Tuesday 17 December 2013
Tuesday 29 October 2013
Baptist church in the USA plans to burn Bibles
Justifying the planned action, Pastor Marc Grizzard, of Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Canton, North Carolina, said that the first King James translation of the Bible is the only true declaration of God’s word, and that all others are “satanic”.
biblesPastor Grizzard and 14 other members of the church plan to burn copies of the other “perversions” of Scripture on Halloween, according to a report in Britain’s Telegraph.
“The New Revised Version Bible, the American Standard Version Bible, and even the New King James Version are all pronounced to be works of the Devil by Pastor Grizzard and his followers, the paper said.
It quoted Pastor Grizzard as saying: “I believe the King James version is God’s preserved, inspired, inerrant, infallible word of God… for English-speaking people. We are burning books that we believe to be Satanic.”
As well as inappropriate translations from the original Hebrew and Aramaic, the pastor and his associates will be burning books by various Christian authors, as well as music of every genre.
US Senator Pleads for Peace Meeting with Nigerians over Controversial ‘419’ Comments.....
US Senator Pleads for Peace Meeting with Nigerians over Controversial ‘419’ Comments.....
In a letter from the Senator to leaders of the Nigerian community in Houston, Texas, where the controversial
comments were made, the Senator said he “regrets any misunderstanding.”
The letter was signed by one of the aides of the Senator, Mr. David Sawyer, the South-East Texas Regional Director in his office.
Sawyer, in another correspondence, also requested for a peace meeting between Senator Cruz and representatives of the Nigerian community in Houston.
Senator Cruz has been bombarded with several phone calls from Nigerians in Houston and all across the US since last Monday October 21 comments, Sawyer added.
A copy of the letter of apology was gotten from Empowered Newswire by our correspondent.
The statement read: "Earlier this week Sen. Ted Cruz made a joke in which he used the term "Nigerian email scam."
Senator Cruz regrets that "it is unfortunate that we're living in a time where just about every joke can be misconstrued to cause offense to someone.
“Sen. Cruz has never, nor would ever use a blanket term in a derogatory fashion against such a vibrant and integral part of our community. This usage was never directed to the Nigerian community as a whole.
"To the good people of Nigeria - a beautiful nation where my wife lived briefly as the child of missionaries - no offense was intended.
“I am fully appreciative of the range of mutual economic and security interests that make Nigeria an important friend to the United States," Senator Cruz said in the statement.
The letter was printed on Ted Cruz official US Congress paper and was dated Friday October 25.
The Nigerian embassy in the US has also made a formal complaint to the senator about his comments.
 Ted Cruz | Daily Times October 28, 2013 US Senator Ted Cruz has asked for a peace meeting with Nigerian-Americans who have demanded that he retracts his controversial joke last week which many of them considered insulting. |
In a letter from the Senator to leaders of the Nigerian community in Houston, Texas, where the controversial
comments were made, the Senator said he “regrets any misunderstanding.”
The letter was signed by one of the aides of the Senator, Mr. David Sawyer, the South-East Texas Regional Director in his office.
Sawyer, in another correspondence, also requested for a peace meeting between Senator Cruz and representatives of the Nigerian community in Houston.
Senator Cruz has been bombarded with several phone calls from Nigerians in Houston and all across the US since last Monday October 21 comments, Sawyer added.
A copy of the letter of apology was gotten from Empowered Newswire by our correspondent.
The statement read: "Earlier this week Sen. Ted Cruz made a joke in which he used the term "Nigerian email scam."
Senator Cruz regrets that "it is unfortunate that we're living in a time where just about every joke can be misconstrued to cause offense to someone.
“Sen. Cruz has never, nor would ever use a blanket term in a derogatory fashion against such a vibrant and integral part of our community. This usage was never directed to the Nigerian community as a whole.
"To the good people of Nigeria - a beautiful nation where my wife lived briefly as the child of missionaries - no offense was intended.
“I am fully appreciative of the range of mutual economic and security interests that make Nigeria an important friend to the United States," Senator Cruz said in the statement.
The letter was printed on Ted Cruz official US Congress paper and was dated Friday October 25.
The Nigerian embassy in the US has also made a formal complaint to the senator about his comments.
Monday 9 September 2013
In the last twenty years,i have spent 1 hour reading the dictionary
You
guys need to read this hilarious interview grammarian and current Chief
of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Patrick Obahiagbon granted to Punch. Excerpts below...
Why do you always speak ‘big grammar’?I am not really consensus ad idem with those who opine that my idiolect is advertently obfuscative. No no no, it’s just that I am in my elements when the colloquy has to do with the pax nigeriana of our dreams and one necessarily needs to fulminate against the alcibiadian modus vivendi of our prebendal political class.How did you start speaking in this manner?It all happened when my father brought me a teaser which stated that good orators had ruled the world and you must have to be a feisty orator if you must rule the world. As an impressionable young man, I alacritously threw myself into the whirligig of improving my usage of words by amassing new words on a daily basis.
How do you talk to your wife, children and even your friends?
I
relate with my family and friends very warmly and in an atmosphere of
camaraderie, stripped of my confutational habiliment and gladiatorial
homilies. I am a very peaceful, calm, level-headed and celestially
attuned soul personality.
Is this the way you proposed to your wife, speaking high tech grammar?
Of
course, the business of the day when I interfaced with my wife on
matters of the heart had to be in plain Caeser’s language and you can
decipher why that had to be so. The matter in view did not permit itself
of sphinxian conundrum.
It’s a long time ago, so I can’t
remember the exact words I used. We had a relationship for ten years
before we got married. We’re looking at close to 20 years ago.
Did you write exams in school in these big words?
I
used such words very-very freely in my exams both at the secondary
school and in my university and little wonder I had the misfortune of my
English results being seized intermittently in my O’ Levels. WAEC
released my results for the other subjects and withheld my English
result. This happened for about three years. Twice, I passed the
University Matriculation Examination but I could not proceed to the
University because of my English results that were not released. At the
end of the day, it was released after the third attempt.
How many dictionaries do you read a day and how often do you read dictionaries?
I
have read and still do read a vaudeville of dictionaries from Websters
to Funk and Wagnalls, from Cambridge to Oxford dictionaries, from
Black’s Law Dictionary to Encarta and from Encyclopedia Britannica to
Foreignisms, etcetera. I developed my corpus of vocabulary by reading
omnivorously. I have also spent nothing less than an hour daily on my
dictionary for over twenty years. So, whereas the dictionary for most
people is a mere occasional reference point, it is for, me a vade-mecum.
It may also interest you to know that there is much to learn from our
daily newspapers.
Was English your best subject?
My
best subject in secondary school was government and religion and am
sure that I was drawn to religion because, I now know as a student of
Rosicrucian mysticism, that I was a student of divine light in my last
incarnation. As for government, I just fell in love with the subject due
to my early attraction in life to issues of political-economy.
So what did you score in English language?
English
language was of course my hobbyhorse and passion but like I earlier
asseverated, my results were constantly guillotined to my utter chagrin
that I had to lapse into a jeremiad of lachrymoseim for a period of
aeon. I would need to check the result again to be sure of my score.
Do you pray the same way you speak?
God
understands all languages, my brother and I pray to God using any word
that pops up. May I posit that the key points in prayers are your
sincerity, purity of heart, walking within the compass and to what
extent are you ready and worthy of receiving the benediction of the
cosmic and the cosmic masters because as we say in mysticism- “when the
students are ready, the masters would appear.”
Take my words
my brother that more than seventy per cent of humanity don’t know how to
pray but that is a matter for another day.
Do you know that many people don’t take you too seriously when you talk because they think you are not communicating
Why
will I be perturbed from ensconcing myself in the palatable arms of
Morpheus because people have deprived themselves of the cultivation of
the regime of the mental magnitude? I read all the farrago of baloneys
and vacuous bunkum from pepper soup objurgators. The spirit of
animadversion remains their fundamental human right. It also remains an
indubitable fact that I get millions and millions of requests daily from
people all over the world requesting for my verbal mentorship which
positive cosmopolitan reactions have assisted my equipoise and righteous
sense of pachydermatous garb. I cannot put my nose to the grindstone
daily and expect to be understood by those luxuriating in a modus
vivendi, verging on pepper souping, goat heading, suyaing, big stouting and isiewulising.
Has a philosophical wag not once pontificated that things of the spirit
are spiritually discerned and that it takes the deep to call the deep?
We will speak more on this matter of critiques and chichi dodo another day.
Why do you pull your trousers up beyond the waist?
Hahahaha….That trousers style is called Yohji Yamamoto.
It was my own audacious statement to remonstrate against the pervasive
tendency of Nigerians especially our youths that took to the practice of
putting on trousers exposing their lower anatomical contours and I will
do it over and over again.
You guys need to read this hilarious interview grammarian and current
Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Patrick Obahiagbon granted to Punch. Excerpts below...
Why do you always speak ‘big grammar’?I am not really consensus ad idem with those who opine that my idiolect is advertently obfuscative. No no no, it’s just that I am in my elements when the colloquy has to do with the pax nigeriana of our dreams and one necessarily needs to fulminate against the alcibiadian modus vivendi of our prebendal political class.How did you start speaking in this manner?It all happened when my father brought me a teaser which stated that good orators had ruled the world and you must have to be a feisty orator if you must rule the world. As an impressionable young man, I alacritously threw myself into the whirligig of improving my usage of words by amassing new words on a daily basis.
How do you talk to your wife, children and even your friends?
I relate with my family and friends
very warmly and in an atmosphere of camaraderie, stripped of my
confutational habiliment and gladiatorial homilies. I am a very
peaceful, calm, level-headed and celestially attuned soul personality.
