Fuel Subsidy Removal - My take.

What is Subsidy?
A subsidy is a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive. Therefore,fuel subsidy is meant to make fuel prices relatively cheap and affordable. Now, I ask you,is that the case with fuel in Nigeria???
You see,I like being blunt and realistic with the truth and not emotional.We all know what had happened to fuel prices in the international markets...fuel prices are in their all time low,hence,subsidizing have started to look foolish indeed.You and I also know that the international market changes in oils prices has no effect on the economy...as in,there's no difference in the way things are whether oil prices increased or reduced.Nigeria's oil prices is very independent of the international markets.So,it's hard to say whether there's a subsidy in the first place!
Another point that's worth discussing is the mechanism of the subsidy in Nigeria considering the corrupt nature of anything government and past events,especially in the oil sector in Nigeria.Let's check it out!

A little Historical Background
From my findings,subsidy has a long history...it began way back from 1978 during Gen Obasanjo's Military regime! Below is a showdown of supposed subsidy removals over the years.
1978, 15kobo per litre
1990, 60kobo per litre
1992, 70kobo per litre
1993, N3.25kobo and N11 per litre
And from 1994 to 1998 the official pump price hovered around N11.0k per liter – these happened during the military era of Nigeria's 'perceived' most horrific tyrannic dictator,Gen. Sanni Abacha.Remember that these same years of the General was the era of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF).The PTF was charged with the execution of capital projects from cash saved from the oil sector .We all know how effective and beneficial the PTF was during that time...it was so,so,so, beneficial.
After the demise of General Abacha came the times of General Abdussalaam who handed over to a democratically elected government of General Obasanjo.The rise in price continued to the disappointment of Nigerians.
N11 - N20 - N22  in the year 2000
N22 - N26  in 2001
N26 - N40 in 2003
As may have observed,all this happened during the years of General Obasanjo,who later further jerked up pump price to N65 and finally to N100/ litre just before making his exit.
Late President Yar'adua was nice enough to bring the pump price back to just N65 a price that was maintained till his death. However, with Oga Jonathan,the journey continues,on New year eve,very few Nigerians could possibly forget that year's first Presidential speech.President Jonatrhan greeted Nigerians with an increase in pump price presenting the same old story of fuel subsidy removal as an excuse. It got to a point,we were told to get ready to pay up to N144 per litre!
Fuel subsidy,independent marketers and the OIL CABALS were the talks we hear day in,day out in Nigeria during President Jonathan's administration.Now,we are in General Muhammadu Buhari's regime and fuel subsidy removal is now making rounds again along with the characteristic fuel scarcity and black markets.Bros,for how long are we going to continue like this?

Fuel Subsidy Protests
Just today I read in the news that oil workers are planning to stage a protest against the proposed fuel subsidy of the Federal Government.Sometimes I wonder if staging of protests has not been abused long enough.Every now and then,people would come out and say they are protesting one thing or the other...I tire o! 

Anyway out?
I know that most Nigerians are wary and tired of the fuel saga.Nigerians are tired of the fuel subsidy talks...it has going on for far too long. Now, the question now arises...what's the way forward???
This shall be the point of continuation tomorrow,God's Grace...see you tomorrow! 

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

 I'm sorry sir,this is coming a little bit later than it should.But, it's better later than never,I believe.I want to seize this opportunity to wish you,your excellency,Mr President a happy birthday and many happy returns of the day with long life and prosperity.

Sir,you were born exactly 73 years and a day today and destined to lead this country to glory.I do hope and pray that your second coming to National leadership would be much more successful and memorable than the first.Ameen.
During your first tenure,we (Nigerians) didn't understand your mission then,so,we connived with haters and kicked you and your equally highly disciplined friend,Late General Tunde Idiagbon out of office thinking you guys were going crazy with the iron fist with which you managed our affairs...then,what we had was an already very decay and corrupt Nigeria,so,there was no way we could understand the language of discipline and accountability you and Idiagbon were speak so loud.We were caught flat footed and very frightened with the bluntness of your regime.We didn't understand...oh...we didn't understand that it was for the best...the very best!But now,we know better!
Thank God,we now know much better,though we had to learn this the hard way,the good news now,is that we now know better!We now know that nothing good comes easy,we now know that as citizens,we must be ready to pay the price for greatness!If we must progress and live a prosperous rich life as it befits the children of our fathers,we now know that we must first of all endure hardships and work hard enough for the better tomorrow we all yearn for!
We are no longer interested in being  handed free undeserved money for little nothing or for bending corners.We are tired of bending corners!We have all realized that bending corners leads to nothing but a pit fall a kind from which we are still struggling so hard to get out of,hence,we worked hand in hand with a very few patriotic elites up the political ladder to bring you back in as our No. 1,our leader and passionate civil servant to once again set us up on the path of glory!
We are indeed very grateful to God Almighty for giving us a second chance by crowning our efforts of bringing you to power with a resounding success!Already,we have started experiencing the POSITIVE CHANGE we voted for!
Kerosene has been officially brought down to N50 and it's equally available at that price,Boko Haram can no longer fumble of an ordinary audio release (not to mention videos) of their terrifying messages as they continue to loose ground by the day,criminals,WILLING FULLY submit their ill-gotten wealth even before being accused of theft,our skyrocketing exchange rate against the Dollar gradually coming down and stabilizing..all these are happening and it's just being 7 months you assumed office!
Yes!There have been a coupled of hitches,but,we all know,even your haters know that they were part of the problem you inherited.Considering the way you have being handling them,we,Nigerians are confident that you and your host of ministers would do us all proud.
A friend of mine complained even to the point of protesting by not joining me to wish you a happy birthday of the extra-judicial killings of Shiite Muslims up North.But,I know,he's only being emotional about the deaths of so many in the hands of our soldiers.I can assure you,he has no grudge against you.I would want to use this opportunity to appeal to you that the unfortunate saga should be probed and the erring among the soldiers involved be brought to book.So many protests have been staged worldwide condemning the incident,therefore,it should be handled properly so that we may not loose face in the international community.
I got so much to say on my mind,the problem is the time and space to express them all.I shall stop right here now as I join the millions of PATRIOTIC NIGERIANS to wish you a happy birthday!
Long live our President,
Long live Nigerians,
long live Nigeria!!!

The Truth About Biafra III

The Biafran war has come and gone...it's been 46 long years after the war,yet,some people still bleed badly from the wounds sustained during the war!

The Scars of the War

A friend of mine made mention of his meeting with a person with the traditional tribal marks of one Northern region tribe and concluded that the person was a Northerner.But, to his surprise,the person in question doesn't understand the Hausa language.He was later told by one of his friends that the person wasn't a Northerner but,in actual fact,was an Igbo! I also have heard of an Igbo wife of a Yoruba Muslim in Ilorin.Her story was that of a destitute after the war.Many Igbo men had died during the war so much that there was a serious imbalance in the female - male ratio.Soldiers were encouraged to take some of the displaced women as wife.This Igbo woman in Ilorin seems to be one of them.
I also met an Igbo friend back in my NYSC times.He narrated his family's story to me.According to him,both his parents were highly successful business people before the war.His father owned the very first story building in Nkom,Cross River state (that was my state of service year). But after the war,when the man went back to reclaim his property,he was turned down as the property among other treasures of their family now have new owners.These are just a few of the scars of the war.This is not to mention the extra judicial killings that happened during the period.I'm very sure even Ojukwu,wouldn't be particularly happy with the outcome of the war.

'No Victor,No Vanquished!'
This is a popular statement in Nigeria.There's no way you can talk of our history without the mention of this particular statement.
This was a necessary pronouncement especially for a leader that's mediating between two warring factions. General Gowon also followed it up with the '3 R's' idea.The three R's had the following meanings:Reconstruction,Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.These,obviously, was what the country needed especially in the Eastern region,you would agree with me.But,this wasn't particularly the case.Gowon meant well with these programs but they were poorly implemented so much so that the Eastern region had almost no share at all in the 3 R's program.
Furthermore,the Igbos lost all they had in the Nigerian country before the war after the war.No one got compensated with more than 20 Nigerian Pounds after the war irrespective of how much the person had in Nigerian banks before the war.
However,one major,effective and all important program that still work magic in sustaining us as a country till date that was courtesy of Gowon's administration is the National Youth Service Corps Program (the NYSC). I personally learned to appreciate our unity and sovereignty as a country the more when I served in Cross River state (where a mosque,to the local people down there is 'Hausa Church'!).The Service corps has united youths from different parts of the country,provided the avenue to learn about other tribes and know how to live with them peacefully.A couple of inter-tribal marriages have emerged over the years courtesy of the program.It's a laudable program that should be taken to the next level when possible. 

