"It doesn't matter the
challenges faced by any nation, justice is key"
Justice is the
reassurance of criminals not getting away with crime. The ability of any
government to do this imbibes a tradition of trust in the citizens of the
country and of the government of the day. Without this trust in place, there
is break down of law and order with a gradual decent
into uncontrollable chaos.
On the 26th of November 2008, Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab and nine others went on a
killing spree lasting three days and killing 166 people during the
rampage. His plea for mercy was rejected by the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, who
approved the death penalty as atonement for his crime. By so doing, today 21st of november 2012, India successfully redefined the meaning of
justice by hanging Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab the only gunman to have survived
the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai
R.R.
Patil, the home minister for the state of Maharashtra, where Mumbai is
located said “This is a tribute to all innocent people and
police officers who lost their lives in this heinous attack on our nation”
Though his death will not bring back the lives lost, neither will it mend the broken hearts of men and women who lost relatives friends and family members during the period.
But what’s important is that
justice has been served
The cliché of the world being
a global village can not be underrated when stories like this bring out the
injustice that occurs daily in this part of the global village, Nigeria to be
specific. The killing of innocent people by the
militant group boko haram continues without any solution in sight. The recent
assassination of Dr Toyin Hamzat a former Chairman of Ikeja local
government (1999-2002) special adviser on local government affairs
to former Lagos state governor Chief Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and
also an ex special adviser to the present Lagos state governor Mr Babatunde
Raji Fashola on health during Fashola's first tenure, now joins a long list
of assassinations that create the initial 48hr frenzy and dies just as
quickly. The reoccurring thefts of public funds by
politicians and the elite in privileged positions without any justice ever
been done.
The walls of a dam, endure
the pressure of the water it guards, but bursts when the pressure becomes too
much and there’s no relief from opening of the gates of the dam,. Without any
relief to the plight of the citizens of this great nation Nigeria. The walls
that hold the dam, might not hold much longer.
|
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
FROM MUMBAI WITH JUSTICE
Monday, November 19, 2012
EXTREME NAIJA
I came across this comment and thought to share it.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/07/robbers-seize-state-house-bound-cash-kill-2-policemen/
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/07/robbers-seize-state-house-bound-cash-kill-2-policemen/
 |
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
THE UNIPORT4 VIDEO
"thou shall not kill"
Friday the 5th of October has become a day that will be remembered by many, here in Nigeria and in other parts of the world, by as many who saw pictures or watched the video that was circulating of a brutal murder scene in broad daylight while people stood by watched, cheered and recorded the whole event.
The four friends, Ugoona, Lloyd Chidiaka and Tekena who happened to be undergraduate students of the University of Port-Harcourt Nigeria under still to be clear circumstances, were stripped naked, beaten and set ablaze by people who claimed to bemembers of a vigilante group who had apprehended them for theft the night before.
Not to go on and on about this jungle justice style of judgement that resulted in the early death of these four promising young men, as several other issues yet to be addressed presently (flood, boko haram, kidnapping still rule the charts)
The Aluu community has finally received world wide attention, but as the usual Nigerian style, its not for anything good. The blood of this young men remain on the heads of even unborn children of the land, whose own parents stood by and watched the labor of other women's God given gift of life treated and killed like wild animals.
Aside the shock of the whole event, its painful to note that today being the 9th of October 4 days after this horrific incident, our Dear President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan requested a live broadcast and refused to use the opportunity to speak on the situation so as to bring a sense of calm, in a way of showing concern, instead choose to tell the Nation his latest ideas of embezzling money, by setting up committees to look into the Flood crises which is well over 6 weeks now (perhaps patience needs more luxury treatment).
I remember clearly the African American teenager Trayvon Martin who was shot dead in his neighborhood by a vigilante in similar vein, during a live broadcast while President Barack Obama spoke on other issues, he used the opportunity the address the killings. Without setting up any committee to look into the matter, the relevant agencies know that its their job to look into the issue, get the facts and allow the rod of justice prevail.
May the souls of these four young men Rest In Peace.
The contents of the video show scenes of extreme violence and mans inhumanity to man, viewer discretion is advised.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
WHEN ITS JUNE IN SEPTEMBER
"to find meaning in words said, is to understand whats left unsaid"
Born with
music in my ears
a generation
far from wars
but our
future we fear,
without hope
we lose care
and are
clothed with despair.
A generation
far from wars
walking the
path of destiny
from a time
of dictatorship
to the
promise land
amidst
prayers and bloodshed.
Our future
we fear
moving in
circles of confusion
a power play
of power exchange
a fattened
government
as masses
remain sacrificial lambs.
Without hope
the days roll by
girls become
women
and boys
become old men
full of
memories of what life should have been,
the only
legacy left.
Clothed with
despair
problems
remain as masquerades
dancing to
the tunes of death.
As we
approach the gates of destruction
we await the
deliverance of a savior
Adeboye Olaolu™
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
CYNTHIA OSOKOGU: A CASE OF FACEBOOK MURDER
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:
who can know it?"
Jeremiah 17 v 9
As every other evil known to
man, Nigeria has recorded its first case
of murder by facebook with the senseless killing
of Cynthia Osokogu by 2 suspected
undergraduates paraded by the police as Mr Nwabufor Okwumo a 300 Level student
of accountancy at the University Of Lagos Akoka and Ezekiel Odera, a 300Level
student of accountancy at the Anambra
State University, who lured her to Lagos with promises of doing business, who then drugged, robbed, assaulted and brutally
terminated the life of a promising young woman, who was the only daughter of Major
General Frank Osokogu.
In this part of the world, it is indeed its first and as usual it has brought to the limelight
the use of social media in constructive nation building instead of practicing
some of the evils that come with it.
In February 2012, an American couple Billy Clay
Payne and Billie Jean Hayworth were killed when they deleted Janelle Potter
from their “friends list”
Another case of facebook murder
was recorded in the United Kingdom in March 2010 when Peter Chapman, who had a history as a
sex offender lured 17 year old Ashleigh
Hall for a secret rendezvous, who he eventually murdered.
These cases seem isolated in a
way, but ever since the inception of facebook, it has had a history of its own
evils. From murder to domestic violence, burglary, fraud, rape, arson, and a long list of hideous other
crimes
It’s quite disheartening the
story of Cynthia who could have been spared the terror she experienced the last
few hours of her life, If only the hands of time can be turned around.
May her gentle soul rest in
peace.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
AN AUGUST POST
"before the kettle whistles, its hot bubbles have long started at the bottom"
Faced with more problems than she can handle, Nigeria is not only a laughingstock, but now a sorry reminder of what the face of failure looks like.
