Would You Hate Your Good Friend? By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

November 14, 2017

What caught my attention as President Muhammadu Buhari began a two day State visit to Ebonyi State on Tuesday was one of the traditional titles that was conferred on him by the Southeast Traditional Council. The title is ENYIOMA 1 Ndigbo (which was interpreted to mean Good Friend of Igbo people).

In other words, Igbo now, at least, acknowledge openly that President Buhari is their good friend.

Of course, the President, in his speech, rolled out a good number of things he had done for Igbo of the Southeast, to justify the fact that he has really been a good friend of Igbo people all the while.

The Presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu also took his time to carefully detail things which President Buhari had done since coming into office as President to show his secret love for Igbo people.

As a matter of fact, it would not have been by accident that Buhari chose Late Dr. Chugba Okadibo, an Igbo man, as his running mate, when he first campaigned in 2003 to be president of Nigeria. He actually repeated the same thing in 2017 when he also took Chief Ume Ezeoke as running mate.

But because of what has become to be clearly known as a pathological hatred for Buhari and anything coming from the North, Igbo people preferred to have nothing than to have number two, so long it was the North that was in the front.

Indeed, it has been very clear to political observers and analysts that an average Igbo man, and maybe woman, would have embraced Buhari for all that he had done for the Southeast region if he were to be from South South, after all, in all honesty, what special thing ex President Goodluck Jonathan did for the region that made the Igbos to love him so much?

From all indications, Igbo, and a few disgruntled corrupt-fighting-back Yoruba elites, are the ones that have carried their hatred of anything North and Muslim, to high heaven.

The Igbo in the Southeast need to re-orientate their psyches and psychological make up to accept the fact that all Nigerians, including them, are brothers and sisters or are friends that must interact for the good of this country.

The traditional title, confirming that Buhari is GOOD Friend of Igbo, should be the beginning of this much needed understanding of our oneness, pursuing one destiny.

And so, clamouring for another country out of Nigeria or discreetly supporting same by the Igbo, at the time a Northerner is at the helm of affairs: the country they know very well they cannot have, would only complicate the issue of nation-building.

We pray that henceforth, no Igbo man and woman would show any form of hatred to Buhari, whom the traditional institution in the land confirmed to be their good friend.

Doing so would mean that Igbos or section of them, have chosen to hate their good friend.

[myad]

President Buhari’s Silent Support For The South-East.

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari receiving gift from Ebony state Governor, Martin Elechi

