An official said the case involves people who moved to Colorado from Texas specifically to grow marijuana that would be illegally exported
•Officers searched about 30 properties during the raids, which spanned from the Denver area south to Colorado Springs
•Authorities described the case as the latest example of drug traffickers seeking safe haven in the state's flourishing marijuana industry
•That's in order to ship the drug out of state, where it can sell for more than double what it would in Colorado
Police and federal agents arrested more than 40 people and seized piles of pot plants and elaborate growing equipment Thursday during raids of homes and warehouses throughout the Denver area, part of a multi-state investigation into the illegal distribution of marijuana outside Colorado.
Authorities described the case as the latest example of drug traffickers seeking safe haven in the state's flourishing marijuana industry in order to ship the drug out of state, where it can sell for more than double what it would in Colorado. Several raids in recent weeks have taken aim at out-of-state drug rings, including a sweep last month that focused on unlicensed pot grows of varying sizes.
The yearlong investigation that led to Thursday's raids began after residents living near the grows complained about the smell of weed, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press. The official wasn't authorized to comment on the ongoing investigation and did so on the condition of anonymity.
dailymail
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SALUTARY IMPACT (HOSPITALITY AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT)CALL +33605867728
Saturday 16 April 2016
Friday 15 April 2016
Just married at 13: Inside the child marriages that are on the rise in rural China after nation abandons one-child rule
13-year-old Jie married 18-year-old husband Wen three days after they met, got pregnant and dropped out of school
•Photographer Muyi Xiao documented cases of southern China's teen brides and grooms who still live at home
•Legal age of marriage in China is 20 for women and 22 for men, but families ignore it and register the wedding later
•Creating generation of 'lost children' left behind with grandparents when couple move away to cities to find work
Jie was barely a teenager when she got married just three days after meeting her 18-year-old husband Wen.
They met at a Spring festival while the 13-year-old was visiting Wen's family when her husband-to-be insisted she stay and become his wife.
Unaware of birth control, the teen wife was soon pregnant and dropped out of school - a fate similar to an increasing number of child brides in rural China.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3540754/Just-married-13-Inside-child-marriages-rise-rural-China-nation-abandons-one-child-rule.html
•Photographer Muyi Xiao documented cases of southern China's teen brides and grooms who still live at home
•Legal age of marriage in China is 20 for women and 22 for men, but families ignore it and register the wedding later
•Creating generation of 'lost children' left behind with grandparents when couple move away to cities to find work
Jie was barely a teenager when she got married just three days after meeting her 18-year-old husband Wen.
They met at a Spring festival while the 13-year-old was visiting Wen's family when her husband-to-be insisted she stay and become his wife.
Unaware of birth control, the teen wife was soon pregnant and dropped out of school - a fate similar to an increasing number of child brides in rural China.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3540754/Just-married-13-Inside-child-marriages-rise-rural-China-nation-abandons-one-child-rule.html
Thursday 14 April 2016
Buhari Visit China: The Implications
The implication of Buhari's trip to China. As confirmed to me by expert Chief F.K Balogun.. He said when you don't have alternative you are hooked but when you have more than one you have many alternatives. Before Nigeria foreign reserve was in Pounds and later when economy of USA is okay they make our foreign reserve in dollars. When you allow a fool to speak he may speak his or her mind.
From the real point of the whole thing, I was told that Chinese Is taking over. Note! There is no human being who is an authority on any issue. At this point we must forward.
1. Buhari is trying to diversify in a way that whatever happened to dollar will not affect Yuan.
2. Buhari is doing everything possible to take Nigeria away from the doldrums of monopoly of currency
3. Buhari want to clearly starts his diversification.
At this point we must understand the focus of this government though there might be mistakes we must focus on progress.
Note again.. At times you find yourself in the midst of discussion that you have nothing to contribute but when you listen to expert you gain from them.
What is the implication of making Nigeria the clearing house in Africa?
The major currency presently are Pounds, Dollar, Yuan, Euro.... as at today is Pounds and Yuan
If China decides to sign MOU with Nigeria shows they have agenda which in the next 10years might boomerang but let the game continues
So at this point if American refuses to buy our oil China will patronize Nigeria.
Written by Samuel Adesida
From the real point of the whole thing, I was told that Chinese Is taking over. Note! There is no human being who is an authority on any issue. At this point we must forward.
1. Buhari is trying to diversify in a way that whatever happened to dollar will not affect Yuan.
2. Buhari is doing everything possible to take Nigeria away from the doldrums of monopoly of currency
3. Buhari want to clearly starts his diversification.
At this point we must understand the focus of this government though there might be mistakes we must focus on progress.
Note again.. At times you find yourself in the midst of discussion that you have nothing to contribute but when you listen to expert you gain from them.
What is the implication of making Nigeria the clearing house in Africa?
The major currency presently are Pounds, Dollar, Yuan, Euro.... as at today is Pounds and Yuan
If China decides to sign MOU with Nigeria shows they have agenda which in the next 10years might boomerang but let the game continues
So at this point if American refuses to buy our oil China will patronize Nigeria.
Written by Samuel Adesida
Mahmood Ahmadu honoured with a Nigerian Economic Development Award
Years of total dedication to work and developing technology in Africa paid off for businessman, Mahmood Ahmadu on the 5th of April in faraway London when he was honoured with an award.
Mahmood Ahmadu received the Nigerian Economic Development Award in recognition of his efforts and success in developing one of Africa’s leading technology companies and successfully operating his business in over 17 international locations across 10 different time zones.
The award was presented at the just concluded international conference of the International Strategic Alliance Committee (ISAC) held on the 4th and 5th of April 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre in Westminster, London.
The special conference titled the Nigerian Mining & Agriculture Investment Summit, attracted high level local and international investors and business people interested in the hugely untapped opportunity in Nigeria’s Mining and Agriculture sector which is attracting much interest at the moment as the country seeks to diversify from her traditional dependency on Oil.
At the conclusion of the very well attended conference, ISAC hosted a glittering Gala Dinner to celebrate and honour some outstanding individuals for their contribution to national development amongst them was entrepreneur and businessman Mahmood Ahmadu.
Ahmadu’s Nigerian Economic Development Award was presented by the Israeli deputy Ambassador to the UK, Mr EitanNa’eh.
In receiving the award, Mahmood Ahmadu who was all smiles thanked the organizers of the conference for recognizing him and honoring him with the award.
For more information on this award, you may visit: http://americanlivenews.com/2016/04/mahmood-ahmadu-honoured-with-a-nigerian-economic/
Mahmood Ahmadu received the Nigerian Economic Development Award in recognition of his efforts and success in developing one of Africa’s leading technology companies and successfully operating his business in over 17 international locations across 10 different time zones.
The award was presented at the just concluded international conference of the International Strategic Alliance Committee (ISAC) held on the 4th and 5th of April 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre in Westminster, London.
The special conference titled the Nigerian Mining & Agriculture Investment Summit, attracted high level local and international investors and business people interested in the hugely untapped opportunity in Nigeria’s Mining and Agriculture sector which is attracting much interest at the moment as the country seeks to diversify from her traditional dependency on Oil.
At the conclusion of the very well attended conference, ISAC hosted a glittering Gala Dinner to celebrate and honour some outstanding individuals for their contribution to national development amongst them was entrepreneur and businessman Mahmood Ahmadu.
Ahmadu’s Nigerian Economic Development Award was presented by the Israeli deputy Ambassador to the UK, Mr EitanNa’eh.