For the past few months, the motivation to write on the now usual occurrence has been as heart aching as the events itself.
First the bold, unending and widening reach of the boko haram group of companies, then the corruption rocking the fuel subsidy reports, pension scams, oil theft and bunkering, and the MASSOP declaration of Ogoni autonomy, have long relegated crimes like ritual killing, kidnapping, bank and armed robbery to the back burner, and most recently our disgraceful outing at the London 2012 Olympics, setting nothing but the worst records so far. Crowning it all up is the methodical harassment and intimidation of anyone willing to speak out against the excesses and un-synchronized behavior of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and the way he handles the affairs of the nation ( Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai). Not to forget our dear first lady, (sorry, Permanent Secretary) Dame Patience vs Turai Ya'ardua and the Africa's First Ladies Peace Forum conference held in Abuja recently, and her other antics such as, asking for the role of the first lady to included in the constitution so that she can earn salary for life as a one time wife to the president.
(remember village headmaster? Zebrudaya & Gloria, Giringory & Clarus? well, i say no more)
Whats sad about these developments is the fact that other nations that have walked these paths of collective injustice, have long been entangled in the complex web of civil war or an eventual breakup, which no one in the country right now wish for, but is seemingly inevitable should the situation keep up its present pace. It wouldn't be long before we all are engulfed with the fire already burning.
Fortunately today's write up isn't about these pressing issues and unfolding drama which is a sure path to destruction, its about Lies, cover-ups and carefully orchestrated deceit by the well known telecommunications giant MTN. I received this article this morning and decided to share .http://peacetalkquarterly.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-case-of-corporate-rascality-mtn.html
"its only in this country, that a gang of thieves gather together and point fingers at an innocent man, pounce on him, beating him publicly and label him a thief"
Prof Pat Utomi.
Speaking on the "The legacy of our generation" @the 60th birthday Celebration of Pastor Wale Adefarasin, 4th June 2012.
Faced with more problems than she can handle, Nigeria is not only a laughingstock, but now a sorry reminder of what the face of failure looks like.
For the past few months, the motivation to write on the now usual occurrence has been as heart aching as the events itself.
First the bold, unending and widening reach of the boko haram group of companies, then the corruption rocking the fuel subsidy reports, pension scams, oil theft and bunkering, and the MASSOP declaration of Ogoni autonomy, have long relegated crimes like ritual killing, kidnapping, bank and armed robbery to the back burner, and most recently our disgraceful outing at the London 2012 Olympics, setting nothing but the worst records so far. Crowning it all up is the methodical harassment and intimidation of anyone willing to speak out against the excesses and un-synchronized behavior of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and the way he handles the affairs of the nation ( Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai). Not to forget our dear first lady, (sorry, Permanent Secretary) Dame Patience vs Turai Ya'ardua and the Africa's First Ladies Peace Forum conference held in Abuja recently, and her other antics such as, asking for the role of the first lady to included in the constitution so that she can earn salary for life as a one time wife to the president.
(remember village headmaster? Zebrudaya & Gloria, Giringory & Clarus? well, i say no more)
Whats sad about these developments is the fact that other nations that have walked these paths of collective injustice, have long been entangled in the complex web of civil war or an eventual breakup, which no one in the country right now wish for, but is seemingly inevitable should the situation keep up its present pace. It wouldn't be long before we all are engulfed with the fire already burning.
Fortunately today's write up isn't about these pressing issues and unfolding drama which is a sure path to destruction, its about Lies, cover-ups and carefully orchestrated deceit by the well known telecommunications giant MTN. I received this article this morning and decided to share .http://peacetalkquarterly.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-case-of-corporate-rascality-mtn.html
"its only in this country, that a gang of thieves gather together and point fingers at an innocent man, pounce on him, beating him publicly and label him a thief"
Prof Pat Utomi.
Speaking on the "The legacy of our generation" @the 60th birthday Celebration of Pastor Wale Adefarasin, 4th June 2012.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
STILL ON BOKO HARAM
"out of the bakery of corruption, evil is churned out in different forms and sizes, sometimes with a flavor of violence and terror"
Walking on the crutches of a failed nation Nigeria continues
to crawl and struggle as a blind cripple falling into gutter after gutter in an attempt to walk a straight path which remains
a blur giving the present predicament.
The term good-luck not only represents the man at the helm
of affairs, but also the supposed messiah who now renegade in affairs and could be said to
be awol, were he to be in active service….
A long cry from goodluck, misfortune has been the sunlight
shinning upon Aso Rock and the dying smoke from improvised explosive devices (IED) the moonlight for the night time.
The boko haram story is no longer news as the Jonathan administration struggles with a save face story to tell the Nigerian public and also international
eye why the boko haram sickness is not responding to medication (that's if any efforts are being made)
Gone are the days of globetrotting like OBJ did, now in our
backyard exist a deadly terrorist group, sponsored and breed by political and
socio economic factors thanks to our so called good-luck, which has long turned
sour.
It’s quite easy to apportion blame to the federal government
as it remains the central focus point of all decisions and activities as
concerning the nation. The recent bomb blast at the Bayero University Kano, coming
barely after the simultaneous bombing of media houses in Abuja and Kaduna goes a long way to say
who is in charge of the security situation of the country and who dictates what
happens and where.
Boko haram as a sect cannot be more organized than our
gallant armed forces, boko haram cannot have access to more weapons than the Nigerian
armed forces, so if these attacks are allowed to continue, visiting state after
state, killing innocent and defenseless citizens without the Federal Government
being able to play a protective role, then indeed it’s a failure on the part of
the government, a complete failure on the man with no shoes, and a total
failure on the Goodluck Jonathan administration, who already has a place in
history as being the President to sign the FOO bill (freedom of operation) for the booming business of terrorism in Nigeria, which has remained unchecked and faceless.
Surprisingly boko haram is yet to bomb any political party
headquarters.
HAPPY WORKERS DAY NIGERIA
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
MEMO SUBMITTED TO HOUSE BY HERMAN HEMBE
Click on the link below to view Honorable Herman Hembe's memo submitted to the house today 20th march 2012
http://www.scribd.com/doc/86129195/Herman-Hembe-House-Memo-pdf
http://www.scribd.com/doc/86129195/Herman-Hembe-House-Memo-pdf
HERMAN HEMBE AND ARUNMA OTEH FACEOFF
"the child who peeps through the keyhole instead of asking questions, knows only his version of the story"
Politics as a game is thicker than water, and its relations run deep. Politics has an unforgiving spirit and usually always ready to compensate ones losses and failures and ego. This vista of thought was clearly exhibited by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when he decided on the late Umaru Yar'Adua the junior brother of his one time close friend and Vice President the late Shehu Musa Yar'Adua as the PDP presidential candidate in 2007. Enough of the history, that'll be an analytic summary for another day.
