A big all day and night party is already on at the State House in Abuja this morning following the expected victory of President Goodluck Jonathan and his running mate, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo in the epic presidential primaries of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP].
With results in from 21 states as at 3am this morning, Jonathan had won all but three state delegations with a total of nearly 1400 votes. His top challenger, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, won outright in the three far-Northern states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kano, and he came within a hair's breadth of staging an upset in Bauchi State. He had a total of more than 450 votes as at 3am this morning.
In Sokoto, Atiku won by a landslide 84 votes to 32, while in Zamfara, he won by an even wider margin of 70 votes to 7. Atiku's victory in Sokoto appeared to confirm reports that Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko had led the old Caliphate capital to oppose Jonathan's bid and uphold the power rotation principle that he and 9 other Northern governors endorsed at a summit in Kaduna last July.
Although Wamakko had teamed up with Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and Adamawa State governor Murtala Nyako to oppose Jonathan's bid, the latter two abandoned the effort and struck deals with Jonathan, to whose camp they delivered their delegations'votes.
Atiku's most significant victory however was recorded in the populous far Northern state of Kano, where he garnered 98 votes to Jonathan's 21.
In Bauchi, base of Jonathan/Sambo North East zonal coordinator Governor Isa Yuguda, Jonathan managed a very slim win of 46 votes to Atiku's 44.
The result was a big surprise given Governor Isa Yuguda's strong support for the Jonathan/Sambo ticket, but observers attributed it to protest votes from many state and Federal legislators who were defeated in primary elections, as well as to the raging intra-party feud between Yuguda and three prominent PDP leaders in the state Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Federal Capital Territory Minister Bala Mohamed and former state governor Ahmadu Adamu Muazu, who recently returned from self-exile in Dubai.
Elsewhere though, Jonathan recorded wins by very substantial margins. His strongest showing, as expected, was in the Southern states, all of which he won. In his native Bayelsa State, Jonathan's victory margin was 67 votes to zero, while in neighbouring Rivers State, he garnered 128 votes to Atiku's 2. He also won comfortably in the Western states of Lagos, Osun and Ondo, as well as in the south eastern state of Anambra.
Although Atiku lost in his home state of Adamawa, he made a strong showing there, garnering 31 votes to Jonathan's 76. In neighbouring Taraba State, he got 16 votes to Jonathan's 65, in a state where Atiku's political machine used to be very dominant in the old Gongola State. He also made impressive showings in the North Eastern states of Yobe, where he got 20 votes to Jonathan's 29, and Borno, where he got 26 votes to Jonathan's 33.
Although the Jonathan/Sambo presidential pair will be relishing their hard-earned victory this morning, they will already be looking over their shoulder to a potentially very bruising general election in April. They are expected to come up against General Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the new Congress for Progressive Change [CPC] party, whose membership grew in geometrical proportions last year, and it is expected to state an upset in several Northern states.
The Jonathan/Sambo ticket's relatively poor showing among Northern state delegations was seen by observers as a reflection of power rotation sentiment among Northern PDP members, and also to fears by them that with Jonathan leading their party, it could go down to defeat in gubernatorial and legislative elections in many far northern states. Even though Buhari's CPC is virtually non-existent in the South, it could strengthen its position considerably if, as expected, it concludes a deal with the Action Congress of Nigeria [ACN] led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is now dominant in the South Western states. Tinubu nurses ambitions to be Buhari's running mate in the CPC/ACN alliance.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Berlusconi To Face Teen Prostitution Probe
Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is under investigation in a prostitution case involving a 17-year-old girl. Skip related content
Reports say the PM is being investigated over whether he exerted improper pressure on police officers to have the Moroccan girl released when she was held over theft allegations.
An investigation source told Reuters that the probe included underage prostitution allegations.
Corriere della Sera said in its online editions the 74-year-old is suspected of abusing his power in trying to cover up his alleged sexual encounters with the girl, known as Ruby Rubacuori.
Italian prosecutors said in a statement they had issued a summons to Berlusconi and his lawyers in the case.
Mr Berlusconi's lawyers dismissed the prostitution investigation as "absurd and groundless" and a "very serious interference in the private life" of the prime minister.
The case hit the headlines several months ago when it emerged that Berlusconi had intervened to get the girl released from police custody following her arrest for shoplifting.
Berlusconi said at the time that he had done nothing wrong.
The girl also denied having sex with the premier.
Reports say the PM is being investigated over whether he exerted improper pressure on police officers to have the Moroccan girl released when she was held over theft allegations.
An investigation source told Reuters that the probe included underage prostitution allegations.
Corriere della Sera said in its online editions the 74-year-old is suspected of abusing his power in trying to cover up his alleged sexual encounters with the girl, known as Ruby Rubacuori.
Italian prosecutors said in a statement they had issued a summons to Berlusconi and his lawyers in the case.
Mr Berlusconi's lawyers dismissed the prostitution investigation as "absurd and groundless" and a "very serious interference in the private life" of the prime minister.
The case hit the headlines several months ago when it emerged that Berlusconi had intervened to get the girl released from police custody following her arrest for shoplifting.
Berlusconi said at the time that he had done nothing wrong.
The girl also denied having sex with the premier.
THE END OF UNEDUCATED & CORRUPT LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA
President Goodluck Jonathan has won the PDP Presidential Primary Election by a landslide, polling a total of 2736 votes to defeat his major opponent, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, who polled a total of 741 votes. Dr. Sarah Jibril won a single vote to place third in the race for President.
Out of President Jonathan carried a total of 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory out of the nations 36 states to clinch the Presidential ticket in the well organized and transparent contest. Vice President Namadi Sambo will join the ticket to face candidates from other political parties in the April 2011 general election.
Congratulations to President Goodluck Jonathan and VP Namadi Sambo for their victory.
Jonathan has won PDP nomination as expected not the Presidential election for God's sake. Did anyone envisage a different outcome in PDP cash and carry environment???
What matters now is how Atiku and the Northern elements of the PDP will react.
Neither the PDP nor Jonathan deserve another 4 years and it will be a sad shame for Nigeria if and when that happens.
The PDP is far ahead of the pack in internal democracy with this successful presidential primary. Others better shape up or PDP will clean up again.
The man will win if the ACN and other opposition political parties do not IMMEDIATELY embrace internal democracy and come together to meaningfully fight for the centre.
WE all agree at this viewpoint. The 2011 General Elections have just been concluded in a most convincing and democratic style by the PDP; and in the absence of any other compelling internal democracy and serious national organizational platform from other political parties.
THE GAME IS OVER! We can say all we want about PDP but the democratic process that has brought Jonathan-Sambo to the fore is compelling; if not matched or surpassed by other parties, there is no rational basis to complain about anything else.
At this time, the PDP is better organized for the nation; whether the platform is adequate for the task ahead (infrastructural development, fight against corruption etc) is a different matter.
Considering their internal performances, if any other party wins the Presidency, the principals wont even know how or where to start with the one-man shows.
We have seen such poor readiness with some Governors and it will be dangerous for the nation and the security apparatus.
This is the First Bold Step towards Stopping the Corrupt and Dishonest Class from Stealing Dry, our National Treasury, to the Detriment and Empoverishiment of the Majority of Nigerians. This is the First Bold Step to introduce to us a first class Nigerian Leadership, an Educated Mind to take the mantle of Nigerian Leadership to the next level.
This one has the capability, the education and the Vision to direct Nigeria to the Right Path towards some Real level of Progress and Development!! Nigerians have suffered enough in the hands of Visionless and Very Corrupt leaders!!
Let us, therefore, Collectively Hail this Development, which from all indications seems to be a Divine Sent Leader; if one traces How GEJ got to this Point!! Hopefully God has eventually Heard the Prayers of both the Dead and Living Honest Nigerians!!
I Congratulate all the States that voted overwhelmly to GEJ Leadership in the just concluded PDP primary election. I, especially, hereby Commend OHANEZE Leadership and All Igbo States, who respected the OHANEZE Call and Direction to support GEJ PDP Primary election!!
Yes, this is a New Day for Ndi-Igbo, and a definitely a New Beginning for Nigerians, at Large!! United we all succeed, but Divided we crash to Pieces!!
Thank You All Nigerians, who made this New Day for Nigerians Possible!! Goodbye Corrupt Leaderships, as we Welcome Young Blood of Honest, Educated, and Divine sent GEJ Leadership!! One more Hurdle, and we shall All Celeberate Peace, Unity, and Corrupt Free NIGERIA!!
Out of President Jonathan carried a total of 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory out of the nations 36 states to clinch the Presidential ticket in the well organized and transparent contest. Vice President Namadi Sambo will join the ticket to face candidates from other political parties in the April 2011 general election.
Congratulations to President Goodluck Jonathan and VP Namadi Sambo for their victory.
Jonathan has won PDP nomination as expected not the Presidential election for God's sake. Did anyone envisage a different outcome in PDP cash and carry environment???
What matters now is how Atiku and the Northern elements of the PDP will react.
Neither the PDP nor Jonathan deserve another 4 years and it will be a sad shame for Nigeria if and when that happens.
The PDP is far ahead of the pack in internal democracy with this successful presidential primary. Others better shape up or PDP will clean up again.
The man will win if the ACN and other opposition political parties do not IMMEDIATELY embrace internal democracy and come together to meaningfully fight for the centre.
WE all agree at this viewpoint. The 2011 General Elections have just been concluded in a most convincing and democratic style by the PDP; and in the absence of any other compelling internal democracy and serious national organizational platform from other political parties.
THE GAME IS OVER! We can say all we want about PDP but the democratic process that has brought Jonathan-Sambo to the fore is compelling; if not matched or surpassed by other parties, there is no rational basis to complain about anything else.
At this time, the PDP is better organized for the nation; whether the platform is adequate for the task ahead (infrastructural development, fight against corruption etc) is a different matter.
Considering their internal performances, if any other party wins the Presidency, the principals wont even know how or where to start with the one-man shows.
We have seen such poor readiness with some Governors and it will be dangerous for the nation and the security apparatus.
This is the First Bold Step towards Stopping the Corrupt and Dishonest Class from Stealing Dry, our National Treasury, to the Detriment and Empoverishiment of the Majority of Nigerians. This is the First Bold Step to introduce to us a first class Nigerian Leadership, an Educated Mind to take the mantle of Nigerian Leadership to the next level.
This one has the capability, the education and the Vision to direct Nigeria to the Right Path towards some Real level of Progress and Development!! Nigerians have suffered enough in the hands of Visionless and Very Corrupt leaders!!
Let us, therefore, Collectively Hail this Development, which from all indications seems to be a Divine Sent Leader; if one traces How GEJ got to this Point!! Hopefully God has eventually Heard the Prayers of both the Dead and Living Honest Nigerians!!
I Congratulate all the States that voted overwhelmly to GEJ Leadership in the just concluded PDP primary election. I, especially, hereby Commend OHANEZE Leadership and All Igbo States, who respected the OHANEZE Call and Direction to support GEJ PDP Primary election!!
Yes, this is a New Day for Ndi-Igbo, and a definitely a New Beginning for Nigerians, at Large!! United we all succeed, but Divided we crash to Pieces!!
Thank You All Nigerians, who made this New Day for Nigerians Possible!! Goodbye Corrupt Leaderships, as we Welcome Young Blood of Honest, Educated, and Divine sent GEJ Leadership!! One more Hurdle, and we shall All Celeberate Peace, Unity, and Corrupt Free NIGERIA!!
DORA AKUNYILI AS A POLITICAL CHAMELEON
The announcement by Professor Dora Akunyili that she was resigning as Minister of Information and would contest the Anambra Central Senatorial seat under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), generated several headlines and commentaries.
Dora Akunyili (DA), affectionately called 'Auntie Dora' by her admirers, said she was quitting the Jonathan Goodluck administration to join my Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, who is doing a great job in the building of Anambra State.
