Willywilly4: RIP General Kangaroo, bye bye to Hell Fire, may Satan welcomes you with open arms

who are you to judge the dead you should rather reflect on life while you still have the time,remember death is inevitable!

Luis Suarez has cast fresh doubt over his Liverpool future after saying he would find it hard to turn down a move to Real Madrid.
Suarez claimed in an interview on Uruguayan radio that the criticism he has faced from the English media may force him to move.
The 26-year-old said: ‘Liverpool want me to stay, but it would be difficult to say no to Real Madrid.'I have the desire to be successful in big teams, the hope and dream to make it into the biggest teams in the world are always there.
'I talked to my agent and there's nothing concrete yet. I want to make it clear that to Real Madrid it's hard to say no.
'I can only have words of gratitude for the club, the fans, and the people of Liverpool. I love, I love to be in Liverpool, I am happy in Liverpool.'
However, Suarez, whose latest controversy saw him banned for 10 games for biting Branislav Ivanovic, believes his unfair treatment may force him out.‘I have a family who are also suffering and it has gone beyond the limit. I am not prepared to keep on putting up with the English journalists. I have fought too hard since I was a child to get to where I am to let some journalists batter me in an unfair way.
'They don’t judge me as a player, only for my attitude. They speak about me like they have known me all my life. I have a wife and a daughter and I am not prepared to keep on putting up with the English press.
'I made a mistake and I accepted it, I came forward to apologise and I think that every time you make a mistake you have to accept it and recognise it and I believe I did that.'
Liverpool insist Suarez is not for sale, and given that he signed a four-year deal last summer, they expect him to stay.
Manager Brendan Rodgers is not under pressure to sell but Madrid are preparing a £25million offer that would include young forwards Alvaro Morata and Jese Rodriguez.
Liverpool are also bracing themselves for a Barcelona bid for keeper Pepe Reina who admitted it would be difficult to turn down a move to the Catalan giants.
'It is difficult to say no to Barca although I am not aware if they are interested in me,' said the 30-year-old.
But Liverpool have bolstered their attacking options after agreeing a deal of around £6m for Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas, 25, who can operate in the middle or out wide.
With Celta Vigo facing relegation the price has come down from £8m and Aspas will have a medical next week.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2332897/Luis-Suarez-difficult-turn-Real-Madrid.



who send you go bite!

His sensational haul of 26 goals powered Manchester United to the Premier League title, but almost as remarkable was that Robin van Persie made it through the season injury-free.
A notoriously injury-prone player, Van Persie missed almost an entire year of action in his final five years at Arsenal with a succession of knee and ankle problems.
But in the last two seasons, the Dutchman has stayed fit and healthy, allowing him to concentrate on what he does best - scoring goals,And Sportsmail can reveal Van Persie's secret weapon in his fight to stay fit - an American-made elastic 'compression sleeve' product called the BodyHelix.
Van Persie started wearing the fabric on his thighs and calves during training and matches in February 2012 - and has not suffered an injury since despite playing back-to-back seasons of 48 club matches.
The 29-year-old also recommended the BodyHelix to strike partner Wayne Rooney after he suffered a gruesome gash to his thigh against Fulham back in August. Despite the severity of the injury, Rooney returned to the United side within a month.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2333189/Robin-Van-Persies-secret-weapon-staying-injury-free-Manchester-United.html
The is the power of sport science hope we can use this stuffs to inprove our sports in naija.

Over 50 insurgents arrested

Senator Iroegbu

Operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) have stepped up their onslaught against members of the Boko Haram sect with the use of trained military police dogs to foil insurgents infiltration and capturing 50 of them in the process.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, who said the dogs were participating in the cordon and search phase of the special operations against terrorism in the country.

Olukolade said the dogs were instrumental in foiling various attempts by the insurgents to either escape, infiltrate military camps or escape to the neighbouring countries of Niger Republic and Chad.

He said: " Various attempts being made by the insurgents to escape to enter towns and cities in the North-east as troops dislodge them from their forest bases, have been foiled by the dogs.

"The efforts of the specially trained dogs have so far led to the arrest of over 50 terrorists who were trying to infiltrate Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital."
The DDI revealed that more than 15 of the insurgents were arrested with arms concealed in their body or properties.

He said cordon and search has been intensified as the forests in the North-east are being combed for terrorists.

He further revealed that at the deseri forest, three Hilux vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft weapons were destroyed, one Volkswagen Golf car and four motorcycles were also recovered.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/state-of-emergency-police-dogs-foil-boko-haram-infiltration/148928/

As the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues, the governors supporting the Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi have called for the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to discuss the crisis engulfing the party.