President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-day visit to the South-Eastern states of Ebonyi and Anambra is taking place at the most opportune juncture, to show support to a governor who has done so much in promoting the President’s policy on food self-sufficiency and to endorsing his party’s candidate in a crucial vote to install a new governor through an election at the weekend in Anambra state.Given the unfortunate secessionist winds sown by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB the President’s visit should be seen as part of the measures promised by the administration, following successful cooperation between the federal government, the region’s five governors and the cultural leadership of the people, the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo. This joint effort has in no small means achieved success in putting out the fires ignited by IPOB. The visit should go further in soothing frayed nerves and provide an opportunity to listen more to the cries of the people of the region.This visit should give the nation a clear break in the mindset from the negativity that characterized the perception of the Buhari administration in the region, following his victory in the 2015 election in which a majority cast its lot with the former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan by giving him 2,464,906 votes, against Muhammadu Buhari’s 198,248 (more or less the same votes he got from one or maximally two of some local council areas in a populous State).Following the outcome of this election, some of the politicians who lost began to whip up fears of vendetta against the the region even when there was no basis at all for this. It may have been a defensive strategy. But it nonetheless led to emotional responses to the President expressed through anger, paranoia, fear, frustration, resentment and confusion.I recall that when he spoke on the subject of political patronage at the U.S Institute of peace, he described the way most democracies work that the one who gave 95 percent did not get the same as the the one gave five percent votes but said emphatically that “I’am a different kind of leader.” He said, more or less in these words that he would be fair and just to all citizens irrespective of the way they voted and went on to add that this country’s constitution protects all citizens, all parts thereof by making specific provisions for fair and balanced distribution of appointments and projects known the federal character principle.This was misconstrued and used to whip up sentiment against him in states that did not vote for him, even after the transcripts of what he actually were published.This negativity had prevailed in spite of the conscious effort the President made to reassure the South-East by giving four of the region’s five states four senior cabinet posts, which are foreign affairs; industry, trade and investment; science and technology and labor, employment and productivity.And given the choices he made, the South-East Ministers today rank among the best this country has ever had if you look at their individual performances.If you go through the online newspapers of the country, everyday, every week and every year there are stories about marginalization against a people for whom the President is doing so much to ensure their security,dignity and prosperity.Beyond these misplaced fears, these south-easterners are a people known for their creativity, industry and hard work, from whose sweat the economy has benefited immensely. But it is equally true that they have not been served in due proportion by successive administrations in post-independence Nigeria. Had governments of yesteryears discharged their responsibilities to the region, and to the country at large, we might not have been in a situation of tensions and anger leading to violence and secessionist agitation which have their roots in the lack of infrastructure and opportunity for citizens to excel. By God, today’s investments in infrastructure and people should change all that.Beside the issue of political representation, federal roads in the South-East are a perpetual issue in our country. But each state in the country complains of bad federal roads. However, contrary to the notion that nobody in this government is doing anything about those roads, the region has a good number of roads paid for by the federal government that are under either completed or undergoing repairs/construction.As of May this year, there are 600 was kilometers of roads that are under rehabilitation/ construction across the South East zone’s five states which include:• Rehabilitation of Owerri – Umuahia Road Sections I, II, III in Imo/Abia States • Rehabilitation of Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway Section II • Ongoing construction work on the Rehabilitation of Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway Section II• Rehabilitation of Ikot Ekpene – Ikot Umuoessien – Aba Road in Abia / Akwa – Ibom States • Ongoing construction work on the Rehabilitation of Ikot Ekpene – Ikot Umuoessien – Aba Road in Abia / Akwa – Ibom States• Ongoing construction work on the Rehabilitation of Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway • Ongoing construction work on the Rehabilitation of Ikot Ekpene – Ikot Umuoessien – Aba Road in Abia / Akwa – Ibom States.