I read the valedictory statement Dora Akunyili presented at the Federal Executive Council meeting signalling her quitting the Jonathan cabinet. Thanks to Sahara Reporters. Two chapters in that statement caught my attention.
1.I wish to humbly inform Council that I am resigning from the Cabinet with effect from tomorrow, 16th December, 2010.Today is therefore a very emotional day for me in Council. This is because I have been so closely bonded to most of you that my departure is like leaving a family. My heart is so heavy because in this Council, I have found comfort and friendship
2. As I take this step, I solicit for your prayers and other forms of support. I am making this request because you are my people and my immediate constituency. Yes, my colleagues in the pharmaceutical industry are still my people but I have virtually exhausted my goodwill with them in the service of our dear Country, especially in support of the Re-branding Nigeria project. Many drug manufacturing companies spent over N10 million for the Re-branding Nigeria materials because they desperately wanted me to succeed. Therefore, it is you and only you that I can now run to for support. Please, I plead with each and every one of you to sow a seed to my political career, you will never regret it. In the words of President Jonathan, I will never let you down. Yes, I will be in the senate by the grace of God for my constituency and for the nation but you can be sure that I will also be there for you.
Just when you think you've seen the weird part of Dora during the Yar Adua sickness era, gbam! a Dora hits you with another most laughable part of her use and dump syndrome! Oh! ah!! eyah! please! I am quitting PDP. Please don't be angry with me. You are all my brothers and we ' formed a family' Ah! oh, Mr President! Thank you! Thank you! For calling me your sister!! And please, please, never, ever! stop doing so because I can't cope otherwise. Please in the name of God, continue to like me!!!Erm! ah! Remember! Drug companies spent 10 million naira on my rebranding project. Ah! Ori mi o! Ye! oh no!! Please I need to say all this! So you don't deny me the chairmanship of a juicy senate committee for joining an opposing party!!! When i get there under APGA i will decamp to PDP again and dump Governor Obi.Trust me ,you all know me as Madam Opportunist. Ah! Oh! my head! my toe! ye! my body,,,
PURRRGH!!! That is Dora for you, a political chameleon. I wrote articles were i stated why Dora Akunyili should resign and why Akunyili should not be allowed to hold any political position in Nigeria again..To me,Madam Dorotido now worships power with her whole body, her whole heart, her whole spirit and, in fact, her whole being. For her, nothing is too small or too great to do to acquire power and flaunt it. Her love of publicity is part of her endless scheming for power. Once she grabs it, Mrs Akunyili immediately and unceremoniously abandons all who helped her .
Almost everyone can agree that Dora did a tremendous work at NAFDAC including my humble self and it's on that basis that we are criticizing her role now. We cannot because she did well in NAFDAC turn away from what we are seeing now. That will be a great disservice to this country and its people. In Zimbabwe and in Africa, Robert Mugabe used to be a hero but when he derailed, well meaning people of that country had to fight against his tyranny. Our focus is on what Auntie Dora is doing now and not what she did before..
Honestly, when Dora became a Minister she became a shadow of herself. She went about telling Nigerians lies upon lies, defending government failures and deceits with pride. Even when there was billions of naira budgeted by Yar Adua to provide us with darkness, she kept defending the government. Remember when she came out shamelessly to tell the world that as a minister for information, her job was only to help the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) carry their files to the president without making an input at all. This was when she desperately attempted to exonerate herself from the high level fraud that greeted the contract award for procurement of broadcast equipment for NTA for the U-17 FIFA football tournament hosted by Nigeria.
Nigerians can never forget that this Dora was the same person who came openly to defend the so-called Yar Aduas cabal's insistence on President Yar Adua's right to govern from anywhere in the world. That he was medically fit and all there was to be told. But later when she saw that Yar Adua was not getting better Professor Akunyili in her opportunist way of life wrote a memo to her cabinet colleagues asking them to make Vice President Goodluck Jonathan the Acting President in accordance with Section 145 of the Constitution. Nothing was wrong with making Jonathan the Acting president but it was a dramatic volte face for someone who had on two previous occasions after the Executive Council meetings addressed the press where she strongly defended Yar'Adua's fitness for the country's leadership.
Dora made it the first time in our history where council Memo became public knowledge no sooner than it was written, let alone submitted. Even directors in the Ministries who normally prepare such memos swear to an oath of secrecy before working on them. Dora broke the oath of secrecy . Dora's reasons for sending her memo to every media were for her to be seen as a fanatical supporter of Dr Jonathan the new kid on the block so that she could retain her cabinet membership, and to regain her public image which has been declining disastrously since she became the Minister of Information. Not satisfied with the plethora of articles she and her numerous aides were churning out every second eulogising her for her so-called courage in breaking ranks with her colleagues over Yar'Adua's health status, Mrs Akunyili went on a whistle-stop campaign of media interviews castigating her colleagues dubbed by the press as the cabal for hiding the president from everyone. She retained her Ministerial position.
So why did she quit PDP. Obviously because her hope for clinching the PDP senatorial ticket is gone. Was it not the same Doroti that after the 2009 Anambra governorship election which saw the lost of PDP, summoned and sponsored a so-called Anambra State PDP stakeholders reconciliation meeting in Abuja where she passionately regretted the loss of her sweet party ,PDP and begged them to walk together for the progress and interest of PPD alone. Believing she was already close enough to President Jonathan, Akunyili set her sights on controlling Anambra State PDP and called a second PDP stake holders meeting two weeks later in Anambra state where she was booed ceaselessly, pelted with stones and spirited out of the venue by security agents.
Did we not all witness Madam Rebrands partisan actions and utterances during the Ekiti saga? Please !!! She acted no differently to Aondoakaa and others who were all only interested in a PDP victory - whatever the cost to Nigeria and Nigerians. Even Bankole sang disgracefully in praise of the deployment of Military force to bully our Nigerian brothers and Sisters in Ekiti !!!
So what do you think about Dora's ignoble role in the Ekiti shame witnessed by the entire world? What will you say about her bullying role in the saga that saw the people of Ekiti denied their mandate? You must not have witnessed Madam Rebrand shameless attempt to cast aspersion on the character of Mrs Ayoka Adebayo (Ekiti's regional electoral commisioner - REC) merely because she refused initially to announce a PDP win despite it being crystal clear to the entire world that the PDP lost in Ekiti.We are not going anywhere as a nation with so many Nigerians still willing to back and support election riggers. Nothing , I repeat nothing , is greater in a democracy than allowing the electorate to choose its leaders. This is the underpinning block of democracy.
Now she has dumped GEJ and dumped PDP for APGA. Today, to her Peter Obi is now my Governor. Everyone that have been following her antecedent will doubt and question her allegiance to APGA and to Anambra people or even to Ndi-Igbo . She's just a political opportunist trying to gain relevance in her dwindling public life . She does not have the passion to do things for the people . She never had . She's a stone-cold unapologetic ambitious woman who strives to be the only woman politician in the mist of men .
To Governor Peter Obi : you can send your 'Dora' to go and try to shine in her local government area as a councillor and not the senate .I am not interested in Anambra 'area,' politics. Dora's kind has no business on the federal level so I frown at her senatorial aspirations because she will go there to represent herself and only be seen and not heard. I really would like someone who is articulate enough to convey meaningful messages to the world on behalf of Nigeria and 'real' Nigerians who mean Nigeria well. No one is jealous of her extremely rural personality, not to mention her baffling 'ghetto-looking' physiognomy and mannerisms. Please, hide her in your Igwe's palace . . . where she belongs and only allow her to sit in the portion of the local government as a councillor. I could live with that.
Dora Akunyili (DA), affectionately called 'Auntie Dora' by her admirers, said she was quitting the Jonathan Goodluck administration to join my Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, who is doing a great job in the building of Anambra State.
I read the valedictory statement Dora Akunyili presented at the Federal Executive Council meeting signalling her quitting the Jonathan cabinet. Thanks to Sahara Reporters. Two chapters in that statement caught my attention.
1.I wish to humbly inform Council that I am resigning from the Cabinet with effect from tomorrow, 16th December, 2010.Today is therefore a very emotional day for me in Council. This is because I have been so closely bonded to most of you that my departure is like leaving a family. My heart is so heavy because in this Council, I have found comfort and friendship
2. As I take this step, I solicit for your prayers and other forms of support. I am making this request because you are my people and my immediate constituency. Yes, my colleagues in the pharmaceutical industry are still my people but I have virtually exhausted my goodwill with them in the service of our dear Country, especially in support of the Re-branding Nigeria project. Many drug manufacturing companies spent over N10 million for the Re-branding Nigeria materials because they desperately wanted me to succeed. Therefore, it is you and only you that I can now run to for support. Please, I plead with each and every one of you to sow a seed to my political career, you will never regret it. In the words of President Jonathan, I will never let you down. Yes, I will be in the senate by the grace of God for my constituency and for the nation but you can be sure that I will also be there for you.
Just when you think you've seen the weird part of Dora during the Yar Adua sickness era, gbam! a Dora hits you with another most laughable part of her use and dump syndrome! Oh! ah!! eyah! please! I am quitting PDP. Please don't be angry with me. You are all my brothers and we ' formed a family' Ah! oh, Mr President! Thank you! Thank you! For calling me your sister!! And please, please, never, ever! stop doing so because I can't cope otherwise. Please in the name of God, continue to like me!!!Erm! ah! Remember! Drug companies spent 10 million naira on my rebranding project. Ah! Ori mi o! Ye! oh no!! Please I need to say all this! So you don't deny me the chairmanship of a juicy senate committee for joining an opposing party!!! When i get there under APGA i will decamp to PDP again and dump Governor Obi.Trust me ,you all know me as Madam Opportunist. Ah! Oh! my head! my toe! ye! my body,,,
PURRRGH!!! That is Dora for you, a political chameleon. I wrote articles were i stated why Dora Akunyili should resign and why Akunyili should not be allowed to hold any political position in Nigeria again..To me,Madam Dorotido now worships power with her whole body, her whole heart, her whole spirit and, in fact, her whole being. For her, nothing is too small or too great to do to acquire power and flaunt it. Her love of publicity is part of her endless scheming for power. Once she grabs it, Mrs Akunyili immediately and unceremoniously abandons all who helped her .
Almost everyone can agree that Dora did a tremendous work at NAFDAC including my humble self and it's on that basis that we are criticizing her role now. We cannot because she did well in NAFDAC turn away from what we are seeing now. That will be a great disservice to this country and its people. In Zimbabwe and in Africa, Robert Mugabe used to be a hero but when he derailed, well meaning people of that country had to fight against his tyranny. Our focus is on what Auntie Dora is doing now and not what she did before..
Honestly, when Dora became a Minister she became a shadow of herself. She went about telling Nigerians lies upon lies, defending government failures and deceits with pride. Even when there was billions of naira budgeted by Yar Adua to provide us with darkness, she kept defending the government. Remember when she came out shamelessly to tell the world that as a minister for information, her job was only to help the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) carry their files to the president without making an input at all. This was when she desperately attempted to exonerate herself from the high level fraud that greeted the contract award for procurement of broadcast equipment for NTA for the U-17 FIFA football tournament hosted by Nigeria.
Nigerians can never forget that this Dora was the same person who came openly to defend the so-called Yar Aduas cabal's insistence on President Yar Adua's right to govern from anywhere in the world. That he was medically fit and all there was to be told. But later when she saw that Yar Adua was not getting better Professor Akunyili in her opportunist way of life wrote a memo to her cabinet colleagues asking them to make Vice President Goodluck Jonathan the Acting President in accordance with Section 145 of the Constitution. Nothing was wrong with making Jonathan the Acting president but it was a dramatic volte face for someone who had on two previous occasions after the Executive Council meetings addressed the press where she strongly defended Yar'Adua's fitness for the country's leadership.
