the rest are looking up to you with a WHITE COLLAR JOB.
(4) If you are an NYSC MEMBER, you DON'T need to be told that:
*****NGN19,800÷30 = NGN 660 is your worth on a daily basis.
I hope you know that PURE WATER SELLERS who own a shop, a pepper soup joint and a small TOYOTA COROLLA car to distribute pure water to five restaurants earn MORE THAN you & WHEEL-BARROW PUSHERS working on contract for three warehouses probably make MORE MONEY than you EACH DAY
............
We shouldn't end at satisfactions from these earnings. We should be more proactive, create room for more income and strive to diversify our streams of income.
The earlier you wake up and smell the coffee, the better for you......
I know of someone right now who will say this is too ideal to be true but take your time and do this analysis over and over again, and you will grasp the crux!!!
STOP waiting for the Government to feed you, feed yourself and help the Government feed others. That is where we are in this age.
DO have an Entrepreneurial week ahead!!!
culled from Rugipo Alumni Group
Divide your SALARY by 30 days and see what you get (i.e. the number of days in a month and see the funny thing about your salary plan).
For example,
(1) An average level-12 worker in the state government civil service earns NGN 60,000.
**** And this translates to NGN 60,000÷30= NGN 2,000 every day. This is LESS THAN the amount made daily by an AVERAGE HAWKER in the city.
(2) A freshly EMPLOYED GRADUATE BANKER in most NIGERIAN BANKS earns an average of NGN120,000 monthly.
***So everyday, you get NGN120,000÷30= NGN4,000 as the daily value for your work-life. By implication, this is LESS THAN the amount earned DAILY by an AVERAGE DRIVER in d city and in some villages.....
(3) If you are a FRESH GRADUATE EMPLOYEE in some oil companies, you earn an average of NGN300,000 monthly. So in a day your WORK-VALUE is NGN300,000 ÷ 30= NGN10,000
**** This is LESS THAN the daily amount earned by an IRRIGATION FARMER supplying vegetables to Lagos MARKETS, a TIPPER CAR DRIVER supplying sand for three BLOCK INDUSTRIES and CONSTRUCTION SITES just 3 times a day and DRIVERS of DANGOTE TRUCKS who have bought off the trucks at scrap value and are using them to convey products between villages and the cities for just five business owners.
--------->>>HOPE BY NOW, IT IS SINKING IN, RIGHT?
And when there is an ISSUE in the FAMILY that requires FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, the DRIVERS, HAWKERS and the rest are looking up to you with a WHITE COLLAR JOB.
(4) If you are an NYSC MEMBER, you DON'T need to be told that:
*****NGN19,800÷30 = NGN 660 is your worth on a daily basis.
I hope you know that PURE WATER SELLERS who own a shop, a pepper soup joint and a small TOYOTA COROLLA car to distribute pure water to five restaurants earn MORE THAN you & WHEEL-BARROW PUSHERS working on contract for three warehouses probably make MORE MONEY than you EACH DAY
............
We shouldn't end at satisfactions from these earnings. We should be more proactive, create room for more income and strive to diversify our streams of income.
The earlier you wake up and smell the coffee, the better for you......
I know of someone right now who will say this is too ideal to be true but take your time and do this analysis over and over again, and you will grasp the crux!!!
STOP waiting for the Government to feed you, feed yourself and help the Government feed others. That is where we are in this age.
DO have an Entrepreneurial week ahead!!!
culled from Rugipo Alumni Group
Arms Deal Saga! Dasuki denies implicating anyone in the $2.1bn
Press statement from PR Nigeria
Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has denied ever making statement implicating anyone or group in the allegation of $2billion arms purchase deal brought against him by the federal government. Dasuki, who spoke through his lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji, a senior advocate said he never made such statement or name anyone to EFCC and wondered where the authors got their information from.
“I was with Dasuki yesterday and wish to make categorical statement that my client never made any statement of such nature or naming anybody or group in any statement. “Quote me anywhere, Dasuki has not done anything like that. It is absolutely untrue. It is the figment of the imagination of the authors aimed at creating falsehood for reasons best known to them and Nigerians should disregard them. “They are just out to scandalise the man, bring his image and character into disrepute so that his friends and well wishers can run away from him.
They want him deserted and that will fail”, Raji said. Meanwhile, PRNigeria has gathered that not all funds in Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) are related to arm procurement as being alleged. The ONSA manages several funds for national security and other special interventions which are not related to Boko Haram or arm procurement. They include recurrent expenditures and miscellaneous expenses under Special Service Office (SSO) to fund special projects and programmes including capacity building, refreshment, travelling, office maintenance, crisis communication and supports to special causes and Non-Governmental Organisations. “Most of the figures being bandied were taken from the special funds meant for the purposes that they were spent and not on the so-called arm-deal.”
“All over the world, there are lots of expenditures of national security and sensitive matters that are not ridiculed in the Press.” During today’s proceedings in court, the federal government appointed a private legal practitioner, Mr. Oladipupo Okpeseyitan, SAN, to prosecute Dasuki. Okpeseyitan after announcing his appearance told the trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola that he had filed a motion for stay of execution of the ruling of the court which granted Dasuki permission to seek medical treatment. He applied to the court to put the ruling on hold pending the outcome of the appeal in the matter. Raji in his reply told the court that he had just been served with the motion in court, adding that he needed time to respond to the motion. The case has been fixed for December 8, 2015 for hearing.
LIB
Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has denied ever making statement implicating anyone or group in the allegation of $2billion arms purchase deal brought against him by the federal government. Dasuki, who spoke through his lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji, a senior advocate said he never made such statement or name anyone to EFCC and wondered where the authors got their information from.
“I was with Dasuki yesterday and wish to make categorical statement that my client never made any statement of such nature or naming anybody or group in any statement. “Quote me anywhere, Dasuki has not done anything like that. It is absolutely untrue. It is the figment of the imagination of the authors aimed at creating falsehood for reasons best known to them and Nigerians should disregard them. “They are just out to scandalise the man, bring his image and character into disrepute so that his friends and well wishers can run away from him.
They want him deserted and that will fail”, Raji said. Meanwhile, PRNigeria has gathered that not all funds in Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) are related to arm procurement as being alleged. The ONSA manages several funds for national security and other special interventions which are not related to Boko Haram or arm procurement. They include recurrent expenditures and miscellaneous expenses under Special Service Office (SSO) to fund special projects and programmes including capacity building, refreshment, travelling, office maintenance, crisis communication and supports to special causes and Non-Governmental Organisations. “Most of the figures being bandied were taken from the special funds meant for the purposes that they were spent and not on the so-called arm-deal.”
“All over the world, there are lots of expenditures of national security and sensitive matters that are not ridiculed in the Press.” During today’s proceedings in court, the federal government appointed a private legal practitioner, Mr. Oladipupo Okpeseyitan, SAN, to prosecute Dasuki. Okpeseyitan after announcing his appearance told the trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola that he had filed a motion for stay of execution of the ruling of the court which granted Dasuki permission to seek medical treatment. He applied to the court to put the ruling on hold pending the outcome of the appeal in the matter. Raji in his reply told the court that he had just been served with the motion in court, adding that he needed time to respond to the motion. The case has been fixed for December 8, 2015 for hearing.
LIB
So Sad! Photos from a horrific accident on Badagry Expressway today
As culled from LIB, This horrific accident happened this evening. According to eye witnesses, a truck driver was speeding one-way along Badagry Expressway, right after Trade Fair, before Abule Ado when he hit an okada man with his passenger and a passerby, killing two of them instantly. The third person was severely injured. The scene is horrific. See after the cut...*viewers discretion advised*
Click the link below to see photos
http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2015/12/omg-photos-from-horrific-accident-on.html?m=1
Click the link below to see photos
http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2015/12/omg-photos-from-horrific-accident-on.html?m=1
Humiliation of Col. Are, Dasuki, Dokpesi and others by the Buhari administration
As culled from LIB, This statement is from Femi Fani-Kayode, which he released for public consumption. Read below...
I have just spoken to Colonel Kayode Are, the former D-G of SSS during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration and the former Acting National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan and I am deeply concerned. He told me that his house is under siege and that gunshots are being fired at him and his family as we were speaking.
I am not sure what the issue is about but a situation where security men go to the home of a respected patriot like that and start shooting at him and his family for whatever reason is unacceptable and extremely dangerous.
When you consider what is happening in Are's home and marry with the shameful manner in which Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Governor Attahiru Bafawara, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, Nnamdi Kanu, Godswill Orubebe, Bukola Saraki, Sule Lamido and others are being persecuted, threatened and demonised by the Federal Government it is clear that we are now in a police state in which law and order has broken down and in which anything can happen.
The case of Dasuki was particularly bad. He was barricaded in his home against court orders and treated like an animal for three weeks. He was humiliated and subjected to mental and psychological torture for no just cause for that period of time even though the courts had told the SSS to let him travel out of the country for urgent medical attention. Instead of doing so after three tortuous weeks the SSS stormed his home, held everyone captive at gunpoint, grabbed him in front of his family, bundled him in a car and carried him to an unknown destination without any lawful authority or any arrest warrant.
As far as I am concerned they are trying to kill him simply by denying him the right to see his doctors even though they know that he is very sick. If this were not the case then why are they indulging in all this dangerous and reckless drama. If they want to prosecute him that is fair enough but at least they should ensure that he stays well and that he remains alive and that they don't kill him. You cannot prosecute a dead body and you cannot charge a man to court after he is dead. I saw Dasuki on various occasions before his arrest and I assure you that he really is very ill.
What harm could have been done by allowing him to see his doctor as the courts ordered? Does he not have the right to live and get medical treatment? Is it not clear that there is more to this than meets the eye? Why are people remaining silent when this is a clear case of vendetta, vengeance, wickedness, injustice and a crude attempt to destroy, silence and kill an innocent man ? It is Dasuki today but it could be anyone else tomorrow. The truth is that the Buhari government is playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette with a loaded gun and if they are not careful it will soon explode. If they are not careful they will soon lose the confidence and trust of the people.
They do not fear God. They are vindictive, petty, vicious, unforgiving and unjust and if they continue in this way apart from alienating the people they run the risk of provoking the wrath of God. If they have any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Dasuki or anyone else then they should present it in court rather than on the pages of newspapers and if they wish to charge anyone they should go ahead and do so in a lawful, proper and civilized manner.
The era of witchhunting and demonising people and attempting to cower and subdue them into silence are long over. Those of us that oppose this government can never be intimidated or silenced because God is with us. If we could stand up against military dictatorship in the past, we can stand up against civilian dictatorship today.
Anything outside of prosecuting people in a lawful manner and according to due process is barbaric and unacceptable and our President needs to be reminded that he is not running a military government but a democratic one. This attempt to silence us with guns, bullets, threats of arrest and prosecution, violence, storming of homes, locking up of relatives, kidnapping of citizens, shameful lies, baseless allegations, demonisation in the media and disinformation will not work.
They do not have enough prisons to silence the voice of the Nigerian people or to break their spirit and no-one is intimidated by the governments evil tactics and wicked ways. My message to President Buhari is simple and clear: stop terrorizing your own people and save your terror waves and gestapo tactics for Boko Haram.
I have just spoken to Colonel Kayode Are, the former D-G of SSS during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration and the former Acting National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan and I am deeply concerned. He told me that his house is under siege and that gunshots are being fired at him and his family as we were speaking.
I am not sure what the issue is about but a situation where security men go to the home of a respected patriot like that and start shooting at him and his family for whatever reason is unacceptable and extremely dangerous.
When you consider what is happening in Are's home and marry with the shameful manner in which Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Governor Attahiru Bafawara, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, Nnamdi Kanu, Godswill Orubebe, Bukola Saraki, Sule Lamido and others are being persecuted, threatened and demonised by the Federal Government it is clear that we are now in a police state in which law and order has broken down and in which anything can happen.
The case of Dasuki was particularly bad. He was barricaded in his home against court orders and treated like an animal for three weeks. He was humiliated and subjected to mental and psychological torture for no just cause for that period of time even though the courts had told the SSS to let him travel out of the country for urgent medical attention. Instead of doing so after three tortuous weeks the SSS stormed his home, held everyone captive at gunpoint, grabbed him in front of his family, bundled him in a car and carried him to an unknown destination without any lawful authority or any arrest warrant.
As far as I am concerned they are trying to kill him simply by denying him the right to see his doctors even though they know that he is very sick. If this were not the case then why are they indulging in all this dangerous and reckless drama. If they want to prosecute him that is fair enough but at least they should ensure that he stays well and that he remains alive and that they don't kill him. You cannot prosecute a dead body and you cannot charge a man to court after he is dead. I saw Dasuki on various occasions before his arrest and I assure you that he really is very ill.
What harm could have been done by allowing him to see his doctor as the courts ordered? Does he not have the right to live and get medical treatment? Is it not clear that there is more to this than meets the eye? Why are people remaining silent when this is a clear case of vendetta, vengeance, wickedness, injustice and a crude attempt to destroy, silence and kill an innocent man ? It is Dasuki today but it could be anyone else tomorrow. The truth is that the Buhari government is playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette with a loaded gun and if they are not careful it will soon explode. If they are not careful they will soon lose the confidence and trust of the people.
They do not fear God. They are vindictive, petty, vicious, unforgiving and unjust and if they continue in this way apart from alienating the people they run the risk of provoking the wrath of God. If they have any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Dasuki or anyone else then they should present it in court rather than on the pages of newspapers and if they wish to charge anyone they should go ahead and do so in a lawful, proper and civilized manner.
The era of witchhunting and demonising people and attempting to cower and subdue them into silence are long over. Those of us that oppose this government can never be intimidated or silenced because God is with us. If we could stand up against military dictatorship in the past, we can stand up against civilian dictatorship today.