The governors also said that they will not leave the party, no matter the level of provocation against them.

This is coming as the crisis rocking the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) takes a new dimension as the factional NGF chairman, Governor Jonah David Jang said that the factional secretariat of the party located at Alvan Ikoku Street in Maitama District Abuja will be declared open by Vice President Namadi Mohammed Sambo by 4 pm on Thursday.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/pdp-governors-renew-calls-for-nec-meeting/148767/

The suspension of Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Monday evoked mixed reactions from members of the House of Representatives.

While many condemned it and declared it as a wrong move, a member hailed the ruling party for its decision.
Also, the Bishop of Ekiti, Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye and constitutional lawyer, Mr. Fred Agbaje, were among those who expressed concern over what they termed as persecution of Amaechi.

The Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Dakuku Peterside, described the action of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP as a bad omen and a major setback to Nigeria’s quest for true democracy.
Peterside (PDP/Rivers) said the suspension came at an inauspicious moment given the fact that it coincided with the governor’s 48th birthday anniversary and only a few days after he was re-elected Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

“This news is baffling and a major blow to lovers of democracy because it violates the right of an individual to associate freely, to vote and be voted for in any democratic process. The NGF is not an extension of PDP, thus not governed by the constitution of the PDP.

“This is also a major impediment to PDP’s future as a party as Amaechi is seen in Nigeria today as one of the most outstanding governors. What would it benefit a political party to suspend its most performing governor?

“Therefore, to my mind, this decision is not only ill-timed but ominous and capable of threatening the foundation of democracy especially the process of free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria.
“This ignoble action of the PDP National Working Committee signposts what to expect in the build up to 2015: divergent views will not be tolerated and this is dangerous,” Peterside said.

Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (ACN/Lagos), said the action of the ruling party showed how low a desperate government could go to hack down perceived opponents.

“This is an accidental government. There is supposed to be an art and a science to governance but this one possesses neither. First it was the State Assembly members that were purportedly suspended and now it’s the governor. This is a huge joke,” Gbajabiamila said.

House Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Datti Ahmed (CPC/Kaduna) condemned the suspension, but said it was good for the opposition parties, who would reap from the misfortunes of the ruling party.

Ahmed said the action of the NWC of the PDP had shown that the ruling party was all about illegality and rigging of elections.
“He (Amaechi) has not committed any offence. Even the PDP knows that its decision cannot stand. You cannot suspend somebody for exercising his fundamental human rights”.

Chairman, House Committee on Anti- Corruption Matters, Hon Abiodun Faleke(ACN/Lagos), expressed surprise at the suspension and accused the ruling party of punishing Amaechi for exercising his fundamental human rights to vote and be voted for at the NGF.

Similarly, Hon. Sokonte Davis(PDP/ Rivers) described the action of the NWC as ridiculous, unfortunate and in bad taste.

“This is the only time I have heard that somebody is punished for winning. If canvassing for the support of his colleagues is a crime, why is the defeated annointed candidate not equally suspended since he has opposition members like Peter Obi who supported him. On the other hand, why participate in a process you expect only your party members to be lobbied. They shouldn’t have gone into the elections at all since they already have their own governors.

“I think that this action has made the party to become opprobrious to the generality of the country. In fact, I am yet to believe that the story is true. If it is true, then all the denials that the main purpose of the Rivers State crisis is not to chase Amaechi and his supporters from the party have turned out to be lies.”

In statement titled: “Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Elections - between 19 Governors and 16 Governors Claiming Majority,” Ajakaye observed that it was the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Jonah Jang, who was heading the pro-Jonathan governors that are bent on scattering the NGF.

He bemoaned the congratulatory messages being placed for Jang on the pages of the newspapers despite the fact that the Director-General of the NGF, Mr. Ashishana Okauru, had announced Amaechi as the winner of the election.

“Amaechi was suspended for his courage, for his popularity among his peers and for winning an election. Is this the way to celebrate democracy in Nigeria?” he queried.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/house-of-reps-members-ajakaye-agbaje-slam-pdp-for-suspending-amaechi/148704/

modrator please fronte page

This is hard saying but it is the truth the fact remains until there is a constitutional provision for proper recognition of minorities in this country it will be very difficult for them to rule...i know it hard to believe and accept but only then can we see the change we so desire.

"Comrade Ameh: Idoma will never rule Benue? Chief David Mark, I disagree with you

Honestly, I didn’t pen this down to disrespect President of the Senate and the Okpokpowulu of Idomaland, Chief David Aleichenu Bonaventure Mark.

I will remain unapologetic if this write-up hits this retired army boss and his loyalists hard.