In receiving the award, Mahmood Ahmadu who was all smiles thanked the organizers of the conference for recognizing him and honoring him with the award.
For more information on this award, you may visit: http://americanlivenews.com/2016/04/mahmood-ahmadu-honoured-with-a-nigerian-economic/
Research: How To Manage Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors
The only things we can control in life are our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. If we can manage those, we can achieve our goals and gain success in life.
To have this level of control, we need to learn about the science-based patterns behind our emotions and thoughts, and how to manage them. If we know how our minds work, we can be intentional about influencing our thinking and feeling patterns. We can evaluate reality more clearly, make better decisions and improve our ability to achieve our goals. Thus, we gain greater agency and the quality of living intentionally.
How do our minds work? Intuitively, our mind feels like a cohesive whole. We perceive ourselves as intentional and rational thinkers. Yet, cognitive science research shows that in reality, the intentional part of our mind is similar to a little rider on top of a huge elephant of emotions and intuitions.
Read more from the link below
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/intentional-insights/201604/how-manage-your-thoughts-feelings-and-behaviors
To have this level of control, we need to learn about the science-based patterns behind our emotions and thoughts, and how to manage them. If we know how our minds work, we can be intentional about influencing our thinking and feeling patterns. We can evaluate reality more clearly, make better decisions and improve our ability to achieve our goals. Thus, we gain greater agency and the quality of living intentionally.
How do our minds work? Intuitively, our mind feels like a cohesive whole. We perceive ourselves as intentional and rational thinkers. Yet, cognitive science research shows that in reality, the intentional part of our mind is similar to a little rider on top of a huge elephant of emotions and intuitions.
Read more from the link below
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/intentional-insights/201604/how-manage-your-thoughts-feelings-and-behaviors
Research: How To Manage Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors
The only things we can control in life are our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. If we can manage those, we can achieve our goals and gain success in life.
To have this level of control, we need to learn about the science-based patterns behind our emotions and thoughts, and how to manage them. If we know how our minds work, we can be intentional about influencing our thinking and feeling patterns. We can evaluate reality more clearly, make better decisions and improve our ability to achieve our goals. Thus, we gain greater agency and the quality of living intentionally.
How do our minds work? Intuitively, our mind feels like a cohesive whole. We perceive ourselves as intentional and rational thinkers. Yet, cognitive science research shows that in reality, the intentional part of our mind is similar to a little rider on top of a huge elephant of emotions and intuitions.
Read more from the link below
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/intentional-insights/201604/how-manage-your-thoughts-feelings-and-behaviors
To have this level of control, we need to learn about the science-based patterns behind our emotions and thoughts, and how to manage them. If we know how our minds work, we can be intentional about influencing our thinking and feeling patterns. We can evaluate reality more clearly, make better decisions and improve our ability to achieve our goals. Thus, we gain greater agency and the quality of living intentionally.
How do our minds work? Intuitively, our mind feels like a cohesive whole. We perceive ourselves as intentional and rational thinkers. Yet, cognitive science research shows that in reality, the intentional part of our mind is similar to a little rider on top of a huge elephant of emotions and intuitions.
Read more from the link below
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/intentional-insights/201604/how-manage-your-thoughts-feelings-and-behaviors
We spend $1.8bn to import fuel every quarter — NNPC
Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation, NNPC, has revealed that an average of $1.8 billion is spent on quarterly basis on the importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as fuel, into the country. This was as the corporation also apologized to Nigerians for the lingering scarcity of the product across the country. In a joint briefing at the presidential villa, Abuja, yesterday, four officials of NNPC in the persons of the Group General Managing, GGM, Public Affairs, Mr. Garba Deen Mohammed, and the Group Executive Directors, GED, Mr Bello Rabiu, (Upstream) Henry Obih (Downstream) and Anibor Kragha (Refineries), assured that long queues at the gas stations would disappear in days.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/spend-1-8bn-import-fuel-every-quarter-nnpc/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/spend-1-8bn-import-fuel-every-quarter-nnpc/
Wednesday 13 April 2016
Details Of An Empirical Review about CR7
An Empirical Review about CR7
Gerald Pique-"Ronaldo is really complete,he knows how to score,assist,shoot freekicks,penalties.He can do everything,He's one of the most toughest players I have ever faced"
Maradona"Portugal needs to build a statue for Ronaldo"
Maradona"Defenders are more afraid of Ronaldo than Messi"
Arsene Wenger"I think Ronaldo has now overtaken Messi"
Barca Legend"We have 3 Ronaldo's in Barca"
Jose Mourinho. "To me Ronaldo has proved himself in 3 different leagues. He is the best"-He's the most complete player i have ever seen"
Roberto Bargio "Many people know that Ronaldo is the best in the world but they are afraid to say it." -
Drogba "The best player i have ever played with is the best player in the world Cristiano Ronaldo." -
Emmanuel Adebayo "Comparing Ronaldo and Messi is like comparing an Alien with a human. Ronaldo doesnt have blood." -
Pepe "You doubt that Ronaldo is the best, then look at his last 5 seasons statistics. They are second to none." -
Football commentator Peter D "I fear noone in the track..... Maybe if Ferrari Ronaldo comes in the track i may tremble." -
Usaine Bolt "People say i was precise but boy or boy Ronaldo is perfect." - Paul Scholes "My role model is Cr7, he is the best ever player the world has ever seen." -
Bale "The next time you compare Ronaldo with another player, take a nap." -
Rafael Nadal "If you are the best player in the world you may be excused for being arogant." -
Galacticos: Perez "Cristiano Ronaldo does not have blood. Let him leave bloody United" -
Lady Gaga "Ronaldo is the best player in the world but we are tired, i just want Neur to win Ballon dor." -
Thomas Mueller "People want to call me little Messi. But i think i will be better than him. Call me little Cr7 instead." -
Mario Gozte "When you play with Ronaldo in your team, you are alredy 1-0 up. He is the best in his generation." -
Zinedine Zidane "Give me Cr7 and ten players. I will lift the Uefa Champions league." -
Capello "I love skills. Football is not about running and scoring goals. Ronaldo is a football package. Every single part of his body can play soccer. I admire him personaly." -
Austin Okocha "If i had played for a long time alongside Ronaldo 7, i would have scored a century at Manchester United. Ronaldo makes a strikers role look so easy. The greatest ever" -
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen. "Messi will never score goals like these. Ronaldo is unbelivable." -
Sir Alex Fegerson "In our national team we are lacking a Ronaldo. An Angel." -
Marcelo "If you have Cristiano what more do you want? Maybe bars to celebrate wins ." -
Klopp "Messi and Ronaldo are equal but Ronaldo can score from anywhere." -
Diego Maradona "Messi or Ronaldo? I think Ronaldo is more important than Messi." -
Pele "Ronaldo can score with either of his feet, his head and now he is scoring with the goal at his back. I bet he can score on wheelchair." -
Giggs "I never saw Pele play or even Maradonna. Ronaldo is the best i have seen." -
Luca Toni "Who said Ronaldo plays like me. Its a honour to be compared with the best player in the world" -
Luis Figo "One day i will tell my son, 'once upon a time there was Cristiano Ronaldo'. Its a fairy tale." -
Iker Cassilas "Cr7 is a monster, not a human. It will be a dream come true to play with him if he sign for Madrid." -
Neymar "Who’s better, Messi or Ronaldo? Ronaldo is out of this world. Thats my own sentiment." -that was when Neymar was in Santos.