Nnamdi Kanu and Radio Biafra
I'm sorry,but,I'm going to be very blunt with this...I haven't ever taken Nnamdi Kanu or MASSOB seriously ever since they have been clamoring for Biafra. I mean,there's no way you gonna know the story behind the rise and fall of Biafra and still insist on its supposed actualization.
I keep on wondering how a guy that leaves hundreds of miles away from Nigeria would sit down in the comfort of his room and broadcast violent messages on air and is still able to build such a huge audience as he had successfully done!Kanu is calling for Biafra without fully grasping the true essence of Biafra. Biafra was at BEST a means to an end and the end itself! It took even the Originator and founder of Biafra,a long while to understand this.When he finally did,he shelved the idea of Biafra and moved on with Nigeria.Who was the founder of APGA political party if you think I'm wrong???
If Ojukwu,the first and the very last Head of State of Biafra was able to shelf the idea of Biafra and moved on with Nigeria,who,then,is Nnamdi Kanu to call for the actualization of Biafra? Now,you see why I don't take Kanu MASSOB seriously???

Biafra is Dead and Gone for Good!
Believe it or not,Biafra is long gone and dead and no matter how much broadcasting on electronic media that's done would bring it back.It existed in one of the darkest periods of Nigeria.No responsible Nigerian,not even those of Igbo origin would wish its come back except the person hasn't heard of it or the person in question is a tribal fanatic,cruel,selfish and very,very greedy indeed!
Already,Nigeria is back to how it was...or should I say in a much better position than it was before the war.As I speak to you,we got some Igbo families that are counting probably their third successive generation up North.By that I mean that they have lost most of their contact with the East...they seldom go down East.When they do,they stay only a couple of days before coming back up North.To these Igbos,the North is now home!It's not only Igbos that are now living up North,we also have people of South-South origins doing good businesses up North and making a very good living from them.
When you talk of the economy,sports and entertainment,the Igbos rock!The North takes up the Agric Business much more seriously,while the Yorubas are more into teaching and civil service.Real Igbos are Nigerians and are proudly so...they are NOT ready to be taken aback into the dark ages

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Nnamdi Kanu is a Devlish Criminal!

For a country that has had its own share of civil strive and have ever since tried to make amends in all ways it deems fit to be troubled and hurt by a criminal mind like Kanu,I think it's most unfair and unfortunate.All he ever does is to promote racism and hopefully wants to divide us as a people without a just cause!
Ojukwu had a very,very good reason to have declared the republic of Biafra...his declaration helped put a stop to the unjustified bloodshed of the Igbos and of course,elevated the thinking of the country's leaders as to the importance of equity and justice while dealing with even the minority.
But Kanu's declaration was nothing but a mere call of mischief.Kanu,saw an opportunity to rake in cash heavily on his people.With the Biafra dream,most unemployed which are the more numerous are caught in his trap and fed lies and poison continuously over the years.I've met with some stern believers in Nnamdi's cause and have experienced,first hand what sort of lies they have been fed.The lies are so thick and intoxicating that no matter what the F.G. does,they won't be appeased.This worries me a times,but, considering the majority of the Igbos who work hard daily and rake in millions per day,my worries simply disappear.
No one spends a lifetime building a career or business only to give it up in old age to a complete stranger.If anyone would,Igbos wouldn't!There's hardly a part of the country that you wouldn't find Igbos working hard to excel in life.Nnamdi is wrong,he picked on the wrong tribe,Igbos are the last to start up an uprising...wherever they find themselves is home,hence,they build their wealth and settle down there!They are too busy to entertain secession ideas!They won't break away unless when provoked to that extent.Ojukwu did it 'cos he was provoked and he returned back to the Nigerian fold when the country made amends! Biafra was a mistake that musn't be repeated...here's what Gowon had to say after the war.
  "The tragic chapter of violence is just ended. We are at the dawn of national reconciliation. Once again we have an opportunity to build a new nation. My dear compatriots, we must pay homage to the fallen, to the heroes who have made the supreme sacrifice that we may be able to build a nation, great in justice, fair trade, and industry."

 God Bless Nigeria!
Long Live Nigeria!!!

The Truth About Biafra II

I'm very sorry for not keeping to my promise,it was due to situations that were beyond my control.I'm sorry,please pardon me.I also want to express my condolence to the political realm of Kogi state that has lost a very important politician...especially the political family of All Progressive Congress,the A.P.C..May the soul of Prince Audu rest in perfect peace.Having said that,it's time to continue the story of Biafra.

The Aburi Confrence
After the announcement made by Col. Ojukwu of the secession plans of the East,the rest of Nigeria became tensed and refused to accept the secession plans as they were ready to keep the East even at gun point.The Chairman of the Ghana National Liberation Council -Lt.-General J.A. Ankrah wasn't happy about the development and was ready to do whatever it takes to forestall the rather impending war.
In an attempt to quench the tension via peaceful means,he hosted both the Nigerian F.G. delegates as well as the Eastern Nigeria regional government at Aburi in Ghana to iron things out.The Delegates are as follows:

• Lt.-Col. Yakubu Gowon - Head of State
• Lt.-Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu - Governor Eastern Region
• Major Mobolaji Johnson - Governor Lagos State
• Lt.-Col. Hassan Katsina - Governor Northern Region
• Lt.-Col. David Ejoor - Governor Mid-Western Region
• Commodre Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey - Vice President of Nigeria
• Colonel Robert Adewale- Governor Western Region
• Alhaji Kam Selem
• Mr. T. Omo-Bare

Others as follows:

• N. Akpan Secretary to the Military Governor-East
• Alhaji Ali Akilu Secretary to the Military Governor-North
• D. Lawani Under Secretary, Military Governor's Office-Mid-West.
• P. Odumosu Secretary to the Military Governor-West
•  S. Akenzua Permanent Under-Secretary-Federal Cabinet Office

After deliberations,the following points were agreed upon and were later known as the Aburi Peace Accord:

• "Members agree that the legislative and executive authority of the Federal Military Government should remain in the Supreme Military Council, to which any decision affecting the whole country shall be referred for determination provided that where it is possible for a meeting to be held the matter requiring determination must be referred to military governors for their comment and concurrence.

• Specifically, the council agreed that appointments to senior ranks in the police, diplomatic, and consular services as well as appointment to superscale posts in the federal civil service and the equivalent posts in the statutory corporation must be approved by the Supreme Military Council.

• The regional members felt that all the decrees passed since January 15, 1966, and which detracted from previous powers and positions of regional governments, should be repealed if mutual confidence is to be restored.

 

In Response...
The F.G. abrogated  one notorious decree 8 then...just for peace to reign and secession plans be put away and forgotten! But,unfortunately,the sacrifice was NOT enough to appease the Easterners as they had their own interpretations of the Aburi Peace Accord. War was inevitable and it finally broke out in 1967 following the declaration of the Biafra as a country.
The Biafran War
Ojukwu didn't only declare a sovereign nation but also raised her flag and minted her currency! He meant business and didn't hesitate to show that to the Nigerian government.From the statement of Col. Ojukwu after the war,he knew that he wouldn't be able to win the war by himself...he was hoping for help from the international community,which unfortunately didn't come their way.The British and the Russians along with some North African countries backed the Nigerian government with ammunition and air-force strength while the U.S. merely watched the war unfold and only kept records of the war and France condemned the war in favor of Biafrans but didn't support them with any form of aid.The Biafrans were left stranded without food
and arms.

Another thing that the Igbos were hopefully counting on was the possible secession move by the Yorubas. Awolowo has just returned from prison having served 10 years imprisonment for his involvement in the conflict that swept across the West and claimed numerous lives during elections.
The Igbos hoped that he would lead the Yorubas out of the country Nigeria.But,to their dismay,Awo accepted a ministerial appointment from the Military Junta instead of condemning the regime as expected by the Igbos.In fact,it is believed that in some quarters that he facilitated the defeat of the Biafrans when he suggested that the food supply routes of the Biafrans be blocked.
Hence,the war became so burdensome to the Biafrans. The Biafrans ran out of arms and food supply.Yes,they made their own guns and military vehicles and wares,but they still lacked adequate support from the international community.
Ojukwu's speech while in exile says it all!
"As a people we have endured as only giants endure. We have fought as heroes fight. We have dared as only gods dare. We are disillusioned by the world's insensitivity to the plight of our people. Yet because our cause is just we believe we have not lost the war, only that the battlefield has changed. We are convinced that Biafra will survive. Biafra was born out of the blood of innocents slaughtered in Nigeria during the pogroms of 1966. Biafra will ever live, not as a dream but as the crystallization of the cherished hopes of a people who see in the establishment of this territory a last hope for peace and security. Biafra cannot be destroyed by mere force of arms. May I take this opportunity to thank all those persons and organizations that have sacrificed that we might live - that we assure them that their sacrifice will not be in vain. Biafra lives. The struggle continues. Long live the Republic of Biafra."
This is why I maintain the stance that the War was a BIG mistake. It was the negligence of the Federal government that seem to have kicked off the crisis, but in all fairness,the whole thing began with the 1966 aborted coup de'tat.
Ojukwu's Blunder
Honestly,I think he had made a vital point by bravely declaring a republic in the face of sheer terror the Igbos were facing then. However,I think he already made a point with the Aburi conference he attended. That was enough. The world already heard their cry,why on earth did he still went ahead with the war knowing fully well that they can't fight long enough to win the war.BIAFRA WAS A NECESSITY BY WHICH THE IGBOS WERE HEARD NOT JUST BY THE GOVERNMENT BUT THE WORLD AT LARGE.THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO GO TO WAR! GOING TO WAR WAS A TERRIBLE MISTAKE!
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The Truth About Biafra

Biafra is a mistake made by Nigeria as a country that all well meaning Nigerians do not wish for its repetition.It's a national nightmare that almost torn us apart as a nation.
Nigeria is undoubtedly the most populous black nation in the world,hence,Nigeria is the pride of all black men and women worldwide!We are like a role model,the BIG BROTHER to all other black nations of the world.It would not,therefore,only be a disgrace for all that were Nigerians should Nigeria be broken into pieces,it would also be an eye sore for all Africans.One of the major reasons is that our secession as a country would only prove that the whites were right when they called us monkeys...animals that are incapable of self governance!
Nigeria is much unlike South Africa or some other countries where there are both blacks and whites that are glued together as a nation,no,that's not the case,in Nigeria,all are blacks!This is why I feel sorry for all that are seeking for Biafra.What is Biafra,what do they know is Biafra???
Like I said earlier,Biafra is a regretted mistake of our country as a whole.It was a necessity,a means to an end not an end itself!