Is this the way you proposed to your wife, speaking high tech grammar?
Of course, the business of the day when
I interfaced with my wife on matters of the heart had to be in plain
Caeser’s language and you can decipher why that had to be so. The matter
in view did not permit itself of sphinxian conundrum.
It’s a long time ago, so I can’t
remember the exact words I used. We had a relationship for ten years
before we got married. We’re looking at close to 20 years ago.
Did you write exams in school in these big words?
I used such words very-very freely in
my exams both at the secondary school and in my university and little
wonder I had the misfortune of my English results being seized
intermittently in my O’ Levels. WAEC released my results for the other
subjects and withheld my English result. This happened for about three
years. Twice, I passed the University Matriculation Examination but I
could not proceed to the University because of my English results that
were not released. At the end of the day, it was released after the
third attempt.
How many dictionaries do you read a day and how often do you read dictionaries?
I have read and still do read a
vaudeville of dictionaries from Websters to Funk and Wagnalls, from
Cambridge to Oxford dictionaries, from Black’s Law Dictionary to Encarta
and from Encyclopedia Britannica to Foreignisms, etcetera. I developed
my corpus of vocabulary by reading omnivorously. I have also spent
nothing less than an hour daily on my dictionary for over twenty years.
So, whereas the dictionary for most people is a mere occasional
reference point, it is for, me a vade-mecum. It may also interest you to
know that there is much to learn from our daily newspapers.
Was English your best subject?
My best subject in secondary school was
government and religion and am sure that I was drawn to religion
because, I now know as a student of Rosicrucian mysticism, that I was a
student of divine light in my last incarnation. As for government, I
just fell in love with the subject due to my early attraction in life to
issues of political-economy.
So what did you score in English language?
English language was of course my
hobbyhorse and passion but like I earlier asseverated, my results were
constantly guillotined to my utter chagrin that I had to lapse into a
jeremiad of lachrymoseim for a period of aeon. I would need to check the
result again to be sure of my score.
Do you pray the same way you speak?
God understands all languages, my
brother and I pray to God using any word that pops up. May I posit that
the key points in prayers are your sincerity, purity of heart, walking
within the compass and to what extent are you ready and worthy of
receiving the benediction of the cosmic and the cosmic masters because
as we say in mysticism- “when the students are ready, the masters would
appear.”
Take my words my brother that more than
seventy per cent of humanity don’t know how to pray but that is a matter
for another day.
Do you know that many people don’t take you too seriously when you talk because they think you are not communicating
Why will I be perturbed from ensconcing
myself in the palatable arms of Morpheus because people have deprived
themselves of the cultivation of the regime of the mental magnitude? I
read all the farrago of baloneys and vacuous bunkum from pepper soup
objurgators. The spirit of animadversion remains their fundamental human
right. It also remains an indubitable fact that I get millions and
millions of requests daily from people all over the world requesting for
my verbal mentorship which positive cosmopolitan reactions have
assisted my equipoise and righteous sense of pachydermatous garb. I
cannot put my nose to the grindstone daily and expect to be understood
by those luxuriating in a modus vivendi, verging on pepper souping, goat heading, suyaing, big stouting and isiewulising.
Has a philosophical wag not once pontificated that things of the spirit
are spiritually discerned and that it takes the deep to call the deep?
We will speak more on this matter of critiques and chichi dodo another day.
Why do you pull your trousers up beyond the waist?
Hahahaha….That trousers style is called Yohji Yamamoto.
It was my own audacious statement to remonstrate against the pervasive
tendency of Nigerians especially our youths that took to the practice of
putting on trousers exposing their lower anatomical contours and I will
do it over and over again.
- See more at: http://naijagaga.blogspot.com/2013/09/ive-spent-hour-daily-reading.html#sthash.mtvHicdb.dpuf
You guys need to read this hilarious interview grammarian and current
Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Patrick Obahiagbon granted to Punch. Excerpts below...
Why do you always speak ‘big grammar’?I am not really consensus ad idem with those who opine that my idiolect is advertently obfuscative. No no no, it’s just that I am in my elements when the colloquy has to do with the pax nigeriana of our dreams and one necessarily needs to fulminate against the alcibiadian modus vivendi of our prebendal political class.How did you start speaking in this manner?It all happened when my father brought me a teaser which stated that good orators had ruled the world and you must have to be a feisty orator if you must rule the world. As an impressionable young man, I alacritously threw myself into the whirligig of improving my usage of words by amassing new words on a daily basis.
How do you talk to your wife, children and even your friends?
I relate with my family and friends
very warmly and in an atmosphere of camaraderie, stripped of my
confutational habiliment and gladiatorial homilies. I am a very
peaceful, calm, level-headed and celestially attuned soul personality.
Is this the way you proposed to your wife, speaking high tech grammar?
Of course, the business of the day when
I interfaced with my wife on matters of the heart had to be in plain
Caeser’s language and you can decipher why that had to be so. The matter
in view did not permit itself of sphinxian conundrum.
It’s a long time ago, so I can’t
remember the exact words I used. We had a relationship for ten years
before we got married. We’re looking at close to 20 years ago.
Did you write exams in school in these big words?
I used such words very-very freely in
my exams both at the secondary school and in my university and little
wonder I had the misfortune of my English results being seized
intermittently in my O’ Levels. WAEC released my results for the other
subjects and withheld my English result. This happened for about three
years. Twice, I passed the University Matriculation Examination but I
could not proceed to the University because of my English results that
were not released. At the end of the day, it was released after the
third attempt.
How many dictionaries do you read a day and how often do you read dictionaries?
I have read and still do read a
vaudeville of dictionaries from Websters to Funk and Wagnalls, from
Cambridge to Oxford dictionaries, from Black’s Law Dictionary to Encarta
and from Encyclopedia Britannica to Foreignisms, etcetera. I developed
my corpus of vocabulary by reading omnivorously. I have also spent
nothing less than an hour daily on my dictionary for over twenty years.
So, whereas the dictionary for most people is a mere occasional
reference point, it is for, me a vade-mecum. It may also interest you to
know that there is much to learn from our daily newspapers.
Was English your best subject?
My best subject in secondary school was
government and religion and am sure that I was drawn to religion
because, I now know as a student of Rosicrucian mysticism, that I was a
student of divine light in my last incarnation. As for government, I
just fell in love with the subject due to my early attraction in life to
issues of political-economy.
So what did you score in English language?
English language was of course my
hobbyhorse and passion but like I earlier asseverated, my results were
constantly guillotined to my utter chagrin that I had to lapse into a
jeremiad of lachrymoseim for a period of aeon. I would need to check the
result again to be sure of my score.
Do you pray the same way you speak?
God understands all languages, my
brother and I pray to God using any word that pops up. May I posit that
the key points in prayers are your sincerity, purity of heart, walking
within the compass and to what extent are you ready and worthy of
receiving the benediction of the cosmic and the cosmic masters because
as we say in mysticism- “when the students are ready, the masters would
appear.”
Take my words my brother that more than
seventy per cent of humanity don’t know how to pray but that is a matter
for another day.
Do you know that many people don’t take you too seriously when you talk because they think you are not communicating
Why will I be perturbed from ensconcing
myself in the palatable arms of Morpheus because people have deprived
themselves of the cultivation of the regime of the mental magnitude? I
read all the farrago of baloneys and vacuous bunkum from pepper soup
objurgators. The spirit of animadversion remains their fundamental human
right. It also remains an indubitable fact that I get millions and
millions of requests daily from people all over the world requesting for
my verbal mentorship which positive cosmopolitan reactions have
assisted my equipoise and righteous sense of pachydermatous garb. I
cannot put my nose to the grindstone daily and expect to be understood
by those luxuriating in a modus vivendi, verging on pepper souping, goat heading, suyaing, big stouting and isiewulising.
Has a philosophical wag not once pontificated that things of the spirit
are spiritually discerned and that it takes the deep to call the deep?
We will speak more on this matter of critiques and chichi dodo another day.
Why do you pull your trousers up beyond the waist?
Hahahaha….That trousers style is called Yohji Yamamoto.
It was my own audacious statement to remonstrate against the pervasive
tendency of Nigerians especially our youths that took to the practice of
putting on trousers exposing their lower anatomical contours and I will
do it over and over again.
- See more at: http://naijagaga.blogspot.com/2013/09/ive-spent-hour-daily-reading.html#sthash.mtvHicdb.dpuf
You guys need to read this hilarious interview grammarian and current
Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Patrick Obahiagbon granted to Punch. Excerpts below...
Why do you always speak ‘big grammar’?I am not really consensus ad idem with those who opine that my idiolect is advertently obfuscative. No no no, it’s just that I am in my elements when the colloquy has to do with the pax nigeriana of our dreams and one necessarily needs to fulminate against the alcibiadian modus vivendi of our prebendal political class.How did you start speaking in this manner?It all happened when my father brought me a teaser which stated that good orators had ruled the world and you must have to be a feisty orator if you must rule the world. As an impressionable young man, I alacritously threw myself into the whirligig of improving my usage of words by amassing new words on a daily basis.
How do you talk to your wife, children and even your friends?
I relate with my family and friends
very warmly and in an atmosphere of camaraderie, stripped of my
confutational habiliment and gladiatorial homilies. I am a very
peaceful, calm, level-headed and celestially attuned soul personality.
Is this the way you proposed to your wife, speaking high tech grammar?
Of course, the business of the day when
I interfaced with my wife on matters of the heart had to be in plain
Caeser’s language and you can decipher why that had to be so. The matter
in view did not permit itself of sphinxian conundrum.
