There is always a big gap between the rich and the poor and this gap exist almost in every areas of life. Some of this gap are seen in their manner of living, area of residence, the type of food they eat, cloths they put on, how they move around town and in some other ways.

But there is always one thing that has always bothered me which is why this gap also exist in the prison bars. When the poor is caught stealing anything no matter how small it is, He or she ends up in a battered and dilapidated prison, but when the rich steals anything or money even those ending in llions they only end up in a place better than the poor man's house with all the freedom and pleasure they need all reserved for them.

This indeed is the irony of Life.

The management of Lagos State University (LASU), in a special bulletin, has mandated all new and old students to pay the stipulated new regime of fees, which, according to sources, ranges between N193, 750 and N348,750; N25,000 and N33,250 respectively, or forfeit their studentship.

However, mixed feelings have continued to trail the decision of LASU management, as some students have started paying, while others are yet to comply. The majority of students, who are yet to make payments, have expressed fears of the unknown, in the decision of the management to invalidate their hard-earned admission into the institution after the deadline.

According to them, two weeks are too short for them to afford the stipulated fees proposed by the management. President, Lagos State University Student Union (LASUSU), Akeem Durojaiye, condemned the management’s decision, describing it as impromptu and an act of insensitivity on their part.

“How do you expect a student whose parents earn below the N18, 000 minimum wage to pay N250,000 within two weeks? This is outright wickedness,” he said.

This can only be seen in Naija. Calculate that fees for a whole duration of ones studies, its enough to establish a business for anyone oh. I hope after paying this there will be a job security for the student after studying and not that at the end one will still carry portfolio around just to look for job to earn a little percentage of what they spent in gathering the knowledge they have acquired.

The Nigerian Security Agencies has been faced with so many tough security challenges which at this time seem to be mounting a great pressure on this agencies as they now know that they are also not safe with the rising increase in the number of attacks being carried out against the nation by the terrorist group Boko Haram.

Several Security centers have been attacked and several police officers killed in the rave of attacks, This rising trends of attacks against security officers has really made them rise to face the growing security challenges in the Country.

But with the Activities of the Boko Haram Terrorist group being felt in the Country one would ask if the Nigerian Security Forces are really on top of the Situation as they claimed they are. Well We can say much about this but so far the Security Forces has really been restoring the people's confidence in them as they have recorded several success in curbing with this security Challenges.

Nigeria's Economy has been struggling to catch up with that of other developing countries and this is as a result of so many negative factors that has been forced on the Economy. A country with 73% of its budget on recurrent expenditure and only 27% on capital expenditure do not encourage progress and development.

So the Task laid into the hands of The Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala might seem too herculean for her to handle as the system has already deteriorated so badly that she would need to bend and search for a solution from scratch to the lingering economic problems of the nation.

The Removal of the Fuel Subsidy is one of the methods she thinks we can start fixing the economy as its believed that much money that should have been channeled into other areas of the Budget is being looted all in the name of Fuel Subsidy. If removed will help relieve the Economy of some of these problems.

The System here is quite different from that seen in the World Bank but lets Hope and pray that Her little inputs will help to at least keep the Economy Alive.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is a Commission that is in charge of the Road Safety administration and management in Nigeria. and you can find the their main aim and objective here.

Recently a lot of fingers has been pointed at the commission in regards to the New Number Plates and Drivers License it recently introduced to the public. and many individuals and groups including the House of representative have come out to challenge this new introduction and has ordered that it should be on a temporary hold.

The re-validation of the old number plates according to the FRSC is N10,000 for cars and N2,000 for motorcycles. However, for a license to be duly re-validated, according to the FRSC, the old driver's license must be original- the FRSC should be able to trace it in their data base to discover when it was first issued. In case the old document could not be traced, it will be treated as a fresh application. For new registration, the prices are stipulated as follow:

1. Standard N15,000
2. Articulated (Trucks etc) N20,000
3. Out of series N40,000
4. Fancy N80,000
5. Dealer N30,000
6. Government N15,000
7. Government Fancy N40,000

But the Truth remains that though this might seem to be a good gesture but with the issues surrounding this and the price tag placed on the new Number places which many believe to be outrageous one will have nothing to say than that this is like a drift from its main priority. We still have hanging issues about how terrible our roads are, the numerous accidents being witnessed daily, Traffic jams and many other road problems and yet what they have in mind is to generate more revenues for the Government who will channel this funds into other places with our roads still left dilapidated.

All in all I think we need to put priorities first on solving the road problems in the country before talking about introducing other things that are not as weighty as this problems.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said the apex bank has reached the desired degree of stability for the Naira and does not have a cause to be concerned over inflation due mostly to recent stability in its core components.

