Jonah Jang - Crisis in Jos!

Over 50 people have been reported dead in the fresh crisis in Jos, Plateau State.

I am really disturbed! Why are we killing ourselves? What has happened to the phrase "love your neighbour as yourself"? LOVE is the key word here.

In all this wahala, I hear that the Governor, Mr. Jonah Jang is NOT in the Country!! Can you imagine? Well I want to believe that is not true...

During the Obasanjo regime, when a similar crisis was reported, a State of emergency was declared. What is the current President, Mr. Jonathan, waiting for?

Similarly, members of the notorious Islamic sect, otherwise known as BOKO HARAM, have been causing havoc to the Nation. The dastardly way they (Bokos) have been detonating explosives should be a cause of concern to ALL Nigerians!

Enough is enough o!

May the Peace of Almighty God flood this Nation! God bless Nigeria!

Gaddafi - Wanted Dead or Alive!

The "action film" in Libya is getting fierce!

When this whole crisis started, Gaddafi proclaimed that he would fight till the last blood! He added that he would rather die a martyr! A martyr is someone who is killed for his religious or other beliefs. I need to know, IF Gaddafi is killed, would he be considered a martyr? Just wondering...

It is no longer news that at least 90% of the Libyan territory is under the control of the rebels. Although the rebels have over powered them, the "pro-Gaddafi" people are still fighting back!

Meanwhile, Gaddafi (the once upon a time bold tyrant) has gone into hiding! The guy is missing in action. LOL! Even in his mystery hide out, Gaddafi was reported to have said "We are resisting with all our strength. We will either win or become martyrs, God willing... All Libyans must be present in Tripoli, young men, tribal men and women must sweep through Tripoli and comb it for traitors."

Right now, Gaddafi has been declared WANTED, DEAD OR ALIVE. There is a reward of $1.7 million for anyone who can hand Gaddafi over to the rebels!

O boy see money... Abeg who know where dis guy dey? This is good business...

Bills Signed into Law in Lagos State!

By virtue of one of the Bills recently signed into Law by Governor B.R. Fashola, it is now an offence for a man to impregnate a woman and thereafter desert  her!

Other Bills signed into Law include amendments to provisions of the Emergency Management Agency Law,  Criminal Justice Administration in the Courts, Rules on criminal conduct. While assenting to the Bills, Fashola said the various amendments to the laws were needed in order to tackle the problem of crime and delay in administration of justice in Lagos State.

The Criminal Code used in the State was enacted as far back as 1914! O yes. It is an old Law and the need to amend it can not be over emphasized. While I want to appreciate the efforts of the Lagos State Government, I would like to say that the effectiveness of these Laws (particularly the one that affects the deserted woman) rest more on ENFORCEMENT!

Gaddafi vows to fight till the 'last drop of blood'

When I heard this news, the first question I asked myself was - "Whose blood are we talking about here?????" WHY on earth is he still holding on to power? Na hin get the Country?! For crying out loud, this guy has been in power for over 40 YEARS and still counting!

This man known as Gadhafi actually called on his own supporters to attack the protesters! In his words: "You men and women who love Gadhafi ... get out of your homes and fill the streets . . . and attack them in their lairs." 


This guy even referred to himself as a  fighter and he says he will die a MARTYR!

Odi kwa serious o!

Kidnappers on the Prowl!

Kidnapping occurs when someone is taken by force and held captive. This act of kidnapping is a criminal offence in any civilized Nation.

The rate of kidnapping is on the rise in Nigeria, particularly in Abia State. This heinous act started in Rivers State with the kidnapping of expatriates and oil workers. Back then, the kidnappers/hoodlums/militants claimed that the reason for kidnapping was to get the attention of the Federal Government to heed to their plead and develop the Niger Delta region.

The recent kidnapping of 15 innocent Nursery/Primary pupils on their way to School in Abia State, is the most heinous act I have heard in recent times. Infact the kidnapping in Abia State is TOO MUCH! Haba! The other time it was the journalist, then three female members of the National Youth Service Corps servicing in the State and now little children! Children between the ages of 3 to 6!

Now, these are the ones we get to hear about via the news media. I was told that people are kidnapped there daily. Kidnapping is now a means of getting free money for lazy people who want free money without working for it! These kidnappers would abduct anything, whether living or dead! If they have their way, they would even abduct pets and then demand ransom. WHY?