• Enugu-Aba- Port Harcourt Expressway, which runs through Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States covering about 31 roads as well as construction of pedestrian bridges and flyovers, traffic signs and lights; the outstanding section of Onitsha-Enugu Road. • Umana-Ndiagu-Adaebele-Udi Road in Ndiagu, Nsukka—Oboloafor -Ihamufu Road • Ninth Mile-Nsukka-Oboloafor Road. • Ohafia-OsoRoad (In Ebonyi and Abia States: 11.7 km) • Nnenwe-Uduma-Uburu Road, Section1 (14 km in Enugu/Ebonyi)• Rehabilitation of Abakaliki-Afikpo Road; Section 1 (20.5 km) • Rehabilitation of Abakaliki-Afikpo Road Section 11 (19.5 km) • Construction of Obubra-Ikwo-Onueke-Nkomoro-Agba-Ezekuna-Ogboji-Nara-Cross River Border Road (7 km) • Aba-Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway (section 11) • Umuahia Tower-Aba Township Rail/Road Bridge Crossing (56.1Km)• Rehabilitation of Lokpanta-Umuahia Tower (59.5km) • rehabilitation of Calabar-Itu-Ikot-Ekpene-Aba-Owerri Section 111 • Ikot-Ekpene-Ikot Umuoessien-Aba Roadin Abia/Akwa-Ibom (43.2km) • Owerri-Umuahia Road, Sections 1,11 and 111 • The Ikot-Ekpene Border: Aba-Owerri Dualisation Road Section 1, Phase 1 (11.26km)• Mbaise-Ngwa Road Ohase 1 (14 km) • Amanwaozuzu-Uzoagba-Eziama-Orie-AmakohiaRoad (10km)• Oba-Nnewi-Okigwe Road Section 11, among others Of course there is the SECOND NIGER BRIDGE about which so many lies have been told to our brothers in the South-East.A past president laid the brick once. Thereafter, he did nothing to actualize it. Having forgotten a promise made, he had a ceremony organized for him to inaugurate the project when the time to seek re-election came.When the Obi of Onitsha reminded the then presidential candidate of his earlier promise to do bridge, he got angry. He stopped short of calling the Obi a liar in his palace by outrightly denying ever making the promise.Now, on the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, the contractor had re-mobilized to site. In the budget proposals read last week at the National Assembly, President Buhari listed this bridge as one of the administration’s priority projects and announced an an allocation of 10 billion Naira expenditure for 2018.Other projects for the South East include: AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING• Construction of New International Terminal in Enugu. COASTAL RAIL PROJECT• The coastal rail line has its route alignment passing through Aba in Abia State and Onitsha in Anambra State.MARITIME ACCESSWith the dredging of the river Niger commissioned by NIWA, the yearning for maritime access to the sea by the south-east and the North as well, is just a matter of time for it to be realized.Good projects apart, in the South-East as in all other subregions,good governance is also necessary and the steps the federal government is taking to deal with corruption, terrorism, banditry and lawlessness have the effect of lifting this country out of poverty and lack of development. The country’s efforts to modernize its trade and investment by easing the process of doing business has already attracted the attention and acclaim of the world, and is giving Nigeria a quick rise in the ranking of countries. Known for their industrial and commercial prowess, there is no gain saying who the biggest beneficiaries are.On the basis of these projects alone, no one should have any reason to doubt the good intentions of the President towards the South-East. Even if some of the people may not support the government, they cannot deny that their region has got a fair deal from President Buhari. The President in his conscience is clear on all fronts that he has been fair to the region and will continue to encourage the efforts of each state as it strives to excel in one endeavor or another. The federal government’s support of Ebonyi state’s rice growing schemes leaned on a permanent solution to the fertilizer supply crisis in the country bears true testimony to a successful partnership between the center and the subregion. In the field of agriculture alone, we have seen this new synergy in the functioning of the governments at the center and the state. This is cooperative federalism at work, and at its best. Which in turn has led to a beneficial relationship based on mutual respect, hope and trust between the governor and the president in spite of political party differences.The fruit of this type of relationship commends itself to other leaders in the country to shed old mindsets and maintain caution while making statements and to not get carried away by emotions leading to unnecessary tensions.To help the nation move forward as one, the media for their part must decide against making unsubstantiated allegations and aspersions being leveled against the leadership at the center for the mere fun of catching the headlines. The country needs this to maintain the delicate balance of the relationships between our diverse population and to avoid weakening our democracy. We need to do this and more to achieve something of substance for the nation.Finally, it is to be hoped that beyond putting out the fire of these misplaced fears, President Buhari’s visit would help to put the spotlight on the silent achievements of his administration in this distinct region so that the ordinary citizen will be reassured that he/she matters, and be rid of the notion that they are getting the short end of the stick. Garba Shehu Is Senior Special Assistant To President Buhari on Media and Publicity