Nigeria Before Biafra
Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914 by Lord Lugard who was the Governor General of the Slave Coast that is now known as Nigeria.His wife (some say his mistress) gave the newly amalgamated British colony her name - Nigeria which was said to be coined from 'River Niger Area'.
To cut long story short,our founding fathers,having been enlightened through quality education fought for and secured our independence as a sovereign state.The first Entourage consist of notable people like Nwakachukwu who was the leader of the delegate to London and Mrs Funmi Ransome Kuti,the first Nigerian woman to drive a car and the mother of the music Legend,Fela Anikulapo kuti.After a couple of agitations over the years,the British finally agreed to grant us our wish,independence...FREEDOM!
As Nigerians we celebrated independence on the 1st of October 1960 with Sir Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe as the Ceremonial President.
After independence,Nigeria later became a republic 3 years later.As a young Nation trying to find its roots,Nigeria had a lot political clashes with a little tribal coloring here and there.By 1966,after a violent election,some Military boys have had enough of the shameful power tussle between the major regions of the country and fell the need to do something fast to reinstate law and order.
In 1966,certain junior officers took it upon themselves to put an end to the political regime,take over the reigns of power for a while before re-establishing civilian leadership again.There were five Military men all of the rank of Major that connived to make it happen.Four were of Igbos by origin while the fifth Major was a Yoruba.

The 1966 Coup
It was close to the end of the year when the coup plan was hatched and it was going to happen when all leading politicians would be in Lagos for a major economic conference.The coup plotters had targets.Some were:
- THE POLITICIANS:Arrest them and kill those that resists arrest.
- THE SENIOR OFFICERS:Eliminate all Senior Officers
- THE RIVERS BENUE AND NIGER BRIDGES:Destroy the Bridges to prevent the free flow of troops and equipment. 
These were just a few of their targets,their main aim,according to them was to restore law and order in the already tribal divided country... which was noble enough.But,the casualty check after the failed but yet bloody coup suggested otherwise.

The Problems With the 1966 Coup
Firstly,the participants in the coup were all Igbos except for one.Another problem was that,the Premiers of the Northern and South Western Regions were killed during the coup,but,some how,some way,the Premier of the South East survived.
On the National level,Sir Tafawa Balewa,the Prime Minister of the country was killed but Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe the Ceremonial President survived!
These were obvious problems that needed serious and urgent attention.As earlier pointed out,the coup failed as such some senior Military Officers proved difficult to kill.Late Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi was such a soldier that narrowly escaped assassination.As the most Senior Officer,then,he was appointed as the head of the First Military Regime.He was of Igbo descent.
Hausas under him,such as the Late General Murtala Ramat Muhammad were boiling with rage and in desperate thirst for justice especially when Major Ezieogwu Kaduna was still in charge of the Kaduna Military instalment.He was the one that led the boys that killed the great Saudana,the Premier of the North..But,for unknown reasons,Gen. Ironsi wanted to take his time in meting justice on the affected soldiers.
Due to his sluggishness in dealing with the coup plotters,the angry Northern Military Officers,planned and executed a successful coup that took the life of Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi.
After the coup,there were rancor and petty quarrels between soldiers of Northern and South Eastern origin,this consequently turned violent such that they, soldiers, attacked and killed each other...this later spilled to the general public and lo and behold!A major crisis broke out in the North that saw to what we can call a massacre of Igbos living up North...this continued for a long while and the Exodus of the Igbos back to their region began.Igbos were hunted down and killed even during the Exodus.The then Governor General of the Eastern region Lieutenant-Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu started making complaints as to the nearly genocide nature of the attack on the Igbos.But it seem to fall on deaf ears,yet,he continued to appeal to the Federal Government.
The straw that seem to have broken the back of the camel was the installation of a Junior Officer to Ojukwu,General Gowon as Head of State.At that point,it seem as though the Nigerian country doesn't care about the Igbos and should that be the case,Ojukwu saw nothing wrong with secession.
Now,that was why I said Biafra was as a result of a National mistake.Had it being that Federal Government showed a sign of remorse and had curbed the crisis that saw to the gruesome murder of hundreds of Igbos back then,Ojukwu wouldn't have thought of secession.
That would be it for today,hope to continue my story tomorrow or the next 'cos,this is just the beginning of the story!Later!!!
  

'Junior Minister','Bus Conductor'

Nawa o!I tire for this people o!
I don't know how some people dey reason fa!Abeg,them give person Minister state of Education dem dey call Junior Minister,the person given Minister of Transport suddenly become a Bus Conductor.Shey na ignorance or wetin???
It's quite unfortunate that some people would go on social media to post all sorts of irrelevances.I'm sorry but,today,my blog post seem to wear an ethnic outfit,but,sincerely,this is NOT the case.
I've read so many posts and funny comments from the general public.Some were for and others were against.Those that supports the Ministerial appointments happens to be from other parts of the country except the East.Not all Easterners are against the appointments,in fact,some are very happy and glad to see the appointments.It's just that most of those that are against are from the Eastern and South-Southern part of the country.

Bitter Politics
From the inception of the current administration,some Easterners on social media has made it a point of duty to always fault the actions and moves of the Buhari led government.We do have some North Central people that also have the same stance as the opposing Easterners.
My problem with these people is that they haven't been very fair with the present government.They oppose not for the good of the country but because they lost to Buhari. These people in question are die - hard PDP supporters who are very bitter about Jonathan's defeat in 2015 elections.Its quite unfortunate,to me,these dudes have lost it!

Politics is NOT About Personal But National Interest!

When you think Jonathan should be President just because he's from the South-South,that's personal,but,if its because he did well,that would be based on National interest.Its quite obvious that Jonathan was loosing it,the economy was nose-diving,Fuel subsidy was the talk of the town instead of ceaseless supply of petroleum products and the Boko Boys were already establishing their Caliphate while our Military Boys were making tactical maneovres.Barely just 6 months in power,there is no more talk of subsidy,but,reduction in kerosene and petrol prices,the Bokos can hardly make audios not to talk of videos,the same military that was lame against them suddenly turned around to drive them out of town and the economy,though,not yet performing well enough but all signals points to a better tomorrow! Now,back to the day's topic!

We Got The Minister of State NOT a Junior Minister!

The Minister of state has his own activities and job to be done.There's no evidence that the Minister of State is inferior to the Minister. Pending the time ANYONE would provide HARD evidence that shows that the Minister of State is Junior Minister,no SANE person is expected to see him as such! HE'S SIMPLY THE MINISTER OF STATE EDUCATION KAWAI!

Minister of Transport no be Bus Conductor!

You see,I don't know how some people reason,how can you equate a honourable minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a bus conductor. Gaskia! The only people that can think so shabbily are HATERS...BAD BELLEs!

They are the ones who looses the right senses of reasoning to give way to petty quarrels and emotional overflow to take control of them to that extent.When people hate you,even if Angel Gabriel (Malaika Jubril) comes down from heaven to tell the world that you are good person,HATERS would see it as a mere display of magic...it won't be acceptable to them. This is why calling Amaechi a bus conductor is laughable and a serious act of jealousy! The Lion of Rivers state was more like a lone ranger in the South-Southern part of the country whose assassination was attempted at least twice during the election period.

When the first few appointments were made,it was this rather too desperate fans of PDP that came out with all forms mockery,now,he's appointed a minister,these same guys are now claiming the appointments are juicy enough! I don't know why people would allow such trivial issues to bother them this much!

Whether you like it or not,Amaechi is the new Minister of transportatation. Unless you are working and hoping embezzle public funds,the 'Juiciness' of any ministry is irrelevant

You see,I'm not against people criticizing Buhari's government,but,if you wanna do it,do it OBJECTIVELY...don't go bias or emotional,it makes you spit out rubbish which can go a long way to 'de-rep' you! Be positive and objective always...ONLY BAD BLOODS AND SAVAGES GO NEGATIVE...ARE YOU A SAVAGE??? I HOPE NOT!

Stay Blessed !