Wesley Sneider "The best player i have ever played against has to be Ronaldo. You cannot afford to take you eyes off him." -
Benitez "The difference is Messi uses his height in a football match. Ronaldo uses skills." -
Valentino Rossi "Dont expect me to fill Ronaldo shoes. Nobody can fill them." -
Chicharito "I will keep voting for Ronaldo because he is the best in the field of play." -
Luka Modric "I saw Maradonna and Pele play. Ronaldo is at another level" -
England legend Bobby "Ronaldo Ronaldo Ronaldo. Football seems easy when he plays it." -
David Seaman "I wore the number 7 jersey and i will be proud. The number represent the best player in this generation" -
Raul "I would pay a fortune to watch Cr7 play. He is the best" -
Mendieta "Ronaldo is in a world of his own." -
Gerrard "Do i play like Ronaldo? Nobody does" -
Romario "With Ronaldo in your team. You become the best midfielder automatically" -
Yaya Toure " Pure talent.... Ronaldo is the best."
Sports Writer Abram "You cant coach what Cr7 does with the ball. Its magic." -
Viera "I will give excuses to fight Ronaldo. He is the best sportsman" -
Mike Tyson "Don't say a thing about Cr7, just enjoy him." -
Luke Bright .... Hala Madrid Hala CR30
I love this guy- best ever the world has seen.
Source: RUGIPOALUMNIGROUP
Gerald Pique-"Ronaldo is really complete,he knows how to score,assist,shoot freekicks,penalties.He can do everything,He's one of the most toughest players I have ever faced"
Maradona"Portugal needs to build a statue for Ronaldo"
Maradona"Defenders are more afraid of Ronaldo than Messi"
Arsene Wenger"I think Ronaldo has now overtaken Messi"
Barca Legend"We have 3 Ronaldo's in Barca"
Jose Mourinho. "To me Ronaldo has proved himself in 3 different leagues. He is the best"-He's the most complete player i have ever seen"
Roberto Bargio "Many people know that Ronaldo is the best in the world but they are afraid to say it." -
Drogba "The best player i have ever played with is the best player in the world Cristiano Ronaldo." -
Emmanuel Adebayo "Comparing Ronaldo and Messi is like comparing an Alien with a human. Ronaldo doesnt have blood." -
Pepe "You doubt that Ronaldo is the best, then look at his last 5 seasons statistics. They are second to none." -
Football commentator Peter D "I fear noone in the track..... Maybe if Ferrari Ronaldo comes in the track i may tremble." -
Usaine Bolt "People say i was precise but boy or boy Ronaldo is perfect." - Paul Scholes "My role model is Cr7, he is the best ever player the world has ever seen." -
Bale "The next time you compare Ronaldo with another player, take a nap." -
Rafael Nadal "If you are the best player in the world you may be excused for being arogant." -
Galacticos: Perez "Cristiano Ronaldo does not have blood. Let him leave bloody United" -
Lady Gaga "Ronaldo is the best player in the world but we are tired, i just want Neur to win Ballon dor." -
Thomas Mueller "People want to call me little Messi. But i think i will be better than him. Call me little Cr7 instead." -
Mario Gozte "When you play with Ronaldo in your team, you are alredy 1-0 up. He is the best in his generation." -
Zinedine Zidane "Give me Cr7 and ten players. I will lift the Uefa Champions league." -
Capello "I love skills. Football is not about running and scoring goals. Ronaldo is a football package. Every single part of his body can play soccer. I admire him personaly." -
Austin Okocha "If i had played for a long time alongside Ronaldo 7, i would have scored a century at Manchester United. Ronaldo makes a strikers role look so easy. The greatest ever" -
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen. "Messi will never score goals like these. Ronaldo is unbelivable." -
Sir Alex Fegerson "In our national team we are lacking a Ronaldo. An Angel." -
Marcelo "If you have Cristiano what more do you want? Maybe bars to celebrate wins ." -
Klopp "Messi and Ronaldo are equal but Ronaldo can score from anywhere." -
Diego Maradona "Messi or Ronaldo? I think Ronaldo is more important than Messi." -
Pele "Ronaldo can score with either of his feet, his head and now he is scoring with the goal at his back. I bet he can score on wheelchair." -
Giggs "I never saw Pele play or even Maradonna. Ronaldo is the best i have seen." -
Luca Toni "Who said Ronaldo plays like me. Its a honour to be compared with the best player in the world" -
Luis Figo "One day i will tell my son, 'once upon a time there was Cristiano Ronaldo'. Its a fairy tale." -
Iker Cassilas "Cr7 is a monster, not a human. It will be a dream come true to play with him if he sign for Madrid." -
Neymar "Who’s better, Messi or Ronaldo? Ronaldo is out of this world. Thats my own sentiment." -that was when Neymar was in Santos.
Wesley Sneider "The best player i have ever played against has to be Ronaldo. You cannot afford to take you eyes off him." -
Benitez "The difference is Messi uses his height in a football match. Ronaldo uses skills." -
Valentino Rossi "Dont expect me to fill Ronaldo shoes. Nobody can fill them." -
Chicharito "I will keep voting for Ronaldo because he is the best in the field of play." -
Luka Modric "I saw Maradonna and Pele play. Ronaldo is at another level" -
England legend Bobby "Ronaldo Ronaldo Ronaldo. Football seems easy when he plays it." -
David Seaman "I wore the number 7 jersey and i will be proud. The number represent the best player in this generation" -
Raul "I would pay a fortune to watch Cr7 play. He is the best" -
Mendieta "Ronaldo is in a world of his own." -
Gerrard "Do i play like Ronaldo? Nobody does" -
Romario "With Ronaldo in your team. You become the best midfielder automatically" -
Yaya Toure " Pure talent.... Ronaldo is the best."
Sports Writer Abram "You cant coach what Cr7 does with the ball. Its magic." -
Viera "I will give excuses to fight Ronaldo. He is the best sportsman" -
Mike Tyson "Don't say a thing about Cr7, just enjoy him." -
Luke Bright .... Hala Madrid Hala CR30
I love this guy- best ever the world has seen.
Source: RUGIPOALUMNIGROUP
Delayed Monthly Allowance : Nysc Releases Press Statement
PAYMENT OF CORPS MEMBERS' OUTSTANDING ALLOWANCES
The Management of the National Youth Service Corps regrets the delay in the payment of March 2016 allowances of Corps members.
In view of this, Corps members and the public are hereby informed that Management is actively liaising with Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure that money is released for disbursement to Corps members through the usual Central Bank platform.
In the same vein, out-going 2015 Batch 'A' Streams 1 and 2 Corps members are reassured that their April allowance (2 months for Stream 2) will be duly paid as soon as fund is released from the Federal Ministry of Finance.
We hereby urge all Corps members to remain calm and go about their lawful duties peacefully.
SIGNED:
MANAGEMENT
Source: @nysc_ng
The Management of the National Youth Service Corps regrets the delay in the payment of March 2016 allowances of Corps members.
In view of this, Corps members and the public are hereby informed that Management is actively liaising with Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure that money is released for disbursement to Corps members through the usual Central Bank platform.
In the same vein, out-going 2015 Batch 'A' Streams 1 and 2 Corps members are reassured that their April allowance (2 months for Stream 2) will be duly paid as soon as fund is released from the Federal Ministry of Finance.
We hereby urge all Corps members to remain calm and go about their lawful duties peacefully.