[myad]

Buhari Declares In Ebonyi: Igbos Are Inseparable From Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari arriving Ebony State for his two days state visit — President Muhammadu Buhari arriving Ebony State for his two days visit to South-East region

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the few Igbo youths who are agitating for Biafran Republic to forget it because Igbos are inseparable from Nigeria.Buhari declared: “so, I am asking you all not to buy into the senseless propaganda on secession. Igbo is Nigeria and Nigeria is Igbo. Both are inseparable. “We must therefore continue to commit ourselves to the development of Nigeria. A Nigeria where we sustain our national unity without compromising on our cultural identities. A Nigeria where the aspirations of its people is guaranteed without prejudice to tribe or religion. A Nigeria, where we can sleep at night knowing that tomorrow will be better than today.”The President, who spoke today, Tuesday, at the beginning of his two-day State Visit to Ebonyi State in the Southeast, observed that the people of the Southeast are known for their ingenuity, industrial and commercial talent. “There is no part of Nigeria where you will not find Igbo entrepreneurs, both men and women, contributing to the development of their adopted communities.”President Buhari said that his visit to Ebonyi state is a demonstration of his strong belief in the unity of Nigeria. “As the most populous country in Africa, with over 300 ethnic groups, our diversity is almost unique among nations.The President, who thanked the Southeast traditional rulers for confering on him, traditional titles of ENYIOMA 1 (Good Friend) and OCHIOHA OF NDIGBO, reminded them that the task of nation building is a continuous one. “It never stops. Our founding fathers, from all corners of this country, worked together to actualize the creation of one Nigeria.”After independence, the same founding fathers worked together to maintain this one Nigeria. Yes, they had differences and varied opinions at times. After all, they were only human. And yes, they had moments of weaknesses and doubt. But again, no one is perfect. However, one thing they all protected until the end of their lives was having one Nigeria for all Nigerians.”Today, Nigeria is 57 years old. Nigeria has gone through many pains. But has also achieved significant successes. Its citizens are leaders in all aspect of human development. But we rarely celebrate these successes more. Some misguided Nigerians would rather channel their energy to propagating negative stories and senseless rumours.” Buhari said that over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population is under 25 years old who have little knowledge of Nigeria’s journey. “They were not born during the dark days of civil war and the nation rebuilding that happened afterwards.”The President stressed nation building most times relies on the successful transition of factual knowledge from one generation to another. This means, he said, that it is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to ensure that they do not betray the founding fathers as they transfer the Nigeria project from one generation to the next.”As our national anthem says; “the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain””So parents, speak to your children about the importance of their heritage, culture and being open minded. Teachers, teach your students about the history of this nation and how it was a coalition of diversity that brought it to existence. And leaders, we must lead by example and show tolerance and acceptance of diversity.” President Buhari said that most of the grievances expressed by all Nigerians today are lack of jobs, poor infrastructure and basic amenities. He assured Nigerians that his government is working aggressively to address those challenges, adding his government is already building roads, hospitals and schools as well as expanding the power transmission infrastructure while supporting the generation and distribution companies to ensure that more power is delivered to homes. “We are developing agricultural programs that will create more jobs while making Nigeria food secure”For example, we recently mobilized the contractor of the 2nd Niger Bridge back to site. We have also made provisions in the 2018 budget proposal to ensure this project is completed as early as possible.”We are also upgrading the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia by constructing a Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre. This will further bring quality and affordable health care to the region. “In the agricultural sector, the States in this region have participated in all Federal Government agricultural initiatives. For instance, Ebonyi was among the first few State Government’s to sign up to the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative. The program has already created thousands of direct and indirect jobs in this fertile part of the country.”President Buhari then congratulated Governor Umahi who he said, put aside his political differences to participate in this federally led project that has improved the lives of not only the farmers of Ebonyi State, but the entire South East States.He announced to the people of the region the 2018 budget proposal has allocated up to N10 billion for the development of the Enyimba Industrial Park and Nnewi Auto Park. “Both projects will be implemented in collaboration with the respective state Governments and the private sector. Again, these are classic examples of the partnerships between the Federal and State Governments in the region to improve the livelihoods of Nigerians – politics aside.”In October 2017, we commenced the payment of pensions to police officers who were granted Presidential pardon in 2000 after serving in the former Biafran Police during the 30 month civil war. These officers, and their next of kin, have waited for their pensions for 17 years since the Presidential pardon.”I want to assure the Ndigbo that the welfare and well-being of every Nigerian is important to us. We stand for inclusivity and will not leave any section or citizen behind.”

Dangote Builds N100 Million Mosque In Abuja, Hands It Over Muslim Women

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2017

Note: This picture is used just to demonstrate the story, not the mosque build by Dangote group — Note: This picture is used just to demonstrate the story, not the mosque built by Dangote group

President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has completed a Mosque worth over N100 million at Utako District of Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The Mosque building, undertaken by the Dangote Foundation, was today, Tuesday, handed over to the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria(FOMWAN).Dangote Foundation was said to have taken over the construction of the Mosque, following appeal by FOMWAN to Alhaji Aliko Dangote. The National Ameera of FOMWAN, Hajiya Amina B. Omoti, who received the keys to the Mosque, said that the Mosque will soon be commissioned and opened for Jumaat prayers.She said that the group had started the building of the Mosque but had to appeal to the Dangote Foundation for assistance to facilitate its completion.She commended and prayed for the Dangote Foundation for the gesture, even as she expressed gratitude to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Saad Abubakar for his supports towards the realization of the Mosque.“Words are not enough to express how we feel but suffice it to note that the over 80,000 registered members of FOMWAN and Muslim Ummah across Nigeria are in awe over this beautiful house of worship.”She said the Board of Trustees of the Association would soon meet to constitute a management committee for the Mosque.Representative of the Dangote Foundation, Musa Bala, said that the Mosque was part of the philanthropic spirit of the Foundation.He said that the President of the Group is passionate about the place of women in the society, which was why the Foundation instituted a N10 billion micro grant to empower Nigerian women.He said the Dangote Foundation would continue to support the less privilege in the society, including women.Speaking at the event, the National Deputy Ameera, Hajiya Sada Yusuf, prayed that Allah would bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote, even as she requested that the Foundation should continue to support FOMWAN activities in Nigeria.“We are like Oliver Twist. We are asking for more, especially in the area of landscaping of the Mosque environment.”