Should parents now lock their kids at home? Can we no longer walk freely without free of been kidnapped? Imagine the mental torture these children would be going through. I don't care however it is described, all I know is that it is morally WRONG for any right thinking human being to kidnap another! I just pray these children are released unhurt!

In a few hours, Nigeria would be celebrating its 50th year as a Nation. I ask myself, with the continued insecurity, crime etal, is there any reason we should be celebrating? What are we celebrating?

God Bless Nigeria!

NEPA (or PHCN) on STRIKE!

Workers at the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), otherwise known and popularly referred to as NEPA are were planning to go on a nation wide strike! What a paradox! The strike is based on the non-payment of over N69 BILLION as accrued benefits! WOW!

Most buildings in Nigeria rely on self generated power in order to get electricity supplied to their houses! There are different classes of power generators, from the "I better pass my neighbour" generating set to inverters and even solar. The noise pollution generated from the generators is very unbearable!

Why bother announcing the intended strike! How often do we get power from the PHCN?! They are really living up to their name - POWER HOLDING, they hold the power well! Meanwhile, I do not support the fact that they are been owed their benefits/entitlements. So, please FG pay them O!

Anyway, the strike has been shelved till tomorrow (Tuesday) 27 July 2010. Please read more here.

I would have loved to see and appreciate the strike! It would not make much difference anyway!

Women in Politics!

The political drums have been rolled out in readiness for the forthcoming election in 2011. All the players are ensuring they are "well placed", with the "right political godfather", in the "right political party".

No sooner than Dr. Goodluck was sworn in as the President, people started telling him not to contest for Presidency because the Presidency was zoned to the North! Please let the guy settle down and serve Nigeria for the short time he has.

Politicians are swapping Parties, moving from their original Party to another. Simply put, the Politicians are making sure they are well aligned! Yet, others are doing last minute make over (as if the people are myopic or blind). Well, time will tell.

It is no longer news that Senator Gbemi Saraki wants to be the first female Governor of Kwara State. There is a website for that. However, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Kwara State recently issued a statement saying it is against Islamic Law for a female to be a leader!

Alhaji Tijani Edun, the state coordinator, said the legacy and Islamic culture will be destroyed if a female should rule the state come 2011. In an attempt to safe guard the Islamic culture, the Supreme Council for Shariah has called on all Muslims in the State to converge at the YIDI praying ground in Ilorin on the Sunday, 30 May 2010 for special prayers to ensure that a woman is not imposed as the next Governor.

As a Senator, representing a senatorial district, I believe she is a leader. As a leader, Gbemisola Saraki registered a foundation - the HAVE FOUNDATION to reach out to the poor in her constituency.

Through the foundation, she has been giving financial support to the needy. She has also purchased tractors with implements to assist rural farmers in land cultivation in her constituency. The empowerment programme has also benefited 33 people. One of them, Mallam Abdulrasaq Hossein Eja got a Mazda 626 for commercial purposes, while the remaining 32 got cash awards ranging from N450,000 to N15,000, hair dryers, grinding machines, sewing and pressing irons as well as motorcycles.

If the Supreme Council for Shariah hold strongly to the Islamic beliefs, why was Gbemisola (a serving Senator) voted to the National House of Assembly in the first place?

My history teacher, taught me about a Muslim female leader and warrior, known and addressed as QUEEN AMINA of Zaria. Hello! Amina of Zaria was a notable female Muslim leader!

I wonder, is the fight/prayer against Gbemi as a woman or against Gbemi as a SARAKI?

Mourning the President!

Finally, President Umaru Yar'adua has gone to rest.

News has it that he died yesterday after a prolonged battle with a heart ailment.

The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will now be sworn in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Yar'adua is the fifth Nigeria ruler to die while in power.

Rest in peace Yar'adua.

God Bless Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic in Nigeria!

Scarcity!

Scarcity is defined as the state or fact of being scarce; shortness of supply, especially of necessaries

When something is scarce, it is hard to get. When something is scarce, it is hard to find. When something is scarce, it is in short supply!

In the past, there had been scarcities upon scarcities in Nigeria. Not too long ago, there was a scarcity of Petroleum products, particularly petrol (pms). Just when Nigerians were getting over that scarcity, the butchers embarked on a "strike" which resulted to the scarcity of beef! Can you imagine that? Butchers on strike!