SIGNED:
MANAGEMENT
Source: @nysc_ng
Good News as Davido Signs Endorsement Deal With Pepsi
Talented Davido is winning again!!!! He just signed a two-year endorsement deal with Pepsi!!
http://www.newshelm.com/2016/04/photos-davido-signs-two-year.html
http://www.newshelm.com/2016/04/photos-davido-signs-two-year.html
Tuesday 12 April 2016
15 Men Who Want To Be Ondo State Governor In 2016
According to Kikelomo Iwajomo, Ahead of the October 2016 governorship election in Ondo State, stakeholders in People's Democratic Party(PDP) and the All Progressives Congress(APC) have begun to show interest in succeeding the incumbent governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. Dawn-To-Dusk News profiles those who are being tipped to join the race:
- Dr. Rotimi Adeola (Current Secretary to Ondo State Government)
- Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN (Current Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice)
- Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN (Onetime guber aspirant)
- Senator (Prof.) Ajayi Boroffice (Current Senator representing Ondo North)
- Barr. Sola Ebiseni (Current Commissioner for Environment & Physical Planning)
- Hon. Kingsley Kuku (Ex-Special Adviser on Niger Delta to former president Dr. Goodluck Jonathan)
- Engr. Tunji Ariyomo (Ace businessman)
- Dr. Bamidele Dada (Current Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters)
- Mr. Tokunbo Modupe (CEO, TPT International)
- Hon. Batista Bello (Former Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly)
- Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye (Former Director-General of the National Sports Commission)
- Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi (Current Director-General of Directorate of Technical Aids Corps)
Nairaland
- Dr. Rotimi Adeola (Current Secretary to Ondo State Government)
- Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN (Current Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice)
- Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN (Onetime guber aspirant)
- Senator (Prof.) Ajayi Boroffice (Current Senator representing Ondo North)
- Barr. Sola Ebiseni (Current Commissioner for Environment & Physical Planning)
- Hon. Kingsley Kuku (Ex-Special Adviser on Niger Delta to former president Dr. Goodluck Jonathan)
- Engr. Tunji Ariyomo (Ace businessman)
- Dr. Bamidele Dada (Current Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters)
- Mr. Tokunbo Modupe (CEO, TPT International)
- Hon. Batista Bello (Former Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly)
- Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye (Former Director-General of the National Sports Commission)
- Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi (Current Director-General of Directorate of Technical Aids Corps)
Nairaland
Monday 11 April 2016
Adeosun sets out plan to restructure economy
THE Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has set out the government’s plan to reset Nigeria’s economy with structured borrowing, targeted investment and diversified growth. Speaking to some of the country’s most influential captains of industry, in Lagos at the Lagos Business School breakfast meeting, the inister told the audience: “We have inherited a set of conditions that requires us to refine how we collectively work towards ushering in a new era in Nigeria.” Minister of Finance, Kemi AdeosunMinister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun Pointing to the impact of falling global oil prices on the economy, Adeosun said: “In the past, we had the means but not the will. Now we have the will but we no longer have the money to invest. The safety blanket of oil has been ripped away, laying the poverty of Nigeria’s institutions bare. “We have spent too many years tinkering at the edges of our institutions, our infrastructure and our economy and that the mistakes and misjudgements of the last 40 years have set our clocks back by decades.”
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/adeosun-sets-plan-restructure-economy/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/adeosun-sets-plan-restructure-economy/
Sunday 10 April 2016
Pendulum: Another desperate memo to President Buhari - by Dele Momodu
Your Excellency, Assalam Alaikum. It has been over six months since you graciously invited me to your office in Abuja. I must note once again that I was truly honoured and humbled by our one-on-one meeting. We spoke and interacted like two old buddies. What was more, I was all alone with you without a third party in the room. We spoke candidly and cracked jokes freely.
I remember presenting you with an advance copy of my forthcoming book and you even requested me to autograph it for you which I did with such pride and gratitude in me. We took loads of pictures before and after the meeting. I left you reassured in my belief that Nigeria is in safe hands.
Sir, a lot has happened since that meeting took place. In fact, so much water has passed under the bridge. Let me take you down memory lane a bit. You started contesting the Presidential election as far back as 2003. For three consecutive times, you lost and it seemed all hope had evaporated. In 2011, we were co-contestants.
I was driven to your house one night by Prince Lanre Tejuoso (now a Senator) who wanted me to tone down my criticism of you and opposition to your candidacy. I was totally disarmed by your humility and simplicity. You spoke softly and candidly. I felt you were too old to return to a post you left nearly 30 years ago but you were certain you still have so much in you to offer Nigeria.
The Jonathan government that won the election at that time was ushered in with so much hope and promise. After that election, you said that you would never seek elective office again. After three arduous attempts, you must have felt it was all a bloody waste of time seeking an opportunity to rebuild an irredeemable country that seemed determined to be plunged into the abyss by those you were convinced did not mean well for the country.
But the government that promised us fresh air soon lost its sail and floundered aimlessly. It wobbled and fumbled till it became obvious that something had to be done to avert a monumental catastrophe, the kind that you had foreseen. The situation became so bad that most of us were left with no choice but to see you as our only God-sent redeemer.
This was how the stone previously and repeatedly rejected by the builders suddenly transfigured into the much needed cornerstone. Your most caustic critics soon became your ardent fanatics. We were hypnotised and mesmerised by your new look.
You were repackaged as a reformed and born again democrat. We studiously ignored your military credentials and dictatorial proclivity. The young and old screamed your name from the rooftops. Many youths were ready to march for you and even die in the process.
The last time we witnessed such a phenomenon was in 1993 when Chief Moshood Abiola contested and won the June 12 Presidential election which was later annulled by your former colleagues in the army.
You and your political party enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Nigerians. The covenant was based on mutual trust and the hope that you had robust knowledge of Nigerian history as well as vast experience in governance. Your avowed integrity was the icing on the cake. We expected you to inspire us as a veritable example of honesty-personified. The election came and you won almost effortlessly. What mattered to us was for someone to liberate and remove us from the suffocating yoke of the PDP. You looked the perfect man to do it.
Of course, to whom much is given much is expected. The burden of proof and expectation hung around your neck like an albatross. Soon, it seemed Nigerians thought and assumed that they had voted for a magician and so expected miracles to happen instantaneously. Trouble started very early. You inherited a government with plummeting revenues as the crude oil which greased the economy had suffered a massive collapse in price thus emasculating our country’s fortune and reserves. In addition, just before you returned to power the outgoing government had twice devalued the Naira leaving you with a currency that was set for free fall. In short the Government that you assumed control of was one which was like a disaster waiting to happen.
Nigerians are generally impatient. We are action-packed and expect talismanic results. Unfortunately that has not happened and is not likely to happen soon no matter how hard you try. Sir, let me stop the introduction and go straight to the crux of the matter. While I do not want to sound like a doomsday prophet, I wish to alert you that there is fire on the mountain.
This is not a subtle or covert attempt to create any panic. As a war General, I’m certain you have enough liver to withstand shock. But what I wish to say without mincing words is that we are yielding grounds to the enemies. Hard core supporters of your campaign like me are being derided by those who feel you are not living up to expectations. I know your handlers are likely to dismiss this as crying wolf where there is none but please, don’t listen to them.
The situation is very critical and may even get out of hand if not carefully and delicately managed. You are going to be told the usual tales and rigmarole of how corruption is fighting back. Yes, perhaps corruption is fighting back truly but it is because you did not prepare adequately for the backlash. The style and manner of the war you are waging has not been novel. The approach has been a rehash of the Obasanjo era with Nuhu Ribadu in charge.
What would I have done differently if I were you? I would have traced and located the loot as much as possible before launching my attack. Surprise is one of the most effective weapons of war. And you are without doubt an accomplished General. It is only in Nigeria that investigators announce in advance who the next set of villains they are coming after will be. I would have gone to the courts to seek permission to freeze the looted funds.