Anything outside of prosecuting people in a lawful manner and according to due process is barbaric and unacceptable and our President needs to be reminded that he is not running a military government but a democratic one. This attempt to silence us with guns, bullets, threats of arrest and prosecution, violence, storming of homes, locking up of relatives, kidnapping of citizens, shameful lies, baseless allegations, demonisation in the media and disinformation will not work.
They do not have enough prisons to silence the voice of the Nigerian people or to break their spirit and no-one is intimidated by the governments evil tactics and wicked ways. My message to President Buhari is simple and clear: stop terrorizing your own people and save your terror waves and gestapo tactics for Boko Haram.
Fuel scarcity will end in a few days – Lai Mohammed
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured that the current fuel scarcity in the country will be over in a matter of days, following the approval of the subsidy payment by the National Assembly.
”We can confidently announce here today that the scarcity will end in a few days. Subsidy payment till the end of the year has been approved by the National Assembly. As you know we can’t spend money without approval,” the Minister said during a visit to the headquarters of the Daily Trust newspaper Abuja on Wednesday's.
Alhaji Mohammed explained that the 521 billion Naira that has been approved by the National Assembly, as part of the passed supplementary budget of 574.4 billion Naira, would be enough to cover the fuel subsidy till the end of the year
He also said the kind of fuel scarcity that has triggered vehicular queues across the country would no longer repeat itself, adding: ”We can assure you that we won’t be caught in this kind of situation again.”
The Minister thanked the management and staff of the newspaper for the role they played during the last general elections
”The sacrifice you made helped to bring about the change that Nigerians desired. You stood by the people of Nigeria when it mattered most, and we will continue to engage with you all through the tenure of this Administration to exchange ideas in the interest of Nigerians,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed announced a plan to set up an adhoc committee comprising representatives of the government, the military and the media to enhance the exchange of information, especially concerning the war against terrorism.
He hinted that the 2016 budget would soon be submitted to the National Assembly, ”and it will address the yearnings of Nigerians”.
The Minister was received by Mr. Kabir Yusuf, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Daily Trust, who led a team of other top management officials.
Vanguard
”We can confidently announce here today that the scarcity will end in a few days. Subsidy payment till the end of the year has been approved by the National Assembly. As you know we can’t spend money without approval,” the Minister said during a visit to the headquarters of the Daily Trust newspaper Abuja on Wednesday's.
Alhaji Mohammed explained that the 521 billion Naira that has been approved by the National Assembly, as part of the passed supplementary budget of 574.4 billion Naira, would be enough to cover the fuel subsidy till the end of the year
He also said the kind of fuel scarcity that has triggered vehicular queues across the country would no longer repeat itself, adding: ”We can assure you that we won’t be caught in this kind of situation again.”
The Minister thanked the management and staff of the newspaper for the role they played during the last general elections
”The sacrifice you made helped to bring about the change that Nigerians desired. You stood by the people of Nigeria when it mattered most, and we will continue to engage with you all through the tenure of this Administration to exchange ideas in the interest of Nigerians,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed announced a plan to set up an adhoc committee comprising representatives of the government, the military and the media to enhance the exchange of information, especially concerning the war against terrorism.
He hinted that the 2016 budget would soon be submitted to the National Assembly, ”and it will address the yearnings of Nigerians”.
The Minister was received by Mr. Kabir Yusuf, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Daily Trust, who led a team of other top management officials.
Vanguard
LESSON ON HUMILITY by Ralph
I found this message interesting and I have decided to share it with my esteemed readers. Enjoy ...
A good lesson to learn on arrogance from the story of Late Bode Thomas:
Bode Thomas whom street was named after @Surulere, died on Nov 23,
1953 in a most mysterious manner. Bode Thomas was born to a wealthy
trader, John thomas in 1918. Himself, FRA Williams and Remi Fani-Kayode (Father of Femi Fani-Kayode)
attended Law School in London, and jointly established the first law firm
in Nigeria called "Thomas, Williams & Kayode". The law firm was
established in Jankara Lagos. Bode Thomas was an excellent lawyer, but
also very arrogant. Because of
his education, he was made chairman of the Oyo Divisional Council at one time while Alaafin Adeyemi of Oyo (father of the current Alaafin) was a
mere member! On Bode Thomas' first appearance in council after being
appointed chairman, all council members stood up for him in deference, to
welcome him, except Oba Adeyemi, who, for cultural reasons, should not
show deference to anyone in public, not even his mother! Bode Thomas
rudely shouted at the King "...WHY WERE YOU SITTING WHEN I WALKED IN? YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO SHOW RESPECT?" Then, Bode Thomas was 34 years while Alaafin was in his 60s. The Alaafin
felt very insulted and said "SE EMI LO NGBO MO BAUN?" (Is it me you are
barking at like that?) Bode Thomas responded by shouting in vocabularies
which Alaafin didn't understand, so Alaafin just told him... "MA GBO
LO" (continue barking). This was on November 22, 1953. Bode Thomas
got home and started barking! He barked, barked and continued barking like dog all night until he died in the early morning of November 23,
1953. Bode Thomas was the Balogun of Oyo. So, when next you drive on
Bode Thomas street in Surulere Lagos, note the man who cut short his life
due to arrogance and naughtiness
A good lesson to learn on arrogance from the story of Late Bode Thomas:
Bode Thomas whom street was named after @Surulere, died on Nov 23,
1953 in a most mysterious manner. Bode Thomas was born to a wealthy
trader, John thomas in 1918. Himself, FRA Williams and Remi Fani-Kayode (Father of Femi Fani-Kayode)
attended Law School in London, and jointly established the first law firm
in Nigeria called "Thomas, Williams & Kayode". The law firm was
established in Jankara Lagos. Bode Thomas was an excellent lawyer, but
also very arrogant. Because of
his education, he was made chairman of the Oyo Divisional Council at one time while Alaafin Adeyemi of Oyo (father of the current Alaafin) was a
mere member! On Bode Thomas' first appearance in council after being
appointed chairman, all council members stood up for him in deference, to
welcome him, except Oba Adeyemi, who, for cultural reasons, should not
show deference to anyone in public, not even his mother! Bode Thomas
rudely shouted at the King "...WHY WERE YOU SITTING WHEN I WALKED IN? YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO SHOW RESPECT?" Then, Bode Thomas was 34 years while Alaafin was in his 60s. The Alaafin
felt very insulted and said "SE EMI LO NGBO MO BAUN?" (Is it me you are
barking at like that?) Bode Thomas responded by shouting in vocabularies
which Alaafin didn't understand, so Alaafin just told him... "MA GBO
LO" (continue barking). This was on November 22, 1953. Bode Thomas
got home and started barking! He barked, barked and continued barking like dog all night until he died in the early morning of November 23,
1953. Bode Thomas was the Balogun of Oyo. So, when next you drive on
Bode Thomas street in Surulere Lagos, note the man who cut short his life
due to arrogance and naughtiness
The Signals Of Two Years Jailed Term Over Your Views by Adefemi
From the corner of my brain, thoughts of living in a free society devoid of intimidation engulf my medulla oblongata. I saliently connects all my hormones together to send a signal to my subconscious mind. Quickly I remember great scholars, teachers and FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI of blessed memory. He wrote so many songs and the ones that struck my mind is "Shakara Olooje" meaning bragging! When I read about the proposed bill of our own house of commons that had passed through second readings then I see that we are heading towards the state of gargantuan dictatorshipcracy. In honest truth how does what someone writes on facebook,twitter or other social media concerned SENATORS? Is life not about free will, free expression, free opinion ? Why is it that these people always play into the gallery? What impression are they trying to give to the whole world? I sensed it at the initial stage that they will want to stiffened freedom of expression. To add salt upon injury they are proposing 2years jailed terms for any posts that is offensive, petitioning like in nature.. Let's go back to memory lane during Goodluck Jonathan regime, I believe he never for once think that he will jail nor put people behind bar just for expressing views. I can authoritavely confirmed that Fashola now minister of 3 in 1 ministry once told Goodluck that "if you can't withstand the heat then get out of the kitchen". Where is our brain and conscience for heaven sake? Whoever in his right sense that proposed this bill and the remaining set of prefect's accept it... Hmmmm.. There name will be in the history book either for good or bad. If I may ask, is that the issues that concerned citizens? such as fuel, economy, jobs, security, food etc that needs attention? I felt highly disappointed because as times goes on they might shoot themselves in the leg. What is the real definition of DICTATORSHIP? This whole mess is not good for the image of the country. How on earth will you propose to jail people for posting views either good or bad on social media? I think I need to see the bill first before arriving at any conclusions. God bless Nigeria/ns... Adefemi Pcfr
Wednesday 2 December 2015
Did he ever care about our marriage?
Dear Bunmi,
My husband gets a load of kicks from flirting with other women. For the eight years we’ve been married, I’ve watched him chat up women and had countless nights anxiously waiting for him to come home from his night-crawling. Now, after his last affair where his latest girlfriend insulted me to my face in his presence, I’ve decided I can no longer live with him.
When I told him I wanted out of the marriage, he said that suited him fine and he was thinking of going abroad to work. This would mean our two children might not even see him. It’s hell being with a man who can’t stay faithful, but if I end our marriage, my children will lose their father. What should I do?
Bilikis
Bye-mail.
Dear BiIikis,
Being married to a Casanova can be a nightmare. Flirting might be harmless but it has led him to having affairs while controlling you and does what he likes. Now that you’ve found the strength to fight back, he’s making you feel guilty for the hurt your children may feel at the separation. As a mother, you naturally want them to have contact with their father, but you can’t make your husband a responsible father. He has shown little respect for you and your marriage.
You deserve better, and if he’s unwilling to change, then you are right to end the relationship. While your children need a father, they also deserve a happy mum. Perhaps your threat to end the marriage
Read more through the link below
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/did-he-ever-care-about-our-marriage/
My husband gets a load of kicks from flirting with other women. For the eight years we’ve been married, I’ve watched him chat up women and had countless nights anxiously waiting for him to come home from his night-crawling. Now, after his last affair where his latest girlfriend insulted me to my face in his presence, I’ve decided I can no longer live with him.
When I told him I wanted out of the marriage, he said that suited him fine and he was thinking of going abroad to work. This would mean our two children might not even see him. It’s hell being with a man who can’t stay faithful, but if I end our marriage, my children will lose their father. What should I do?
Bilikis
Bye-mail.
Dear BiIikis,
Being married to a Casanova can be a nightmare. Flirting might be harmless but it has led him to having affairs while controlling you and does what he likes. Now that you’ve found the strength to fight back, he’s making you feel guilty for the hurt your children may feel at the separation. As a mother, you naturally want them to have contact with their father, but you can’t make your husband a responsible father. He has shown little respect for you and your marriage.
You deserve better, and if he’s unwilling to change, then you are right to end the relationship. While your children need a father, they also deserve a happy mum. Perhaps your threat to end the marriage
Read more through the link below
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/did-he-ever-care-about-our-marriage/
Dasuki's Arrest is a Continuation of Buhari's Regime of Vengeance - Fayose
Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose on Tuesday said that former NSA Sambo Dasuki's arrest is a continuation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime of vengeance.
Ayo Fayose.jpg
In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said ''after flagrantly disobeying court orders, whatever that is done or said by the Buhari-led government concerning Sambo Dasuki will appear vindictive and it remains to be seen how a government that refused to obey the court will now charge Dasuki to the same court''.
“Again, is it the duty of the DSS to investigate fraud? If Dasuki committed fraud as being alleged, why not let the appropriate government agency handle his matter? Why first torturing him emotionally with the DSS siege on his house?
“My position is that, since the federal government said report of its panel indicted Dasuki, why arresting and detaining him? Why not charge him to court so that he can also accept guilt or defend himself?”
nigerianbulletin
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg to give away 99% of shares
This could possibly be a great gestures as Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan say they will give away 99% of their shares in the company to good causes as they announce the birth of their daughter Max.
Mr Zuckerberg made the announcement in a letter to Max on his Facebook page.
He said they are donating their fortune to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative because they want to make the world a better place for Max to grow up in.
Mr Zuckerberg said the donation currently amounts to $45bn (£30bn).
Max was born last week, but the couple only made the news of her birth public on Tuesday.
In his letter Mr Zuckerberg said the aim of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is "to advance human potential and promote equality for all children in the next generation".
Its initial areas of focus will be personalised learning, curing disease, connecting people and building strong communities.
BBC
Mr Zuckerberg made the announcement in a letter to Max on his Facebook page.
He said they are donating their fortune to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative because they want to make the world a better place for Max to grow up in.
Mr Zuckerberg said the donation currently amounts to $45bn (£30bn).
Max was born last week, but the couple only made the news of her birth public on Tuesday.
In his letter Mr Zuckerberg said the aim of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is "to advance human potential and promote equality for all children in the next generation".
Its initial areas of focus will be personalised learning, curing disease, connecting people and building strong communities.
BBC
Shocking As Mum Takes 7 years Old Daughter To Get A Tattoo
Wonder they say shall never end and According to a post on Facebook, a mom took her 7-year-old daughter down to the TATTOO SHOP . . . and got her a stomach tat of My Little Pony. Wow . . . we really hope that this is some kind of HOAX
http://mediatakeout.com/289244/shocker-mom-takes-her-7-year-old-daughter-to-get-a-tattoo-on-her-stomach-see-this-is-why-thots-shouldnt-have-kids.html?mobile=1
http://mediatakeout.com/289244/shocker-mom-takes-her-7-year-old-daughter-to-get-a-tattoo-on-her-stomach-see-this-is-why-thots-shouldnt-have-kids.html?mobile=1
$2bn arms deal: DSS arrests Dasuki, Bafarawa
More Nigerian politicians believed to have benefitted from the huge security budget said to be missing were, yesterday, arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
A former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa and the Chairman Emeritus of Daar Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, were among the latest to be questioned by the security agents for allegedly receiving huge sums of money from the office of the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.