He said: “When the naira reached N167 to the US dollar in October, every currency was going through a crisis. Now, we have retraced that. We have created the stability that we needed. We have stopped the panic”

Inflation rose to 10.5 per cent in October from 10.3 per cent in September, but Sanusi said a breakdown of month-on-month numbers shows that “inflation has come down on all three components: headline, core and food inflation.” According to him, “year-on-year, core (inflation) hasn’t increased which has not been the increasing trend seen in the past. Month-to-month (inflation) has been moderating and core (inflation) is also not increasing (which) would suggest that as far as non-structural components are concerned at this moment … we don’t have a cause for concern.”

The CBN governor, also, disclosed that the bank might reduce its exposure to euro and buy Chinese renminbi. He added that the exposure to renminbi might “most likely” result in arbitrage deals to the detriment of the euro.

Well Thanks that the Price is currently stable and won't go above these figures.

With little fanfare Recently, a key United Nations commission made a remarkable statement: it declared, unambiguously, that broadband access is a basic human right, right up there with the right to healthcare, shelter and food.

Well I can't say if This right is for the Western world or If those in Africa is included as Internet Facilities here isn't as it is in many other countries. Being so expensive and the delivery speed isn't up to it. Also many people are still faced with the problem of having the Basic Necessities of Life.

If this is a Basic Human Right then its already being violated in many places.

They say an Idol Man is the devil's workshop.
With the growing trends of unemployment around the world and most especially in our dear nation Nigeria, More and more hands are gradually being put to the wrong use as many of our teeming youths today are resorting to several unlawful and fraudulent acts.

The number of our graduates that are yet unemployed is highly alarming and having thousands of fresh graduates coming out of the University every year to join the millions that are already still out looking for job in the labour market will altogether choke the system which can only make provision for employment for just a percentage of this large number of people.

Many among these unemployed has resorted to several thoughts and ideas to create employments for themselves in whatever way they can. While some have been able to push a few things to help themselves in the entertainment industry, some others gone to do some handy work, Some others are just hanging there in the middle not knowing what to do and still running from one firm to the other and submitting one form or the other, the rest has resorted to the devil's workshop (Internet Fraud, Lotto - Baba Ijebu, Gambling, Armed Robbery, Street Thugs, Pick Pocketers and Now even into Terrorism) where they can find it easily but not without a cost in the long run for them.

The Government needs to come out and tackle the issue of Unemployment and find a way to utilize and take advantage of these vast available manpower that is now being channeled into several unlawful act for the development and growth of Our Nation Nigeria.

Corruption is a Cancer that has totally paralyzed the Growth and economic development of a great Nation Like Ours Nigeria. And this Corruption is seem in almost all institution and body in the country and carried out by people of almost all age group from the age of accountability.

Tackling this corruption is one of the Biggest Challenge the Government is facing and the more they try to curb it the wider it spreads across the country and that is because it has a base also in the government system and so it would be almost difficult to tackle it.

In the 70's and 80's Little was being said about Corruption as Nigeria was still growing and that with men of honor, integrity and honesty occupying some of the bodies and institutions in the country but in the late 80's and 90's the doorway became wide open for a free and fare corruption which till today many people are yet not satisfied with what they have since looted.

And Little wonder to the fact that the highest level of Corruption being made in Nigeria is done by Civil servants and this was confirmed in a detailed report by Transparency International (TI) one of which says that Nigerian civil servants alone took bribes worth over N450 billion ($3b) in the last one year. According to the studies of corrupt behaviors in various public and private sectors of the economy done by the TI, it was confirmed that “previous findings showed that bribery is particularly widespread in the construction, energy and extractive industries, "

According to the publication, in Nigeria, which is one of the countries with dominant extractive industries, “corrupt civil servants in oil-rich Nigeria pocketed some $3.2 billion (2.3b euros) in bribes in the 2010/11 financial year alone.”

With Such Reports and from Our Personal experiences with the Civil service operations in Nigeria one would wonder who is more involved in Corruption in the country.

Is it The Government itself or the Civil Service ??? You be the Judge.

Tax Revenues are supposed to be pumped back into the well being of the Tax payers in providing more social and environmental facilities that will improve the standard of living of the people. Such funds are usually used in Building road networks, provide and maintain a steady power supply, Build Schools, health centers and and other social Amenities that makes live comfortable and at ease.

But the Situation in Nigeria is far from this as the government's revenue keeps increasing every year while the situation of the people continue to worsen with many now struggling to keep up with their Businesses and Jobs.

This will only leave one to ponder around these questions.
What has Our Government been doing with all these taxes and revenues they keep getting from us and where are the Social amenities that are supposed to be in place for the Good of the Country and in the improvement of their standard of living?.

Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has invited and assured foreign investors that the country is safe and secure to do business.

The president who was speaking at 17th Nigerian economic summit Thursday in Abuja urged the local and foreign business community not to be afraid of the terror activities of Islamic religious group Boko Haram describing it as only a temporary setback .

Jonathan says government is committed to its transformation agenda which he said is already yielding fruits saying that there is no better time than now to invest in Nigeria.

The president admitted that inadequate supply of electricity remains a major challenge to investors in the country, but said that the power sector also provides investment window to willing entrepreneurs. The theme for this year’s national economic summit is attracting foreign direct investment through global partnership.