Thereafter, I would have asked my operatives to show evidence of the identified perpetrators and located the looters and ask for their cooperation in gently signing the purloined money back to the State without hullabaloo. I will then exchange a grudging handshake and tell them to sin no more. Those who wish to be difficult would be treated like hardened criminals and the full weight of the law would descend powerfully on such recalcitrant fellows. I would have kept the promise you made prior to assumption of office of drawing the line after being sworn in on May 29 and punish any fresh acts of rascality and irresponsibility.
I will ensure there is a uniform treatment for all Nigerians, rich or poor, members of my party and others. I will avoid anything that would suggest I’m principally after my perceived enemies and opponents. I will not create tension and confusion within my own party and accept the verdict of the people in their collective wisdom or stupidity. A house divided against itself cannot stand, I read in the Holy Bible.
I would also make sure that as much as possible I would internalise the process and not wash the country’s dirty linen in public. Such tactics only tends to frighten away those who would assist us and make life unbearable for our citizens abroad. If we require assistance from other countries to repatriate our looted resources I would have engaged the leaders of those countries privately and sought their co-operation surreptitiously. I would have realised that even if they desired to assist my government they would be hampered by the rule of law enshrined in their respective jurisdictions and recourse would be required to the judicial process in those countries.
My silent approach to the recovery of the looted funds would also ensure that the expectations of the people of this country would not be unnecessarily heightened. The money Abacha pillaged is still being recovered in staccato and stuttering fashion almost 20 years after his death.
It is important for you to realise that corruption will fester and even explode when it is incubated in an economy approaching a comatose state as people seek to survive by all means possible.
I will therefore make the economy my utmost priority. Trust me Sir, as important as the war against corruption is wonderful, it pales into irrelevance and insignificance where hunger, deprivation, poverty, unemployment, poor education, ignorance, diseases, insecurity of lives and properties and other complications are concerned.
Many people are going to hail you for arresting the thieves but the same people will soon turn around to attack you when they can’t feel the effect of the war positively on their bodies and souls. In case you are shielded from reading the comments making the rounds, let me inform you Sir, that people are already saying they would rather have corruption back, out of the desperation and suffering they are going through. And these are not the so-called looters but the ordinary Nigerians.
Nothing illustrates this more poignantly than the video posted by Instablog9ja on Instagram and other social media platforms yesterday showing a man that looks like a taxi driver being interviewed. The man said he is so frustrated that he wants Nigeria to perish and all of us with it instantaneously. He wished that we all die simultaneously, at once and suddenly.
The clip has already gone viral globally. Therefore, if anyone tells you only the elites are grumbling, they are telling you a blatant lie, Sir.
The poor who were your best friends and biggest supporters appear totally confused, disillusioned and ostensibly tired of the endless excuses coming out of your Administrations spokespeople. I read somewhere that your foot-soldiers will soon embark on town hall meetings but I can assure you it won’t achieve anything. Why do you want to engage in campaign after election?
Some expert scammers would just collect money for these jamborees. Nigerians want positive change and not a cacophony of lies bandied at stage managed, hurriedly assembled meetings populated by sycophants and glory hunters. They are ready to sacrifice but not when they think things are going from bad to worse. There is so much to do but without an agile economy nothing tangible can be achieved. The economy itself cannot be fixed in an atmosphere of permanent strife.
One year will soon pass by next month and a second year shall begin. It is time to bite the bullet and take the economy head on. Forget about all distractions and concentrate on what really matters to the generality of our people. You will find out that once the economy is tamed all else will follow suit and the successes that you crave in your corruption crusade will start being manifested.
I pray you will hearken to my humble advice and concentrate your energy on resurrecting the economy instead of embarking on a war of attrition. You will be judged ultimately by the comfort you bring to your people and not the self-immolating pain you inflict on real and imaginary enemies.
May Allah grant you the wisdom of Nelson Mandela who chose the path of reconciliation and national rebirth above the tempting choice of prolonging the horror of racial segregation.
My warmest regards to you and yours always.
I remain yours sincerely.
http://thebossnewspapers.com/pendulum-another-desperate-memo-to-president-buhari/
I remember presenting you with an advance copy of my forthcoming book and you even requested me to autograph it for you which I did with such pride and gratitude in me. We took loads of pictures before and after the meeting. I left you reassured in my belief that Nigeria is in safe hands.
Sir, a lot has happened since that meeting took place. In fact, so much water has passed under the bridge. Let me take you down memory lane a bit. You started contesting the Presidential election as far back as 2003. For three consecutive times, you lost and it seemed all hope had evaporated. In 2011, we were co-contestants.
I was driven to your house one night by Prince Lanre Tejuoso (now a Senator) who wanted me to tone down my criticism of you and opposition to your candidacy. I was totally disarmed by your humility and simplicity. You spoke softly and candidly. I felt you were too old to return to a post you left nearly 30 years ago but you were certain you still have so much in you to offer Nigeria.
The Jonathan government that won the election at that time was ushered in with so much hope and promise. After that election, you said that you would never seek elective office again. After three arduous attempts, you must have felt it was all a bloody waste of time seeking an opportunity to rebuild an irredeemable country that seemed determined to be plunged into the abyss by those you were convinced did not mean well for the country.
But the government that promised us fresh air soon lost its sail and floundered aimlessly. It wobbled and fumbled till it became obvious that something had to be done to avert a monumental catastrophe, the kind that you had foreseen. The situation became so bad that most of us were left with no choice but to see you as our only God-sent redeemer.
This was how the stone previously and repeatedly rejected by the builders suddenly transfigured into the much needed cornerstone. Your most caustic critics soon became your ardent fanatics. We were hypnotised and mesmerised by your new look.
You were repackaged as a reformed and born again democrat. We studiously ignored your military credentials and dictatorial proclivity. The young and old screamed your name from the rooftops. Many youths were ready to march for you and even die in the process.
The last time we witnessed such a phenomenon was in 1993 when Chief Moshood Abiola contested and won the June 12 Presidential election which was later annulled by your former colleagues in the army.
You and your political party enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Nigerians. The covenant was based on mutual trust and the hope that you had robust knowledge of Nigerian history as well as vast experience in governance. Your avowed integrity was the icing on the cake. We expected you to inspire us as a veritable example of honesty-personified. The election came and you won almost effortlessly. What mattered to us was for someone to liberate and remove us from the suffocating yoke of the PDP. You looked the perfect man to do it.
Of course, to whom much is given much is expected. The burden of proof and expectation hung around your neck like an albatross. Soon, it seemed Nigerians thought and assumed that they had voted for a magician and so expected miracles to happen instantaneously. Trouble started very early. You inherited a government with plummeting revenues as the crude oil which greased the economy had suffered a massive collapse in price thus emasculating our country’s fortune and reserves. In addition, just before you returned to power the outgoing government had twice devalued the Naira leaving you with a currency that was set for free fall. In short the Government that you assumed control of was one which was like a disaster waiting to happen.
Nigerians are generally impatient. We are action-packed and expect talismanic results. Unfortunately that has not happened and is not likely to happen soon no matter how hard you try. Sir, let me stop the introduction and go straight to the crux of the matter. While I do not want to sound like a doomsday prophet, I wish to alert you that there is fire on the mountain.
