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  • Obasanjo declines comments after voting

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday refused to comment on the conduct of the governorship and house of assembly polls in Ogun State.

    Obasanjo arrived the ward 11, unit 22 of the Olusomi compound polling centre at Totoro-Solori area of Abeokuta at about 9.56 am for voting and exercised his franchise at about 10.08 a.m.

    But he refused to speak to newsmen thereafter. He simply walked into his vehicle, waving and signalling that he had no comments.

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun and a former governor of the state, Chief Segun Osoba, however, expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the polls in the state.

    Amosun, who voted at ward 6, unit 8 of Ita-gbangba polling centre at Itoko area of Abeokuta, noted a significant improvement in INEC’s performance compared to the previous exercise.

    The governor told newsmen after he had voted that he had received encouraging news of peaceful conduct of the polls across the state.

    “There has been a lot of improvement in the conduct of the polls today than the presidential polls.

    “The voting process has been peaceful and has taken a shorter period today than the previous exercise which took about 45 minutes.

    “We pray that this situation will continue till the end of voting and counting period, and till the announcement of the winner by INEC.”

    Amosun, who observed that “there is room for improvement”, called for reduction in the number of participating political parties.

    He noted that more than 70 political parties participated in the polls across the nation, explaining that “the situation is stressful and cumbersome for INEC and the electorate.”

    According to him, the situation is expensive in terms of funding and stressful to organise in terms of logistics.

    He added that the development required more efforts on the part of the electorate who needed to check carefully through a long list of political parties on a long ballot paper to identify their preferred party.

    Amosun therefore called for a maximum of six political parties in subsequent polls.

    “You discover that in advanced countries, results are announced within five hours after polls.

    “The reason is because they have very few political parties to cater for and this often quickens the entire voting and counting process.”

    Osoba, who voted at Ward 14, unit 15 of the Omololu polling centre at Ibara Housing Estate area of Abeokuta, commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls.

    The former governor expressed concern over the state Commissioner of Police, Hammed Ilyasu, and called for his transfer during the presidential polls, said the situation had since changed.

  • Eghagha: my students’ Facebook comments scared my abductors

    The Head of Department of English at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Hope Eghagha, at the weekend, relived his ordeal in the hands of kidnappers.

    The university don spoke of how the comments and threats of his students on Facebook overwhelmed his abductors to release him.

    Prof Eghagha was abducted on September 30, 2012, while he was Delta State Commissioner for Education.

    He was returning from Warri to Asaba, the state capital, after a family visit.

    His abductors were said to have killed his police orderly on the spot.

    The academic spoke at the weekend in Lagos during a reunion dinner where he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by his former students at Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (OSUA), where he taught from 1988 to 1994.

    He noted that of his 5,000 Facebook friends, 4,000 were his students.

    He said it was from the social media platform he monitored their progresses over the years.

    According to him, one of his students is a pilot.

    Prof Eghagha said: “I have monitored your progress through Facebook and your comments and prayers for me during my ordeal overwhelmed my kidnappers, who acknowledged that I have a lot of followers.”

    Clad in a white agbada, a pair of glasses and a black cap, the academic said he noted that the experience he passed through made him value the beauty of life, having been given a second opportunity to live after such near-death experience.

    He said the negative experience forced him into series of therapy, adding that he would document his experiences in a forthcoming book.

    Eghagha said: “They (abductors) intimidated me so much that I said my last prayers thrice. They told me my death hour was 10 o’clock. The room where they put me was always dark and I was blindfolded.”

  • ‘Hate comments‘ll worsen Nigeria’s unity challenge’

    The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has appealed to religious leaders in the country to stop making inciting statements.

    Its President, Dr Saheed Ashafa, told MSSN National Executive Council (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) members at the weekend that hate speeches were becoming worrisome.

    He warned that no religion would benefit from the consequences of hate speeches.

    Ashafa said: “We all should realise that Nigeria is passing through a very tough and challenging period. As religious institutions, we should mitigate tension and not heighten it. Our role should be to calm and enlighten our faithful on the path of peace.

