Happy Birthday to LA LA LẸ FRIDAY THINGS 
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
Saturday, 15 October 2016
Mikel, Iheanacho, three other Nigerians make shortlist for CAF Awards
The Super Eagles trio of John Obi Mikel, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa have all been listed as nominees for the CAF African Player of the Year Award.
The three players flying the country’s flag in the race for the prestigious award are all plying their trade in the English Premier League.
Iheanacho, who plays for Manchester City, has been massive for the club since breaking into the first team of the English outfit.
The 20-year-old has been an instant hit with the Super Eagles already, with four goals in four games for Nigeria’s national team this year.
The Super Eagles trio of John Obi Mikel, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa have all been listed as nominees for the CAF African Player of the Year Award.
The three players flying the country’s flag in the race for the prestigious award are all plying their trade in the English Premier League.
Iheanacho, who plays for Manchester City, has been massive for the club since breaking into the first team of the English outfit.
The 20-year-old has been an instant hit with the Super Eagles already, with four goals in four games for Nigeria’s national team this year.
Friday, 14 October 2016
I have read so much on Aisha since yesterday. Nigerians are a special breed. Suddenly, this woman is not wanted in America! Buhari did not marry a child again. Her gold, diamond and platinum bracelets are not topics for discussion.
We are moving out of recession indeed!
Many of the hypocrites on Facebook beat their wives. Many are so useless that they establish pepper soup joints for some useless dogs called women while their children cannot feed at home. Many don't care about how their children school fees are paid.
Aisha is the CEO of a thriving company. One of Buhari's daughters is a lawyer. His girls are graduates. I have read posts from some of my friends who, surprisingly, failed to see the statement credited to Buhari as a joke. I have followed some of them on Facebook. I know most of them will not tolerate any dissenting view from their wives.
Aisha is not in purdah. She is not confined to the kitchen, literally. I doubt if she still cooks. I would have expected the new supporters of Aisha to ask Buhari about the location of the kitchen. Is it Aso Villa where there exists a culinary complex? Look at Aisha and tell us if she belongs to the category of oppressed women. The fact that she granted the controversial interview bears eloquent testimony to Buhari's character. She just returned from the US. That trip generated another kind of controversy. That seems not important now.
Many of these hypocrites are not proud of their wives. Many of them pretend to love women but will work against them. Politicians abuse women sexually. They are play things. They only allow them when their unscrupulous godfathers impose them and direct political slaves to vote. Academics talk of "conference materials". These are people's wives, daughters, sisters, cousins, who belong to everybody while pretending to be in some dubious relationships. Lucky is she whose husband can proudly assert that she has a place in his bedroom. She is not sharing this space with any woman to our knowledge despite Buhari's religion allows him to marry four women.
If the president attempted to douse tension generated by the wife's interview, and we fail to appreciate his joke, then our sense of humour appears morbid. Nigerians did not elect Aisha. She has no official role in the constitution. She cannot decide on who gets appointed into the government. If she complains that she does not know those in government, it means Buhari cannot be accused of nepotism. If she is pained that she is not involved in governance, that is a big plus for him. She was not on the ballot during the last election. She should not pick ministers and heads of agencies for us.
Is this not part of the change we crave? Hypocrisy is not a virtue.
~Doyin Odebowale~
We are moving out of recession indeed!
Many of the hypocrites on Facebook beat their wives. Many are so useless that they establish pepper soup joints for some useless dogs called women while their children cannot feed at home. Many don't care about how their children school fees are paid.
Aisha is the CEO of a thriving company. One of Buhari's daughters is a lawyer. His girls are graduates. I have read posts from some of my friends who, surprisingly, failed to see the statement credited to Buhari as a joke. I have followed some of them on Facebook. I know most of them will not tolerate any dissenting view from their wives.
Aisha is not in purdah. She is not confined to the kitchen, literally. I doubt if she still cooks. I would have expected the new supporters of Aisha to ask Buhari about the location of the kitchen. Is it Aso Villa where there exists a culinary complex? Look at Aisha and tell us if she belongs to the category of oppressed women. The fact that she granted the controversial interview bears eloquent testimony to Buhari's character. She just returned from the US. That trip generated another kind of controversy. That seems not important now.
Many of these hypocrites are not proud of their wives. Many of them pretend to love women but will work against them. Politicians abuse women sexually. They are play things. They only allow them when their unscrupulous godfathers impose them and direct political slaves to vote. Academics talk of "conference materials". These are people's wives, daughters, sisters, cousins, who belong to everybody while pretending to be in some dubious relationships. Lucky is she whose husband can proudly assert that she has a place in his bedroom. She is not sharing this space with any woman to our knowledge despite Buhari's religion allows him to marry four women.
If the president attempted to douse tension generated by the wife's interview, and we fail to appreciate his joke, then our sense of humour appears morbid. Nigerians did not elect Aisha. She has no official role in the constitution. She cannot decide on who gets appointed into the government. If she complains that she does not know those in government, it means Buhari cannot be accused of nepotism. If she is pained that she is not involved in governance, that is a big plus for him. She was not on the ballot during the last election. She should not pick ministers and heads of agencies for us.
Is this not part of the change we crave? Hypocrisy is not a virtue.
~Doyin Odebowale~
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
ANY BIG DEAL IF LAGOS IS GRANTED A SPECIAL STATUS? ~ Gafar Bolarinwa
Imagine someone that spend 11 months and some days in Lagos and spend less than a month in his village for Christmas in a year, fighting tooth and nail so that Lagos will not be granted a special status .
I don't know if you get what am trying to point out? DO YOU KNOW THAT LAGOS IS LIKE A MINI COUNTRY? (i will even remove the mini) .
Correct me if am wrong, is it not possible that every family in Naija (leaving out foreigners), has one or two person(s) either residing or working in Lagos? WHY WOULD SUCH PERSON WORK AGAINST LAGOS BEING GRANTED A SPECIAL STATUS?
Do they think the special status is just to benefit the Yorubas or Gov Ambode? I was surprised watching on Channels TV, how majority of Senate members joyful ly shouted down the bill when it was presented by Mrs Tinubu.
KO SI WAHALA, BY THE TIME THE PRESSURE ON ESSENTIAL AMENITIES AND OTHERS BECOME UNBEARABLE, SUCH PEOPLE WILL BE THE FIRST TO CRY OUT
We are watching
Imagine someone that spend 11 months and some days in Lagos and spend less than a month in his village for Christmas in a year, fighting tooth and nail so that Lagos will not be granted a special status .
I don't know if you get what am trying to point out? DO YOU KNOW THAT LAGOS IS LIKE A MINI COUNTRY? (i will even remove the mini) .
Correct me if am wrong, is it not possible that every family in Naija (leaving out foreigners), has one or two person(s) either residing or working in Lagos? WHY WOULD SUCH PERSON WORK AGAINST LAGOS BEING GRANTED A SPECIAL STATUS?
Do they think the special status is just to benefit the Yorubas or Gov Ambode? I was surprised watching on Channels TV, how majority of Senate members joyful ly shouted down the bill when it was presented by Mrs Tinubu.
KO SI WAHALA, BY THE TIME THE PRESSURE ON ESSENTIAL AMENITIES AND OTHERS BECOME UNBEARABLE, SUCH PEOPLE WILL BE THE FIRST TO CRY OUT
We are watching
STATE OF EMERGENCY ON THE JUDICIARY BY NBA? YES, I AGREE BUT TOO LATE IN COMING.
THE STATE OF EMERGENCY SHOULD HAVE BEEN DECLARED WHEN:
›A JUDGE GRANTED PERPETUAL INJUNCTION ON EX-GOV. ODILI'S CORRUPTION CASE
›WHEN EX-GOV. LUCKY IGBINEDON RECEIVED A PAT ON THE BACK ON CONVICTION AND TOLD TO PAY BACK JUST N3m AS FINE. THE MONEY HE ALREADY HAD IN HIS CAR BOOTH
›WHEN THE PENSION MEGA THIEF RECEIVED A SCANDALOUS PADDY PADDY SENTENCE
›WHEN JUDGES RANDOMLY GRANT INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION ON CRIMINAL MATTER. ACCORDING TO THE ERUDITE RADICAL PROF. BIODUN JEYIFO, NIGERIA IS THE ONLY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD THAT THIS PRACTICE IS DONE. NOBODY HAS DISPUTED THIS.
›WHEN SOME LAWYERS PARTICULARLY SANs WOULD FLAGRANTLY ABUSE COURT PROCESS, FILE FRIVOLOUS APPLICATIONS TO DELAY, FRUSTRATE TO NO END CORRUPTION CASES INVOLVING HIGH PROFILE PUBLIC THIEVES
›WHEN SOME LAWYERS WOULD TELL THEIR RICH CLIENTS TO HIDE IN THEIR CARS, CONTINUE TO HIDE IN THE CREEKS/DESRRT/ABROAD, OR DELIBERATELY ABSENT FROM COURT. AND THE COUNSELS WOULD COME OUT WITHOUT SHAME TO TELL US THAT IT IS NOT THEIR JOB TO LOOK FOR HIDING SUSPECTS. YET THEY KNOW HOW TO COLLECT THEIR LEGAL FEE FROM THE HIDING GHOST SUSPECTS
LAWYER RASCALITY HAS NO OTHER MEANING. CONVENIENTLY FORGETTING THAT AS A LAWYER AND AS AN OFFICER IN THE TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, YOUR PRIMARY DUTY IS TO SEE THAT JUSTICE IS SERVED FAIRLY & SPEEDILY.
›THE NBA SHOULD HAVE DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY BEYOND RHETORICS WHEN CORRUPTION CASES INVOLVING HIGH PROFILE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAST FOREVER IN THE NATION'S COURTS
›WHEN IT IS NOW A COMMON PRACTICE BY MANY LAWYERS TO HIRE ARMED THUGS TO SECURE POSSESSION OF LANDED PROPERTY AFTER A HIGH COURT RULING IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE OTHER PARTY FROM APPEALING THE CASE.
THIS TERRIBLE SELF HELP PRACTICE HAS MADE MANY LAWYERS MORE POPULAR IN MOTOR PARKS WITH THE "TUALE" BOYS THAN EVEN IN NBA CIRCLE.
A NOBLE PROFESSION CANNOT JUST BE NOBLE BY NAME OR HEREDITARY. BUT BY CONSISTENT NOBLE CONDUCT, ENNOBLING ETHICS AND PRACTICE DISCIPLINE IN ORDER TO REGULARLY WEED OUT ROTTEN EGGS.
LAWYERS AND JUDGES WITHOUT SOCIAL CONSCIENCE ARE WORSE THAN ARMED ROBBERS
YES, THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD LAWYERS & JUDGES IN NIGERIA WHO WILL NEVER BE DESPERATE TO BE SUPER RICH BY ALL MEANS NECRDSARY INCLUDING SACRIFICING THE NOBILITY OF THE WELL RESPECTED PROFESSION.
IF YOUR HOUSE IS STINKING WITH LOADS OF DEBRIS AND YOU DO NOT SERIOUSLY BOTHER TO CLEAN IT, BLAME NOBODY BUT YOURSELF IF AND WHEN "WOLE WOLE" POUNCE ON YOU.
LAWYERS & JUDICIARY PLEASE HEAL THYSELF FIRST.
THE STATE OF EMERGENCY SHOULD HAVE BEEN DECLARED WHEN:
›A JUDGE GRANTED PERPETUAL INJUNCTION ON EX-GOV. ODILI'S CORRUPTION CASE
›WHEN EX-GOV. LUCKY IGBINEDON RECEIVED A PAT ON THE BACK ON CONVICTION AND TOLD TO PAY BACK JUST N3m AS FINE. THE MONEY HE ALREADY HAD IN HIS CAR BOOTH
›WHEN THE PENSION MEGA THIEF RECEIVED A SCANDALOUS PADDY PADDY SENTENCE
›WHEN JUDGES RANDOMLY GRANT INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION ON CRIMINAL MATTER. ACCORDING TO THE ERUDITE RADICAL PROF. BIODUN JEYIFO, NIGERIA IS THE ONLY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD THAT THIS PRACTICE IS DONE. NOBODY HAS DISPUTED THIS.
›WHEN SOME LAWYERS PARTICULARLY SANs WOULD FLAGRANTLY ABUSE COURT PROCESS, FILE FRIVOLOUS APPLICATIONS TO DELAY, FRUSTRATE TO NO END CORRUPTION CASES INVOLVING HIGH PROFILE PUBLIC THIEVES
›WHEN SOME LAWYERS WOULD TELL THEIR RICH CLIENTS TO HIDE IN THEIR CARS, CONTINUE TO HIDE IN THE CREEKS/DESRRT/ABROAD, OR DELIBERATELY ABSENT FROM COURT. AND THE COUNSELS WOULD COME OUT WITHOUT SHAME TO TELL US THAT IT IS NOT THEIR JOB TO LOOK FOR HIDING SUSPECTS. YET THEY KNOW HOW TO COLLECT THEIR LEGAL FEE FROM THE HIDING GHOST SUSPECTS
LAWYER RASCALITY HAS NO OTHER MEANING. CONVENIENTLY FORGETTING THAT AS A LAWYER AND AS AN OFFICER IN THE TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, YOUR PRIMARY DUTY IS TO SEE THAT JUSTICE IS SERVED FAIRLY & SPEEDILY.
›THE NBA SHOULD HAVE DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY BEYOND RHETORICS WHEN CORRUPTION CASES INVOLVING HIGH PROFILE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAST FOREVER IN THE NATION'S COURTS
›WHEN IT IS NOW A COMMON PRACTICE BY MANY LAWYERS TO HIRE ARMED THUGS TO SECURE POSSESSION OF LANDED PROPERTY AFTER A HIGH COURT RULING IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE OTHER PARTY FROM APPEALING THE CASE.
THIS TERRIBLE SELF HELP PRACTICE HAS MADE MANY LAWYERS MORE POPULAR IN MOTOR PARKS WITH THE "TUALE" BOYS THAN EVEN IN NBA CIRCLE.
A NOBLE PROFESSION CANNOT JUST BE NOBLE BY NAME OR HEREDITARY. BUT BY CONSISTENT NOBLE CONDUCT, ENNOBLING ETHICS AND PRACTICE DISCIPLINE IN ORDER TO REGULARLY WEED OUT ROTTEN EGGS.
LAWYERS AND JUDGES WITHOUT SOCIAL CONSCIENCE ARE WORSE THAN ARMED ROBBERS
YES, THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD LAWYERS & JUDGES IN NIGERIA WHO WILL NEVER BE DESPERATE TO BE SUPER RICH BY ALL MEANS NECRDSARY INCLUDING SACRIFICING THE NOBILITY OF THE WELL RESPECTED PROFESSION.
IF YOUR HOUSE IS STINKING WITH LOADS OF DEBRIS AND YOU DO NOT SERIOUSLY BOTHER TO CLEAN IT, BLAME NOBODY BUT YOURSELF IF AND WHEN "WOLE WOLE" POUNCE ON YOU.
LAWYERS & JUDICIARY PLEASE HEAL THYSELF FIRST.
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
Amid raid on judges, Buhari appoints new Supreme Court Justices
President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Senate to consider and confirm the nominations of two judges as Justices of the Supreme Court.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, read the letter conveying the request after the Senate returned from closed-door session on Tuesday.
The nominated judges are Sidi Bage, Nasarawa State, North Central; and Paul Jauro, Taraba State, North East.
In the letter read by Mr. Saraki, Mr. Buhari said his request followed Section 231(2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, as amended.
The President sought expeditious attention of the Senate, Mr. Saraki read.
Mr. Jauro, who was born on June 26, 1954, became judge of the High Court in 1998. Ten years afterwards, he was appointed Justice of the Court Appeal.
Mr. Bage, born on June 22, 1956, became Federal High Court Judge in 1992 before his appointment as Justice of the Court of Appeal in 2000.
The two Judges had been recommended for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court by the National Judicial Council.
Their nominations came amid a clampdown on allegedly corrupt judges in the High, Appeal and the Supreme Courts, by the State Security Service.
Of the 15 said to be under investigation, seven were arrested weekend.
They were granted bail on Monday on self-recognisance.
President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Senate to consider and confirm the nominations of two judges as Justices of the Supreme Court.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, read the letter conveying the request after the Senate returned from closed-door session on Tuesday.
The nominated judges are Sidi Bage, Nasarawa State, North Central; and Paul Jauro, Taraba State, North East.
In the letter read by Mr. Saraki, Mr. Buhari said his request followed Section 231(2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, as amended.
The President sought expeditious attention of the Senate, Mr. Saraki read.
Mr. Jauro, who was born on June 26, 1954, became judge of the High Court in 1998. Ten years afterwards, he was appointed Justice of the Court Appeal.
Mr. Bage, born on June 22, 1956, became Federal High Court Judge in 1992 before his appointment as Justice of the Court of Appeal in 2000.
The two Judges had been recommended for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court by the National Judicial Council.
Their nominations came amid a clampdown on allegedly corrupt judges in the High, Appeal and the Supreme Courts, by the State Security Service.
Of the 15 said to be under investigation, seven were arrested weekend.
They were granted bail on Monday on self-recognisance.
Sunday, 11 September 2016
$321 million Abacha loot: Femi Falana wants Buhari to reject Swiss government’s conditions
#MyOpinion: Does Falana want the loots RELOOTED?
Personally, I will advise the Swiss Govt to call for Tripartite agreement before the loot is returned between NIgeria FG, Switzerland FG and World Bank to witness and for WorldBank officials to agree to disburse in milestones for capital projects that the money will be spent on.
By so doing WorldBank officials in Nigeria can supervise the capital projects that the "last kobo" of the money will be spent on in Nigeria.
Who (Femi Falana inclusive) can pin-point to one mega infrastructural project (just one) that all the previously returned loots started, completed and commissioned in Nigeria for Nigerians to benefit from and to drive the economies ??
Nigeria problem isn't all about CORRUPTION but about WASTEFULNESS! Very Wasteful Nation!
All previously returned loots RELOOTED and UNACCOUNTED FOR !
If care is not taken, the entire $321 million Abacha loots will be devoted to pay part of the OVERBLOATED recurrent spendings that Nigeria keep spending on the National Assembly members as part of their N115bn for 2016 budget.