This is not a subtle or covert attempt to create any panic. As a war General, I’m certain you have enough liver to withstand shock. But what I wish to say without mincing words is that we are yielding grounds to the enemies. Hard core supporters of your campaign like me are being derided by those who feel you are not living up to expectations. I know your handlers are likely to dismiss this as crying wolf where there is none but please, don’t listen to them.
The situation is very critical and may even get out of hand if not carefully and delicately managed. You are going to be told the usual tales and rigmarole of how corruption is fighting back. Yes, perhaps corruption is fighting back truly but it is because you did not prepare adequately for the backlash. The style and manner of the war you are waging has not been novel. The approach has been a rehash of the Obasanjo era with Nuhu Ribadu in charge.
What would I have done differently if I were you? I would have traced and located the loot as much as possible before launching my attack. Surprise is one of the most effective weapons of war. And you are without doubt an accomplished General. It is only in Nigeria that investigators announce in advance who the next set of villains they are coming after will be. I would have gone to the courts to seek permission to freeze the looted funds.
Thereafter, I would have asked my operatives to show evidence of the identified perpetrators and located the looters and ask for their cooperation in gently signing the purloined money back to the State without hullabaloo. I will then exchange a grudging handshake and tell them to sin no more. Those who wish to be difficult would be treated like hardened criminals and the full weight of the law would descend powerfully on such recalcitrant fellows. I would have kept the promise you made prior to assumption of office of drawing the line after being sworn in on May 29 and punish any fresh acts of rascality and irresponsibility.
I will ensure there is a uniform treatment for all Nigerians, rich or poor, members of my party and others. I will avoid anything that would suggest I’m principally after my perceived enemies and opponents. I will not create tension and confusion within my own party and accept the verdict of the people in their collective wisdom or stupidity. A house divided against itself cannot stand, I read in the Holy Bible.
I would also make sure that as much as possible I would internalise the process and not wash the country’s dirty linen in public. Such tactics only tends to frighten away those who would assist us and make life unbearable for our citizens abroad. If we require assistance from other countries to repatriate our looted resources I would have engaged the leaders of those countries privately and sought their co-operation surreptitiously. I would have realised that even if they desired to assist my government they would be hampered by the rule of law enshrined in their respective jurisdictions and recourse would be required to the judicial process in those countries.
My silent approach to the recovery of the looted funds would also ensure that the expectations of the people of this country would not be unnecessarily heightened. The money Abacha pillaged is still being recovered in staccato and stuttering fashion almost 20 years after his death.
It is important for you to realise that corruption will fester and even explode when it is incubated in an economy approaching a comatose state as people seek to survive by all means possible.
I will therefore make the economy my utmost priority. Trust me Sir, as important as the war against corruption is wonderful, it pales into irrelevance and insignificance where hunger, deprivation, poverty, unemployment, poor education, ignorance, diseases, insecurity of lives and properties and other complications are concerned.
Many people are going to hail you for arresting the thieves but the same people will soon turn around to attack you when they can’t feel the effect of the war positively on their bodies and souls. In case you are shielded from reading the comments making the rounds, let me inform you Sir, that people are already saying they would rather have corruption back, out of the desperation and suffering they are going through. And these are not the so-called looters but the ordinary Nigerians.
Nothing illustrates this more poignantly than the video posted by Instablog9ja on Instagram and other social media platforms yesterday showing a man that looks like a taxi driver being interviewed. The man said he is so frustrated that he wants Nigeria to perish and all of us with it instantaneously. He wished that we all die simultaneously, at once and suddenly.
The clip has already gone viral globally. Therefore, if anyone tells you only the elites are grumbling, they are telling you a blatant lie, Sir.
The poor who were your best friends and biggest supporters appear totally confused, disillusioned and ostensibly tired of the endless excuses coming out of your Administrations spokespeople. I read somewhere that your foot-soldiers will soon embark on town hall meetings but I can assure you it won’t achieve anything. Why do you want to engage in campaign after election?
Some expert scammers would just collect money for these jamborees. Nigerians want positive change and not a cacophony of lies bandied at stage managed, hurriedly assembled meetings populated by sycophants and glory hunters. They are ready to sacrifice but not when they think things are going from bad to worse. There is so much to do but without an agile economy nothing tangible can be achieved. The economy itself cannot be fixed in an atmosphere of permanent strife.
One year will soon pass by next month and a second year shall begin. It is time to bite the bullet and take the economy head on. Forget about all distractions and concentrate on what really matters to the generality of our people. You will find out that once the economy is tamed all else will follow suit and the successes that you crave in your corruption crusade will start being manifested.
I pray you will hearken to my humble advice and concentrate your energy on resurrecting the economy instead of embarking on a war of attrition. You will be judged ultimately by the comfort you bring to your people and not the self-immolating pain you inflict on real and imaginary enemies.
May Allah grant you the wisdom of Nelson Mandela who chose the path of reconciliation and national rebirth above the tempting choice of prolonging the horror of racial segregation.
My warmest regards to you and yours always.
I remain yours sincerely.
http://thebossnewspapers.com/pendulum-another-desperate-memo-to-president-buhari/
Leave Matter For Matthias By Reuben Abati
“I saw something yesterday. I thought it was a joke.”
“What happened?”
“Nigerians and their sense of humour; we always manage to squeeze laughter out of every situation, no matter how sad.”
“I don’t like the suspense. What is it?”
“I attended a wedding engagement ceremony.”
“And?”
“When the groom’s family was presenting gifts to the bride’s family, do you know what they did?”
“I am with you”
“They suddenly brought out two 50-litre jerry cans of fuel, which they presented to the bride’s father, with a declaration that they don’t want their in-law to go through any stress during this season of fuel scarcity”
“Correct in-laws!”
“We all burst into laughter. Even the bride’s father was almost sprawling on the floor with laughter. He quickly gave his daughter’s hand in marriage.”
“Trust Nigerians.”
“It turned out that the bridegroom’s father owns a petrol station. Talk of using what you have to get what you want.”
“Free fuel for life. No more fuel scarcity in that family. The bride chose well. In this type of country, you have to marry wisely.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Must people choose husbands because of fuel, something that should be taken for granted?
“Dey there. This fuel crisis is so serious at least two universities have had to shut down and send the students home.”
“I read the statement by the University of Lagos authorities. The university had to be closed due to the collapse of municipal services. No fuel. No light, and the students had become riotous.”
“That must be the first time in the entire world that a university would have to close down because there is no fuel in the country. Terrible indictment.”
“Well, that’s Nigeria for you. But I expect the students to show understanding. It is not the fault of the university authorities.”
“Hardship is difficult to understand. Many of the students had to trek from the campus to their various homes.”
“They should not complain, please. It is called Trekking for Sai Baba. After the election last year, didn’t many of them trek for Sai Baba? They certainly didn’t know that was just a technical rehearsal and that serious trekking will soon come. Anybody wey no get fuel, make e trek.”
“I hear some people are even planning Occupy Nigeria protests.”
“Because of fuel scarcity?”
“Because a litre of fuel is now about N350 per litre.”
“They better don’t get themselves shot. Hen hen. If they think it is that kind of Occupy Nigeria that they tried with GEJ, let them go and try their luck this time around. You better tell that your stubborn brother not to go to Ojota to occupy anything oh, I don’t want to write a condolence message. What we need is not protests. That won’t bring fuel. What we need is a different kind of citizen action.”
“Which is?”
“The truth is that some people are sabotaging Nigerians. Independent marketers are hoarding fuel deliberately, so they can sell at a premium. And many of them are sadists. Even when they have fuel, have you not noticed that they usually sell from one pump? What stops them from selling from three or four pumps at the same time? But apparently, seeing a long queue, and people in agony makes some of them happy.”