Aruma Oteh's story has a brief genesis with the man known as Masur Muhtar, who was minister of finance during the late Umaru Yar'Adua tenure as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Her recommendation was made by Mansur Muhtar who was an executive Director of AfDB in Tunis between 2001 until his appointment as finance minister in December 2008 while Arunma Oteh was Vice President for corporate management here in Nigeria, appointed in march of 2006. Having worked in other capacities in different organaisations, the AfDB umbrella was one association that helped further the career of Arunma Oteh. After being nominated as the DG of the SEC in July 2009 she was finally confirmed and became the DG of the SEC in January 2010
As for Iorwase Herman Hembe who hails from Benue state representing Konishasha/ Vandeikya constituency, little is known about him aside his venture into politics and and his most recent now infamous accusations which have put him on the public stage. As the chairman of the committee set up to investigate the activities of the Securities and Exchange Commision. Herman Hembe accused Arunma Oteh of spending 850,000 Naira in one day on food to 30million Naira hotel accommodation fees, and other excesses. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director General (DG) quickly turned the tables by questioning the credibility of the panel chairman Herman Hembe who she in turn accused of soliciting for 39million and an added 5million for the smooth running of investigations during the probe. According to Arunma Oteh, her adamant refusal to his request became the reason for the unfair and biased treatment by Herman Hembe, the chairman of the panel. She also made mention of his supposed trip to a conference in the Dominican republic in Oct of 2011 which was funded by the SEC and Herman didn't attend. Giving the level of accusations leveled against him, Herman stepped down as the chairman of the committee on capital market probe, today the 20th of march 2012.
Though a UNN (University of Nigeria Nsuka) first class computer science graduate and MBA holder from Harvard Business School, Arunma Oteh is no saint. She has successfully seen to the shameful ousting of Herman Hembe as chairman of the panel, the first so far since panels have been setup to investigate different sectors of the Nigeria's economy this year. The core truth of what actually transpired between Herman Hembe and Arunma Oteh remains cloudy at the moment as the public washing of dirty linen continued today with counter accusations by Herman Hembe against Arunma Oteh. Hembe tried to plead his case by claiming innocence at the same time throwing the ball of accusation back to Oteh during the sitting of the house of representatives today in Abuja, and also submitting a memo which he claims originated from the SEC. The resolution at the end of the session was the innauguration of an a new Ad-Hoc committee to be chaired by Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi from Taraba State. A time frame of 21days has been given the new committee to investigate and report back to the house on their findings. alongside, the house committee on ethics will also be investigating the Herman Hembe committee on the allegations of bribery within a 14day time window.
As everything else seems uncertain, the dogged attitude of Arunma Oteh is nothing but sure.
Politics as a game is thicker than water, and its relations run deep. Politics has an unforgiving spirit and usually always ready to compensate ones losses and failures and ego. This vista of thought was clearly exhibited by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when he decided on the late Umaru Yar'Adua the junior brother of his one time close friend and Vice President the late Shehu Musa Yar'Adua as the PDP presidential candidate in 2007. Enough of the history, that'll be an analytic summary for another day.
Aruma Oteh's story has a brief genesis with the man known as Masur Muhtar, who was minister of finance during the late Umaru Yar'Adua tenure as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Her recommendation was made by Mansur Muhtar who was an executive Director of AfDB in Tunis between 2001 until his appointment as finance minister in December 2008 while Arunma Oteh was Vice President for corporate management here in Nigeria, appointed in march of 2006. Having worked in other capacities in different organaisations, the AfDB umbrella was one association that helped further the career of Arunma Oteh. After being nominated as the DG of the SEC in July 2009 she was finally confirmed and became the DG of the SEC in January 2010
As for Iorwase Herman Hembe who hails from Benue state representing Konishasha/ Vandeikya constituency, little is known about him aside his venture into politics and and his most recent now infamous accusations which have put him on the public stage. As the chairman of the committee set up to investigate the activities of the Securities and Exchange Commision. Herman Hembe accused Arunma Oteh of spending 850,000 Naira in one day on food to 30million Naira hotel accommodation fees, and other excesses. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director General (DG) quickly turned the tables by questioning the credibility of the panel chairman Herman Hembe who she in turn accused of soliciting for 39million and an added 5million for the smooth running of investigations during the probe. According to Arunma Oteh, her adamant refusal to his request became the reason for the unfair and biased treatment by Herman Hembe, the chairman of the panel. She also made mention of his supposed trip to a conference in the Dominican republic in Oct of 2011 which was funded by the SEC and Herman didn't attend. Giving the level of accusations leveled against him, Herman stepped down as the chairman of the committee on capital market probe, today the 20th of march 2012.
Though a UNN (University of Nigeria Nsuka) first class computer science graduate and MBA holder from Harvard Business School, Arunma Oteh is no saint. She has successfully seen to the shameful ousting of Herman Hembe as chairman of the panel, the first so far since panels have been setup to investigate different sectors of the Nigeria's economy this year. The core truth of what actually transpired between Herman Hembe and Arunma Oteh remains cloudy at the moment as the public washing of dirty linen continued today with counter accusations by Herman Hembe against Arunma Oteh. Hembe tried to plead his case by claiming innocence at the same time throwing the ball of accusation back to Oteh during the sitting of the house of representatives today in Abuja, and also submitting a memo which he claims originated from the SEC. The resolution at the end of the session was the innauguration of an a new Ad-Hoc committee to be chaired by Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi from Taraba State. A time frame of 21days has been given the new committee to investigate and report back to the house on their findings. alongside, the house committee on ethics will also be investigating the Herman Hembe committee on the allegations of bribery within a 14day time window.
As everything else seems uncertain, the dogged attitude of Arunma Oteh is nothing but sure.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
THE SURE-P FAIRYTALE
"when the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do"
The actual blueprint for the effective implementation of the SURE-P government initiative is under the calculation that the sum of 1.134 trillion will be saved by the complete removal of fuel subsidy. This figure is obtained based on the average international price of crude oil to be $90 per barrel, in relation to the consumption here in Nigeria. The breakdown of the sharing formula provides the federal government the sum of 478.49 billion naira, the local governments will recieve 203.23 billion naira, the federal capital territory, 9.8 billion naira while the development of natural resources and stabillization funds will recieve the sum of 31.37 billion naira.