Dora made it the first time in our history where council Memo became public knowledge no sooner than it was written, let alone submitted. Even directors in the Ministries who normally prepare such memos swear to an oath of secrecy before working on them. Dora broke the oath of secrecy . Dora's reasons for sending her memo to every media were for her to be seen as a fanatical supporter of Dr Jonathan the new kid on the block so that she could retain her cabinet membership, and to regain her public image which has been declining disastrously since she became the Minister of Information. Not satisfied with the plethora of articles she and her numerous aides were churning out every second eulogising her for her so-called courage in breaking ranks with her colleagues over Yar'Adua's health status, Mrs Akunyili went on a whistle-stop campaign of media interviews castigating her colleagues dubbed by the press as the cabal for hiding the president from everyone. She retained her Ministerial position.
So why did she quit PDP. Obviously because her hope for clinching the PDP senatorial ticket is gone. Was it not the same Doroti that after the 2009 Anambra governorship election which saw the lost of PDP, summoned and sponsored a so-called Anambra State PDP stakeholders reconciliation meeting in Abuja where she passionately regretted the loss of her sweet party ,PDP and begged them to walk together for the progress and interest of PPD alone. Believing she was already close enough to President Jonathan, Akunyili set her sights on controlling Anambra State PDP and called a second PDP stake holders meeting two weeks later in Anambra state where she was booed ceaselessly, pelted with stones and spirited out of the venue by security agents.
Did we not all witness Madam Rebrands partisan actions and utterances during the Ekiti saga? Please !!! She acted no differently to Aondoakaa and others who were all only interested in a PDP victory - whatever the cost to Nigeria and Nigerians. Even Bankole sang disgracefully in praise of the deployment of Military force to bully our Nigerian brothers and Sisters in Ekiti !!!
So what do you think about Dora's ignoble role in the Ekiti shame witnessed by the entire world? What will you say about her bullying role in the saga that saw the people of Ekiti denied their mandate? You must not have witnessed Madam Rebrand shameless attempt to cast aspersion on the character of Mrs Ayoka Adebayo (Ekiti's regional electoral commisioner - REC) merely because she refused initially to announce a PDP win despite it being crystal clear to the entire world that the PDP lost in Ekiti.We are not going anywhere as a nation with so many Nigerians still willing to back and support election riggers. Nothing , I repeat nothing , is greater in a democracy than allowing the electorate to choose its leaders. This is the underpinning block of democracy.
Now she has dumped GEJ and dumped PDP for APGA. Today, to her Peter Obi is now my Governor. Everyone that have been following her antecedent will doubt and question her allegiance to APGA and to Anambra people or even to Ndi-Igbo . She's just a political opportunist trying to gain relevance in her dwindling public life . She does not have the passion to do things for the people . She never had . She's a stone-cold unapologetic ambitious woman who strives to be the only woman politician in the mist of men .
To Governor Peter Obi : you can send your 'Dora' to go and try to shine in her local government area as a councillor and not the senate .I am not interested in Anambra 'area,' politics. Dora's kind has no business on the federal level so I frown at her senatorial aspirations because she will go there to represent herself and only be seen and not heard. I really would like someone who is articulate enough to convey meaningful messages to the world on behalf of Nigeria and 'real' Nigerians who mean Nigeria well. No one is jealous of her extremely rural personality, not to mention her baffling 'ghetto-looking' physiognomy and mannerisms. Please, hide her in your Igwe's palace . . . where she belongs and only allow her to sit in the portion of the local government as a councillor. I could live with that.
Obama: On the way to a failed presidency?
Ronald Reagan famously quipped that the Democratic Party left him before he left the party. Like many progressive supporters of Barack Obama, I'm beginning to have the same feeling about this president.
Consider what we've seen since the shellacking Democrats took in the fall elections.
On Afghanistan, the administration has intimated that the 2011 pullout date is "inoperable," with the White House talking 2014 and Gen. David H. Petraeus suggesting decades of occupation. On bipartisanship, the president seems to think that cooperation requires self-abasement. He apologized to the obstructionist Republican leadership for not reaching out, a gesture reciprocated with another poke in the eye. He chose to meet with the hyper-partisan Chamber of Commerce after it ran one of the most dishonest independent campaigns in memory. He appears to be courting Roger Altman, a former investment banker, for his economic team, leavening the Goldman Sachs flavor of his administration with a salty Lehman Brothers veteran.
On the economy, the president has abandoned what Americans are focused on - jobs - to embrace what the Beltway elites care about - deficits. His freeze of federal workers' pay, of more symbolic than deficit-reducing value, only reinforced right-wing tripe: that federal employees are overpaid; that overspending is our problem, as opposed to inane tax cuts for the top end; that we should impose austerity now, instead of working to get the economy going.
Now the not-so-subtle retreats are turning into a rout. The president is touting a NAFTA-like corporate trade deal with South Korea. He appears to be headed toward supporting cuts in Social Security and Medicare and irresponsible reductions in domestic investment. And he's on the verge of kowtowing to Republican bluster and cutting a deal to extend George W. Bush's tax cuts for the rich in exchange (one hopes) for extending unemployment insurance and possibly getting a vote on the New START treaty.
This is political self-immolation. Blue-collar workers abandoned Democrats in large numbers in the fall; wait until they learn what the trade deal means for them. Seniors went south, probably because of Republican lies about cuts in Medicare; wait until anyone over 40 who's lost their savings hears about Alan Simpson's plan to take it to the "greedy geezers." The $60 billion each year in Bush tax cuts for the richest Americans could pay for universal preschool for America's children, or tuition and board for half of America's college students.
The stakes are much higher than the distant election. The president has suggested unconvincingly that he'd prefer to be a successful one-term president than a two-term president who didn't get anything done. But there are other alternatives. If the president continues on his current course, we're looking at a failed one-term presidency that the nation cannot afford.
Forget about electoral mandates or campaign promises. This president has a historic mandate. Just as Abraham Lincoln had to lead the nation from slavery and Franklin Roosevelt from the Depression, this president must lead the nation from the calamitous failures of three decades of conservative dominance. This requires beginning to reverse the perverse tax policies that have contributed to gilded-age inequality and starved the government of resources needed for vital investments. This demands correcting destabilizing global imbalances, laying a new foundation for reviving American manufacturing and shackling financial speculation. It means ensuring the United States leads rather than lags in the green industrial revolution. And it requires unwinding the self-destructive military adventures abroad. The president must strengthen America's basic social contract in a global economy, not weaken it.
This daunting project is not a matter of ambition or appetite - or even unconscious Kenyan socialism. It is the necessary function of a progressive president elected in the wake of calamitous conservative misrule. Every entrenched corporate and financial interest stands in the way; it is easier to take a less confrontational path. President Bill Clinton, for example, found it convenient to join in the conservative project of corporately defined trade, financial deregulation and social welfare constriction. From NAFTA to the repeal of welfare and the failure of labor law reform, to deregulating derivatives and repealing Glass-Steagall, he got his agenda wrong. He was seduced far more by Wall Street's Robert Rubin than by Monica Lewinsky.
Now Obama faces the same challenge. This isn't about conventional politics. This is simply about the fate and future of our country. This president has a clear and imperative historic mandate. If he shirks it, he risks more than failing to get reelected. He risks a failed presidency.
Consider what we've seen since the shellacking Democrats took in the fall elections.
On Afghanistan, the administration has intimated that the 2011 pullout date is "inoperable," with the White House talking 2014 and Gen. David H. Petraeus suggesting decades of occupation. On bipartisanship, the president seems to think that cooperation requires self-abasement. He apologized to the obstructionist Republican leadership for not reaching out, a gesture reciprocated with another poke in the eye. He chose to meet with the hyper-partisan Chamber of Commerce after it ran one of the most dishonest independent campaigns in memory. He appears to be courting Roger Altman, a former investment banker, for his economic team, leavening the Goldman Sachs flavor of his administration with a salty Lehman Brothers veteran.
On the economy, the president has abandoned what Americans are focused on - jobs - to embrace what the Beltway elites care about - deficits. His freeze of federal workers' pay, of more symbolic than deficit-reducing value, only reinforced right-wing tripe: that federal employees are overpaid; that overspending is our problem, as opposed to inane tax cuts for the top end; that we should impose austerity now, instead of working to get the economy going.
Now the not-so-subtle retreats are turning into a rout. The president is touting a NAFTA-like corporate trade deal with South Korea. He appears to be headed toward supporting cuts in Social Security and Medicare and irresponsible reductions in domestic investment. And he's on the verge of kowtowing to Republican bluster and cutting a deal to extend George W. Bush's tax cuts for the rich in exchange (one hopes) for extending unemployment insurance and possibly getting a vote on the New START treaty.
This is political self-immolation. Blue-collar workers abandoned Democrats in large numbers in the fall; wait until they learn what the trade deal means for them. Seniors went south, probably because of Republican lies about cuts in Medicare; wait until anyone over 40 who's lost their savings hears about Alan Simpson's plan to take it to the "greedy geezers." The $60 billion each year in Bush tax cuts for the richest Americans could pay for universal preschool for America's children, or tuition and board for half of America's college students.
The stakes are much higher than the distant election. The president has suggested unconvincingly that he'd prefer to be a successful one-term president than a two-term president who didn't get anything done. But there are other alternatives. If the president continues on his current course, we're looking at a failed one-term presidency that the nation cannot afford.
Forget about electoral mandates or campaign promises. This president has a historic mandate. Just as Abraham Lincoln had to lead the nation from slavery and Franklin Roosevelt from the Depression, this president must lead the nation from the calamitous failures of three decades of conservative dominance. This requires beginning to reverse the perverse tax policies that have contributed to gilded-age inequality and starved the government of resources needed for vital investments. This demands correcting destabilizing global imbalances, laying a new foundation for reviving American manufacturing and shackling financial speculation. It means ensuring the United States leads rather than lags in the green industrial revolution. And it requires unwinding the self-destructive military adventures abroad. The president must strengthen America's basic social contract in a global economy, not weaken it.
This daunting project is not a matter of ambition or appetite - or even unconscious Kenyan socialism. It is the necessary function of a progressive president elected in the wake of calamitous conservative misrule. Every entrenched corporate and financial interest stands in the way; it is easier to take a less confrontational path. President Bill Clinton, for example, found it convenient to join in the conservative project of corporately defined trade, financial deregulation and social welfare constriction. From NAFTA to the repeal of welfare and the failure of labor law reform, to deregulating derivatives and repealing Glass-Steagall, he got his agenda wrong. He was seduced far more by Wall Street's Robert Rubin than by Monica Lewinsky.
Now Obama faces the same challenge. This isn't about conventional politics. This is simply about the fate and future of our country. This president has a clear and imperative historic mandate. If he shirks it, he risks more than failing to get reelected. He risks a failed presidency.
Are Muslims to be blammed for Jos bombing?... Nigerians React
Based on the online post by our reporter, Okonta Emeka Okelum on one of the online social media networks, Nigerians had an online field day on this topic, below are viewpoint of our people on this mind-boggling subject, happy reading;
Green Bound
What caused this bombing, sure the Governement have been asking questions, experts are now in the country to do battle with research on how a show of wickedness like this was managed and staged, but what caused it. Some people believe Muslims in Jos are not happy with the Christians celebrating their Christmas and poping crackers (bangers) all over and so that was why they(Muslims) staged a bombing like that.
Some also believe that its a political affair, a dirty game played by politicians, people who believe that it will be better to turn the country upside down if they can't get to run the country. It is better for us all to believe that it was a dirty game staged and played by these old leaders, its not a Muslim thing, its just political. They might be Muslims, they might be Christians, it is still a political affair.
These guys want to rule Nigeria, they are determined to take the position anyhow possible, they do not care about the number of citizens that will get killed at the end, they just want those Governmental post or offices badly. Sure, they make use of bad Muslims and Christians, just like anybody bad enough can pay an armed robber to terminate the life of another person, they pay these guys to kill their brothers and sisters and just like that the killings goes on.