It’s a long time ago, so I can’t
remember the exact words I used. We had a relationship for ten years
before we got married. We’re looking at close to 20 years ago.
Did you write exams in school in these big words?
I used such words very-very freely in
my exams both at the secondary school and in my university and little
wonder I had the misfortune of my English results being seized
intermittently in my O’ Levels. WAEC released my results for the other
subjects and withheld my English result. This happened for about three
years. Twice, I passed the University Matriculation Examination but I
could not proceed to the University because of my English results that
were not released. At the end of the day, it was released after the
third attempt.
How many dictionaries do you read a day and how often do you read dictionaries?
I have read and still do read a
vaudeville of dictionaries from Websters to Funk and Wagnalls, from
Cambridge to Oxford dictionaries, from Black’s Law Dictionary to Encarta
and from Encyclopedia Britannica to Foreignisms, etcetera. I developed
my corpus of vocabulary by reading omnivorously. I have also spent
nothing less than an hour daily on my dictionary for over twenty years.
So, whereas the dictionary for most people is a mere occasional
reference point, it is for, me a vade-mecum. It may also interest you to
know that there is much to learn from our daily newspapers.
Was English your best subject?
My best subject in secondary school was
government and religion and am sure that I was drawn to religion
because, I now know as a student of Rosicrucian mysticism, that I was a
student of divine light in my last incarnation. As for government, I
just fell in love with the subject due to my early attraction in life to
issues of political-economy.
So what did you score in English language?
English language was of course my
hobbyhorse and passion but like I earlier asseverated, my results were
constantly guillotined to my utter chagrin that I had to lapse into a
jeremiad of lachrymoseim for a period of aeon. I would need to check the
result again to be sure of my score.
Do you pray the same way you speak?
God understands all languages, my
brother and I pray to God using any word that pops up. May I posit that
the key points in prayers are your sincerity, purity of heart, walking
within the compass and to what extent are you ready and worthy of
receiving the benediction of the cosmic and the cosmic masters because
as we say in mysticism- “when the students are ready, the masters would
appear.”
Take my words my brother that more than
seventy per cent of humanity don’t know how to pray but that is a matter
for another day.
Do you know that many people don’t take you too seriously when you talk because they think you are not communicating
Why will I be perturbed from ensconcing
myself in the palatable arms of Morpheus because people have deprived
themselves of the cultivation of the regime of the mental magnitude? I
read all the farrago of baloneys and vacuous bunkum from pepper soup
objurgators. The spirit of animadversion remains their fundamental human
right. It also remains an indubitable fact that I get millions and
millions of requests daily from people all over the world requesting for
my verbal mentorship which positive cosmopolitan reactions have
assisted my equipoise and righteous sense of pachydermatous garb. I
cannot put my nose to the grindstone daily and expect to be understood
by those luxuriating in a modus vivendi, verging on pepper souping, goat heading, suyaing, big stouting and isiewulising.
Has a philosophical wag not once pontificated that things of the spirit
are spiritually discerned and that it takes the deep to call the deep?
We will speak more on this matter of critiques and chichi dodo another day.
Why do you pull your trousers up beyond the waist?
Hahahaha….That trousers style is called Yohji Yamamoto.
It was my own audacious statement to remonstrate against the pervasive
tendency of Nigerians especially our youths that took to the practice of
putting on trousers exposing their lower anatomical contours and I will
do it over and over again.
- See more at: http://naijagaga.blogspot.com/2013/09/ive-spent-hour-daily-reading.html#sthash.mtvHicdb.dpufCoach of the Malawi national team quits after loss to Nigeria.......
.
 Tom Saintfiet | Supersport.com September 7, 2013 Tom Saintfiet has quit as coach of the Malawi national team following his side’s 0-2 loss to Nigeria in a 2014 World Cup qualifying game in Calabar on Saturday. Saintfiet whose appointment was ratified on July 2 by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) explained that he had an “agreement till midnight on Saturday” with FAM. |
The Belgian also revealed that his major aim as Malawi coach was to mastermind a stunning success against the reigning African champions, Nigeria in Calabar, a feat he failed to achieve.
“I never was here to win many games. I was here to win one game (on Saturday) against Nigeria and that was the only goal,” Saintfiet said at the post-match press conference.
He was however cryptic when queried about his next move.
“I don’t feel any pressure because (the Football Association of Malawi) had an agreement till midnight on Saturday.
“From Sunday morning, I have no agreement with the federation and that was clear so I am a professional coach and my future? That we will see in the coming weeks but I am not worried about that,” he said.
Saintfiet played football between 1983 to 1997 (FC Boom) before becoming a football manager at the age of 24, becoming the youngest manager in Belgian football.
Wednesday 24 July 2013
shoking salaries of Nigerian lawmakers
The jumbo salary being paid the country’s legislators, which ranked the
highest in the world, according to a new study, has attracted sharp
criticisms from Nigerians across the country, including economists and
lawyers.
A report by The Economist magazine revealed that Nigerian federal legislators with a basic salary of $189,500 per annum (N30.6m) were the highest paid lawmakers in the world.
Quoting data from the International Monetary Fund and The Economist magazine of London, the study looked at the lawmakers’ basic salary as a ratio of the Gross Domestic Product per person across countries of the world.
According to the report, the basic salary (which excludes allowances) of a Nigerian lawmaker is 116 times the country’s GDP per person of $1,600.
The $189,500 earned annually by each Nigerian legislator is estimated to be 52 per cent higher than what Kenya legislators, who are the second highest paid lawmakers, earned.
An Associate Professor of Economics at the Ekiti State University, Dr. Abel Awe, said the lawmakers’ jumbo salary was indicative of the huge gap between the poor and the rich as well as between the ruler and the ruled.
He said it was unfortunate that the country was running the costliest democracy in the world.
Awe said, “This is part of the reason why 70 per cent of the nation’s budget is allocated to re-current expenditure. We are using a huge chunk of the nation’s resources to service just less than 1,000 people in a country of over 160 million people.
“We are running the costliest democracy in the world. We can’t develop this way when we spend huge money to service a few people. How will you get money for productive activities to expand the economy? An average Nigerian cannot access good medical care, good roads and other basic things of life when the legislators are smiling to the bank.
“This democracy is satanic. We have to review this democracy. The cost of maintaining the lawmakers is outrageous. What they are taking is too much.”
An economist, Mr. Henry Boyo, said the study had shown clearly that the cost of governance in Nigeria was very high.
Boyo, who noted that the cost of governance was predicated on the provisions of the Constitution, said it was high time Nigerians cried against the bloated cost of governance.
He said, “Our legislators’ actions or salaries are actually accommodated by the Constitution. In the past, we had less money and we had enough as a country. People are asking for a change of Constitution.
“It is unfortunate that it is the people who will do it that are the ones in charge. The legislators will not vote against themselves.”
However, the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr. Zakari Mohammed, dismissed the report as incorrect.
He said, “Whatever is being written is mere exaggeration and does not reflect what is accurate. They fail to realise that what we take as salaries are different from what we use in running our offices.
“These are two different issues. Most times, people just lump everything together and claim that it is our monthly salary; that is not correct. At the appropriate time, we shall react, because it is not just about the House but the National Assembly. The National Assembly will react at the right time.”
The report had suggested that a Nigerian federal lawmaker earned $189,000 or about N30m annually.
The magazine also published details of the annual salaries of legislators in other countries, some of which include Ghana, $46,500; Indonesia, $65,800; Thailand, $43,800; India, $11,200; Italy, $182,000; Bangladesh, N4,000; Israel, $114,800; Hong Kong, $130,000; Japan, $149,700; and Singapore, $154,000.
A report by The Economist magazine revealed that Nigerian federal legislators with a basic salary of $189,500 per annum (N30.6m) were the highest paid lawmakers in the world.
Quoting data from the International Monetary Fund and The Economist magazine of London, the study looked at the lawmakers’ basic salary as a ratio of the Gross Domestic Product per person across countries of the world.
According to the report, the basic salary (which excludes allowances) of a Nigerian lawmaker is 116 times the country’s GDP per person of $1,600.
The $189,500 earned annually by each Nigerian legislator is estimated to be 52 per cent higher than what Kenya legislators, who are the second highest paid lawmakers, earned.
An Associate Professor of Economics at the Ekiti State University, Dr. Abel Awe, said the lawmakers’ jumbo salary was indicative of the huge gap between the poor and the rich as well as between the ruler and the ruled.
He said it was unfortunate that the country was running the costliest democracy in the world.
Awe said, “This is part of the reason why 70 per cent of the nation’s budget is allocated to re-current expenditure. We are using a huge chunk of the nation’s resources to service just less than 1,000 people in a country of over 160 million people.
“We are running the costliest democracy in the world. We can’t develop this way when we spend huge money to service a few people. How will you get money for productive activities to expand the economy? An average Nigerian cannot access good medical care, good roads and other basic things of life when the legislators are smiling to the bank.
“This democracy is satanic. We have to review this democracy. The cost of maintaining the lawmakers is outrageous. What they are taking is too much.”
An economist, Mr. Henry Boyo, said the study had shown clearly that the cost of governance in Nigeria was very high.
Boyo, who noted that the cost of governance was predicated on the provisions of the Constitution, said it was high time Nigerians cried against the bloated cost of governance.
He said, “Our legislators’ actions or salaries are actually accommodated by the Constitution. In the past, we had less money and we had enough as a country. People are asking for a change of Constitution.
“It is unfortunate that it is the people who will do it that are the ones in charge. The legislators will not vote against themselves.”
However, the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr. Zakari Mohammed, dismissed the report as incorrect.