Dasuki was taken from his Asokoro home in a pre-dawn raid by operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, ahead of possible arraignment for breach of public trust and money laundering.
Dasuki Sambo and Attahiru Bafarawa
Dasuki Sambo and Attahiru Bafarawa
Sources at the EFCC said that while Dokpesi was invited to answer questions for allegedly receiving over N2 billion from the office of the NSA, Bafarawa was brought in for receiving over N100 million from the same source.
An EFCC source said: “A whopping sum of N2.1 billion was traced to the office of the embattled former NSA to Dokpesi without any clearly stated reason and we want to know what he received the huge sum of public funds for. We have also traced some money to the former Sokoto governor, Bafarawa, and we need to know what he got such money from the former security adviser for,” the source said.
Both men were taken in around midday, yesterday, to join the company of no fewer than 22 other suspects, who have been linked with receiving large sums of money from the Office of the National Security Adviser, who may stand trial with them in court.
Vanguard learnt last night that the DSS was making frantic efforts to transfer Dasuki to the EFCC for possible trial based on evidence that he and others yet to be identified mismanaged the nation’s security and defence funds.
EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that none of over 20 suspects who had earlier been detained by the commission had been released.
Wilson said the suspects had been making statements to EFCC operatives on the stolen security funds but did not give further details.
He did not also say when they were likely to be arraigned.
Dasuki’s arrest
Meanwhile, after keeping him under house arrest for close to a month, operatives of the Department of State Service, yesterday, whisked away the embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, to an undisclosed destination, though many suspected he was taken to DSS headquarters in Abuja.
PR Nigeria, which has been speaking for the former NSA confirmed in a statement made available to Vanguard that the former security czar was taken away early in the morning but did not give details of the operations.
However, when Vanguard visited Dasuki’s expansive home in the highbrow Asokoro District of Abuja around 11am, the DSS had scaled up its presence in the compound with more men and vehicles.
The entrance to the house located on 13 John Khadiya Street, was manned by stern-looking DSS operatives, who did not agree to speak with our correspondent.
Two black-coloured operational trucks of the DSS were also parked by the main entrance with their doors kept ajar.
The neighbourhood looked deserted as the security men took charge but did not molest any passer-by as a few of them milled around.
They were decked in their black-on-black attire and armed with sophisticated weapons.
Dasuki, whose arrest was ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari, had, however, made spirited efforts to leave the country for medical treatment in the United Kingdom but was prevented from doing so by the DSS.
In spite of securing a federal judge’s order to travel, he was stopped at the airport by security agents who feared he could escape prosecution over alleged misuse of huge defence budgets running into billions of Naira, a charge he had denied.
Dasuki insists that he worked conscientiously for the country, saying that it was former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan who approved all his expenditures.
The panel raised by the presidency to probe the defence budget recently released its interim report, indicting Dasuki for not transparently utilizing the funds meant for security operations in the country.
The panel said most of the contracts awarded and paid for under Dasuki were not executed and that even the equipment said to have been acquired, needed to be sighted.
Last night, the EFCC hauled in some top officials of the previous administration said to have received heavy payments from the office of the beleaguered NSA.
A source close to Dasuki said that his pre-dawn arrest by the DSS was to bring him to face trial and to prevent him from escaping from Nigeria.
Count me out of arms deal – Saraki
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has dissociated himself from the N60bn arms deal involving the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that contrary to reports published in an online medium, he has never had anything to do with purchase of security equipment because in his entire political career he never served in any committee or body which has any link with Defence or national security.
According to the statement, “as a member of the Seventh Senate, Dr. Saraki was not a member of any of the committees which have oversight function on the Ministry of Defence or the intelligence and national security apparatus. If he was tagged the leader of the opposition to the Jonathan administration, how then will he be privy to arms purchases and have the influence to blackmail any government agency or institution over the release of funds.
“The Senate President would like to alert members of the public to this new plot by this particular online medium, to tarnish his reputation as the medium and its sponsors pursue the singular objective of removing him from the office of the Senate President, an objective they have since failed to achieve within and outside the National Assembly.
“This time around, the medium and its sponsors chose to drag the Senate President to this reigning and current issue of arms purchase by insinuating that he once blackmailed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to give him and other Senators the sum of N250 million as a way of covering up the arbitrary withdrawal by the NSA from the security fund approved by the former President.
“First, there is no logic in the claim as Dr. Saraki who was persecuted by the last administration could not have had the influence and good standing to walk up to the Central Bank to demand for any money having exposed many atrocities of the past administration. Again, on what ground would the Senate President blackmail anyone for 250 Million Naira? It must be emphasized here that Dr. Saraki will never engage in any sharp practice or issue which will warrant him to blackmail any individual or government institution.
“Therefore, for record purposes, Dr. Saraki did not collect any money from any official of the CBN in respect of any arms deal. The Senate President also challenged any official of the apex bank, Senator, serving or past, who witnessed or participated in any sharing of the alleged money purported to have been received by him, to come out with evidence.
Vanguard
A former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa and the Chairman Emeritus of Daar Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, were among the latest to be questioned by the security agents for allegedly receiving huge sums of money from the office of the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.
Dasuki was taken from his Asokoro home in a pre-dawn raid by operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, ahead of possible arraignment for breach of public trust and money laundering.
Dasuki Sambo and Attahiru Bafarawa
Dasuki Sambo and Attahiru Bafarawa
Sources at the EFCC said that while Dokpesi was invited to answer questions for allegedly receiving over N2 billion from the office of the NSA, Bafarawa was brought in for receiving over N100 million from the same source.
An EFCC source said: “A whopping sum of N2.1 billion was traced to the office of the embattled former NSA to Dokpesi without any clearly stated reason and we want to know what he received the huge sum of public funds for. We have also traced some money to the former Sokoto governor, Bafarawa, and we need to know what he got such money from the former security adviser for,” the source said.
Both men were taken in around midday, yesterday, to join the company of no fewer than 22 other suspects, who have been linked with receiving large sums of money from the Office of the National Security Adviser, who may stand trial with them in court.
Vanguard learnt last night that the DSS was making frantic efforts to transfer Dasuki to the EFCC for possible trial based on evidence that he and others yet to be identified mismanaged the nation’s security and defence funds.
EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that none of over 20 suspects who had earlier been detained by the commission had been released.
Wilson said the suspects had been making statements to EFCC operatives on the stolen security funds but did not give further details.
He did not also say when they were likely to be arraigned.
Dasuki’s arrest
Meanwhile, after keeping him under house arrest for close to a month, operatives of the Department of State Service, yesterday, whisked away the embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, to an undisclosed destination, though many suspected he was taken to DSS headquarters in Abuja.
PR Nigeria, which has been speaking for the former NSA confirmed in a statement made available to Vanguard that the former security czar was taken away early in the morning but did not give details of the operations.
However, when Vanguard visited Dasuki’s expansive home in the highbrow Asokoro District of Abuja around 11am, the DSS had scaled up its presence in the compound with more men and vehicles.
The entrance to the house located on 13 John Khadiya Street, was manned by stern-looking DSS operatives, who did not agree to speak with our correspondent.
Two black-coloured operational trucks of the DSS were also parked by the main entrance with their doors kept ajar.
The neighbourhood looked deserted as the security men took charge but did not molest any passer-by as a few of them milled around.
They were decked in their black-on-black attire and armed with sophisticated weapons.
Dasuki, whose arrest was ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari, had, however, made spirited efforts to leave the country for medical treatment in the United Kingdom but was prevented from doing so by the DSS.
In spite of securing a federal judge’s order to travel, he was stopped at the airport by security agents who feared he could escape prosecution over alleged misuse of huge defence budgets running into billions of Naira, a charge he had denied.
Dasuki insists that he worked conscientiously for the country, saying that it was former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan who approved all his expenditures.
The panel raised by the presidency to probe the defence budget recently released its interim report, indicting Dasuki for not transparently utilizing the funds meant for security operations in the country.
The panel said most of the contracts awarded and paid for under Dasuki were not executed and that even the equipment said to have been acquired, needed to be sighted.
Last night, the EFCC hauled in some top officials of the previous administration said to have received heavy payments from the office of the beleaguered NSA.
A source close to Dasuki said that his pre-dawn arrest by the DSS was to bring him to face trial and to prevent him from escaping from Nigeria.
Count me out of arms deal – Saraki
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has dissociated himself from the N60bn arms deal involving the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that contrary to reports published in an online medium, he has never had anything to do with purchase of security equipment because in his entire political career he never served in any committee or body which has any link with Defence or national security.
According to the statement, “as a member of the Seventh Senate, Dr. Saraki was not a member of any of the committees which have oversight function on the Ministry of Defence or the intelligence and national security apparatus. If he was tagged the leader of the opposition to the Jonathan administration, how then will he be privy to arms purchases and have the influence to blackmail any government agency or institution over the release of funds.
“The Senate President would like to alert members of the public to this new plot by this particular online medium, to tarnish his reputation as the medium and its sponsors pursue the singular objective of removing him from the office of the Senate President, an objective they have since failed to achieve within and outside the National Assembly.
“This time around, the medium and its sponsors chose to drag the Senate President to this reigning and current issue of arms purchase by insinuating that he once blackmailed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to give him and other Senators the sum of N250 million as a way of covering up the arbitrary withdrawal by the NSA from the security fund approved by the former President.
“First, there is no logic in the claim as Dr. Saraki who was persecuted by the last administration could not have had the influence and good standing to walk up to the Central Bank to demand for any money having exposed many atrocities of the past administration. Again, on what ground would the Senate President blackmail anyone for 250 Million Naira? It must be emphasized here that Dr. Saraki will never engage in any sharp practice or issue which will warrant him to blackmail any individual or government institution.
“Therefore, for record purposes, Dr. Saraki did not collect any money from any official of the CBN in respect of any arms deal. The Senate President also challenged any official of the apex bank, Senator, serving or past, who witnessed or participated in any sharing of the alleged money purported to have been received by him, to come out with evidence.
Vanguard
Tuesday 1 December 2015
Obama: Climate action an economic and security 'imperative'
US President Barack Obama said Tuesday global warming posed economic and security risks that had to be tackled immediately, but insisted the climate problem could be solved.
If global warming continues, "then before long we are going to have to devote more and more of our economic and military resources not to growing opportunity for our people but to adapting to the various consequences of a changing planet," Obama said.
"Climate change is a massive problem, it's a generational problem," Obama said on the sidelines of the November 30-December 11 UN conference being held north of Paris.
"And yet despite all that, the main message I've got is, I actually think we're going to solve this thing."
He said market forces had to be at the centre of efforts to reduce global warming.
"I have long believed the most elegant way to drive innovation and reduce carbon emissions is to put a price on it," he said.
Turning to plans for a UN climate pact, Obama said it was crucial for the deal to incorporate regular and transparent reviews of progress in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
"If we have these periodic reviews built in, what I believe will happen is that by sending that signal to researchers and scientists and investors and entrepreneurs and venture funds, we'll actually start hitting the targets faster than we expected," he said.
"We can be even more ambitious. The thing about human ingenuity is, it responds when it gets a strong signal of what needs to be done."
Obama accepted it was difficult to create political momentum for action, particularly in the United States, where many opposition Republicans reject the scientific consensus on the risks from carbon emissions.
"Climate change... is a problem that by definition is just about the hardest thing for any political system to absorb.
"People don't feel it immediately so there's not a lot of constituency pressure on politicians to do something about it right away. It kind of creeps up on you."
But he said he was "optimistic".
"I think we're going to solve it. I think the issue is just going to be the pace and how much damage is done before we are able to fully apply the brakes."
http://news.yahoo.com/obama-climate-action-economic-security-imperative-135956625.html?.b=index&.cf3=Jumbotron&.cf4=1&.cf5=AFP&.cf6=%2F
If global warming continues, "then before long we are going to have to devote more and more of our economic and military resources not to growing opportunity for our people but to adapting to the various consequences of a changing planet," Obama said.
"Climate change is a massive problem, it's a generational problem," Obama said on the sidelines of the November 30-December 11 UN conference being held north of Paris.
"And yet despite all that, the main message I've got is, I actually think we're going to solve this thing."
He said market forces had to be at the centre of efforts to reduce global warming.
"I have long believed the most elegant way to drive innovation and reduce carbon emissions is to put a price on it," he said.
Turning to plans for a UN climate pact, Obama said it was crucial for the deal to incorporate regular and transparent reviews of progress in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
"If we have these periodic reviews built in, what I believe will happen is that by sending that signal to researchers and scientists and investors and entrepreneurs and venture funds, we'll actually start hitting the targets faster than we expected," he said.
"We can be even more ambitious. The thing about human ingenuity is, it responds when it gets a strong signal of what needs to be done."
Obama accepted it was difficult to create political momentum for action, particularly in the United States, where many opposition Republicans reject the scientific consensus on the risks from carbon emissions.
"Climate change... is a problem that by definition is just about the hardest thing for any political system to absorb.
"People don't feel it immediately so there's not a lot of constituency pressure on politicians to do something about it right away. It kind of creeps up on you."
But he said he was "optimistic".
"I think we're going to solve it. I think the issue is just going to be the pace and how much damage is done before we are able to fully apply the brakes."
http://news.yahoo.com/obama-climate-action-economic-security-imperative-135956625.html?.b=index&.cf3=Jumbotron&.cf4=1&.cf5=AFP&.cf6=%2F
What Is The Truth About Arms Deal ? Who Knows The Mind Of PMB ?