We all know how this trouble started, we all then should be wise enough to detect what these guys are up to, they want to rule this nation, they want to forcefully grab hold of the sit of power, they want to show to the whole world that Jonathan can't lead and they are ready to do worst things to make these urgly heart desires of theirs come true.
Wicked men forget that there is a living being greater than them and even millions of worlds like this Earth in-which we live in, wicked men do not know they are been watched by God, nobody will destabilize Nigeria, good Christians and Muslims are already praying for God to take care of the situation and sure, God will hit down the tiny pillar that looks like a huge mountain in the face of we Nigerians.
west areriye
God save us. This is the handiwork of politicians who want power by all means. The south-south has come to rule n rule we must for the next 8yrs., whether they like it or not. These bombings in abuja and jos is to send a wrong signal to the internaional community, to give the impression that our president GoodLuck Jonnathan is not able to steer the helm of leadership. It is a pity that MEND and these muslim unbelivers have fallen a willing tool to these fifth columnist . Christianity or Muslim does not preach violence
Pwaveno Huladeino Bamaiyi
Thanks alot for your responses, i really appreciate you. And yes, you are right i am in a truthful romance with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ and wish i was even more than this! Praise the Lord! I had a
life changing encounter with Jesus many years ago and that is why i
have the courage to tell you the truth even though it hurts. I pray that
the lord will save your soul soon and teach you what it means to have
Jesus as your Saviour. Unfortunately, it seems you have met very few
true Christians in your life time and associate Christianity with what
it is not. Christianity is all about the Love of God that made Jesus die
and rise again for our salvation and justification. Do you want to be
saved? I do not need to convince you because the truth will always be
the truth that is why we never fight for God or Jesus and anybody doing that
is disobeying God's command. I pray that the Lord will
convict you and save your soul. Please i love you Iginedion and please
do not loose your temper okay?
I will be saying some hard truths but please bear with me. But you are yet to address the issues I have raised again. You are not addressing why Muslims are the only suicide bombers in the world today
and why islam was propagated by violence? Why your forefathers were
killed who resisted islamic jihadists? You talk about contextualization?
Tell us the context then because these are direct commands to muslims
not like the wars you mentioned in the Bible whose context is very
clear? A real muslim is one who believes in Jihad and i doubt if you are
one if you dont believe. Forget about respecting the feelings of
Christians because Christianity can stand any insult and any disrespect
because it is not just a mere religion but we have a personal
relationship with God. We do not fight for God as you do because He says
Ro 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give
place unto wrath: for it is written Vengeance is mine; I will repay
saith the Lord. We serve a God who can fight for Himself. Why is it
that Muslims are fast to want to kill at the slightest provocation for
example just mere cartoons? Why are they so fast to kill when you say
anything against their religion? I have read about those holocaust and
crusaders and more and am still reading more about various things. But
tell me why you muslims(that is if you are really one because I know
alot about who the true muslims are) are so violent and intolerant of
other people? Why do you hate so much and preach alot of hatred all over
the world? is it not because of these and many others
Qur'an (2:191-193) - "And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution [of
Muslims] is worse than slaughter [of non-believers]...and fight
them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah."
There is a good case to be made that the textual context of this particular
passage is defensive war, even if the historical context was not. However, there are also two
worrisome pieces to these verse. The first is that the killing of others
is authorized in the event of "persecution" (a qualification that is
ambiguous at best). The second is that fighting may persist until
"religion is for Allah."
Qur'an (2:244) - "Then fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah Heareth and knoweth all things."
Qur'an (4:74) - "Let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the other. Whoso fighteth in the way of
Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, on him We shall bestow a vast
reward." The martyrs of Islam are unlike the early Christians,
led meekly to the slaughter. These Muslims are killed in battle, as they
attempt to inflict death and destruction for the cause of Allah. Here is
the theological basis for today's suicide bombers.
Qur'an (4:89)- "They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until they
flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades,
seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no
friends or helpers from their ranks."
Qur'an (9:123)- "O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness."
Qur'an (48:29) - "Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard (ruthless) against the disbelievers and merciful
among themselves"
I love you but Jesus loves you more. Amen.
Igbinedion Obaretin
Sorry, you did not convince me at all. I can't see the point, Mr. Bamaiyi. You seem to be in a fallacious romance with Christianity. Christians preach violence in the past and even today. Verses of the Bible are used to support racism, violence, and injustice such as unjust occupation. I am holding back a lot. I have lots of friends who are Christians; I need to respect their feelings.
I refer you again to world history. Roll up your sleeves and pick the challenge - read about the Crusade, the Holocaust. I will refrain from their details for obvious reasons. I cannot blame you or any Christian for those woes. I understand that Psychopaths have always worn the garment of religion. You speak of terrorist - Who is a terorist? I will refer you again to the work of a renowned anthropologist - J. Zulaika's Terrorism: The Self-Fulillment Prophecy. Many people are victims of media symbols - a modern propaganda technique in media studies. I call it modern because it gains preeminence in the 20th Century. My brother, the world is not what it appears to be. Truth as conceived by the ordinary mind - the manipulated man - is simply a fallacy.
I have taken time to read about Jesus from divergent sources, and in my opinion, the Qur’an presented him in a better perspective. As for the Bible, I will not allow my child to read about Jesus from that source. The Jesus I know, peace be upon him, is humble, not arrogant...but the Bible says that he disrespected his own mother, referring to her as "woman". Have you ever addressed your mother that way? God forbid, the Jesus is Islam wouldn't do that.
The word 'Islam' means peace. 'Muslims' are not Muhammedans - a Muslim is simply one who has surrender to the divine volition of his creator -Allah (the Arabic word for God). I read the whole of the Holy Qur’an before reverting to Islam. Those verses you quoted were severely deconstructed - I didn't mean error in quotation but a severe error in application. They were not contextualized. Each of the Suras/Chapters in the Qur’an has its historical background. I believe all religious books are like that. You assess the actual teaching of a religion by an objective assessment of its tenets or code of faith, not by what any mad man says. If I judge the Church by that, then I will say, the Church is the most appalling institution ever in the history of humanity. Your narrow experience in Malaysia is personal and does not apply to Muslims in the West or perhaps in other places, and part of it may be something you incurred because you are intolerant of your host. I have seen that many times from born again Christians in different countries.
You refer to the Ten Commandments, the Mosaic law, ‘thou shall not kill’. That show how ignorance you are. Don’t you have that also in the Holy Qur’an. In fact, the Mosaic is very fundamental in the ‘Sharia’ – the Islamic law. In Islam, we have even animal right. You don’t just kill an animal like that. If you kill to eat, you must do it in a way that you cause very minimal pain to the animal. Science subscribe to it – that is ‘halaal’. A Muslim is forbidden from eating animals beating to death or put to death by severe pain such as the ‘bush meat’ you eat. Which is of more value, animals or humans? A religion that take time to preserve the rights of animals, a religion that have feeling of sympathy for beast, certainly said a lot about human being, Allah’s viceroy – the respect for the life he created so delicately.
I wish you the best of luck and will strongly encourage you to read more and be more open minded as you read. You will gain your balance. If your understanding of Christianity is based on the few isolated, trite, and debatable verses you quoted, then you worship in ignorance - the true 'worshippers worship in truth and in the spirit'. Truth is not derived from isolated views but in the reconciliation of divergent positions.
Intellectual arguments are preserved for those having the wits, not just for anybody. A publication on the net, a claim, can be made by anybody and also by somebody in the name of another. Religious books are ambiguous and highly metaphorical. A verse quoted out of context is an outrageous display of share intellectual bravado - a true paradox of ignorance. Fueling religious crisis in Nigeria will spell disaster for the nation. It may help the Ibos from the East gain independence and recover from the shame of defeat which still angered many of them, but I wonder if they will benefit anything at all from ‘Ibo Nation’, bearing in mind that Ibo is only a tribe and does not necessarily mean “Eastern Nigeria”. The rich resources in Eastern Nigeria do not belong to the Ibos.
To address the issue of the religious debate on the platform, I will like to draw your attention that the recent bombing in Jos, if at all religious or perpetuated by Muslim, it is still not a sufficient pay back for what the Christians did a few months ago. I saw some of the images of babies cast into wells in Muslim villages around Jos and I wonder if any human being can be that wicked. Some families were completely wiped out. Revenge is an endless circle. I wish you all Muslims and Christians) in Jos success in this endless circle if that is what you really wish yourself.
However, what I found annoying is the quotation from the Qur’an in an effort to substantiate the erroneous assertion that Islam teaches violence. I refuse to be on the defense. Instead I have decided on a comparative study of religion from the view point of history and anthropology. The point is that no religion in the history of man has ever encouraged violence, genocide, slavery and racism like Christianity. Biblical verses have been used in history to support inhuman acts. Jesus himself is portrayed in the Bible as a racist and his statement forms the basis for the formulation of so many theories of racism before the Ward World II, some of which actually inspired the senseless war. Jesus refer to a Gentile, non-Jews (including Nigerians) as a dog. The Bible speaks:
“Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table’. (Mat. 15: 25 to 27)
Could this be the Jesus you love. Today, many Christians claim to be the spiritual Jews, but the Jews are yet to accept such a fallacy of reasoning.
In the Old Testament, the list of verses promoting wars, racism, genocide, and gender discrimination can be endless. Dr Ian Guthridge cited many instances of genocide in the Old Testament:
‘the Bible also contains the horrific account of what can only be described as a "biblical holocaust". For, in order to keep the chosen people apart from and unaffected by the alien beliefs and practices of indigenous or neighbouring peoples, when God commanded his chosen people to conquer the Promised Land, he placed city after city 'under the ban" -which meant that every man, woman and child was to be slaughtered at the point of the sword’.
The extent of extermination Dr lan Guthridge spoke of is very clearly orchestrated and aptly expressed in Deut. 20: 16 to 17.
16But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:
17But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:
Could this be God? Or I should say “Could this be the God of the Christians?” Why didn’t he just do it himself? Why teaching his people such wickedness and creating a reference point for humanity to perpetuate hate and genocide?
Bible also reported God to have said:
“Since thou wast precious in my sight
thou hast been honorable, and I have loved
thee: therefore will I give men for thee,
and people for thy life”.
(Isaih 43:4)
This is outright racism and violence. Are you still surprise about the treatment given to Black African by Europeans even till today, marking body of black slaves with hot iron? This is the Bible they read. This is what Christianity taught them – hate, superiority of race, killing with impunity.
See more verses from the Bible:
Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property." (Leviticus 25:44-45)
The Bible says here that slaves are not human beings but property and that slave are to come from other nations, not Jews. Racism!
Exodus 23:27-30
"I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. 28 I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. 29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land."
This is more than a mere approval of violence; The Bible says that the Christian God is a terrorist.
The list is in exhaustive. Watch out for my publication, coming soon: “The Ornaments of Christianity: Errors or Falsehood”.
Green Bound
What caused this bombing, sure the Governement have been asking questions, experts are now in the country to do battle with research on how a show of wickedness like this was managed and staged, but what caused it. Some people believe Muslims in Jos are not happy with the Christians celebrating their Christmas and poping crackers (bangers) all over and so that was why they(Muslims) staged a bombing like that.
Some also believe that its a political affair, a dirty game played by politicians, people who believe that it will be better to turn the country upside down if they can't get to run the country. It is better for us all to believe that it was a dirty game staged and played by these old leaders, its not a Muslim thing, its just political. They might be Muslims, they might be Christians, it is still a political affair.
These guys want to rule Nigeria, they are determined to take the position anyhow possible, they do not care about the number of citizens that will get killed at the end, they just want those Governmental post or offices badly. Sure, they make use of bad Muslims and Christians, just like anybody bad enough can pay an armed robber to terminate the life of another person, they pay these guys to kill their brothers and sisters and just like that the killings goes on.