The Oil Subsidy removal issue has been going on for some time now and several reasons has been made on why the oil subsidy must be removed.

President Jonathan said he wants to remove fuel subsidy so as to free up money for infrastructural development. This funds mount up to a whooping N1.3trillion. They argue that a cartel or cabal has hijacked the subsidy programme of government to the detriment of the rest of the citizens at whom the programme is targeted. And in their wisdom, the best solution is to remove the subsidy and allow the price of petroleum products be decided by the forces of demand and supply, ultimately increasing the pump price of fuel by well over 100%.

The point they are not trying to bring out is to let Nigerians know these Cabals or King Cabal that has taken over the subsidy programme or on how to take them down and out.

Whatever be their motive towards this removal I just hope and pray it turns out favorable to Nigerians and reduce the influence of the King Kabal in Our Nation's Economy.

General Owoeye Andrew Azazi, the National Security Adviser has accused the United States Embassy in Nigeria of spreading unnecessary panic over its claims that the Boko Haram fundamentalist sect may launch attacks on three prominent hotels in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The US embassy had yesterday alerted American citizens in Nigeria that it has information that the militant group which activities resulted into scores of death over the weekend in Damaturu, Yobe State may strike in the three top hotels highly patronised by the expatriate community during the Eid-el-kabir celebrations.

The embassy therefore warned US citizens to keep off the hotels.

But Azazi told a news agency that the alert of possibility of attack on the hotels is not a new one.

“The (U.S. statement) is eliciting unhealthy public anxiety and generating avoidable tension,” said the NSA.

He also assured that the government will continue to protect lives and property of Nigerians.

According to him, the security services have for the past three months implemented measures to prevent such attacks.

Azazi advised members of the public to go about their business without fear.

Well the way things are going it seems everything is just under alarm and everyone needs to take control of their lives and property in anyway they can.

Lack of productive performance in any group or organization is the fruit of having the wrong personnel heading such a group or organization. The best way to tackle such flops is to give the axe to the head of such group or Organization.

The NFF did that to Siasia and I Think Our Security Chiefs and Ministers needs that too and a bigger hole should be made for them to be axed out.

This is just the best way for you to Hit your targets when you don't actually know what your target is. Just Throw your dart at whatever and make your target around it.

I Guess that is the General Ministerial Formula and Probably that's the reason why No Minister has been able to completely make any visible impart that has benefited Nigerians.

No One or Organization can accept to pay a dept it does not owe. If NNPC is claiming it is not owing or that it has not embez..ed that huge amount of money why then have they agreed to pay it.

Whether paying under duress or not, you have already agreed to that.

GRIM, WHY GRIM.
No Food to Eat, No Light to see or do my work and No Security.

Why I No go dey GRIM.

GEJ - My Dear Nigeria, Sorry I Have to do this to You whether you like it or not, I showed you the Waters (Fountain of Fuel Subsidy) to drink but you refused and yet your situation is not getting any better.

Now you have to take this Bitters (Subsidy Removal Bitters) so that it can cleanse your System of all forms of Corruption that has kept you in this terrible situation.

Now Open Your Mouth and drink this Bitters or I ...

My Dear Nigerians, I Have brought you to the water (The Fountain of Fuel Subsidy removal) and you have to drink or we may have some serious problems if we continue with this thirst. GEJ.

We might not find a better stream than this at this time to enable us achieve our developmental goals.

Nigerian People are you willing to drink this???

Starting up a business and keeping up with that business is a tough herculean task considering all the hassle one will need to go through just to start up the business. In surviving and running such a business in Nigeria requires a lot of innovativeness.

Here are some of the known Challenges that most Business owners or starters would definitely have to face while starting or running their businesses.

1. Lack of Infrastructure
The first business challenge you will face when doing business in Nigeria is infrastructural challenge. Nigeria lacks the basic infrastructure and logistics to support entrepreneurship. If you are going to run a successful business in Nigeria; then you must have the financial muscle to provide your own infrastructure.

Take for instance you want to start a manufacturing firm in Nigeria; you will need to build your own factory, provide your own water supply and other amenities that encourages business operations. Infrastructural challenge will directly or indirectly increase your start-up overhead cost so you have to properly factor in this challenge in your business plan.

2. Poor Power Supply
Poor power supply is the next challenge militating against the successful growth of small business start-ups in Nigeria. Successful companies operating in Nigeria has found a way to deal with the challenge of power supply by providing their own power. while few others have moved into neighboring countries where power supply is stable. If you are successfully going to operate a business in Nigeria; then you must map out a plan to curtail the harsh effect of poor power supply.

3. Inadequate Security
Security is the next challenge you must deal with especially if you are a foreigner wanting to invest in building a business in Nigeria. apart from the efforts of the security forces you still need to factor in the cost of providing a private security for your business to avoid the unwanted that can ruin your business.