When brain cracks many theories, Ideas flows like an inspiration. When Former President Goodluck said I did not approved 2.1billion dollars for arms in far away Washington D.C and investigations on going showing that he approved the transactions' then what is going on? I paused a bit to saliently tap my inner mind by asking that " If former President Goodluck can confirmed during his campaign that no weapons has been bought for military in the last 28 years" was he right? I also ponders that if the election could be shifted for six months and military said they are regaining territories then what happened to the same military now running away or missing as alleged? There is so many conspiracy theories about this arms deal and the only person that can tell us the truth is Goodluck because I believe he has exclusive information's on what transpired. The vital questions is that will they invites him to shed more light? Could it be that people uses his calmness to do so many abracadabra? Which take us to the issue of competence. As for me as a person, I always believe in clarification and that's why opinions are sacred in the whole world. Conclusively, Goodluck did say that many of his associates will be persecuted that they should not be deterred and my critical words is that who knows what Buhari is up to and was Goodluck right on his statement's on persecution?
Adefemi Pcfr
Adefemi Pcfr
We can fix this economy
WHEN we say that the economic stagnation in this country has an international dimension to it, those who are satisfied with the status-quo shout us down. Thank God for Omoh Gabriel’s revelation in the Vanguard of November 16, 2015. According to Omoh: “The attempt to frustrate the nation’s efforts to move forward has been orchestrated by foreign investors, their media and the European Union and the United States of America.”
It did not start today. Right from the colonial era our economy has been programmed to service the needs of the super powers. Ask the Indians, the battle they fought to free their cotton production from the grips of the British colonial masters.
With Mahatma Ghandi as the pivot, they boycotted British goods, including their wears, and that accounted for India’s seemingly economic independence today. The surprising thing in the case of Nigeria is that, with an over abundance of world class economic experts and consultants – Professor Soludo has now come out of his shell – they have not been able to see and promote Nigeria along this line.
Until we choose to take our destiny in our own hands, our economy will continue to remain in the doldrums. Haven’t you wondered why the alcoholic beverage production is going on smoothly and our petroleum refineries are experiencing hiccups? Is it not the same process of management, of filtration, titration, heating, cooling, packaging, etc?
The engineers operating the brewery factories, are they not Nigerians like their counterparts in the oil and gas sectors? Why do our international oil companies, IOCs, choose to bring in technicians from the Philippines, Venezuela and other countries when there are abundance of qualified Nigerians to do the job? Why must we engage somebody as an expatriate to work as a store officer and other less ‘technicalised’ areas of our business? Everything boils down to the conspiracy of the Super Powers. If we do not decide on our own home grown solutions, our children and grand children will still be grappling with this problem in years to come. God forbid!
Why has Ajaokuta steel factory refused to get off the ground? Why is Delta Steel Company presently grounded? Why must we design a production outfit that will depend on the Russians and others for raw materials to produce steel in Nigeria? Have we forgotten that steel production was once with us in the Nok culture long before the Europeans colonised us?
The Ajaokuta steel factory has become like an Abiku child that has refused to die until he leads his parents into bankruptcy. It is either we kill the Ajaokuta project or it will kill us. We must find very simple and uncomplicated methods of tackling problems in this country. The Ajaokuta thing has become too complex to fix, therefore, we must break it down into simple and manageable bits. I am very sure that the original factory and machine designs have become obsolete, given the speed at which technology is changing.
We must be ready to call the bluff of our international friends and partners. Anytime we refuse to dance to their tunes, they use all manner of tactics to frustrate us.
The US reduced their patronage of our crude oil to the barest minimum; we did not shout. Dunlop, Michelin and others relocated their factories; nobody raised any eyebrow.
Over night, our stock market had gone down with the withdrawal of foreign direct investments; we took it calmly. Now, we only restricted the official allocation of foreign exchange to goods that are considered not priority to the Nigerian economy and the whole world is going gaga.
Our leaders must take the bull by the horn. The economy can be fixed. Our agriculture can become self-sufficient in three years and most of our shut local industries can start running again. All of these are possible only if we choose to do it our own way. We must adopt measures to suit our peculiar circumstances.
This country is too important for any other country to toy with. Imagine Norway complaining because we restricted the importation of fish heads, Thailand rice, America plastic and aircraft, and many others complaining because we want to direct our attention to essential items that will uplift our economy. Our youths are unemployed, while our government policies are ensuring the sustainability of factories in Europe, America and other areas.
It is time to put a stop to this and we must begin with our propaganda machinery. Lai Mohammed and his team have a lot to do in this instance. Instead of concentrating on Jonathan and the past, they must start directing their energies towards the proper orientation of Nigerians towards patronising Nigerian made products and discourage our lust for everything foreign. The world is afraid of the giant that will arise out of Nigeria; we must not let them kill our dreams. What should we do?
First, analyse what made us to derail in the past and begin to do things the correct way, we must educate the people on what is right for them.
We cannot allow our currency to be devalued at this moment because we are not yet a producing country, it will only increase cost of goods and materials and cause inflation in our lands.
Immediately, we must revamp our agriculture and agro-allied businesses, set up marketing/monitoring boards to buy from farmers and ensure standardisation. Build warehouses/silos over the places and establish agric processing factories for farmers to process their goods. All of these do not require rocket science technology, they have been done in the past to an appreciable measure of success.
No state or region must remain unviable, each must concentrate on the areas of comparative advantage. Industries must not be sited because you want to please your people. It must follow all economic principles of nearness to raw materials, power, labour, market, capital and the rest.
Above all, we must ensure peace. It is only a peaceful environment that will attract progressive developments. As a result, the government must find ways to reduce the tensions related to ethnicity and religion.
All we need is the will and the vehicle to propagate the programmes. May the almighty God give us direction.
Mr. Sunny Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/we-can-fix-this-economy/
It did not start today. Right from the colonial era our economy has been programmed to service the needs of the super powers. Ask the Indians, the battle they fought to free their cotton production from the grips of the British colonial masters.
With Mahatma Ghandi as the pivot, they boycotted British goods, including their wears, and that accounted for India’s seemingly economic independence today. The surprising thing in the case of Nigeria is that, with an over abundance of world class economic experts and consultants – Professor Soludo has now come out of his shell – they have not been able to see and promote Nigeria along this line.
Until we choose to take our destiny in our own hands, our economy will continue to remain in the doldrums. Haven’t you wondered why the alcoholic beverage production is going on smoothly and our petroleum refineries are experiencing hiccups? Is it not the same process of management, of filtration, titration, heating, cooling, packaging, etc?
The engineers operating the brewery factories, are they not Nigerians like their counterparts in the oil and gas sectors? Why do our international oil companies, IOCs, choose to bring in technicians from the Philippines, Venezuela and other countries when there are abundance of qualified Nigerians to do the job? Why must we engage somebody as an expatriate to work as a store officer and other less ‘technicalised’ areas of our business? Everything boils down to the conspiracy of the Super Powers. If we do not decide on our own home grown solutions, our children and grand children will still be grappling with this problem in years to come. God forbid!
Why has Ajaokuta steel factory refused to get off the ground? Why is Delta Steel Company presently grounded? Why must we design a production outfit that will depend on the Russians and others for raw materials to produce steel in Nigeria? Have we forgotten that steel production was once with us in the Nok culture long before the Europeans colonised us?
The Ajaokuta steel factory has become like an Abiku child that has refused to die until he leads his parents into bankruptcy. It is either we kill the Ajaokuta project or it will kill us. We must find very simple and uncomplicated methods of tackling problems in this country. The Ajaokuta thing has become too complex to fix, therefore, we must break it down into simple and manageable bits. I am very sure that the original factory and machine designs have become obsolete, given the speed at which technology is changing.
We must be ready to call the bluff of our international friends and partners. Anytime we refuse to dance to their tunes, they use all manner of tactics to frustrate us.
The US reduced their patronage of our crude oil to the barest minimum; we did not shout. Dunlop, Michelin and others relocated their factories; nobody raised any eyebrow.
Over night, our stock market had gone down with the withdrawal of foreign direct investments; we took it calmly. Now, we only restricted the official allocation of foreign exchange to goods that are considered not priority to the Nigerian economy and the whole world is going gaga.
Our leaders must take the bull by the horn. The economy can be fixed. Our agriculture can become self-sufficient in three years and most of our shut local industries can start running again. All of these are possible only if we choose to do it our own way. We must adopt measures to suit our peculiar circumstances.
This country is too important for any other country to toy with. Imagine Norway complaining because we restricted the importation of fish heads, Thailand rice, America plastic and aircraft, and many others complaining because we want to direct our attention to essential items that will uplift our economy. Our youths are unemployed, while our government policies are ensuring the sustainability of factories in Europe, America and other areas.
It is time to put a stop to this and we must begin with our propaganda machinery. Lai Mohammed and his team have a lot to do in this instance. Instead of concentrating on Jonathan and the past, they must start directing their energies towards the proper orientation of Nigerians towards patronising Nigerian made products and discourage our lust for everything foreign. The world is afraid of the giant that will arise out of Nigeria; we must not let them kill our dreams. What should we do?
First, analyse what made us to derail in the past and begin to do things the correct way, we must educate the people on what is right for them.
We cannot allow our currency to be devalued at this moment because we are not yet a producing country, it will only increase cost of goods and materials and cause inflation in our lands.
Immediately, we must revamp our agriculture and agro-allied businesses, set up marketing/monitoring boards to buy from farmers and ensure standardisation. Build warehouses/silos over the places and establish agric processing factories for farmers to process their goods. All of these do not require rocket science technology, they have been done in the past to an appreciable measure of success.
No state or region must remain unviable, each must concentrate on the areas of comparative advantage. Industries must not be sited because you want to please your people. It must follow all economic principles of nearness to raw materials, power, labour, market, capital and the rest.
Above all, we must ensure peace. It is only a peaceful environment that will attract progressive developments. As a result, the government must find ways to reduce the tensions related to ethnicity and religion.
All we need is the will and the vehicle to propagate the programmes. May the almighty God give us direction.
Mr. Sunny Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/we-can-fix-this-economy/
Former National Security Adviser Dasuki Got Jonathan’s Approvals To Collect $2.1bn From NNPC In 9 months TheCABLE
Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser, received an extra-budgetary allocation of $2.1 billion from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) within nine months after approvals by former President Goodluck Jonathan, TheCable can report.
Dasuki is currently being investigated by the federal government over the billions of dollars released for the procurement of arms for counter-terrorism operations under Jonathan.
Documents seen by TheCable showed the breakdown of NNPC’s disbursements to the office of the NSA as follows: $1 billion on March 27, 2014; $200 million on April 9, 2014; $600 million on May 5, 2014; and, same day, $200 million following a request for $250 million.
The documents also showed that on January 12, 2015, he got $100 million, bringing the total amount his office received from the NNPC to $2.1 billion within the nine months.
All these were outside the statutory budgetary allocations to security during the same period, in addition to another $1 billion loan secured by the Jonathan administration to fight Boko Haram.
President Muhammadu Buhari recently ordered the arrest of Dasuki for awarding “fictitious contracts” in excess of N300 billion while he was NSA.
It is believed that the arms and ammunition were either not purchased at all or that substandard ones were procured instead, reportedly leading to the death of many Nigerian soldiers in the hands of the better-equipped Boko Haram insurgents.
There were various media reports, both local and foreign, quoting unnamed Nigerian soldiers complaining about inadequate arms as well as poor welfare in the counter-terrorism war.
Thousands of soldiers deserted the military and those who refused to fight were court-martialed and jailed or sentenced to death.
TheCable can report, however, that Jonathan approved all the disbursements by NNPC, with his senior special assistant on administrative matters, Matt Aikhionbere, writing the covering letters conveying presidential consent to the corporation after the president had minuted on Dasuki’s requests.
Jonathan further approved that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should give Dasuki N40 billion following another extra-budgetary request.
This was after the removal of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the central bank governor in 2014.
Dasuki had written to the then acting governor, Sarah Alade, requesting for N60 billion, but she did not act on the request, reportedly because the president was not copied and there was no presidential approval.
Following the appointment of Godwin Emefiele as governor in June 2014, Dasuki re-presented his request but Emefiele too did not act on it because of procedural concerns.
However, Dasuki sent another request, this time copying Jonathan, who — TheCable understands — now sat the two men together and instructed that the bank should give N40 billion to Dasuki and another N20 billion to the Department of State Services (DSS), although there was no prior request from the department.
It is believed in security circles that the N20 billion went to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the former president’s party, apparently to finance the 2015 electioneering.
There was a slight twist in the story after the 2015 general election when a senator got wind of the N60 billion expenditure and tried to blackmail Emefiele, demanding N5 billion in order to keep it away from public scrutiny.
Emefiele reportedly resisted the pressure from the senator, insisting that he acted based on a presidential order.
The senator is now a principal officer of the national assembly against the wishes of Buhari, who was made aware of the blackmail in May before he was sworn in as president.
TheCable could not confirm if Emefiele eventually paid anything to the senator.
http://saharareporters.com/2015/11/30/former-national-security-adviser-dasuki-got-jonathan%E2%80%99s-approvals-collect-21bn-nnpc-9
Dasuki is currently being investigated by the federal government over the billions of dollars released for the procurement of arms for counter-terrorism operations under Jonathan.
Documents seen by TheCable showed the breakdown of NNPC’s disbursements to the office of the NSA as follows: $1 billion on March 27, 2014; $200 million on April 9, 2014; $600 million on May 5, 2014; and, same day, $200 million following a request for $250 million.
The documents also showed that on January 12, 2015, he got $100 million, bringing the total amount his office received from the NNPC to $2.1 billion within the nine months.
All these were outside the statutory budgetary allocations to security during the same period, in addition to another $1 billion loan secured by the Jonathan administration to fight Boko Haram.
President Muhammadu Buhari recently ordered the arrest of Dasuki for awarding “fictitious contracts” in excess of N300 billion while he was NSA.
It is believed that the arms and ammunition were either not purchased at all or that substandard ones were procured instead, reportedly leading to the death of many Nigerian soldiers in the hands of the better-equipped Boko Haram insurgents.