He said, “Whatever is being written is mere exaggeration and does not reflect what is accurate. They fail to realise that what we take as salaries are different from what we use in running our offices.
“These are two different issues. Most times, people just lump everything together and claim that it is our monthly salary; that is not correct. At the appropriate time, we shall react, because it is not just about the House but the National Assembly. The National Assembly will react at the right time.”
The report had suggested that a Nigerian federal lawmaker earned $189,000 or about N30m annually.
The magazine also published details of the annual salaries of legislators in other countries, some of which include Ghana, $46,500; Indonesia, $65,800; Thailand, $43,800; India, $11,200; Italy, $182,000; Bangladesh, N4,000; Israel, $114,800; Hong Kong, $130,000; Japan, $149,700; and Singapore, $154,000.
Thursday 18 July 2013
Topic: My problem with Rivers governor: Nigeria's First Lady Opens Up Finally (Read 5108 times)
Contrary to her earlier denials of involvement in the political
crisis rocking Rivers State, wife of President Goodluck Jonathan,
Patience, on Wednesday opened up on the matter.
She told 16 bishops from the South-South, who visited her at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that her misunderstanding with Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, started about four years ago in Anyugubiri in Okrika when she appealed to him to engage her people in dialogue instead of demolishing a part of their community.
Mrs. Jonathan said the governor, whom she described as “hot tempered,” did not only ignore her advice, he went a step further by sacking the chairman of the local government for holding a reception in her honour.
According to her, Amaechi did not only stop at those, he imposed a curfew on the community, which is where she hails from.
She said all her pleas with the governor to lift the curfew fell on deaf ears.
Although the President’s wife told the visiting bishops that she had since committed the Rivers crisis to God, she decided to open up for the first time on it so that they could pray to God to touch Amaechi’s heart.
She said, “Rivers State issue is one thing I have committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I will do His work without the fear of man. The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we have handed over to God.
“This matter started four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but that he should dialogue first with the people. After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika Local Government and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first victim.
“He also put my people under curfew for nine months. I called him and pleaded with him but he refused. Then I began to hear all sorts of propaganda in the media against me; this is not the way.
“I have never spoken about this issue but as men of God, I believe you will say the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests; some will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.
“I also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.’’
Mrs. Jonathan urged the governor to sheathe the sword and allow peace to reign in the state.
She said as her son, she could not be fighting the governor.
She also urged the governor to avoid being used by outsiders to fight “his own blood.”
She added, “I appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all time.
“Hebrews 12:14 urges us to embrace peace with all men without which, we cannot see God. Amaechi is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.
“One day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat. Power is not forever. This seat is vanity, others sat here and left, so one day I will also leave and we will meet at home; so why should I fight him?
“Let’s take it easy and face issues. Let’s stop magnifying lies; we must respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a chance.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, said they decided to visit the wife of the President to unravel the mysteries surrounding the crisis in the state and mediate in order to find a lasting solution to it.
“Our visit is significant in view of emerging situations in our region. We are on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary,” he said.
Mrs. Jonathan’s spokesman, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, later issued a statement in which she again called on all those involved in the crisis to sheathe their swords and find ways to restore peace to the state.
The statement reads in part, “Dame Jonathan particularly appealed to Governor Amaechi to fly the olive branch, and resist being used by outsiders against his own people.
“While giving an insight into the genesis of the crisis in the state, she reiterated the need for the warring factions to employ dialogue as a means of resolving the contending issues amicably.
“The First Lady urged those who are crying more than the bereaved to stop magnifying the misunderstanding, while reiterating that Governor Amaechi and Mr. Nyeson Wike (Minister of State for Education) remain her sons, brothers and kinsmen, and would do anything to protect both of them.
Reacting, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said the governor did not demolish the houses around a school in Angubiri, Okirika, as advised by Mrs. Jonathan.
Semenitari, who recalled what happened in Okirika when the President’s wife visited, said the school shown to Mrs. Jonathan by the governor had no playground, adding that a playground and other facilities could only be provided if some houses around the school were demolished.
“The First Lady advised against it and the governor did not demolish the houses. The school is still there without a playground. This issue happened a long time ago. What I don’t understand is that she still bears that in mind,” the commissioner added.
On the allegation that Amaechi imposed a nine-month curfew on the people of Okrika, Semenitari disagreed with Mrs. Jonathan, saying, “Even the First Lady had said several times that one of the achievements of the governor was that he (Amaechi) brought peace to Okrika and that people could sleep with both eyes closed.”
On her description of Amaechi as hot-tempered, the commissioner pointed out that she could not say anything about it since it was the President’s wife’s personal opinion.
Semenitari, however, expressed satisfaction with Mrs. Jonathan’s warning to those using her name to forment trouble to desist from such act.
“What I think is good to hear is that she has no problem with the governor (Amaechi) and that those using her name to cause crisis will stop doing so,” the commissioner stressed.
“She expressed her commitment to ensuring that peace returns to Rivers State soon, stating that as the President of African First Ladies Peace Mission, her desire is to have peace in her home base.”
HOWEVER IF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS FAULTED,IT SHOULD NOT BE TO THE DETRIMENT OF GIDEON'S BLOG.THE STORY WAS HIGHLIGHTED FROM A SITE.(NOTE THE TOPIC?)
She told 16 bishops from the South-South, who visited her at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that her misunderstanding with Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, started about four years ago in Anyugubiri in Okrika when she appealed to him to engage her people in dialogue instead of demolishing a part of their community.
Mrs. Jonathan said the governor, whom she described as “hot tempered,” did not only ignore her advice, he went a step further by sacking the chairman of the local government for holding a reception in her honour.
According to her, Amaechi did not only stop at those, he imposed a curfew on the community, which is where she hails from.
She said all her pleas with the governor to lift the curfew fell on deaf ears.
Although the President’s wife told the visiting bishops that she had since committed the Rivers crisis to God, she decided to open up for the first time on it so that they could pray to God to touch Amaechi’s heart.
She said, “Rivers State issue is one thing I have committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I will do His work without the fear of man. The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we have handed over to God.
“This matter started four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but that he should dialogue first with the people. After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika Local Government and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first victim.
“He also put my people under curfew for nine months. I called him and pleaded with him but he refused. Then I began to hear all sorts of propaganda in the media against me; this is not the way.
“I have never spoken about this issue but as men of God, I believe you will say the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests; some will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.
“I also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.’’
Mrs. Jonathan urged the governor to sheathe the sword and allow peace to reign in the state.
She said as her son, she could not be fighting the governor.
She also urged the governor to avoid being used by outsiders to fight “his own blood.”
She added, “I appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all time.
“Hebrews 12:14 urges us to embrace peace with all men without which, we cannot see God. Amaechi is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.
“One day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat. Power is not forever. This seat is vanity, others sat here and left, so one day I will also leave and we will meet at home; so why should I fight him?
“Let’s take it easy and face issues. Let’s stop magnifying lies; we must respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a chance.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, said they decided to visit the wife of the President to unravel the mysteries surrounding the crisis in the state and mediate in order to find a lasting solution to it.
“Our visit is significant in view of emerging situations in our region. We are on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary,” he said.
Mrs. Jonathan’s spokesman, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, later issued a statement in which she again called on all those involved in the crisis to sheathe their swords and find ways to restore peace to the state.
The statement reads in part, “Dame Jonathan particularly appealed to Governor Amaechi to fly the olive branch, and resist being used by outsiders against his own people.
“While giving an insight into the genesis of the crisis in the state, she reiterated the need for the warring factions to employ dialogue as a means of resolving the contending issues amicably.
“The First Lady urged those who are crying more than the bereaved to stop magnifying the misunderstanding, while reiterating that Governor Amaechi and Mr. Nyeson Wike (Minister of State for Education) remain her sons, brothers and kinsmen, and would do anything to protect both of them.
Reacting, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said the governor did not demolish the houses around a school in Angubiri, Okirika, as advised by Mrs. Jonathan.
Semenitari, who recalled what happened in Okirika when the President’s wife visited, said the school shown to Mrs. Jonathan by the governor had no playground, adding that a playground and other facilities could only be provided if some houses around the school were demolished.
“The First Lady advised against it and the governor did not demolish the houses. The school is still there without a playground. This issue happened a long time ago. What I don’t understand is that she still bears that in mind,” the commissioner added.
On the allegation that Amaechi imposed a nine-month curfew on the people of Okrika, Semenitari disagreed with Mrs. Jonathan, saying, “Even the First Lady had said several times that one of the achievements of the governor was that he (Amaechi) brought peace to Okrika and that people could sleep with both eyes closed.”
On her description of Amaechi as hot-tempered, the commissioner pointed out that she could not say anything about it since it was the President’s wife’s personal opinion.
Semenitari, however, expressed satisfaction with Mrs. Jonathan’s warning to those using her name to forment trouble to desist from such act.
“What I think is good to hear is that she has no problem with the governor (Amaechi) and that those using her name to cause crisis will stop doing so,” the commissioner stressed.
“She expressed her commitment to ensuring that peace returns to Rivers State soon, stating that as the President of African First Ladies Peace Mission, her desire is to have peace in her home base.”
HOWEVER IF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS FAULTED,IT SHOULD NOT BE TO THE DETRIMENT OF GIDEON'S BLOG.THE STORY WAS HIGHLIGHTED FROM A SITE.(NOTE THE TOPIC?)
Topic: My problem with Rivers governor: Nigeria's First Lady Opens Up Finally (Read 5108 times)
Contrary to her earlier denials of involvement in the political
crisis rocking Rivers State, wife of President Goodluck Jonathan,
Patience, on Wednesday opened up on the matter.