4. Inconsistent Government Policies
Government inconsistency is really a challenge you will have to tackle if you must succeed in Nigeria as an entrepreneur. Governance is something entrepreneurs have no control over; all entrepreneurs can do is to influence government’s policy with respect to enacting favorable business laws. But you must have political clout and massive resources to be able to influence government laws. The best strategy to combating the ever changing policy of the government is to keep a keen eye on government laws and swiftly adjust your business to align with the policies.

5. Transportation Challenges
The next challenge of doing business in Nigeria is the poor transportation standard. As expected; the dependable source of raw materials may not be situated close to its market. So you will have to decide if to locate your business close to the raw materials or close to your market. Either way; transportation of either raw materials or finished goods will be involved and this will pose a great challenge if you intend operating in Nigeria.

6. Inability to access funds
Of all the business challenges involved with starting a small business in Nigeria; this one interest entrepreneurs the most. Inability to access funds and banks unwillingness to support entrepreneurship and small business is the major barrier to massive entrepreneurship growth in Nigeria.

7. Lack of Governmental Support
The last but not the least challenge of doing business in Nigeria is government’s insensitivity to the plight of entrepreneurs and small business owners. And the result of these insensitivity surfaces in the form of double taxation, unnecessary levies and duties; and high cost of obtaining business licenses.

8. Corruption
Corruption is a cancer that has eaten deep into the hearts of governance in Nigeria and can be seen in almost all aspects of governance and organizations here in Nigeria, When starting or running a business in Nigeria you need to be aware of such challenge and make sure your business is genuine and you have acquired all necessary document needed to certify your business or else you might become a money bag for some people who will want to take advantage of you and ripe you of the little money you are trying to use to run your business.

In conclusion, Doing business in Nigeria can be so challenging but if you are able to overcome this challenges you will surely enjoy doing business in Nigeria as you have a ready market for whatever business you want to operate in Nigeria that will be willing to give you the financial pleasures you want to derive from your business but that's if you are willing to put in the effort to make yourself a brand in that business niche.

I highlighted these challenges not to discourage anyone wanting to start up a good business in Nigeria; but to help you prepare in advance in order to overcome this challenges and take up business to the zenith.

Best of Lucks.

A Statistics by a Federal Government agency, Rural Road Access and Mobility Project, has revealed that 85 per cent of Nigerians roads are in bad condition.

Only about 15 per cent of more than 16,000 kilometers of secondary and tertiary roads in the country were motorable while the local government roads were worst hit as about 70 per cent of local government were roads impassable.

Out of over 160,000 kilometre of secondary and tertiary roads in Nigeria, with an average registered network of 4,000 kilometres per state, only about 10 to 15 per cent is paved.“While a large proportion of this network remains in poor or very poor conditions, with only 15 per cent of federal roads in good conditions, it is sad to note that rural roads that are statutorily referred to as local government roads which constitute about 132,000 kilometres (67.7 per cent) of the entire road networks in Nigeria are the worst hit by this state of disrepair.”

This bad roads has several negative effect on agriculture as about 20 per cent of total agriculture production never reached the market due to bad roads.

This roads are generally in poor condition, leading to loss of several lives in road accidents, causing damages to vehicles, and contributing to hazardous traffic conditions in spite of the huge resources channeled toward road constructions , yet the deplorable conditions of most Nigerian roads still persist.

How Long will Nigerians continue with this Situation.

Well this is just a Comic for thoughts, The Nigerian house of reps has probed almost every sector of the economy but yet we can't find who is being gutted by any of this probes and who knows what's going to come out in this recent on-going probes by them.

The weakness of the local currency, the Naira is likely to be temporary, the Central bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has assured over the weekend.

Sanusi told Reuters that the monetary tightening measures have started taken effect and it will, strengthen local currency.

The Naira slumped to its lowest ever on Monday, just before an emergency Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) meeting where interest rates were hiked far further than analysts expected and several other tightening measures were imposed.

The Naira initially recovered from the record low of 167.8 to the dollar as the CBN backed up its interventions by selling over $1 billion into the market in a week, traders said.

But trading on the local currency remains volatile with dealers not willing to quote actively. The Naira ended the week at 164.05 in the interbank market, far weaker than at the central bank's auction on Wednesday when the regulator sold $591.67 million at 150 Naira to the dollar

"My feeling is the Naira is going to strengthen as measures kick-in," Lamido Sanusi told Reuters in a telephone interview. "What you are seeing this week is not the long-term trend.

CBN has been trying to save the local currency from depreciating by maintaining it within a band of +/-3 percent around 150 naira to the dollar but analysts say the options left for the regulator may be limited given falling reserves and weak oil prices.

Under pressure to keep up with rising dollar demand, CBN breached its own rule earlier this month by selling outside the 145.5-154.5 naira/$ band at a series of auctions, creating uncertainty about the value of the naira at the interbank market .

I just hope the naira gets strengthened again to avoid putting more higher risks on the economy.