Well, another group of people have joined the strike wagon. They are the tomatoes and pepper sellers. Yes O! They are currently on strike, thereby making tomatoes and pepper very scarce!

I went shopping over the weekend and when I stopped at the stall I usually buy my tomatoes and pepper, I had the following conversation with the woman (lets just call her Customer):
Dee!: Customer good morning. Why is your stall empty?
Customer: Good morning o! We are on strike!
Dee!: *sounding very surprised* "We"? What are you talking about?
Customer: *laughing* Pepper sellers now. We are on strike.
Dee!: Why? What for?
Customer: I don't know o. They just said we are on strike!

Now can you imagine joining a strike without knowing the reason for the strike?!

Meanwhile, as I was shopping, I suddenly realised that there was little or no "reds" in the market. As I was driving back home, I noticed a road side seller had some tomatoes and pepper displayed for sale. I stopped to buy and when she told me the price, I SCREAMED! Four small sized tomatoes for N500.00 (approximately $3.3).

Tomatoes

 At the end of the day, this was what I bought for N1,500 (approximately $10.)

Tomatoes and Peppers

Right now, so many things are scarce in Nigeria, even humans!

God help us!

The return of Mr. President!

Yar'Adua is back!

Just like that! About three months ago, Yar'Adua left the Country for medical treatment (without following due process). Now 93 days after he left the Country, Mr. President returned to the Country, just like that! It was reported that he arrived at the Presidential wing of the air port in Abuja at the wee hours. Hmmmm! Why was his arrival calculated in such a manner? Why did he come in the dark? Why was there an ambulance waiting for him at the airport? Why were journalists prevented from seeing him? Why were the floodlights on the tarmac dimmed? These are questions that should be answered! In answering these questions please let us remember that the office of the president is more important than the person of the president. How long will this hiding game continue?

Well I guess that with the "arrival" of Yar'Adua, Goodluck, the Acting President will "step aside" and leave the office for the President. Right?! Okay! He is expected to inform the Senate in writing of his arrival before Goodluck stops acting. Yeah. That was the content of the Resolution passed to empower Goodluck as Acting President. Well, until the Senate receives that letter, Goodluck will continue to "act".
Meanwhile the Saudi bound team were able to give the Saudi King the "appreciation letter". Like the teams before them, they were unable to see the President! Well, that has been over taken by the recent events. The drama is still unfolding. Nigerian are watching keenly!

Well, welcome back Mr. President! We wish you a speedy recovery!

73 days and still counting . . .

Fact: The President is ill.
Fact: The President has been away for 73 days today.
Fact: Most Ministers have not "spoken" to the President.
Fact: Nigerians are worried about the prolonged silence surrounding the prolonged absence of the President.
Mr. President is still at large!

Some days ago, a Federal High Court Judge, in fact, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Dan Abutu, gave the Federal Executive Council a 14 day ultimatum to decide whether the President was still capable of ruling the Nation or not. As a result of that Court Order, on the 27th of January, the Executive Council unanimously passed a resolution that only the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua could determine whether he is fit to remain in office.

It is a known fact that Nigeria has an ill President. It is also a known fact that Nigerians are praying for Yar'Adua to get well FAST! But for crying out loud, how long can we stay without a President in Office. Yes, the various Ministers and other politically minded individuals are currently manning the affairs of the Nation, but for how long?

For the records, when this guy, Mr. President, was Governor of Katsina State, news had it that he would go AWOL for months and when he does resurface, it's business as usual. Is that the same thing happening now? There had been so many rumours surrounding his disappearance from office. Some say he is dead. Some say he is brain damaged. Suddenly, there was a televised telephone conversation between Yar'Adua and a BBC correspondent. Sincerely, when I heard the shaky voice on BBC, I said thank God Yar'Adua is still alive. . . at least that will douse the rumours going on! I was so relieved that at least the nation will not be thrown into a state of chaos. Even with that, people were not still convinced. There was a general doubt that the voice was not Yar'Adua's. Some even said, it was a technological trick!