[myad]

400,000 Youth Farmers Get CBN’s Accelerated Agriculture Development Scheme Jobs

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2017

Over 400,000 youth farmers in Nigeria would soon be engaged in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) newly introduced Accelerated Agriculture Development Scheme (AADS). It was gathered that the special agricultural programme, which is expected to focus essentially on youths, in the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), targets a minimum of 10,000 young farmers per state.A top CBN source confirmed that the special program, which is part of the Federal Government’s expanded Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), is designed to take unemployed youths off the unemployment markets as well as help maintain food stability in the country.The source explained that AADS is a special agric program focusing on youths in the 36 states plus FCT and under the scheme, adding: “we are targeting a minimum of 10,000 youths per state for a a start. it has the potential of reaching 120,000 youth farmers per state.“The CBN is ready to spend more from the N220 billion to support agriculture. If with N45 billion we were able to produce more than two million metric tons of rice in 12 months I believe strongly that if we invest more in agriculture, Nigeria will be able to meet the six million metric tons of rice which is our national rice needs.”Last week Wednesday, the Acting Director in the Corporate Communications Department of CBN, Isaac Okorafor, said that the expansion of the Anchor Borrowers Programme was to consolidate on the gains so far recorded.“The CBN is forming these partnerships to further ramp up domestic production of identified commodities by leveraging the existing organized structures of the agricultural associations nationwide, thereby providing huge economics of scale in the implementation of the programme.”The ABP has so far achieved success in terms of outreach and coverage, making it one of the most successful CBN development finance interventions to date. About N45.5 billion has been released through 13 Participating Financial Institutions in respect of over 218,000 farmers cultivating nine commodities across 30 States.

[myad]

Nigeria’s Total Public Debt Stock Hits N20.373 Trillion

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2017

Nigeria’s total public debt stock as at September 30, this year is believed to have hit N20.373 Trillion. The debt stock comprises of that of the Federal and State Governments as well as Federal Capital Territory.

A statement from the Debt Management Office (DMO), said that the stock shows a marginal increase of 3.6 per cent from the N19.637 trillion as at June 30, this year.

The statement said that a breakdown of the Debt Stock shows that Domestic Debt accounted for 76.96 per cent while External Debt accounted for 23.04 per cent.

It said that Domestic Debt Stock was N15.679 trillion, which is an increase of 4.1 per cent compared to N15.034 trillion as at June 30, while External Debt Stock stood at N4.694 trillion showing a marginal rise of 1.9 per cent above the N4.602 trillion figure as at June 30, 2017.

The statement said that the data lend credence to the Government’s claims that the Public Debt Stock is skewed in favour of domestic debt which is partly responsible for the high Debt Service figures.

“It is against this background that analysts have commended the Government on its strategy of introducing lower cost external debt into the debt stock in order to reduce Debt Service Costs. For this purpose, the Government is making arrangements to raise external funds of USD5.5 billion.

“The amount which comprises of USD2.5 billion new borrowing to part finance the N2.322 trillion deficit in the 2017 Appropriation Act and USD3.0 billion to repay maturing Domestic Debt, is expected to achieve a reduction in Interest Costs of about N75 billion and N91 billion respectively, when compared to the Interest Cost of borrowing in Naira in the domestic market. The strategy will also contribute to attaining the target ratio of 60:40 between Domestic and External Debt.

According to the statement, other benefits of this strategy include increased availability of funds to the private sector and lower domestic lending rates both of which will enable the private sector contribute to growth, as well as, higher level of External Reserves to support the Naira Exchange Rate. [myad]

Wife Of CBN Communications Strategist Steps Out At 50

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2017

Mary Okorafor, wife of the acting director of Communications in the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, on Sunday, celebrated her golden jubilee with a hilarious fanfare, glitters and prayers in Abuja.