“I even understand that some fuel station managers tell the pump attendants that they must deliver N50, 000 to them daily. That’s why when you buy fuel in many of these stations, the attendant tells you upfront that you will have to drop something.”
“And at the end, you don’t even get what you buy in full measure, because the meters have been tampered with.”
“Nigerians are their own problem. We like to inconvenience one another and yet we blame government all the time.”
“The people are the government. The ones in public office punish the people; those outside inflict pain on each other. We are all guilty as members of a large community of sadists.”
“So, have you started your fuel business? The NNPC Mega Station of jerry cans of fuel that you talked about.”
“I am still on it”
“You plan to start when fuel scarcity ends?”
“You think this thing will ever end? Look, do you know that it is actually a good business. I went to visit a friend the other day, and I told him I didn’t have fuel. He just made a phone call. Before I knew it, somebody brought fuel in two big jerry cans.”
“Home delivery?”
“Yes. People are now doing home delivery of fuel as if they are delivering Pizza. N500 per litre. Some people collude with fuel station managers. They store fuel in jerry cans and they do home delivery if you are willing to pay. I saw it with my two eyes.”
“By the time this fuel scarcity is over, some people will become billionaires. In my own case, when I was looking for fuel, my driver took me to a house where the gateman spoke to the landlord and they brought out fuel. It was as if I was in another world. A small-scale business has developed around this fuel scarcity crisis, and while you and I are wailing, some people are hailing the change that has come.”
“All the people profiting from the people’s agony should be reported, arrested and publicly shamed as saboteurs.”
“That doesn’t require citizen action.”
“But the people must report sharp practices at fuel stations, and the illegal conversion of private homes to fuel dumps!”
“Who should they report to?”
“The Police. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).”
“To do what?”
“To check meters at fuel stations, to arrest marketers who are punishing the people and making government look bad. There is a Weights and Measures law in this country for Heaven’s sake.”
“Police. DPR. You will just create another layer of fraud. You’d be surprised the officials that should enforce the law, will be bribed with fuel and cash.”
“Then such officials should also be reported.”
“I beg. Leave that matter for Matthias. The last time I slept at a fuel station, I saw uniformed men asking for officer’s price.”
“Officer’s price, how?”
“Exactly what it says. Three guys came to the station. They flashed their identity cards or well, what looked like identity cards, and they said Oga sent them to buy fuel, and they wanted officer’s price.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning they would not pay up to N200 or N350 per litre.”
“And the manager agreed?”
“Would he not agree? We were all there gawking as the officers loaded about twelve jerry cans into their vehicle and left the rest of us there.”
“And nobody protested?”
“Protest? Have you not heard about people who have been killed at fuel stations by officers?”
“The martyrs of fuel scarcity! I hope NNPC will remember to send condolence messages to the affected families.”
“Na NNPC kill them?”
“No be NNPC kill them?”
“Na NNPC pull the trigger? Small time now, you’d say NNPC also killed the man and his two children who stored fuel in their room and got engulfed in a fire accident.”
“No be NNPC kill them?”
“But what happened to the promised April 7?”
“Did I not tell you nothing will happen on April 7, and that it was wrong to put a date to the end of fuel scarcity.”
“Next month, then.”
“Or the month after.”
“Don’t be pessimistic.”
“Okay, until the right steps are taken.”
“Like succumbing to the blackmail of fuel importers?”
“No. Like throwing anybody who tries to sabotage Nigeria behind bars, be they pipeline vandals or greedy fuel importers looking for free cash, waivers and patronage.”
“I hear you. But for government to work, you must still allow some people small space to enjoy government.”
“Sorry. Nation-building is not about enjoying government. It is about service.”
“I hear you.”
“That’s why government officials have now been told that they cannot travel First Class.”
“I am not really sure anybody travels First Class in government.”
“Are you sure?”
“I think the highest level is business class.”
“Well, whatever. But really, the rule should be that every government official must travel Economy, if the ticket has to be paid for by government. Economy. And if you want to travel Upper Deck class, you pay from your pocket.”
“Economy?”
“Yes, economy.”
“That will amount to punishment. Even poor me, I don’t like economy. People yawn, snore, and open their mouths in your face, they talk too much, and some people in economy class are so crude, they actually fart and pollute the air.”
“But the plane will get to the same destination and everybody will come down and go their way.”
“We are talking comfort here.”
“If it is your money, no problem. But even when it is your money, I am always angry when I see people putting their children, babies that are under 10, in Business Class and First Class. Nigerians like to waste money. Some of those children will grow up and may never in their lives be able to travel so richly, so what happens to them?”
“You don’t have to curse other people’s children. One of the rules of capitalism is the freedom to make your money and spend it as you wish.”
“Some government officials spend government money to take their wives and children abroad and they put them in Business Class.”
“Such people should be sanctioned. But you know, everything failed long ago in the public sector.”
“I know. We all know.”
“And to save Nigeria is not an easy task.”
“I know. I know. But that does not mean some people should sleep on the job.”
“Like who and who?”
“All I know is that some Ministers are not just asleep, some of them are even snoring.”
“There is no budget yet”
“And that calls for snoring?”
“How?”
“Okay, name up to ten Ministers in Abuja.”
“Why should I know their names? Do they know me?”
“You see?”
“You know?”
“That’s right?”
“When you are given a job, you do it. You have to be seen to be doing the job. Going to Abuja to sleep and snore on the job? That is not service. That is disloyalty.”
“I have an idea. For a Minister to function, he or she needs to be empowered. Empowerment. Very important.”
“I beg. Leave matter for Matthias.”
“I think you just picked up that slang. Everything Matthias. That was how one Matthias spoke roughly at a fuel station and he earned a swollen face for his effrontery. You better watch your mouth.”
“Leave matter for Matthias. Let’s discuss something else.”
“What happened?”
“Nigerians and their sense of humour; we always manage to squeeze laughter out of every situation, no matter how sad.”
“I don’t like the suspense. What is it?”
“I attended a wedding engagement ceremony.”
“And?”
“When the groom’s family was presenting gifts to the bride’s family, do you know what they did?”
“I am with you”
“They suddenly brought out two 50-litre jerry cans of fuel, which they presented to the bride’s father, with a declaration that they don’t want their in-law to go through any stress during this season of fuel scarcity”
“Correct in-laws!”
“We all burst into laughter. Even the bride’s father was almost sprawling on the floor with laughter. He quickly gave his daughter’s hand in marriage.”
“Trust Nigerians.”
“It turned out that the bridegroom’s father owns a petrol station. Talk of using what you have to get what you want.”
“Free fuel for life. No more fuel scarcity in that family. The bride chose well. In this type of country, you have to marry wisely.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Must people choose husbands because of fuel, something that should be taken for granted?
“Dey there. This fuel crisis is so serious at least two universities have had to shut down and send the students home.”
“I read the statement by the University of Lagos authorities. The university had to be closed due to the collapse of municipal services. No fuel. No light, and the students had become riotous.”
“That must be the first time in the entire world that a university would have to close down because there is no fuel in the country. Terrible indictment.”
“Well, that’s Nigeria for you. But I expect the students to show understanding. It is not the fault of the university authorities.”
“Hardship is difficult to understand. Many of the students had to trek from the campus to their various homes.”
“They should not complain, please. It is called Trekking for Sai Baba. After the election last year, didn’t many of them trek for Sai Baba? They certainly didn’t know that was just a technical rehearsal and that serious trekking will soon come. Anybody wey no get fuel, make e trek.”