Now it is exactly 73 days since the President travelled AWOLed to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. The Federal Executive Council still believes he is fit and proper to continue as President! Right now, the President can not carry out his duties as a President, therefore he is INCAPACITATED. Although the Executive Council has not been confirmed that he is “permanently incapacitated”, how long would a Nation should stay without its President? Our leaders are simply playing politics with us. No one is speaking out.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has made adequate provisions on steps to follow when the President is unable to perform his duties as President. Sections 144, 145 and 146 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides thus:

144. (1) The President or Vice-President shall cease to hold office, if -
(a) by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of all the members of the executive council of the Federation it is declared that the President or Vice-President is incapable of discharging the functions of his office; and
(b) the declaration is verified, after such medical examination as may be necessary, by a medical panel established under subsection (4) of this section in its report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(2) Where the medical panel certifies in the report that in its opinion the President or Vice-President is suffering from such infirmity of body or mind as renders him permanently incapable of discharging the functions of his office, a notice thereof signed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation.

(3) The President or Vice-President shall cease to hold office as from the date of publication of the notice of the medical report pursuant to subsection (2) of this section.

(4) the medical panel to which this section relates shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, and shall comprise five medical practitioners in Nigeria:-
(a) one of whom shall be the personal physician of the holder of the office concerned; and

(b) four other medical practitioners who have, in the opinion of the President of the Senate, attained a high degree of eminence in the field of medicine relative to the nature of the examination to be conducted in accordance with the foregoing provisions.

(5) In this section, the reference to "executive council of the Federation" is a reference to the body of Ministers of the Government of the Federation, howsoever called, established by the President and charged with such responsibilities for the functions of government as the President may direct.

145. Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the Vice-President as Acting President.

146. (1) The Vice-President shall hold the office of President if the office of President becomes vacant by reason of death or resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or the removal of the President from office for any other reason in accordance with section 143 of this Constitution.

(2) Where any vacancy occurs in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) of this section during a period when the office of Vice-President is also vacant, the President of the Senate shall hold the office of President for a period of not more than three months, during which there shall be an election of a new President, who shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the last holder of the office.

(3) Where the office of Vice-President becomes vacant:-
(a) by reason of death or resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal in accordance with section 143 or 144 of this Constitution;

(b) by his assumption of the office of President in accordance with subsection (1) of this section; or

(c) for any other reason,

the President shall nominate and, with the approval of each House of the National Assembly, appoint a new Vice-President.

Yar'Adua is an "advocate" of the "rule of law". Why can't the Law be respected now that it directly concerns him? When he was sworn into office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yar'Adua swore to an oath of allegiance to obey the letters and the spirit of the 1999 Constitution without fear or favour and to also promote peace and accord in Nigeria.

The first option under Section 144 of the Constitution has been explored, what about the second option? The Senate President should set up a medical panel in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution to verify the "declaration" of the Executive Council.

The latest development now is that the Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili has finally spoken. The news has it that Akunyili submitted a memo to the Executive Council to "prevail on Yar'Adua to hand over to the Vice-President." Hmmmmm! With this development, Akunyili has become the "lone voice" in the Federal Executive Council and as a result, she was shouted down by the pro-Yar'Adua Ministers! What a way to advocate freedom of speech in a democratic setting!

In addition, the "media" owners have given an ultimatum to the President to take "the honourable path and spare the nation the on-going political confusion."

As for now, we’ll continue to do “sidon look”, when the home video finish playing, we’ll give credits where necessary!

Nigeria we hail thee! Long live the Federal republic of Nigeria!

January 27, 2002 - Commemorating the victims

It was a beautiful Sunday in January 2002.  We just returned from Church. I had bearing entered my room when there was a sudden vibration. I rushed out and I saw hubby standing in the sitting room with shock all over his face! "What was that?" I asked. He replied, "I don't know." Some minutes later, another I felt another vibration and this time I asked hubby "Is this an earthquake? Abeg o!"

These vibrations were so serious that louvres were rattling and other items in the house were moving! That was why I thought it was an earthquake. There were also thunderous sounds following the vibrations. Somewhere in between all these, I saw the breaking news on television that the explosions and vibrations were as a result of bomb exploding in the armoury in Ikeja Military Cantonment! What!!!!

I did not know the extent of the damage and havoc until I went to work the next day. My office was somewhere on the Island. The whole office was scattered as if it was burgled. Files were all over the floor; tables upturned...

Most of that day was spent talking about the incident...

The news had it that somany lives were lost as a result of stampeding. Some people were looking for their loved ones. It was such a dark period in the city of Lagos.