There were various media reports, both local and foreign, quoting unnamed Nigerian soldiers complaining about inadequate arms as well as poor welfare in the counter-terrorism war.
Thousands of soldiers deserted the military and those who refused to fight were court-martialed and jailed or sentenced to death.
TheCable can report, however, that Jonathan approved all the disbursements by NNPC, with his senior special assistant on administrative matters, Matt Aikhionbere, writing the covering letters conveying presidential consent to the corporation after the president had minuted on Dasuki’s requests.
Jonathan further approved that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should give Dasuki N40 billion following another extra-budgetary request.
This was after the removal of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the central bank governor in 2014.
Dasuki had written to the then acting governor, Sarah Alade, requesting for N60 billion, but she did not act on the request, reportedly because the president was not copied and there was no presidential approval.
Following the appointment of Godwin Emefiele as governor in June 2014, Dasuki re-presented his request but Emefiele too did not act on it because of procedural concerns.
However, Dasuki sent another request, this time copying Jonathan, who — TheCable understands — now sat the two men together and instructed that the bank should give N40 billion to Dasuki and another N20 billion to the Department of State Services (DSS), although there was no prior request from the department.
It is believed in security circles that the N20 billion went to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the former president’s party, apparently to finance the 2015 electioneering.
There was a slight twist in the story after the 2015 general election when a senator got wind of the N60 billion expenditure and tried to blackmail Emefiele, demanding N5 billion in order to keep it away from public scrutiny.
Emefiele reportedly resisted the pressure from the senator, insisting that he acted based on a presidential order.
The senator is now a principal officer of the national assembly against the wishes of Buhari, who was made aware of the blackmail in May before he was sworn in as president.
TheCable could not confirm if Emefiele eventually paid anything to the senator.
http://saharareporters.com/2015/11/30/former-national-security-adviser-dasuki-got-jonathan%E2%80%99s-approvals-collect-21bn-nnpc-9
Human Rights Violations: Nigeria Human Rights Groups Accused Buhari By Writing President Obama
Several Nigerian human rights groups have written to United States President Barack Obama, urging him to intervene to halt human rights violations allegedly being carried out by his counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari.
The allegations are contained in a letter dated November 27. It was signed by officers of Leadership & Accountability Initiative; Egalitarian Mission, Africa; Intergovernmental Liaison; Coalition of Social Media Activists in Nigeria; African Youth Human Rights & Democracy Network; and 100 Lawyers for Democracy & Justice.
They accuse the Nigeria leader of a track record of human rights abuses beginning from his first time as military head of government between 1983 and 1985.
“Buhari's dictatorship was earmarked by chilling human rights abuses which included draconian decrees exemplified by Decree 20 under which the judicial murders of Nigerian citizens, Lawal Ojuolape, Bernard Ogedengbe and Bartholomew Owoh were authorized by Buhari,” they said, asserting that Ogedengbe was “murdered for a crime that did not carry the death penalty at the time it was committed.” in contravention of the law.
“After celebrating fairness, due process, and the rule of law last July to win the goodwill of the United States, General Buhari returned to Nigeria to do what he knows best. He went after perceived opponents in the name of fighting corruption. Prominent was the vendetta against former NSA, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd). He placed Dasuki under house arrest, confiscated his passport, charged him with unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering violations and sought a secret trial to prevent independent scrutiny.”
The petition makes a spirited defence of Mr. Dasuki, as an example of the violations it asserts are currently going on, stating that it is presumed that Dasuki’s involvement in the coup that sacked the Buhari junta in 1985 may account for the president’s “desperation” to nail Dasuki at all cost.
“Whether there is substance in the allegations of fraudulent arms contracts levelled against Dasuki, or not, the fact is that the DSS’s tough action ordered by Buhari has done violence to standard rules and procedures of investigations,” the petitioners stated in the letter, which was dispatched through the American Ambassador in the Nigerian capital.
“To make matters worse the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mustapha Malami, instead of protecting the rights of citizens, says the detention of Dasuki is in public interest,” the letter pointed out. His weird argument ‘It is not enough to conclude that the order was flouted. One has to look at the peculiarities of the prevailing cases on ground. You can be granted bail with respect to one case and there can be other cases that public policy demands investigation’”.
It recalled that the Washington Times recently indicted President Buhari over the current ordeal of the former NSA being prevented from travelling out of the country on a medical trip, despite a court order granting him permission, in a damaging article headed “Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari dupes the US”.
According to the petitioner, the newspaper “slammed Buhari for “ uttering time-worn democracy vows during his visit to the United States, where he promised to “ combat graft with procedures that would be fair, just, and scrupulously follow due process and the rule of law, as enshrined in the Nigeria constitution.”
SaharaReporters
The allegations are contained in a letter dated November 27. It was signed by officers of Leadership & Accountability Initiative; Egalitarian Mission, Africa; Intergovernmental Liaison; Coalition of Social Media Activists in Nigeria; African Youth Human Rights & Democracy Network; and 100 Lawyers for Democracy & Justice.
They accuse the Nigeria leader of a track record of human rights abuses beginning from his first time as military head of government between 1983 and 1985.
“Buhari's dictatorship was earmarked by chilling human rights abuses which included draconian decrees exemplified by Decree 20 under which the judicial murders of Nigerian citizens, Lawal Ojuolape, Bernard Ogedengbe and Bartholomew Owoh were authorized by Buhari,” they said, asserting that Ogedengbe was “murdered for a crime that did not carry the death penalty at the time it was committed.” in contravention of the law.
“After celebrating fairness, due process, and the rule of law last July to win the goodwill of the United States, General Buhari returned to Nigeria to do what he knows best. He went after perceived opponents in the name of fighting corruption. Prominent was the vendetta against former NSA, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd). He placed Dasuki under house arrest, confiscated his passport, charged him with unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering violations and sought a secret trial to prevent independent scrutiny.”
The petition makes a spirited defence of Mr. Dasuki, as an example of the violations it asserts are currently going on, stating that it is presumed that Dasuki’s involvement in the coup that sacked the Buhari junta in 1985 may account for the president’s “desperation” to nail Dasuki at all cost.
“Whether there is substance in the allegations of fraudulent arms contracts levelled against Dasuki, or not, the fact is that the DSS’s tough action ordered by Buhari has done violence to standard rules and procedures of investigations,” the petitioners stated in the letter, which was dispatched through the American Ambassador in the Nigerian capital.
“To make matters worse the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mustapha Malami, instead of protecting the rights of citizens, says the detention of Dasuki is in public interest,” the letter pointed out. His weird argument ‘It is not enough to conclude that the order was flouted. One has to look at the peculiarities of the prevailing cases on ground. You can be granted bail with respect to one case and there can be other cases that public policy demands investigation’”.
It recalled that the Washington Times recently indicted President Buhari over the current ordeal of the former NSA being prevented from travelling out of the country on a medical trip, despite a court order granting him permission, in a damaging article headed “Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari dupes the US”.
According to the petitioner, the newspaper “slammed Buhari for “ uttering time-worn democracy vows during his visit to the United States, where he promised to “ combat graft with procedures that would be fair, just, and scrupulously follow due process and the rule of law, as enshrined in the Nigeria constitution.”
SaharaReporters
Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar on shortlist for Ballon d’Or – FIFA
Barcelona pair Lionel Messi and Neymar were on Monday named on the shortlist for FIFA’s prestigious Ballon d’Or along with double reigning title holder, Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid. While Portuguese Ronaldo has triumphed over the last two seasons (in a total of three wins), Argentinian Messi has previously claimed the coveted award four times while Brazilian Neymar makes the shortlist for FIFA’s player of the year award for the first time.
Messi was the catalyst for Barcelona’s impressive run to three titles last season (the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Cup) and will be the standout favourite ahead of Ronaldo. The Portugal international might have finished the season without a trophy, but his individual talent shone out as he was La Liga’s highest scorer with 48 goals, and has notched up a leading seven in the Champions League this term.
World Cup-winning captain Carli Lloyd (USA/Houston Dash), Aya Miyama (Japan/Okayama Yunogo Belle), and Celia Sasic (Germany/1. FFC Frankfurt) are in the running for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award.
Two Spanish coaches, Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola and Barcelona’s Luis Enrique made the shortlist of the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award alongside Jorge Sampaoli, the Argentinian coach who led Chile to Copa America victory.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/ronaldo-messi-neymar-on-shortlist-for-ballon-dor-fifa/
Messi was the catalyst for Barcelona’s impressive run to three titles last season (the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Cup) and will be the standout favourite ahead of Ronaldo. The Portugal international might have finished the season without a trophy, but his individual talent shone out as he was La Liga’s highest scorer with 48 goals, and has notched up a leading seven in the Champions League this term.
World Cup-winning captain Carli Lloyd (USA/Houston Dash), Aya Miyama (Japan/Okayama Yunogo Belle), and Celia Sasic (Germany/1. FFC Frankfurt) are in the running for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award.
Two Spanish coaches, Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola and Barcelona’s Luis Enrique made the shortlist of the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award alongside Jorge Sampaoli, the Argentinian coach who led Chile to Copa America victory.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/ronaldo-messi-neymar-on-shortlist-for-ballon-dor-fifa/
Will Smith's Daughter Willow Announced On Instagram That She's Gay!
Will and Jada have a very INTERESTING FAMILY. Their son Jaden likes to wear dresses and people speculate he is either gay or bi. And now Willow.
Yesterday, the lovely young teen just CAME OUT on Instagram. Congrats to her for having the confidence to LIVE HER LIFE.
This all fits with Willow's newest endeavor, her and her brother's new clothing line MSFTS, where they challenge gender norms. Willow was quoted as saying, "I don't want to wear this because I'm a boy . . . or because I'm a girl, so I have to act this type of way."
Those parents let their kids grow up expressing themselves in the way that felt most authentic to them . . . you know they'll be cool with whatever ROLES their babies choose.
MTO
Yesterday, the lovely young teen just CAME OUT on Instagram. Congrats to her for having the confidence to LIVE HER LIFE.
This all fits with Willow's newest endeavor, her and her brother's new clothing line MSFTS, where they challenge gender norms. Willow was quoted as saying, "I don't want to wear this because I'm a boy . . . or because I'm a girl, so I have to act this type of way."
Those parents let their kids grow up expressing themselves in the way that felt most authentic to them . . . you know they'll be cool with whatever ROLES their babies choose.
MTO
Russia says Turkey 'shot down plane for IS oil'
Russia has accused Turkey of shooting down its warplane near the border with Syria in order to protect its oil trade with the Islamic State (IS) group.
Speaking at international talks on climate change in Paris, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the downing of the plane a "huge mistake".
Turkey has denied any ties to IS and is part of a US-led coalition carrying out air strikes against the militant group.
The Turkish government has refused to apologise for the incident.
One Russian pilot was killed and the other rescued following the crash on 24 November. Turkey says the jet entered its air space - an accusation Russia denies.
On Monday the US state department said evidence from Turkish and US sources indicated the aircraft did violate Turkish airspace.
Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the US wanted to "encourage dialogue now... we need to de-escalate the situation".
Russia has been carrying out air strikes in Syria, targeting rebels against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including IS.
Turkey is a vehement opponent of Mr Assad and has been accused of turning a blind eye to jihadist fighters crossing from its territory into Syria.
Until a few months ago, Turkey was reluctant to play an active role in the coalition against IS. However, in August it allowed the US-led coalition to begin using its airbase at Incirlik.
Read more through the link
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34970121
Speaking at international talks on climate change in Paris, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the downing of the plane a "huge mistake".
Turkey has denied any ties to IS and is part of a US-led coalition carrying out air strikes against the militant group.
The Turkish government has refused to apologise for the incident.
One Russian pilot was killed and the other rescued following the crash on 24 November. Turkey says the jet entered its air space - an accusation Russia denies.
On Monday the US state department said evidence from Turkish and US sources indicated the aircraft did violate Turkish airspace.
Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the US wanted to "encourage dialogue now... we need to de-escalate the situation".
Russia has been carrying out air strikes in Syria, targeting rebels against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including IS.
Turkey is a vehement opponent of Mr Assad and has been accused of turning a blind eye to jihadist fighters crossing from its territory into Syria.
Until a few months ago, Turkey was reluctant to play an active role in the coalition against IS. However, in August it allowed the US-led coalition to begin using its airbase at Incirlik.
Read more through the link
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34970121
HAPPY NEW MONTH MESSAGE
Happy new month to my esteemed
Readers all over the world.
Thanks so much for believing in me
And trusting my platform has giving
Me a great joy to always do me.
A fresh and joyful month
Is in relation to come,
May God sanctify you?
With cheerfulness
And delight which
You miss in the
Previous month
present have been countless period in preceding month
when I distressed you
concerned you
taunt to you
motivated you
however
now I just required to inform you
I arrangement to carry on it within this month as fine.
We have great strength to do
Exploits in our different ways
All we need is to keep trusting in God
He knows our mind and can understand our plight.
Never assumed you can do it all
Without recourse to the best teacher
In the world. He is able, He is Alpha and Omega
May the joy of this new month
Never ceased from our lives.
Signed Adefemi
Readers all over the world.
Thanks so much for believing in me
And trusting my platform has giving
Me a great joy to always do me.
A fresh and joyful month
Is in relation to come,
May God sanctify you?
With cheerfulness
And delight which
You miss in the
Previous month
present have been countless period in preceding month
when I distressed you
concerned you
taunt to you
motivated you
however
now I just required to inform you
I arrangement to carry on it within this month as fine.
We have great strength to do
Exploits in our different ways
All we need is to keep trusting in God
He knows our mind and can understand our plight.
Never assumed you can do it all
Without recourse to the best teacher
In the world. He is able, He is Alpha and Omega
May the joy of this new month
Never ceased from our lives.