Already the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) suffering from a lack of funds, is no more shameful than the actually cook up of the program itself. The timing for the application of the poorly calculated program by the federal government brings to full color the waste of resources employed in some government parastatal think tanks, who rarely see beyond their belly and bank accounts to accurately plan a 4 year program, which will effectively have a plus or minus clause, giving the known function of considerable fluctuation in the world economy and as it affects the Nigerian economy in relation to changes in national policy and scale of preference selection of top priority needs of the nation.
The calculated figure of 1.134 trillion naira, drastically reduced to 426 billion naira due to the failure of the government to convince Nigerians to pay 141 naira per liter pump price for PMS. This first wrong calculation by the government already points at an inefficiency of those behind the SURE-P, (Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program) who failed to realize the lack of feasibility of the acceptance of 141 naira per liter by the Nigerian populace.
With a plate full of where and how to judiciously invest the bulk of 426 billion naira, the SURE-P management will have quite a difficult time creating lasting impressions with such an amount compared to the 1.134 trillion promised them. This certainly will reduce the impact of works that can be done to an appreciable level, which on the long run spells doom and ultimate demise of the SURE-P.
In a case of eventual collapse and failure of the SURE-P, it indeed will be story of dishonor for the individual members of the SURE-P board whose high standard of discipline and morals earned them the respect of Nigerians, cos knowingly or unknowingly the government simply used them as propaganda pawns.
Click on the link below to download a PDF copy of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) booklet.
http://www.scribd.com/oladebo/d/84105335-Subsidy-Reinvestment-and-Empowerment-Program
The actual blueprint for the effective implementation of the SURE-P government initiative is under the calculation that the sum of 1.134 trillion will be saved by the complete removal of fuel subsidy. This figure is obtained based on the average international price of crude oil to be $90 per barrel, in relation to the consumption here in Nigeria. The breakdown of the sharing formula provides the federal government the sum of 478.49 billion naira, the local governments will recieve 203.23 billion naira, the federal capital territory, 9.8 billion naira while the development of natural resources and stabillization funds will recieve the sum of 31.37 billion naira.
Already the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) suffering from a lack of funds, is no more shameful than the actually cook up of the program itself. The timing for the application of the poorly calculated program by the federal government brings to full color the waste of resources employed in some government parastatal think tanks, who rarely see beyond their belly and bank accounts to accurately plan a 4 year program, which will effectively have a plus or minus clause, giving the known function of considerable fluctuation in the world economy and as it affects the Nigerian economy in relation to changes in national policy and scale of preference selection of top priority needs of the nation.
The calculated figure of 1.134 trillion naira, drastically reduced to 426 billion naira due to the failure of the government to convince Nigerians to pay 141 naira per liter pump price for PMS. This first wrong calculation by the government already points at an inefficiency of those behind the SURE-P, (Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program) who failed to realize the lack of feasibility of the acceptance of 141 naira per liter by the Nigerian populace.
With a plate full of where and how to judiciously invest the bulk of 426 billion naira, the SURE-P management will have quite a difficult time creating lasting impressions with such an amount compared to the 1.134 trillion promised them. This certainly will reduce the impact of works that can be done to an appreciable level, which on the long run spells doom and ultimate demise of the SURE-P.
In a case of eventual collapse and failure of the SURE-P, it indeed will be story of dishonor for the individual members of the SURE-P board whose high standard of discipline and morals earned them the respect of Nigerians, cos knowingly or unknowingly the government simply used them as propaganda pawns.
Click on the link below to download a PDF copy of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) booklet.
http://www.scribd.com/oladebo/d/84105335-Subsidy-Reinvestment-and-Empowerment-Program
Monday, March 5, 2012
ONLY A MATTER OF TIME
"a flying bird can drop whitewash on the fore head of a walking man. This describes the law of senseless violence on the basis of random probability, and gives life to the phrase shit happens "
The boko haram menance has become as recurrent as government expenditure and doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon, except of cos some affirmative and definite measure's are set in place to gradually curb the already out of control situation.
With Nigeria divided into six geo-political zones, boko haram has its major share of activity in the north east, north west and north central regions. Within this areas, they operate freely, pray openly, distribute flyers, send letters, grant telephone and one on one interviews and release online videos. Rob banks, bomb police stations, churches, burn schools, kill and maim innocent people, and still have time to break inmates from jail, ambush security formations and disengage them of their weapons, setup bomb making factories, recruit suicide bombers and bike riding assassins. After all this hard work, they sometimes get to relax in fully protected government lodges too.
Despite the wanton violence going on within the boko haram controlled region, their network seem to exclude the south south, south east and south western regions. The south south and south east already a militant stronghold, with MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta) at the helm of affairs (alongside several splinter groups) surely isn't ready to share territory with any external group as the resources they are fighting for is yet to be fully actualized, which boko haram might not be able to cope with. Any attempt to strike areas within such a volatile region, will be met with stiff resistance. The south western region, which has gradually disaasociated itself from the PDP ruling party by electing gubernatorial candidates of other political parties to run the affairs of the states, have the OPC (Oodua Peoples Congress) which works under the radar, as their actions are less violent in operation than MEND or BOHA (boko haram). Even at that, the stability of the region remains intact, with the exception of armed robbery operations which still happen time to time.
With BOHA yet to make clear their demands as to reasons for the almost daily bombings, its now a question of time, how long will BOHA continue to operate within the north east, west and central regions before they become overconfident of their success within the terrain and make attempts to spread their wings of operations to other regions?
The BOHA time bomb is better defused than allowed to detonate as the containment of its ripple effects might just be an end no one wants to witness.
Friday, March 2, 2012
NIGERIAN SENATE & THE FRSC MAGIC NUMBER PLATES
"one who believes himself too intelligent fears to ask a seemingly unintelligent question, but the layman has no fear in his asking, as the intelligence of the oppressor will fail to answer his pain"
With so much criticism accrued the imposed new and more expensive number plates on Nigerians, the cries and complains somehow found its way to the senate house in Abuja. Though delayed, but necessary intervention has finally arrived.
Looking at the senate through the vista of post subsidy protests, its evident a proactive spirit has visibly awakened within the loins of the 7th assembly senate house. Its impressive the constructive arguments the sessions of the senate has witnessed in most recent times, looking to have moved away from frivolous matters such as legalizing prostitution to actually doing the work of legislating and being intermediary for the Nigerian citizen. Speaking of most recent issues such as the subsidy probe, the Nigerian Football Association inquiry and the ban on same sex marriage.
Not to blow trumpets of success yet as much still remains to be done, but the senate directive instructing the FRSC to stop production and sale of its controversial modified number plates which is not only questionable but also a fraudulent scheme conceived by the Federal Road Safety Corps is more than a welcome development. The new plate numbers have little difference save the reversal of the alphabets and the embossing of the map of Nigeria on it. The numbering system remains the same, so also the size and design.