We all know how this trouble started, we all then should be wise enough to detect what these guys are up to, they want to rule this nation, they want to forcefully grab hold of the sit of power, they want to show to the whole world that Jonathan can't lead and they are ready to do worst things to make these urgly heart desires of theirs come true.
Wicked men forget that there is a living being greater than them and even millions of worlds like this Earth in-which we live in, wicked men do not know they are been watched by God, nobody will destabilize Nigeria, good Christians and Muslims are already praying for God to take care of the situation and sure, God will hit down the tiny pillar that looks like a huge mountain in the face of we Nigerians.
west areriye
God save us. This is the handiwork of politicians who want power by all means. The south-south has come to rule n rule we must for the next 8yrs., whether they like it or not. These bombings in abuja and jos is to send a wrong signal to the internaional community, to give the impression that our president GoodLuck Jonnathan is not able to steer the helm of leadership. It is a pity that MEND and these muslim unbelivers have fallen a willing tool to these fifth columnist . Christianity or Muslim does not preach violence
Pwaveno Huladeino Bamaiyi
Thanks alot for your responses, i really appreciate you. And yes, you are right i am in a truthful romance with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ and wish i was even more than this! Praise the Lord! I had a
life changing encounter with Jesus many years ago and that is why i
have the courage to tell you the truth even though it hurts. I pray that
the lord will save your soul soon and teach you what it means to have
Jesus as your Saviour. Unfortunately, it seems you have met very few
true Christians in your life time and associate Christianity with what
it is not. Christianity is all about the Love of God that made Jesus die
and rise again for our salvation and justification. Do you want to be
saved? I do not need to convince you because the truth will always be
the truth that is why we never fight for God or Jesus and anybody doing that
is disobeying God's command. I pray that the Lord will
convict you and save your soul. Please i love you Iginedion and please
do not loose your temper okay?
I will be saying some hard truths but please bear with me. But you are yet to address the issues I have raised again. You are not addressing why Muslims are the only suicide bombers in the world today
and why islam was propagated by violence? Why your forefathers were
killed who resisted islamic jihadists? You talk about contextualization?
Tell us the context then because these are direct commands to muslims
not like the wars you mentioned in the Bible whose context is very
clear? A real muslim is one who believes in Jihad and i doubt if you are
one if you dont believe. Forget about respecting the feelings of
Christians because Christianity can stand any insult and any disrespect
because it is not just a mere religion but we have a personal
relationship with God. We do not fight for God as you do because He says
Ro 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give
place unto wrath: for it is written Vengeance is mine; I will repay
saith the Lord. We serve a God who can fight for Himself. Why is it
that Muslims are fast to want to kill at the slightest provocation for
example just mere cartoons? Why are they so fast to kill when you say
anything against their religion? I have read about those holocaust and
crusaders and more and am still reading more about various things. But
tell me why you muslims(that is if you are really one because I know
alot about who the true muslims are) are so violent and intolerant of
other people? Why do you hate so much and preach alot of hatred all over
the world? is it not because of these and many others
Qur'an (2:191-193) - "And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution [of
Muslims] is worse than slaughter [of non-believers]...and fight
them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah."
There is a good case to be made that the textual context of this particular
passage is defensive war, even if the historical context was not. However, there are also two
worrisome pieces to these verse. The first is that the killing of others
is authorized in the event of "persecution" (a qualification that is
ambiguous at best). The second is that fighting may persist until
"religion is for Allah."
Qur'an (2:244) - "Then fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah Heareth and knoweth all things."
Qur'an (4:74) - "Let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the other. Whoso fighteth in the way of
Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, on him We shall bestow a vast
reward." The martyrs of Islam are unlike the early Christians,
led meekly to the slaughter. These Muslims are killed in battle, as they
attempt to inflict death and destruction for the cause of Allah. Here is
the theological basis for today's suicide bombers.
Qur'an (4:89)- "They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until they
flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades,
seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no
friends or helpers from their ranks."
Qur'an (9:123)- "O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness."
Qur'an (48:29) - "Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard (ruthless) against the disbelievers and merciful
among themselves"
I love you but Jesus loves you more. Amen.
Igbinedion Obaretin
Sorry, you did not convince me at all. I can't see the point, Mr. Bamaiyi. You seem to be in a fallacious romance with Christianity. Christians preach violence in the past and even today. Verses of the Bible are used to support racism, violence, and injustice such as unjust occupation. I am holding back a lot. I have lots of friends who are Christians; I need to respect their feelings.
I refer you again to world history. Roll up your sleeves and pick the challenge - read about the Crusade, the Holocaust. I will refrain from their details for obvious reasons. I cannot blame you or any Christian for those woes. I understand that Psychopaths have always worn the garment of religion. You speak of terrorist - Who is a terorist? I will refer you again to the work of a renowned anthropologist - J. Zulaika's Terrorism: The Self-Fulillment Prophecy. Many people are victims of media symbols - a modern propaganda technique in media studies. I call it modern because it gains preeminence in the 20th Century. My brother, the world is not what it appears to be. Truth as conceived by the ordinary mind - the manipulated man - is simply a fallacy.
I have taken time to read about Jesus from divergent sources, and in my opinion, the Qur’an presented him in a better perspective. As for the Bible, I will not allow my child to read about Jesus from that source. The Jesus I know, peace be upon him, is humble, not arrogant...but the Bible says that he disrespected his own mother, referring to her as "woman". Have you ever addressed your mother that way? God forbid, the Jesus is Islam wouldn't do that.
The word 'Islam' means peace. 'Muslims' are not Muhammedans - a Muslim is simply one who has surrender to the divine volition of his creator -Allah (the Arabic word for God). I read the whole of the Holy Qur’an before reverting to Islam. Those verses you quoted were severely deconstructed - I didn't mean error in quotation but a severe error in application. They were not contextualized. Each of the Suras/Chapters in the Qur’an has its historical background. I believe all religious books are like that. You assess the actual teaching of a religion by an objective assessment of its tenets or code of faith, not by what any mad man says. If I judge the Church by that, then I will say, the Church is the most appalling institution ever in the history of humanity. Your narrow experience in Malaysia is personal and does not apply to Muslims in the West or perhaps in other places, and part of it may be something you incurred because you are intolerant of your host. I have seen that many times from born again Christians in different countries.
You refer to the Ten Commandments, the Mosaic law, ‘thou shall not kill’. That show how ignorance you are. Don’t you have that also in the Holy Qur’an. In fact, the Mosaic is very fundamental in the ‘Sharia’ – the Islamic law. In Islam, we have even animal right. You don’t just kill an animal like that. If you kill to eat, you must do it in a way that you cause very minimal pain to the animal. Science subscribe to it – that is ‘halaal’. A Muslim is forbidden from eating animals beating to death or put to death by severe pain such as the ‘bush meat’ you eat. Which is of more value, animals or humans? A religion that take time to preserve the rights of animals, a religion that have feeling of sympathy for beast, certainly said a lot about human being, Allah’s viceroy – the respect for the life he created so delicately.
I wish you the best of luck and will strongly encourage you to read more and be more open minded as you read. You will gain your balance. If your understanding of Christianity is based on the few isolated, trite, and debatable verses you quoted, then you worship in ignorance - the true 'worshippers worship in truth and in the spirit'. Truth is not derived from isolated views but in the reconciliation of divergent positions.
Intellectual arguments are preserved for those having the wits, not just for anybody. A publication on the net, a claim, can be made by anybody and also by somebody in the name of another. Religious books are ambiguous and highly metaphorical. A verse quoted out of context is an outrageous display of share intellectual bravado - a true paradox of ignorance. Fueling religious crisis in Nigeria will spell disaster for the nation. It may help the Ibos from the East gain independence and recover from the shame of defeat which still angered many of them, but I wonder if they will benefit anything at all from ‘Ibo Nation’, bearing in mind that Ibo is only a tribe and does not necessarily mean “Eastern Nigeria”. The rich resources in Eastern Nigeria do not belong to the Ibos.
To address the issue of the religious debate on the platform, I will like to draw your attention that the recent bombing in Jos, if at all religious or perpetuated by Muslim, it is still not a sufficient pay back for what the Christians did a few months ago. I saw some of the images of babies cast into wells in Muslim villages around Jos and I wonder if any human being can be that wicked. Some families were completely wiped out. Revenge is an endless circle. I wish you all Muslims and Christians) in Jos success in this endless circle if that is what you really wish yourself.
However, what I found annoying is the quotation from the Qur’an in an effort to substantiate the erroneous assertion that Islam teaches violence. I refuse to be on the defense. Instead I have decided on a comparative study of religion from the view point of history and anthropology. The point is that no religion in the history of man has ever encouraged violence, genocide, slavery and racism like Christianity. Biblical verses have been used in history to support inhuman acts. Jesus himself is portrayed in the Bible as a racist and his statement forms the basis for the formulation of so many theories of racism before the Ward World II, some of which actually inspired the senseless war. Jesus refer to a Gentile, non-Jews (including Nigerians) as a dog. The Bible speaks:
“Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table’. (Mat. 15: 25 to 27)
Could this be the Jesus you love. Today, many Christians claim to be the spiritual Jews, but the Jews are yet to accept such a fallacy of reasoning.
In the Old Testament, the list of verses promoting wars, racism, genocide, and gender discrimination can be endless. Dr Ian Guthridge cited many instances of genocide in the Old Testament:
‘the Bible also contains the horrific account of what can only be described as a "biblical holocaust". For, in order to keep the chosen people apart from and unaffected by the alien beliefs and practices of indigenous or neighbouring peoples, when God commanded his chosen people to conquer the Promised Land, he placed city after city 'under the ban" -which meant that every man, woman and child was to be slaughtered at the point of the sword’.
The extent of extermination Dr lan Guthridge spoke of is very clearly orchestrated and aptly expressed in Deut. 20: 16 to 17.
16But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:
17But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:
Could this be God? Or I should say “Could this be the God of the Christians?” Why didn’t he just do it himself? Why teaching his people such wickedness and creating a reference point for humanity to perpetuate hate and genocide?
Bible also reported God to have said:
“Since thou wast precious in my sight
thou hast been honorable, and I have loved
thee: therefore will I give men for thee,
and people for thy life”.
(Isaih 43:4)
This is outright racism and violence. Are you still surprise about the treatment given to Black African by Europeans even till today, marking body of black slaves with hot iron? This is the Bible they read. This is what Christianity taught them – hate, superiority of race, killing with impunity.
See more verses from the Bible:
Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property." (Leviticus 25:44-45)
The Bible says here that slaves are not human beings but property and that slave are to come from other nations, not Jews. Racism!
Exodus 23:27-30
"I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. 28 I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. 29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land."
This is more than a mere approval of violence; The Bible says that the Christian God is a terrorist.
The list is in exhaustive. Watch out for my publication, coming soon: “The Ornaments of Christianity: Errors or Falsehood”.
Kagame is losing a grip on the country
Okonta Emeka Okelum
This year 2010 has gone down not generally well on the global political arena. The United States especially has had a very turbulent wind up of its politics as a result of the wikiLeaks revelations.Of course Rwanda and US relations were not an exception among other governments whose relations with Washington was shaken by the leaking of secret diplomatic cables. The American embassy in Kigali moved fast to calm the worries, praising Rwanda in the area of fighting HIV/AIDS and increasing agricultural production but actually it was a very diversionary diplomatic gesture.
As a result of the cables, Mr Paul Kagame has now become extremely paranoid. He is aware that details of Rwanda's arms acquisitions, sales and transfer of strategic materials such as uranium is being monitored.
This explains why the Kigali establishment rushed to place the blame of improper acquisition of arms to militias in eastern DR Congo, claiming the rebel groups are stuck with stocks of uranium as a diversion and they expected everyone to take this concoction.