Signed Adefemi
Monday 30 November 2015
President Buhari’s Foreign Junkets Add Up To Lots Of Cash
SaharaReporters has obtained information detailing the significant financial cost of trips undertaken by President Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage. The president’s trips since assuming office at the end of May, 2015 have now stretched to 14.
As SaharaReporters reported two days ago, Mr. Buhari’s frequent foreign trips have drawn increasing criticism from politicians and pundits who question the wisdom of the trips at a time when several domestic crises, including a crushing fuel scarcity, incessant attacks by Boko Haram terrorists, and blackouts demand urgent and focused attention.
According to financial information obtained by our investigators, an average two-day long presidential trip costs between $350K and $500K. For instance, during Mr. Buhari’s recent trip to Tehran, the capital of Iran, the estacode for accompanying Presidency officials was $105K. In addition, transportation costs stood at $45K, accommodation 200K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, with media coverage costing $10K.
The breakdown for the forthcoming trip to Paris is as follows: the estacode for accompanying Presidency officials is $130K, transportation $55K, accommodation $270K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, media coverage $10K. The total cost for the trip is $495K
In the course of our investigation, SaharaReporters found that President Buhari is scheduled to make an immediate trip to South Africa. In fact, the trip is planned to follow immediately from Mr. Buhari’s visit to Paris, France. The cost of the forthcoming South African trip is as follows: Estacode for accompanying Presidency officials $110K, transportation $35K, accommodation 220K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, and media coverage $10K, for a total of $405K
A source at the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) said they have a separate budget for fueling the planes as well as allowances for the presidential air fleet commander, pilots and the air stewards. The Office of the National Security Adviser funds those expenses.
So, the costs uncovered by our investigators cover only personnel from Aso Rock Villa, aides, protocol officers, members of the press, security personnel, a cook, a luggage officer and a steward. The estacode did not reveal what President Buhari receives per night, as that expense is handled separately and secretly. In addition the Minister of Foreign Affairs and five members of his entourage who usually accompany President Buhari are not included in the costs as they get paid from the ministry's budget.
SaharaReporters also discovered that the amounts for honorarium ($10K), contingency ($20K) and media coverage ($10K) are fixed for all trips. The State House Chief of Protocol handles honorarium and contingency while Femi Adesina, a senior assistant on media, handles $10K for “media coverage.”
Critics have come down hard on President Buhari for engaging in international junkets at a time of rising disillusionment, with Nigeria mired in a crippling fuel scarcity, continuing violence by Boko Haram, and an economic downturn that has put pressures on banks and numerous businesses.
Mr. Buhari has only visited four Nigerian states since coming to power. His much-anticipated visit to Lagos three days ago to launch anti-crime helicopter, boats and vehicles did not materialize, but led to a traffic meltdown.
A Facebook posting by SaharaReporters calling President Buhari a “junketer-in-chief” was widely shared and elicited viral response on social media.
Two sources at the Presidency told SaharaReporters that some of Mr. Buhari’s handlers were pressuring him to postpone his trip to South Africa in order to calm public anger.
https://secure.saharareporters.com/2015/11/29/president-buhari%E2%80%99s-foreign-junkets-add-lots-cash
As SaharaReporters reported two days ago, Mr. Buhari’s frequent foreign trips have drawn increasing criticism from politicians and pundits who question the wisdom of the trips at a time when several domestic crises, including a crushing fuel scarcity, incessant attacks by Boko Haram terrorists, and blackouts demand urgent and focused attention.
According to financial information obtained by our investigators, an average two-day long presidential trip costs between $350K and $500K. For instance, during Mr. Buhari’s recent trip to Tehran, the capital of Iran, the estacode for accompanying Presidency officials was $105K. In addition, transportation costs stood at $45K, accommodation 200K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, with media coverage costing $10K.
The breakdown for the forthcoming trip to Paris is as follows: the estacode for accompanying Presidency officials is $130K, transportation $55K, accommodation $270K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, media coverage $10K. The total cost for the trip is $495K
In the course of our investigation, SaharaReporters found that President Buhari is scheduled to make an immediate trip to South Africa. In fact, the trip is planned to follow immediately from Mr. Buhari’s visit to Paris, France. The cost of the forthcoming South African trip is as follows: Estacode for accompanying Presidency officials $110K, transportation $35K, accommodation 220K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, and media coverage $10K, for a total of $405K
A source at the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) said they have a separate budget for fueling the planes as well as allowances for the presidential air fleet commander, pilots and the air stewards. The Office of the National Security Adviser funds those expenses.
So, the costs uncovered by our investigators cover only personnel from Aso Rock Villa, aides, protocol officers, members of the press, security personnel, a cook, a luggage officer and a steward. The estacode did not reveal what President Buhari receives per night, as that expense is handled separately and secretly. In addition the Minister of Foreign Affairs and five members of his entourage who usually accompany President Buhari are not included in the costs as they get paid from the ministry's budget.
SaharaReporters also discovered that the amounts for honorarium ($10K), contingency ($20K) and media coverage ($10K) are fixed for all trips. The State House Chief of Protocol handles honorarium and contingency while Femi Adesina, a senior assistant on media, handles $10K for “media coverage.”
Critics have come down hard on President Buhari for engaging in international junkets at a time of rising disillusionment, with Nigeria mired in a crippling fuel scarcity, continuing violence by Boko Haram, and an economic downturn that has put pressures on banks and numerous businesses.
Mr. Buhari has only visited four Nigerian states since coming to power. His much-anticipated visit to Lagos three days ago to launch anti-crime helicopter, boats and vehicles did not materialize, but led to a traffic meltdown.
A Facebook posting by SaharaReporters calling President Buhari a “junketer-in-chief” was widely shared and elicited viral response on social media.
Two sources at the Presidency told SaharaReporters that some of Mr. Buhari’s handlers were pressuring him to postpone his trip to South Africa in order to calm public anger.
https://secure.saharareporters.com/2015/11/29/president-buhari%E2%80%99s-foreign-junkets-add-lots-cash
Breaking News: APC unveils Yahaya Bello as replacement for late Audu
The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has unveiled Alh. Yahaya Bello, popularly known as Fair Plus as the replacement for the late Prince Abubakar Audu. It would be recalled that Alh. Yahaya Bello was runner-up in the APC governorship primaries.Alhaji-Yahaya-Bello
Unveiling Bello at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja, Monday after about 3 hours of meeting, the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun urged party leaders and stakeholders to accept the decision of the party leadership and ensure the party become victorious in Saturday’s supplementary poll.
The party also announced that Hon James Abiodun Faleke will be Bello’s running mate but the former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area rejected the offer.
Oyegun explained that the decision to nominate Bello was borne out of the need to conform to the electoral laws of the nation and to ensure cohesion and
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/apc-unveils-yahaya-bello-as-replacement-for-late-audu
Unveiling Bello at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja, Monday after about 3 hours of meeting, the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun urged party leaders and stakeholders to accept the decision of the party leadership and ensure the party become victorious in Saturday’s supplementary poll.
The party also announced that Hon James Abiodun Faleke will be Bello’s running mate but the former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area rejected the offer.
Oyegun explained that the decision to nominate Bello was borne out of the need to conform to the electoral laws of the nation and to ensure cohesion and
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/apc-unveils-yahaya-bello-as-replacement-for-late-audu
President Buhari's trips are not for enjoyment - Shehu Garba
Recently there has been much uproar about the trips of PMB, Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Shehu Garba, has responded to criticisms by Nigerians over the frequent Foreign trips Buhari has made since he assumed office in May. According to Garba, the trips being made by Buhari are not for enjoyment. He said this in an article he posted on his facebook this morning. Enjoy as you read...
I have been amused, reading a number of jokes concerning the frequency of the President, Muhammadu Buhari's foreign trips. Questions have been raised about why so many visits, and what are the benefits Nigeria is getting?
I will make it clear from the beginning that the critic is entitled to his and her opinion and nothing said here is intended to silence him or her. Criticism goes with the territory and as it is often said in a wisecrack, if you don't like the heat, get out of the kitchen. President Muhammadu Buhari came into office under the mantra of change. While Nigerians are yearning for change, you need someone who will set up the infrastructure, both at home and abroad for it. President Buhari is busy doing that. The change is manifest in where he visits and what he does. In the delegations accompanying him abroad, President Buhari has slashed the numbers, bringing them down to a tolerable or the bearable minimum. He went to the United Nations General Assembly in September with an unbelievable 32 officials in his delegation. These included his cook, his doctor and luggage officer. His predecessor in office went to the same meeting with 150 officials and family members the year before. Wherever they are given government accommodation and feeding, members of President Buhari's entourage receive reduced allowances, thereby saving the government some money. In public diplomacy, experts say that it is better conducted throughface-to-face interaction than through third parties. This is even moreso at the level of heads of state. To do by it by proxy is to miss the effect of fostering strong interpersonal relations between leaders, by which nations benefit. President Buhari has so far visited Germany, South Africa, USA, Niger, Tchad, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, South Africa, India, Iran and Malta, where we are presently for the Commonwealth Summit. Mostly, these were due to either the United Nations, EU, African Union or energy and security-related summits. They were mostly undertaken to attend specific meetings, not State Visits. Looking at these assignments, the trips are inescapable for the President. What would Nigerians say of their leader when see the array of world leaders assemble, as they would shortly be doing discussing climate change in Paris on Monday and their own President is missing from the table? Those of us who were around under Abacha read all the taunts about him being a sit-at-home leader. Abacha was despised for not representing his country abroad. President Buhari's foreign visits have been marked by punishing schedules. They are always business-like and results-oriented. All trips have been marked by tight schedules. Meeting after meeting, happening back-to-back morning, afternoon and evening. The President has had to travel overnight for some of these meetings. The visit by any president to another country is the highest act in international relations. It sends out a message that that county is important to the visitor. It is not like your usual vacation abroad. Official discussions involving political leaders, the military, the diplomats and at times, business people are held at multi- track levels. In foreignpolicy you stand on a quick sand of events and you slip up if take a rest or lose focus. Governments also know that their achievements at home will be meaningless if they cannot project them abroad. Who or where are the foreign investors,whose hand you are seeking if you can't travel meet them? Will they come if they don't know about the country? President Buhari demonstrated a keen understanding of these when in the first week of his taking the office, he brought together foreign policy and all three cardinal objectives of his administration-security,economy and war on corruption- by embarking on visits to neighboring countries. In our recent history, much of the West had ignored Nigeria under the corrupt PDP administration for many years, which warranted the country's tilt towards some Asian countries. As a consequence, this country has suffered past isolation of various types, including the denial of access to the arms-purchase market. As a member of the then Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, I remember being in a delegation that visited the Aso Rock Villa, to beg the government at that time not the execute the writer and activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. At the meeting with the Number Two man in that government, Major-General Oladipo Diya, he announced to everyone's shock and disbelief that Ken had been executed. "Honestly," he muted, "I think he has been executed about two days ago." What followed that pronouncement was a global outrage. The then Foreign Affairs Minister, Arch. Tom Ikimi representing Nigeria at the Commonwealth meeting in New Zealand, shattered the feelings of the leaders of those countries when he announced to them that he had not been briefed about the executions and begged for time to talk to the leaders back in Nigeria. Nigeria faced an imminent expulsion from the group and would have been so sacked but for the intervention of the then President of South Africa, late Nelson Mandela. In place of this extreme form of sanction, a suspension and and a barrage of sanctions followed and remained in place until an appreciable remorse was was shown and progress made towards the return to democracy by Nigeria. Throughout that period of time, it was difficult being a Nigerian in the international space. As council members of the UN Human Rights Commission, Africans would caucus in Geneva without us Nigerians. Like lepers, we were shunned wherever we showed up. I mentioned this short narrative to illustrate two things: one, for a country to do the right things all the time and two, you don't know the joy being a part of international gatherings until you suffer the pain of exclusion from them. Short of begging the world, there was nothing that the Abacha government didn't do to be taken back into the Commonwealth. And it is against this background that I felt the need to pen this opinion in the hope of bringing better understanding to fellow countrymen and women on the current subject matter. There is no reason to be angry with anyone criticizing President Buhari for traveling abroad. In politics, even if President Buhari were to bring with him a suitcase full of cash and a potgold each time he returned from a trip, someone will criticize him, saying that the journey is wasteful. The PDP will kick, knowing that they got 16 years and did nothing with it. Those who didn't do much during their term of governance will find it instructive to fault whatever the President is doing. If President Buhari is successful as a leader, the PDP will be history. My own point here is that he is doing a great job and the fruits are here, and many more will soon come. He is working to strengthen diplomatic relations, trade and the security of our nation. He holds serious meetings with serious investors and has fetched us investments in the range of billions of US Dollars. Now, countries such as France, UK, The U.S are supporting Nigeria with intelligence, weapons and training for our military against Boko Haram and the economic saboteurs in the Delta region. President Buhari will definitely make Nigeria great,what the PDP fooled us for 16 years. All heads of countries around the world now take Nigeria seriously. His foreign trips are for business, security of the country and bilateral contacts- contacts that get actualized by follow-ups and the love and support a leader enjoys at home and abroad. Today the world is in a warm embrace of President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigerians should be proud of the attention, love and admiration, importance, respect and investment he is bringing to Nigeria. These trips are not for enjoyment. Lastly, to answer those who ask all the time, what is he bringing back home? We are not a country of beggars. It is good if something is in the bag as the leader comes home from a trip. Culturally, we never return home from a trip without a souvenir for everyone left at home. Yes it is good he declares something upon his return. But the most important task for the President at this time is to reset the image of Nigeria abroad, given the damage it sustained over many years in the past. So far, in fairness, the President has projecteda large image of Nigeria and of himself which should be a matter of pride for all our citizens. Marketing of Brand Nigeria can never be more important than currently it is. The President is doing a great job for the nation. He needs to be supported.