With the usual elaborate explanations Nigerians are fed with whenever a fraudulent act is cooking, the FRSC came up with numerous stories about security features and central data systems and other variations of the popular cock and bull stories and promises. Its amazing how a group of learned people sit around a table and come up with ideas such as the new plate numbers, pat themselves on the back, sell the idea to a few other people (who wouldn't tell them the truth about how wrong it is) and finally unveil it to the public and expect the general populace to swallow, hook line and sinker.
Now beaten to the wall, the FRSC would have to explore other options from its think tank to achieve a considerable percentage of the challenges the miracle plate numbers and licences should have angelically combated to a stand still.
With so much criticism accrued the imposed new and more expensive number plates on Nigerians, the cries and complains somehow found its way to the senate house in Abuja. Though delayed, but necessary intervention has finally arrived.
Looking at the senate through the vista of post subsidy protests, its evident a proactive spirit has visibly awakened within the loins of the 7th assembly senate house. Its impressive the constructive arguments the sessions of the senate has witnessed in most recent times, looking to have moved away from frivolous matters such as legalizing prostitution to actually doing the work of legislating and being intermediary for the Nigerian citizen. Speaking of most recent issues such as the subsidy probe, the Nigerian Football Association inquiry and the ban on same sex marriage.
Not to blow trumpets of success yet as much still remains to be done, but the senate directive instructing the FRSC to stop production and sale of its controversial modified number plates which is not only questionable but also a fraudulent scheme conceived by the Federal Road Safety Corps is more than a welcome development. The new plate numbers have little difference save the reversal of the alphabets and the embossing of the map of Nigeria on it. The numbering system remains the same, so also the size and design.
With the usual elaborate explanations Nigerians are fed with whenever a fraudulent act is cooking, the FRSC came up with numerous stories about security features and central data systems and other variations of the popular cock and bull stories and promises. Its amazing how a group of learned people sit around a table and come up with ideas such as the new plate numbers, pat themselves on the back, sell the idea to a few other people (who wouldn't tell them the truth about how wrong it is) and finally unveil it to the public and expect the general populace to swallow, hook line and sinker.
Now beaten to the wall, the FRSC would have to explore other options from its think tank to achieve a considerable percentage of the challenges the miracle plate numbers and licences should have angelically combated to a stand still.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
A MEND OUTLOOK (economic benefits of conflict)
"when nightmares of yesterday become tomorrows reality, the bright and promising future becomes darkened with gloom"
As Nigeria continue to ride in its locomotive train of woes, its more than evident how unfortunate and pitiful the situation of the country is. The catch phrase of "fresh air" has long turned foul and a painful reminder of how gullible once again the Nigerian citizens appear in understanding the power play of the game called politics and how the pawns are being moved to favor its officers only.
A world wide phenomenon of the trickery of the elite in and behind the government is the opportunistic advantage of creating chaos and benefiting from it at the same time, while the masses suffer and lives are lost. This is the whole and sole ideology behind war, terrorism, militancy, tribal and religious violence.
The shapes and forms of these violence differs from region to region and the benefits from nation to nation. As the reasons remain vast, its easy to point fingers at prominent figures who have participated directly and indirectly in ways of sponsoring or looking the other way when such atrocities are committed.
An easy proof of this is the resultant benefits for governments around the world during and after every major crises orchestrated by the evil machinations of government sponsored violence. From the benefits of arms trade (Rwanda), to wanton looting of prized possessions and natural resources (conflict diamonds trade in Angola, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Cote d'ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe) Not to forget the constitutional benefits it provides in a way of empowering the government even more, and waiving the rights of the people down to the barest minimum (911).
Away from the deviation and back home.
Despite the less than zero level security experienced everywhere within the country, and most parts of the northern region, the movement for the emancipation of the niger delta militants, (M.E.N.D) once again have resorted to violence. Its first claim this year was the bombing of the country-home residence of the minister for Niger Delta in person of Elder Peter Godsday in Delta state on January the 28th 2012. To further express its grievances, the national Agip oil company trunk-line in Bayelsa state was bombed on Saturday 4th February 2012. Following this successes, more threats have been issued against other South African business interests in the country as regards a continuation of the bombings as a means of fighting against the supposed injustice against one of its significant head, in person of Mr Henry Okah, who is currently being held in South Africa and charged with sponsoring and organizing the independence day bomb blasts of 2010 in Abuja Nigeria.
Within a short period of 12 months, the violence in Nigeria has gradually become as much a pressure point in the region as Iran is in the middle east. Though our democracy is quite young the nation is already suffering symptoms of a failed government.
"one of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics, is that you end up being governed by your inferiors" - Plato
As Nigeria continue to ride in its locomotive train of woes, its more than evident how unfortunate and pitiful the situation of the country is. The catch phrase of "fresh air" has long turned foul and a painful reminder of how gullible once again the Nigerian citizens appear in understanding the power play of the game called politics and how the pawns are being moved to favor its officers only.
A world wide phenomenon of the trickery of the elite in and behind the government is the opportunistic advantage of creating chaos and benefiting from it at the same time, while the masses suffer and lives are lost. This is the whole and sole ideology behind war, terrorism, militancy, tribal and religious violence.
The shapes and forms of these violence differs from region to region and the benefits from nation to nation. As the reasons remain vast, its easy to point fingers at prominent figures who have participated directly and indirectly in ways of sponsoring or looking the other way when such atrocities are committed.
An easy proof of this is the resultant benefits for governments around the world during and after every major crises orchestrated by the evil machinations of government sponsored violence. From the benefits of arms trade (Rwanda), to wanton looting of prized possessions and natural resources (conflict diamonds trade in Angola, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Cote d'ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe) Not to forget the constitutional benefits it provides in a way of empowering the government even more, and waiving the rights of the people down to the barest minimum (911).
Away from the deviation and back home.
Despite the less than zero level security experienced everywhere within the country, and most parts of the northern region, the movement for the emancipation of the niger delta militants, (M.E.N.D) once again have resorted to violence. Its first claim this year was the bombing of the country-home residence of the minister for Niger Delta in person of Elder Peter Godsday in Delta state on January the 28th 2012. To further express its grievances, the national Agip oil company trunk-line in Bayelsa state was bombed on Saturday 4th February 2012. Following this successes, more threats have been issued against other South African business interests in the country as regards a continuation of the bombings as a means of fighting against the supposed injustice against one of its significant head, in person of Mr Henry Okah, who is currently being held in South Africa and charged with sponsoring and organizing the independence day bomb blasts of 2010 in Abuja Nigeria.