I stopped by at my Mum's place in Isolo on my way home after work. There were large cracks on the walls and most of her dishes were broken. I got more tales about the whole incident. I was informed that people ran out of the houses out of fear and panic. Not knowing what was happenning. She said, thankfully, she waited, tried to understand before taking any action. She added that a friend of hers who lives in Ajao Estate jumped from a balcony and broke her leg in the process. My Mum was still in shock. I encouraged her to calm down and rest. My brother's gist was different. He said he was outside with some friends when the whole thing started. He saw people running down the street in panic and like a typical Lagosian, he was about to run as well. Fortunately, a neighbour called him back and told him to stay within the compound. He said the neighbour told him not to panic.

The most shocking news was that as a result of the panic and stampede, several people, including children, women and men were drowned in the Oke-Afa Canal! Some bodies have been claimed but some were not claimed. The unclaimed bodies were buried in a mass grave by the canal. A cenotaph was later erected at the mass grave for the unclaimed bodies. Year after year, the Lagos State Government set out some few hours to lay wreaths at the cenotaph in Oke-Afa.

It is exactly 8 years after that black Sunday in Lagos. The activities around that site for the past one week has got me thinking. The roads were patched and padded. The cenotaph now wears a new look. Enough beautification has taken place there. I even hear the Governor of  Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola will be on ground to give a befitting commemoration for the people buried at there.
Let us say prayers for the families that lost their loved ones on that ill fated day - Sunday 27, January 2002.

Obama becomes the 44th President of America

Barack Hussein Obama officially became the 44th President of the United States of America at exactly 12.06pm, on Tuesday the 20th day of January 2009.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real . . . but they 'll be met."

This is one of the many inspiring phrases I picked from Obama's inaugural speech. And I'd like to add this ... Yes you can! Yes Americans will meet those challenges! In deed, all Nations of the World can meet all challenges they face! Yes we can!

Some historical facts to note:
* Barack Obama is the 1st BLACK President of the United States of America.

* The Lincoln Bible has not been used in an inaugural ceremony since 1861. That means Barack Obama is the 2nd President to use that Bible.

* Barack Obama is the 5th youngest person elected as President of the USA.

* Barack Obama became President of the USA at 12.00pm even without taking oath. This is because the American Constitution states that the term of a President begins at noon!

* Obama's inauguration is the most expensive ever!

I join several millions to say CONGRATULATIONS to the 44th President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Hussein Obama.

Voodoo in Government

For some time now there has been a new twist in the Nigeria politics. Apart from the "shaky shaky" going one amongs the politicians, there are more revelations to show that most office holders are into all sorts of diabolical stuff!

Can you imagine that the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ambassador Sam Edem, spent 1 billion naira to secure the services of a sorcerer to employ spiritual means to enable him secure contracts from the Akwa Ibom State Government? Wonders shall never end!

The stories also have it that Edem burnt a whole N270 million at a cemetery in Port Harcourt. He later bathed with the ashes of the burnt N270 million in order to realise his wishes from the State Government. What are these wishes? In his statement, the voodoo man, one Dr. Perekambowei Ogah informed the Police in Benin, Edo State that he (Ogah) was paid the sum of N15 million by Ambassador Edem. He said the money was to make some sacrifices in order to ensure that Edem retains his position as the Chairman of NDDC when the board was dissolved!

O that was not all. The voodoo master informed the Police that Edem also instructed him to "work" on the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, in order to secure contracts from him. Edem also wanted Mr. Timi Alaibe, dead! Now Timi Alaibe is the Managing Director of NDDC, and he also works in the same office with him (Edem) to enable him have his way in decision making processes. And the final straw was for Ogah to "work" on Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan! Can you imagine? Edem wants Mr. VP to always give him (Edem) support if there is any plan to remove him. Let him stay there forever!

The secrets became known when Edem demanded for a refund of his money on the ground that Alaibe never "died" on the date he was expected to "die". The native doctor refused to make any refund but rather insisted that there were some outstanding of his professional fees!

Oga Edem, Oga for NDDC reported the matter to the police as a case of fraud. Of course in investigating the matter, the Police arrested the native doctor. As is expected, he has to write his statement. The said statement was what revealed all these to the general public!