    “Killings in any part of the country should be condemned and not given a place in any society. Those fanning embers of crisis should desist from that to save this nation from sinking beyond recovery. Our unity is more needed now than ever. We must not worsen the economic and unity challenge Nigerians are faced with.”

    Ashafa subsequently hailed members of the MSSN NEC and NWC for their sacrifice, adding that Nigeria leaders needed to emulate them in selfless service.

  • Ooni berates Olugbo for comments on Moremi

    Ooni berates Olugbo for comments on Moremi

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has expressed disappointment in a statement credited to the Olugbo of Ugbo in Ondo State,  Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, describing the Yoruba heroine, Moremi, as a traitor.

    Oba Ogunwusi, in a statement by his media aide, Moses Olafare, wondered why a Yoruba monarch would refer to Moremi as a traitor  because she liberated her people from incessant invasions.

    The Olugbo reportedly said: “Our forefathers descended from heaven that is why we are called ‘Ugbo Atorunwo.

    “To set the record straight, Moremi remains a traitor. She was a slave captured by Ugbo warriors during one of their many raids on Ile-Ife.

    “She became the wife of Osangangan Obamakin, the son of Oranfe, who was the paramount ruler of over 13 aboriginal communities of ancient Ugbomokun, which later came to be called Ile-Ife.

    “Oduduwa came to Ugbomokun as a stranger and was welcomed in Ilero, the aboriginal palace of Osangangan Obamakin, which is still in existence in present-day Iremo in Ile Ife.

    “During the dynastic struggles, Osangangan Obamakin was directed by the oracles (Ifa and Osanyin) to leave Ile-Ife. Moremi betrayed her husband’s trust when she exposed the secret of the Ugbo warriors’ gallantry.”

    In his reaction, Oba Ogunwusi said: “The attention of ILE-OODUA has been drawn to a statement credited to Oba Frederick Akinruntan through the Olugbo-in-Council berating the people of Ile-Ife for celebrating Moremi Ajasoro as a heroine and goddess of liberty.

    “Olugbo’s outburst can only be viewed as a pitiable act of absurdity that doesn’t deserve serious attention by serious minded people.”

    The Ooni said the Yoruba “remain very proud of the great queen Moremi Ajasoro, a brave woman who sacrificed her only son Oluorogbo for the victory of her people over the faceless terrorists who raided Ife markets.

    “We will not dignify this rascality of royalty with an expected response as we are not ready for any useless supremacy battle incapable of taking Yoruba to a greater height.

    “Most paramount on my mind as Ooni with the unflinching support of Baba Alaafin, Baba Awujale, Baba Alake, Baba Orangun, Baba Deji, Baba Ewi, Baba Osemawe, Baba Olubadan, Oba of Lagos and other relevant peace loving monarchs in Yorubaland and in other parts of the country is and remains the much needed progress of Yoruba nation.

    “This can only be catalysed by peace and unity. This has necessitated my unimaginable barrier-breaking unity visits I have been taking around not only in Yorubaland but also across Nigeria and internationally.

    “These activities in the last one year are enough to attest to my personality as a king of peace.

    “It is a pity that at this time when everybody is tired of retrogressive royal discord generally agreed to have colossally hindered our pace of progress as a people of common heritage politically and socio-economically, the Olugbo, who claims to be the chairman of Yoruba Obas Committee on Peace and Reconciliation, has suddenly, without a deep knowledge of Yoruba history, woken up to see royal controversy as the only tool for cheap publicity.

    “As Ooni, I am not interested in joining issues with Oba Akinruntan or anyone on any matter that can jeopardise our peace and unity project which is already making impact in so many sectors, including youth development, women empowerment, cultural tourism, agricultural revolution, unification of our elders and traditional rulers, to mention but a few.

    “We, therefore, urge every lover of peace and unity in Africa to ignore any reckless statement capable of further dividing us.