She told 16 bishops from the South-South, who visited her at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that her misunderstanding with Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, started about four years ago in Anyugubiri in Okrika when she appealed to him to engage her people in dialogue instead of demolishing a part of their community.
Mrs. Jonathan said the governor, whom she described as “hot tempered,” did not only ignore her advice, he went a step further by sacking the chairman of the local government for holding a reception in her honour.
According to her, Amaechi did not only stop at those, he imposed a curfew on the community, which is where she hails from.
She said all her pleas with the governor to lift the curfew fell on deaf ears.
Although the President’s wife told the visiting bishops that she had since committed the Rivers crisis to God, she decided to open up for the first time on it so that they could pray to God to touch Amaechi’s heart.
She said, “Rivers State issue is one thing I have committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I will do His work without the fear of man. The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we have handed over to God.
“This matter started four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but that he should dialogue first with the people. After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika Local Government and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first victim.
“He also put my people under curfew for nine months. I called him and pleaded with him but he refused. Then I began to hear all sorts of propaganda in the media against me; this is not the way.
“I have never spoken about this issue but as men of God, I believe you will say the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests; some will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.
“I also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.’’
Mrs. Jonathan urged the governor to sheathe the sword and allow peace to reign in the state.
She said as her son, she could not be fighting the governor.
She also urged the governor to avoid being used by outsiders to fight “his own blood.”
She added, “I appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all time.
“Hebrews 12:14 urges us to embrace peace with all men without which, we cannot see God. Amaechi is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.
“One day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat. Power is not forever. This seat is vanity, others sat here and left, so one day I will also leave and we will meet at home; so why should I fight him?
“Let’s take it easy and face issues. Let’s stop magnifying lies; we must respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a chance.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, said they decided to visit the wife of the President to unravel the mysteries surrounding the crisis in the state and mediate in order to find a lasting solution to it.
“Our visit is significant in view of emerging situations in our region. We are on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary,” he said.
Mrs. Jonathan’s spokesman, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, later issued a statement in which she again called on all those involved in the crisis to sheathe their swords and find ways to restore peace to the state.
The statement reads in part, “Dame Jonathan particularly appealed to Governor Amaechi to fly the olive branch, and resist being used by outsiders against his own people.
“While giving an insight into the genesis of the crisis in the state, she reiterated the need for the warring factions to employ dialogue as a means of resolving the contending issues amicably.
“The First Lady urged those who are crying more than the bereaved to stop magnifying the misunderstanding, while reiterating that Governor Amaechi and Mr. Nyeson Wike (Minister of State for Education) remain her sons, brothers and kinsmen, and would do anything to protect both of them.
Reacting, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said the governor did not demolish the houses around a school in Angubiri, Okirika, as advised by Mrs. Jonathan.
Semenitari, who recalled what happened in Okirika when the President’s wife visited, said the school shown to Mrs. Jonathan by the governor had no playground, adding that a playground and other facilities could only be provided if some houses around the school were demolished.
“The First Lady advised against it and the governor did not demolish the houses. The school is still there without a playground. This issue happened a long time ago. What I don’t understand is that she still bears that in mind,” the commissioner added.
On the allegation that Amaechi imposed a nine-month curfew on the people of Okrika, Semenitari disagreed with Mrs. Jonathan, saying, “Even the First Lady had said several times that one of the achievements of the governor was that he (Amaechi) brought peace to Okrika and that people could sleep with both eyes closed.”
On her description of Amaechi as hot-tempered, the commissioner pointed out that she could not say anything about it since it was the President’s wife’s personal opinion.
Semenitari, however, expressed satisfaction with Mrs. Jonathan’s warning to those using her name to forment trouble to desist from such act.
“What I think is good to hear is that she has no problem with the governor (Amaechi) and that those using her name to cause crisis will stop doing so,” the commissioner stressed.
“She expressed her commitment to ensuring that peace returns to Rivers State soon, stating that as the President of African First Ladies Peace Mission, her desire is to have peace in her home base.”
HOWEVER IF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS FAULTED,IT SHOULD NOT BE TO THE DETRIMENT OF GIDEON'S BLOG.THE STORY WAS HIGHLIGHTED FROM A SITE.(NOTE THE TOPIC?)
She told 16 bishops from the South-South, who visited her at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that her misunderstanding with Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, started about four years ago in Anyugubiri in Okrika when she appealed to him to engage her people in dialogue instead of demolishing a part of their community.
Mrs. Jonathan said the governor, whom she described as “hot tempered,” did not only ignore her advice, he went a step further by sacking the chairman of the local government for holding a reception in her honour.
According to her, Amaechi did not only stop at those, he imposed a curfew on the community, which is where she hails from.
She said all her pleas with the governor to lift the curfew fell on deaf ears.
Although the President’s wife told the visiting bishops that she had since committed the Rivers crisis to God, she decided to open up for the first time on it so that they could pray to God to touch Amaechi’s heart.
She said, “Rivers State issue is one thing I have committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I will do His work without the fear of man. The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we have handed over to God.
“This matter started four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but that he should dialogue first with the people. After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika Local Government and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first victim.
“He also put my people under curfew for nine months. I called him and pleaded with him but he refused. Then I began to hear all sorts of propaganda in the media against me; this is not the way.
“I have never spoken about this issue but as men of God, I believe you will say the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests; some will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.
“I also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.’’
Mrs. Jonathan urged the governor to sheathe the sword and allow peace to reign in the state.
She said as her son, she could not be fighting the governor.
She also urged the governor to avoid being used by outsiders to fight “his own blood.”
She added, “I appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all time.
“Hebrews 12:14 urges us to embrace peace with all men without which, we cannot see God. Amaechi is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.
“One day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat. Power is not forever. This seat is vanity, others sat here and left, so one day I will also leave and we will meet at home; so why should I fight him?
“Let’s take it easy and face issues. Let’s stop magnifying lies; we must respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a chance.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, said they decided to visit the wife of the President to unravel the mysteries surrounding the crisis in the state and mediate in order to find a lasting solution to it.
“Our visit is significant in view of emerging situations in our region. We are on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary,” he said.
Mrs. Jonathan’s spokesman, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, later issued a statement in which she again called on all those involved in the crisis to sheathe their swords and find ways to restore peace to the state.
The statement reads in part, “Dame Jonathan particularly appealed to Governor Amaechi to fly the olive branch, and resist being used by outsiders against his own people.
“While giving an insight into the genesis of the crisis in the state, she reiterated the need for the warring factions to employ dialogue as a means of resolving the contending issues amicably.
“The First Lady urged those who are crying more than the bereaved to stop magnifying the misunderstanding, while reiterating that Governor Amaechi and Mr. Nyeson Wike (Minister of State for Education) remain her sons, brothers and kinsmen, and would do anything to protect both of them.
Reacting, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said the governor did not demolish the houses around a school in Angubiri, Okirika, as advised by Mrs. Jonathan.
Semenitari, who recalled what happened in Okirika when the President’s wife visited, said the school shown to Mrs. Jonathan by the governor had no playground, adding that a playground and other facilities could only be provided if some houses around the school were demolished.
“The First Lady advised against it and the governor did not demolish the houses. The school is still there without a playground. This issue happened a long time ago. What I don’t understand is that she still bears that in mind,” the commissioner added.
On the allegation that Amaechi imposed a nine-month curfew on the people of Okrika, Semenitari disagreed with Mrs. Jonathan, saying, “Even the First Lady had said several times that one of the achievements of the governor was that he (Amaechi) brought peace to Okrika and that people could sleep with both eyes closed.”
On her description of Amaechi as hot-tempered, the commissioner pointed out that she could not say anything about it since it was the President’s wife’s personal opinion.
Semenitari, however, expressed satisfaction with Mrs. Jonathan’s warning to those using her name to forment trouble to desist from such act.
“What I think is good to hear is that she has no problem with the governor (Amaechi) and that those using her name to cause crisis will stop doing so,” the commissioner stressed.
“She expressed her commitment to ensuring that peace returns to Rivers State soon, stating that as the President of African First Ladies Peace Mission, her desire is to have peace in her home base.”
HOWEVER IF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS FAULTED,IT SHOULD NOT BE TO THE DETRIMENT OF GIDEON'S BLOG.THE STORY WAS HIGHLIGHTED FROM A SITE.(NOTE THE TOPIC?)
Welcome to the New Russia
A visit to Russia today is an
encounter with an undiscovered land.
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union visitors have a fresh opportunity to explore a vast array of exciting and ancient cultures, from the glittering imperial Russia of St. Petersburg to the timeless village life of Siberia and Irkutsk. One of the most notable features of present day Russia is a renewed celebration of the wealth of its past and its potential for the future. Throwing off the blanket of communist uniformity, Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re-awakened with a newfound strength - ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colorful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom.
For most westerners, Russia is associated with its European cities--Moscow, St. Petersburg and Murmansk. This is the heartland of Imperial Russia, and these great and ancient cities often become the focus for most tourists. However there is much more to Russia, a country that spans eleven time zones and two continents, ending less than 50 miles from North America. Within this vast expanse lie the largest freshwater lake in the world, rivers and forests teeming with fish and wildlife, awe inspiring volcanos, and towering mountains. Russia is the largest country on earth, with enormous tracts of land that have been opened to travellers only in the last few years.
Just as Russia's rich cultural heritage has once more come to life, its natural heritage too is a new country waiting to be discovered.