The birthday gig, which took place at Obasanjo Space Centre on airport road, Lugbe, Abuja, was attended by the highs and the mighties in banking industry, religious leaders (not less than a dozen Reverend Fathers and Sisters), and others from all walks of life. The husband of the celebrant, Mr. Isaac Okorafor was fully besides her, reincarnating a kind of wedding gig.

Mrs. Okorafaro and her husband, Isaac Okorafor (in traditional attires), with two Rev. Fathers, cut her golden birthday cake.

We, at Greenbarge Media and Communications Limited wish Mrs. Okorafor many more years of service to her matrimonial home, her society and humanity in general. [myad]

The Worst Of Times, The Best Of Times, By Reuben Abati

Greenbarge Reporters

November 14, 2017

“I just love this country, I won’t lie”

“What have you seen again that has suddenly turned you into a gushing patriot?”

“I mean, just look around, in spite of everything, Nigerians always give you an opportunity to laugh.”

“And if I may ask…”

“Did you read the report on what the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris said about the allegations against him by Senator Isa Misau?”

“What did he say? I didn’t find that funny at all.”

“He started by informing the Senate that he is free to have romantic affairs with any female police officer of his choice, fair or dark-skinned, plus-sized or lepacious, short or tall, heavy or flat chested, Oshodi Oke or Oshodi Isale, landcruiser or Volkswagen…”

“The man didn’t say all that.”

“You don’t get the picture. He said as a Muslim he is in fact entitled to four wives, and so, it goes to no point at all, when Senator Misau accuses him of having affairs with two police women- Amina and Esther.”

“Imagine the Inspector General of Police boasting about his right to marry four women, and that makes headline news.”

“You can’t blame him for the headline news. You should blame journalists. He has a right to defend himself. In fact, he gave Senator Misau a Technical Knock Out, when he reminded him that Misau’s own parents met each other as police officers. His father, a retired AIG, married his mother a Police Inspector when they were both in service. And let’s be fair to IGP Idris. He has a sense of balance in his private life: Amina and Esther, a Muslim and a Christian.”

“I really don’t find this whole thing funny at all. Instead of addressing the substance of Senator Misau’s allegations, what everyone is interested in is the right of police officers to marry their female colleagues or have affairs with them, and I guess vice versa. And by the way, didn’t the police PRO deny all of this?”

“He didn’t deny anything. The man issued a meaningless statement. He said the IGP did not say that he is free to romance policewomen, but that there is no law that stops a police officer from marrying another police officer. What exactly is the PRO saying? Is he from one of those Kaduna State schools?”

“I think you can now see why the Nigeria Police has been branded the worst in the world. This kind of conversation can only take place in Nigeria.”

“It happens in other parts of the world too. In any case, that is not why one foreign group declared the Nigeria Police the worst in the world. The group talked about Capacity, Process, Legitimacy and Outcomes.”

“Break it down. So, in which of those categories is the Nigeria Police Force the best in the world?”

“We have performed very well in international peace-keeping operations!”

“Come to think of it, I wonder who wrote that on behalf of the Police Headquarters. Does anybody help to vet Police press statements at all?”

“Don’t be too hard on our policemen. We have fine police officers.”

“Like those ones that resorted to street-fighting in Port Harcourt, with one gang fighting for the Minister of Transportation, and the other gang defending the Governor of the State over whose convoy has the right of way.”

“That was shameful. But you can’t blame the police. Blame Nyesom Wike and Rotimi Amaechi. Instead of dragging the police into their matter, Wike and Amaechi should have settled the matter man-to-man, get down from their vehicles and use their fists. Unless they do that, there may be no peace in Port Harcourt.”

“You are recommending physical combat?”

“Yes, the way they are going. A heavyweight combat: It is called two-fighting. In any case, the Governor has immunity. He is free to fight.”

“But you see, when the international community sees Nigerian policemen getting involved in partisan politics or carrying bags for the wives of politicians, nobody needs to do any special investigation. They will just conclude that this must be the worst police in the world.”

“Don’t mind those ones. They should leave our Police for us, oh. They may not be very good at home, but they are winning international medals. That is ca-pa-city!”

“I see you keep defending the Police. Just find a way of advising the Inspector General of Police to focus more on important matters. He runs the risk of being remembered as a romantic Police IG of the Amina and Esther fame! For Heaven’s sake the PRO should have just denied that the IGP ever made a statement and leave it there.”