    “They should rather see the author of such statement as a person who poses a danger to our peaceful coexistence.

    “Yoruba must remain united, Nigeria must remain united, Africa must remain united and the entire black worldwide must remain united because we are one before the Almighty God.”

  • Buhari’s, wife’s comments taken out of context, says Okorocha

    Buhari’s, wife’s comments taken out of context, says Okorocha

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday said the interview granted by President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha, to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the President’s reaction were taken out of context.

    In the interview, Aisha claimed that Buhari’s administration had been hijacked by those who didn’t contribute to his electoral victory and that she would not campaign for his re-election in 2019 if the situation does not change.

    Fielding questions from reporters during a joint  news conference with Angela Markel of Germany, Buhari replied Aisha by noting that she does not belong to any party but his kitchen.

    Speaking with State House correspondents in Abuja on yesterday, Okorocha, who was one of the governors that accompanied Buhari to Germany, said Mrs. Buhari’s interview was meant to make peace among party members complaining of being marginalised.

    Pointing out that Buhari was smiling while responding to the question, he said  Buhari’s reaction was not meant to denigrate his wife or women.

    He said: “I have read the interview of the President’s wife and I was there when the President made that comment. Both the interview and comment were taken out of context.”

    The governor added: “I understand when the international community speaks on this matter because of the woman rights that is going on now globally. But I believe Nigerians will understand the situation better than anybody in the world because I do not believe that that was the intention.”

    “I think it is a joke taken too far outside the chores of Nigeria. If you have been with President Buhari, you will agree with me that it was a kind of joke because even when he was responding, he was smiling.

    On Mrs Buhari’s call for cabinet reshuffle, Okorocha said there was nothing wrong for the President to take note of the call, especially when many people have been making the same suggestion.

    The governor disagreed with a Second Republic lawmaker, Junaid Mohammed, who stated that the President’s trip to Germany was for medical reasons.

    He said the President did not see any doctor in Germany.

  • NCC cautions subscribers on use of its Facebook page

    NCC cautions subscribers on use of its Facebook page

    Mr Tony Ojobo, the Director, Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday cautioned telecommunications subscribers on the use of the commission’s Facebook page.

    Ojobo said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that some followers of the page had turned it into an advertising platform.

    It, however, urged them to review and adhere to the page’s moderation policy, when posting comments.

    According to the statement, posting comments that repeatedly violate the moderation policy may result in the follower’s account being banned from the regulatory body’s page.

    It said that the NCC encouraged comments that contributed to friendly and intelligent discussion on its activities, programmes and the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, for all visitors.

    The statement added that responses to inquiries would be attended to within 48 hours.

    “We aim to respond to direct questions in a timely manner; however, we cannot guarantee response to all questions and comments.

    “When posting comments, please review and adhere to the moderation policy. Comments and Posts containing advertisements and /or spam may be deleted.

    “Our wall is not to be utilised as a free advertising space for your business. Do not solicit links for personal blogs and website spam (posting the same comment over and over again).

    “Abusive language towards fellow commentators, deliberately provoking other commentators or the Nigeria Communications Commission Staff will not be accepted any longer.

    “Aggressive, insulting, profane or overly negative comments, topics that do not relate to the discussion at hand, may be deleted.

    “Posting comments that repeatedly violate the moderation policy may result in your account being banned from our page,” it quoted Ojobo as saying.

    The statement urged the page followers to report to the moderators, comments that might violate the moderation policy, by clicking ”X” in the top right of the comment box and clicking ”Report as Abuse”.

    It said that the telecommunications umpire strived to make its Facebook page a positive environment, and reserved the right to update the moderation policy as needed.

    The statement said that the commission valued its followers’ opinions, as it encouraged them to continue contributing to the discussions.

     

  • COMMENTS

    For Olatunji Dare

    The lesson in today’s insightful article is that bad things can happen to bad people too! Nigerians must know that no one is immune to retribution, no matter how fat their political war chest. Those absconding felons and certified reprobates still among us should at least know that the real change for good governance is in place. From Adegoke O.O. Ikhin, Edo State. 