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union visitors have a fresh opportunity to explore a vast array of exciting and ancient cultures, from the glittering imperial Russia of St. Petersburg to the timeless village life of Siberia and Irkutsk. One of the most notable features of present day Russia is a renewed celebration of the wealth of its past and its potential for the future. Throwing off the blanket of communist uniformity, Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re-awakened with a newfound strength - ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colorful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom.
For most westerners, Russia is associated with its European cities--Moscow, St. Petersburg and Murmansk. This is the heartland of Imperial Russia, and these great and ancient cities often become the focus for most tourists. However there is much more to Russia, a country that spans eleven time zones and two continents, ending less than 50 miles from North America. Within this vast expanse lie the largest freshwater lake in the world, rivers and forests teeming with fish and wildlife, awe inspiring volcanos, and towering mountains. Russia is the largest country on earth, with enormous tracts of land that have been opened to travellers only in the last few years.
Just as Russia's rich cultural heritage has once more come to life, its natural heritage too is a new country waiting to be discovered.
Topic: Taiye Taiwo Hit With €1 million Tax Fraud Charges; May Lose Mansion
Former Super Eagles left-back Taiye Taiwo has been
hit with tax fraud charges of over 1 million Euros in France, and could
lose his Marseille mansion. A Marseille court has already started
judicial proceeding to seize his mansion based in Allauch, a French
community situated east of Marseille and put at €600,000. Serious
matter! But why do these celebs evade tax when they know they would be
fished out one way or the other? We've had Wesley Snipes, Lauryn Hill
and a host of others get locked up because of tax evasion.
According to findings of the French fiscal authorities, Taiye Taiwo defaulted in the payment of income taxes in 2008 and 2009 as well as property taxes in 2011 on his 900m2 home, which they say will be auctioned at €200,000, three times lower than its market value. Taiwo, is said to owe €1,025,000 in taxes, but can apply through his lawyer for instalment or delayed payment if he is not financially fit to settle at the moment. The 28-year-old defender who was not present at the tax office is yet to respond to the charges, played six seasons at Olympique Marseille between 2005 and 2011 before joining Italian giants AC Milan and he recently joined Turkish side Bursaspor and currently earns €2 million per annum. A Marseille court has already started judicial proceeding to seize his mansion based in Allauch, a French community situated east of Marseille and put at €600,000.
According to findings of the French fiscal authorities, Taiye Taiwo defaulted in the payment of income taxes in 2008 and 2009 as well as property taxes in 2011 on his 900m2 home, which they say will be auctioned at €200,000, three times lower than its market value. Taiwo, is said to owe €1,025,000 in taxes, but can apply through his lawyer for instalment or delayed payment if he is not financially fit to settle at the moment. The 28-year-old defender who was not present at the tax office is yet to respond to the charges, played six seasons at Olympique Marseille between 2005 and 2011 before joining Italian giants AC Milan and he recently joined Turkish side Bursaspor and currently earns €2 million per annum. A Marseille court has already started judicial proceeding to seize his mansion based in Allauch, a French community situated east of Marseille and put at €600,000.
Former Super Eagles left-back Taiye Taiwo has been
hit with tax fraud charges of over 1 million Euros in France, and could
lose his Marseille mansion. A Marseille court has already started
judicial proceeding to seize his mansion based in Allauch, a French
community situated east of Marseille and put at €600,000. Serious
matter! But why do these celebs evade tax when they know they would be
fished out one way or the other? We've had Wesley Snipes, Lauryn Hill
and a host of others get locked up because of tax evasion.
According to findings of the French fiscal authorities, Taiye Taiwo defaulted in the payment of income taxes in 2008 and 2009 as well as property taxes in 2011 on his 900m2 home, which they say will be auctioned at €200,000, three times lower than its market value. Taiwo, is said to owe €1,025,000 in taxes, but can apply through his lawyer for instalment or delayed payment if he is not financially fit to settle at the moment. The 28-year-old defender who was not present at the tax office is yet to respond to the charges, played six seasons at Olympique Marseille between 2005 and 2011 before joining Italian giants AC Milan and he recently joined Turkish side Bursaspor and currently earns €2 million per annum. A Marseille court has already started judicial proceeding to seize his mansion based in Allauch, a French community situated east of Marseille and put at €600,000.
According to findings of the French fiscal authorities, Taiye Taiwo defaulted in the payment of income taxes in 2008 and 2009 as well as property taxes in 2011 on his 900m2 home, which they say will be auctioned at €200,000, three times lower than its market value. Taiwo, is said to owe €1,025,000 in taxes, but can apply through his lawyer for instalment or delayed payment if he is not financially fit to settle at the moment. The 28-year-old defender who was not present at the tax office is yet to respond to the charges, played six seasons at Olympique Marseille between 2005 and 2011 before joining Italian giants AC Milan and he recently joined Turkish side Bursaspor and currently earns €2 million per annum. A Marseille court has already started judicial proceeding to seize his mansion based in Allauch, a French community situated east of Marseille and put at €600,000.
Wednesday 17 July 2013
GLOBAL FACTS
FACTS ARROUND THE GLOBE
·
WORLD
The world health organization has
concluded that exposure to
diesel enginge exhaust “ is associated with an increased risk
for lung cancer” and possibly also for bladder cancer.
·
ANTARTICAR
Fossilized pollen and
spores recovered from seabed sediment reveal that the Antarctica once supported palms and
near-tropical forests. During the so-called “ Eocene green-house period”.
Winters were mild and “essentially frost-free” and temperatures at the poles
were not vastly different from those at the equator.
· EL
SALVADOR
In mid-april 2012, government
officials heralded El Salvador’s first murder-free day in almost three
years. Plagued by drug related violence, in 2011 the country had a homicide
rate of 60 per 100,000
_one of the
worst in the world
FACTS ARROUND THE GLOBE
FACTS ARROUND THE GLOBE
·
WORLD
The world health organization has
concluded that exposure to
diesel enginge exhaust “ is associated with an increased risk
for lung cancer” and possibly also for bladder cancer.
·
ANTARTICAR
Fossilized pollen and
spores recovered from seabed sediment reveal that the Antarctica once supported palms and
near-tropical forests. During the so-called “ Eocene green-house period”.
Winters were mild and “essentially frost-free” and temperatures at the poles
were not vastly different from those at the equator.
· EL
SALVADOR
In mid-april 2012, government
officials heralded El Salvador’s first murder-free day in almost three
years. Plagued by drug related violence, in 2011 the country had a homicide
rate of 60 per 100,000
_one of the
worst in the world
ASUP SUSPENDS STRIKE ON 17 JULY 2013
ASUP SUSPENDS STRIKE FOR FOUR (4) WEEKS I.I ONE MONTH TO GIVE THE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA TIME TO MEET HER NEEDS.THE UNION'S
PRESIDENT SAYS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WANTED TWO WEEKS OF SUSPENSION BUT
THEY DECIDED TO MAKE ONE MONTH TO GIVE THE GOVERNMENT ALL THE TIME IT
DESERVES.THAT'S WHAT I HAVE GATHERED,I STAND TO ACCEPT ANY CORRECTION ON
THIS POST.THE SUSPENSION BEGINS ON 17TH OF JULY 2013
Tuesday 9 July 2013
Boko Haram begs for forgiveness, signs ceasefire deaL
o
WE are seeking forgiveness from the people over the number of people killed in the country.
I appeal to those who lost their loved ones to our activities to forgive us and on our side we have forgiven all those who committed atrocities against us. I want to state clearly that we have no hands in the unfortunate attack on the secondary school (Government Secondary School, Mamudo, Yobe State).”
With these words, Imam Muhammadu Marwana, an influential member of the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram sect, yesterday, confirmed a ceasefire agreement with the Federal Government to end their deadly activities across most states of Northern Nigeria, which have claimed about 4,000 lives and destroyed properties worth billions of Naira since 2009.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/boko-haram-begs-for-forgiveness-signs-ceasefire-deal/#sthash.12QFGUuz.dpuf
The agreement came exactly 82 days after the Federal Government raised a 25-man committee to work out modalities for granting the amnesty to the sect.
Indeed, the Federal Government, yesterday, said that it had signed a ceasefire agreement with the militant group. Minister of Special Duties and Chairman of the Peace and Dialogue Committee in the North, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki announced the ceasefire agreement on the Hausa service of Radio France International monitored in Kano
The announcement came on the eve of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan expected to commence today throughout the world and also coincided with a vehement denial by the insurgents that they had no hands in the murder of 30 boarding students of a secondary school in Yobe weekend.
Although details of the peace deal were scanty, Turaki who spoke in Hausa further said that the Boko Haram insurgents had agreed to lay down their arms.
“We have sat down and agreed that Jama’atu Ahlul Sunnah Lidda’awati wal Jihad, known as Boko Haram will lay down their arms as part of the agreement so as to end the insurgency. Government agreed with ceasefire and will look into ways to ensure that the troops relax their activities till the final take off of the ceasefire,” Turaki told his interviewers.
Confirming the truce, Imam Muhammadu Marwana said: “This ceasefire, in sha’Allahu, from the time I am talking to you (Radio France Hausa Service) we have ceasefire because of the discussion held so as to have peace over this struggle.”
The Boko Haram stalwart added that “we are seeking forgiveness from the people over the number of people killed in the country.
Sounding apologetic during the Radio news, Imam Marwana declared that “I appeal to those who lost their loved ones to our activities to forgive us and on our side we have forgiven all those who committed atrocities against us”
He added that “I want to state clearly that we have no hands in the unfortunate attack on the secondary school.”
How the agreement was reached
A member of the presidential committee, which President Godluck Jonathan gave 90 days to hammer out a solution to the problem told Vanguard how the agreement was brokered. He said “Shekau’s leadership came out through several fronts and set traps for us. The government gave them confidence, the confidence led to trust and they said they will call their men to cease-fire and they have done so.”