WATCH OUT 👀
By Mayowa Michael Adeleye
#MyOpinion: Does Falana want the loots RELOOTED?
Personally, I will advise the Swiss Govt to call for Tripartite agreement before the loot is returned between NIgeria FG, Switzerland FG and World Bank to witness and for WorldBank officials to agree to disburse in milestones for capital projects that the money will be spent on.
By so doing WorldBank officials in Nigeria can supervise the capital projects that the "last kobo" of the money will be spent on in Nigeria.
Who (Femi Falana inclusive) can pin-point to one mega infrastructural project (just one) that all the previously returned loots started, completed and commissioned in Nigeria for Nigerians to benefit from and to drive the economies ??
Nigeria problem isn't all about CORRUPTION but about WASTEFULNESS! Very Wasteful Nation!
All previously returned loots RELOOTED and UNACCOUNTED FOR !
If care is not taken, the entire $321 million Abacha loots will be devoted to pay part of the OVERBLOATED recurrent spendings that Nigeria keep spending on the National Assembly members as part of their N115bn for 2016 budget.
WATCH OUT 👀
By Mayowa Michael Adeleye
Friday, 9 September 2016
LA LA LẸ FRIDAY THINGS
YOU'RE PREGNANT? KEEP CALM...
Have you been anxious? It been 38th weeks, and you're yet to feel any contraction or false labor at this stage. Now, you're really scared. The question you've been asking yourself, relatives/folks is, is this normal?
KEEP CALM, Beautiful...
Full term is from 36-40 weeks so you are ok. Be counting active kicking periods of the baby and see a doctor immediately if you don't feel at least ten kicks or movements through the day as it could indicate fetal stress. At 40th weeks your doctor should talk about plans for induction between 40-42 weeks. After 42 weeks the placenta begins to deteriorate so your doctor will not permit you to go beyond.
Kicks may be felt anywhere between 30-40 weeks, but many women don't notice them because they're only for toning the uterine muscles and many times are too light to notice. A practitioner would check her cervix for dilation and "ripening" and may call for an ultrasound to check placenta fluid but most won't induce until 40th weeks because edd calculation is not a perfect science but an educated guess based on fetal size, menstrual date, and uterine expansion but it can vary plus or minus 2 weeks
AN EXPERIENCED MOTHER SAID:
I had my first baby on the 38th weeks while the 2nd one was few days after 39weeks. I started my maternity leave after my 37th week thinking that it was going to be the same with the 1ast one, I spent 2weeks and no show, I went to the hospital and my Doctor told me to calm down that there was no cause for alarm. I was getting tired already by then, I gave birth in the 39th week and 4 days.
Though, full term is 40weeks but u can visit your Doctor and don't forget to always pray.
YOU'RE PREGNANT? KEEP CALM...
Have you been anxious? It been 38th weeks, and you're yet to feel any contraction or false labor at this stage. Now, you're really scared. The question you've been asking yourself, relatives/folks is, is this normal?
KEEP CALM, Beautiful...
Full term is from 36-40 weeks so you are ok. Be counting active kicking periods of the baby and see a doctor immediately if you don't feel at least ten kicks or movements through the day as it could indicate fetal stress. At 40th weeks your doctor should talk about plans for induction between 40-42 weeks. After 42 weeks the placenta begins to deteriorate so your doctor will not permit you to go beyond.
Kicks may be felt anywhere between 30-40 weeks, but many women don't notice them because they're only for toning the uterine muscles and many times are too light to notice. A practitioner would check her cervix for dilation and "ripening" and may call for an ultrasound to check placenta fluid but most won't induce until 40th weeks because edd calculation is not a perfect science but an educated guess based on fetal size, menstrual date, and uterine expansion but it can vary plus or minus 2 weeks
AN EXPERIENCED MOTHER SAID:
I had my first baby on the 38th weeks while the 2nd one was few days after 39weeks. I started my maternity leave after my 37th week thinking that it was going to be the same with the 1ast one, I spent 2weeks and no show, I went to the hospital and my Doctor told me to calm down that there was no cause for alarm. I was getting tired already by then, I gave birth in the 39th week and 4 days.
Though, full term is 40weeks but u can visit your Doctor and don't forget to always pray.
Monday, 11 July 2016
FASHOLA SPEAKS ON 3000 MW MAMBILLA HYDRO POWER PLANT IN TARABA STATE.
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has identified various ways to provide steady power in the country out of which are the construction of Mambilla Hydro Power Plant in Taraba State.
He said this while delivering a lecture titled Nigeria’s Electricity Challenge: A roadmap for change, at a public lecture in Lagos on Thursday.
According to him, the roadmap to steady power must include the construction and delivery of the Mambilla Hydro power plant in Taraba state.
He said, “This Mambilla Hydro Power Plant project has been in conception since 1982. It has suffered from court delays. It will be the single largest power plant with over 3000 MW in one place and it potentially takes us close to steady power.
I recently read reports claiming that Mambilla hydropower plant is “stalled. Nothing can be further from the truth.To stall means to stop. Mambilla has not started so you cannot stop what has not started.”
The minister said that the government had opened discussions with the Governor of Taraba state, Governor Dickson Ishaku, who incidentally was once a Minister of State for Power.
“The first thing to do is to acquire the land and deal with compensation issues, which the Taraba State governor has promised to deal with.
The next step is to create an earth road to the site to enable more tests of soil and related issues to take place. The feasibility study has been done and so too the Environmental Impact Assessment.
We move one day at a time closer to starting Mambilla.
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has identified various ways to provide steady power in the country out of which are the construction of Mambilla Hydro Power Plant in Taraba State.
He said this while delivering a lecture titled Nigeria’s Electricity Challenge: A roadmap for change, at a public lecture in Lagos on Thursday.
According to him, the roadmap to steady power must include the construction and delivery of the Mambilla Hydro power plant in Taraba state.
He said, “This Mambilla Hydro Power Plant project has been in conception since 1982. It has suffered from court delays. It will be the single largest power plant with over 3000 MW in one place and it potentially takes us close to steady power.
I recently read reports claiming that Mambilla hydropower plant is “stalled. Nothing can be further from the truth.To stall means to stop. Mambilla has not started so you cannot stop what has not started.”
The minister said that the government had opened discussions with the Governor of Taraba state, Governor Dickson Ishaku, who incidentally was once a Minister of State for Power.
“The first thing to do is to acquire the land and deal with compensation issues, which the Taraba State governor has promised to deal with.
The next step is to create an earth road to the site to enable more tests of soil and related issues to take place. The feasibility study has been done and so too the Environmental Impact Assessment.
We move one day at a time closer to starting Mambilla.
Friday, 8 July 2016
Who exactly is responsible for the birth of Nigeria? - Ayekooto Akindele
Let us check history dispassionately.
SW(including EDO & Delta) said they are ready.
SE said they are ready.
North said anyone that wants to go can go but they still prefer the British.
Ahmadu Bello preferred to remain in the North.
Zik wanted to rule Nigeria
Awo wanted to rule Nigeria.
The British also wanted the North to join.
Of the three Premiers, only that of the north did not want to rule Nigeria, at least directly. This shows that Regional government is no solution, there is something attractive at the center whether in the Regional or Presidential!
UNITY was the slogan of Awo when he ran for Premier in 1959. Zik joined forces with Bello to help Balewa and they won!
On the 1st of October, no tribe boycotted the independence day.
At what point did we change?
1963 elections. Thoroughly rigged by Akintola and Bello. So election process is an ISSUE.
This led to a bloody coup that killed not just Akintola and Bello but also Balewa. Seemed like those who 'won' in 1963 rigged poll were prime targets but Okotie eboh too was killed.
FREE AND FAIR ELECTION would have prevented that actually.
Then the Military? And their Unitary system. The truth is that Presidential system is good but ours was defined by military dictatorship. WE MUST REDEFINE OUR PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM
Ironsi tribalistically protected those who murdered the riggers of 1963 elections and that led to bloodier tribalism and later WAR.
TRIBALISM IS BAD. A leader must not be tribalistic.
Millions died but we still came back as one! THIS SHOWS THAT NO AMOUNT OF KILLINGS CAN KILL NIGERIA. Let us learn from history.
Even there is no love lost in the military too. Gowon was overthrown, Murtala was killed. In 1979, the two 'people' that caused the war united again at the center. LOL....CENTER IS A UNITER! Even Ojukwu was forgiven and Gowon returned from exile! Both had earlier ended up in exile. LOL.
In 1983, the worst election election in our history took place. Unlike in 1963 which was done by Balewa and Akintola, this was done by Shagari and Ekwueme! Equation balanced!
But like 1963, the rigged election did not stand as well. The Military again!!!!!! Blood flew more in the barracks. Vatsa, Orka etc.
To proof that free and fair election can solve our problems, in 1993, TRIBALISM and RELIGION bowed to a FREE and FAIR POLL. If not for the conglomerate of Opportunists led by IBB, Nigeria would have been freed but..........and here we are looking for a solution that is in our pocket.
Abacha convoke a Conference, he knew that was not the solution. In 1999, June 12 was ridiculed when some people said it is all about the Yorubas and they must be pacified. OBJ came in. Disaster unlimited! No problem solved.
Then OBJ rigged another election in 2007 and brought in an Ijaw man with Igbo name EBELE. It was worse. CORRUPTION was his second name. He too rigged himself in properly in 2011. CORRUPTION is no longer fashionable because EBELE abused it. And later played to the gallery by using a CONFAB to cover up.....LOL
In 2015, a relatively fair election was conducted. It was rigged fairly. BUHARI won through the help of Tinubu and others. Nigeria thought integrity will end their sorrow.
YES INTEGRITY will but Integrity must do justice too.
Like Conducting a credible CENSUS
Like Pushing for RESOURCE CONTROL
Like Equipping and ensuring independent INEC
Like being a father to all
Nigeria will not break easily but these conditions can be met easily if truly we are sincere!
Was Yoruba better off during OBJ?
Was the Igbo/Ijaw better off during OBJ?
Has poverty disappeared in the North even now?
So who is responsible?
Let us check history dispassionately.
SW(including EDO & Delta) said they are ready.
SE said they are ready.
North said anyone that wants to go can go but they still prefer the British.
Ahmadu Bello preferred to remain in the North.
Zik wanted to rule Nigeria
Awo wanted to rule Nigeria.
The British also wanted the North to join.
Of the three Premiers, only that of the north did not want to rule Nigeria, at least directly. This shows that Regional government is no solution, there is something attractive at the center whether in the Regional or Presidential!
UNITY was the slogan of Awo when he ran for Premier in 1959. Zik joined forces with Bello to help Balewa and they won!
On the 1st of October, no tribe boycotted the independence day.
At what point did we change?
1963 elections. Thoroughly rigged by Akintola and Bello. So election process is an ISSUE.
This led to a bloody coup that killed not just Akintola and Bello but also Balewa. Seemed like those who 'won' in 1963 rigged poll were prime targets but Okotie eboh too was killed.
FREE AND FAIR ELECTION would have prevented that actually.
Then the Military? And their Unitary system. The truth is that Presidential system is good but ours was defined by military dictatorship. WE MUST REDEFINE OUR PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM
Ironsi tribalistically protected those who murdered the riggers of 1963 elections and that led to bloodier tribalism and later WAR.
TRIBALISM IS BAD. A leader must not be tribalistic.
Millions died but we still came back as one! THIS SHOWS THAT NO AMOUNT OF KILLINGS CAN KILL NIGERIA. Let us learn from history.
Even there is no love lost in the military too. Gowon was overthrown, Murtala was killed. In 1979, the two 'people' that caused the war united again at the center. LOL....CENTER IS A UNITER! Even Ojukwu was forgiven and Gowon returned from exile! Both had earlier ended up in exile. LOL.
In 1983, the worst election election in our history took place. Unlike in 1963 which was done by Balewa and Akintola, this was done by Shagari and Ekwueme! Equation balanced!
But like 1963, the rigged election did not stand as well. The Military again!!!!!! Blood flew more in the barracks. Vatsa, Orka etc.
To proof that free and fair election can solve our problems, in 1993, TRIBALISM and RELIGION bowed to a FREE and FAIR POLL. If not for the conglomerate of Opportunists led by IBB, Nigeria would have been freed but..........and here we are looking for a solution that is in our pocket.
Abacha convoke a Conference, he knew that was not the solution. In 1999, June 12 was ridiculed when some people said it is all about the Yorubas and they must be pacified. OBJ came in. Disaster unlimited! No problem solved.
Then OBJ rigged another election in 2007 and brought in an Ijaw man with Igbo name EBELE. It was worse. CORRUPTION was his second name. He too rigged himself in properly in 2011. CORRUPTION is no longer fashionable because EBELE abused it. And later played to the gallery by using a CONFAB to cover up.....LOL
In 2015, a relatively fair election was conducted. It was rigged fairly. BUHARI won through the help of Tinubu and others. Nigeria thought integrity will end their sorrow.
YES INTEGRITY will but Integrity must do justice too.
Like Conducting a credible CENSUS
Like Pushing for RESOURCE CONTROL
Like Equipping and ensuring independent INEC
Like being a father to all
Nigeria will not break easily but these conditions can be met easily if truly we are sincere!
Was Yoruba better off during OBJ?
Was the Igbo/Ijaw better off during OBJ?
Has poverty disappeared in the North even now?
So who is responsible?
Tuesday, 5 July 2016
CORRUPTION + POLITICIANS = SERIAL KILLERS: Nigerian says
The Boko Haram menace has killed thousands of people, destroyed properties worth Billions and ravaged communities. The Ijaw Scavengers have caused massive damage to the Nigerian economy. The Destructive Violent Fulani Herdsmen have killed hundreds of people and destroyed communities. All these Killers, Saboteurs, Kidnappers etc in Nigeria have done nothing compared to what Corruption and Nigerian Politicians are doing to our people daily. In Pleading that every Nigerian adult to join this Struggle for Freedom from Corruption and Political Criminality, In Asking for full support for the President's battles against the status quo, In Standing for the Nigerian People and In Fighting for the future of our people and our Children I am sober but determine to present the physical wounds, Pains, Sufferings, Results and Influence of Corruption and Political Criminality in their destructive alliance against the Nigerian State and People.
1. POLITICIANS are Killing our people daily through CORRUPTION. The reason Boko Haram was very devastating was because Politicians stole the money for educating the people and they Looted the money to fight the Insurgency when it arose from the ashes of corruption. The Reason the Ijaw Avengers are blowing up Pipelines is because Politicians Looted the Money earmarked for developing the region, the young and the youth of the region were recruited to become cultist and political thugs. The Politicians have now decided to use this same miseducated youths to stop PMB's war against Corruption.
2. POLITICIANS are Impoverishing our people through the instrumentalities of CORRUPTION. Over the years, the Money meant for National Development, Infrastructural Construction and Economic Growth has been Looted, Embezzled and Stolen with reckless abandon. The people have been wallowing in Poverty, Hunger, Suffering and debilitating Pains. Corruption ably coordinated by Politicians has sustained the impoverishing of the people, has refreshed the processes of looting and has improved on the style of perpetually subjecting the people to continuing poverty.
3. POLITICIANS are CORRUPTLY Promoting Sickness and Diseases by Ignoring our Hospitals and Looting the funds required for Facilities, Equipments and Development. Primary Healthcare Centres across the country are in debilitating state and starved of funding. Community Healthcare Initiatives are dead and General Healthcare investments in Nigeria is at an all time low. They Loot the Budget of the Health Ministry perpetually, Import Expired and fake Drugs into the Country to kill the people and Allow our Medical Infrastructure to collapse completely. Our People who are dying daily with pains and suffering fulfils Majority of Nigeria Politician's goal of sucking our Commonwealth and our Blood simultaneously.
4. POLITICIANS Invest heavily in the Miseducation and the undereducation of the Nigerian People through the support of CORRUPTION. A people properly educated will fight for their rights and think out a path for the future. Over the years, Politicians have corruptly looted the Budgets dedicated to the education of our people, they have allowed our educational Infrastructure to decay badly. They have invested heavily in Politician Thugs; Sustaining the Almajiri Epidemic and the Misinformation of Nigerians on the need for separation rather than the promotion of our unity in diversity.
5. POLITICIANS collectively bought a stake in Power and Electricity to ensure that Perpetual darkness is permanently a Nigerian. Tens of Billions of Dollars Investment in Power and Electricity over the past decades has yielded zero improvements. Politicians Award and Approve Power Projects and Contracts to themselves and they Loot the proceeds leaving Nigerians with Darkness. Ethiopia is Building the Biggest Power Dam in Africa with about $5billion Dollars and a capacity of 6,000mw. It started in 2011 and will be Completed in 2017. Nigeria would have used the about $20billion Dollars looted so far in the Name of Power and Electricity to Build a 20,000mw Power infrastructure. Politically induced Corruption will never allow the Nigerian people enjoy the beauty of governance and to see the result of their commonwealth.
6. POLITICIANS have mortgaged the future of our country and states with criminally minded loans, debts and bonds. The Average Nigerian Politician detest saving for the future, the development of the Nigerian People and for National Infrastructure growth. Billions are corruptly looted from Federal, States and Local Government Treasuries. No attempt is made at accountability and no Politician is interested in being responsible for the mega suffering of the people. Salaries are drying up for the people and increasing for the Politicians. The People have no Security Votes but the Politicians cannot stop collecting money for the insecurity they impose on the people. The Nigerian State and People have become a Collateral for decades of Political Wastefulness of our Leadership. Thankfully, Fiscal Sanity is a bedrock of the PMB's Presidency.
7. POLITICIANS have turned our Roads to death-traps; Our Social Infrastructures to Killing Machines and our Transportation Systems to Pain and Anguish Promoting structures. Majority of Nigeria Highways are Abandoned; Our National Infrastructures are rotting away and our Transport system has completely collapsed. Decades of Abandoned Projects and Contracts awarded to Politicians and their Cronies has rendered a transportation revival a tall order. Decades of neglect has rendered our social revival a real struggle today.