    Whoever is behind arms procurement scam should be brought to book to deter others who may engage the same act of looting the treasury in future. From Nnorom

    The infringement on the freedom of movement of Nigerian soldiers by Zakzaky followers which brought about the recent crisis in Kaduna should be condemned in very strong terms by every well-meaning Nigerian.There should be no pandering of any kind to such unruly conduct. Nigeria is a sovereign nation and can’t allow another republic that may want to emerge under whatever cover within its territory. Religious sects or whatever groups in the country can be free to practise what they believe (as aproved by the law of the land) in whichever way they would ONLY within the confine of their encirclements but must adhere strictly to what the nation’s constitution allows for such groups or sects when in public. The soldiers may have overreacted but the Zakzaky group has no right whatsover to restrict their movement or that of any law-abiding Nigerian for that matter, in the first place – Emmanuel Egwu.

    The issue of N250 million claimed to have been collected by one of the legislative houses need to be probed. This is to prevent the insinuation that the on going probe is selective. From Ishola M Abdulsalaam (Ilorin).

    Your ‘Obtainer Unlimited’ was very revealing. Jonathan though loving the country was really out to do his best for Nigerians, was at a point appeared confused with the type of strange problems thrown up in his government from all over the place and being desperate for solutions became vulnerable to dubious manouvring of some of his functionaries who,understanding his predicaments, quickly cashed in to line their pockets hence the Dasukigate, etc.And by this, one is simply reminded of what hapened during Shagari era when the former head of state was merely contented being the president of the country while some officials of his govt such as Akinloye,Umaru Dikko, Uba Ahmed and Joseph Wayas determined what happend in that administration. But even so, could it be possible that Jonathan would approve of such huge amount of money for the procurement of arms and at the same time authorise its diverson to such manner of frivolous settlements?  From Emmanuel Egwu.

    On “Annals of obtainement”. I agree entirely with your write-up on the above subject except where you wrote that “is it possible for 20 educated and intelligent adults could agree on every important issue unless none thinks very much” ? I beg to disagree entirely with this statement. The Dasukigate was perpetrated by more than a thousand intelligent and educated adults, (some displaying adult delinquency and some displaying senile dementia. All of them agreed with one thing, “share the loot”. May your ink never dry. From Dr Tunde Obaoye, Lagos. 

    Jankara journalism must also include the type that uses its opinion column to speak for a “veteran” aka criminal receipient of stolen public funds, who, the writer asserts, “was minding his own business when they brought him $230k”. The ‘journalist’ went on to claim, on behalf of the grand larcenist, that “… they didnt tell him the source. They didnt tell him what it was for. Jankara everywhere. Poor Nigeria! Anonymous.

    “He apparently assumed that it was for old times sake, or for business as usual, not knowing that it was stolen money”Anonymous

    Nigeria will be doing itself a lot of service if the duo of Olisa Metuh and Ayodele Fayose are sent to the quarantine for proper observation. They are not just what they are but they are possessed by some unexplained demons which are far above their control. They need deliverance. From Bayo.

    I salute your courage and respect your opinion. But are the JUDGES not going to frustrate this effort against corruption? Niyi, Ijebu Ode.

    Re:Annals of obtainment: A poscript. On his first fist to Africa as a President, Obama went to nearby Ghana instead of Nigeria, the dysfunctional”Giant of Africa”. Obama’s given reason then was because ‘no nnstitution was judged functional in the country. Instead of self-examimation, a dysfunctional but lucky President was enthroned, and it became an ‘Annal of Obtain the Obtainable’. Hence, the advent of some dysfunctional Professor of Journalism writing controversial pieces as columnist as “Jankara journalism”. This qualifies them to be recommended to ‘obtain’ from Dasukigate. Or probably targetting the post of Minister of Communication/Information had Jonathan been successfully rigged in for the second term. Our controversial Professor of journalism surely has some “obtainment” as target. He has failed and needs to be pitied. From Elder L .O David; Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State.   