Lessons To be Derived From The Golden Eaglet's Victory

Once again,I'm grateful to God Almighty for making the Golden Eaglets come out victorious during the Chile U-17 World Cup.They have successfully defended their crown thereby becoming the second to have done that after Brazil.Though it's our fifth success at the Championship,it's my prayer that we are able to defend the title for the third consecutive time during the next edition.If it happens that way,it would be the first time it would have been done.That would be a record to beat for a long time to come.
Having said that,I think this victory has a couple lessons for all and sundry.The very first is ...

Patriotism
There's nothing like being patriotic and passionate about one's country.If you ain't passionate about your country,NOTHING would seem right about ANYTHING.
Guys! If those boys were not passionate about Nigeria,they would be like the Super Eagles who are stock to twenty - something or there about in FIFA ranking.You see,let me explain.
Those boys are young,obedient and disciplined.They listened to instructions and play according to the directives given by their coach.This is only possible if the boys were selected based on merits and not by tribal and religious sentiments.
It's true,however,that the current crop of players were selected only from the Southern part of the country.But,the fact still remains that should it be that those boys were not patriotic and passionate about the Nigerian cause,they wouldn't make the National team. They had to play top quality football to make the team. Just as Amunike had declared, that their victory was a reward by God for their hardwork ALL IN THE NAME OF NIGERIA!
This goes to tell all those clamouring for Biafra that the hardworking and ambitious Igbos that are scattered all over Nigeria does NOT feel the alleged marginalization and anihilation they claim is meted on Igbos.They believe in hardwork and dilgence at work,hence,they have won several luarels for the country and have occupied their rigtful positions in nation building.

Pride and Confidence
Gaskia!Considering the oppositions the Eaglets faced during the tournament,one would tend to believe that the boys would not go far in the tournament.But,lo and behold! The boys,stood their ground against great footballing countries such as Brazil,Mexico and the USA and whooped their asses BIGGERLY!
If you ask me,that's a result of the combo of Confidence and Pride in one's ability.This is what is lacking in the greater number of our teeming youths - Confidence and Pride.
I have encountered a couple of artisans who fabricate quality products that stands the test of time...in fact,they tend to exceed the international standard.But, ask them, why they aren't producing for sale,they'll respond by asking you that who would buy?
I met one today and asked the same question.He made a little analysis that suggested that the cost of producing something worthwhile is high and that the existence of cheaper alternatives (from China,USA etc) discourages customers from buying such locally made product.He believes that the solution lies in the Government's encouragement through local product friendly policies.
Though to a high extent,I do understand and agree with him,I still think there's still room for improvement which can only be seen by whomever is confident and proud of his/her ability. I mean come to think of it.If it takes N2500 to fabricate an electric cooker and an imported one costs just N1500,if the local manufacturer of the local cooker is full of confidence and pride of his work,he would proudly challenge the durability of the imported product thereby winning the market for himself and his product in the end.
If the Eaglets had considered the better welfare packages of their opponents,they would have played half-heartedly and would have lost woefully as a result.But,due to their confidence and pride in the Nation,they played out their hearts and won the tournament ahead of better equipped and well cared for players from other countries!
Ignore the problems and challenges,focus on the prize and you shall always succeed.Like I said earlier,there are a couple of lessons to be derived from the Golden boys' victory,there's however, a limited time to discuss just a few of them.The last that I'll love to discuss is....

The Nigerian Dream
We have heard,one time or the other,the mention of the Ameican Dream.Now I ask you, what is the Nigerian Dream?!
If you ask me,The United State of America is what it is today because,her citizens dared to dream and in their dream,there's NO RETREAT NO SURRENDER! No country is expected to supercede America.The whole world must bow and worship them.Patriotism is key to their freedom which is the CORE of the American values.American citizens,be you black or white,be you rich or poor,you must put country first before personal interests.
Now,that's the American dream,What is the Nigerian dream?Our lack of patriotism,love and passion for the Nigerian project is the reason we have been stuck in under-development for so long.We don't see ourselves as one,that's why the FEDERAL CHARACTER was created,we see ourselves in tribal colours that's why a Yoruba man can never imagine in his wildest dreams to be a Local Government Chairman in the East,we see ourselves as Hausas,Yorubas and Igbos,that's the reason we need CITIZENSHIP CERTIFICATES and SHARING FORMULA politically and economically.This wasn't a criteria in the selection of the boys (The Eaglets),selection was based on merits and National interest.
Yes! There were no Northerner in the team but the bottomline is that,it was Nigeria's U-17 National team that won the tournament not the Old Eastern Region team!Now,that's the spirit IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE YOU COME FROM,WHAT MATTERS IS NIGERIA!
We must sit down to fashion out a Nigerian Dream which would be our watch word when it comes to performance in any facet of life.Unless we dream,we would continue to wander around without Aims and Objectives!
Insha Allah,we would look more into the Nigerian Dream later,for now,I think we have done well and can as well call it a day! Congratulations once more on the victory of the Golden Eaglets!
Naija for life!
Long live Naija!!! 

Stand Up For The Champions!

Ooooh Yes!
We did it!For the second consecutive time,Nigeria's crowned Kings of Football in the U-17 category.Though,I didn't watch the match (PHCN no gree),I had the privileged to see the highlights of the game and I can tell you,it met up with the expectation of a worthwhile final match of a tournament like the world cup.
The Malians were reported to have been very fast,but,gratefully, not too fast for the Golden Eaglets who did not only secure a penalty kick in the first half but also recorded a couple of spectacular goal attempts.Due to their fast pace,the Malians gave the Nigerians side a lot of trouble,but,happily,it didn't result in any goal.
I woke this morning to checkout the results on the net and was more than glad to see that Nigeria won the game.From the highlights that I saw,I can see the fact that the boys didn't loose confidence which,in my opinion was further boosted by the return of Bamgboye,the guy wearing the no.7 Jersey for Nigeria.
That guy is very important to the team.He helps balance the game for the Nigerian side.He attracts a lot of attention to himself thereby giving Osimhen a lot of room to operate and wreck maximum damage to the opponents' defense.With those two in the game,The opponents' defense are left confused as to who to hold on to.This is because either boys could hold and score the ball when given the slightest of chances.That's not to look down on any player in that team...people like Nwakali, Ebere and Lazarus were terrorists to the opponents we had in the Tournament.
I no go lie you,none of those boys was defective in anyway.They played a great team game which had led to the elevation of some the team mates and their collective success!This reflected in the awards tat were given after the match.
Adidas Golden Ball: Kelechi Nwakali (Nigeria)
The captain of the Golden Eaglets was included in Nigeria’s provisional squad ahead of the 2013 edition, but was not named in the final party that went on to win the title. Here, however, the playmaker was the first to lift the trophy aloft. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke's right-hand man out on the pitch, he shouldered responsibility and kept a cool head in difficult moments. He scored three goals, including two penalties, and provided a further three assists, a haul that also brought him the adidas Bronze Boot.
Adidas Silver Ball: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Even before the tournament kicked off in Chile Osimhen was touted as a favourite to win the adidas Golden Ball, having scored 39 goals in 71 outings for his country at that point, and finished as top scorer at the U-17 African Championship in March. The striker, who names Côte d’Ivoire forward Didier Drogba as his role model, more than lived up to expectations in Chile after finding the net in all seven games at the competition. Osimhen put his side 1-0 up on four occasions and his effort in the final – his tenth goal overall – set a new tournament record, beating the previous best-mark set by Côte d’Ivoire’s Souleymane Coulibaly in 2011 and France’s Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001. Osimhen duly finished as top scorer in South America, and would doubtless not begrudge his team captain, of all players, pipping him to what would have been a second golden award.
Adidas Bronze Ball: Aly Malle (Mali)
Alongside Boubacar Traore, Sekou Koita and Sidiki Maiga, Malle formed part of an impressive attacking line-up that put opponents under pressure right from the off. Operating as a nominal striker, the No9 often dropped deep to pick up the ball and brought his team-mates into the game on countless occasions. Adidas Golden Boot: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/10 goals, 2 assists)

Adidas Silver Boot: Johannes Eggestein (Germany/4 goals, 0 assists)
Eggestein’s best performances for Germany came in the group stage, where he found the target four times in three matches to go joint-top of the scorers’ chart alongside Osimhen after the first phase of the tournament. Although the striker, who plays for Bundesliga club Werder Bremen, was unable to add to his tally after Germany were eliminated by Croatia in the Round of 16, he still did enough to win the adidas Silver Boot. “My strengths are my ability to anticipate a pass and my versatility,” Eggestein said in an interview with FIFA.com. His self-analysis is backed up by the statistics: he scored twice with his left foot, once with his right and once with his head.
Adidas Bronze Boot: Kelechi Nwakali (Nigeria/3 goals, 3 assists)

Adidas Golden Glove: Samuel Diarra (Mali)
For the fourth time in tournament history, the best goalkeeper of the finals was presented with an award. Following Benjamin Siegrist (Switzerland, 2009), Jonathan Cubero (Uruguay, 2011) and Dele Alampasu (Nigeria, 2013), this time the winner was Samuel Diarra, who reached the final with African champions Mali and routinely frustrated opposition strikers with some spectacular saves. The custodian dazzled in South America with his incredible reflexes and command of his penalty area, while he conceded fewer goals than any other goalkeeper at these finals, letting in just four in seven games.
FIFA Fair Play Award: Ecuador
In 1995 Ecuador posted their best achievement at an U-17 World Cup by reaching the quarter-finals on home soil. Now, 20 years on, the latest crop of players equalled that feat in Chile, and did so while winning over the hearts of the fans. In their five games at the tournament, the South Americans only committed 69 fouls, collected just four yellow cards and had one sending off for a second bookable offence, making coach Jose Rodriguez’s charges worthy winners of the FIFA Fair Play Award. Alongside a trophy, medals and a certificate, the Ecuadorian FA will also receive prize money of $10,000 USD, which can only used for football equipment for youth teams.