8. POLITICIANS are promoting the Worst of Religion; They are separating the people along Ethnic divides and Tribal Compositions. Nigeria is not the most diverse nation on earth and therefore should not suffer from continuing societal conflicts that have become tools utilized by corrupt politicians to ensure the people are continually subjective to the dictates of their oppressors. We were humans first and all people are equal before God. Nigerian Politicians are mostly corrupt and to ensure that their tendency for stealing is not disrupted, they have created a system of societal disorganization through division in Religion, Ethnicity and Tribalism.
9. POLITICIANS are synonymous with Greed, Wickedness, destruction of the moral fabrics of the society, rugged individualism and selfishness. Majority of the Politicians in Nigeria only think of themselves and their personal interest to the detriment of the development and the upliftment of the Nigerian State and people. The Enemy of the people is corruption consistently promoted by our Political leaders. Nationalism is lost on the altar of greed; Compassionate Capitalism is ignored for demonic chronic Capitalism with all emphasis on the looting of the State and the Ravaging of the people’s Commonwealth.
10. POLITICIANS are the Enemies of the Nigerian People. They are the Enemies within, by and large, they are the partners of the enemies without. The Bad Samaritans; The External Economic Saboteurs and the Entrenched Neo-Colonialist with their Destructive Neo-Liberal partners can have no foothold without their internal collaborators. The Nigerian people are being battered from the inside and outside. The people have weathered this bastardizing for decades. It is time to react.
You can see that Corruption is a TOOL used by the Politicians to impoverish the people; to Destroy our livelihood, to deplete our resources and to loot our commonwealth. The moment of realization is upon us all. The process of Emancipating our minds from mental slavery began with the #OccupyNigeriaMovement, Continued with the Election of #PresidentMuhammaduBuhari; Sustained with the #OccupyNassProject and now will be reloaded with the #OccupyNassIIUnlimited.
Join us; Volunteer; Mobilize and let us take our country back. November 14th, 2016 is our date with Destiny. It is time to begin the process of cleansing the Corruption within our Political system and to hold our Politicians accountable. The Nigerian National Assembly exemplifies what is wrong with Nigeria politically, it is the centre of our occupation.
The Boko Haram menace has killed thousands of people, destroyed properties worth Billions and ravaged communities. The Ijaw Scavengers have caused massive damage to the Nigerian economy. The Destructive Violent Fulani Herdsmen have killed hundreds of people and destroyed communities. All these Killers, Saboteurs, Kidnappers etc in Nigeria have done nothing compared to what Corruption and Nigerian Politicians are doing to our people daily. In Pleading that every Nigerian adult to join this Struggle for Freedom from Corruption and Political Criminality, In Asking for full support for the President's battles against the status quo, In Standing for the Nigerian People and In Fighting for the future of our people and our Children I am sober but determine to present the physical wounds, Pains, Sufferings, Results and Influence of Corruption and Political Criminality in their destructive alliance against the Nigerian State and People.
1. POLITICIANS are Killing our people daily through CORRUPTION. The reason Boko Haram was very devastating was because Politicians stole the money for educating the people and they Looted the money to fight the Insurgency when it arose from the ashes of corruption. The Reason the Ijaw Avengers are blowing up Pipelines is because Politicians Looted the Money earmarked for developing the region, the young and the youth of the region were recruited to become cultist and political thugs. The Politicians have now decided to use this same miseducated youths to stop PMB's war against Corruption.
2. POLITICIANS are Impoverishing our people through the instrumentalities of CORRUPTION. Over the years, the Money meant for National Development, Infrastructural Construction and Economic Growth has been Looted, Embezzled and Stolen with reckless abandon. The people have been wallowing in Poverty, Hunger, Suffering and debilitating Pains. Corruption ably coordinated by Politicians has sustained the impoverishing of the people, has refreshed the processes of looting and has improved on the style of perpetually subjecting the people to continuing poverty.
3. POLITICIANS are CORRUPTLY Promoting Sickness and Diseases by Ignoring our Hospitals and Looting the funds required for Facilities, Equipments and Development. Primary Healthcare Centres across the country are in debilitating state and starved of funding. Community Healthcare Initiatives are dead and General Healthcare investments in Nigeria is at an all time low. They Loot the Budget of the Health Ministry perpetually, Import Expired and fake Drugs into the Country to kill the people and Allow our Medical Infrastructure to collapse completely. Our People who are dying daily with pains and suffering fulfils Majority of Nigeria Politician's goal of sucking our Commonwealth and our Blood simultaneously.
4. POLITICIANS Invest heavily in the Miseducation and the undereducation of the Nigerian People through the support of CORRUPTION. A people properly educated will fight for their rights and think out a path for the future. Over the years, Politicians have corruptly looted the Budgets dedicated to the education of our people, they have allowed our educational Infrastructure to decay badly. They have invested heavily in Politician Thugs; Sustaining the Almajiri Epidemic and the Misinformation of Nigerians on the need for separation rather than the promotion of our unity in diversity.
5. POLITICIANS collectively bought a stake in Power and Electricity to ensure that Perpetual darkness is permanently a Nigerian. Tens of Billions of Dollars Investment in Power and Electricity over the past decades has yielded zero improvements. Politicians Award and Approve Power Projects and Contracts to themselves and they Loot the proceeds leaving Nigerians with Darkness. Ethiopia is Building the Biggest Power Dam in Africa with about $5billion Dollars and a capacity of 6,000mw. It started in 2011 and will be Completed in 2017. Nigeria would have used the about $20billion Dollars looted so far in the Name of Power and Electricity to Build a 20,000mw Power infrastructure. Politically induced Corruption will never allow the Nigerian people enjoy the beauty of governance and to see the result of their commonwealth.
6. POLITICIANS have mortgaged the future of our country and states with criminally minded loans, debts and bonds. The Average Nigerian Politician detest saving for the future, the development of the Nigerian People and for National Infrastructure growth. Billions are corruptly looted from Federal, States and Local Government Treasuries. No attempt is made at accountability and no Politician is interested in being responsible for the mega suffering of the people. Salaries are drying up for the people and increasing for the Politicians. The People have no Security Votes but the Politicians cannot stop collecting money for the insecurity they impose on the people. The Nigerian State and People have become a Collateral for decades of Political Wastefulness of our Leadership. Thankfully, Fiscal Sanity is a bedrock of the PMB's Presidency.
7. POLITICIANS have turned our Roads to death-traps; Our Social Infrastructures to Killing Machines and our Transportation Systems to Pain and Anguish Promoting structures. Majority of Nigeria Highways are Abandoned; Our National Infrastructures are rotting away and our Transport system has completely collapsed. Decades of Abandoned Projects and Contracts awarded to Politicians and their Cronies has rendered a transportation revival a tall order. Decades of neglect has rendered our social revival a real struggle today.
8. POLITICIANS are promoting the Worst of Religion; They are separating the people along Ethnic divides and Tribal Compositions. Nigeria is not the most diverse nation on earth and therefore should not suffer from continuing societal conflicts that have become tools utilized by corrupt politicians to ensure the people are continually subjective to the dictates of their oppressors. We were humans first and all people are equal before God. Nigerian Politicians are mostly corrupt and to ensure that their tendency for stealing is not disrupted, they have created a system of societal disorganization through division in Religion, Ethnicity and Tribalism.
9. POLITICIANS are synonymous with Greed, Wickedness, destruction of the moral fabrics of the society, rugged individualism and selfishness. Majority of the Politicians in Nigeria only think of themselves and their personal interest to the detriment of the development and the upliftment of the Nigerian State and people. The Enemy of the people is corruption consistently promoted by our Political leaders. Nationalism is lost on the altar of greed; Compassionate Capitalism is ignored for demonic chronic Capitalism with all emphasis on the looting of the State and the Ravaging of the people’s Commonwealth.
10. POLITICIANS are the Enemies of the Nigerian People. They are the Enemies within, by and large, they are the partners of the enemies without. The Bad Samaritans; The External Economic Saboteurs and the Entrenched Neo-Colonialist with their Destructive Neo-Liberal partners can have no foothold without their internal collaborators. The Nigerian people are being battered from the inside and outside. The people have weathered this bastardizing for decades. It is time to react.
You can see that Corruption is a TOOL used by the Politicians to impoverish the people; to Destroy our livelihood, to deplete our resources and to loot our commonwealth. The moment of realization is upon us all. The process of Emancipating our minds from mental slavery began with the #OccupyNigeriaMovement, Continued with the Election of #PresidentMuhammaduBuhari; Sustained with the #OccupyNassProject and now will be reloaded with the #OccupyNassIIUnlimited.
Join us; Volunteer; Mobilize and let us take our country back. November 14th, 2016 is our date with Destiny. It is time to begin the process of cleansing the Corruption within our Political system and to hold our Politicians accountable. The Nigerian National Assembly exemplifies what is wrong with Nigeria politically, it is the centre of our occupation.
Monday, 4 July 2016
THE VIEW...
There is a pernicious, disingenuous meme floating around. It goes: "ISIS have killed Muslims in Istanbul, Dhaka, Baghdad and now the holy city of Madina. So leave us alone, ISIS has nothing to do with Islam!"
A) What exactly is the point here? ISIS are still from among us Muslims. They still adopt a version of Islam that happens to be found in our scripture (eg: stone women, kill apostates, chop off limbs) to justify their actions.
B) Think how insulting we sound. 'They can't be Muslims because they're killing other Muslims'. As if killing non-Muslims would somehow make us accept they have something to do with Islam??
C) Religious extremism throughout the ages has targeted its 'own' before others. That's the nature of trying to control people. And that's why extremists were always so concerned with 'heresy' and 'blasphemy'. The 'traitor' from within is always more dangerous, and thus always more strictly punished. The Prophet's own grand children were killed by Muslim extremists known as the khawarij who were reported to be better at reciting the Quran & more steadfast in prayer than anyone else.
D) The fact is, claiming that ISIS has *nothing* to do with Islam is as unhelpful and ignorant as saying ISIS *is* Islam per se. It's blindingly obvious they have *something* to do with Islam and everyone's laughing at us for trying to deny this.
Instead of whinging and making our first reaction about Muslim victimhood, again, why not try being part of the solution by working to challenge extremism?
Or are cartoons the only thing that make us come out in the streets with rage?
There is a pernicious, disingenuous meme floating around. It goes: "ISIS have killed Muslims in Istanbul, Dhaka, Baghdad and now the holy city of Madina. So leave us alone, ISIS has nothing to do with Islam!"
A) What exactly is the point here? ISIS are still from among us Muslims. They still adopt a version of Islam that happens to be found in our scripture (eg: stone women, kill apostates, chop off limbs) to justify their actions.
B) Think how insulting we sound. 'They can't be Muslims because they're killing other Muslims'. As if killing non-Muslims would somehow make us accept they have something to do with Islam??
C) Religious extremism throughout the ages has targeted its 'own' before others. That's the nature of trying to control people. And that's why extremists were always so concerned with 'heresy' and 'blasphemy'. The 'traitor' from within is always more dangerous, and thus always more strictly punished. The Prophet's own grand children were killed by Muslim extremists known as the khawarij who were reported to be better at reciting the Quran & more steadfast in prayer than anyone else.
D) The fact is, claiming that ISIS has *nothing* to do with Islam is as unhelpful and ignorant as saying ISIS *is* Islam per se. It's blindingly obvious they have *something* to do with Islam and everyone's laughing at us for trying to deny this.
Instead of whinging and making our first reaction about Muslim victimhood, again, why not try being part of the solution by working to challenge extremism?
Or are cartoons the only thing that make us come out in the streets with rage?
THE HAWKING BANNED LAW
Hundred of street traders were on Monday arrested in different parts of Lagos metropolis by men of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), for hawking on the streets.
The State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, had last week Friday announced the enforcement of law banning street trading and hawking.
Ambode, who was speaking on a live TV interview, warned that the law stipulate six months jail term or N90,000 fine for offenders.
The governor said that the renewed enforcement is in line with Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 which restricts street trading and hawking in the metropolis.
Hundred of street traders were on Monday arrested in different parts of Lagos metropolis by men of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), for hawking on the streets.
The State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, had last week Friday announced the enforcement of law banning street trading and hawking.
Ambode, who was speaking on a live TV interview, warned that the law stipulate six months jail term or N90,000 fine for offenders.
The governor said that the renewed enforcement is in line with Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 which restricts street trading and hawking in the metropolis.
THE PROBLEMS OF NIGERIA - ELITES - Atitebi Johnson
We need not search for the sources of our problems in Nigeria as all fingers are pointing to the so called Nouveaux rich and the politicians.
Mr. Tunde Ayeni the Chairman is owing the bank N102 billion plus another N135 billion to buy MainStreet bank.
Jason Fadeyi a director - N90 billion Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko - N70 billion
Oando Oil - N20 billion.
All these will later be dumped on the lapse of Nigeria citizens as they will be taken over by AMCON.
No doubt CBN is culpable in this. Why did CBN of Emefiele allow the sale of Mainstreet bank to an insolvent bank? These directors and this debtors are nothing but criminals. Omokore and Aluko are involved in another scheme in NNPC.
Should they just allow these people to just be treated as ordinary debtors is an insult on average Nigerian.
It is even been hinted that the second coming of Saraki family into banking is going to end in another disaster as Heritage Bank is loading.
May good Lord deliver us from the hands of these so called rich Nigeria rogues.
We need not search for the sources of our problems in Nigeria as all fingers are pointing to the so called Nouveaux rich and the politicians.
Mr. Tunde Ayeni the Chairman is owing the bank N102 billion plus another N135 billion to buy MainStreet bank.
Jason Fadeyi a director - N90 billion Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko - N70 billion
Oando Oil - N20 billion.
All these will later be dumped on the lapse of Nigeria citizens as they will be taken over by AMCON.
No doubt CBN is culpable in this. Why did CBN of Emefiele allow the sale of Mainstreet bank to an insolvent bank? These directors and this debtors are nothing but criminals. Omokore and Aluko are involved in another scheme in NNPC.
Should they just allow these people to just be treated as ordinary debtors is an insult on average Nigerian.
It is even been hinted that the second coming of Saraki family into banking is going to end in another disaster as Heritage Bank is loading.
May good Lord deliver us from the hands of these so called rich Nigeria rogues.
Stigmatising President Buhari – by Prof Sola Adeyeye
This rehash of the prominent positions held by Muslims in Nigeria is mischievous and quite unfortunate. It is the typical Nigerian game of chasing needless shadows rather than focusing on the arduous task of nation building.
Until recently, so-called Christians held commanding heights of the economic governance of our Republic. The Presidency, Headship of National Assembly, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of Service, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, the NNPC, the Stock Exchange etc were headed by so-called Christians.
Tragically, they reprobately superintended the profligate looting of our common patrimony. The lone voice of courageous warning belonged to a certified Muslim, Sanusi Lamido, who succeeded Soludo and was hounded for his courage to expose the cult of looters comprising so-called Christians.
Yes, the metastasis of economic ruins in Nigeria was gestated by these Christians. They reduced Pentecostalism to a reprobate pente-rascality whereby the Dukes and knights of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Christian Association of Nigeria became errand boys in the corridor of accursed political power. Their private jets were the conveyors of stolen money!
Tunde Fashola is a Muslim. He now heads what used to be three big ministries. Was he chosen because of his religion? He was chosen because of his track record!
The dust will settle in Nigeria. Change will come despite predictable resistance from reactionary principalities and forces. Hackneyed references to issues that divide rather than unite us whether by Muslims or Christians, are age-long stumbling blocks to progress.
It really is a shame when well educated Nigerians, whether Muslim or Christian, wobble themselves in religious intolerance. Unfortunately, the intolerance is nursed by some imams and pastors mouthing poorly considered facts. Even if seemingly compelling, facts degenerate into half-truths when they are placed, as is often the case, outside of proper context.
The toxicity of half-truths rarely emanates from the profligacy of falsehood but rather from the subtle distortion of truth! Blatant falsehood is intuitively obvious and as such easy to reject. By contrast, when truth is softly bent, it takes great discernment to perceive its toxicity.
The Constitution of Nigeria enshrines that every state must be represented in the Cabinet of the Federal Government. Even those of us who feel that this, by itself, creates a cabinet that is too unwieldy, must tolerate such a provision until our pluralistic, multi-ethnic and multi-religious republic evolves into organic nationhood. As such, whoever is the President of Nigeria must have a minimum of 36 Ministers.
Of the six ministers representing the Southwestern states, two (Fashola from Lagos and Shittu from Oyo) are Muslims while four are Christians (Adeosun from Ogun, Adewole from Osun, Fayemi from Ekiti and Daramola from Ondo). All the five ministers from the Southeastern states are Christians as are all six ministers from the states of the south-south. In other words, of the 17 ministers from southern Nigeria, 15 are Christians while 2 are Muslims.
In the North-Central, Audu Ogbe from Benue, Solomon Dalong from Plateau, James Ocholi (now deceased) from Kogi are Christians. The remaining three ministers from that zone are Muslims. Even if all the ministers from Northeastern and Northwestern states are Muslims, we are left with a Federal cabinet comprising 18 Christians and 18 Muslims! We have a devout Muslim as President and a no less devout Christian as Vice President.
The current composition of the Federal Executive Council is one in which only liars will complain that Christians have been marginalized. When in the history of Nigeria has a traveling President transmitted power to the VICE PRESIDENT? That is what Buhari does each time he travels.
Now let us move to the legislature. Of the 10 Principal Officers of the Nigerian Senate, only three (Saraki, Ndume and Na’alla) are Muslims! The remainder (Ekeremadu, Adeyeye, Alimikhena, Akpabio, Aduda, Bwacha and Olujimi) are Christians! Adeyeye and Bwacha are lay preachers. The House of Representatives is headed by a Christian. With such a composition, the Nigerian Legislature is not a place where Christians can be said to be marginalized. In fact, few people realize that there are more Christians than Muslims in the Nigerian Senate.
Now let us go to the Judiciary. How many judges of the Supreme Court has Buhari appointed? The answer is Zero! Is it fair to blame him for appointments that predated his own election into office? The fear of God, the love of country and basic human decency dictate that we reject an amalgamation of intellectual sophistry with the dereliction of truth.
Unfortunately, it is quite easy for detractors to pick and choose their facts in a manner that allows malignant campaigns of calumny.