Mixed reactions trail move
Meanwhile, Nigerians have received news of the truce with cautious optimism
A step in the right direction—Gani Adams
National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams said it was a step in the right direction. Iin a telephone chat with Vanguard, he said: “It is a step in the right direction and I think from there, they will create room to dialogue with the Federal Government and state their position.
They cannot continue to waste lives just like that. I don’t know what they stand for but no matter what they stand for, their approach is wrong and deadly. Nobody in the world will support their struggle. But calling for a ceasefire will afford Nigerians the opportunity to know exactly what they want.”
Identity of the group should be ascertained — Afenifere
Also, Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere was of the view that the identity of the group calling for ceasefire should be ascertained. Speaking with Vanguard on phone, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin said “We should be sure which of the Boko Haram sect is calling for a ceasefire. Is it a strategy to rule or what is it all about?
The identity of the group should be ascertained and its genuineness should be known before the Federal Government is taken off guard. Since emergency was declared in those three states (Yobe, Adamawa and Borno), the incidence of bombings has gone down but killings continue here and there. So, we must know how genuine the call is and the identity of the group calling for the ceasefire. Was it not Boko Haram that said it was the Federal Government that needed amnesty?”.
Govt should reciprocate —Balarabe Musa
In his reaction, former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa expressed optimism that the ceasefire will resolve the insurgency.
“We hope that the Federal Government will respond favourably and effectively to the ceasefire,” he said.
Committee should not concede unnecessarily—Frederick Fasehun
“Nigeria has been on the issue of amnesty for long and if they have agreed on a ceasefire, that is commendable. I see it as a roadmap to peace. I hope the committee does the follow-up to this very well. But the committee should go on with their negotiations and should not concede unnecessarily.”
Committee should go on with its mandate—Abubakar Tsav
Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, on his part said: “The development is very encouraging. I am happy about it and I commend the committee for doing a good job. The committee should go on with its mandate in order to achieve a lasting peace. The committee should be encouraged the more at this stage to conclude its job.”
FG must rise to the occasion—Arewa Youths
Commenting on the development, President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shetima said in spite of the ceasefire, the Federal Government must address the issues that led to the insurgency.
Shetima said: “Whether they cease fire or not, the truth of the matter is that Nigerians must rise to the occasion. Last year, it was the same story we heard when they called for a ceasefire and still, they unleashed a lot of mayhem in Northern Nigeria.
Also, we must appreciate the fact that the whole of Northern Nigeria has been bastardised because everybody is now a member of Boko Haram. If they call for a ceasefire, what about the remaining factions? This does not mean that the Federal Government must go to sleep, the insurgency must be condemned totally.”
How sect’s activities assumed deadly dimension
THE Jama’atu Allus Sunnah Lilda wati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, (Western education is sin), came into existence in the 1960s but survived through the decades under various names.
However, it started drawing attention to itself in 2002, when Mohammed Yusuf became its leader. In 2004, it moved to Kanamma, Yobe State, where it set up a base called ‘Afghanistan’ from where it attacked nearby police stations, killing police officers.
In July 2009, the Nigeria Police started investigating Boko Haram, following reports that the group was arming itself. Yusuf, the leader and others, were arrested and on July 30, 2009 allegations were made that Yusuf was extra-judicially killed by Nigerian security forces after being taken into custody.
The development invigorated deadly clashes with Nigerian security forces and attacks on churches, public institutions and military facilities, among others, which have led to the death of about 3,500 people.
Litany of attacks Before the clashes, many Muslim leaders, and at least one military official, had warned the authorities about Boko Haram. Those warnings were reportedly ignored.
According to Human Rights Watch, between July and December 2010, at least 85 people were killed in some 35 separate attacks in four states in northern and central Nigeria, as well as in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Attacks attributed to Boko Haram in 2011 left at least 550 people dead in 115 separate incidents.
Between January and December 2012, Boko Haram-related attacks occurred in 14 of the country‘s 36 states, including all the 12 states that have already adopted Sharia Islamic law, Plateau State and in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Violence blamed on Boko Haram, which said it wants to create an Islamic state in Nigeria, has killed more than 900 people in 2012, in about 290 separate attacks in 12 north-eastern and central states, and Abuja, making 2012 the deadliest year since the group began its attacks in 2009. And in 2013, about 250 people have been killed in Boko Haram-related attacks and incidents.
The litany of attacks include those of the United Nations Office, Abuja, Police Headquarters, Abuja, the building housing ThisDay Newspapers, Sun Newspapers and Daily Trust in Abuja, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, Deeper Life Bible Church, Okene; Military Cantonment, Jaji, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office and other numerous security facilities, especially police stations.
The security agencies also went on counter-offensive arresting, detaining and in many instances, killing Boko Haram members and leaders.
Disturbed by the escalating violence many northern leaders and groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, urged government to dialogue with the group to end the killings.
A picture taken from a video distributed to journalists in recent days through intermediaries and obtained by AFP on March 5, 2013 reportedly shows Abubakar Shekau, the suspected leader of Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, flanked by six armed and hooded fighters at an undisclosed place.
Last November, the group gave the government conditions for ending the hostilities. Acclaimed spokesman of the group, Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazeez, in a tele-conference with journalists in Maiduguri, stated that if the state and the Federal Government wanted the group to cease-fire completely, then former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, must be arrested and prosecuted according to the laws of the land. He also said that the government should compensate the group and rebuild their places of worship which were destroyed during the 2009 uprising.
He pointed out that for dialogue to take place, it must be through the following elders: Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno; former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari; former Yobe State governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim; Ambassador Gaji Galtimari and Barr Aisha Alkali Wakil and her husband, Barr Alkali Wakil, insisting that the dialogue must take place in Saudi Arabia.
Abu Abdulazeez also said that the group had mandated five members who are to mediate on their behalf; they include himself (Abu Mohammed Abdulazeez), Abu Abbas, Sheikh Ibrahim Yusuf, Sheikh Sani Kontagora and Mamman Nur.
Buhari later distanced himself from the group and the Federal Government said it could not negotiate with pre-conditions, thus the crisis festered. With the latest decision of the group to sheathe its swords, it is hoped that all stakeholders will play their required roles for normalcy to return to the country.
Porous ceasefire
However, a peace deal was brokered on January 28, 2013 after a marathon meeting between some leaders of the group, which has been terrorizing some states in the North, particularly Borno State, since July 2009, and the Borno State Government, led by Governor Kashim Shettima with other top government officials and religious leaders from the state in attendance.
The cease-fire came after a 42-month multi-pronged attack unleashed on the polity by the sect.
Briefing newsmen after the marathon meeting in Maiduguri, Sheikh Abu Mohammad Abdulazeez Ibn Idris, a commander of Boko Haram in-charge of North and Central Borno, said after due consultation with the leader of the sect, Shiekh Abubakar Shekau, as well as intervention and pleadings from respected individuals and groups in the state, we ‘’have all come to terms and agreed to lay down our arms.”
The Boko Haram Commander, however, insisted that government should immediately release all their members from custody unconditionally, re-build their places of worship and compensate them, among other demands.
Sheikh Abdulazeez said that, the sect observed that during the lingering insurgency, many Muslim women and children had suffered untold hardship, adding that, they also decided to lay down their arms for peace to reign in Borno State and the country at large.
“I am appealing and calling on all our members through this medium to lay down their arms henceforth, till further notice,” Abdulazeez stated.
However, a few hours after the cease-fire, a faction of the sect distanced itself from the peace-deal and accelerated its deadly attacks, which have claimed about 250 lives since then.
The search for peace took President Goodluck Jonathan to Borno and Yobe states last month. The series of parleys during the two-day visit did not yield amnesty as President Jonathan insisted that the Federal Government could not grant amnesty to ghosts. He urged leaders of Boko Haram to come out of their hiding and dialogue with government as was done in the Niger Delta before amnesty could be granted.
The matter was on the front burner this week following the exchange of brick-bat between Buhari and the Presidency. While Buhari accused the Presidency of being responsible for ‘political Boko Haram’ and should take responsibility for the escalating mayhem, the Presidency countered that Buhari was responsible because he threatened to make the country ungovernable if he lost the 2011 polls.
The government asked Buhari to act like a patriot and get Boko Haram leaders to embrace dialogue. Buhari refused and advised the government to carry its cross.
I appeal to those who lost their loved ones to our activities to forgive us and on our side we have forgiven all those who committed atrocities against us. I want to state clearly that we have no hands in the unfortunate attack on the secondary school (Government Secondary School, Mamudo, Yobe State).”
With these words, Imam Muhammadu Marwana, an influential member of the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram sect, yesterday, confirmed a ceasefire agreement with the Federal Government to end their deadly activities across most states of Northern Nigeria, which have claimed about 4,000 lives and destroyed properties worth billions of Naira since 2009.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/boko-haram-begs-for-forgiveness-signs-ceasefire-deal/#sthash.12QFGUuz.dpuf
The agreement came exactly 82 days after the Federal Government raised a 25-man committee to work out modalities for granting the amnesty to the sect.
Indeed, the Federal Government, yesterday, said that it had signed a ceasefire agreement with the militant group. Minister of Special Duties and Chairman of the Peace and Dialogue Committee in the North, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki announced the ceasefire agreement on the Hausa service of Radio France International monitored in Kano
The announcement came on the eve of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan expected to commence today throughout the world and also coincided with a vehement denial by the insurgents that they had no hands in the murder of 30 boarding students of a secondary school in Yobe weekend.