“We have worked very hard for this success and we hope to continue. The players will go home now but their journey is not over yet. I have football in my blood, as a player and as a coach. This is what I want to pass to my players.”
Emmanuel Amuneke, Nigeria coach

The Golden Eaglets Are Through To The Final!

First of all,I'll like to thank God Almighty for answering my prayers this far over the Eaglets.I would however ask for more by praying we win the Finals that's slated for Sunday by 11 p.m.

I told you guys that the El Tri of Mexico are no under dogs.See how they gave the Eaglets a very good run for their money!

I mean,checkout their two goals of the match...they were goals of class...especially the second goal which left me wondering if it was a dream or not.I mean that Mexican just ran down everyone right from outside the eighteen yard box straight into the six yard box before putting away the goal. It was such a comical feat!

But,we thank God for His infinite Mercies that saw the Eaglets through...it wasn't an easy task fof the boys.They obviously didn't find it funny at all!

Now,let's talk a little on the finals. Its an all African finals...Mali vs Nigeria...in fact, more like a West African finals...lolz

.

Anyway,that's not the most important,but,I can't help but appreciate the fact that finally,people would start to see us differently.They would start to respect us as a continent to reckon with when it comes to the beautiful game of football! Yes,we are in the finals of the U-17 FIFA World Cup,the question is,how do we win the trophy for the fifth time and make history???

The Malians are the current African Champions and if I'm not mistaking,they are the ones that beat us out of the African tournament before going ahead to be crowned African

Champions. Now,here they are again,standing between us and the World Cup! How do we ensure,we win the match and lift the World Cup as we so desire???

The fact that they too have reached the final is an obvious sign that they are not here to fool around,they are here for business...serious business!!! The Eaglets must,therefore,be very careful in conceeding a goal as they did against the Mexicans.

It is a very strong opinion of mine that they (the Eaglets) should ensure that the Malians are not given room to move around freely within our territory...our half of the Pitch. If this is done as part of the Coache's plan,I'm sure,it would go a long way to keep the Malians at bay and ensure Nigerian's victory!

The Malians are good,no doubting,but the koko be say that the Golden Eaglets should do whatever it takes to retain the title!

I rest my case for now...the game is on Sunday by 11 p.m. Don't miss it!

The Clash of The Titans Tonight!

Tor!
It is going to happen tonight.I woke up today by 5 a.m. thinking that I have missed the match.Perhaps due to anxiety,or should I say,a little hitch in my schedule.Well,that's not important,what's important is that the match is coming up tonight and we can't afford to miss it.
The El Tri of Mexico have been reported to be a very strong team.In fact,they too, have been Champions twice too.Even in this tournament,they have been showcasing their talent very impressively.They have beaten big teams like Argentina,Germany and even host country Chile in this tournament. Now,that's my concern.
I know the performance of the Eaglets too,have been very impressive and they are not scared of any team,but the fact that the Mexicans have been smokey too gives me a reason to be concerned.
I'm not that bothered,but,when you are to meet a good team like those from the South American continent,it won't be wrong to be a little bit anxious. I was against the Brazilians even after the 3 goals we had scored,I was still sitting by the edge of my seat till the last minute.South Americans are die hards!
But,considering the impressive performance of our boys coupled with their highly skillful,disciplined and confident dispositions they have expressed so far,I got nothing to worry about!
Guys,the game is slated for 12 a.m. tonight,don't miss am.If una no get light,abeg go buy fuel for gen...3 litres is okay.It's the Semis you can't afford to miss the remaining two matches.
Abeg,pray for the Eaglets o!

Za Eaglets Are Smokey Wallahi-tallahi!

Alhamdulillah!

The boys have done it again! Congratulations Naija! We are moving to the Semis on Thursday. If you watched this cracker of a match,you'll agree with me that those boyd are smokey, really...checkout Osimhen!

That boy is the leading goal scorerer of the tournament. His goal tonight made it 8 goals to his name.

My prayers for the boys is coming to pass,I thank God. Now,they shall be preparing for the semis where they shall be facing either Equador or Mexico...both South Americans.This means that the South Americans are having a very good tournament. However I feel a little concerned about the number of yellow cards we have recorded so far...that of Bamgboye is particularly painful...if what the Commentator is anything to go by,Bamgboye would be missing the semis

I really do hope the coach,Emmanuel Amunike would be able to manage without the boy. The incident brought to mind,the second round match between Nigeria and France in the last World Cup edition where France won the game after Pogba got rid of Onazi upon whom the Nigerian mid field depended heavily.

After his inevitable exit from the game,our mid field crumbled due to the wrong substitution made by the coach,Keshi. He substituted the injured Onazi for a lanky slow guy with dread locks as against the expected substitute choice of Azeez.Anyway,that's not the point.

The point is that I sincerely hope that Amunike has a worthy substitute that would man Bamgboye's position such that we won't feel his absence.

I want to congratulate every Nigerian patriots out there on the Eaglets' victory. Thanks for your support for the boys.May God Almighty continue to back our boys and make them the Champions again.Ameen.

So,why don't you keep it a date with us on Thursday when the boys shall be facing yet another South American country.

Later!

Brazil U17 vs The Golden Eaglets Quarter Final

Tor! Today is yet another match day for our strong and confident Golden Eaglets who have soaring pretty high in Chile. As they roll out tonight by 8 pm against the Brazilians,we need to stay up,give them all our support and prayers. Since our supporters club missed Chile, the booing of our gallant boys is a heart breaker for me,this is why I'm calling upon you guys to sit by your T.V. to cheer our boys to victory.

The boys have done extremely well so far.According to reports,the Eaglets are the World's no.1 while the Brazilians are the no.2 of the World. That should tell you something. They are very close in ranking to us.We don't want to fall to number,hence,we need to be on top of our game...this is why I'm soliciting for their support...they need all the encouragement they can get from us. Do you know that they have made history already in this tournament?

The current crop of Eaglets made history when they beat the Australians 6-0 in the second round of the tournament...no country has been able to do that before now! Oh! I wish those boys would be crowned champions by the end of the tournament and Osimhen going home with the golden boot!

I'll stop at this junction and ensure that I don't miss the match,hope you won't too...its 8 o'clock tonight...keep it a date!

Thumb up to the Golden Eaglets!

Guys,
I don't know how well to express my joy.I watched the game from the kick off to the final whistle.The game was nothing but a cracker!I love it and sincerely hope all other games including the finals would be that juicy for the boys. Ameen.
It was a game that started somewhat promising for the Australian boys who had started off with skillful displays with the ball.However,as the game progressed,though,slowly but steadily,the Eaglets began to find their confidence which grew over the first twenty minutes and had led to the first goal that was scored by Osimhen,Nigeria's point man who eventually made a hat-trick in the game.The highly scintillating game ended 6-0 in favor of the Eaglets.I don't know,but,the question came to mind as to what is the problem with our Super Eagles who haven't been in the first best 5 teams in the world?!
The Flying Eaglets currently are the the number 1 in the world! Can you beat that,Nigeria is number ONE in the world?This is why I can't possibly express the Joy I felt when those boys broke the record to beat a team with the highest margin IN THE SECOND ROUND in the tournament's history!
What this means is that even if the Eaglets looses out of the race (GOD FORBID A MILLION TIMES!),the boys have already made history.Now,this keeps me wondering,what is wrong with our Super Eagles,why have they failed to fly high on the World Football scene? Even our female teams,the Falcons and Falconets are doing extremely well on the World's scene.Azeezat of the Falcons had done the country proud by winning the World Best Female Player of the year ahead of the Americans,Europeans and Asians from the U.S.,Germany,Brazil and  China. Why have our Super Eagles not won anything on the world scene,what's going on??? As Olamide would say, 'Story for the gods' and I would say,it's a story for another day!
For now,I think our focus should be on the Eaglets who are currently doing the country proud in Chile.We should pray and support them with all our hearts.Even though,I don't know why our supporters' club were absent that day,the numerous boos of the spectators wasn't strong enough to deter the boys from winning the game in grand style.Kudos to their manager and handler former Nigeria Super Eagles Winger,Emmanuel Amunike.
With Emmanuel handling the Eaglets,Siasia handling the Green Eagles and Sunday Oliseh handling the Super Eagles (All were members of the famous 1994 Super Eagles squad that did us proud by not only winning the African Cup of Nation for that year,but,also went ahead to qualify us FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR THE WORLD CUP),I do hope that it would mean a positive CHANGE in our football fortunes in the country.May we continue to win laurels,year in,year out and may the events continue to grow the spirit of patriotism in us.Ameen.