    Having got so pained and disgusted about the appalling way our commonwealth was bestially looted via obtainment, I have further limited my newspaper reading to a few logical, honest and devoid of ‘Jankara’ journalists and Alzheimeric Professors who have gravely and shamelessly compromised their filthy conscience to utter betrayal of their fatherland. From Chief Ade A.Omiata, Ijanikin-Lagos.

     

    For Gbenga Omotoso

    On Prodigal Country- Nigeria is very prodigal in that she imports everything for her use. Nigeria is a consuming, not a manufacturing nation. Until our leaders realise this fact we shall cöntinue to be importing all useles and needless goods. The Minister of Solid Minerals should turn the fortune of this country round by embarking on the excavation of our numerous hidden minerals to finished products,while the CBN shouldn’t grant foreign exchange for finished products. Enough of foreign mentality. From Pastor Odunmbaku.   

    It’s merry CHRISTmas and not merry Xmas.

    Let us eat moderately at this festivity period to avoid illness after festivity season. Good health is better than wealth. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia. 

    I read your piece titled – A staple’s apotheosis with rapt attention. It is a matter of grave concern that one of the variables to have emerged after 16 years of our uninterrupted democracy in the fourth republic is the transformation of a vast majority of the electorate into rice rats. Using bad leadership as a model, the political elites have inflicted incalculable poverty on the average Nigerian citizen. Faced with wanton poverty, rice has metamorphosed into an “electoral weapon that never fails to deliver the votes” as you rightly put it. Even at the end of 2015, rice remains a political game changer when it should largely be one of the staple crops that can be consumed as food by the average Nigerian if only the country’s leadership had an action plan for food security. It is now left to Audu Ogbeh, the Agriculture Minister to release the rice grip the political class has on the common people in our country. The thing to do is to develop a simple food production policy that can guarantee massive food production that would help citizens to achieve the physiological need for food and demystify the privilege of rice as a knight in golden armour used in dehumanizing the same citizens who ironically look up to the political class for succor. From Dr. West-Idahosa.

    For Segun Gbadegesin

    I am sorry that you are retiring from The Nation newspapers but reassured that you will continue to be heard from time to time on issues of national interest. While we will miss your column that has endeared you to our heart, we will like to wish you a happy and wonderful retirement into the loving care of your dear wife. Have a wonderful time. From Iyabo Fagbulu.

    Compliments of the christmas season. I want a copy of your book: “All the way”. Please assist on how I could a get a copy including cost, the freight and delivery. I am in Ikere in Ekiti. Anonymous.

    How much is a copy of your book All The Way: Serving with conscience. From Feyi Akeeb Kareem, Change Makers, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State.

    Re-All the way: Serving with conscience. Sir, are copies of the book ready? Are they on shelves? Where can we buy? Thanks. From Lanre Oseni.

  • COMMENTS

    COMMENTS

    ‘Disciplined leadership is important to infuse and inculcate the right attitudes that are synthetically accrued to meaningful progress. Dr. Bukola Saraki should learn what morality is all about by evaluating himself and taking a hard look at his conducts so far. If a man goes into public office, he must be prepared for the consequences. He must make himself proof against calumny. In this, honesty is crucial. From Adegoke O O, Bako, Ibadan, Oyo State’

    For Olatunji Dare

    Disciplined leadership is important to infuse and inculcate the right attitudes that are synthetically accrued to meaningful progress. Dr. Bukola Saraki should learn what morality is all about by evaluating himself and taking a hard look at his conducts so far. If a man goes into public office, he must be prepared for the consequences. He must make himself proof against calumny. In this, honesty is crucial. From Adegoke O O, Bako, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Sir, I just read your column. Any nominee who acted the last paragraph will not only be stoned but may fetch jungle justice from friends, family and even his wife or the husband as the case may be. Anonymous

    If any ministerial nominee thinks he is bold enough, let him confront the Senate President by telling him he doesn’t have the integrity to screen him and see if such a nominee will not be disqualified. Anonymous