In his own statement, Edem said he was under a spell when he made the payments he made to Ogah. “The amount of money the fraudster collected from me through the hypnotic spell is about N800million. The extortion spread over months and were always with death threats to my person and family members, friends and staff”.

Anyway, our own President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has ordered an investigation into these allegations. In addition, the President directed Mr. Mike Okiro, the Inspector General of Police, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to get to the root of the matter.

My own is that there is no smoke without a fire somewhere. I only pray that justice prevails.

Democracy!

I read in the papers today that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria had resolved to (amongst other things) reconstitute the present Board of Trustees of the Party. The National Execuive Committee of the PDP also reolved that the constitution which made the chairmanship of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) an exclusive preserve of former Presidents will be reviewed. This is a big blow to bros OBJ! I wonder how and what he feels about these various recommendations/resolutions as they concern him. Anyway that is for him to wonder and for Nigerians to . . .

Please read. . .

Obasanjo's ouster looms as PDP okays new BoT

IN what appeared like the beginning of the end to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo's hold on the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the leadership of the party rose from a marathon meeting yesterday, endorsing the recommendations of the two panels raised by the party to pacify aggrieved members who left the party. One of the recommendations is that the present Board of Trustees of the party be reconstituted and its functions refocused. Obasanjo was absent at yesterday's meeting.

The party, under the chairmanship of Senator Ahmadu Ali, set up a reconciliation committee in July last year headed by former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, but the report of the panel was not implemented. The committee noted that most of the former members of the party complained of lack of internal democracy in PDP and declared the urgent need to do something about it. The committee recommended that article 12:77, which was introduced during the 2006 constitution amendment exercise, should be expunged.

The clause makes the chairmanship of the board the exclusive preserve of former presidents on the platform of the party, which was what led to Obasanjo's emergence in succession to Tony Anenih as BoT chairman.

Another panel set up by the party under the chairmanship of Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Bello Haliru Mohammed, upheld the recommendations.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the national secretary of the party and the national publicity secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje and Prof. Ahmed Rufai Alkali respectively, said the meeting resolved that a meeting of founding fathers of the party be convened before the end of the year to work out the way forward for the party. They also said the meeting decided that henceforth, rule of law would be allowed to guide the party in all actions.

"NEC considered the recommendations of the Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed-led Committee that reviewed the report of Dr. Alex Ekwueme's National Reconciliation Committee. NEC deliberated extensively and arrived at the following resolutions:

"A summit of the founding fathers of the Party has been summoned for the last quarter of 2008 to deliberate on how best the Party can revert to the original values and principles on which it was founded.

"NEC believes this would form the bedrock for reconciliation and internal democracy.
"The Party henceforth commits itself strictly to its electoral guidelines and constitutional provisions on issues of nomination.

"The era of arbitrariness in the nomination process is over. NEC also resolved to propose an amendment to the provisions of the party's constitution that deals with the leadership, membership and functions of the Board of Trustees.

NEC accepted the recommendation that the Board of Trustees should revert to its advisory role as contained in the PDP Constitution 2001 (as amended). NEC also accepted the recommendation that any member of the Board of Trustees can aspire to Chair the Board as against the current provision that limits the chairmanship to former holders of particular offices. NEC also resolved on the reconstitution of the Board of Trustees in line with the proposed amendments."

"A special National Convention of the Party shall hold in the first quarter of 2009 to consider these constitutional amendment proposals," they disclosed. The two men further said that the meeting also decided to set up a think-tank at all levels to advise the party, while an evaluation committee would also be set up to appraise performances of elected members of the party.

"The PDP shall set up standing monitoring committees to evaluate the performance of its elected officials in each geo-political zone. Each committee shall comprise members drawn from the six geopolitical zones who shall ensure compliance to the Party's manifesto in the conduct of state affairs.

"NEC resolves to establish a think tank at National and State levels that will brainstorm, digest and proffer advice over key issues that will put the Party ahead of its rivals. This think-tank shall work with the Peoples Democratic Institute, PDI and relevant agencies of government.

"NEC also proposed an amendment to the PDP 2006 Constitution to include the power of each state caucus to co-opt elders into its membership. This will address some of the complaints of sidelining by members of the party. All nominations for appointments must come from the recommendations of state caucuses," the meeting resolved.

It was resolved that all members of the party who defected should be contacted immediately. The party reconstituted its disciplinary committee with the following members.