And the only thing some elite Rwandans can do is to encourage fellow Rwandans who have lived in exile for years to paint the country a magnificent image, which they have never been given a chance to see for themselves.
It is painful that those young Rwandans encouraged to be the country's ambassador have never been to the country and these are the people being lured into campaigning for the country in the outside world. How can they start defending a country that is sending spies to foreign countries to bribe and silence critics?
How can they fit into the shoes of the diplomats when actually the Ambasadors themselves have failed to cover for the country's roaming network of secret agents and wielders of the black budget?
The RPF has established a political system that maintains a false appearance of multi-party democracy.
The country has reached a break even point due to a deepening political crisis fuelled by divisions within the military. First, it was a case involving the humiliation of Generals Frank Rusagara, Sam Kanyemera Kaka and Kayumba Nyamwasa.
Then the hammer took on Col. Patrick Karegeya, Maj Gen Karenzi Karake, Lt Gen. Charles Muhire, Brig Gen. Steven Karyango and Lt Col Marc Sebaganji, Col Deogene Mudenge, Maj. Ben Karenzi and Gen. Nyamwasa's brother, Col. Rugigana Ngabo.
The power rift within the army is very serious to the extent that each of the officers in the high command has become another's spy. It is not only a fight for loyalty towards Kagame by a section of RDF officers but a struggle for survival.
This has dramatically played against the RPF's overall popularity. The army, the politicians and the common man in Rwanda has no respect for the President now. He is simply holding the country hostage, playing at his best the ticket of fear.
Mr Kagame has realized that gambling on the tactic of fear and divisionism would be very short-lived, he has decided to lobby military backing from Ethiopia and Libya after being thrown out by South Africa.
The Rwandan leader has also asked Defense Minister, Gen. James Kabarebe to put top military officers of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), military attachs and the Reserve Force on red alert citing increasing threats against his leadership.
Gen. Kabarebe has been tasked to emphasise Mr Kagame's call for vigilance at this time when rifts within the RDF and the dramatic rise of the opposition within and outside the country threatens his leadership.
It is time to feel the weight and destruction of the hammer that he once promised.
With Mr Kagame;s lack of trust and respect for institutions coupled with his deaf ear on democratic values and human rights, all clues now point to the fact that he is preparing to go down in a military struggle without caring how much Rwandans will shed more blood.
This careless wastage of human life is the last thing Rwandans would want to experience again. He is taking every desperate measure to have a grip on the country but it has become very slippery.
This year 2010 has gone down not generally well on the global political arena. The United States especially has had a very turbulent wind up of its politics as a result of the wikiLeaks revelations.Of course Rwanda and US relations were not an exception among other governments whose relations with Washington was shaken by the leaking of secret diplomatic cables. The American embassy in Kigali moved fast to calm the worries, praising Rwanda in the area of fighting HIV/AIDS and increasing agricultural production but actually it was a very diversionary diplomatic gesture.
As a result of the cables, Mr Paul Kagame has now become extremely paranoid. He is aware that details of Rwanda's arms acquisitions, sales and transfer of strategic materials such as uranium is being monitored.
This explains why the Kigali establishment rushed to place the blame of improper acquisition of arms to militias in eastern DR Congo, claiming the rebel groups are stuck with stocks of uranium as a diversion and they expected everyone to take this concoction.
And the only thing some elite Rwandans can do is to encourage fellow Rwandans who have lived in exile for years to paint the country a magnificent image, which they have never been given a chance to see for themselves.
It is painful that those young Rwandans encouraged to be the country's ambassador have never been to the country and these are the people being lured into campaigning for the country in the outside world. How can they start defending a country that is sending spies to foreign countries to bribe and silence critics?
How can they fit into the shoes of the diplomats when actually the Ambasadors themselves have failed to cover for the country's roaming network of secret agents and wielders of the black budget?
The RPF has established a political system that maintains a false appearance of multi-party democracy.
The country has reached a break even point due to a deepening political crisis fuelled by divisions within the military. First, it was a case involving the humiliation of Generals Frank Rusagara, Sam Kanyemera Kaka and Kayumba Nyamwasa.
Then the hammer took on Col. Patrick Karegeya, Maj Gen Karenzi Karake, Lt Gen. Charles Muhire, Brig Gen. Steven Karyango and Lt Col Marc Sebaganji, Col Deogene Mudenge, Maj. Ben Karenzi and Gen. Nyamwasa's brother, Col. Rugigana Ngabo.
The power rift within the army is very serious to the extent that each of the officers in the high command has become another's spy. It is not only a fight for loyalty towards Kagame by a section of RDF officers but a struggle for survival.
This has dramatically played against the RPF's overall popularity. The army, the politicians and the common man in Rwanda has no respect for the President now. He is simply holding the country hostage, playing at his best the ticket of fear.
Mr Kagame has realized that gambling on the tactic of fear and divisionism would be very short-lived, he has decided to lobby military backing from Ethiopia and Libya after being thrown out by South Africa.
The Rwandan leader has also asked Defense Minister, Gen. James Kabarebe to put top military officers of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), military attachs and the Reserve Force on red alert citing increasing threats against his leadership.
Gen. Kabarebe has been tasked to emphasise Mr Kagame's call for vigilance at this time when rifts within the RDF and the dramatic rise of the opposition within and outside the country threatens his leadership.
It is time to feel the weight and destruction of the hammer that he once promised.
With Mr Kagame;s lack of trust and respect for institutions coupled with his deaf ear on democratic values and human rights, all clues now point to the fact that he is preparing to go down in a military struggle without caring how much Rwandans will shed more blood.
This careless wastage of human life is the last thing Rwandans would want to experience again. He is taking every desperate measure to have a grip on the country but it has become very slippery.
Victory At Last for Uduaghan
Okonta Emeka Okelum
Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has emerged the gubernatorial PDP flag bearer in the April 2011 election.
Dr Uduaghan polled 938 votes out of the total of 983 votes cast in the PDP state governorship primaries to beat his closest rival Dr. Braduce Angozi who score 10 votes. Another aspirant Prof Saliba Mukoro scored two while 33 votes were voided.
Announcing the result, the Chairman of the PDP panel for the primaries, Mallam Baba Isa said Dr Uduaghan met all the conditions required to fly the PDP flag in the state.
The primaries which was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and under tight security was transparent and applauded by agents of the candidates.
In a brief remark, the winner of the primaries and governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan commended the panel members for conducting a transparent primary saying “Our democracy is growing and has improved a lot because of the peaceful way primaries and elections are been conducted in the country”.
He commended PDP party faithfuls for reposing trust on him through the primaries and promised to live up to expectation. “I thank all of you for doing me this honour, I promise not to disappoint you”.
Governor Uduaghan also commended other aspirations for good sportsmanship and called on them to work with him in moving PDP forward in the state.
Delegates for the primaries were drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state who were led by the statutory delegates from the state and local government party executives.
All delegates were thoroughly screened and voting took place in a transparent manner especially as ballot boxes were conspicuously displayed and votes cast were counted in the presence of party agents.
Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has emerged the gubernatorial PDP flag bearer in the April 2011 election.
Dr Uduaghan polled 938 votes out of the total of 983 votes cast in the PDP state governorship primaries to beat his closest rival Dr. Braduce Angozi who score 10 votes. Another aspirant Prof Saliba Mukoro scored two while 33 votes were voided.
Announcing the result, the Chairman of the PDP panel for the primaries, Mallam Baba Isa said Dr Uduaghan met all the conditions required to fly the PDP flag in the state.
The primaries which was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and under tight security was transparent and applauded by agents of the candidates.
In a brief remark, the winner of the primaries and governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan commended the panel members for conducting a transparent primary saying “Our democracy is growing and has improved a lot because of the peaceful way primaries and elections are been conducted in the country”.
He commended PDP party faithfuls for reposing trust on him through the primaries and promised to live up to expectation. “I thank all of you for doing me this honour, I promise not to disappoint you”.
Governor Uduaghan also commended other aspirations for good sportsmanship and called on them to work with him in moving PDP forward in the state.
Delegates for the primaries were drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state who were led by the statutory delegates from the state and local government party executives.
All delegates were thoroughly screened and voting took place in a transparent manner especially as ballot boxes were conspicuously displayed and votes cast were counted in the presence of party agents.
THE STARE OF AN INFANT.
Chris Nwaokobia Jnr-ii
Countrymen, I cannot resist the urge of passing across a great lesson I learnt this yuletide, one that is challenging and inspiring on the one hand, and on the other hand remains a big whip and a massive reprimand on the carapace of my mind. On account of which my conscience resonated with a NEW resolve to STOP at nothing until CHANGE is berthed, I pray that the same awakening happens to you because that which we always overlook hunts us somehow in the end.
The infant stared at me deeply and managed a smile, but that was not it, I saw something different, I saw questions, I saw curiosity, I saw a HOPE that is predicated on how much we are ready, willing and able to GIVE for the future that unfolds in that stare. I saw so much that we almost always overlook each time an infant stares at US.
I discovered that the stare of an infant is indiscriminate of the class of a Parent in the society. I discovered that all infants have an innocent stare full of questions, curiosities and HOPE; the rich infant seeks a great future and so does the poor infant. I also discovered that social stratifications are complimentary such that the one defines the other, the simple reason the Holy Books commands the RICH to care for the POOR not as a past-time but as part of natures priorities.
Tragically we are oblivious of the stare of the infant next to us, we are unmindful of the stare of the infant next door, and we ignore the stare of the infant far-away. We are removed from the realities of the morrow they demand as we politic with their future, and as we do the banal and the murderous in a desperate quest for POWER we overlook the fact that tied to that innocent stare is a verdict of divine and esoterically flawless dimensions, WHATEVER A MAN SOWS THAT HE SHALL ALSO REAP.
Compatriots, as the infant stared at me, I saw a plethora of questions, like you are perhaps my Uncle, Niece, Aunty, Father, Mother, Neighbour, you are certainly a relation in the human pilgrimage, I am smiling at you because it is a given that you admire and love my innocence, BUT if you do, how much are you ready to give FOR my FUTURE, how much do you really LOVE me, and how much FAITH should I have in you? These are the question we must all answer as we approach the 2011 elections, because for centuries now, democracy has located the power to make real and programmatic change in the lives of a people in their right to VOTE.
What we do with our VOTES will determine how much we truly mean the HAPPY NEW YEAR affectations and affirmations that tore the space this yuletide. What we do with it will show how truly we seek to stop the collateral governmental murders on our roads on account of avoidable accidents occasioned by bad roads, accidents that poses great damage to the chances of the infant growing up to full potentials.
What we do with our VOTES determines whether that infant will go down with Polio, a disease that has been wiped out of the whole of Africa but Nigeria. What we do with our VOTES tells how much we are ready to stop the collateral damage caused by an unconscionable gerontocracy on growing foetus in wombs who might perish on account of high infant mortality no thanks to a comatose health-care system, that sees our rulers travelling overseas to cure headaches and cramps. It is not FUNNY.
What we do with our VOTES shall tell how much for these infants we are ready to halt the barter and Bazaar of our collective patrimony amongst the locusts in POWER, a tradition that has left our nation in darkness without Energy and Electricity, a culture that has left our schools as monuments of indolence and cultism, a tendency that robs our future of greatness. How much do you really love that infant?
The stare of that infant is a question mark on our collective conscience, are we yet ready to lose more first class brains like UCHENNA RUTH NWAOKOBIA my younger sister who died after bagging a First class degree in Psychology in 2006 at the age of 22 via a car accident on her way to Abuja around the Lokoja axis (a road that has become a Golgotha of sorts for decades) without living up her full potentials, such and many more are the collateral damages caused by governmental actions and inactions. The infant’s stare wonders, is such going to be my fate?