Within a short period of 12 months, the violence in Nigeria has gradually become as much a pressure point in the region as Iran is in the middle east. Though our democracy is quite young the nation is already suffering symptoms of a failed government.
"one of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics, is that you end up being governed by your inferiors" - Plato
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
BOKO HARAM LETTER TO KANO STATE
This letter is dated August 2011.
BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHIM
FROM: JAMA’ATU AHLISSUNAH LIDDAWATI WAL-JIHAD
TO:
1. DR. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO, GOVERNOR OF KANO STATE,
2. ALHAJI ADO BAYERO, EMIRE OF KANO,
3. ALHAJI ABBAS SUNUSI, WAMBAN KANO AND
4. ALHAJI YUSUF MAITAMA SULE, DAN MASANIN KANO
ASSALAMU ALAIKUM WARAHATULAHI WABRAKATUH
Glory be to Allah and may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon the seal prophet (SAW).
The present security situation in Maiduguri, the continuously attack of security agents, ward heads, politician and the subsequent bomb blast in some part of the country, including force headquarters suicide bomb attack, who is responsible and why?
Every one may say it’s unfortunate, uncalled for or what have you. But TRUTH ARE SACRED AND WILL REMAIN TRUTH EVEN IF PEOPLE DON’T LIKE IT.
You all saw on AL-JAZEERA TV how unarmed men, youths, women, cripple and even under age were asked to laid on the ground and were shut on the head and chest by security agents. You all saw our leader MALLAM MUHAMMAD YUSUF with handcuff and shot severally. You all saw how both MASJID AND THE HOLY QUR’AN were being destroyed.
What are our crime? What damage have we caused or cost Nigeria government, which leads to our attack in Bauchi, Wudil, Gombe, Yobe and Maiduguri two years back? Is sticking to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith a crime? Is funeral right a crime?
The reasons are clear: 1. The Nigerian Government is a KUFUR system serving BOTH UNITED NATION (UN) AND CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) 2. “We the Jama’atu Ahlisunnah Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad are MUSLIMS and are from the NORTHERN part of the country who spent eight years agitating for ISLAMIC STATE, STRAVING TO BRING BACK THE LOST GLORY OF UTHMAN DAN FODIO. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT? Is just to go back to the ways of our creator (ALLAH) where justice, discipline, good morals, love and care, peace and progress etc will prevails.
Having got the clear picture of what happened, it have come our notice that the present Police Commissioner, Director State Security Service (DSSS) and Ward Heads have jointly started arresting our members IN YOUR STATE (KANO) known to you or not, a situation which we will not take lightly by the grace of ALLAH. We want to made it clear that the country called Nigeria belongs to Allah; same thing Kano and we are SERVANT OF ALLAH. Therefore our members should allow to stay where ever they wish. WE DID NOT TOUCH YOU, THEREFORE OUR MEMBERS (MUSLIMS) SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED.
These same security agents attitude made MAIDUGURI, which is known as home of peace before to what it is today because they know is not their home town. Therefore these their URGLYATTITUDE MOST be check and stop with immediate effect and all those arrested should be released immediately, other- wise,I SWEAR WITH ALMIGHTY ALLAH who created Heaven and Earth! Who Sent Prophet upon Prophets right from ADAM (AS) to MUHAMMAD (SAW)!! Who Sent down ATTAURAH, AL-INGIL, AZZABUR and the HOLY QUR’AN!!! We may be force to DEPLOY OUR MEN TO YOUR STATE KANO AND MAKE IT WORST THAN MAIDUGURI BY THE GRACE OF ALLAH.
This is exactly same open letter we did to the then president, Late Umaru Musa Yar’adua, security chiefs and the people of Borno State two years back, which they thought was a joke. TO ALLAH WHO MADE ME WE ARE NOT JOKING.
We appeal you read this LETTER without prejudice for you to really understand the message we are trying to pass across.
May ALLAH grant us the understanding of the religion as preached and practice by the prophets and their rightly guided companions.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
KANO BOMB BLAST
"when an elder cant see what a child is pointing at while standing, he should squat instead"
Days after the successful release of a Christmas day bombing suspect and boko haram member Kabir Sokoto by members of the Nigerian police in collaboration with the commissioner of police in person of Mr Zakaria Biu, who currently is under house arrest, multiple bomb explosions occurred in the city capital of Kano state on Friday the 20th of January 2012.
The bomb blast targeted at police stations effectively freed prisoners and killed as many as were within the vicinity of the blasts. Not enough destruction, the members of the boko haram group went ahead on a shooting spree and in the process also killed a press man, Mr Enenche Okogwu (RIP) an employee of Channels Television on-ground reporting crew in Kano who was on the scene.
With scores of people dead and wounded, all hell was let loose as confusion engulfed the whole city as fear of more terror engulfed everyone.
If that was not enough, in the early hours of Sunday the 22nd of January 2012 more attacks this time around targeted at two churches in Bauchi, with gun attacks in other parts of the state was carried out by yet the same boko haram group, who have remained as elusive as possible with only the signs of terror as its face and trademark. With the exception of a few foot soldiers they let run around sometimes, to give them more publicity and something for the police to chew on, nothing is known about the growing terrorist group.
The last time Nigeria was faced by a militant Islamic sect hiding under religion to perpetuate violence was back in the 70's and early 80's that's between 1972 and 1985, although the founder of the movement Alhaji Mohammed Marwa Maitatsine died in 1980, the evil he had planted took another 5 years toll before its containment. It took the combined efforts of the military formations and and the death of about 5000 people including Maitatsine to cool down the violence in 1980. That didn't quench the fire though, as he already had enough followers to bear a successor in person of Musa Makaniki.
The next five years Musa Makaniki an indigene of then Bauchi state now Gombe state, kept up operations by spearheading riots in various cities in northern Nigeria including Maiduguri, Kaduna and Yola. With the deaths of over 4000 people and another 60,000 displaced within the 5 year period Musa Malaki fled to Gombe and from there to Cameroon. The exact year of his return to Nigeria isn't known, but he was arrested in the country sometime in 2004, barely a year after boko haram officially established itself. Though boko haram started off without violence the first few years, its now obvious some persons have hijacked the group for political gains.
A thorough look at this North Eastern region will definitely reveal the source of this terrorist group if history is taken into account and juxtaposed with present day facts.
Enough suggestions on how to fight this growing menace has already been made by security experts, concerned citizens, government officials and almost everyone, with little or nothing done to effect such suggestions. Human survival instincts are inborn and any right thinking human being can fathom a way or two on how to deal with the growing scourge of this terror group, no matter how primitive such a solution might be.