For more please go to Guardian Online

In a related development, the former EFCC Boss, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu was demoted from the rank of an Assistant Inspector-General of Police to Deputy Commissioner of Police. Read more on that here.

Much Ado about June 12!

The month was June. The date was 12. The year was 1993. Nigerians came out in the millions to cast their votes for their candidates. Every body was happy and were waiting eagerly for the results to be annouced. Alas! The election was ANNULLED! Just like that. The results of the poll were not made public. No reasons were given. The election was just annuled.

The aftermath of that annulment was terrible. There were riots all over the Country. Of course many lives were lost in the process.

Fifteen years after the annulment of the Presidential election, which was described as the freest and fairest election in the history of Nigeria Democracy, Nigerians are now hearing all sorts of declarations/testimonies/confessions with respect to June 12 1993.

First, the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu recently launched a book titled "Laying the Foundation for Nigeria's Democracy: My Account of June 12, 1993." In his book Prof. Nwosu revealed that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola actually won the Presidential elections in 1993. (As if Nigerians did not know!). The votes casted, according to Nwosu, was 8,323,3005 for Chief Moshood Abiola while the closest rival, Alhaji Ottman Bashir Tofa polled 6,073,612 votes.

Much as the results have now been made public the question is WHY DID WE HAVE TO WAIT 15 YEARS to get the results "published."

Nigerians expected the book to reveal the person or persons responsible for the annulment, but Nwosu refused to mention any names. Smart guy! Rather, the former NEC Chairman was singing praises in favour of the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. Now that was a surprise. Nwosu practically absolved IBB of any blame! Hmmmmmm!

Anyway, in a recent development, IBB has said he was responsible for the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Elections. He said he annuled the elections! Gbam!

...River Trinity, Apapa-Oshodi Express Way, Lagos, Nigeria

For people who do not know, there is a river popularly known as river trinity along the Apapa-Oshodi Express way in Lagos State. The river is so called because it is located near the popular trinity bus stop along that road.

Whenever it rains...the rain water on the road makes it almost impossible for any body to drive through. Yes! The water level is at least above the knee level. Very deep indeed.

Yesterday was no exception as the rain poured all day long! Naturally and as expected whenever it rains, after the close of work the whole Lagos metropolis was road locked! The traffic jam was so much that many people got to their various homes as late as 11pm.

Back to the subject matter. The river trinity was the major cause of the traffic jam along the Apapa_Oshodi Expressway yesterday (and most days). Motorists have to wade gently through the water. Now you have to be very careful as there are lots of pot holes on the road. Mehn! It was not a funny O!

This is a clarion call! Lagos State Government please do something about the deplorable state of the roads ASAP so that EKO O NI BAAJE!

Obama gets the ticket

Congratulations our own Barack Obama! Congratulations for making history as the first Black African American to be nominated as a Presidential Candidate in the USA! Congratulations!

(CNN) --
U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has made history by becoming the first African-American to head the ticket of a major U.S. political party.

Sen. Barack Obama on Tuesday became the first African American to head the ticket of a major political party.

In what he called a "defining moment for our nation," Obama Tuesday passed the necessary 2,118 threshold of delegates and superdelegates who decide on the party's nomination for the White House race, CNN projected.

His victory came after he beat rival Hillary Clinton -- herself seeking to become the first female nominee -- in the final two primary contests that have brought nearly 35 million of their supporters to the polls."Tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another -- a journey that will bring a new and better day to America," Obama told a frenzied rally crowd at St. Paul, Minnesota.

"Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States."

Obama and Clinton ended the round of Democratic primaries by splitting the final two states: Montana and South Dakota. Despite his loss in South Dakota, Obama nevertheless gained the necessary delegates an hour before the Montana polls closed.

Speaking in New York, Clinton congratulated Obama for his campaign, but she did not concede the race nor discuss the possibility of running as vice president -- despite reports earlier in the day that she would quit and join the Obama ticket.

EKO O NI BAJE!

This is the new slogan for Lagos State since the emergence of the present Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. "EKO O NI BAJE simply means
- "Lagos shall not deteriorate."
- "Lagos no go spoil"
- "Lagos will not spoil"

In other words, Lagos shall continue to be the Centre of Excellence!