Countrymen, Comrades and Compatriots, we are challenged more than ever before to halt this swing down the precipice. The infant when they stare worries about how willing we are to stop those who raped our yesterday. They are concerned about why we are seemingly faithless about our abilities to stop the plunder of today, and are curious about what we intend for the morrow.
We owe a duty to that infant, we owe posterity a great responsibility, we owe GOD a great one for the amazing munificence and riches ineffable that HE has blessed us with, and NOW is the time to effectively confront the OLD through the BALLOT BASED REVOLUTION that NIGERIA-NOW champions. The infant believes in that stare that we can, and so do I.
Now is the time to show that we care for the infant out there; now is the time to prove that the stare of the infant matters; now is the time to worry about the quality of education, of life and of health the nation offers that infant; now is the time to check a society that deafens its infants with sound decibels from generators after billions of dollars have been squandered in several Energy/Power sector scams.
Now is the time to set moral goalposts that will demand rectitude in governance such that posterity will learn the path of prudence and dignity. Now is the time to fix our Fatherland such that the stare of that infant will amount to one into a future bright and great; and now is the time to hew out of the pervading mountain of despair a rock of hope.
Wake up and heed the CALL to berth a NEW PARADIGM. Wake up for together through our VOTES we can rupture this era of banal, blood-thirsty, bellicose and bandit politics. Wake up for together we can make real the promises of democracy and make TRUE the realities of JUBILEE. Wake up for together we can guarantee a great future that assuages the fear in THE STARE OF THAT INFANT. Yes we can.
Countrymen, I cannot resist the urge of passing across a great lesson I learnt this yuletide, one that is challenging and inspiring on the one hand, and on the other hand remains a big whip and a massive reprimand on the carapace of my mind. On account of which my conscience resonated with a NEW resolve to STOP at nothing until CHANGE is berthed, I pray that the same awakening happens to you because that which we always overlook hunts us somehow in the end.
The infant stared at me deeply and managed a smile, but that was not it, I saw something different, I saw questions, I saw curiosity, I saw a HOPE that is predicated on how much we are ready, willing and able to GIVE for the future that unfolds in that stare. I saw so much that we almost always overlook each time an infant stares at US.
I discovered that the stare of an infant is indiscriminate of the class of a Parent in the society. I discovered that all infants have an innocent stare full of questions, curiosities and HOPE; the rich infant seeks a great future and so does the poor infant. I also discovered that social stratifications are complimentary such that the one defines the other, the simple reason the Holy Books commands the RICH to care for the POOR not as a past-time but as part of natures priorities.
Tragically we are oblivious of the stare of the infant next to us, we are unmindful of the stare of the infant next door, and we ignore the stare of the infant far-away. We are removed from the realities of the morrow they demand as we politic with their future, and as we do the banal and the murderous in a desperate quest for POWER we overlook the fact that tied to that innocent stare is a verdict of divine and esoterically flawless dimensions, WHATEVER A MAN SOWS THAT HE SHALL ALSO REAP.
Compatriots, as the infant stared at me, I saw a plethora of questions, like you are perhaps my Uncle, Niece, Aunty, Father, Mother, Neighbour, you are certainly a relation in the human pilgrimage, I am smiling at you because it is a given that you admire and love my innocence, BUT if you do, how much are you ready to give FOR my FUTURE, how much do you really LOVE me, and how much FAITH should I have in you? These are the question we must all answer as we approach the 2011 elections, because for centuries now, democracy has located the power to make real and programmatic change in the lives of a people in their right to VOTE.
What we do with our VOTES will determine how much we truly mean the HAPPY NEW YEAR affectations and affirmations that tore the space this yuletide. What we do with it will show how truly we seek to stop the collateral governmental murders on our roads on account of avoidable accidents occasioned by bad roads, accidents that poses great damage to the chances of the infant growing up to full potentials.
What we do with our VOTES determines whether that infant will go down with Polio, a disease that has been wiped out of the whole of Africa but Nigeria. What we do with our VOTES tells how much we are ready to stop the collateral damage caused by an unconscionable gerontocracy on growing foetus in wombs who might perish on account of high infant mortality no thanks to a comatose health-care system, that sees our rulers travelling overseas to cure headaches and cramps. It is not FUNNY.
What we do with our VOTES shall tell how much for these infants we are ready to halt the barter and Bazaar of our collective patrimony amongst the locusts in POWER, a tradition that has left our nation in darkness without Energy and Electricity, a culture that has left our schools as monuments of indolence and cultism, a tendency that robs our future of greatness. How much do you really love that infant?
The stare of that infant is a question mark on our collective conscience, are we yet ready to lose more first class brains like UCHENNA RUTH NWAOKOBIA my younger sister who died after bagging a First class degree in Psychology in 2006 at the age of 22 via a car accident on her way to Abuja around the Lokoja axis (a road that has become a Golgotha of sorts for decades) without living up her full potentials, such and many more are the collateral damages caused by governmental actions and inactions. The infant’s stare wonders, is such going to be my fate?
Countrymen, Comrades and Compatriots, we are challenged more than ever before to halt this swing down the precipice. The infant when they stare worries about how willing we are to stop those who raped our yesterday. They are concerned about why we are seemingly faithless about our abilities to stop the plunder of today, and are curious about what we intend for the morrow.
We owe a duty to that infant, we owe posterity a great responsibility, we owe GOD a great one for the amazing munificence and riches ineffable that HE has blessed us with, and NOW is the time to effectively confront the OLD through the BALLOT BASED REVOLUTION that NIGERIA-NOW champions. The infant believes in that stare that we can, and so do I.
Now is the time to show that we care for the infant out there; now is the time to prove that the stare of the infant matters; now is the time to worry about the quality of education, of life and of health the nation offers that infant; now is the time to check a society that deafens its infants with sound decibels from generators after billions of dollars have been squandered in several Energy/Power sector scams.
Now is the time to set moral goalposts that will demand rectitude in governance such that posterity will learn the path of prudence and dignity. Now is the time to fix our Fatherland such that the stare of that infant will amount to one into a future bright and great; and now is the time to hew out of the pervading mountain of despair a rock of hope.
Wake up and heed the CALL to berth a NEW PARADIGM. Wake up for together through our VOTES we can rupture this era of banal, blood-thirsty, bellicose and bandit politics. Wake up for together we can make real the promises of democracy and make TRUE the realities of JUBILEE. Wake up for together we can guarantee a great future that assuages the fear in THE STARE OF THAT INFANT. Yes we can.
REFORMATION OF NURTW
Okonta Emeka Okelum & Femi Jibodu
Nigeria in the recent months has been characterized and has been politically unstable owing to the various kinds of violence perpetuated by the political heavy weight through the hoodlums (NURTW) and some unscrupulous element who claims responsibility for such action.
The purpose of government is primarily to protect lives and property, however, it is so disheartening that the Nigerian government at all level rather than being sensitive to the insecurities happenings, ignores them probably because it is associated to their political godfather and or the close associates with whom they share some secrets.
The recent bombing in jos, yenegua and Abuja shows that some people should not continue in office this 2011 owing to the careless attitude when they are actually the head of the security in their respective status and with the situation report.
Also recent happening in the south west has also contributed to the upheaval of the insecurity issue, particularly Oyo and Lagos.
The death of Eleweomo at the PDP convention in Oyo state has shown that even though the government tries to shy away from being associated, the fact still remains that the NURTW are being used to perpetuate electoral violence which has out the general public in jeopardy.
Also in Lagos, there have been a continuous violence in the Mushin Area and this has always been perpetuated by the NURTW trying to take over reign of power which is obvious sponsored by the incumbent political party.
It is now glaring that NURTW is an integral part of our political system, particularly south west, but rather than make them a tool of violence, we could explore them and make them a better citizen. We use this medium to appeal to the government and Nigerians at large that we advocate for the positive reformation of NURTW.
Nigeria in the recent months has been characterized and has been politically unstable owing to the various kinds of violence perpetuated by the political heavy weight through the hoodlums (NURTW) and some unscrupulous element who claims responsibility for such action.
The purpose of government is primarily to protect lives and property, however, it is so disheartening that the Nigerian government at all level rather than being sensitive to the insecurities happenings, ignores them probably because it is associated to their political godfather and or the close associates with whom they share some secrets.
The recent bombing in jos, yenegua and Abuja shows that some people should not continue in office this 2011 owing to the careless attitude when they are actually the head of the security in their respective status and with the situation report.
Also recent happening in the south west has also contributed to the upheaval of the insecurity issue, particularly Oyo and Lagos.
The death of Eleweomo at the PDP convention in Oyo state has shown that even though the government tries to shy away from being associated, the fact still remains that the NURTW are being used to perpetuate electoral violence which has out the general public in jeopardy.
Also in Lagos, there have been a continuous violence in the Mushin Area and this has always been perpetuated by the NURTW trying to take over reign of power which is obvious sponsored by the incumbent political party.
It is now glaring that NURTW is an integral part of our political system, particularly south west, but rather than make them a tool of violence, we could explore them and make them a better citizen. We use this medium to appeal to the government and Nigerians at large that we advocate for the positive reformation of NURTW.
With Tears But Full of Praises to God
Okolo Limus
Except God watches a city, in vein does a watchman keeps vigil, because scripture says in Isaiah 31:2 and yet he is very wise and from him disaster will come.
Mr. Christopher Azubuike Nwani one of the security aids to the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan in June 2010, purchased a Honda Accord Car, Aka Honda Hala, with registration number AE825AKU.
This was to make his movement easy, but little did he know what fate awaits the car, which was seen as his companion.
Also Miss Osaigbevo Odion from Edo state was fully prepared with her clothes and shoes ready for the trip to her state to have a colourful celebration with her relatives, but such journey was a mission for clothes and shoes sacrifice.
Mr. Nwani in October 2010, few months after buying the car, had to under go an engine replacement, sequel to the knock of the first one. After the engine replacement, and in his quest to be comfortable and satisfied with the car, decided to install an Air – Conditioner AC.
Though, he had earlier disclosed that the AC was reducing the capacity of his engine.
The effect of the AC reached it peak and “Thing Fell Apart” on the sad day of 18th December 2010, at about 4pm. Mr. Nwani was returning from a trip to Abraka in Delta State, in company of Comrade Okolo Linus, Mr. Jimoh Ibitoye, a police corporal attached to the state government House Asaba, Osaigbevo Odion and another person whose identity could not be identified as at press time.
About 30 minutes to the trip back to Asaba, the temperature of the car rose, and speedometer ceased working. Nwani bordered with the rise in the temperature, reduced his speed to about 40 speedometers, but such was less than quarter solution to the problem.
After a while, there was an unfriendly sound produced by the car. But a wounded soldier commentators said should not be left in the battlefield. Coupled with the expectation of all in the car to get it (car) fixed in order, at Agbor, a neighbouring town to Abavo where the anger of the car was loosed like that of God to the people of “Sodom and Gomorrah”.
There was a sound from the car, which prompted for a stop for proper check, since no mechanic was around. The Radiator was refilled with water, with little smoke from the battery. When the engine could not start, Linus mounted the steering, while other passengers were asked to push the car. Luckily the engine was on with smiles on the faces of all, not knowing that was the last movement of the car on the surface of the earth.
Based on the quest of all to get their various destinations, and in less than 200 meters to the drive, after the water refill, the temperature at this time rose to the highest level, immediately smokes were seen dosing out from the bonnet. And in a twinkle of an eye, the car was engulfed with fire. Not even the little fire- extinguisher donated by two good Samaritans who ply the road could extinguish the anger of the fire.
The car was however left to it fate at the scene of the incident, as it burnt to ashes without a “pin” removed from it. Christopher Nwani with other passengers have no other option than to wave good bye to the 7months old car, and look for another car to convey them back to their various destination. As Nwani was however, consoled with the words of comforters, which submits that, as long there is life, there is indeed abundant of hope.