Although details of the peace deal were scanty, Turaki who spoke in Hausa further said that the Boko Haram insurgents had agreed to lay down their arms.
“We have sat down and agreed that Jama’atu Ahlul Sunnah Lidda’awati wal Jihad, known as Boko Haram will lay down their arms as part of the agreement so as to end the insurgency. Government agreed with ceasefire and will look into ways to ensure that the troops relax their activities till the final take off of the ceasefire,” Turaki told his interviewers.
Confirming the truce, Imam Muhammadu Marwana said: “This ceasefire, in sha’Allahu, from the time I am talking to you (Radio France Hausa Service) we have ceasefire because of the discussion held so as to have peace over this struggle.”
The Boko Haram stalwart added that “we are seeking forgiveness from the people over the number of people killed in the country.
Sounding apologetic during the Radio news, Imam Marwana declared that “I appeal to those who lost their loved ones to our activities to forgive us and on our side we have forgiven all those who committed atrocities against us”
He added that “I want to state clearly that we have no hands in the unfortunate attack on the secondary school.”
How the agreement was reached
A member of the presidential committee, which President Godluck Jonathan gave 90 days to hammer out a solution to the problem told Vanguard how the agreement was brokered. He said “Shekau’s leadership came out through several fronts and set traps for us. The government gave them confidence, the confidence led to trust and they said they will call their men to cease-fire and they have done so.”
Mixed reactions trail move
Meanwhile, Nigerians have received news of the truce with cautious optimism
A step in the right direction—Gani Adams
National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams said it was a step in the right direction. Iin a telephone chat with Vanguard, he said: “It is a step in the right direction and I think from there, they will create room to dialogue with the Federal Government and state their position.
They cannot continue to waste lives just like that. I don’t know what they stand for but no matter what they stand for, their approach is wrong and deadly. Nobody in the world will support their struggle. But calling for a ceasefire will afford Nigerians the opportunity to know exactly what they want.”
Identity of the group should be ascertained — Afenifere
Also, Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere was of the view that the identity of the group calling for ceasefire should be ascertained. Speaking with Vanguard on phone, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin said “We should be sure which of the Boko Haram sect is calling for a ceasefire. Is it a strategy to rule or what is it all about?
The identity of the group should be ascertained and its genuineness should be known before the Federal Government is taken off guard. Since emergency was declared in those three states (Yobe, Adamawa and Borno), the incidence of bombings has gone down but killings continue here and there. So, we must know how genuine the call is and the identity of the group calling for the ceasefire. Was it not Boko Haram that said it was the Federal Government that needed amnesty?”.
Govt should reciprocate —Balarabe Musa
In his reaction, former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa expressed optimism that the ceasefire will resolve the insurgency.
“We hope that the Federal Government will respond favourably and effectively to the ceasefire,” he said.
Committee should not concede unnecessarily—Frederick Fasehun
“Nigeria has been on the issue of amnesty for long and if they have agreed on a ceasefire, that is commendable. I see it as a roadmap to peace. I hope the committee does the follow-up to this very well. But the committee should go on with their negotiations and should not concede unnecessarily.”
Committee should go on with its mandate—Abubakar Tsav
Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, on his part said: “The development is very encouraging. I am happy about it and I commend the committee for doing a good job. The committee should go on with its mandate in order to achieve a lasting peace. The committee should be encouraged the more at this stage to conclude its job.”
FG must rise to the occasion—Arewa Youths
Commenting on the development, President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shetima said in spite of the ceasefire, the Federal Government must address the issues that led to the insurgency.
Shetima said: “Whether they cease fire or not, the truth of the matter is that Nigerians must rise to the occasion. Last year, it was the same story we heard when they called for a ceasefire and still, they unleashed a lot of mayhem in Northern Nigeria.
Also, we must appreciate the fact that the whole of Northern Nigeria has been bastardised because everybody is now a member of Boko Haram. If they call for a ceasefire, what about the remaining factions? This does not mean that the Federal Government must go to sleep, the insurgency must be condemned totally.”
How sect’s activities assumed deadly dimension
THE Jama’atu Allus Sunnah Lilda wati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, (Western education is sin), came into existence in the 1960s but survived through the decades under various names.
However, it started drawing attention to itself in 2002, when Mohammed Yusuf became its leader. In 2004, it moved to Kanamma, Yobe State, where it set up a base called ‘Afghanistan’ from where it attacked nearby police stations, killing police officers.
In July 2009, the Nigeria Police started investigating Boko Haram, following reports that the group was arming itself. Yusuf, the leader and others, were arrested and on July 30, 2009 allegations were made that Yusuf was extra-judicially killed by Nigerian security forces after being taken into custody.
The development invigorated deadly clashes with Nigerian security forces and attacks on churches, public institutions and military facilities, among others, which have led to the death of about 3,500 people.
Litany of attacks Before the clashes, many Muslim leaders, and at least one military official, had warned the authorities about Boko Haram. Those warnings were reportedly ignored.
According to Human Rights Watch, between July and December 2010, at least 85 people were killed in some 35 separate attacks in four states in northern and central Nigeria, as well as in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Attacks attributed to Boko Haram in 2011 left at least 550 people dead in 115 separate incidents.
Between January and December 2012, Boko Haram-related attacks occurred in 14 of the country‘s 36 states, including all the 12 states that have already adopted Sharia Islamic law, Plateau State and in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Violence blamed on Boko Haram, which said it wants to create an Islamic state in Nigeria, has killed more than 900 people in 2012, in about 290 separate attacks in 12 north-eastern and central states, and Abuja, making 2012 the deadliest year since the group began its attacks in 2009. And in 2013, about 250 people have been killed in Boko Haram-related attacks and incidents.
The litany of attacks include those of the United Nations Office, Abuja, Police Headquarters, Abuja, the building housing ThisDay Newspapers, Sun Newspapers and Daily Trust in Abuja, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, Deeper Life Bible Church, Okene; Military Cantonment, Jaji, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office and other numerous security facilities, especially police stations.
The security agencies also went on counter-offensive arresting, detaining and in many instances, killing Boko Haram members and leaders.
Disturbed by the escalating violence many northern leaders and groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, urged government to dialogue with the group to end the killings.
A picture taken from a video distributed to journalists in recent days through intermediaries and obtained by AFP on March 5, 2013 reportedly shows Abubakar Shekau, the suspected leader of Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, flanked by six armed and hooded fighters at an undisclosed place.
Last November, the group gave the government conditions for ending the hostilities. Acclaimed spokesman of the group, Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazeez, in a tele-conference with journalists in Maiduguri, stated that if the state and the Federal Government wanted the group to cease-fire completely, then former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, must be arrested and prosecuted according to the laws of the land. He also said that the government should compensate the group and rebuild their places of worship which were destroyed during the 2009 uprising.
He pointed out that for dialogue to take place, it must be through the following elders: Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno; former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari; former Yobe State governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim; Ambassador Gaji Galtimari and Barr Aisha Alkali Wakil and her husband, Barr Alkali Wakil, insisting that the dialogue must take place in Saudi Arabia.
Abu Abdulazeez also said that the group had mandated five members who are to mediate on their behalf; they include himself (Abu Mohammed Abdulazeez), Abu Abbas, Sheikh Ibrahim Yusuf, Sheikh Sani Kontagora and Mamman Nur.
Buhari later distanced himself from the group and the Federal Government said it could not negotiate with pre-conditions, thus the crisis festered. With the latest decision of the group to sheathe its swords, it is hoped that all stakeholders will play their required roles for normalcy to return to the country.
Porous ceasefire
However, a peace deal was brokered on January 28, 2013 after a marathon meeting between some leaders of the group, which has been terrorizing some states in the North, particularly Borno State, since July 2009, and the Borno State Government, led by Governor Kashim Shettima with other top government officials and religious leaders from the state in attendance.
The cease-fire came after a 42-month multi-pronged attack unleashed on the polity by the sect.
Briefing newsmen after the marathon meeting in Maiduguri, Sheikh Abu Mohammad Abdulazeez Ibn Idris, a commander of Boko Haram in-charge of North and Central Borno, said after due consultation with the leader of the sect, Shiekh Abubakar Shekau, as well as intervention and pleadings from respected individuals and groups in the state, we ‘’have all come to terms and agreed to lay down our arms.”
The Boko Haram Commander, however, insisted that government should immediately release all their members from custody unconditionally, re-build their places of worship and compensate them, among other demands.
Sheikh Abdulazeez said that, the sect observed that during the lingering insurgency, many Muslim women and children had suffered untold hardship, adding that, they also decided to lay down their arms for peace to reign in Borno State and the country at large.
“I am appealing and calling on all our members through this medium to lay down their arms henceforth, till further notice,” Abdulazeez stated.
However, a few hours after the cease-fire, a faction of the sect distanced itself from the peace-deal and accelerated its deadly attacks, which have claimed about 250 lives since then.
The search for peace took President Goodluck Jonathan to Borno and Yobe states last month. The series of parleys during the two-day visit did not yield amnesty as President Jonathan insisted that the Federal Government could not grant amnesty to ghosts. He urged leaders of Boko Haram to come out of their hiding and dialogue with government as was done in the Niger Delta before amnesty could be granted.
The matter was on the front burner this week following the exchange of brick-bat between Buhari and the Presidency. While Buhari accused the Presidency of being responsible for ‘political Boko Haram’ and should take responsibility for the escalating mayhem, the Presidency countered that Buhari was responsible because he threatened to make the country ungovernable if he lost the 2011 polls.
The government asked Buhari to act like a patriot and get Boko Haram leaders to embrace dialogue. Buhari refused and advised the government to carry its cross.
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