“I hear some people are even planning Occupy Nigeria protests.”
“Because of fuel scarcity?”
“Because a litre of fuel is now about N350 per litre.”
“They better don’t get themselves shot. Hen hen. If they think it is that kind of Occupy Nigeria that they tried with GEJ, let them go and try their luck this time around. You better tell that your stubborn brother not to go to Ojota to occupy anything oh, I don’t want to write a condolence message. What we need is not protests. That won’t bring fuel. What we need is a different kind of citizen action.”
“Which is?”
“The truth is that some people are sabotaging Nigerians. Independent marketers are hoarding fuel deliberately, so they can sell at a premium. And many of them are sadists. Even when they have fuel, have you not noticed that they usually sell from one pump? What stops them from selling from three or four pumps at the same time? But apparently, seeing a long queue, and people in agony makes some of them happy.”
“I even understand that some fuel station managers tell the pump attendants that they must deliver N50, 000 to them daily. That’s why when you buy fuel in many of these stations, the attendant tells you upfront that you will have to drop something.”
“And at the end, you don’t even get what you buy in full measure, because the meters have been tampered with.”
“Nigerians are their own problem. We like to inconvenience one another and yet we blame government all the time.”
“The people are the government. The ones in public office punish the people; those outside inflict pain on each other. We are all guilty as members of a large community of sadists.”
“So, have you started your fuel business? The NNPC Mega Station of jerry cans of fuel that you talked about.”
“I am still on it”
“You plan to start when fuel scarcity ends?”
“You think this thing will ever end? Look, do you know that it is actually a good business. I went to visit a friend the other day, and I told him I didn’t have fuel. He just made a phone call. Before I knew it, somebody brought fuel in two big jerry cans.”
“Home delivery?”
“Yes. People are now doing home delivery of fuel as if they are delivering Pizza. N500 per litre. Some people collude with fuel station managers. They store fuel in jerry cans and they do home delivery if you are willing to pay. I saw it with my two eyes.”
“By the time this fuel scarcity is over, some people will become billionaires. In my own case, when I was looking for fuel, my driver took me to a house where the gateman spoke to the landlord and they brought out fuel. It was as if I was in another world. A small-scale business has developed around this fuel scarcity crisis, and while you and I are wailing, some people are hailing the change that has come.”
“All the people profiting from the people’s agony should be reported, arrested and publicly shamed as saboteurs.”
“That doesn’t require citizen action.”
“But the people must report sharp practices at fuel stations, and the illegal conversion of private homes to fuel dumps!”
“Who should they report to?”
“The Police. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).”
“To do what?”
“To check meters at fuel stations, to arrest marketers who are punishing the people and making government look bad. There is a Weights and Measures law in this country for Heaven’s sake.”
“Police. DPR. You will just create another layer of fraud. You’d be surprised the officials that should enforce the law, will be bribed with fuel and cash.”
“Then such officials should also be reported.”
“I beg. Leave that matter for Matthias. The last time I slept at a fuel station, I saw uniformed men asking for officer’s price.”
“Officer’s price, how?”
“Exactly what it says. Three guys came to the station. They flashed their identity cards or well, what looked like identity cards, and they said Oga sent them to buy fuel, and they wanted officer’s price.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning they would not pay up to N200 or N350 per litre.”
“And the manager agreed?”
“Would he not agree? We were all there gawking as the officers loaded about twelve jerry cans into their vehicle and left the rest of us there.”
“And nobody protested?”
“Protest? Have you not heard about people who have been killed at fuel stations by officers?”
“The martyrs of fuel scarcity! I hope NNPC will remember to send condolence messages to the affected families.”
“Na NNPC kill them?”
“No be NNPC kill them?”
“Na NNPC pull the trigger? Small time now, you’d say NNPC also killed the man and his two children who stored fuel in their room and got engulfed in a fire accident.”
“No be NNPC kill them?”
“But what happened to the promised April 7?”
“Did I not tell you nothing will happen on April 7, and that it was wrong to put a date to the end of fuel scarcity.”
“Next month, then.”
“Or the month after.”
“Don’t be pessimistic.”
“Okay, until the right steps are taken.”
“Like succumbing to the blackmail of fuel importers?”
“No. Like throwing anybody who tries to sabotage Nigeria behind bars, be they pipeline vandals or greedy fuel importers looking for free cash, waivers and patronage.”
“I hear you. But for government to work, you must still allow some people small space to enjoy government.”
“Sorry. Nation-building is not about enjoying government. It is about service.”
“I hear you.”
“That’s why government officials have now been told that they cannot travel First Class.”
“I am not really sure anybody travels First Class in government.”
“Are you sure?”
“I think the highest level is business class.”
“Well, whatever. But really, the rule should be that every government official must travel Economy, if the ticket has to be paid for by government. Economy. And if you want to travel Upper Deck class, you pay from your pocket.”
“Economy?”
“Yes, economy.”
“That will amount to punishment. Even poor me, I don’t like economy. People yawn, snore, and open their mouths in your face, they talk too much, and some people in economy class are so crude, they actually fart and pollute the air.”
“But the plane will get to the same destination and everybody will come down and go their way.”
“We are talking comfort here.”
“If it is your money, no problem. But even when it is your money, I am always angry when I see people putting their children, babies that are under 10, in Business Class and First Class. Nigerians like to waste money. Some of those children will grow up and may never in their lives be able to travel so richly, so what happens to them?”
“You don’t have to curse other people’s children. One of the rules of capitalism is the freedom to make your money and spend it as you wish.”
“Some government officials spend government money to take their wives and children abroad and they put them in Business Class.”
“Such people should be sanctioned. But you know, everything failed long ago in the public sector.”
“I know. We all know.”
“And to save Nigeria is not an easy task.”
“I know. I know. But that does not mean some people should sleep on the job.”
“Like who and who?”
“All I know is that some Ministers are not just asleep, some of them are even snoring.”
“There is no budget yet”
“And that calls for snoring?”
“How?”
“Okay, name up to ten Ministers in Abuja.”
“Why should I know their names? Do they know me?”
“You see?”
“You know?”
“That’s right?”
“When you are given a job, you do it. You have to be seen to be doing the job. Going to Abuja to sleep and snore on the job? That is not service. That is disloyalty.”
“I have an idea. For a Minister to function, he or she needs to be empowered. Empowerment. Very important.”
“I beg. Leave matter for Matthias.”
“I think you just picked up that slang. Everything Matthias. That was how one Matthias spoke roughly at a fuel station and he earned a swollen face for his effrontery. You better watch your mouth.”
“Leave matter for Matthias. Let’s discuss something else.”
Disgraced Footballer Adam Johnson says his conviction was a joke
Shamed paedophile football star Adam Johnson sent flirtatious text messages to a woman just days before he was jailed declaring his conviction 'a joke'.
The former England international was jailed last month for six years after being convicted of grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
Following his conviction, Johnson was released on strict bail terms while the trial judge considered his sentence.
Read more through this link
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3532080/My-conviction-s-joke-hopefully-ll-play-Adam-Johnson-s-amazing-flirty-texts-sent-lover-just-days-jailed-child-sex-crimes.html
The former England international was jailed last month for six years after being convicted of grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
Following his conviction, Johnson was released on strict bail terms while the trial judge considered his sentence.
Read more through this link
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3532080/My-conviction-s-joke-hopefully-ll-play-Adam-Johnson-s-amazing-flirty-texts-sent-lover-just-days-jailed-child-sex-crimes.html
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