Professor Adeoye Adeniyi, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, was a deacon at Oritamefa Baptist Church Ibadan. He was the Chairman at my wedding. He was also our pediatrician. When he was leaving the University of Ibadan to head the College of Medicine at Ilorin in 1978/79, he handed Oluwatobi (our daughter) to a Moslem doctor in his Department. I asked him why he did not hand us to a Christian. Professor Adeniyi smiled and said, “you do not need a Baptist or for that matter a Christian doctor; you need a pediatrician who will respond even if you call after midnight!”
I enjoy air travels. Sometimes, the plane gets to very rough and bumpy weather. At such times, my concern is not whether the pilot can speak in tongue or prophesy! Rather, one hopes that the pilot knows what to do in a storm even if he were a Buddhist or Moslem. May God guide our Muslim President aright as we wade through the fierce storms of contemporary Nigeria.
By Prof. Olusola Adeyeye, a Nigerian biologist, politician and the Chief Whip 8th Senate of F R Nigeria
This rehash of the prominent positions held by Muslims in Nigeria is mischievous and quite unfortunate. It is the typical Nigerian game of chasing needless shadows rather than focusing on the arduous task of nation building.
Until recently, so-called Christians held commanding heights of the economic governance of our Republic. The Presidency, Headship of National Assembly, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of Service, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, the NNPC, the Stock Exchange etc were headed by so-called Christians.
Tragically, they reprobately superintended the profligate looting of our common patrimony. The lone voice of courageous warning belonged to a certified Muslim, Sanusi Lamido, who succeeded Soludo and was hounded for his courage to expose the cult of looters comprising so-called Christians.
Yes, the metastasis of economic ruins in Nigeria was gestated by these Christians. They reduced Pentecostalism to a reprobate pente-rascality whereby the Dukes and knights of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Christian Association of Nigeria became errand boys in the corridor of accursed political power. Their private jets were the conveyors of stolen money!
Tunde Fashola is a Muslim. He now heads what used to be three big ministries. Was he chosen because of his religion? He was chosen because of his track record!
The dust will settle in Nigeria. Change will come despite predictable resistance from reactionary principalities and forces. Hackneyed references to issues that divide rather than unite us whether by Muslims or Christians, are age-long stumbling blocks to progress.
It really is a shame when well educated Nigerians, whether Muslim or Christian, wobble themselves in religious intolerance. Unfortunately, the intolerance is nursed by some imams and pastors mouthing poorly considered facts. Even if seemingly compelling, facts degenerate into half-truths when they are placed, as is often the case, outside of proper context.
The toxicity of half-truths rarely emanates from the profligacy of falsehood but rather from the subtle distortion of truth! Blatant falsehood is intuitively obvious and as such easy to reject. By contrast, when truth is softly bent, it takes great discernment to perceive its toxicity.
The Constitution of Nigeria enshrines that every state must be represented in the Cabinet of the Federal Government. Even those of us who feel that this, by itself, creates a cabinet that is too unwieldy, must tolerate such a provision until our pluralistic, multi-ethnic and multi-religious republic evolves into organic nationhood. As such, whoever is the President of Nigeria must have a minimum of 36 Ministers.
Of the six ministers representing the Southwestern states, two (Fashola from Lagos and Shittu from Oyo) are Muslims while four are Christians (Adeosun from Ogun, Adewole from Osun, Fayemi from Ekiti and Daramola from Ondo). All the five ministers from the Southeastern states are Christians as are all six ministers from the states of the south-south. In other words, of the 17 ministers from southern Nigeria, 15 are Christians while 2 are Muslims.
In the North-Central, Audu Ogbe from Benue, Solomon Dalong from Plateau, James Ocholi (now deceased) from Kogi are Christians. The remaining three ministers from that zone are Muslims. Even if all the ministers from Northeastern and Northwestern states are Muslims, we are left with a Federal cabinet comprising 18 Christians and 18 Muslims! We have a devout Muslim as President and a no less devout Christian as Vice President.
The current composition of the Federal Executive Council is one in which only liars will complain that Christians have been marginalized. When in the history of Nigeria has a traveling President transmitted power to the VICE PRESIDENT? That is what Buhari does each time he travels.
Now let us move to the legislature. Of the 10 Principal Officers of the Nigerian Senate, only three (Saraki, Ndume and Na’alla) are Muslims! The remainder (Ekeremadu, Adeyeye, Alimikhena, Akpabio, Aduda, Bwacha and Olujimi) are Christians! Adeyeye and Bwacha are lay preachers. The House of Representatives is headed by a Christian. With such a composition, the Nigerian Legislature is not a place where Christians can be said to be marginalized. In fact, few people realize that there are more Christians than Muslims in the Nigerian Senate.
Now let us go to the Judiciary. How many judges of the Supreme Court has Buhari appointed? The answer is Zero! Is it fair to blame him for appointments that predated his own election into office? The fear of God, the love of country and basic human decency dictate that we reject an amalgamation of intellectual sophistry with the dereliction of truth.
Unfortunately, it is quite easy for detractors to pick and choose their facts in a manner that allows malignant campaigns of calumny.
Professor Adeoye Adeniyi, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, was a deacon at Oritamefa Baptist Church Ibadan. He was the Chairman at my wedding. He was also our pediatrician. When he was leaving the University of Ibadan to head the College of Medicine at Ilorin in 1978/79, he handed Oluwatobi (our daughter) to a Moslem doctor in his Department. I asked him why he did not hand us to a Christian. Professor Adeniyi smiled and said, “you do not need a Baptist or for that matter a Christian doctor; you need a pediatrician who will respond even if you call after midnight!”
I enjoy air travels. Sometimes, the plane gets to very rough and bumpy weather. At such times, my concern is not whether the pilot can speak in tongue or prophesy! Rather, one hopes that the pilot knows what to do in a storm even if he were a Buddhist or Moslem. May God guide our Muslim President aright as we wade through the fierce storms of contemporary Nigeria.
By Prof. Olusola Adeyeye, a Nigerian biologist, politician and the Chief Whip 8th Senate of F R Nigeria
ALERT! ALERT: VIOLENT RAPE OF A 12-YEAR OLD GIRL: DPA'S INTERVENTION REQUESTED:
I urge all members, particularly those in the affected area, to prepare to mobilize for intervention in this case reported below. We need more information and suggestions on how to act. This being rape, we shall be demanding immediate police intervention. We want the suspects arrested and prosecuted and we shall consider how to help the victim and her family in the mean time.
OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO INQUIRIES ON THE RAPE OF MISS D (name withheld)
MBADIWE COLONEL
DPA UMUAHIA
08133992424
This morning, I woke up to an alert from Mrs Chinyere Itesi to respond to an abhorrence that was on display here on DPA page. As I scrolled down, I saw that the story being depicted happened in my vicinity. It is the painful rape of Miss D, a 12 year old primary six (6) pupil who hails from Umuoso Nkwuegwu in Umuahia, Abia state.
I made and maintained correspondence with Mr. Henry Gantt Chibueze Odimuko who hails from the same locality and met up with him in the Police Hospital along Bende Road, Umuahia where he honorably kept vigil. There a met a beautiful girl bedridden, a teary eyed mother and a little confused brother who has no clue why his big sister writhes in pain.
Here are the Gory details
Miss D was raped by Ifeanyi Mbakwe and his Cousin Ikechukwu Mbakwe. Not only is this vulgarity despicable, they committed an abomination in their custom as Miss D is their sister who they cannot have neither carnal knowledge of nor marry.
No arrests have been made by the officers in Afugiri Police Station where the case was reported to despite information by the young men in the community that though the boys have gone into hiding, they are very much around.
The mother has received threatening calls by the father of one of the hoodlums that her options are to withdraw the case from the police so as to receive whatever cursed paltry sum of money for Miss D's treatment or watch him swallow her in a lawsuit of which he has lawyers at his disposal.
I saw first hand, the brutality of these boys as they had to break her leg to totally incapacitate her thus allowing them ample time without resistance to carry out this dastardly act.
What is most unfortunate is that no test has been carried out on this Innocent young girl to ascertain her status on infection if any (hopefully none) and also produce DNA evidence that can be used to prosecute her attackers.
Progress:
Through the effort of Mr. Henry and myself, the doctor now has been made to know that DPA and the world are now watching. Our little financial aid has made it possible for her mum to meet up with at least an x-ray for her legs to see the level of damage.
It is only in DPA that Justice without bias is followed doggedly with resilience and we will not relent.
Justice for Miss D who has been unfortunately scarred by her so called two " brothers" who are actually beasts.
I urge all members, particularly those in the affected area, to prepare to mobilize for intervention in this case reported below. We need more information and suggestions on how to act. This being rape, we shall be demanding immediate police intervention. We want the suspects arrested and prosecuted and we shall consider how to help the victim and her family in the mean time.
OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO INQUIRIES ON THE RAPE OF MISS D (name withheld)
MBADIWE COLONEL
DPA UMUAHIA
08133992424
This morning, I woke up to an alert from Mrs Chinyere Itesi to respond to an abhorrence that was on display here on DPA page. As I scrolled down, I saw that the story being depicted happened in my vicinity. It is the painful rape of Miss D, a 12 year old primary six (6) pupil who hails from Umuoso Nkwuegwu in Umuahia, Abia state.
I made and maintained correspondence with Mr. Henry Gantt Chibueze Odimuko who hails from the same locality and met up with him in the Police Hospital along Bende Road, Umuahia where he honorably kept vigil. There a met a beautiful girl bedridden, a teary eyed mother and a little confused brother who has no clue why his big sister writhes in pain.
Here are the Gory details
Miss D was raped by Ifeanyi Mbakwe and his Cousin Ikechukwu Mbakwe. Not only is this vulgarity despicable, they committed an abomination in their custom as Miss D is their sister who they cannot have neither carnal knowledge of nor marry.
No arrests have been made by the officers in Afugiri Police Station where the case was reported to despite information by the young men in the community that though the boys have gone into hiding, they are very much around.
The mother has received threatening calls by the father of one of the hoodlums that her options are to withdraw the case from the police so as to receive whatever cursed paltry sum of money for Miss D's treatment or watch him swallow her in a lawsuit of which he has lawyers at his disposal.
I saw first hand, the brutality of these boys as they had to break her leg to totally incapacitate her thus allowing them ample time without resistance to carry out this dastardly act.
What is most unfortunate is that no test has been carried out on this Innocent young girl to ascertain her status on infection if any (hopefully none) and also produce DNA evidence that can be used to prosecute her attackers.
Progress:
Through the effort of Mr. Henry and myself, the doctor now has been made to know that DPA and the world are now watching. Our little financial aid has made it possible for her mum to meet up with at least an x-ray for her legs to see the level of damage.
It is only in DPA that Justice without bias is followed doggedly with resilience and we will not relent.
Justice for Miss D who has been unfortunately scarred by her so called two " brothers" who are actually beasts.
Buhari sacks Kachikwu as NNPC boss, appoints new board for corporation.....
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the composition of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as provided for under Section 1(2) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Act of 1997, as amended.
Mr. Buhari also removed Ibe Kachikwu as group managing director of the corporation, a statement by presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina showed.
He however allowed him to remain as minister of state for petroleum and will serve as chairman of the NNPC board.
The new NNPC GMD is Maikanti Kacalla Baru, according to the presidency.
The new board is composed of the following:
A. Chairman-Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum;
B. Group Managing Director- Dr Maikanti Kacalla Baru;
C. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance; and
D. The following six persons:
1. Mallam Abba Kyari
2. Dr Thomas M.A John
3. Dr Pius O. Akinyelure
4. Dr Tajuddeen Umar
5. Mallam Mohammed Lawal, and
6. Mallam Yusuf Lawal.
President Buhari urges the new board to ensure the successful delivery of the mandate of the NNPC, ” and serve the nation by upholding the public trust placed on them in managing this critical national asset.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the composition of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as provided for under Section 1(2) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Act of 1997, as amended.
Mr. Buhari also removed Ibe Kachikwu as group managing director of the corporation, a statement by presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina showed.
He however allowed him to remain as minister of state for petroleum and will serve as chairman of the NNPC board.
The new NNPC GMD is Maikanti Kacalla Baru, according to the presidency.
The new board is composed of the following:
A. Chairman-Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum;
B. Group Managing Director- Dr Maikanti Kacalla Baru;
C. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance; and
D. The following six persons:
1. Mallam Abba Kyari
2. Dr Thomas M.A John
3. Dr Pius O. Akinyelure
4. Dr Tajuddeen Umar
5. Mallam Mohammed Lawal, and
6. Mallam Yusuf Lawal.
President Buhari urges the new board to ensure the successful delivery of the mandate of the NNPC, ” and serve the nation by upholding the public trust placed on them in managing this critical national asset.”
REFLECTION...
WHAT ATIKU AND SARAKI DON'T KNOW.
BALEWA never struggled to be Prime Minister. BELLO was qualified but gave it to BALEWA......
SHAGARI never wanted to be President.......but he ruled!
ABIOLA wanted it since 1983......he never got there even in 1993....We loved him but he did not get it.....
OBJ never lobbied for or desperate to be President. Falae wanted to since 1992 but he never got it.....OBJ did.
ODILI struggled and spent billions to get it....he never got it.....Yar'adua was not even physically strong enough yet he got it without spending his personal cash. ODILI got nothing!
JONATHAN has neither the cash nor the finesse to be President but he got it. He defeated desperate IBB and ATIKU in the primaries and BUHARI in the general!
BUHARI resigned to fate. He declared that he will not contest again. That is when GOD handpicked him and made him the President after HE had earlier watched him exhausting his personal energy and killing his desperation!
The time when JONATHAN had no strength, he defeated mighty BUHARI....But when he had all the strength and money...he lost to a BUHARI who had given up!
SARAKI...Your father used Yoruba name in the south and Fulani name in the North, yet he did not win....
This is for our reflection.
WHAT ATIKU AND SARAKI DON'T KNOW.
BALEWA never struggled to be Prime Minister. BELLO was qualified but gave it to BALEWA......
SHAGARI never wanted to be President.......but he ruled!
ABIOLA wanted it since 1983......he never got there even in 1993....We loved him but he did not get it.....
OBJ never lobbied for or desperate to be President. Falae wanted to since 1992 but he never got it.....OBJ did.
ODILI struggled and spent billions to get it....he never got it.....Yar'adua was not even physically strong enough yet he got it without spending his personal cash. ODILI got nothing!
JONATHAN has neither the cash nor the finesse to be President but he got it. He defeated desperate IBB and ATIKU in the primaries and BUHARI in the general!
BUHARI resigned to fate. He declared that he will not contest again. That is when GOD handpicked him and made him the President after HE had earlier watched him exhausting his personal energy and killing his desperation!
The time when JONATHAN had no strength, he defeated mighty BUHARI....But when he had all the strength and money...he lost to a BUHARI who had given up!
SARAKI...Your father used Yoruba name in the south and Fulani name in the North, yet he did not win....
This is for our reflection.
Sunday, 8 May 2016
Government can’t fix Nigeria’s road project infrastructure deficits alone ~ Mayowa Michael Adeleye
The need for infrastructure investment especially road projects is among the key issues that Nigerians hope that Buhari-led Government will bring CHANGE.
From the hospitals that heal us to the roads and bridges that link us, there’s no question that Nigeria's infrastructure is in urgent need of renewal. And while a recent announcement by the federal government of N200-billion in 2016 Budget for road infrastructure funding is a welcome development, much more needs to be done.
Nigeria’s current federal road projects infrastructural deficit is estimated to be in excess of N 2 trillion. It is unlikely that federal government can close this gap on their own. That is why innovative funding approaches are required.
Yes, the FG budgeted N200bn for federal roads construction financing in the 2016 National budget which is an improvement over the N18bn budgeted for road project in 2015.
However, according to Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, ongoing road projects alone awarded by the PDP GEJ-led government before APC-PMB led government were about 266 roads already-awarded in the various states with liability in excess of N2trillion to complete them.
What the last administration did was to budget N18billion for all the roads in the country, knowing the liability was in excess of N2trilion.
So, looking at the approved N200 billion for roads project in 2016, you know that that is not enough to meet the chronic roads network infrastructural deficit in Nigeria.
Federal Government must urgently consider alternative sources of funds to deliver more road projects. There is need for FG to seek alternative funding sources away from the annual ritual of statutory funding through the budget.
The Public Private Partnership 3Ps with toll gating with technology is an option. Some discussions and ideas have to be generated on how to seek additional funds outside the budget.
There has to be a way to increase funding since the annual budget ritual cannot address the funding gap. It's obvious that Federal government do not have enough resources to complete all the previously awarded but un-completed road projects at present.
For example, part of the benefits of the recent President Buhari's official visit to China was the signing of the MoU for foreign direct investment of $1 billion USD (N200bn) for the development of a new greenfield expressway for Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos under a tripartite agreement reached by the Infrastructure Bank, Sinohydro Corporation Limited and Nigerian Federal Government.
Nigeria government must welcome more and more private companies that can offer innovative solutions by investing in long term assets, and strong appetite to invest in Nigerian road network infrastructures, to keep our country moving forward.
Its impressive to hear from Mr Fashola that the focus of Buhari led Federal Government for now would be to complete some of the road projects already awarded but uncompleted by GEJ led administration and not to undertake awarding any new road construction projects.
Some of the key federal road projects to gulp the N200bn in the 2016 Budget include:
Kano-Maiduguri Road (N16bn)
Abuja-Lokoja Road (N10bn)
Apapa-Oshodi Road (N5bn)
Sokoto-Kontagora Road (N4bn)
Ilorin-Jebba Road (N6bn)
Itu-Ikot-Ekpene Road (N6bn)
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (N50bn)
2nd Niger Bridge (17bn) etc
Nigeria has the potential of becoming Africa leader in the use of public, private partnerships (or P3s) to help fund capital projects like hospitals, transit project and airports. The need is urgent and growing.
The states and federal governments, insurers and other capital financing private investors need to work together to develop standardized P3 documentation for smaller to bigger projects and to find ways to bundle smaller projects together to achieve greater scale.
PPP Nigeria can in fact be created as government agency to develop and share P3 best practices and to encourage and increase the use of P3s throughout Nigeria. Such agency will play leadership role, expertise, and influence directly on the P3 market nationally.
The need for infrastructure investment especially road projects is among the key issues that Nigerians hope that Buhari-led Government will bring CHANGE.