Except God watches a city, in vein does a watchman keeps vigil, because scripture says in Isaiah 31:2 and yet he is very wise and from him disaster will come.
Mr. Christopher Azubuike Nwani one of the security aids to the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan in June 2010, purchased a Honda Accord Car, Aka Honda Hala, with registration number AE825AKU.
This was to make his movement easy, but little did he know what fate awaits the car, which was seen as his companion.
Also Miss Osaigbevo Odion from Edo state was fully prepared with her clothes and shoes ready for the trip to her state to have a colourful celebration with her relatives, but such journey was a mission for clothes and shoes sacrifice.
Mr. Nwani in October 2010, few months after buying the car, had to under go an engine replacement, sequel to the knock of the first one. After the engine replacement, and in his quest to be comfortable and satisfied with the car, decided to install an Air – Conditioner AC.
Though, he had earlier disclosed that the AC was reducing the capacity of his engine.
The effect of the AC reached it peak and “Thing Fell Apart” on the sad day of 18th December 2010, at about 4pm. Mr. Nwani was returning from a trip to Abraka in Delta State, in company of Comrade Okolo Linus, Mr. Jimoh Ibitoye, a police corporal attached to the state government House Asaba, Osaigbevo Odion and another person whose identity could not be identified as at press time.
About 30 minutes to the trip back to Asaba, the temperature of the car rose, and speedometer ceased working. Nwani bordered with the rise in the temperature, reduced his speed to about 40 speedometers, but such was less than quarter solution to the problem.
After a while, there was an unfriendly sound produced by the car. But a wounded soldier commentators said should not be left in the battlefield. Coupled with the expectation of all in the car to get it (car) fixed in order, at Agbor, a neighbouring town to Abavo where the anger of the car was loosed like that of God to the people of “Sodom and Gomorrah”.
There was a sound from the car, which prompted for a stop for proper check, since no mechanic was around. The Radiator was refilled with water, with little smoke from the battery. When the engine could not start, Linus mounted the steering, while other passengers were asked to push the car. Luckily the engine was on with smiles on the faces of all, not knowing that was the last movement of the car on the surface of the earth.
Based on the quest of all to get their various destinations, and in less than 200 meters to the drive, after the water refill, the temperature at this time rose to the highest level, immediately smokes were seen dosing out from the bonnet. And in a twinkle of an eye, the car was engulfed with fire. Not even the little fire- extinguisher donated by two good Samaritans who ply the road could extinguish the anger of the fire.
The car was however left to it fate at the scene of the incident, as it burnt to ashes without a “pin” removed from it. Christopher Nwani with other passengers have no other option than to wave good bye to the 7months old car, and look for another car to convey them back to their various destination. As Nwani was however, consoled with the words of comforters, which submits that, as long there is life, there is indeed abundant of hope.
Who Owns St Luke’s Hospital, Asaba
Okolo Linus
St Luke’s Hospital when it fully commence operation must be rated as one of the highest hospitals in the Delta State. Shortly after the gargantuan structure was erected, close watchers of the structure with it fast erection said the hospital belongs to Dr. Ifeanyi Arthor Okowa, the former Secretary to the State government, others said it belongs to the governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
But in every atom of rumor, commentators said there is an element of truth.
Uche Lawrence Okpono, Chief Executive Office of ULO consultants Limited is a renown contractors popularly known at the northern part of the country, particularly in Kaduna State where he was brought up.
But his raps with the State government started long ago.
Investigation revealed that during the administration of the former Military Administrator of the state, Ibrahim Kefas, Austin Izagbo the then appointed Chairman of the Task Force on the Accelerated Government House Project, was said to have recommended and brokered the purchase of an Estate belonging to Okpuno, at the sum of N25million.
Close watchers of Okpuno’s hob-nub with the state government in recent time based on the level of contracts awarded to the company (U.L.O), maintained that there is a secret deal between the duo.
The secret deal was recently laid open when the Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan came to claim the ownership of St Luke’s Hospital but was bluntly informed by Okpunor that the hospital belongs to him, (Okpunor).
An inside source close to the Asagba of Asaba, his Royal Majesty (Obi) Prof. Chike Edozie, disclosed that Uduaghan was not satisfied with response from Okpunor took the matter to his Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba.
According to the source, Okpunor was invited to the palace, and when the matter was laid naked, Okpunor according to the source produced over-whelming documents depicting his ownership of the Hospital; with these the source averred that Uduaghan left the Palace and was flabbergasted.
When contacted, the secretary to the Royal father Chief John Iloba did not comment on the matter.
When the Hospital located close to the office of the State Deputy Governor was visited, the private security guards on duty asked the reporter if he was in the hospital to submit his employment application letter.
Further investigation revealed that the hospital is breeding ground for the commencement of operation. As two sand tippers, one with Reg number XC787Asab belonging to ULO were seen parked in the hospital’s compound.
It will be recalled that in 1995 the state government awarded the contract for the construction /completion of the new state government House to ULO consultants Limited at the sum of N3, 100,000,000.00.
The contract was earlier awarded to Contain West Africa PLC, in 30th November 2000, at the cost of N1, 485,000,000,00 with about 25% mobilization moved into site and work started according to the former Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House Complex Asaba) Mr. Onochie Okonkwo.
Until 2003 according him, the site was abandoned by costain West Africa after an upward review of the contract sum, Onochie averred.
It will also be recalled that the construction for the Asaba International Airport is also awarded to ULO consultants Limited at the cost of N6, 477,907,484,81, before the recent inflation of the cost to about N20billion Naira by the state government.
The Asaba Ugheli dualization project, the sector C is also awarded to ULO consultants limited at the cost of N 6.174,904, 499.60 according to the document in possession of our reporters.
As the event on the hospital’s ownership continue to formulate, observers are keenly watching and waiting to know the outcome of the drama/tussle between Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and the renowned contractor, Mr. Uche Okpunor.
Time will indeed tell what the outcome will be.
St Luke’s Hospital when it fully commence operation must be rated as one of the highest hospitals in the Delta State. Shortly after the gargantuan structure was erected, close watchers of the structure with it fast erection said the hospital belongs to Dr. Ifeanyi Arthor Okowa, the former Secretary to the State government, others said it belongs to the governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
But in every atom of rumor, commentators said there is an element of truth.
Uche Lawrence Okpono, Chief Executive Office of ULO consultants Limited is a renown contractors popularly known at the northern part of the country, particularly in Kaduna State where he was brought up.
But his raps with the State government started long ago.
Investigation revealed that during the administration of the former Military Administrator of the state, Ibrahim Kefas, Austin Izagbo the then appointed Chairman of the Task Force on the Accelerated Government House Project, was said to have recommended and brokered the purchase of an Estate belonging to Okpuno, at the sum of N25million.
Close watchers of Okpuno’s hob-nub with the state government in recent time based on the level of contracts awarded to the company (U.L.O), maintained that there is a secret deal between the duo.
The secret deal was recently laid open when the Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan came to claim the ownership of St Luke’s Hospital but was bluntly informed by Okpunor that the hospital belongs to him, (Okpunor).
An inside source close to the Asagba of Asaba, his Royal Majesty (Obi) Prof. Chike Edozie, disclosed that Uduaghan was not satisfied with response from Okpunor took the matter to his Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba.
According to the source, Okpunor was invited to the palace, and when the matter was laid naked, Okpunor according to the source produced over-whelming documents depicting his ownership of the Hospital; with these the source averred that Uduaghan left the Palace and was flabbergasted.
When contacted, the secretary to the Royal father Chief John Iloba did not comment on the matter.
When the Hospital located close to the office of the State Deputy Governor was visited, the private security guards on duty asked the reporter if he was in the hospital to submit his employment application letter.
Further investigation revealed that the hospital is breeding ground for the commencement of operation. As two sand tippers, one with Reg number XC787Asab belonging to ULO were seen parked in the hospital’s compound.
It will be recalled that in 1995 the state government awarded the contract for the construction /completion of the new state government House to ULO consultants Limited at the sum of N3, 100,000,000.00.
The contract was earlier awarded to Contain West Africa PLC, in 30th November 2000, at the cost of N1, 485,000,000,00 with about 25% mobilization moved into site and work started according to the former Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House Complex Asaba) Mr. Onochie Okonkwo.
Until 2003 according him, the site was abandoned by costain West Africa after an upward review of the contract sum, Onochie averred.
It will also be recalled that the construction for the Asaba International Airport is also awarded to ULO consultants Limited at the cost of N6, 477,907,484,81, before the recent inflation of the cost to about N20billion Naira by the state government.
The Asaba Ugheli dualization project, the sector C is also awarded to ULO consultants limited at the cost of N 6.174,904, 499.60 according to the document in possession of our reporters.
As the event on the hospital’s ownership continue to formulate, observers are keenly watching and waiting to know the outcome of the drama/tussle between Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and the renowned contractor, Mr. Uche Okpunor.
Time will indeed tell what the outcome will be.
Criticism trails Delta re-run election
okolo linus
The Delta State re-run election result has continued to be graced with criticisms and dismay.
According to Mr. Phlip Onyenukwe, an Asaba based business man, the Independent National Electoral Commission has just disapointed Deltans with the result he considered to be doctored.
However, findings revealed during the monitoring exercise at Ovwor-Olomu, that residents came out en-mass to allegedly cast their vote in the compound of cheif John Oguma, a PDP cheiftain.
The croud angrily urged journalsts not to video them. When the press-CREW asked cheif Oguma if his compound was a voting unit, he angrily asked if anybody was seen voting, but said the people were in his resident to appreciate his New-Year kind gesture to them.
Further findings at Ugheli south Local Government Area revealed that some voting materials were intecepted from some persons beleived to be PDP loyalists.
When the Police Area Command office was visited, the state Commisioner for Lands, survey and urban development, Barr. Fred Majemite who was in the CP's office with red and black t-shirt together with Dr. Steve Oru former assistant national secretary of the party was in light green brocade.
Oru said there was a problem they came to solve. But when Majemite was asked their mission to the police station, he said it was to know the preparation on ground. Mr. C. Abutu the police commisioner said election materials have been dispatched.
At Otujeremi Town hall where Prof. Amos Otuama voted, voting was peaceful. Also at unit 1 ward 1 Orerokpe Okpe LGA Headquaters, voting was also peaceful. At Modedom unit 4 and 20 ward 9 Eku, voting was as well peaceful.
The Delta State re-run election result has continued to be graced with criticisms and dismay.
According to Mr. Phlip Onyenukwe, an Asaba based business man, the Independent National Electoral Commission has just disapointed Deltans with the result he considered to be doctored.
However, findings revealed during the monitoring exercise at Ovwor-Olomu, that residents came out en-mass to allegedly cast their vote in the compound of cheif John Oguma, a PDP cheiftain.
The croud angrily urged journalsts not to video them. When the press-CREW asked cheif Oguma if his compound was a voting unit, he angrily asked if anybody was seen voting, but said the people were in his resident to appreciate his New-Year kind gesture to them.
Further findings at Ugheli south Local Government Area revealed that some voting materials were intecepted from some persons beleived to be PDP loyalists.
When the Police Area Command office was visited, the state Commisioner for Lands, survey and urban development, Barr. Fred Majemite who was in the CP's office with red and black t-shirt together with Dr. Steve Oru former assistant national secretary of the party was in light green brocade.
Oru said there was a problem they came to solve. But when Majemite was asked their mission to the police station, he said it was to know the preparation on ground. Mr. C. Abutu the police commisioner said election materials have been dispatched.
At Otujeremi Town hall where Prof. Amos Otuama voted, voting was peaceful. Also at unit 1 ward 1 Orerokpe Okpe LGA Headquaters, voting was also peaceful. At Modedom unit 4 and 20 ward 9 Eku, voting was as well peaceful.
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