Since I am a firm believer of POSITIVE affirmations, I truly really appreciate the phrase. This is because every time someone says that phrase, the person is making a positive affirmation for Lagos State! Yes. When we keep saying 'Eko o ni baje' we are unconsiously saying a prayer for the State we live in!

With the on going beautification process in Lagos, I see Lagos State returning to the way it was back in the days!

Well done Mr. Governor. I join millions of people in Lagos and I affirm that truly and surely EKO O NI BAJE!

Hide and Seek Game finally over!

. . . and Aunty Iyabo emerges!
Monday 19/05/08 marked the ‘official’ end to the ‘hide and seek’ drama between the embattled Senator, Dr. (Mrs.) Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello and the EFCC. She reappeared in order to avoid the issuance of a bench warrant for her arrest by the court. Smart move.

While dismissing an earlier application by Obasanjo-Bello challenging the competence of the charges against her Justice Salisu Garuba held thus:
"it is not right for an accused person to stay at home and ask her counsel to represent her in court. I dismiss the application by the 12th accused person that she should not be molested, abused or arrested by security agents. Accordingly, I hold that the preliminary objection by the 12th accused person is incompetent and it is hereby dismissed."

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello had earlier filed an application asking the Court for an order that she should not be molested, abused and arrested by the EFCC. There was also a Preliminary Objection challenging the jurisdiction of the Court to try her! (If the Court lacks jurisdiction why then was she asking the Court to protect her from the security agents?)

In his Ruling, Justice Garba ruled that the application filed by Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello asking the Court to quash the charges against her on the grounds that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try her (Obasanjo-Bello), was incompetent. The judge said, “It is wrong for an accused person to stay at home and ask her counsel to represent her before the court. Consequently the preliminary objection was dismissed. The Court also dismissed her Preliminary Objection on the ground that it was incompetent.

The order for her to appear before the court on May 21 was however set aside when the court was informed of her presence in court.

Aunty Iyabo was put in the dock and her 2 count charge was read to her. Of course she pleaded not guilty to all charges. Having taken her plea, her Lawyer moved an oral application for her bail.

In his argument, Counsel for the 12th accused (Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello) prayed the Court to grant his client bail based on the fact that the other accused persons are already on bail, and as such the discretion of the court should also be extended to his client. He went on to add that the court should also take into cognisance, the fact that his client is a medical practitioner, a Senator and the first daughter of a former President of this country. Counsel for Obasanjo-Bello concluded his argument by urging the court to grant the 12th accused person bail on personal recognition.

The EFCC Counsel opposed the oral application for bail on the following grounds:

1. Given the ugly antecedents of this case, there are some facts that the complainant would want to bring in respect of the 12th accused person.
2. The court had earlier directed that the 11 other accused persons should come formally for bail, and they obeyed that order and today they are on bail.

The EFCC Counsel added that the fact that she is a medical practitioner, a senator and the first daughter of a former President are not relevant here. (Very correct!)

After hearing the arguments by both Counsels, the trial judge, Justice Salisu Garuba then adjourned the matter till 11am for ruling on the bail application.

… she wept
Just before the Judge came out of his chambers to deliver his ruling, Mr. Akomolafe told his Client that she was not likely to be admitted to bail. This made Senator Obasanjo-Bello cry!

The Ruling
In his ruling, the Judge refused the oral application for bail on the reasoning that to accede to the oral application after having refused those of the other 11 accused in the past would amount to "double standard." The Court then ordered that the application for bail should be in written form and on notice.

The EFCC counsel, asked the court to remand the Senator at Kuje Prison. Mr. Akomolafe opposed this and told the court not to remand her either at the prison or at EFCC custody because the operatives of the commission had already threatened to deal with her. This threat, according to Mr. Akomolafe was issued on the day the EFCC raided the Senator’s house.

After hearing Counsel for Obasanjo-Bello, Justice Garuba then ordered that the Senator should be remanded at the Maitama Police Station pending the hearing of the written application for bail which will be taken on Wednesday the 21st day of May 2008.

Aunty Iyabo would be a ‘guest’ in the Maitama Police Station for two nights. The medicine does taste bitter eh!

Counsel for the accused Senator told journalists after proceedings that the reason his client came out of hiding to present herself to the Court is because she thought of the other accused persons. Talk about ‘appropriate timing!’ Hello! Who are they deceiving? If she was really thinking about the other accused persons why did she go into hiding?