From the hospitals that heal us to the roads and bridges that link us, there’s no question that Nigeria's infrastructure is in urgent need of renewal. And while a recent announcement by the federal government of N200-billion in 2016 Budget for road infrastructure funding is a welcome development, much more needs to be done.
Nigeria’s current federal road projects infrastructural deficit is estimated to be in excess of N 2 trillion. It is unlikely that federal government can close this gap on their own. That is why innovative funding approaches are required.
Yes, the FG budgeted N200bn for federal roads construction financing in the 2016 National budget which is an improvement over the N18bn budgeted for road project in 2015.
However, according to Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, ongoing road projects alone awarded by the PDP GEJ-led government before APC-PMB led government were about 266 roads already-awarded in the various states with liability in excess of N2trillion to complete them.
What the last administration did was to budget N18billion for all the roads in the country, knowing the liability was in excess of N2trilion.
So, looking at the approved N200 billion for roads project in 2016, you know that that is not enough to meet the chronic roads network infrastructural deficit in Nigeria.
Federal Government must urgently consider alternative sources of funds to deliver more road projects. There is need for FG to seek alternative funding sources away from the annual ritual of statutory funding through the budget.
The Public Private Partnership 3Ps with toll gating with technology is an option. Some discussions and ideas have to be generated on how to seek additional funds outside the budget.
There has to be a way to increase funding since the annual budget ritual cannot address the funding gap. It's obvious that Federal government do not have enough resources to complete all the previously awarded but un-completed road projects at present.
For example, part of the benefits of the recent President Buhari's official visit to China was the signing of the MoU for foreign direct investment of $1 billion USD (N200bn) for the development of a new greenfield expressway for Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos under a tripartite agreement reached by the Infrastructure Bank, Sinohydro Corporation Limited and Nigerian Federal Government.
Nigeria government must welcome more and more private companies that can offer innovative solutions by investing in long term assets, and strong appetite to invest in Nigerian road network infrastructures, to keep our country moving forward.
Its impressive to hear from Mr Fashola that the focus of Buhari led Federal Government for now would be to complete some of the road projects already awarded but uncompleted by GEJ led administration and not to undertake awarding any new road construction projects.
Some of the key federal road projects to gulp the N200bn in the 2016 Budget include:
Kano-Maiduguri Road (N16bn)
Abuja-Lokoja Road (N10bn)
Apapa-Oshodi Road (N5bn)
Sokoto-Kontagora Road (N4bn)
Ilorin-Jebba Road (N6bn)
Itu-Ikot-Ekpene Road (N6bn)
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (N50bn)
2nd Niger Bridge (17bn) etc
Nigeria has the potential of becoming Africa leader in the use of public, private partnerships (or P3s) to help fund capital projects like hospitals, transit project and airports. The need is urgent and growing.
The states and federal governments, insurers and other capital financing private investors need to work together to develop standardized P3 documentation for smaller to bigger projects and to find ways to bundle smaller projects together to achieve greater scale.
PPP Nigeria can in fact be created as government agency to develop and share P3 best practices and to encourage and increase the use of P3s throughout Nigeria. Such agency will play leadership role, expertise, and influence directly on the P3 market nationally.
Friday, 6 May 2016
LA LA LẸ FRIDAY THINGS
MY DAUGHTER
You will stop bearing my name soon... You will be happily married to the man you love. Don't miss me because I have fulfilled my purpose, it is now time for you to start fulfilling yours. From your childhood, I have raised you well by the grace of God but before you say I do, there are few things I need to tell you about living with a man and being married.
Do you remember when you wrote your WAEC and JAMB exams? You came to me and I gave
you N20,000 naira for the registration? Well, even though I gave it to you, the money was not mine. I know you always thought I paid the fees. The truth is, I was broke… but your mother gave me the money She could have given it to you but she decided to give it to me to give to you. Support your husband, some times things will get tough… he will be frustrated. Even though he acts tough, in his mind he has fears… his fear may not make you value him anymore because he has fallen. That is the time to get behind him and support him!
The best way to show your husband you love him is to respect him! You may argue with him, you may disagree but at the end of the day, let him know he has your respect. Do you remember the day I screamed at your mother? What did she do? She was quiet! Do you also remember the day she screamed at me? What did I do? I was quiet! My daughter, learn to be quiet sometimes when your husband is angry. When one person is hot, the other should be cool. If two are always screaming at same time, that is how big problems start in marriage.
The first thing to know about your husband is his favourite food! If he has more than one then keep them at the back of your mind. Don't let him ask for it, always prepare it for him. There was a day your mother caught me touching a woman’s hand affectionately. I was lust after that woman but I was not yet cheating on your mum. When she saw us… she didn't fight the lady, she quietly left. I was afraid of going home because all hell will break lose. But when I got home she said nothing. She served me my food. Guilt was taking control over me. I started begging. From that day, I never looked at a woman twice. Who knows? If she had fought and threatened me… may be I could have run away from the fight into the arms of the lady. Sometimes Silence brings better solution than fight.
Forget those romantic novels you read while you were 21. Remember those Indian and American love movies? Also remember those too sweet Nollywood films on African magic, Hollywood romance movies on nbc 2? Forget them! Don’t expect your married life to be that way. Life is different from fiction The last thing I want to tell you….
Do you remember how you were born? After our wedding, things were tough and your mum had to do two jobs to support us. I was working as well. I get home 6pm while she gets home 8pm tired. But when we get to bed… she wouldn't deny me of my sexual right. That is how you were born. Don't form a habit of denying your husband of his night food. Be a good wife.
You will always be Daddy’s girl…
MY DAUGHTER
You will stop bearing my name soon... You will be happily married to the man you love. Don't miss me because I have fulfilled my purpose, it is now time for you to start fulfilling yours. From your childhood, I have raised you well by the grace of God but before you say I do, there are few things I need to tell you about living with a man and being married.
Do you remember when you wrote your WAEC and JAMB exams? You came to me and I gave
you N20,000 naira for the registration? Well, even though I gave it to you, the money was not mine. I know you always thought I paid the fees. The truth is, I was broke… but your mother gave me the money She could have given it to you but she decided to give it to me to give to you. Support your husband, some times things will get tough… he will be frustrated. Even though he acts tough, in his mind he has fears… his fear may not make you value him anymore because he has fallen. That is the time to get behind him and support him!
The best way to show your husband you love him is to respect him! You may argue with him, you may disagree but at the end of the day, let him know he has your respect. Do you remember the day I screamed at your mother? What did she do? She was quiet! Do you also remember the day she screamed at me? What did I do? I was quiet! My daughter, learn to be quiet sometimes when your husband is angry. When one person is hot, the other should be cool. If two are always screaming at same time, that is how big problems start in marriage.
The first thing to know about your husband is his favourite food! If he has more than one then keep them at the back of your mind. Don't let him ask for it, always prepare it for him. There was a day your mother caught me touching a woman’s hand affectionately. I was lust after that woman but I was not yet cheating on your mum. When she saw us… she didn't fight the lady, she quietly left. I was afraid of going home because all hell will break lose. But when I got home she said nothing. She served me my food. Guilt was taking control over me. I started begging. From that day, I never looked at a woman twice. Who knows? If she had fought and threatened me… may be I could have run away from the fight into the arms of the lady. Sometimes Silence brings better solution than fight.
Forget those romantic novels you read while you were 21. Remember those Indian and American love movies? Also remember those too sweet Nollywood films on African magic, Hollywood romance movies on nbc 2? Forget them! Don’t expect your married life to be that way. Life is different from fiction The last thing I want to tell you….
Do you remember how you were born? After our wedding, things were tough and your mum had to do two jobs to support us. I was working as well. I get home 6pm while she gets home 8pm tired. But when we get to bed… she wouldn't deny me of my sexual right. That is how you were born. Don't form a habit of denying your husband of his night food. Be a good wife.
You will always be Daddy’s girl…
Thursday, 28 April 2016
No official forex allowance for govt officials on foreign medical treatment for conditions that can be treated in Nigeria – FG
The Federal Government has said it would not provide funds to any government official to travel abroad for medical treatment unless the case cannot be handled in Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari made this known on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 56th Annual General Conference and delegates meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association held in Sokoto.
The President who was represented by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said the government would not encourage medical tourism with the nation’s resources.
“While this administration will not deny anyone of his or her fundamental human rights, we will certainly not encourage expending Nigerian hard earned resources on any government official seeking medical care abroad, when such can be handled in Nigeria,” Buhari said, according to a statement by the Director, Media and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Boade Akinola.
Buhari called on the health professionals to discontinue inter-professional crisis which he said had impacted negatively on the nation’s healthcare delivery system.
“We have seen the hazards that this unfortunate and highly preventable problems have caused to the quality of health care delivery in Nigeria. May I implore members of NMA to always imbibe the spirit of team work to ensure harmonious relationship with other health professionals, no profession can effectively and efficiently function without the other,” he said.
The Federal Government has said it would not provide funds to any government official to travel abroad for medical treatment unless the case cannot be handled in Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari made this known on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 56th Annual General Conference and delegates meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association held in Sokoto.
The President who was represented by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said the government would not encourage medical tourism with the nation’s resources.
“While this administration will not deny anyone of his or her fundamental human rights, we will certainly not encourage expending Nigerian hard earned resources on any government official seeking medical care abroad, when such can be handled in Nigeria,” Buhari said, according to a statement by the Director, Media and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Boade Akinola.
Buhari called on the health professionals to discontinue inter-professional crisis which he said had impacted negatively on the nation’s healthcare delivery system.
“We have seen the hazards that this unfortunate and highly preventable problems have caused to the quality of health care delivery in Nigeria. May I implore members of NMA to always imbibe the spirit of team work to ensure harmonious relationship with other health professionals, no profession can effectively and efficiently function without the other,” he said.
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Tragedy ~ anonymous
Reactions to tragedies by Nigerians are mostly born out of hatred.
The kind of reactions I read on social media when tragedy happens are simply disgusting and unpatriotic. Still on Enugu State
Haters were quick to put the death toll at over 100, the death toll is 6 so what next?
Political jobbers claimed they were fulani Herdsmen simply because President Buhari is of fulani extraction while police confirmed they were hoodlums...what next?
My eastern brothers and Biafruad agitators were busy pointing fingers and toes at Mr President for not doing the job of a state governor. Now we know the governor has failed what next?
They blame the president for not issuing a statement even before he receives detailed security reports from his rank and files. Ok he has issued a statement so what next?
I know they wished the death toll to exceed 100, they wished they are killed by fulani, they also wish Buhari fails to protect but to whose glory? To whose gain? to whose loss? Why all these ill wishes against one another?
I can clearly sense hatred oozing out of people's minds in every move for no just cause, you may not like the government in power but we have to be patriotic in our wishes, we have to feel the pains of others, we have to speak oneness, we have to condemn the ills in our society and encourage the government to deal with the products of corruption.
We have to enforce accountability on our leaders in this order starting from Councillors -> LGA Chairmen -> Reps -> Governors, other political appointees and finally the Federal government.
We must be wise enough to blame right, point the right fingers, to the right persons and at the right times.
I'm an advocate of one indivisible Nigeria, we all have something the other person needs so stop the hatred and start loving.
And yes I'm from Enugu State and I speak like this.
RIP for those who lost their lives
Still in the spirit of #occupynass day 3
Reactions to tragedies by Nigerians are mostly born out of hatred.
The kind of reactions I read on social media when tragedy happens are simply disgusting and unpatriotic. Still on Enugu State
Haters were quick to put the death toll at over 100, the death toll is 6 so what next?
Political jobbers claimed they were fulani Herdsmen simply because President Buhari is of fulani extraction while police confirmed they were hoodlums...what next?
My eastern brothers and Biafruad agitators were busy pointing fingers and toes at Mr President for not doing the job of a state governor. Now we know the governor has failed what next?
They blame the president for not issuing a statement even before he receives detailed security reports from his rank and files. Ok he has issued a statement so what next?
I know they wished the death toll to exceed 100, they wished they are killed by fulani, they also wish Buhari fails to protect but to whose glory? To whose gain? to whose loss? Why all these ill wishes against one another?
I can clearly sense hatred oozing out of people's minds in every move for no just cause, you may not like the government in power but we have to be patriotic in our wishes, we have to feel the pains of others, we have to speak oneness, we have to condemn the ills in our society and encourage the government to deal with the products of corruption.
We have to enforce accountability on our leaders in this order starting from Councillors -> LGA Chairmen -> Reps -> Governors, other political appointees and finally the Federal government.
We must be wise enough to blame right, point the right fingers, to the right persons and at the right times.
I'm an advocate of one indivisible Nigeria, we all have something the other person needs so stop the hatred and start loving.
And yes I'm from Enugu State and I speak like this.
RIP for those who lost their lives
Still in the spirit of #occupynass day 3
The Budget ~ Gbenga Ashafa
On Monday 25th April, 2016, the Senate Committee on Land Transport held its Public Hearing on the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act Repeal & Re-enactment Bill 2015.
The Committee which I have the privilege of chairing, set the tone for the input of the general public and stakeholders in the #RailwayBill
The Public Hearing was well attended by both Private and Public Sector Stakeholders in the Rail Sector, who poured out different and positively divergent shades of well-articulated positions of what should be contained in the proposed Act.
The Public Hearing was also well attended by the Leadership of the Senate & members of the Committee in both the Senate & the House of Reps.
As a Committee, we sought & received sound and robust contributions which would guide our actions on the #RailWayBill. We are currently reviewing the different briefs that were put forward by various stakeholders and we promise to deliver a well-articulated report on the bill and subsequently an Act reflecting the aggregate of the positions canvassed.
Ultimately, I look forward to the #RailwayBill becoming an act that will stand the test of time & open up our railways to private participation.
On Monday 25th April, 2016, the Senate Committee on Land Transport held its Public Hearing on the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act Repeal & Re-enactment Bill 2015.
The Committee which I have the privilege of chairing, set the tone for the input of the general public and stakeholders in the #RailwayBill
The Public Hearing was well attended by both Private and Public Sector Stakeholders in the Rail Sector, who poured out different and positively divergent shades of well-articulated positions of what should be contained in the proposed Act.
The Public Hearing was also well attended by the Leadership of the Senate & members of the Committee in both the Senate & the House of Reps.
As a Committee, we sought & received sound and robust contributions which would guide our actions on the #RailWayBill. We are currently reviewing the different briefs that were put forward by various stakeholders and we promise to deliver a well-articulated report on the bill and subsequently an Act reflecting the aggregate of the positions canvassed.
Ultimately, I look forward to the #RailwayBill becoming an act that will stand the test of time & open up our railways to private participation.
#OccupyNASS ~ Geri Alimi
WHAT WE WANT:
1. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway and other sensitive projects that were replaced with procurement of tricycles and construction of mini-town halls, must return to the 2016 budget with immediate effect.
2. The Senate cannot be buying exotic cars when Nigerians are seriously complaining of hunger. It is the height of political insensitivity and social detachment.
3. The Senate must stop slowing down the government of President Muhammadu Buhari intentionally, through cheap political manipulation. Their sole duty is to make laws. With over N100 billion in mind-boggling allowances, how many bills has this Senate passed??
4. The Senate must embrace the Treasury Single Account (TSA) financial system, to ensure transparency and accountability. The Senate cannot be a government unto itself.
5. If the Senate cannot meet our above demands, then they must know that their time is up! They have outlived their usefulness and Nigeria is better off without them!
WHAT WE WANT:
1. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway and other sensitive projects that were replaced with procurement of tricycles and construction of mini-town halls, must return to the 2016 budget with immediate effect.
2. The Senate cannot be buying exotic cars when Nigerians are seriously complaining of hunger. It is the height of political insensitivity and social detachment.
3. The Senate must stop slowing down the government of President Muhammadu Buhari intentionally, through cheap political manipulation. Their sole duty is to make laws. With over N100 billion in mind-boggling allowances, how many bills has this Senate passed??
4. The Senate must embrace the Treasury Single Account (TSA) financial system, to ensure transparency and accountability. The Senate cannot be a government unto itself.
5. If the Senate cannot meet our above demands, then they must know that their time is up! They have outlived their usefulness and Nigeria is better off without them!
NIGERIA DERIVED NO BENEFIT FROM PREVIOUS DEVALUATIONS OF THE NAIRA - PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari insisted Friday in Abuja that he was yet to be convinced that the vast majority of ordinary Nigerians will derive any tangible benefit from a devaluation of the Naira.
Speaking at a meeting with members of the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries, President Buhari said that he still held the conviction which motivated his principled resistance to devaluation in his first tenure as Head of State.
"When I was military Head of State, the IMF and the World Bank wanted us devalue the Naira and remove petrol subsidy but I stood my grounds for the good of Nigeria.
"The Naira remained strong against the Dollar and other foreign currencies until I was removed from office in August, 1985 and it was devalued.
"But how many factories were built and how many jobs were created by the devaluation?
"That is why I'm still asking to be convinced today on the benefits of devaluation," President Buhari told the retired Permanent Secretaries led by Otunba Christopher Tugbobo.
President Buhari welcomed the Council's pledge of support for the successful implementation of his administration's Change Agenda, especially in the priority areas of improving security, curbing corruption and revitalizing the national economy.
"I am glad you have rightly identified the key issues we campaigned on.
"We need a dynamic bureaucracy which will not mislead us into taking wrong decisions," the President said.
The Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries was established in 2004 to serve as a platform for retired permanent secretaries to offer constructive advice to government on key policy issues.
Chief Philip Asiodu, the Pioneer Chairman of the Council, said that its members want the present Administration to succeed because Nigeria has already lost many opportunities for progress.
"We are non-partisan. The interest of Nigeria is paramount to us and we are anxious that you should succeed," Chief Asiodu told the President.
President Muhammadu Buhari insisted Friday in Abuja that he was yet to be convinced that the vast majority of ordinary Nigerians will derive any tangible benefit from a devaluation of the Naira.
Speaking at a meeting with members of the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries, President Buhari said that he still held the conviction which motivated his principled resistance to devaluation in his first tenure as Head of State.
"When I was military Head of State, the IMF and the World Bank wanted us devalue the Naira and remove petrol subsidy but I stood my grounds for the good of Nigeria.
"The Naira remained strong against the Dollar and other foreign currencies until I was removed from office in August, 1985 and it was devalued.