With a lot on the plate of the president, time does not permit him 7 days to come up with a decision that can be made in 24 hours. As he continues to tour bombing sites around the country, it should be clear that its a result of him not doing his home work well. He can save the country the money for such trips, and also save himself the time, speeches and solemn faced empty promises of these terrorists "facing the full wrath of the law", by simply doing what is right, and enforcing the already laid down law.
Friday, January 20, 2012
ADHOC COMMITTEE ON SUBSIDY
"one who unmasks a masquerade in public, should be ready to face the consequences"
After a week long of testimonies under oath its been drama all the way. Visitors to the hot seat include the Finance Minister, the Petroleum Minister, the GMD NNPC, the Executive Secretary PPPRA, Customs Officials, representatives from major oil marketers and other principal players in the oil and gas sector.
The chairman of the committee Mr Farouk Lawan, came prepared day in day out as he constructively churned out questions with the insight of a muse.
The request for documents from each of the parties who arrived the hot seat is in concordance with the fact that, the element of truth will be found on careful scrutiny of these documents. Already discrepancies have started to appear in the different figures submitted by the various agencies involved on:-
The total amount of petroleum consumed daily.
Total amount of subsidy paid on petroleum consumed.
The total output and capacity of Nigerian refineries.
Other revelations include:-
The channel of subsidy payment of major marketers.
How NNPC pays itself by withdrawing money from source before remitting returns to the finance ministry.
The callous awards of supply contracts to incompetent marketers without following protocol.
How Nigerians have been paying subsidy on products imported and not consumed directly by the Nigerian market, which of cos yields double profit for the perpertuators.
Other interesting questions bother on:-
Who authorised the payment of over 1trillion naira which wanst provided for by the 2011 budget?
How come over 1trillion naira has been spent in one year, when over the last three years the collective amount of subsidy remains less than that?
How can the Finance Ministry and Petroleum Ministry resolve the figures contained in the SMS paper by Tunde Bakare? http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/01/18/facts-you-must-know-subsidy-made-simple-sms-tunde-bakare/
There are a thousand and one questions on the fraud involved in the subsidy scam, but in days to come its possible that names will be mentioned and heads will roll, that is, if the corruption in the front seat of NNPC and the office of the petroleum minister can be unveiled, the whole Pandora's box on the subsidy cabal will surely be revealed.
After a week long of testimonies under oath its been drama all the way. Visitors to the hot seat include the Finance Minister, the Petroleum Minister, the GMD NNPC, the Executive Secretary PPPRA, Customs Officials, representatives from major oil marketers and other principal players in the oil and gas sector.
The chairman of the committee Mr Farouk Lawan, came prepared day in day out as he constructively churned out questions with the insight of a muse.
The request for documents from each of the parties who arrived the hot seat is in concordance with the fact that, the element of truth will be found on careful scrutiny of these documents. Already discrepancies have started to appear in the different figures submitted by the various agencies involved on:-
The total amount of petroleum consumed daily.
Total amount of subsidy paid on petroleum consumed.
The total output and capacity of Nigerian refineries.
Other revelations include:-
The channel of subsidy payment of major marketers.
How NNPC pays itself by withdrawing money from source before remitting returns to the finance ministry.
The callous awards of supply contracts to incompetent marketers without following protocol.
How Nigerians have been paying subsidy on products imported and not consumed directly by the Nigerian market, which of cos yields double profit for the perpertuators.
Other interesting questions bother on:-
Who authorised the payment of over 1trillion naira which wanst provided for by the 2011 budget?
How come over 1trillion naira has been spent in one year, when over the last three years the collective amount of subsidy remains less than that?
How can the Finance Ministry and Petroleum Ministry resolve the figures contained in the SMS paper by Tunde Bakare? http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/01/18/facts-you-must-know-subsidy-made-simple-sms-tunde-bakare/
There are a thousand and one questions on the fraud involved in the subsidy scam, but in days to come its possible that names will be mentioned and heads will roll, that is, if the corruption in the front seat of NNPC and the office of the petroleum minister can be unveiled, the whole Pandora's box on the subsidy cabal will surely be revealed.
Monday, January 16, 2012
THE FACE OF DECEIT
"All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the
poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him
that spoileth him? "
Psalm 35 v 10
The Nigerian labor union congress and the trade union congress today the 16th of January 2012 called off the 6 day old strike, to the disappointment of the masses who have been in anticipation of a complete reversal of the subsidy removal and not a cut in the already hiked price. Thy sly fox manner of the labor union during the ongoing negotiations have clearly revealed the agenda of deceit cleverly perpetuated by the labor congress/ trade union congress for their own personal gains and benefits to the detriment of all Nigerians, who thought and believed the labor congress was on its side.
The initial ripple effect of the subsidy removal and how it reflects on the finances of the average Nigerien by ways of total increment in all economic sectors is one angle of pain which presently is almost irreversible.
The compromise by the abdulwaheed omar led labor union is a slap on the trust and support enjoyed by the union from then Nigerian people. It speaks totally against the decisions and aspirations of the people who came out in their numbers to support the movement, risk their lives, abandon school, work and business to be a part of the protest.
Its difficult at this point for anyone to believe in transparency as even the process leading to the arrival of #97 Naira is not known. After a long week of protests and loss of lives and property across the country, Nigerians have once again been taken for a ride.
kudos to the Governor of lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola who boldly took out time to speak against the deployment of soldiers around protest grounds in Lagos in a way of preventing citizens their constitutional rights to a peaceful protest.
Its interesting how the government reveres the views of a fanatic sect as boko haram and regard them with the seriousness of the Nigerian civil war, meanwhile the voices of unarmed Nigerian citizens who cry out in protest of imposed hardships receive no consideration at all.
Psalm 35 v 10
The Nigerian labor union congress and the trade union congress today the 16th of January 2012 called off the 6 day old strike, to the disappointment of the masses who have been in anticipation of a complete reversal of the subsidy removal and not a cut in the already hiked price. Thy sly fox manner of the labor union during the ongoing negotiations have clearly revealed the agenda of deceit cleverly perpetuated by the labor congress/ trade union congress for their own personal gains and benefits to the detriment of all Nigerians, who thought and believed the labor congress was on its side.
The initial ripple effect of the subsidy removal and how it reflects on the finances of the average Nigerien by ways of total increment in all economic sectors is one angle of pain which presently is almost irreversible.
The compromise by the abdulwaheed omar led labor union is a slap on the trust and support enjoyed by the union from then Nigerian people. It speaks totally against the decisions and aspirations of the people who came out in their numbers to support the movement, risk their lives, abandon school, work and business to be a part of the protest.