This is wishing the Eaglets a 100% success in their campaign to defend their title.The next match is on Sunday...perhaps at midnight too...not sure,but keep it a date.It promises to be very interesting as it would be a quarter-final draw between the World's Number One Nigeria and number two Brazil.Don't miss it and don't forget to pray for Eaglets' victory!

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:The GREATEST Weapon Against Crime & Insurgency!

One of my relations narrated her encounter with Almajiri children to me when she went visiting her son up there in Kano.
The children,according to her, were in such a very bad state that they seem as though they hadn't had their baths in months and that what they wore in the harsh weather conditions were practically rags! She felt so sorry for them that she would shed tears and at other times,she would search the whole house for old clothing for them from her grand children's wardrobe and give the little food she can to the poor children who would be more than happy to receive such rare gifts.
She gave some of them money of N5 notes which was what she could offer,she couldn't help but marvel at the kind of celebration that ensued afterwards! To her,N5 was nothing and in fact,she hoped they would accept it at all,but,there they are celebrating the gift as though it was a million Naira!
Now,that's NOT to pick on the Almajiris...no,no,no,far from it! After all,it's not like we don't have beggars from other parts of the country.The point is that begging and crippling poverty have become our hallmark as a country,hence,our classification as a third world country!
So many are confused as to the root cause of our predicament as a nation,to me,I think it's IGNORANCE!Yes,we got schools,teachers,academicians,doctors and professors,but,the fact remains that education still elude us!
We go to school to learn all the theories,but we never practiced what we learn.Not even the Professors of our higher institutions gets to practice.Instead of practicing,we sought out for excuses!Creativity is completely out of it.That's why I always say that we got millions of literates and learned people in Nigeria but very few educated ones.According to Aristotle,"Poverty is the Parent of Revolution and Crime".
What that implies is that it is only people with very little or nothing at all that can volunteer to be participants of Insurgencies and all other forms of crime.What do they have to loose??? Absolutely NOTHING!!!
In case you haven't noticed,ever since cases of Boko Haram has been reported,there has NOT been a time we heard that a son of a wealthy merchant or politician was a volunteer.They are always the children of the poor!You know why?They got to eat,they got to feed and if risking their lives is a means of getting that done or perhaps a sacrifice for other members of the family to live decent lives,then,it's worth a try!
If you are a Muslim,just imagine observing the Ramadhan without adequate sustenance,that you had to take your Sahoor with left overs from a food canteen and break the fast with just water...imagine having to do that throughout Ramadhan!
As for non-Muslims,imagine having to wait for the crumbles from someone else table such that if you are lucky,you are able to gather enough for a single meal throughout the day!Imagine feeling hungry with nothing to quench it for a better part of everyday!Then,out of the blues comes someone like you but a little better off...he's got money and he willingly share with you his food,shelter and clothing.After some weeks together,he invites you to fish like he does!Would you refuse his offer???
This is my take of how Insurgencies like Boko Haram came to be.The so called elites or the Cabals of the world work in the same manner.They take advantage of the poverty status of the majority,recruit them and use them against the State.They are poor,yet,they are in possession of sophisticated weapons,how did they get them?
Guys,truth be told,if we must win the war against the various terror groups we have in the country,we must tackle poverty.To tackle poverty effectively,we must become socially responsible.We must care about the less privileged in the Society,it's true that it's largely the Government's responsibility,but,does that mean that we cannot do something too? No, it doesn't!
John F. Kennedy, the former President of the United States once said that "Ask NOT what your country can do for you,but,what YOU can do for your Country". Meaning that we don't have to wait for the Government to do something to better our society,rather,we should be pro-active always.
Let the well to do and our rural leaders team up and take the lead in catering for the less privileged before some idiots would gather them and recruit them as a willing tool to disrupt the peace and harmony of our society.Even you and I can help,despite our limited resources,let's share the little we have with them and where possible,let's find them a job or at least create a welfare package so as to deny the Cabals and the 'Elites' the ability to rock our National boat in the future!
Boko Haram shall be effectively defeated if every resident in the North be you Hausa,Igbo,Yoruba or ANY other tribe see to the need to come together empower the destitute and  PROVIDE THE SECURITY FORCES USEFUL INFORMATION ON THE BOKOs.
I rest my case!
God Bless Nigeria!

Happy Independence day Naija!

A country was born in 1914

She celebrated her hundred years of existence in 2014

So many thinks all is for nothing

She has failed,therefore, should be put to death
She seem too poor to survive despite her abundant flow of wealth
This is cruel, I must say
We shouldn't let anger hold sway
We must find a way,for there is definitely a way
If we are determined,we would find a way
Forget the Feud,forget the crisis
It gets us to no where,but a state of clashes
Youth blazing with fire as their sanity crashes
All for nothing they die in battle as teeth gnashes
In regret of their loss their relatives moan in ashes
This is a vicious circle that has repeated itself in our lives
Leaving the youth confused,depressed not sure as his life nose dives
He continues to fall,hopelessly without a helping hand around
No job,no work,no show,absolutely nothing on ground
Despite all odds,we must find a way to make our country great again
We got to think ,create and meditate on how to reduce losses and make a gain
No country develops without her youth in control of affairs
We got to stand and fight for our place in nation building that's only fair
Our country is all we got, running abroad is no cure,let's face the facts and be fair
Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country,you hear?
I'm black and proud,can beat my chest anywhere,for I'm proudly Nigerian you hear?
Only the positive can see anything positive,aren't you one my friend?
Be you Hausa,be you Ibo, be you Yoruba,what matters is Naija!
We got to move out strong, march out firmly as ONE against all forms of setbacks in Naija
Where it Green,White,Green,bro,chin up chest out let's set out to battle O' Patriots of Naija
God's grace,we will win,so celebrate O' Nigerians for its a new dawn in Naija!
God bless Nigerians,God bless my country, God bless NAIJA!


Happy Independence day Naija!!!
-Musa Abdurrahman

Saraki Is The New Senate President, So???

There has been a lot of fuss,especially in the social media of the emergence of Bukola Saraki as the Senate President and I simply don't know why people are expendkng so much energy on the already decided matter. Its quite unfortunate to learn that most Nigerians are still so naive politically. Instead of learning of the consequence of his (Bukola's) emergency as the president of the senate,most of us waste time and energy on who should have been or not.Believe it or not,elections won't be repeated so,irrespective of your opinion,nothing is going to change!

Inauguration, according to law shall commence with a proclamation to that effect by the Executive President of the country.But,according to reports reaching us,the President,Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was in a meeting with over 50 APC senator-elect over the resolution of the power tossle going on between them when other senators,mostly,the PDP senators and a few of the APC senators were in the house deciding on those that would lead the house for the next 4 years.

As was later discovered,the APC only secured just the President position in the senate while the PDP had the other two key position all of which would have been for the APC.THE VICE PRESIDENT AND THE MAJORITY LEADERS OF THE FELL,COMFORTABLY ON THE LAPS OF THE PDP! Even in the house of representatives,Gbajabiamila was to emerge as the speaker, but to the dismay of the APC leadership,Honorable Dogara emerged

While some,in the social media are having filled time mocking APC supporters,APC leaders and members alike are condemning and rejecting the process.As for me,I think its a good thing it happened this way...I think its better this way for the masses that voted these guys in! Be that as it may,its very important we analyze the issue a little to decide how to fully utilize the available opportunities the event has provided.But first of all,allow me to say that

The Process is a BIG Sham !

According to the news,there was a postponement. Yes,the President's letter to the Clerk might have negated it,but,to tell the truth,the timing of the inauguration was a delibrate attempt to disenfranchise close to half of the house and this was NOT why we voted them in! As I have learnt from some analysts,quorum, that is the minimum number of members that should take decisions in the house was NOT reached.Thirdly,the emergence of David Mark as the Majority leader,is the hallmark of the BIGGEST fraud of the 4th republic.I don't understand how the member of a party other than that of the party with the highest number of members can be the majority leader...I mean it baffles me!

The Effect of The Leadership Arrangement

The greatest fear of most Nigerians is that the current arrangements in the 8th house of Assembly might hurt the administration of Buhari.They fear the non-passage of people oriented bills as there is little or no change in terms of those who ran the 7th house and the 8th.Especially, the Senate President ...the autonomy of local government might NOT be actualized they say.

My Response

As far as I am concerned,those fears are somewhat baseless! Just look at the leadership arrangement,to me,the only one that is out of place is the majority leadership,other than that,I think other arrangements are perfect for the change WE,the masses are yearning for!

Had it gone 100% the APC way,it would have been business as usual,it would have just been an extension of the APC party which is NOT good for governance. May God Almighty reward Jega abundantly for setting up this house the way he did via credible electionrering. The beauty of this setup is that most if not ALL delibrations of the house would be issue based.

To make pass a bill,you'll need a two-third of the total number of members of the house to decide. This means that you'll need about 72 senators to vote in favour of a particular bill to pass it.Now,neither APC nor PDP has that number...they would have to agree to pass any bill at all! In my opinion,that's NOT happening if it favours just a party.