"But how many factories were built and how many jobs were created by the devaluation?
"That is why I'm still asking to be convinced today on the benefits of devaluation," President Buhari told the retired Permanent Secretaries led by Otunba Christopher Tugbobo.
President Buhari welcomed the Council's pledge of support for the successful implementation of his administration's Change Agenda, especially in the priority areas of improving security, curbing corruption and revitalizing the national economy.
"I am glad you have rightly identified the key issues we campaigned on.
"We need a dynamic bureaucracy which will not mislead us into taking wrong decisions," the President said.
The Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries was established in 2004 to serve as a platform for retired permanent secretaries to offer constructive advice to government on key policy issues.
Chief Philip Asiodu, the Pioneer Chairman of the Council, said that its members want the present Administration to succeed because Nigeria has already lost many opportunities for progress.
"We are non-partisan. The interest of Nigeria is paramount to us and we are anxious that you should succeed," Chief Asiodu told the President.
Sunday, 17 April 2016
THE RAPING OF A NATION AT THE SENATE!
In a shameless show of banditry and treachery that looked more like a broad daylight gang-rape or armed robbery of a nation than lawmakers passing bills, the Bukola Saraki Mafia cabal at the Senate, presided by Ike Ekweremadu, hastily passed the Code of Conduct Bureau Act (CCBA) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) amendment bills through their second readings in just three days! This is the fastest for a bill, in recent memory.
Insiders at the Senate reported that 36 Toyota Landcruiser V8 engine Sport Utility Vehicles were allegedly purchased and distributed as bribes to the Mafia cabal, to facilitate the hurried amendment of these two bills, which directly affect Bukola Saraki's pending court cases for forgery, false declaration of assets, grandeur theft and money laudering. This is what happens to the laws of the land when a criminal gangster like Bukola Saraki fraudulently becomes the Senate President.
The shambolic theatrics of the bills amendment was initiated by Senator Nwaoboshi. His motion was supported by Dino Melaye, who thought that the proposal was justified. The Senate Chairman of Ethics Committee, Sam Anyanwu, also supported the amendment. Other traitors who supported the bill during the debate include Senator Biodun Olujimi, who said "if you don't support your neighbour when his house is burning, it will extend to yours!"
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi supported the bill, but added insult to injury by urging the Senate to be “mindful” of public perception, due to wrong timing of the bill! But his hopeless statement was rendered even more useless by Senator Abu Ibrahim, who supported the bill and unashamedly said that "the time is right!"
The CCBA and ACJA amendment bills have therefore fraudulently passed their second reading today. They are now forwarded to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review, which will report back to Senate in two weeks time.
Fellow compatriots, let us give the fraudulent Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over this show of shame, a dose of our mind. Let us call or text Ekweremadu on +2347034033888, +2348075757000, +2348065290996. If the traitors have balls to bastardise our constitution in broad day light, we must have the courage to react lawfully. This is a bad day for democracy in Nigeria.
Finally, please note that 26th April in the new date for #OccupyNass to #ReclaimNigeria from the traitors.
May God save Nigeria and Nigerians. Amen.
Please circulate generously. Together we can stop these thieves!
In a shameless show of banditry and treachery that looked more like a broad daylight gang-rape or armed robbery of a nation than lawmakers passing bills, the Bukola Saraki Mafia cabal at the Senate, presided by Ike Ekweremadu, hastily passed the Code of Conduct Bureau Act (CCBA) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) amendment bills through their second readings in just three days! This is the fastest for a bill, in recent memory.
Insiders at the Senate reported that 36 Toyota Landcruiser V8 engine Sport Utility Vehicles were allegedly purchased and distributed as bribes to the Mafia cabal, to facilitate the hurried amendment of these two bills, which directly affect Bukola Saraki's pending court cases for forgery, false declaration of assets, grandeur theft and money laudering. This is what happens to the laws of the land when a criminal gangster like Bukola Saraki fraudulently becomes the Senate President.
The shambolic theatrics of the bills amendment was initiated by Senator Nwaoboshi. His motion was supported by Dino Melaye, who thought that the proposal was justified. The Senate Chairman of Ethics Committee, Sam Anyanwu, also supported the amendment. Other traitors who supported the bill during the debate include Senator Biodun Olujimi, who said "if you don't support your neighbour when his house is burning, it will extend to yours!"
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi supported the bill, but added insult to injury by urging the Senate to be “mindful” of public perception, due to wrong timing of the bill! But his hopeless statement was rendered even more useless by Senator Abu Ibrahim, who supported the bill and unashamedly said that "the time is right!"
The CCBA and ACJA amendment bills have therefore fraudulently passed their second reading today. They are now forwarded to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review, which will report back to Senate in two weeks time.
Fellow compatriots, let us give the fraudulent Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over this show of shame, a dose of our mind. Let us call or text Ekweremadu on +2347034033888, +2348075757000, +2348065290996. If the traitors have balls to bastardise our constitution in broad day light, we must have the courage to react lawfully. This is a bad day for democracy in Nigeria.
Finally, please note that 26th April in the new date for #OccupyNass to #ReclaimNigeria from the traitors.
May God save Nigeria and Nigerians. Amen.
Please circulate generously. Together we can stop these thieves!
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Budget Splits Senate As Southern Senators Ask Buhari Not Sign Without Lagos-Calabar Rail Project
Senators from the southern part of Nigeria have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to withhold his assent to the 2016 budget if the Appropriation Committees of both chambers of the National Assembly refuse to include the Calabar-Lagos rail project in the 2016 appropriation bill.
The Senators had, on Tuesday, vowed not to revisit the budget or include the Lagos-Calabar rail project, threatening to take “necessary action” should Buhari refuse to sign the budget at passed.
But federal parliamentarians from the South-West and South-South geopolitical zones met at their caucus levels on Tuesday night and resolved to resist any attempt to deny their zones the important while the South-South senators met at an undisclosed location outside the National Assembly complex, the South-West senators met at the residence of Senator Gbenga Ashafa.
Senators, who attended the caucus meetings, confided in one of our correspondents that the call for a supplementary budget was an attempt to deny the south an opportunity to enjoy a viable rail project.
Confirming the position of the southern senators in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Adesoji Akanbi said the All Progressives Congress caucus in the South-West was solidly behind the position of Ashafa, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, on the issue.
Akanbi added that the signing of the budget without the inclusion of the N60bn Calabar-Lagos rail project would not be in the interest of the people of the South-West.
He said, “Personally, I see no reason why the funds in the Ministry of Transportation should be moved completely to the Ministry of Works for the construction of roads which belong to state governments without engineering design.
“We are seeking the reversal of this decision because the Calabar-Lagos rail project is very viable and it cuts across states in the South-South and South-West and it would galvanise the social and economic activities of the affected regions.
“Apart from this, the project is a joint venture between Nigeria and Japan and it is time-bound. Any attempt to leave it out of the budget this year will affect the execution of the project.”
Akanbi noted that the argument of the appropriation committees that they could not accommodate the Calabar-Lagos rail project because it was not included in the budget presented by Buhari was not tenable because a supplementary provision was supplied.
The Oyo South senator explained that similar situation happened in the committee of solid minerals when the rents on some of the ministry’s properties were omitted in the budget presented.
He said the officials of the ministry were asked re-present a supplementary budget of N5m, which was instantly included by the committee and presented to the appropriation committee and consequently accommodated.
Akanbi said, “The situation is similar to what happened in the committee on Land Transport because the supplementary budget presented by the Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, is allowed in the parliamentary process.
“Why should the money in the transportation ministry be moved to the ministry of works and voted for the construction of roads that have no engineering design and does not even belong to the Federal Government?”
A Senator from the South-South, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Calabar-Lagos rail project was as important to the southerners just as the Kano rail project was important to the northerners.
He said, “The Federal Government deliberately wanted the Calabar-Lagos rail project in the budget to balance the northern and southern interests; so, nobody can remove it.”
A senator from the South-South geo-political zone, who did not want to be named because of his position in the upper chamber, also confirmed his caucus meeting on Tuesday evening.
He expressed surprise that the Calabar-Lagos rail project was not in the budget details sent to the executive.
He said, “Being a member of the appropriation committee, I can confirm that the project was in the budget submitted by the committee on land transport for inclusion into the main budget.”
Senators from the southern part of Nigeria have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to withhold his assent to the 2016 budget if the Appropriation Committees of both chambers of the National Assembly refuse to include the Calabar-Lagos rail project in the 2016 appropriation bill.
The Senators had, on Tuesday, vowed not to revisit the budget or include the Lagos-Calabar rail project, threatening to take “necessary action” should Buhari refuse to sign the budget at passed.
But federal parliamentarians from the South-West and South-South geopolitical zones met at their caucus levels on Tuesday night and resolved to resist any attempt to deny their zones the important while the South-South senators met at an undisclosed location outside the National Assembly complex, the South-West senators met at the residence of Senator Gbenga Ashafa.
Senators, who attended the caucus meetings, confided in one of our correspondents that the call for a supplementary budget was an attempt to deny the south an opportunity to enjoy a viable rail project.
Confirming the position of the southern senators in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Adesoji Akanbi said the All Progressives Congress caucus in the South-West was solidly behind the position of Ashafa, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, on the issue.
Akanbi added that the signing of the budget without the inclusion of the N60bn Calabar-Lagos rail project would not be in the interest of the people of the South-West.
He said, “Personally, I see no reason why the funds in the Ministry of Transportation should be moved completely to the Ministry of Works for the construction of roads which belong to state governments without engineering design.
“We are seeking the reversal of this decision because the Calabar-Lagos rail project is very viable and it cuts across states in the South-South and South-West and it would galvanise the social and economic activities of the affected regions.
“Apart from this, the project is a joint venture between Nigeria and Japan and it is time-bound. Any attempt to leave it out of the budget this year will affect the execution of the project.”
Akanbi noted that the argument of the appropriation committees that they could not accommodate the Calabar-Lagos rail project because it was not included in the budget presented by Buhari was not tenable because a supplementary provision was supplied.
The Oyo South senator explained that similar situation happened in the committee of solid minerals when the rents on some of the ministry’s properties were omitted in the budget presented.
He said the officials of the ministry were asked re-present a supplementary budget of N5m, which was instantly included by the committee and presented to the appropriation committee and consequently accommodated.
Akanbi said, “The situation is similar to what happened in the committee on Land Transport because the supplementary budget presented by the Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, is allowed in the parliamentary process.
“Why should the money in the transportation ministry be moved to the ministry of works and voted for the construction of roads that have no engineering design and does not even belong to the Federal Government?”
A Senator from the South-South, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Calabar-Lagos rail project was as important to the southerners just as the Kano rail project was important to the northerners.
He said, “The Federal Government deliberately wanted the Calabar-Lagos rail project in the budget to balance the northern and southern interests; so, nobody can remove it.”
A senator from the South-South geo-political zone, who did not want to be named because of his position in the upper chamber, also confirmed his caucus meeting on Tuesday evening.
He expressed surprise that the Calabar-Lagos rail project was not in the budget details sent to the executive.
He said, “Being a member of the appropriation committee, I can confirm that the project was in the budget submitted by the committee on land transport for inclusion into the main budget.”
Friday, 8 April 2016
Here's how DanGliesack explained the Panama Papers leak to five-year-olds:
When you get a quarter you put it in the piggy bank. The piggy bank is on a shelf in your closet. Your mom knows this and she checks on it every once in a while, so she knows when you put more money in or spend it.
Now one day, you might decide "I don't want mom to look at my money." So you go over to Johnny's house with an extra piggy bank that you're going to keep in his room. You write your name on it and put it in his closet. Johnny's mom is always very busy, so she never has time to check on his piggy bank. So you can keep yours there and it will stay a secret.
Now all the kids in the neighborhood think this is a good idea, and everyone goes to Johnny's house with extra piggy banks. Now Johnny's closet is full of piggy banks from everyone in the neighborhood.
One day, Johnny's mom comes home and sees all the piggy banks. She gets very mad and calls everyone's parents to let them know.
Now not everyone did this for a bad reason. Eric's older brother always steals from his piggy bank, so he just wanted a better hiding spot. Timmy wanted to save up to buy his mom a birthday present without her knowing. Sammy just did it because he thought it was fun. But many kids did do it for a bad reason. Jacob was stealing people's lunch money and didn't want his parents to figure it out. Michael was stealing money from his mom's purse. Fat Bobby's parents put him on a diet, and didn't want them to figure out when he was buying candy.
Now in real life, many very important people were just caught hiding their piggy banks at Johnny's house in Panama. Today their moms all found out. Pretty soon, we'll know more about which of these important people were doing it for bad reasons and which were doing it for good reasons. But almost everyone is in trouble regardless, because it's against the rules to keep secrets no matter what.
When you get a quarter you put it in the piggy bank. The piggy bank is on a shelf in your closet. Your mom knows this and she checks on it every once in a while, so she knows when you put more money in or spend it.
Now one day, you might decide "I don't want mom to look at my money." So you go over to Johnny's house with an extra piggy bank that you're going to keep in his room. You write your name on it and put it in his closet. Johnny's mom is always very busy, so she never has time to check on his piggy bank. So you can keep yours there and it will stay a secret.
Now all the kids in the neighborhood think this is a good idea, and everyone goes to Johnny's house with extra piggy banks. Now Johnny's closet is full of piggy banks from everyone in the neighborhood.
One day, Johnny's mom comes home and sees all the piggy banks. She gets very mad and calls everyone's parents to let them know.
Now not everyone did this for a bad reason. Eric's older brother always steals from his piggy bank, so he just wanted a better hiding spot. Timmy wanted to save up to buy his mom a birthday present without her knowing. Sammy just did it because he thought it was fun. But many kids did do it for a bad reason. Jacob was stealing people's lunch money and didn't want his parents to figure it out. Michael was stealing money from his mom's purse. Fat Bobby's parents put him on a diet, and didn't want them to figure out when he was buying candy.
Now in real life, many very important people were just caught hiding their piggy banks at Johnny's house in Panama. Today their moms all found out. Pretty soon, we'll know more about which of these important people were doing it for bad reasons and which were doing it for good reasons. But almost everyone is in trouble regardless, because it's against the rules to keep secrets no matter what.
Mathematics is a crazy and interesting subject.
Taylor and Maclaurin invented approximate polynomial series for continuous functions (and Laurrent in complex analysis), Fourier invented series of circular functions for both continuous and discontinuous functions, later the idea was extended to capture special functions (Bessel, Legendre, Laguerre, Chebyshev etc)
Sturm and Liouville woke up and told them all this things belong to just one concept: weight and orthogonality.
When Chebyshev, Bessel, Legendre, Hermit, Laguerre. Mathieu started throwing special functions with special ability and properties around, Frobenius came along and created one solution for all. and one equation called the father of all: Hypergeometric equation and all of the special functions became special cases of the hypergeometric function.
Then we have the transformers. You can't solve a problem in time space? take it to Laplace space (Heaveside) or frequency space (Fourier) or the Zeta space. And how many spaces do we have? countless. Its all a matter of Kernel.
With transforms, no matter the order of differentiation in the equation, all will be gone with just a single integration. Green came along and created a mega concept of operator methods in differential calculus. You can solve any differential equation by convolution of the right kernel with whatever boundary condition you have. To understand this, imagine you want to solve a linear system of equations: Ax = b for x. you performed an LU factorization of A and that's it, no matter the b you are given, you can always get x by using the same L and U over and over (x = (b/L)/U). You don't need to repeat the LU factorization again. In differential calculus, ones you find the green function which is a function of the domain once, you don't need to solve that again. you can be convoluting for different boundary conditions.
With Green, everything Laplace, Fourier, even Newton, Gauss, Leibniz. did in integration, all the fall under one concept: finding Kernel. Even the normal integration we learnt in school has a Kernel: It is hidden and equal to 1.
Taylor and Maclaurin invented approximate polynomial series for continuous functions (and Laurrent in complex analysis), Fourier invented series of circular functions for both continuous and discontinuous functions, later the idea was extended to capture special functions (Bessel, Legendre, Laguerre, Chebyshev etc)
Sturm and Liouville woke up and told them all this things belong to just one concept: weight and orthogonality.
When Chebyshev, Bessel, Legendre, Hermit, Laguerre. Mathieu started throwing special functions with special ability and properties around, Frobenius came along and created one solution for all. and one equation called the father of all: Hypergeometric equation and all of the special functions became special cases of the hypergeometric function.
Then we have the transformers. You can't solve a problem in time space? take it to Laplace space (Heaveside) or frequency space (Fourier) or the Zeta space. And how many spaces do we have? countless. Its all a matter of Kernel.
With transforms, no matter the order of differentiation in the equation, all will be gone with just a single integration. Green came along and created a mega concept of operator methods in differential calculus. You can solve any differential equation by convolution of the right kernel with whatever boundary condition you have. To understand this, imagine you want to solve a linear system of equations: Ax = b for x. you performed an LU factorization of A and that's it, no matter the b you are given, you can always get x by using the same L and U over and over (x = (b/L)/U). You don't need to repeat the LU factorization again. In differential calculus, ones you find the green function which is a function of the domain once, you don't need to solve that again. you can be convoluting for different boundary conditions.
With Green, everything Laplace, Fourier, even Newton, Gauss, Leibniz. did in integration, all the fall under one concept: finding Kernel. Even the normal integration we learnt in school has a Kernel: It is hidden and equal to 1.
Wednesday, 6 April 2016
EFCC: For 4 years after leaving office as gov, Saraki received monthly salaries from Kwara
Senate President Bukola Saraki was receiving monthly salaries from the Kwara state government even after he became a senator, Michael Wetkas, a detective of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said.
While giving his testimony at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Wednesday, Wetkas claimed that Saraki was receiving monthly salaries from June 2011, when he left office as governor of Kwara state, to August 2015 while he was a senator.
“In the course of our investigation, we wrote to Access Bank for them to give us details of the salary account of the defendant. The salary that was coming into the account was N254, 212 as of 1 August 2007.
“As of June 3, 2011, the salary was N291, 124. On July 4, there was another payment with the narration Kwara State Government (KSG) June 2011 salary. The amount was N572, 286.
“On August 29, 2011, there was another payment in the sum of N744, 002 from the Kwara state government.