    Re: Beyond the list. You have written the thought of millions of Nigerians that ministerial nominees should have attached their portfolio to help the Senate. Note that our educational system encourages people to read what they are not passionate about. We should also consider the qualifications of the Senate members who confirm the list. Recall the charge of forgery, the fake list of the vote of confidence…The list should just go and PMB can swap the ministers after observing their Key Performance Indices (KPI) in office. This crafty Senate leadership is not cut out for our desired CHANGE. The incoming ministers should understand that they are to make sacrifice now and render selfless service to the nation, not looting. Be ready to disappoint your expectant “hangers-on”. From Elder L .O David, Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State. 

    Mr. Dare, leave Saraki alone. Where were you when Asiwaju went to Code of Conduct Tribunal in 2011? You were quiet. You are very partial. I will never read your comment again. From Tokunbo.

    Dare, I would have expected you to, at least, investigate other political office holders, especially governors, past and present, and tell the public your findings in respect of fraud or corrupt practices. If your sword of attack is directed at Bukola Saraki alone, any reasonable reader will assess you as a mere archetype of personified journalist who lacks ethics. Anonymous

    Nigerians waited four months for the president to announce his ministers. We can still wait for him to attach portfolio to each nominee, publish their names and give Nigerians two weeks to comment on what they know of the nominees. This will reveal the type of change we should expect. From Sankey, Kaduna.  I am not a politician but an old Shell retiree, retired 23 years ago. Reading through your “At Home & Abroad comments, I broadly salute you and say well done. If Saraki is truly educated and honourable, he should at this point put in his resignation. Best wishes. From Engr J.K. Gasper.

    A very beautiful piece. Let’s hope one of the nominees would be bold enough to speak up…

    I cannot think of a more appropriate and damning response to your biased intervention on the Saraki matter than what Professor Ayo Olutokun aptly captures as “The Corruption of Anti-corruption”, on the back page of The Punch of September 25. From Kuteyi R.R, Ondo.

    I read your column Beyond the list.” If the Nigerian media wants to help or join the fight against corruption, it must do so across board. Ex-Presidents, ministers, governors and others have plundered this nation, and most political office holders (past and present), including National Assembly members, have done worse than Saraki yet the media is shockingly silent. HARDBALL reported the rape of a four-year old pupil and expressed so much shock as if he lives abroad. Similar and worst cases are all over our public media. You know the baby factories that are producing and selling babies for rituals and so on. And the flourishing abortion clinics across Nigeria. What is the Nigerian media doing to STOP all these beyond isolated alarms? The same media asked Nigerians three times to reject Gen Muhammadu Buhari for the office of President but is today celebrating him without apology. We need soul searching. From Sam Gar

    Dare, what has the accused box picture got to do with the list? Please, be serious. Anonymous

    Will it not be abnormal for an accused in 13-count charges with criminal undertone to screen respected, untainted and cherished ministerial nominees of the President of the biggest black nation in the world? Please do a favour, let him know that he needs to be preparing for his defence on 21st, 22nd and 23 Ocober. From ‘Wole Olatunbosun.

    Truth is bitter as always, but has to be told all the same. Well done for saying it the way it is.  From Tony Iheanacho, Jos.

    Since Senate President Saraki has a case to answer over illegal assets declaration, he is not entitled to preside over ministerial nominees screening. From Chika Nnorom

    Re: Beyond the list

    That was a masterpiece. The likes of Dino Melaye know that Nigeria’s Senate confirmation is for sale. This is the Senate’s harvest period, they waited long for it to come. Dino should not fool us. As for Saraki, red oil trying to wash the soap! What do you get, rubbish? Yes, let him forever get stuck “in the hole he dug himself into”. Good morning Nigerians. From Moses Imiegha.

    Happy Independence! As long as there is ‘free’ oil from the Delta, so long will Nigeria remain no man’s land. Less the talk about federalism!