What Happens if the House Refuse to Pass a Bill like the Local Government Autonomy???

From experience,the lower house has no problem passing such bills,the problem lies with the Senate that's full of former governors that are now godfathers of their respective states...passing such law is impossible.However,there's a solution.

According to the constitution,the Senate President has just 30 days to append his signature on a bill that get to him,should he refuse,a quorum of the two chambers shall be made during which the bill shall be passed with the vote of two-third of the two house combinedeven if the Senate President still refuse to pass the bill Moreover,the President can veto some decisions and act WITHOUT the House of Assembly's blessings! So,what's the fuss?!!

Guys,the election of the leadership of the house has little or no direct effect on us...leave all that headache to the politician,we,as citizens had won since the emergence of our choice president,General Buhari...coz its action or inaction that has direct effect on us! I REST MY CASE FOR NOW!

#XenophobiaSA

Hmmmm...nawa o!

Wonders shall never end! Of all countries, I least expected it would be South Africa that would be calling and fighting for ethnic cleansing!!!

Considering the Apatheid menace and the huge support they got from other African Countries,in my opinion, the rainbow country should be the most hospitable country in Africa, but,sadly, the reverse is the case. I mean, in the nearest future, there's a high probability that there would be a re-occurrence of the situation. Believe me!

In 2008,xenophobia attacks claimed the lives of 62, hence, survivors of the recent attacks should count themselves very lucky this time! If you also consider the literacy and poverty levels coupled with the perennial labor conflicts with the government, you would see,clearly, why I drew the conclusion I drew.

I read that an e-mail was sent in fear of retaliation by SA's consulate in Nigeria. The mail urged their citizens and businesses in Nigeria to be at alert and restrict their movements as much as possible for the time being. So,it means they value their lives? It's so funny! Just imagine a couple attacks on shoprites,MTN masts and DSTV offices nationwide,how would they take it. Perhaps,they feared such attacks would occur,hence,their consulate's office closure.Anyway, my candid advice to them is to spend more money on creating awareness for their citizens (ESPECIALLY,THEIR SO CALLED ZULU KING...HE REALLY NEEDS SOME LESSONS ON THE SPECIAL ART OF SPEECH! ) back home on the need to welcome and care for foreigners as whatever they do to foreigners in South Africa affects them that are also foreigners abroad! Personally, I think this is a BIG insult to the memory of the Great Mandela!

As for the Nigerian government that have already reacted,I give them a Big thumb up! The Senate has ordered the call back of our ambassador to South Africa and a file suit against the Zulu King that's suffering from a mouth diarrhea.The ordinary citizens, whoever can boycott South African products should for at least a week in protest!

As for the idiots that killed the Mozambican, they had better made a scape goat of them to serve as a deterrent. Two things are obviously lacking big-time in South Africa now...CIVIC EDUCATION & GOOD GOVERNANCE! The FG should learn from them!

Regards,

Abdurrahman.

Malala's Letter To The Chibok Girls

Well over two hundred girls were carelessly lost to Boko Haram insurgents exactly a year and two day ago.

Gaskia, the circumstances that surrounds the loss,to me,leaves so many questions unanswered.

For instance,there was supposed to be a curfew in place, how did the insurgents bypass military stop overs? The atrocity happened in the dead of the night,I'm still wondering how hundreds students got kidnap with such ease in an area where there is curfew...if Hilux vans were used,you would need at least twenty, if a buses were used,you still need at least two. So, to me,thorough investigation should be made into the matter and that are involved should be brought to justice!

Well,putting that aside,Malala, the girl that's been made popular after surviving a major attack and attempt on her life simply because she insisted on gaining western education remembered the Chibok girls.

Malala,wrote to the Chibok girls, as a mark of respect... according to the contents of the letter, it was a form of encouragement and hope for the girls. In her letter,she expressed her hope of meeting and hugging them in celebration really soon.

The Former Minister, Ezekwizile, staged one of the longest protests ever in Nigeria to make a point which I believe was eventually made. She made the point that The girls are humans not animals and the Federal Government should ensure that rescuing the girls is taken very seriously if they must

show the world they are both responsive and responsible!

I saw something that is highly remarkable here. The Former Minister hails from the South East while the girls are of Northern region. Very much unlike the traditional rivalry between the Igbos and Northerners coming to play,it was the Nigerian Spirit that came to play! Likewise, unlike in 2011 when ethnicity and religion were the jokers of the ruling party and of course,the power of incumbency,this year,again it was the 'Nigerian Spirit '! Who would believe a sitting governor in MUSLIM DOMINATED STATE can be defeated in his Senatorial district especially when he is a Muslim contesting in Muslim dominated area? Babangida Aliyyu,the present governor of Niger state lost in the Senatorial election to a Christian in a Muslim dominated area!I'm beginning to like our democracy wallahi!

This is why I am praising and thanking God Almighty for choosing Jega for us as an umpire and feeding him with Uncommon Wisdom .and granting him a formidable team of incorruptible Professors to handle the election. I love the wisdom and level of maturity he displayed in handling the elections...especially the case of Orubebe... lolz . To a very high extent, it reflected the wish of the people... I know that those that refused to vote would probably be kicking themselves by now. Because, contrary to general belief,the election was a huge success!

Now that we are all awaiting the swearing in of the new government, it's our hope that the new government shall put security of lives and properties ahead of any other agenda they may have and most especially, they should work hard to #bringbackourgirls

Regards,

Abdurrahman.

Jega Is A Superman & His Teamates Are Patriots!

Honestly, I don't know how to say this,but,let me Congratulate Nigerians for a successful show of what I call a 'Peaceful Revolution'. Happily, Nigeria is one of the very few that got independence without an arm struggle. Nigerians, we have done it again! We just voted out a government that haven't done well,to try another and so far,there are no major conflict in its regard. It's such a laudable achievement considering the bloody civil war that erupted in Cote d'ivoir where President Gbagbo refused to relinquish power despite loosing to an opposition party. Some Nigerians have been harboring such fears,but,as God Almighty would have it,ours was peaceful. Nigerians, let's thank God for that. Alhamdulillah! Having said that,honor should be given to whom it's due. I'm referring to none other than Professor Jega and his team of professors. Make we no lie,their work has been very helpful in achieving the success of the election. Personally, I doubt if there's any election conducted before that has earned such a high level of merit...not even the June 12 election can match this one. I therefore, dedicate this piece to the winning team that has brought about the much needed change we have been yearning for. I'll say congratulations to Nigerians and a 'thank you' to Jega the Superman and his team of extra ordinary abilities... thank you for making our day.May God Bless you abundantly. Aaameen. Long live Nigeria Long live my audience!!!

The War Against Boko Haram and The Sniffing Governor

I have been watching the rather embarrassing drama unfolding in the political scene of Nigeria with utter dismay! Well, I don't know how some people really think,but, to me, it's quite unfortunate to note that certain blunders can be committed at all!
In the desperate moves of the ruling party to hold on to power,they have committed a couple of BIG mistakes that have sealed their fate as highly compromising and deceitful lot!
There are so many,but, I shall be looking at the most recent of them all...I'm talking about the issue of Boko Haram and the Sniffing governor, Governor Fayose of Ekiti state.
Gov. Fayose, to me, is taking things a bit too seriously...I can't believe a man of his caliber could stoop so low to make such unguarded statements as attributed to him. He sounds too desperate!
If as a governor, he would wish General Buhari so much ill, what would he if he were to be the one contesting the Presidency with him?! For crying out loud, is he not a governor who should be working very hard during his first hundred days as governor so as to assure his people that their trust in him is not misplaced, he is out here trailing the General...bumper to bumper. I used to think the job is meant for journalists not governors.
To the honorable people of Ekiti, I would suggest you call your governor to order before he wrecks more havoc to your reputation of being a fountain of knowledge!
As for the victory of the Military over Boko Haram, hmmm...I never stopped wondering how a bunch miscreants could hold Nigeria of all countries to ransom.
If it were to be one the weaker countries with much smaller size, I would say, well, it's due to their small size that would definitely affect every aspect of their national lives. But to say it would be Nigeria, the GIANT of Africa herself, I would say no way!
Well, I'm not too surprised, ever since I read a statement accredited to late General Sanni Abacha, in which he is reported to have said that "If an insurgency lasts for more than 48 hours, the government has a hand in it!" Na lie?!
I was watching a Bruce Willis movie one day where, I learnt that a single revolver...pistol can cost as much as $1500 that is about...N300 000 as at now,each bullet can cost more than N500/one. It means that you can only imagine how much a sub-machine gun would cost and from the news, it's quite obvious that Boko Haram control highly sophisticated weapons...the question is who and how are they funded?
No! It can't be a couple of disgruntled politicians as we are made to believe because, there's no way such immense cash required to fund the insurgency can move from individuals or group without being noticed...IT'S ONLY THE GOVERNMENT THAT CAN MOVE SUCH AMOUNT OF MONEY UNDETECTED!
My submission, for now is congratulations, our gallant soldiers, please don't stop until you uproot the insurgency! This story is still unraveling, I don't want to be like Gov. Fayose who declared General Buhari as very sick only for the General to appear at Chattam house London hale and hearty!
Regards,
Abdiurrahman.