“On September 29, 2011 there was another payment of N743, 942 with the narration salary payment from KSG.
“On October 27, 2011, there was another payment of N1, 165, 468 for salary.
“In November 2011, there was payment of the same amount. The narration was December pension.
“On February 1, 2012, there was payment of the same amount with the narration for pension.
“The salary payments stopped in this account on August 31, 2015. The defendant left office on May 29, 2011, he became senator in the same year.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Wetkas had detailed how Saraki allegedly used fictitious names to launder billions of naira.
Testifying against the senate president at the CCT, the EFCC detective said, among many other revelations, that Abdul Adama, one of Saraki’s personal assistants, made transaction 50 times into the former governor’s account in a single day, broken down to N600,000 and N900,000 on each occasion.
He added that “after that, one Ubi made a lodgment on the same day about 20 times in the same range of N600,000 and N900,000.”
On Wednesday, Wetkas also alleged that the senate president made corruptly obtained cash deposits of $10,000 18 times in one day, into his account with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).
Senate President Bukola Saraki was receiving monthly salaries from the Kwara state government even after he became a senator, Michael Wetkas, a detective of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said.
While giving his testimony at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Wednesday, Wetkas claimed that Saraki was receiving monthly salaries from June 2011, when he left office as governor of Kwara state, to August 2015 while he was a senator.
“In the course of our investigation, we wrote to Access Bank for them to give us details of the salary account of the defendant. The salary that was coming into the account was N254, 212 as of 1 August 2007.
“As of June 3, 2011, the salary was N291, 124. On July 4, there was another payment with the narration Kwara State Government (KSG) June 2011 salary. The amount was N572, 286.
“On August 29, 2011, there was another payment in the sum of N744, 002 from the Kwara state government.
“On September 29, 2011 there was another payment of N743, 942 with the narration salary payment from KSG.
“On October 27, 2011, there was another payment of N1, 165, 468 for salary.
“In November 2011, there was payment of the same amount. The narration was December pension.
“On February 1, 2012, there was payment of the same amount with the narration for pension.
“The salary payments stopped in this account on August 31, 2015. The defendant left office on May 29, 2011, he became senator in the same year.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Wetkas had detailed how Saraki allegedly used fictitious names to launder billions of naira.
Testifying against the senate president at the CCT, the EFCC detective said, among many other revelations, that Abdul Adama, one of Saraki’s personal assistants, made transaction 50 times into the former governor’s account in a single day, broken down to N600,000 and N900,000 on each occasion.
He added that “after that, one Ubi made a lodgment on the same day about 20 times in the same range of N600,000 and N900,000.”
On Wednesday, Wetkas also alleged that the senate president made corruptly obtained cash deposits of $10,000 18 times in one day, into his account with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).
Refinery Economics ~ MMA
Normally, refineries across the world operate and run every day for 2 to 3 years (non-stop) after which such refineries are shut down for turn around maintenance for like 3 weeks to 6 weeks.
After which the refineries will be switched-on for continuous cracking and refining for another 2 to 3 years straight non-stop.
That's how refinery operates and make profit. Not when NNPC refinery works for 1 week and vandalized and shut down for 4 months!
We will not have meaningful development until we sort out electric power and incessant vandal problems in Nigeria. That's just the simple bitter truth.
In most countries, refineries run on uninterrupted independent power sources for two to three years.
The refining business continuous non-stop refining operations and with large crude oil feedstock volume to be profitable.
If you don't have a massive volume, and the refinery has to shut down every now and then, there's no way you'll make money. Many refineries in Africa are running at losses currently.
Normally, refineries across the world operate and run every day for 2 to 3 years (non-stop) after which such refineries are shut down for turn around maintenance for like 3 weeks to 6 weeks.
After which the refineries will be switched-on for continuous cracking and refining for another 2 to 3 years straight non-stop.
That's how refinery operates and make profit. Not when NNPC refinery works for 1 week and vandalized and shut down for 4 months!
We will not have meaningful development until we sort out electric power and incessant vandal problems in Nigeria. That's just the simple bitter truth.
In most countries, refineries run on uninterrupted independent power sources for two to three years.
The refining business continuous non-stop refining operations and with large crude oil feedstock volume to be profitable.
If you don't have a massive volume, and the refinery has to shut down every now and then, there's no way you'll make money. Many refineries in Africa are running at losses currently.
First, on resumption in August, we had a very major problem on our hands. Because subsidies, 500 billion, close to 600 billion, hadn’t been paid over a one year period, and so the majors, everybody who was importing… had began to very quietly reduce the levels of importation that they had and although I struggled very hard and got the Assembly approval and the President’s approval to eventually pay a good portion of that subsidy somewhere in November, by then it was too late.
Too late because although they got the money, they didn’t have access to foreign exchange so the critical reason, main critical reason why you have this supply gap today is that although NNPC has its own 445,000 barrels allocation of crude and is meeting its own, who is meant to meet 50% of your delivery and is more than meeting but is indeed exceeding that, the individuals who should provide the balance of the 40% component are not bringing in any product.
And so, we’ve had to be very creative over the last 4, 5 months, until we basically ran out of options and the sort of creativity that we put in the space was forward buying, forward purchase, forward crude allocations, and also, just to bring in more product, because we saw NNPC transit from a 45% provider to suddenly 80%, and about this month really to 100% provider of petroleum products in Nigeria.
That was not sustainable, we didn’t have the capacity, we didn’t have the funding, we didn’t have access to the products, we didn’t have the foreign exchange. So in very many ways, it’s surprising that we’ve even been able to survive this long.
So the key element has been, how do we find foreign exchange for those who eagerly want to participate in the stream, who have been doing this traditionally, to get into the space, buy their products, come in, distribute. That’s something we’ve had to work on.
Too late because although they got the money, they didn’t have access to foreign exchange so the critical reason, main critical reason why you have this supply gap today is that although NNPC has its own 445,000 barrels allocation of crude and is meeting its own, who is meant to meet 50% of your delivery and is more than meeting but is indeed exceeding that, the individuals who should provide the balance of the 40% component are not bringing in any product.
And so, we’ve had to be very creative over the last 4, 5 months, until we basically ran out of options and the sort of creativity that we put in the space was forward buying, forward purchase, forward crude allocations, and also, just to bring in more product, because we saw NNPC transit from a 45% provider to suddenly 80%, and about this month really to 100% provider of petroleum products in Nigeria.
That was not sustainable, we didn’t have the capacity, we didn’t have the funding, we didn’t have access to the products, we didn’t have the foreign exchange. So in very many ways, it’s surprising that we’ve even been able to survive this long.
So the key element has been, how do we find foreign exchange for those who eagerly want to participate in the stream, who have been doing this traditionally, to get into the space, buy their products, come in, distribute. That’s something we’ve had to work on.
Lawyers to Toyin Saraki, the wife of the embattled Nigerian Senate president, Bukola Saraki, have said the controversial hidden assets the politician failed to disclose, tucked away in secret offshore tax havens, belong solely to Mrs. Saraki, and not her family estate.
A trove of internal data from the Panama-based offshore-provider, Mossack Fonseca, obtained by the German newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung and shared by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) with PREMIUM TIMES and over 100 other media partners in 82 countries, revealed that the properties were part of the assets belonging to the Senate President’s immediate family.
A PREMIUM TIMES investigation on Monday exposed Mr. Saraki as having failed to declare the assets among those filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), as required by Nigerian laws.
The CCB slammed false asset declaration charges on Mr. Saraki, accusing the Senate President, among other things, of failure to declare his assets in full.
Under the code of conduct law, a public office holder is required to declare his own assets, those of his wife as well as assets in the names of his children below the age of 18.
A trove of internal data from the Panama-based offshore-provider, Mossack Fonseca, obtained by the German newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung and shared by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) with PREMIUM TIMES and over 100 other media partners in 82 countries, revealed that the properties were part of the assets belonging to the Senate President’s immediate family.
A PREMIUM TIMES investigation on Monday exposed Mr. Saraki as having failed to declare the assets among those filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), as required by Nigerian laws.
The CCB slammed false asset declaration charges on Mr. Saraki, accusing the Senate President, among other things, of failure to declare his assets in full.
Under the code of conduct law, a public office holder is required to declare his own assets, those of his wife as well as assets in the names of his children below the age of 18.
Tuesday, 5 April 2016
The Panama Papers: the greatest ever collaboration in journalism
Yes, there has never been such a collaboration in the field of journalism in history. An it was executed in observance of the ultimate code of secrecy, "Omerta Absolutas", the type only known to Mafiosi clans.
It is the “biggest leak in the history of data journalism” with millions of documents incriminating hundreds of world leaders of money laundering and tax evasion.
The journalistic effort responsible for the leak was equally as impressive as the documents themselves. With about 400 journalists from hundreds of media outlets in 80 countries working together to put the story together in secret for nearly a year.
But how did this huge collaboration start?
In late 2014, an anonymous source reached out to the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung. From there, a variety of major international news outlets from every continent were asked to assist in reading and analyzing the leaked documents, but in absolute secrecy, even within news rooms, colleagues kept it a secret.
The need for such a diverse group was due to the widespread implications in the leak itself. Let British journalists dig deeper on Mr Cameron, while Russian documents involving Putin is better left in the hands of Russian journalists to dig deeper, same as Iceland, South Africa etc etc.......
But what still baffles me is why some of the biggest names in the media were not involved in this data heist......
How come America's and the world's top three leading newspapers, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post were not involved in this effort?Yet the effort was led by the Washington D.C. based International Consortium of Investigative Journalism(ICIJ).
With the resignation of the Prime Minister of Iceland, the first casualty is out of the way, who is next?
Yes, there has never been such a collaboration in the field of journalism in history. An it was executed in observance of the ultimate code of secrecy, "Omerta Absolutas", the type only known to Mafiosi clans.
It is the “biggest leak in the history of data journalism” with millions of documents incriminating hundreds of world leaders of money laundering and tax evasion.
The journalistic effort responsible for the leak was equally as impressive as the documents themselves. With about 400 journalists from hundreds of media outlets in 80 countries working together to put the story together in secret for nearly a year.
But how did this huge collaboration start?
In late 2014, an anonymous source reached out to the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung. From there, a variety of major international news outlets from every continent were asked to assist in reading and analyzing the leaked documents, but in absolute secrecy, even within news rooms, colleagues kept it a secret.
The need for such a diverse group was due to the widespread implications in the leak itself. Let British journalists dig deeper on Mr Cameron, while Russian documents involving Putin is better left in the hands of Russian journalists to dig deeper, same as Iceland, South Africa etc etc.......
But what still baffles me is why some of the biggest names in the media were not involved in this data heist......
How come America's and the world's top three leading newspapers, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post were not involved in this effort?Yet the effort was led by the Washington D.C. based International Consortium of Investigative Journalism(ICIJ).
With the resignation of the Prime Minister of Iceland, the first casualty is out of the way, who is next?
The nation’s electricity woes worsened on Tuesday as two additional power generating plants were shut down, bringing the total number of plants not generating any megawatts of electricity to 10.
The two shut plants are Shiroro Power Station in Niger State and Sapele II in Delta State, industry data obtained by our correspondent showed.
Shiroro, whose capacity was put at 600MW, was said to have seen its unit 411G1 tripped on emergency shutdown on the 86ES lockout relay; units 411G2 and 3 out for under water repair work; and unit 411G4 out on maintenance.
The Sapele II, built under the National Integrated Power Project, with its capacity put at 225MW, has four units. The GT1 was shut down for maintenance, GT3 out due to work by the Nigerian Gas Company at the gas station, while the GT2 and 4 units are out as a result of gas constraints.
Total national power generation stood at 2,774.2MW on Tuesday, down from 3,657.5MW on March 31. Generation from Egbin, the nation’s biggest power station, was limited to 415MW due to gas constraints, down from 1,085MW on March 15.
Shell’s Afam VI power plant generated the highest megawatts of electricity at 418MW as of 6am, the data showed.
The slide in power generation has worsened the blackout being experienced in many parts of the country as many consumers complained of outages lasting for hours on end.
The PUNCH had on Friday reported exclusively that eight of the nation’s power plants were completely idle on Thursday, with significant reduction in generation from others, including Egbin, which is located in Lagos.
The plants, which did not generate any megawatts of electricity included Sapele, Delta State, whose installed capacity was put at 240MW; Olorunsogo II in Ogun State, with a capacity of 625MW; Rivers IPP (180MW) and Trans-Amadi (75MW), both in Rivers State.
Others were Geregu I in Kogi; Afam IV & V in Rivers, and A.E.S and Asco, whose installed capacity were not given.
Sapele’s units were said to be shut due to gas constraints, tripping, maintenance and major overhaul, among other reasons.
The Rivers IPP’s unit GT1 was out due to gas constraints, while Trans-Amadi’s GT1 and 4 units were out due to line constraints; GT2 due to gas constraints and GT3 undergoing maintenance.
According to the data, there was no communication on A.E.S, while Asco’s unit GT1 was out due to a fire outbreak. Olorunsogo’s units GT1 to 4 and ST2 were shut due to gas constraints, and ST1 for maintenance.
Geregu’s three units were shut due to outage and to enable them to undergo a major overhaul and maintenance, while a unit of Afam IV & V had been de-commissioned and scrapped; four were out due to blade failure and two due to burnt generator transformer, among others.
The two shut plants are Shiroro Power Station in Niger State and Sapele II in Delta State, industry data obtained by our correspondent showed.
Shiroro, whose capacity was put at 600MW, was said to have seen its unit 411G1 tripped on emergency shutdown on the 86ES lockout relay; units 411G2 and 3 out for under water repair work; and unit 411G4 out on maintenance.
The Sapele II, built under the National Integrated Power Project, with its capacity put at 225MW, has four units. The GT1 was shut down for maintenance, GT3 out due to work by the Nigerian Gas Company at the gas station, while the GT2 and 4 units are out as a result of gas constraints.
Total national power generation stood at 2,774.2MW on Tuesday, down from 3,657.5MW on March 31. Generation from Egbin, the nation’s biggest power station, was limited to 415MW due to gas constraints, down from 1,085MW on March 15.
Shell’s Afam VI power plant generated the highest megawatts of electricity at 418MW as of 6am, the data showed.
The slide in power generation has worsened the blackout being experienced in many parts of the country as many consumers complained of outages lasting for hours on end.
The PUNCH had on Friday reported exclusively that eight of the nation’s power plants were completely idle on Thursday, with significant reduction in generation from others, including Egbin, which is located in Lagos.
The plants, which did not generate any megawatts of electricity included Sapele, Delta State, whose installed capacity was put at 240MW; Olorunsogo II in Ogun State, with a capacity of 625MW; Rivers IPP (180MW) and Trans-Amadi (75MW), both in Rivers State.
Others were Geregu I in Kogi; Afam IV & V in Rivers, and A.E.S and Asco, whose installed capacity were not given.
Sapele’s units were said to be shut due to gas constraints, tripping, maintenance and major overhaul, among other reasons.
The Rivers IPP’s unit GT1 was out due to gas constraints, while Trans-Amadi’s GT1 and 4 units were out due to line constraints; GT2 due to gas constraints and GT3 undergoing maintenance.
According to the data, there was no communication on A.E.S, while Asco’s unit GT1 was out due to a fire outbreak. Olorunsogo’s units GT1 to 4 and ST2 were shut due to gas constraints, and ST1 for maintenance.
Geregu’s three units were shut due to outage and to enable them to undergo a major overhaul and maintenance, while a unit of Afam IV & V had been de-commissioned and scrapped; four were out due to blade failure and two due to burnt generator transformer, among others.
According to the words of Pastor Sam Adeyemi. There is no where in the world where the elite who control the machinery of the state to channel economic resources to themselves will willingly give up that control for the benefit of the masses.
The exodus of ex PDP members into APC is so they can survive the new Era that was to be ushered in because of the peaked common man anger against how GEJ has allowed them to pillage the country without remorse.
Now APC now has lots of ex PDP people. The reality is that no new party can rest power from pdp without the backing of these same people we want to kick out.
In a country where you can even buy justice, this regime look much like the Golden opportunity for the youths to climb up the ladder. Sadly there is no time on our side. We have just 2 years to climb up the ladder and be national forces in politics before another election year. We should not be busy and be engrossed in this APC/PDP war that we forget it's our turn to mount the podium.
If we fail this is what we happen. They stole our parents money, trained their children. Their children now got cbn jobs without contesting. Meaning their children are now in control. Their children will now steal from us and train their own children too to come and steal from our children in the future.
This is the real thing. They enslaved our parents, their children now enslaving us and their grandchildren will enslave our own children if we continue to follow them without thinking
The exodus of ex PDP members into APC is so they can survive the new Era that was to be ushered in because of the peaked common man anger against how GEJ has allowed them to pillage the country without remorse.
Now APC now has lots of ex PDP people. The reality is that no new party can rest power from pdp without the backing of these same people we want to kick out.
In a country where you can even buy justice, this regime look much like the Golden opportunity for the youths to climb up the ladder. Sadly there is no time on our side. We have just 2 years to climb up the ladder and be national forces in politics before another election year. We should not be busy and be engrossed in this APC/PDP war that we forget it's our turn to mount the podium.
If we fail this is what we happen. They stole our parents money, trained their children. Their children now got cbn jobs without contesting. Meaning their children are now in control. Their children will now steal from us and train their own children too to come and steal from our children in the future.
This is the real thing. They enslaved our parents, their children now enslaving us and their grandchildren will enslave our own children if we continue to follow them without thinking
How To Explain Panama Papers Into Terms A 5-year-old Could Understand.
When you get a quarter you put it in the piggy bank. The piggy bank is on a shelf in your closet. Your mom knows this and she checks on it every once in a while, so she knows when you put more money in or spend it.
Now one day, you might decide "I don't want mom to look at my money." So you go over to Johnny's house with an extra piggy bank that you're going to keep in his room. You write your name on it and put it in his closet. Johnny's mom is always very busy, so she never has time to check on his piggy bank. So you can keep yours there and it will stay a secret.
Now all the kids in the neighborhood think this is a good idea, and everyone goes to Johnny's house with extra piggy banks. Now Johnny's closet is full of piggy banks from everyone in the neighborhood.