3 Former PDP Governors finds themselves in Hot fire as Charges of corruption is being raised against them. and it seems their defense is quietly departing from them.

Lets just watch to see how it goes if they will all come out unhurt like several others.

What a great way to start saving some huge money for the Country.

Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has divulged that Nigerians would continue to witness low key independence anniversary till 2014 when there would be an extravagant carnival.

The President made the disclosure at a Press Conference in Urugwiro Village, Rwandan Presidential Villa, shortly before he concluded a two-day visit to Rwanda.

According to him, 'Nigeria's independence anniversary in 2012 and 2013 would not be different from the low key celebration of Nigeria's 51st independence anniversary last Saturday, October 1, just as the 2014 independence anniversary would be merged with centenary celebration to mark 100 years of amalgamation at the twilight of his administration on May 2015.

The Federal Government had opted for a low key celebration of Nigeria's 51st independence anniversary at the forecourt of the President's office in the Presidential Villa instead of the Eagle Square which had been the venue of major national events.

Huhuonline.com sources say that 'The Government had insisted that the low key celebration was to cut cost having spent huge amount of money on Nigeria's 50th independence anniversary celebration as well as the inauguration ceremony of the President and Governors of the 36 States in less than one year.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, denied that the low key celebration was due to threats by the violent Islamic Sect, Boko Haram and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to bomb the Eagle Square on the day of the celebration.

Whether its the Fear of Bombing or whatever Thank GOD that at least those who have always used this as an avenue to wealth can only just get a little chunk of Our Money this time.

This Goliath has been standing here and killing all the resources and masses of the nation.

I hope we have gotten a David who will fling the stone at the forehead of this giant killer and take him out.

House Of Reps Or House Of Thefts ?
Are they truly a part of the people they claimed they are representing.

Their conscience alone can answer this question but that's if its still alive.

Oh see what is left for the poor masses in Nigeria to lie on when the little hard bed they have been managing and getting a little consolation from while staying in total darkness in a room that's not secured and without anything to make life pleasurable is taken away from them.

Can GEJ Truly Take Us to the Right Destination? This is a question Many Nigerians are worried about and with Many things especially security of the nation falling head long.

How Far Can We Go with Him?

Who will Give Nigerians A Good Answer To some of These Questions that has lingered for so long...

Many Past Leaders and office holders have always walked away from this and how long can GEJ Sit on This Hot Seat.

The Naira struck a new record low of 164.85 recently to the dollar in the interbank market, pressured for some days by the central bank’s comments earlier this week that it would not support the currency at all costs.

But the Impart of this is already being felt by Many.

How Can We Solve Such Domestic Violence In Our Society? A lot of Our Citizens are continually being victimized by those who has sold out their souls to the evils forces in this nation.

Why Blogging Can Be So Addictive For You?

It is not the passion or a goal that makes a blogger keeps on writing over and over again. It is what you call addiction. Addiction because one is so focused on his blog; do daily updates on it, writing rough drafts of articles he wished to publish and taking for granted things he must do: even a single night sleep or even skip meals.

Why is that so?

I, as a blogger don’t even know why because before I started blogging, there’s only one very aim I wanted to achieve… and that is to earn money but as the days went on, I didn’t notice I became addictive; not to earn more money but to write, write and write.

Here are five reasons why blogging can be so addictive.

Enjoyment

Not to mention the pain in your eyes, blogging will really give you some fun. You may beg to disagree, yes, because in blogging, you would be spending your day (if you’re really an addict to it) to just write everything your mind can think of; as long it suits your blog, of course but really, blogging will benefit you. It gives you enjoyment for you can learn enough, and the more you write (not the more you earn), the more you could actually exercise your brain and fingers.

Subscribers

Let’s admit this. If not because of your readers, your blog will be kicked off. You write not just to earn money but because of your readers. They do love your blogs because they visit it regularly; give some comments and then recommend it to some of their friends. Since they are the basis for your blogs importance and success, in return, you do your part. You write topic that pleases them and you became obsessed with it.

Other Social Media

Any blogger will certainly do some research before blogging and believe it or not, a blogger is also a certified big time waster. After surfing around sites and then get hooked to a social media, they spent their time reading other articles and leave some comments. As a result, they can’t find any valuable content that pertains to their official blog.

Popularity

Page rank and Alexa rank. This two is very useful to know what the standing of your level is, and could actually motivate you for continuous growth. Bloggers were chasing on it because they believe the popularity of their blogs is at hand by selling of ads. By just then, their blogs will be known, which resulting them to attain more subscribers that later on can be so addictive.

Money

Deny it or not, a blogger blogs to earn more money. It is not unusual because many blogger like me had actually admitted it. True, for money is the primary stimulus why a certain person gets addicted to blogging. Without blogging, where would he get payments for his bills and debts? Think… I Already know several bloggers who makes thousands of dollars each month and are still craving to earn more each and every month which craving makes then add some extra time and works on their Blogs to take it further.