I have been amused, reading a number of jokes concerning the frequency of the President, Muhammadu Buhari's foreign trips. Questions have been raised about why so many visits, and what are the benefits Nigeria is getting?
I will make it clear from the beginning that the critic is entitled to his and her opinion and nothing said here is intended to silence him or her. Criticism goes with the territory and as it is often said in a wisecrack, if you don't like the heat, get out of the kitchen. President Muhammadu Buhari came into office under the mantra of change. While Nigerians are yearning for change, you need someone who will set up the infrastructure, both at home and abroad for it. President Buhari is busy doing that. The change is manifest in where he visits and what he does. In the delegations accompanying him abroad, President Buhari has slashed the numbers, bringing them down to a tolerable or the bearable minimum. He went to the United Nations General Assembly in September with an unbelievable 32 officials in his delegation. These included his cook, his doctor and luggage officer. His predecessor in office went to the same meeting with 150 officials and family members the year before. Wherever they are given government accommodation and feeding, members of President Buhari's entourage receive reduced allowances, thereby saving the government some money. In public diplomacy, experts say that it is better conducted throughface-to-face interaction than through third parties. This is even moreso at the level of heads of state. To do by it by proxy is to miss the effect of fostering strong interpersonal relations between leaders, by which nations benefit. President Buhari has so far visited Germany, South Africa, USA, Niger, Tchad, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, South Africa, India, Iran and Malta, where we are presently for the Commonwealth Summit. Mostly, these were due to either the United Nations, EU, African Union or energy and security-related summits. They were mostly undertaken to attend specific meetings, not State Visits. Looking at these assignments, the trips are inescapable for the President. What would Nigerians say of their leader when see the array of world leaders assemble, as they would shortly be doing discussing climate change in Paris on Monday and their own President is missing from the table? Those of us who were around under Abacha read all the taunts about him being a sit-at-home leader. Abacha was despised for not representing his country abroad. President Buhari's foreign visits have been marked by punishing schedules. They are always business-like and results-oriented. All trips have been marked by tight schedules. Meeting after meeting, happening back-to-back morning, afternoon and evening. The President has had to travel overnight for some of these meetings. The visit by any president to another country is the highest act in international relations. It sends out a message that that county is important to the visitor. It is not like your usual vacation abroad. Official discussions involving political leaders, the military, the diplomats and at times, business people are held at multi- track levels. In foreignpolicy you stand on a quick sand of events and you slip up if take a rest or lose focus. Governments also know that their achievements at home will be meaningless if they cannot project them abroad. Who or where are the foreign investors,whose hand you are seeking if you can't travel meet them? Will they come if they don't know about the country? President Buhari demonstrated a keen understanding of these when in the first week of his taking the office, he brought together foreign policy and all three cardinal objectives of his administration-security,economy and war on corruption- by embarking on visits to neighboring countries. In our recent history, much of the West had ignored Nigeria under the corrupt PDP administration for many years, which warranted the country's tilt towards some Asian countries. As a consequence, this country has suffered past isolation of various types, including the denial of access to the arms-purchase market. As a member of the then Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, I remember being in a delegation that visited the Aso Rock Villa, to beg the government at that time not the execute the writer and activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. At the meeting with the Number Two man in that government, Major-General Oladipo Diya, he announced to everyone's shock and disbelief that Ken had been executed. "Honestly," he muted, "I think he has been executed about two days ago." What followed that pronouncement was a global outrage. The then Foreign Affairs Minister, Arch. Tom Ikimi representing Nigeria at the Commonwealth meeting in New Zealand, shattered the feelings of the leaders of those countries when he announced to them that he had not been briefed about the executions and begged for time to talk to the leaders back in Nigeria. Nigeria faced an imminent expulsion from the group and would have been so sacked but for the intervention of the then President of South Africa, late Nelson Mandela. In place of this extreme form of sanction, a suspension and and a barrage of sanctions followed and remained in place until an appreciable remorse was was shown and progress made towards the return to democracy by Nigeria. Throughout that period of time, it was difficult being a Nigerian in the international space. As council members of the UN Human Rights Commission, Africans would caucus in Geneva without us Nigerians. Like lepers, we were shunned wherever we showed up. I mentioned this short narrative to illustrate two things: one, for a country to do the right things all the time and two, you don't know the joy being a part of international gatherings until you suffer the pain of exclusion from them. Short of begging the world, there was nothing that the Abacha government didn't do to be taken back into the Commonwealth. And it is against this background that I felt the need to pen this opinion in the hope of bringing better understanding to fellow countrymen and women on the current subject matter. There is no reason to be angry with anyone criticizing President Buhari for traveling abroad. In politics, even if President Buhari were to bring with him a suitcase full of cash and a potgold each time he returned from a trip, someone will criticize him, saying that the journey is wasteful. The PDP will kick, knowing that they got 16 years and did nothing with it. Those who didn't do much during their term of governance will find it instructive to fault whatever the President is doing. If President Buhari is successful as a leader, the PDP will be history. My own point here is that he is doing a great job and the fruits are here, and many more will soon come. He is working to strengthen diplomatic relations, trade and the security of our nation. He holds serious meetings with serious investors and has fetched us investments in the range of billions of US Dollars. Now, countries such as France, UK, The U.S are supporting Nigeria with intelligence, weapons and training for our military against Boko Haram and the economic saboteurs in the Delta region. President Buhari will definitely make Nigeria great,what the PDP fooled us for 16 years. All heads of countries around the world now take Nigeria seriously. His foreign trips are for business, security of the country and bilateral contacts- contacts that get actualized by follow-ups and the love and support a leader enjoys at home and abroad. Today the world is in a warm embrace of President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigerians should be proud of the attention, love and admiration, importance, respect and investment he is bringing to Nigeria. These trips are not for enjoyment. Lastly, to answer those who ask all the time, what is he bringing back home? We are not a country of beggars. It is good if something is in the bag as the leader comes home from a trip. Culturally, we never return home from a trip without a souvenir for everyone left at home. Yes it is good he declares something upon his return. But the most important task for the President at this time is to reset the image of Nigeria abroad, given the damage it sustained over many years in the past. So far, in fairness, the President has projecteda large image of Nigeria and of himself which should be a matter of pride for all our citizens. Marketing of Brand Nigeria can never be more important than currently it is. The President is doing a great job for the nation. He needs to be supported.
Northern Islamic Elites Are Hypocrites For Creating Boko Haram says Bishop Kukah
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has condemned northern islamic elites for indirectly causing Boko Haram with their hypocrisy.
He spoke on 'the Muslim agenda for Nigeria: challenges of development and good governance' at a conference organised by the Islamic Welfare Foundation at the Fountain University, Osogbo.
According to him, the fresh agitation for an Islamic state by Boko Haram could be traced to the promise made by northern leaders to ensure the total implementation of Sharia law.
“A hypocritical elite continues to believe that it can claim the benefits of democracy but use it only to consolidate its hold on power. This is what has laid the foundation for what is now Boko Haram.
“We must locate the current crisis of Boko Haram within the context of the inability of the northern Muslim elite to live by their own dubious creed of being Muslims. They preached Sharia Law but only for the poor. They preach a religion that encourages education, yet their own people are held in the bondage of ignorance.
“They did not wish to live by the same standards, so they decided to live their own Islam in the capitals of the world away from the prying eyes of their own people. Boko Haram began as a revolt against this mendacity, subterfuge and hypocrisy.”
“Now, I hear Muslims in northern Nigeria hiding under the cover of the facts by saying: ‘These Boko Haram people are not Muslims. They do not represent us’. Well, first, they are your own children. You must take responsibility for what has made them what they are today and to the rest of society.
“They claim they have been inspired by the Quran and no other holy book. They say they want to build an Islamic state. So, they are Muslims. After all, from the debates of the Constituent Assemblies of 1979, 1988, and 1995 and beyond, did their fathers and grandfathers not stage walkouts, demanding Sharia Law?
“The promise to institute Sharia has become the most potent tool for political mobilisation and organisation. Till date, the tactics may have changed, but the essence has not. Rather than face the tough questions of how and why over 15 million children in the northern states are on the streets; how and why the northern states are falling behind on almost every index of development, the northern Muslim elite continues to live for just the moment, with no plans for tomorrow.
“Should we pretend that a society that allows the forced marriages of its young daughters could frown on the idea of a group kidnapping and forcing young girls into sexual slavery? Islam must have an honest look at the mirror and have an internal discussion.”
The Catholic bishop urged northern leaders to stop pretending as if they did not know the root cause of Boko Haram.
He said they should ask themselves why Boko Haram was headquartered in the North and not in other zones of the country.
“It is my considered view that northern Islam has to confront the realities of taking its religion into the modern world of democracy seriously. Muslims in northern Nigeria cannot accept democracy and reject the inclusive nature of its philosophy as it is the case today.”
Punch
He spoke on 'the Muslim agenda for Nigeria: challenges of development and good governance' at a conference organised by the Islamic Welfare Foundation at the Fountain University, Osogbo.
According to him, the fresh agitation for an Islamic state by Boko Haram could be traced to the promise made by northern leaders to ensure the total implementation of Sharia law.
“A hypocritical elite continues to believe that it can claim the benefits of democracy but use it only to consolidate its hold on power. This is what has laid the foundation for what is now Boko Haram.
“We must locate the current crisis of Boko Haram within the context of the inability of the northern Muslim elite to live by their own dubious creed of being Muslims. They preached Sharia Law but only for the poor. They preach a religion that encourages education, yet their own people are held in the bondage of ignorance.
“They did not wish to live by the same standards, so they decided to live their own Islam in the capitals of the world away from the prying eyes of their own people. Boko Haram began as a revolt against this mendacity, subterfuge and hypocrisy.”
“Now, I hear Muslims in northern Nigeria hiding under the cover of the facts by saying: ‘These Boko Haram people are not Muslims. They do not represent us’. Well, first, they are your own children. You must take responsibility for what has made them what they are today and to the rest of society.
“They claim they have been inspired by the Quran and no other holy book. They say they want to build an Islamic state. So, they are Muslims. After all, from the debates of the Constituent Assemblies of 1979, 1988, and 1995 and beyond, did their fathers and grandfathers not stage walkouts, demanding Sharia Law?
“The promise to institute Sharia has become the most potent tool for political mobilisation and organisation. Till date, the tactics may have changed, but the essence has not. Rather than face the tough questions of how and why over 15 million children in the northern states are on the streets; how and why the northern states are falling behind on almost every index of development, the northern Muslim elite continues to live for just the moment, with no plans for tomorrow.
“Should we pretend that a society that allows the forced marriages of its young daughters could frown on the idea of a group kidnapping and forcing young girls into sexual slavery? Islam must have an honest look at the mirror and have an internal discussion.”
The Catholic bishop urged northern leaders to stop pretending as if they did not know the root cause of Boko Haram.
He said they should ask themselves why Boko Haram was headquartered in the North and not in other zones of the country.
“It is my considered view that northern Islam has to confront the realities of taking its religion into the modern world of democracy seriously. Muslims in northern Nigeria cannot accept democracy and reject the inclusive nature of its philosophy as it is the case today.”
Punch
Obasanjo raises alarm over unemployment
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged the federal, state and local governments to do more in the area of employment.
Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusegun Obasanjo
The former president who spoke at the 10th anniversary and 6th and 7th convocation ceremonies of Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, warned: “If there is no job for the unemployed to feed themselves and also to contribute to the development of the country, then, we will all be sitting on gun powder.
“If university education was not for development then, it was not serving any useful purpose. It must be for development, personal, local, national and even global and that is very important.”
He stated that education is a meal ticket for anybody that has it, adding that it is also a means of breaking the poverty cycle.
Obasanjo advised: “I believe in lifelong education. Nobody should stop learning until he or she die.”
He said that he accepted the award because of the personality the school was named after, saying that Tai Solarin was one of the greatest educationists the country has ever produced.
He also told the audience that he was honoured to be honoured in conjunction with Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, insisting, “Anywhere Mama is being honoured, we must join hands to to honour her.”
Obasanjo was honoured with an Honourary Doctorate of Education in Political Science while HID was honoured with Honourary Doctorate in Business Education while Aliko Dangote was conferred with Honorary Doctorate in Science and Business Education. HID Awolowo’s daughter, Mrs Tola Adeniran, received the award on behalf of her mother’s behalf.
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in his speech at the occasion said: “This year’s convocation ceremony, which marks the successful completion of another academic session, is a continued demonstration of commitment to the production of qualified teaching personnel for our education system.
“You are all expected to use your collective wisdom, knowledge, ability and exposure to sustain and promote the ideals of this great institution.”
He disclosed that the 12 First Class students would be given automatic employment by the state government.
The Vice -Chancellor of the University, Professor Oluyemisi Obilade, in her welcome address, said: “The university is a specialised university, uniquely positioned to respond to national and global educational needs for equipping graduands with the necessary and pedagogical skills as well as content knowledge for effective teaching and learning.”
Vanguard
Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusegun Obasanjo
The former president who spoke at the 10th anniversary and 6th and 7th convocation ceremonies of Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, warned: “If there is no job for the unemployed to feed themselves and also to contribute to the development of the country, then, we will all be sitting on gun powder.
“If university education was not for development then, it was not serving any useful purpose. It must be for development, personal, local, national and even global and that is very important.”
He stated that education is a meal ticket for anybody that has it, adding that it is also a means of breaking the poverty cycle.
Obasanjo advised: “I believe in lifelong education. Nobody should stop learning until he or she die.”
He said that he accepted the award because of the personality the school was named after, saying that Tai Solarin was one of the greatest educationists the country has ever produced.
He also told the audience that he was honoured to be honoured in conjunction with Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, insisting, “Anywhere Mama is being honoured, we must join hands to to honour her.”