    The case on Saraki is political and should be handled with care. Hence, we may be sitting on a keg of gun powder as a nation. From Dr Albert Olajide Akinyemi, Ikole-Ekiti

    Beyond the list was the tonic I needed after much thought about the nation. The Federal Government should not allow any political solution to any judical matter in this country any more. Let the so-called Senate President continue his lying, the truth is that he was stoned in Ilorin. Sir, those senators that supported Saraki cannot go back to their constituencies and tell them. They are all liars. Your ink shall never dry. From Abdulrahaman Yusuf. 

    Re: Beyond the list is a piece that calls for sober reflection. Why is it that Yorubas are always after themselves? I advise they borrow a leaf from the other tribes. From Steve 

    I always appreciate the flow in AT HOME AND ABROAD. I will like to comment on Beyond the list. The legislature can overturn the judgment of the court simply by enacting or amending a law. Please see S.E.C. V. KASUNMU (2009) 10 NWLR (Pt. 1150) 509. Anonymous

    According to Senator Dino Melaye, the screening of ministerial nominees by the Senate would be thorough and that the era of ‘bow and go’ was gone. Senate President also reiterated the facts as follows: Nominees must be someone worth the salt, reliable and able to meet the constitutional requirements. What a good talk and contradictory statements when he added that, in the whole world, we have espirit de corps. Well spoken of Bukola so to say or, can I say you rub my back I rub your own? It can be in form of test just the same obdurate manner one of the states in Southsouth may choose to run apptitude test for its prospective appointees. An era of no mean leaders. From Abang, Joe. Calabar.  

    The list of ministerial nominees unveiled turned out to be a mixed bag of heavily corrupt, superbly corrupt, barely corrupt Nigerians. Nothing to cheer. Rather for any of them look at Saraki in the face, they are most likely to lobby him not to be exposed. Whether charged in the court or not. the thieves we know. Anonymous

     

    For Segun Gbadegesin 

    The hue and cry by some of our people over Innocent Audu Ogbe as Benue State ministerial nominee is uncalled for. Hon Ogbe is eminently qualified to be a minister. His character and integrity have never been impugned or doubted. This apart, he is a gentleman who is consistent and reliable in his political career. In the interest of justice and fairness, the Tiv cannot take the gubernatorial and ministerial slots. That would amount to selfishness and greed arising from discontentment. People who truly know and worship God must keep away from greed and selfishness. Benue State belongs to all Benue indigenes of which the IDOMAS too are. From A.B Tsav CP(rtd).

    Even within a monomagamous family, eating or sharing from a pot is a knotty issue. Is it not better, therefore, to allow the status quo to remain untill we can evolve a perfect arrangement for coexistence? From Olu Eniola, Agbara, Lagos.

    Re: Confronting the nationality question. We should move on in Africa and Nigeria with what we have, how we have been adjusted and the boundaries we have demarcated, Africa and Nigeria respectively. The more we seek readjustment, the more destabilised and quarelsome we shall be. Africans and Nigerians should work on just three things to develop: make merit their mission, choose leaders on merit and develop technology. The world has moved beyond boundaries and realignment. There is no continent and country that is free of adjustment and alignment . Technology had rubbed those off. From Lanre Oseni.

    Your arguments on Confronting the nationality question is nothing but fallacy. Fallacy according to Chamber’s Dictionary means ‘an apparently genuine but really illogical argument; a wrong but prevalent notion.”  Sir, please fight and toil for good governance for the multiple ethnicities of Africa, Nigeria in particular. Reject immunity for impunity by public office holders. That is all we need now and every other thing will fall in place. In this present world of mass movement of peoples, where are the cultural boundaries? Anonymous

    “In this season of startling disclosures stemming from principle or malevolence and everything in between, propelled by so-called social media that thrive on rumour and gossip and high scandal…” Haba! What is wrong with social media? Are you not okay with the accessibility and opportunity…enjoyed by all? I can guess: not at ease with the large traffic, huh? Anonymous

    Sir, not minding the inherent defects witnessed in these media…yeah, recognition and acceptance have been given…think you should let it be! K.O.Anonymous

  • Actress Ngozi Nwosu decries hate comments

    Actress Ngozi Nwosu decries hate comments

    As the collation of votes for the Nigerian presidential election wound down on Tuesday, veteran Nollywood actress, Ngozi Nwosu took time out to caution Nigerians on the need to exercise restraints.