It’s not dead wrong when you get addicted to blogging when you actually manage your time wisely. The worse thing to happen is you’ll get insane. Just be an addict to it than be an addicted to vices. Want to get addicted? Stop drink and blog!

-- If You are New To Blogging then You can get All the Trainings you need to become a Problogger here at My Pro Blogger Designs Blog Just Follow the Simple Blogging Tutorial there and you will be happy being able to create Your first Blog or take your Current Blog to a new level.

-- Also if You already have a Blog then You can submit it here at My Personal Blogs On Blogger Directory where you will get some good amount of traffic and exposure for your Blogs.

Please Comment on this Post and don't forget to share it with your Friends and Subscribe to My Blog so you can always get updated on my Next Interesting posts.

Good Luck To You All Bloggers,

What Can We all say about such an act at such a Time as this ???.

Oh Nigeria The Giant Elephant of Africa, You have been Asleep for More Than 50 Years Now, I Guess its Time You get up out of Your Sleeping and Snoring and Face the real world.

The world is fast moving ahead that even little ants and other little creatures are already getting ahead of you.

Who knows How long its gonna take to get the Sleeping Giant Elephant (Nigeria) out of this sleep and how many more years it will take for it to stretch itself and realize its position in the race and how many more years it will take to get on its feet and who knows if it will ever be able to meet up with others with all that is happening around now.

Oh GOD Help Me - Cowboy GEJ

Just A Continuation form here

Nigerian Police Checkpoints How Effective are they?

Hmmm, Almost Everyone who walks into such places never comes out smiling or the same way they came in.

Whether you were arrested or coming to report a case or just to check on someone who is being held there.

Obasanjo: IBB a fool at 70
•IBB: Nigerians know the fool
•IBB: Obasanjo is an incestuous murderer with an infertile mind

One must reach into the old proverbs of Yoruba society to adequately sum up the current whirlwind that has captivated the Nigerian political environment: "When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” The media has been awash with stories relating to two political juggernauts who both once held the reins of Africa’s most populous nation.

The pair fell out over comments made by former military ruler, Babangida, during a press conference to mark his 70^th birthday celebrations. While answering questions being fielded by journalists at his home in Minna, Niger state Babangida belittled Obasanjo’s achievements during his second term as president (1999-2007). This exchange signals the collapse of relations between two men who were once unlikely political allies.

General Olusegun Obasanjo first ascended to the seat of power in 1979 after the assassination of the then military head of state, Murtala Mohammed, and would cement his name in history as being the first military head of state in Africa to hand over to a civilian government in 1979.

General Ibrahim Babangida led the coup d'état that ousted the heavy-handed regime of Muhammadu Buhari in 1985, before being himself removed in 1993 due to the outcry of the disillusioned Nigerian people.

Yet it was through Babangida and his far-reaching influence that Obasanjo, who had just been released from a prolonged bout of incarceration, was eventually handpicked to run under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 1999 presidential elections. Obasanjo, with the help of Babangida and the previous military establishment, defeated his closest rival Chief Olu Falae by eight million votes, signalling the beginning of Nigeria’s fourth republic and Obasanjo‘s second and longest stretch as Nigeria‘s president (1999-2007).

However, all seems far from well between the two right now. At his 70^th birthday Babangida claimed that Obasanjo, even with the monumental amount of funds at his disposal, failed to improve Nigeria’s power supply. Babangida would further highlight the fact that during his time in power the price of oil stood at $10 per barrel in comparison to $100 per barrel at the height of Obasanjo’s tenure. Babangida would further state that, given a fraction of the $16 billion frittered away by Obasanjo, he would have built Nigeria’s first nuclear power plant with the view of having a regular and stable supply of electricity throughout the country.

Babangida’s comments were uncharacteristic of a man known for his savvy media management and careful commentary, and such statements could only be perceived as an unwarranted attack on Obasanjo.

Former President Obasanjo, who is the current chairman of the People’s Democratic Party Board of Trustees, initially questioned the veracity of the comments, but once he had confirmed them, Obasanjo satirically suggested that Babangida should be pitied, rather than condemned.

Obasanjo, who spoke with journalists at his Presidential Library Project site in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State, where he met with some foreign investors, said although he did not believe the report credited to Babangida, until he read it in the newspapers, he decided to reply him lest he thought he was wise.

Obasanjo went on to say: “I think one should probably do what the Bible says in Proverbs chapter 26, verse 4. It says don’t answer a fool because you may also become like him. When you go to the same Proverbs, chapter 26, verse 5 says answer a fool so that he will not think he’s a wise man. So, I am now torn between which of the two verses I should follow in this respect.”

“Some of the things he said unfortunately were not well thought-out. For instance, he talked about our energy. When I was the military Head of State, I built Jebba dam; built Shiroro dam. I prepared the foundation of Egbin plant, which President Shagari completed and commissioned. That time, the money we were making was not up to the money Babangida was making annually for his eight years and yet we built two dams. Because it was important, you know that power is the driving force for development and for any developing country. But since the building of Egbin power plant, until I came back in 1999, there was no generating plant for almost 20 years and Babangida spent eight years out of that.