Is Jega leaving?

Still recovering from the shock of the postponement, some political analyst have been trying to anticipate the next move of the ruling party. As in, we all know that the postponement is their handiwork. Some of those that have tried figuring out the real reason for the postponement (We all know that our security challenges is not that immense, it's not the military that are in charge of security during elections but the Police and Civil Defense). One of the major reason they could smell out is that they desperately need to kick out the  uncompromising umpire and replace him with a compromising one. According to news making rounds in the social media, one Professor Mimiko has been nominated to replace Jega as he, Jega, bows out to take up his 'Terminal Leave '.Initially, it came as a bad news,someone told me it would be a very grievous offense should Jega bow out without conducting the general elections. Well,like I said,it was a political calculation that sometimes works out,but,most times,it only helps in pointing out the grey areas that needs to be prevented.Fortunately for the general public, this was the case...it was a possibility that was actually avoided. The incorruptible Umpire,Professor Jega, has spoken recently and according to him,yes,there's a terminal but it isn't a compulsory one,hence,he had chosen to finish the election business over the leave! JEGA IS NOT LEAVING YET! This calls for celebration. Just yesterday, I was informed that a party leader of the major opposition party, the Jagaban himself is under house arrest,courtesy the military, I don't know when the military took over the duty of arrest from the Police! About 30 troops were deployed to man the house of the APC chieftain. Honestly, I don't know the wisdom behind the house arrest. Which judge,issued the arrest warrant,on what grounds did he issue such warrant to the military instead of the Police,or...uhum... na the usual,terror act the current regime uses the military for? I mean,when the NSA told the world, he cannot guarantee safety of the polls, because the military would be tackling the bokos up north, one would expect every fit commando in the Army would be heading north. Instead,the unfortunate and disheartening news we would here is that Asiwaju Tinubu 's house is surrounded by soldiers. Let us draw conclusion yet,I believe the NSA has a good reason for the house arrest.I rest my case for now! Regards, Abdurrahman.

How Secured are Nigerians?

Nawa o!
I can't believe this!  It's quite shocking to wake up today only to learn that elections have been postponed, on top wetin abeg, security??? Haba! From what I can gather,the major reason why elections are postponed is security.
Jega had announced that he had received several written letters from National security chiefs that they cannot guarantee the security of INEC personnels (now,it's not just @ the North East alone but across the country...as far as I can infer). What it implies, therefore, is that despite the readiness of the electoral body,elections cannot hold until six weeks from now due to lack of readiness of the security (that ordinarily should be at red-alert all the time ),what a shame!
According to Jega, this is partly to enable our security forces to drive boko haram out of the North Eastern region.Several questions arises, among them is that,how is the FG and security chiefs hoping to drive out the bokos in 6 weeks while they had failed on the same mission for 6 years now?Perhaps by magical means.Another quick question is why EXACTLY is it that our armed forces and para-military cannot guarantee security during the polls, are we to believe that the armed forces are so short in manpower, if so,are they recruiting more people within the next 6 weeks,if they cannot guarantee security now,what gives us the confidence that they would in 6 weeks?!
Gaskia! I got lot of questions that are begging for answers...it's quite disappointing that we have to wait a six whole weeks on our security forces. This is another BIG slap on their faces.The first is the fact that they are so weak that they can't quench an insurgency,then,came the issue of Buhari who rose to the post of a General WITHOUT a school leaving certificate(according to them sha) and now,despite their knowledge of the fact that elections are holding on February, they still SHAMELESSLY requested for 6 more weeks to prepare for the all important event!
To me,this is the more reason for a change in the leadership of the country AND THE RULING PARTY! We need people who would do things a little more professionally and I don't see how we can get that if the leadership is not changed.
I think we should try some other party,perhaps, they would have a better manifesto for Nigerians. Sincerely, on hearing that elections are postponed because of security,I cannot but wonder how secured are we the common Nigerians, talking of the bokos, does that mean that the military had what it takes to actually uproot the insurgents all these years and had waited till now?!
I sense a great deal of foul play here! Well,either way,whether it's true we have security challenges to the extent of having to halt elections or not,one thing is certain, Nigerians have decided and the decision, every where you go is a change of government and the ruling party, not because we hated them that much but, because we are tired of the backwardness in a democracy (we no dey for military regime na!). Nigerians want to try another party's manifesto...it's a revolution baby! Vote for change!!!
Regards,
Abdurrahman.

Buhari's Certificate Saga:A BIG Show of Shame!

Hmmm....
'Buhari get certificate, Buhari no get certificate ' that's the new song in town now.
Before I continue, I would like to apologize for the long break. I'm very sorry,by the special Grace of the Almighty,I shall see to it that I update more regularly. Now,straight to business!
I find it quite amusing to see the ruling party desperately looking for ways to discredit the opposition party. Initially, it was the case of whether the opposition were behind the senseless killings of boko haram,then,afterwards,it was the Islamization of the country and now, funny enough,it is the WAEC result issue.
I don't know how you see it,but,to me,all this controversies continue to make the opposition party much stronger and the ruling weaker! I would like us to be realistic,if the General (General Muhammad Buhari, the opposition's presidential candidate,A.P.C.) has no school leaving certificate and has served in the army for decades without hitches or problems,does it speak well of the Nigerian Army? I don't think so!

THE MILITARY PRESS RELEASE, A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!

Personally, I used to think very highly of the Nigerian Military, this is why yesterday's press release from their quotas shocked me! It was such a disappointment!
If WAEC is a criteria for enrolling as a soldier and one of the applicant couldn't provide it and you accepted a statement of result from a secondary school as substitute, isn't it only logical that you investigate the matter and ensure that the certificate is later provided? Please, note that we are not talking of a new serving recruit here,we are actually talking of a RETIRED GENERAL!
This is a man who had been recruited and have served in the military in various capacities and have participated in many military courses during his rise in the military hierarchy... Bros, I am talking of a GENERAL here!
If per chance he got enrolled as a junior officer without his WAEC,is it not only sensible he provides the certificate before he is recommended for ANY course at all? On reading his profile, he passed a course of 'Strategic Planning ' in the US WAR COLLEGE! How was he enrolled for the course, with what credentials was a he registered into the US War College, is it with the Principal's note or the statement of result? I don't know if you are getting me? Because for the military to have enrolled a soldier without the necessary papers shows a high level of incompetence in the military! If you cannot provide the certificate with which one of your Generals was enrolled into the military and you SHAMELESSLY affirmed this on mass,then,I say to you that you are a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!

INEC'S SILENCE,HYPOCRITICAL AND UNFORTUNATE!

I don't know if the present dispensation takes us for a fool. Buhari had started contesting for the Presidency since 2003 and has always been cleared by INEC. His qualifications hasn't been in doubt,why is it now,hasn't he been registering for the candidacy since 2003, what has changed,does it mean that all this while, he has not the required qualifications and yet he had gotten 3 consecutive clearance to contest? Abeg, Jega, answer us fa!
The silence of the INEC, to me is most unfortunate and deafening indeed! If INEC has been clearing him for election since 2003 and there's an eyebrow raised as to his qualifications today, I think it's only moral and logical that INEC explains how and why he (General Buhari) has always gotten cleared for elections so as to clear the air once and for all! INEC owe Nigerians explanation and a lot it for that matter! Their refusal to talk ON TIME is most hypocritical and sentimental!

TO THE GENERAL...

I'll say well done! Since,unfortunately, the Military has disappointed you and Nigerians as a whole, may I suggest you visit the WAEC office to seek the re-issuance of your WAEC results, they should still possess your result IN YOUR PERSONAL FILE unlike the military who has only your statement of results and never bothered to seek for the original.

PERSONALLY...

I haven't and would NEVER take the issue seriously because even the worst scenerio doesn't disqualify the General! He already possess other higher certificates WHICH WERE NOT FORGED AND FROM HIGHLY REPUTABLE INSTITUTIONS!
The issue here is like a person that seeks employment and was asked to provide a minimum qualification of a degree and he presented a master's degree. Then,one of the contenders for the job shouted foul that the said candidate has no school leaving certificate! Isn't it ridiculous?
Okay,let's assume it's true,Buhari attended a secondary school,a reputable Nigerian school, got into the army,Nigerian Army,scaled up the ranks and files of the Army and have, during this time been sent BY THE ARMY for more military training and have obtained higher certificates in the process,despite the very shameful announcement of the Army whose problem,REALLY, is the certificate issue,is it that of a honorable citizen who had served his country selflessly for decades or that of a government organ that refused to keep updated info of its staff?
What are they saying, are they saying that his service in the military is null and void? Should that be the case,he should be expected to return all funds expended on him during his service year as well as the pension benefits he has received so far! If,however, his qualifications to enroll in the military is intact and Okay, then I believe, tendering higher level certificates should over rule the WAEC results. Therefore, the issue of whether he has WAEC result or not is irrelevant!
Whatever happens the military's press release has degraded it so much in my personal ratings that I begin to wonder if the whole military altogether isn't a SHAM!
Regards,
Abdurrahman.