Obasanjo was honoured with an Honourary Doctorate of Education in Political Science while HID was honoured with Honourary Doctorate in Business Education while Aliko Dangote was conferred with Honorary Doctorate in Science and Business Education. HID Awolowo’s daughter, Mrs Tola Adeniran, received the award on behalf of her mother’s behalf.
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in his speech at the occasion said: “This year’s convocation ceremony, which marks the successful completion of another academic session, is a continued demonstration of commitment to the production of qualified teaching personnel for our education system.
“You are all expected to use your collective wisdom, knowledge, ability and exposure to sustain and promote the ideals of this great institution.”
He disclosed that the 12 First Class students would be given automatic employment by the state government.
The Vice -Chancellor of the University, Professor Oluyemisi Obilade, in her welcome address, said: “The university is a specialised university, uniquely positioned to respond to national and global educational needs for equipping graduands with the necessary and pedagogical skills as well as content knowledge for effective teaching and learning.”
Vanguard
Sunday 29 November 2015
Dele Momodu writes Buhari, says Nigerians are lamenting
Dele Momodu has written a memo to President Muhammadu Buhari asking him to as a matter of urgency fix Nigeria saying that Nigerians are lamenting that the change he promised is fast becoming a mirage and that Buhari’s style and methodology appear too slow.
He also went further to say that many mostly the oppotions want the government to fail saying that they were ‘skillfully setting the president up for failure in order to be able to taunt his supporters.’
Read the full memo bellow .
By Dele Momodu
Your Excellency, it’s been months since I wrote my desperate memo to you. I wish to thank you once more for reacting promptly and swiftly at that time and for giving me the honour and privilege of meeting you in your office. I remember presenting you a special compilation of my articles, especially the many admonitions to your immediate predecessor, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
After handing over the book to you, Sir, I promised to continue acting in my self-appointed capacity as Special Adviser because of the need to tell you what those very close to you might not be able to say. They might be afraid of you and your reaction.
The truth is you are a plain and simple man imbued with a mission and a passion to save this great country but you cannot do it on your own. You can only do it if people close to you, who should be advising you, tell you as it is so that you can do that which you were elected to do.
Sir, it is on the above basis that I’m back today for reasons some of which you probably know already from your own personal observations and readings. But before I go further, kindly permit me to set some records straight before some conspiracy specialists step forward to ascribe other people’s opinion to me. I shall clearly expose my personal views and state where I belong or stand for any avoidance of doubt. Everywhere I go people refer to me as Buhari’s man and ask “what’s your Baba doing ooo?”. I seriously have no problem with that. I’m proud that I joined so many other Nigerians as well as foreign friends in supporting a man of impeccable pedigree and solid integrity. No matter your view of President Muhammadu Buhari, one thing his bitterest enemies give to him is the fact that he is way above the level of most mortals in matters of uprightness.
This is why many of us volunteered to scream your name to high heavens and we were ready to follow you to Golgotha. Many of your opponents have not gotten over the thrashing you gave them and would forever seek everything and anything to smear you with. It is therefore not surprising that there has been so much noise about what you’ve done or left undone. Whether they are right or wrong in their assessment, I feel it is right and proper to let you know what people are saying about you including your most ardent fans and supporters. Sir, please, let’s not dismiss them as mere rabble-rousers. A groundswell of public opinion can easily metamorphose into an ocean of disenchantment and cataclysmic confusion. In short, I believe your enemies are skilfully setting you up for failure in order to be able to taunt your supporters later by saying we “we told you so!” In this regard it is pertinent to always bear in mind the Yoruba saying ‘ehin kunle l’ota wa, ile ni a se ni ngbe’! Loosely translated it means “the enemy lurk outside in the backyard but your foe resides inside your house.”
What is the matter this time? Many Nigerians are lamenting that the change you promised them is fast becoming a mirage. It is certainly not what they are seeing right now. They insist that your style and methodology appear too slow for a nation in dire straits and in need of urgent and miraculous deliverance. They are not happy that you are no longer the prudent man they used to know. They think you’ve already capitulated by frolicking with members of the bourgeois class and junketing around the world while Nigeria burns like Dante’s inferno. They are miffed that you are still keeping the Presidential fleet when you are supposed to have sold most of them off, if not all. They are worried that the mandate of four years they gave you is being unwittingly frittered away and before you know it all the goodwill you garnered would have evaporated and vamoosed. Time, they say, waits for no man!
The economy and the free fall of the Naira have become worrisome. There are all manner of rumours that may make matters worse, if true, about the current state and status of our banks. Though the Central Bank of Nigeria has come out forcefully to dispel the dangerous rumours, they want you to unleash your economic master-plan as soon as possible, so that what was once a baseless rumour does not somehow become harsh reality. They are expecting a blue-print that would guarantee a farewell to poverty. On this I agree with the opinion that something drastic has to be conjured up to arrest this drift to perdition. Nothing amplifies this monumental tragedy than the debit card fiasco which stipulates that Nigerians cannot live in a civilised world by walking into any international hotel or shop of their choice and paying with their cards. This is terribly depressing.
What this means in plain terms is that Nigerians must patronise the black market and run the risk of carrying cash recklessly whenever they travel abroad. It makes a mockery of the cashless society that the CBN has fought so hard to put in place and jeopardises your fight against corruption because government officials who travel abroad must of necessity carry large sums of cash if they are not to be embarrassed or even disgraced. Sir, the most important thing is that this is not healthy at all. The last thing your Government should be telling the world is that we are so broke that we are on our knees. The world laughs at us and treats us with derision because we have resources other than crude oil which should make us one of the richest in the world if we properly harness them. We must stop giving the impression that we are so impoverished when it is leadership, brigandage and a lack of focus that has failed us.
The other matter that continues to embarrass Nigerians is the issue of Boko Haram. The matter is made worse by the fact that you are a retired army General who should know and have what it takes to drastically reduce if not exterminate the cankerworm. But rather the menace has exacerbated. It has snowballed into a seemingly unquenchable conflagration. I had argued repeatedly that the military alone cannot achieve this result. Intelligence seems to be the key word here. Also identifying and locating some of the cells and prominent sympathisers is crucial. Those who arrogantly and naively say that no form of negotiation should take place are very far from the theatre of war. They have probably not heard of a group called IRA, the Irish Republican Army, that terrorised Great Britain for God knows how many years. I and my directors at Ovation International were lucky to escape a massive explosion that shattered the peace and tranquillity of London Docklands when a bomb went off inside the South Quay light rail station which was next to our office at Beaufort Court. The battle of wits and the war of attrition had to be fought using the carrot and the stick approach. It was the carrot approach that eventually succeeded and the United Kingdom has now been rid of that hitherto interminable scourge for many years!
The Boko Haram issue has defied every effort made so far and it is time to expand the options for the sake of our fellow citizens in the heart of this conundrum. When over 200 girls vanished into thin air, we were so sure they would return very soon but that has remained an illusion. This should tell us that this issue is not a joke and that we need to keep all windows open. Sir, Nigerians want to see government show a different approach and better compassion than what we had in the past. They are waiting to see how you will do this with minimum collateral damage.
Sir, you have a herculean task ahead but it is not a mission impossible. Other nations are experiencing almost similar challenges and they are forging ahead. The first indicator to exhibit our seriousness is when we stop the business as usual syndrome and tighten the belts of government officials and politicians. If the idea is to continue along the path of profligacy then Nigeria is contagiously jinxed. The Republic of Tanzania has already taken the lead. I will publish a report that has already gone viral below this letter as a veritable example of what is possible.
I wish you well as always Sir.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/dele-momodu-writes-buhari-says-nigerians-are-lamenting/
He also went further to say that many mostly the oppotions want the government to fail saying that they were ‘skillfully setting the president up for failure in order to be able to taunt his supporters.’
Read the full memo bellow .
By Dele Momodu
Your Excellency, it’s been months since I wrote my desperate memo to you. I wish to thank you once more for reacting promptly and swiftly at that time and for giving me the honour and privilege of meeting you in your office. I remember presenting you a special compilation of my articles, especially the many admonitions to your immediate predecessor, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
After handing over the book to you, Sir, I promised to continue acting in my self-appointed capacity as Special Adviser because of the need to tell you what those very close to you might not be able to say. They might be afraid of you and your reaction.
The truth is you are a plain and simple man imbued with a mission and a passion to save this great country but you cannot do it on your own. You can only do it if people close to you, who should be advising you, tell you as it is so that you can do that which you were elected to do.
Sir, it is on the above basis that I’m back today for reasons some of which you probably know already from your own personal observations and readings. But before I go further, kindly permit me to set some records straight before some conspiracy specialists step forward to ascribe other people’s opinion to me. I shall clearly expose my personal views and state where I belong or stand for any avoidance of doubt. Everywhere I go people refer to me as Buhari’s man and ask “what’s your Baba doing ooo?”. I seriously have no problem with that. I’m proud that I joined so many other Nigerians as well as foreign friends in supporting a man of impeccable pedigree and solid integrity. No matter your view of President Muhammadu Buhari, one thing his bitterest enemies give to him is the fact that he is way above the level of most mortals in matters of uprightness.
This is why many of us volunteered to scream your name to high heavens and we were ready to follow you to Golgotha. Many of your opponents have not gotten over the thrashing you gave them and would forever seek everything and anything to smear you with. It is therefore not surprising that there has been so much noise about what you’ve done or left undone. Whether they are right or wrong in their assessment, I feel it is right and proper to let you know what people are saying about you including your most ardent fans and supporters. Sir, please, let’s not dismiss them as mere rabble-rousers. A groundswell of public opinion can easily metamorphose into an ocean of disenchantment and cataclysmic confusion. In short, I believe your enemies are skilfully setting you up for failure in order to be able to taunt your supporters later by saying we “we told you so!” In this regard it is pertinent to always bear in mind the Yoruba saying ‘ehin kunle l’ota wa, ile ni a se ni ngbe’! Loosely translated it means “the enemy lurk outside in the backyard but your foe resides inside your house.”
What is the matter this time? Many Nigerians are lamenting that the change you promised them is fast becoming a mirage. It is certainly not what they are seeing right now. They insist that your style and methodology appear too slow for a nation in dire straits and in need of urgent and miraculous deliverance. They are not happy that you are no longer the prudent man they used to know. They think you’ve already capitulated by frolicking with members of the bourgeois class and junketing around the world while Nigeria burns like Dante’s inferno. They are miffed that you are still keeping the Presidential fleet when you are supposed to have sold most of them off, if not all. They are worried that the mandate of four years they gave you is being unwittingly frittered away and before you know it all the goodwill you garnered would have evaporated and vamoosed. Time, they say, waits for no man!
The economy and the free fall of the Naira have become worrisome. There are all manner of rumours that may make matters worse, if true, about the current state and status of our banks. Though the Central Bank of Nigeria has come out forcefully to dispel the dangerous rumours, they want you to unleash your economic master-plan as soon as possible, so that what was once a baseless rumour does not somehow become harsh reality. They are expecting a blue-print that would guarantee a farewell to poverty. On this I agree with the opinion that something drastic has to be conjured up to arrest this drift to perdition. Nothing amplifies this monumental tragedy than the debit card fiasco which stipulates that Nigerians cannot live in a civilised world by walking into any international hotel or shop of their choice and paying with their cards. This is terribly depressing.
What this means in plain terms is that Nigerians must patronise the black market and run the risk of carrying cash recklessly whenever they travel abroad. It makes a mockery of the cashless society that the CBN has fought so hard to put in place and jeopardises your fight against corruption because government officials who travel abroad must of necessity carry large sums of cash if they are not to be embarrassed or even disgraced. Sir, the most important thing is that this is not healthy at all. The last thing your Government should be telling the world is that we are so broke that we are on our knees. The world laughs at us and treats us with derision because we have resources other than crude oil which should make us one of the richest in the world if we properly harness them. We must stop giving the impression that we are so impoverished when it is leadership, brigandage and a lack of focus that has failed us.
The other matter that continues to embarrass Nigerians is the issue of Boko Haram. The matter is made worse by the fact that you are a retired army General who should know and have what it takes to drastically reduce if not exterminate the cankerworm. But rather the menace has exacerbated. It has snowballed into a seemingly unquenchable conflagration. I had argued repeatedly that the military alone cannot achieve this result. Intelligence seems to be the key word here. Also identifying and locating some of the cells and prominent sympathisers is crucial. Those who arrogantly and naively say that no form of negotiation should take place are very far from the theatre of war. They have probably not heard of a group called IRA, the Irish Republican Army, that terrorised Great Britain for God knows how many years. I and my directors at Ovation International were lucky to escape a massive explosion that shattered the peace and tranquillity of London Docklands when a bomb went off inside the South Quay light rail station which was next to our office at Beaufort Court. The battle of wits and the war of attrition had to be fought using the carrot and the stick approach. It was the carrot approach that eventually succeeded and the United Kingdom has now been rid of that hitherto interminable scourge for many years!
The Boko Haram issue has defied every effort made so far and it is time to expand the options for the sake of our fellow citizens in the heart of this conundrum. When over 200 girls vanished into thin air, we were so sure they would return very soon but that has remained an illusion. This should tell us that this issue is not a joke and that we need to keep all windows open. Sir, Nigerians want to see government show a different approach and better compassion than what we had in the past. They are waiting to see how you will do this with minimum collateral damage.
Sir, you have a herculean task ahead but it is not a mission impossible. Other nations are experiencing almost similar challenges and they are forging ahead. The first indicator to exhibit our seriousness is when we stop the business as usual syndrome and tighten the belts of government officials and politicians. If the idea is to continue along the path of profligacy then Nigeria is contagiously jinxed. The Republic of Tanzania has already taken the lead. I will publish a report that has already gone viral below this letter as a veritable example of what is possible.
I wish you well as always Sir.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/dele-momodu-writes-buhari-says-nigerians-are-lamenting/
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