“Now, he has the audacity to talk about anybody; I think that is unfortunate. I also read where he said in his time, he gave the dividends of democracy and at the same time he regretted. When I read that, well, I said Babangida should be pitied and shown sympathy, rather than anger or condemnation because the old saying says a fool at 40 is a fool forever and I would say a regret at 70 is a regret too late. Well, a regret at 70 is a regret to the grave.”

Obasanjo, a seasoned veteran in the political arena, can hardly have been unaware of the furor his comments would cause.

Babangida was quick to respond, calling Obasanjo “a greater fool”. He added that "When he was released from prison and granted state pardon, bathed in cerebral ornaments and clothed in royal beads and later crowned as President of Nigeria, IBB was not a fool then."

Allegations, accusations and grandstanding over past achievements had been sandwiched into the middle of this drama, with each camp trying to affirm their superiority in terms of past projects initiated and completed. Yet the manner in which this is unfolding is unbecoming of men of their political stature, age and importance. Both past leaders are viewed as king-makers in their own right and cannot shy away from their responsibility to promote politics devoid of rancour, loose comments and mudslinging. Political differences may lead to confrontation, yet to draw such issues into the public domain is bound to heat up the polity. If not checked, this could create a divide in the ruling party in which both hold sizable stakes.

Comments and counter comments serve no benefits to Nigeria’s development and cannot show the way forward for what could be a great nation. Nigeria’s media fraternity should do their best not to fuel the fire of discontent, in order to make this argument simply a minor one between two of the nation’s most recognisable and influential figures. The wider implications should be considered thoroughly alongside the need to continue as revered elder statesman. Because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.

With the Controversies over some of the Past Deals and sales of Government properties still rising and raging coupled with the Trials of some former Military Government aids Some issues that have been hidden to millions of Nigerians are gradually finding their way out to light.

Just Recently Al-Mustapha Opens Can Of Worms, Fingers Ex-Head Of State, Abdusalam Over Abacha, Abiola’s Death…Also Narrates How $200m, £75m, N500m Were Shared To S/W Leaders Over June 12 Imbroglio

Former Chief Security Officer, (CSO) to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, standing trial for the death of late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola opened his defense before a Lagos High Court where he accused former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar of alleged complicity in the death of Abacha and late winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.

Led in evidence by his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, the former CSO who broke down in tears told the trial judge, Justice Mojisola Dada that he had both audio and video evidence of how the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha and the late Chief Abiola were allegedly murdered.

He told the court that Gen Abdusalam Abubakar has been working hard to keep him perpetually in prison because of fears that he (Al-Mustapha) would divulge information at his disposal on the death of Abacha and Abiola.

In his words: “In the course of this testimony, I wish to say that I will omit any issue that will affect the National Security of the country as a serving officer of the Nigerian Army. My incarceration was as a result of a script written and acted out by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar to further keep me in prison. First, were the events that happened after the murder of General Sani Abacha and late Chief MKO Abiola. For fear that I may divulge information that led to their death; they have to keep me in prison till date.

“I am an officer who is being persecuted. After the death of Abacha so much happened within three days and the country was without a President or Vice President. The then Vice President Lt Gen Diya was imprisoned for staging a coup. Many senior officers wanted to become Head of State, but God gave me the wisdom and I assisted General Abdulsalami Abubakar to become President. But, this is the price I am paying for my loyalty and for assisting him”

Al-Mustapha who told the court that he was enlisted into the Nigeria Army in 1980 added that he served in various units before his appointment as the Chief Security Officer to the later Abacha. According to him, there is documentary evidence to show that shortly after the death of late Abiola, the then Head of State allegedly ordered that various sums of money should be withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He told the court that $200 million US dollars, £75 million British Pounds and N500 million were allegedly withdrawn from the Central Bank to appease South West leaders and douse tension that arose after the death of Abiola.

He told the court that he knew Chief MKO Abiola as far back as 1985 and that he was like a father to him adding that even after the annulment of June 12 1993 elections he assisted him (Abiola) on several occasions to gain access to senior military officers including Gen Sani Abacha.

He said on one occasion the late Abiola slept and eat dinner in his house when it was late for him to go home after consultations with some senior military officers on how he could regain his mandate.

He told the court that all visits to the late Abiola were on tape disclosing that some people after visiting Abiola would come back at night to the Presidential Villa to speak against him.

According to him he did not order Sergeant Barnabas Jabila Msheila (alias Sgt Rogers) to kill Alhaja Kudirat Abiola saying “on several occasions I assisted the Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Mr. Kola Abiola, his Dr. Ore Falomo and his lawyers to visit him (Abiola) in prison). Abilola would have been killed the very day Abacha died but I relocated him within the barracks and used the Strike Force to protect him from those who wanted to balance the equation”.