Its difficult at this point for anyone to believe in transparency as even the process leading to the arrival of #97 Naira is not known. After a long week of protests and loss of lives and property across the country, Nigerians have once again been taken for a ride.
kudos to the Governor of lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola who boldly took out time to speak against the deployment of soldiers around protest grounds in Lagos in a way of preventing citizens their constitutional rights to a peaceful protest.
Its interesting how the government reveres the views of a fanatic sect as boko haram and regard them with the seriousness of the Nigerian civil war, meanwhile the voices of unarmed Nigerian citizens who cry out in protest of imposed hardships receive no consideration at all.
Friday, January 13, 2012
OCCUPY NIGERIA PROTEST DAY 5
"of truth, none can compare. of this destiny, lies no change"
Its been 5 straight days of protests across the country, as the numbers grew from thousand to millions who actually went ahead to occupy convergence points in a never seen before manner. Irrespective of tribe and religion, protesters trooped out and expressed themselves in every way possible.
At the Gani Fahwemi Park in Lagos the Nollywood community was ably represented as some of them with clean hands came forward to openly cast their weight behind the struggle while a few others couldn't bear the shame of having campaigned for Jonathan. The music industry wasn't left out as musicians came out in solidarity and to also entertain the sea of people gathered at the Gani Fahwemi park. while some artists make a one time appearance, some have come daily while others have been conspicuously absent from the protest grounds.
As protests take a break for the weekend to resume on Monday the 16th January 2012, the federal government has set aside the weekend also to deliberate more with labour unions and make wider consultations, which if Jonathan had conclusively done in the first place he wouldn't be in this mess right now.
In far away USA Nigerians gathered to express their views with a Jonathan interview parody, in full mockery of his cabinet members, his ability to make decisive decisions and above all his general carefree attitude as concerns the present challenges facing the Nigerian state.
A lot has been said already, which leaves little to the imagination of the government the aspirations of the people. Even a makeshift speech on behalf of the president was recited by the NLC president just in-case no one has told the president its about time. For 5 good days shame hasn't allowed him come out of his closet in response to the agitations of the people. What kind of leader see's his people on the street in protest for 5 days and says nothing to quell the situation or cool the heat?
The earlier the Jonathan administration realizes that its #65 Naira or nothing, the better.
Its been 5 straight days of protests across the country, as the numbers grew from thousand to millions who actually went ahead to occupy convergence points in a never seen before manner. Irrespective of tribe and religion, protesters trooped out and expressed themselves in every way possible.
At the Gani Fahwemi Park in Lagos the Nollywood community was ably represented as some of them with clean hands came forward to openly cast their weight behind the struggle while a few others couldn't bear the shame of having campaigned for Jonathan. The music industry wasn't left out as musicians came out in solidarity and to also entertain the sea of people gathered at the Gani Fahwemi park. while some artists make a one time appearance, some have come daily while others have been conspicuously absent from the protest grounds.
As protests take a break for the weekend to resume on Monday the 16th January 2012, the federal government has set aside the weekend also to deliberate more with labour unions and make wider consultations, which if Jonathan had conclusively done in the first place he wouldn't be in this mess right now.
In far away USA Nigerians gathered to express their views with a Jonathan interview parody, in full mockery of his cabinet members, his ability to make decisive decisions and above all his general carefree attitude as concerns the present challenges facing the Nigerian state.
A lot has been said already, which leaves little to the imagination of the government the aspirations of the people. Even a makeshift speech on behalf of the president was recited by the NLC president just in-case no one has told the president its about time. For 5 good days shame hasn't allowed him come out of his closet in response to the agitations of the people. What kind of leader see's his people on the street in protest for 5 days and says nothing to quell the situation or cool the heat?
The earlier the Jonathan administration realizes that its #65 Naira or nothing, the better.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
TOP OIL PRODUCING COUNTRIES
Its day 4 of the ongoing protests and the federal government remains adamant and hard headed amidst ongoing consultations and appeals by civil rights groups, labour unions, senators, house of assembly members, former heads of state and presidents.
An increase in fuel prices in Venezuela back in 1989 resulted into a week of deadly rioting by its citizens who believe its a national product and a birthright, and i quote "There's more than enough gasoline. [President Hugo Chávez] is giving it away to the rest of the world, why raise the price here?" same question applies to President Jonathan.
The Jonathan administration is a long way from imposing this inhumane and evil idea on Nigerians, as without the proper structures on ground the heavenly idea of subsidy removal/ s.u.r.e programme will and cannot work.
The table below says it all
|
COUNTRY
|
BARRELS PRODUCED PER
DAY (MILLIONS)
|
EXPORTS PER DAY IN
BARRELS (MILLIONS)
|
INTERNAL CONSUMPTION
PER DAY
(BARRELS)
|
PRICE PER LITER
(NAIRA)
|
POPULATION
|
GDP PER CAPITA
(DOLLARS)
|
|
RUSSIA
|
10.13
|
7.3
|
2,937,000
|
135
|
142,914,136
|
15,900
|
|
SAUDI ARABIA
|
10.52
|
7.6
|
2,654,000
|
72
|
27,136,977
|
24,200
|
|
USA
|
9.6
|
1.9
|
19,150,000
|
122
|
312,837,000
|
47,200
|
|
IRAN
|
4.25
|
2.5
|
1,845,000
|
16
|
75,996,000
|
10,600
|
|
CHINA
|
4.27
|
0.4
|
9,189,000
|
179
|
6,987,200,000
|
7,600
|
|
CANADA
|
3.48
|
1.9
|
2,209,000
|
195
|
34,605,346
|
39,400
|
|
MEXICO
|
2.98
|
1.5
|
2,073,000
|
131
|
112,336,538
|
13,900
|
|
UAE
|
2.81
|
2.0
|
545,000
|
76
|
8,264,070
|
49,600
|
|
BRAZIL
|
2.74
|
0.6
|
2,654,000
|
255
|
192,376,496
|
10,800
|
|
KUWAIT
|
2.45
|
2.1
|
354,000
|
131
|
2,818,000
|
48,900
|
|
VENEZUELA
|
2.37
|
1.8
|
746,000
|
3
|
26,840,935
|
12,700
|
|
IRAQ
|
2.40
|
1.9
|
694,000
|
126
|
32,105,000
|
3,800
|
|
NORWAY
|
2.13
|
2.1
|
221,000
|
243
|
4,985,011
|
54,600
|
|
NIGERIA
|
2.45
|
2.1
|
279,000
|
65
|
162,471,000
|
2500
|
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