One day, Johnny's mom comes home and sees all the piggy banks. She gets very mad and calls everyone's parents to let them know.
Now not everyone did this for a bad reason. Eric's older brother always steals from his piggy bank, so he just wanted a better hiding spot. Timmy wanted to save up to buy his mom a birthday present without her knowing. Sammy just did it because he thought it was fun. But many kids did do it for a bad reason. Jacob was stealing people's lunch money and didn't want his parents to figure it out. Michael was stealing money from his mom's purse. Fat Bobby's parents put him on a diet, and didn't want them to figure out when he was buying candy.
Now in real life, many very important people were just caught hiding their piggy banks at Johnny's house in Panama. Today their moms all found out. Pretty soon, we'll know more about which of these important people were doing it for bad reasons and which were doing it for good reasons. But almost everyone is in trouble regardless, because it's against the rules to keep secrets no matter what.
When you get a quarter you put it in the piggy bank. The piggy bank is on a shelf in your closet. Your mom knows this and she checks on it every once in a while, so she knows when you put more money in or spend it.
Now one day, you might decide "I don't want mom to look at my money." So you go over to Johnny's house with an extra piggy bank that you're going to keep in his room. You write your name on it and put it in his closet. Johnny's mom is always very busy, so she never has time to check on his piggy bank. So you can keep yours there and it will stay a secret.
Now all the kids in the neighborhood think this is a good idea, and everyone goes to Johnny's house with extra piggy banks. Now Johnny's closet is full of piggy banks from everyone in the neighborhood.
One day, Johnny's mom comes home and sees all the piggy banks. She gets very mad and calls everyone's parents to let them know.
Now not everyone did this for a bad reason. Eric's older brother always steals from his piggy bank, so he just wanted a better hiding spot. Timmy wanted to save up to buy his mom a birthday present without her knowing. Sammy just did it because he thought it was fun. But many kids did do it for a bad reason. Jacob was stealing people's lunch money and didn't want his parents to figure it out. Michael was stealing money from his mom's purse. Fat Bobby's parents put him on a diet, and didn't want them to figure out when he was buying candy.
Now in real life, many very important people were just caught hiding their piggy banks at Johnny's house in Panama. Today their moms all found out. Pretty soon, we'll know more about which of these important people were doing it for bad reasons and which were doing it for good reasons. But almost everyone is in trouble regardless, because it's against the rules to keep secrets no matter what.
CCT vs SARAKI
Saraki's trial on allegations of criminal breaches of the law now in FULL STEAM as witness, Michael Wetkas, gives account of transactions!
Wetkas says about N4 billion found in Saraki's account with GTBank as discovered during investigation. Some of the cash came in as loans.
Wetkas says about N4 billion found in Saraki's account with GTBank as discovered during investigation. Some of the cash came in as loans.
It was discovered that inflows into d account were mostly used 4 purchase of several property.Carlisle Properties were incharge of purchases
Unlike earlier today, the court room is now VERY QUIET as prosecution witness, Michael Wetkas, delivers chilling financial details.
GTBank official confirmed to EFCC that he often went to Govt. House Ilorin to collect HUGE CASH for deposits into Saraki's personal account.
On a single day, another courier, Ubi, made five lodgments of N77 million into Saraki's account and it was like a daily affair.
Another courier, Abdul Adama, made fifty transactions into Saraki's GTBank account on a single day in various denominations.
Michael Wetkas, still delivering chilling financial details.!
Saraki's trial on allegations of criminal breaches of the law now in FULL STEAM as witness, Michael Wetkas, gives account of transactions!
Wetkas says about N4 billion found in Saraki's account with GTBank as discovered during investigation. Some of the cash came in as loans.
Wetkas says about N4 billion found in Saraki's account with GTBank as discovered during investigation. Some of the cash came in as loans.
It was discovered that inflows into d account were mostly used 4 purchase of several property.Carlisle Properties were incharge of purchases
Unlike earlier today, the court room is now VERY QUIET as prosecution witness, Michael Wetkas, delivers chilling financial details.
GTBank official confirmed to EFCC that he often went to Govt. House Ilorin to collect HUGE CASH for deposits into Saraki's personal account.
On a single day, another courier, Ubi, made five lodgments of N77 million into Saraki's account and it was like a daily affair.
Another courier, Abdul Adama, made fifty transactions into Saraki's GTBank account on a single day in various denominations.
Michael Wetkas, still delivering chilling financial details.!
Nasarawa Lawmakers Fight Over Appointment Of Sole Administrators
Some members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Friday engaged each other in a fight during plenary, as issues surrounding the appointment of local council administrators divided the House.
After a two-year tenure of the chairmen of 11 local government areas in the state ended on March 24, the Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, appointed and inaugurated sole administrators to man the affairs of their local government councils pending when elections would be conducted.
Nasarawa State House of Assembly members exchanging blows
During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Almakura gave the assurance that elections would be conducted as soon as possible.
The swearing in ceremony of the administrators held at the Conference Hall of the Government House was graced by traditional rulers security personnel, members of State Executive Council.
The Governor’s decision, however, did not go down well for some lawmakers, as they had earlier resolved to conduct elections immediately after the expiration of the tenure of the local government council chairmen.
Six out of the 24 lawmakers alleged that the other lawmakers had received money to go against their resolution.
The allegations may have prompted the House leader to move for their suspension, a motion that resulted to chaos.
Nasarawa-lawmakers-fight-with-table
One of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly’s lawmakers holding a table above his head while others scamper for safety
The suspended members prevented the sitting and exchange harsh words and then, a fight began.
One of the lawmakers took hold of the mace, the symbol of authority, but the custodian of the symbol requested that he should be given the mace. He handed it over and ran towards another lawmaker for a fight.
After some disagreements, one of the lawmakers moved for the adjournment of the sitting.
However, few minutes after the adjournment, some lawmakers convened another sitting and moved the motion to suspend six lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress indefinitely for alleged violation of the rules of the House without allowances but half salaries.
Shortly after, one of the suspended lawmakers, Makpa Malla, told reporters that they would seek redress in court before they drove out of the assembly complex angrily.
Some members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Friday engaged each other in a fight during plenary, as issues surrounding the appointment of local council administrators divided the House.
After a two-year tenure of the chairmen of 11 local government areas in the state ended on March 24, the Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, appointed and inaugurated sole administrators to man the affairs of their local government councils pending when elections would be conducted.
Nasarawa State House of Assembly members exchanging blows
During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Almakura gave the assurance that elections would be conducted as soon as possible.
The swearing in ceremony of the administrators held at the Conference Hall of the Government House was graced by traditional rulers security personnel, members of State Executive Council.
The Governor’s decision, however, did not go down well for some lawmakers, as they had earlier resolved to conduct elections immediately after the expiration of the tenure of the local government council chairmen.
Six out of the 24 lawmakers alleged that the other lawmakers had received money to go against their resolution.
The allegations may have prompted the House leader to move for their suspension, a motion that resulted to chaos.
Nasarawa-lawmakers-fight-with-table
One of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly’s lawmakers holding a table above his head while others scamper for safety
The suspended members prevented the sitting and exchange harsh words and then, a fight began.
One of the lawmakers took hold of the mace, the symbol of authority, but the custodian of the symbol requested that he should be given the mace. He handed it over and ran towards another lawmaker for a fight.
After some disagreements, one of the lawmakers moved for the adjournment of the sitting.
However, few minutes after the adjournment, some lawmakers convened another sitting and moved the motion to suspend six lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress indefinitely for alleged violation of the rules of the House without allowances but half salaries.
Shortly after, one of the suspended lawmakers, Makpa Malla, told reporters that they would seek redress in court before they drove out of the assembly complex angrily.
Monday, 4 April 2016
We abandoned agriculture, for petroleum; Now, we have to go back – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government is determined to significantly reduce the high bill for importation of food products to Nigeria.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mr Lars Rasmussen, in Washington DC, U.S., Buhari also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rapid diversification of Nigerian economy.
“We developed a mono-product economy and lost opportunities to diversify in the past.
"We have great potential for agriculture and solid minerals; we are now determined to exploit them to the fullest,’’ Buhari said in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesman Femi Adesina on Saturday.
According to Buhari, addressing the past neglect of these two sectors will help to reduce unemployment and make Nigeria a more productive country.
“We will welcome more investment in our agriculture and solid minerals sectors from countries with expertise in the two sectors.
“We abandoned them for petroleum; Now, we have to go back.
“Our bill for the importation of food and dairy products is very high.
"We want to cut it as much as possible by developing our local potential,” the President told Mr Rasmussen.
Buhari assured the Danish Prime Minister that the Federal Government would continue to partner other countries to further improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The President said that his administration was determined to stop the huge loss of revenue from crude oil theft and had received assurances of international support to curb illegal shipments of Nigeria’s crude oil.
Remarking that his country was a major shipping nation, Rasmussen thanked Buhari for Nigeria’s current efforts to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.
He assured the President that Danes would be very interested in investing in the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector if the right policies and conditions were put in place.
“We are quite experienced in agriculture; it is an area in which we can cooperate.
"If you pave the way and remove the obstacles, we will like to come in,” the Prime Minister assured President Buhari.
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government is determined to significantly reduce the high bill for importation of food products to Nigeria.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mr Lars Rasmussen, in Washington DC, U.S., Buhari also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rapid diversification of Nigerian economy.
“We developed a mono-product economy and lost opportunities to diversify in the past.
"We have great potential for agriculture and solid minerals; we are now determined to exploit them to the fullest,’’ Buhari said in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesman Femi Adesina on Saturday.
According to Buhari, addressing the past neglect of these two sectors will help to reduce unemployment and make Nigeria a more productive country.
“We will welcome more investment in our agriculture and solid minerals sectors from countries with expertise in the two sectors.
“We abandoned them for petroleum; Now, we have to go back.
“Our bill for the importation of food and dairy products is very high.
"We want to cut it as much as possible by developing our local potential,” the President told Mr Rasmussen.
Buhari assured the Danish Prime Minister that the Federal Government would continue to partner other countries to further improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The President said that his administration was determined to stop the huge loss of revenue from crude oil theft and had received assurances of international support to curb illegal shipments of Nigeria’s crude oil.
Remarking that his country was a major shipping nation, Rasmussen thanked Buhari for Nigeria’s current efforts to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.
He assured the President that Danes would be very interested in investing in the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector if the right policies and conditions were put in place.
“We are quite experienced in agriculture; it is an area in which we can cooperate.
"If you pave the way and remove the obstacles, we will like to come in,” the Prime Minister assured President Buhari.
BAILOUT...
BAILS...are frequently granted on self recognition that one wonders what that self recognition really entails! Is it that the accused is a recognized crinimal/offender or that the accused is infallible or that the judge/court is fully conversant with the crime for the arraignment ? Something is definitely a miss and the whole thing is nothing but a travesty of justice!
Recently Abba Moro who not only spearded a rip off but effectively abetted the death of many in that Immigration scam walked freely on bail while his fellow accused were given stringent bail conditions that one wonders who really is a fault in a bus crash- the driver or passengers?
Abba Moro's indiscretions are never bailable in sane civilized societies and could well attract the death penalty but here we are allowing a cruel siphoning murderer freedom freely!
We MUST move against these pliant extorting compromised robed cabals to reedem naija!!!
BAILS...are frequently granted on self recognition that one wonders what that self recognition really entails! Is it that the accused is a recognized crinimal/offender or that the accused is infallible or that the judge/court is fully conversant with the crime for the arraignment ? Something is definitely a miss and the whole thing is nothing but a travesty of justice!
Recently Abba Moro who not only spearded a rip off but effectively abetted the death of many in that Immigration scam walked freely on bail while his fellow accused were given stringent bail conditions that one wonders who really is a fault in a bus crash- the driver or passengers?
Abba Moro's indiscretions are never bailable in sane civilized societies and could well attract the death penalty but here we are allowing a cruel siphoning murderer freedom freely!
We MUST move against these pliant extorting compromised robed cabals to reedem naija!!!
Sunday, 3 April 2016
Biafra ~ Chidozie Nduka
I am a Nigerian Citizen, Biafra is an Ideology championed by Late Ojukwu.
Befor he died, he told his followers that he is going to be the first and last person to champion the Biafran stuff.
He adviced Igbos to work harder in other to fix themselves at the fed level.
He also lead by example, that's why he introduced APGA and contested for Nigerian President as APGA candidate but unfortunately, those who claim to be more Biafra than OJUKWU voted against him and in favour of Northern candidate.
(The highest betrayal i have ever seen in life)
Even the minister of propaganda (information) during Biafran war, late senator Uchechukwu Meruije was a three times senator of fed republic of Nigeria until his death.
Late Ojukwu went further to advice Nigerian Govt to full fill the 3 R agreement.
Which include:
1. Re-construction
2. Re-Habilitation
3. Re-conciliation.
Though as it is now, the fed govt have failed woefully in their own part.
However, i want to urge my Igbo brothers not to see themselves as enemy simply cos they are not in the same party. Is a foolish act as far as am concern.
We must work hard in other to get ourselves in the center stage of Nigerian Govt. and Politics as well.
We are very talented people and no man born of a woman can doubt it,
We good in doing business, we can survive in any part of the world, we are very hardworking.
But we must be carefull so that our natural talent will not be used against us.
I am a Nigerian Citizen, Biafra is an Ideology championed by Late Ojukwu.
Befor he died, he told his followers that he is going to be the first and last person to champion the Biafran stuff.
He adviced Igbos to work harder in other to fix themselves at the fed level.
He also lead by example, that's why he introduced APGA and contested for Nigerian President as APGA candidate but unfortunately, those who claim to be more Biafra than OJUKWU voted against him and in favour of Northern candidate.
(The highest betrayal i have ever seen in life)
Even the minister of propaganda (information) during Biafran war, late senator Uchechukwu Meruije was a three times senator of fed republic of Nigeria until his death.
Late Ojukwu went further to advice Nigerian Govt to full fill the 3 R agreement.
Which include:
1. Re-construction
2. Re-Habilitation
3. Re-conciliation.
Though as it is now, the fed govt have failed woefully in their own part.
However, i want to urge my Igbo brothers not to see themselves as enemy simply cos they are not in the same party. Is a foolish act as far as am concern.
We must work hard in other to get ourselves in the center stage of Nigerian Govt. and Politics as well.
We are very talented people and no man born of a woman can doubt it,
We good in doing business, we can survive in any part of the world, we are very hardworking.
But we must be carefull so that our natural talent will not be used against us.
Saturday, 2 April 2016
THIS DAY ~ Saheed Fasanya:
"On this day a year ago, Jonathan made that call to concede. We were all full of hope...
Events since may yet prove to be misplaced optimism as patience is running thin. I've been a Buhari supporter all my adult life and I've to say that he's been underwhelming. He needs to stay home and do this work. He needs to listen to wise counsel. He needs to delegate to capable hands and he needs not to be a minister of Petroleum.
He needs to know that the year is 2016 and not 1978 or 1984 even. Heck, the knowledge of 2014 is obsolete. This is why he needs to listen to those who know. There's no shame in a leader seeking wise counsel. The IMF is not our enemy, neither is Emir SLS, Charles Soludo et al.
Giving all our dollars to Dangote at half the market price would have been laughable if not that SMEs are closing shop and jobs are being lost in droves. This is the law of unintended consequence right here. Ajaokuta Steel is dead on arrival. The furnace there is obsolete. Tata is closing its steel plant in the UK because China has flooded the market with cheap and durable steel. No right thinking government should want its citizens to be buying the most expensive cement in the world so that one individual that pays little or no tax can be the richest man in Africa at the expense of everyone else. Nor should we be made to buy the most expensive steel from a plant that is the definition of elephant project. No, we also do not need national carrier!
Provide rail to connect the whole country, power to jumpstart the economy, affordable internet via sound policies on right of way for fiber optic cables. Good roads, outlaw omo onile, agberos and clean up the land use law. Ease of doing business should be revolutionized with transparency.
Stop wasting money on refineries. Sell it as is. Focus on the quick wins, stop fighting market forces. This is how the economy will grow. Forget about oil, Germany has no natural resources, ditto Japan. The commodity has made leadership for lazy people here. See our governors? 90% of them only wait for Abuja to share money. The party is over.
Help yourself for us to help you or God willing, in 2019, God sparing our lives, we will vote you out so fast that you won't know what hit you. Your party is already touting you for second term without reason. This tone-deaf behavior won't help you or them."
"On this day a year ago, Jonathan made that call to concede. We were all full of hope...
Events since may yet prove to be misplaced optimism as patience is running thin. I've been a Buhari supporter all my adult life and I've to say that he's been underwhelming. He needs to stay home and do this work. He needs to listen to wise counsel. He needs to delegate to capable hands and he needs not to be a minister of Petroleum.
He needs to know that the year is 2016 and not 1978 or 1984 even. Heck, the knowledge of 2014 is obsolete. This is why he needs to listen to those who know. There's no shame in a leader seeking wise counsel. The IMF is not our enemy, neither is Emir SLS, Charles Soludo et al.
Giving all our dollars to Dangote at half the market price would have been laughable if not that SMEs are closing shop and jobs are being lost in droves. This is the law of unintended consequence right here. Ajaokuta Steel is dead on arrival. The furnace there is obsolete. Tata is closing its steel plant in the UK because China has flooded the market with cheap and durable steel. No right thinking government should want its citizens to be buying the most expensive cement in the world so that one individual that pays little or no tax can be the richest man in Africa at the expense of everyone else. Nor should we be made to buy the most expensive steel from a plant that is the definition of elephant project. No, we also do not need national carrier!
Provide rail to connect the whole country, power to jumpstart the economy, affordable internet via sound policies on right of way for fiber optic cables. Good roads, outlaw omo onile, agberos and clean up the land use law. Ease of doing business should be revolutionized with transparency.
Stop wasting money on refineries. Sell it as is. Focus on the quick wins, stop fighting market forces. This is how the economy will grow. Forget about oil, Germany has no natural resources, ditto Japan. The commodity has made leadership for lazy people here. See our governors? 90% of them only wait for Abuja to share money. The party is over.
Help yourself for us to help you or God willing, in 2019, God sparing our lives, we will vote you out so fast that you won't know what hit you. Your party is already touting you for second term without reason. This tone-deaf behavior won't help you or them."
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