    She was particularly concerned about the tension around the country between supporters of the candidadtes of the two leading political parties, that she painted a scenario of a civil war, urging party supporters who have been at loggerheads on the social media, to remain calm and accept the outcome of the election in good faith.

    According to the thespian, in the event of the break out of a civil war, those divided along party lines would be united in seeking refuge in neighbouring African countries.

    She said: ”Note that the elites you are fighting for on social media will survive with their families, and they will still sit at a peace accord meeting somewhere in Ghana, South Africa or the U.N to still decide your fate and fly back their families with their private jets to continue using those who survived. If I may ask where are their children? They are all abroad in safe keeping. Nigerian youths listen and listen well; we have only one Nigeria, what the radio did to Rwanda is what social media is doing to Nigeria now. We are all pushing Nigeria to war, there will be no winners or losers,” she said on naijahottestgist, a social media group which has celebrities, politicians and other members of the society as members.

    Nwosu, who has tried to be neutral unlike her colleagues, it will be recalled, received the support of the Lagos State government for a medical surgery abroad, recently.

    She further enjoined Nigerians to preach love and kindness, saying that “to keep Nigeria one is a task we must all achieve.”

    “You and I don’t own oil wells and private jets, then what are we fighting for? They want you to be counted as casualties so there would be a case. Please say no to violence! If GEJ wins he won’t feed his village. If Buhari wins he won’t feed his village, and nothing will change. There is no time a government will solve all your problems. There are more beggars and homeless people in the U.S than Nigeria even in Obamas backyard in Chicago homeless people queue up for food handouts daily,” she added.

  • Ohanaeze knocks Obasanjo for comments on Jonathan

    Ohanaeze knocks Obasanjo for comments on Jonathan

    The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has slammed former President Olusegun Obasanjo for what it called “inciting and hate speeches” against President Goodluck Jonathan.

    It warned the ex-president to stop his attacks on Jonathan or “he will incur the wrath of Igbo Youths.”

    OYC said Obasanjo was putting pressure on Jonathan.

    It said he should stop disparaging the exalted office of the President, stressing that he (Obasanjo) was once in that office and should respect it.

    Addressing reporters in Umuahia, the OYC National President, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, warned Obasanjo to stop inciting Nigerians against President Jonathan, “whose achievements have dwarfed the achievements of former leaders put together.”

    He cautioned Obasanjo to stop fanning the embers of war through his unguarded utterances against a sitting President.

    His words: “The country has experienced war and has not completely overcome its effects.”

    The Ohanaeze youth leader accused Obasanjo of plotting with some undemocratic elements to truncate Jonathan’s government through inciting comments, warning that Igbo youths would resist any retrogressive action.

    He said: “Obasanjo is a disappointment to democracy. He should not plunge Nigeria into another civil war through his remarks against Jonathan. We’ve not overcome the effects of the last war.”

    Isiguzoro said Obasanjo felt uncomfortable with Jonathan, “because he (Obasanjo) was not allowed to control the President, as he had thought. This is his reason for his constant attacks.”

    He said the President should not be intimidated by anybody because he was from the minority, vowing that Igbo youths would fight his cause in the interest of equity and justice.

    “Obasanjo should know that he has expired politically. Nigerian youths will not allow him and other spent forces, who belong to the past, to ruin our future.

    “The country cannot buy his belated and selfish idea of an Interim National Government. Those plotting to pull Nigeria backwards will be disappointed because youths are now wiser.”

    The Ohanaeze youth leader said the Southeast and Southsouth had a long standing relationship and would continue to defend one another’s right in the country’s political equation.