“You want to teach the Police how to start telling lies?”

“Okay. I just hope that some day in the future, some retired policewomen will not come forward to talk about how some of their former bosses used to harass them for romantic affairs!”

“That cannot happen in this country. Is this America?”

“Nigerian women must stand up for their rights”

“You like to speak grammar. Go and ask those Nollywood actresses who stood up recently to say some actors have harassed them in the past. The way people burst out in laughter hen? The two girls were called names and asked to shut up. Here na Hollywood? Most of the people who condemned them are even their female colleagues. Don’t-come-and-spoil-business, you-these-small-girls!”

“We still have a long way to go. That is why there is so much rape and domestic violence.”

“Come and be going. Don’t come and be defending slay queens and waka-pass actresses here. Some girls will go to night vigils and the Bar Beach to pray for the anointing of a rich, handsome, ATM husband, some of them even go on instagram to say I like sex, I don’t wear pant, they go church pay tithe sef…but when any man calls them, they say they are being harassed. Er ber-gi.”

“Your mind set is tragic.”

“My friend, don’t criticize me. If you are looking for people to criticize, try the Federal Government and the Nigerian military. In case you have not heard, they have just taken a decision to stop the admission of female regular combatant cadets into the Nigeria Defence Academy.”

“That is preposterous. It is impossible.”

“Yes. Go and tell them.”

“Those girls, the Jonathan Queens, have proven to be worthy of military service as combatants. Some of them are now in military schools overseas for further training. And according to the NDA, many of them won prizes and even out-performed the boys as cadets. Is this about politics?”

“No. It is about Queens. What I hear is that some very powerful Muslim leaders in the North do not consider them Queens. I hear they say if the programme is not aborted, a day may well come when a woman will become a Service Chief in Nigeria and that in due course, you could have women leading Nigerian troops and giving orders to men.”

“And what is wrong with that?”

“I don’t know. But some people are saying how can women leave the kitchen and za ozza room, and will now go to the battlefield to fight war.”

“Women have always been involved in war as combatants, even in traditional communities. Queen Amina of Zazzau. Princess Moremi of Ife. If the issue is religion, Libya and Algeria are Muslim countries but they have women Generals, all over the world there are women who are actively involved in combat duties.”

“I think may be the Armed Forces Council does not want the kind of situation they have in the Nigeria Police where male officers will be distracted because they are free to have romantic affairs with their female colleagues. But I know one soldier. I ‘ll tell him I have a friend who would like to come and give the Armed Forces Council a history lecture on the role of women as military combatants.”

“The policy must be resisted. They must not implement it. Even in Saudi Arabia, women are now being granted more rights. So what would happen to the female combatants who are already in service in the Nigerian military?”

“They can be re-deployed to non-combat duties in the kitchen and za ozza room, fa!”

“That will be a violation of their Constitutional right under Section 42. We will go to court!.”

“You better don’t give yourself hypertension. Be like me; whenever something happens laugh it off. It is the only way left to survive in this country. What have we not seen in recent times? Even two of Nigeria’s airports are rated among the worst in the world.”

“Which ones?”

“Port Harcourt and Murtala Muhammed International in Lagos”

“Some of these labels are exaggerated and untrue. But if you are writing a report on Nigeria, and you arrive at the main airport in Lagos, and you see the airport authorities using buckets to collect rain water from a leaking roof in the arrival hall, and you look and actually see a collapsed roof, dangling electrical fittings, rats on the roof, smelling toilets, and corrupt officials, do you need to do any further research? Nigeria itself is rated the worst country to live in the world.”

“Our problem is maintenance culture and the implementation of policies.”

“I hope the Budget for 2018 will be implemented.”

“Yes, if there is no delay in passing the bill and no delay in signing it into law. That is where the problem lies, and nobody this time around should start talking about constituency projects.”

“You can’t rule that out, especially now that oil price is rising. If you know how some people have been jubilating. Increase in oil prices means more money.”

“Not necessarily. There are other variables.”

“You think so?”