Former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State Gen. Sani Abacha, Hamza al-Mustapha, also told a Lagos High Court Igbosere that former Head of State, Abdusalami Abubakar, had recommended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for execution in 1995.

Al-Mustapha, who closed his testimony before Justice Mojisola Dada on Thursday, said Abubakar made the recommendation at a meeting of the Military Council headed by Abacha, after Obasanjo was detained for alleged complicity in a coup attempt against the then military government.

Al-Mustapha said he was not present at the meeting but that he “illegally wired” the video coverage of the meeting.

He said Abubakar made various remarks against Obasanjo at the meeting.

Al-Mustapha said, “Abubakar made various comments against Obasanjo. He said Obasanjo was irresponsible, calling him (Obasanjo) several names that I can’t even say here. He said Gen. Obasanjo must face the 1979 decree he (Obasanjo) made regarding coup plot. He was sayng Obasanjo must die.”

The matter is still on for continuation of trial

On The Other Hand

A former military administrator of Kaduna State, Col. Abubakar Umar (retd.), on Monday asked the Federal Government to investigate the role played by President Olusegun Obasanjo in the privatization programme. Umar said the investigation should be concluded in Obasanjo’s lifetime.

Umar who ruled Kaduna State between 1985 and 1988, in a statement in Kaduna, wondered why all the major initiatives embarked upon by the Obasanjo administration from 1999 to 2007 “have been such spectacular failures.”

He said, “Indeed not a few Nigerians are keen to know why all the major initiatives embarked upon during the eight years Chief Obasanjo ruled the country – privatization, power sector reforms, alienation of Federal Government Properties, 2003 general elections, 2007 general elections, etc. – have been such spectacular failures.

“The Federal Government owes it to posterity to order for an investigation into these disasters immediately and not to wait a day longer. To wait until Chief Obasanjo might have died (as all of us will, some day) would expose it to charges of wickedness. When that happens, it would have no coherent defence.”

An ad hoc committee of the Senate is currently investigating the Federal Government’s privatisation programme from 1999 till date. Members of the committee at the weekend said they might invite Obasanjo to come and defend himself against allegations of interference in the programme levied against him by former heads of the Bureau of Public Enterprises.

A former Director-General of the BPE, Dr. Julius Bala, had alleged that the former president interfered in the sale of the Delta Steel Company by rejecting the bid won by BUA International, and promoting the bid of the Global Infrastructure Company.

One of the major discoveries of the investigation was that the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria, which was constructed with $3.2b, was sold in 2005 to Rusal for a paltry $250m. However, Bala, explained that the Presidency acted on the advice of the National Security Adviser.

The panel was also told that the concession of the Ajaokuta Steel to Global Steel was completely handled and negotiated by the Ministry of Steel Development, under the direction of the former President. A top official, who confirmed the development, then told the committee that it was a violation of the Privatisation Act. Also, Obasanjo’s name came up during the session on the sale of NICON Insurance to Global Fleet.

Another former DG of the BPE, Nasir El-Rufai, also said that government interference was a major problem for the privatization exercise. He alleged that Obasanjo “practically blocked the sale of Nigeria Airways.” He also mentioned that the former President and former Vice- President Atiku Abubakar, made efforts to influence the privatization process.

He said revelations that emanated from the Senate hearings on the government’s privatisation exercise had left many Nigerians “sick with outrage.”

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, at the public hearing, had told the committee that it would be failing in its duty if it did not invite Obasanjo to clarify issues following the allegations levelled against him.

Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and his deputy, Atiku Abubakar, may have influenced the sales of government enterprises to their friends, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, a former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), has said.

Mallam El-Rufai made the revelations while testifying before an ad hoc Senate committee investigating the privatization and commercialization of government businesses from 1999 till date. Mallam El-Rufai told the committee that when he ran the Bureau, Obasanjo and Atiku contacted him at different times to influence the sale of government companies to their cronies but that he turned them down each time.

“The president and I were always quarrelling over issues of privatisation,” Mallam El-Rufai said. “Each time I told him we have a process ... that they should advise their friends to be the highest bidder.” He added that former President Obasanjo blocked the sale of Nigeria Airways because of a personal interest he formed based on stories the then aviation minister, Kema Chikwe, was telling him.

Mallam El-Rufai’s claims are corroborated by testimonies of Chris Anyanwu, who was also a Director General of the bureau. Earlier, Mr. Anyanwu had told the Senate committee that “some individuals,” whom he described as “powerful,” influenced the decisions of both the bureau and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory commission.

At an earlier hearing, Chief Obasanjo was also accused of having taking a unilateral decision—ignoring recommendations from BPE and due process—to sell Delta Steel Company to Global Infrastructure instead of the winner of the bidding process, BUA Group.

The Senate committee has since the beginning of the week been investigating the sale of over 100 government enterprises. It has taken testimonies from benefiting investors as well as both current and former heads of the bureau. It is however unclear if the committee will invite Obasanjo to testify before it.