“Look, I don’t want to worry my head about money that other people will spend. But we just need to tell some of these state Governors too to get their priorities right. With all the things we said about the erection of statues, you know that guy in Imo state still went ahead and erected another statue for President Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson of Liberia. He waved the people of Imo state away as hating haters and wailing wailers and asked them to shove it up…”

“These Governors! Just look at the one in Kano state for example. Governor Abdullahi Ganduje is advertising as one of the major achievements of his administration, the empowerment of 5, 200 tea hawkers. He gathered Mai-Shayi, Mai-tea hawkers from 44 local governments and distributed to them cartons of beverage, milk, tea, crates of eggs, sugar, cups, baskets and promised each person a take-off grant of N40, 000. Big ceremony. Big achievement.”

“The man must like tea a lot. Mai-Shayi Governor. But softly, softly, you know he is now our in-law in Oyo state. His daughter will soon come and teach the Constituted Authority and the people of Oyo State how to drink and enjoy tea better than Abula and Gbegiri.”

“You are joking. Oyo-state-people-will-never-ab andon-Amala! By the way, what is this story about the Niger Delta Development Commission Board and Senator Emmanuel Paulker?”

“Nothing to it. It is just politics. You know all eyes in the Niger Delta are on the NDDC. Even the Governors are interested in what goes on there. The Solicitor General of the Federation has offered a sound legal opinion. The present Board is entitled to its term of four years, not the remainder of a previous Board that was dissolved.”

“Looks like Bayelsa state is in a hurry to grab the NDDC”

“If e be you nko. The moment the President announced that various Boards will be re-constituted, I knew there will be serious lobby and desperation.”

“And blackmail and mischief… It is the worst of times.” [myad]

Osinbajo Regrets Lack Of Measures To Discipline Erring Judicial Officers

Greenbarge Reporters

November 13, 2017

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed regret that there has never been measure enunciated towards disciplining judicial officers that go foul of the profession.He emphasized that creating and maintaining efficient disciplinary structures and rules has remained what he called “a huge challenge.” Professor Osinbajo, who spoke at a dinner by the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), in Lagos, said that self-regulation even among the SANs is non-existent. “There is no forum for calling out a bad egg.”Osinbajo, himself a SAN. Described the legal profession in Nigeria and the system of administration of justice as one of the oldest of the professions. “It has created reputations; it has created dynasties, enormous wealth and modest livelihoods for generations.”But its integrity, its credibility and relevance are gravely threatened and have been so for many years now. It appears that some of the greatest acts of malfeasance are perpetrated by those of us who are senior lawyers.”Professor Osinbajo stressed the need for a consensus on how to ensure that the legal system is revived to gain back its respect and reverence, and that it “is not destroyed in our own time. “It is a consensus that will be built only on sacrifice, sacrificing ethnic, and other parochial loyalties where the profession is threatened.”Enabling a system of discipline that truly neither fears friend nor foe.”The Vice President advocated moral reawakening as it is obvious that “almost all of us, and I speak also for myself, have taken advantage in one way or the other, of a system where there is no consequence for misbehaviour; so truly, as the scriptures say, “all have sinned.”He also called for a practical, clearheaded consensus thinking “on how to preserve our profession, and the prestige of our privileges and how to avoid the indictment of history. “It is our duty as professionals today, especially those of us of the inner bar, to ensure that our profession and the administration of justice system survives the assault on it by all manner of misconduct.” [myad]

Federal Govt Scribe, Mustapha, Visits Ailing Ekwueme in London, Conveys Buhari’s Get-Well-Soon Greeting

Greenbarge Reporters

November 13, 2017

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, today, visited the former Nigerian Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme in a London hospital where he is being treated. Boss Mustapha, who was said to have been in London for a different purpose before the arrival of the ailing second Republic Vice President, seized the opportunity to convey President Muhammadu Buhari’s get-well-soon greeting. A statement by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu today, Monday, said that the SGF was received by Dr. Ekwuene’s wife, Mrs. Helen Ekwueme on behalf of the family.Boss Mustapha was quoted as telling the Ekwueme family that President Buhari and all Nigerians are praying for the speedy recovery of the elder statesman, believing that the doctors are doing their best. Dr. Ekwueme was rushed to the London hospital a couple of days ago in what was described as a critical condition in an air ambulance. His journey and hospitalisation in London followed a directive by President Buhari that he should be flown overseas for serious medical attention.

[myad]

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