It has become obvious that because we venerate our leaders to a level that we now worship them like Deputy Jesus, we should also be ready to take their lash anytime they approach us with their ‘koboko.’

No wonder, our elders say, “a child that toys with the devil-beans should be ready to dance to the rhythm of the gods.

I was moved to tears when I read online recently that David Mark had outrightly informed his people (Idoma) to bury the hope of ruling Benue State in the nearest future.

It was reported that the elder statesman had told them not be deceived by the thinking that an Idoma man would take over the mantle of leadership from the incumbent Governor, Gabriel Suswam in 2015. He said that they could only be the Governor if the much-awaited Apa State is created.

Sad, pity, SMH!

At first, I was reluctant to believe the story, I waited for three days; hoping that Mark would issue a communiqué to debunk the statement attributed to him; but all to no avail, an indication that our hope has been dashed to the wind.

I’m not afraid to say this, because it is blatant that the Idoma nation has lost her dignity as true owners of the land and as partners in leadership and governance.

It is clear that we have failed to realize that government is a legal contract between the servant (the led) and the head (leader) and have given up our God’s given and constitutional rights.

We have time-honoured the concept of modern slavery in leadership, and can take anything from our insensitive and self-centered leaders who have never thought about our welfares in a single second of their lives.

It makes me wonder with one hand akimbo and head bow on why would a respected personality like Chief Mark utter such unguarded statement.

The question is: What hope is he leaving for those of us coming up? What message is he leaving behind for our unborn children? Does that mean that the Idoma nation cannot boast of a man that meets the criteria to govern the Food Basket State? Is the Government House too hot for an Idoma man to occupy? Too many questions begging for answers!

For the past 14 years, Idoma people have been waiting for Apa State and it has never come.

Tired of the endless promises, many had since retired to fate.

Some call the promise of state creation as a political gimmick. Others see it as a trick to win more followership, but whatever the case, maybe, the Idoma are too intelligent to be fooled.

The history of the struggle for the creation of Apa State could be dated back to1996, when Mbanefo’s panel was set up.

The panel went round the whole country and recommended 12 states, two per zone. In the north central, they recommended Nassarawa and Apa States.

History has it that Apa State was even number seven on the list. But when it came to the actual creation exercise, the then Head of State, General Abacha denied the Idoma nation. One of the criteria for creating a state was that the area must not be less than 1.3 million, the Idoma area was 734,000 as at that time. That was how the dream was killed.

During my recent trip to South America, I had a hearty chat with a co-passenger on board who informed me that the process of state creation takes not less than five years to complete right from referendum signed and of course you must determine the organ that will even conduct the referendum.

But as at today, the constitution doesn’t specify who should conduct the referendum.

I was made to understand that from the referendum stage to the state House of assembly where it would be debated upon and passed, before it is sent to 2/3 of the states in the country, 24 must approve that the state is created.

Then, it comes to the National Assembly, each of the Houses will pass it. Then a joint committee would be set up to look at it, to recommend, then they vote on it. It takes about four to five years to complete.

If it is true, it should have come 12 years ago, yet Apa is yet to see the light of day.

There is no gainsaying the fact that Mark boosts many legacies in all the sectors of the economy with ‘marked’ transparency and accountability in the management of resource.

With a warrior like Mark ahead of us, we can conquer this Jericho. Yes, we can!

It is so sad that our sons and daughters cannot occupy the seat of Governor of Benue State no matter how well qualified and experienced they are for the job! Neither can we produce the Speaker of the House of Assembly, nor the Chief Judge of the State that is normally attained by seniority. When it was the turn of an Idoma to ascend the seat of Chief Judge, they were denied and the next person in rank (a Tiv), was appointed. It is the same with Majority Leader in the House of Assembly, Chairman, State Council of Chiefs, Chairman, State Judicial Service Commission and several other categorized Statutory Boards and Commissions. This discrimination and deprivation manifest even in academics. We have been designated to play second fiddle as second-class citizens in a State we are supposed to belong in as equal partners with others. Ali Adoyi, the best graduating student in the Faculty of Arts, Benue state University in the 2007/2008 academic session was not only denied a First Class for not being a TV man, but was also denied being retained as a lecturer, just in variance with the specification of the university. Too bad.

The Idoma nation is now like the man in Jerad Angira’s No Coffin, No Grave. We cant rule Benue, yet Apa is nowhere at sight. What is Mark saying. What other time does he have to do this? What other position does he need to achieve this? Too bad!

I stand here with due respect to disagree with His Excellency, David Mark on his stance that Idoma cannot rule Benue.

I have never been against a Tiv governor but what is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.

If him (Mark) can go as far as becoming a Senate President (number three in the nation) then, I can beat my chest that an Idoma man is even more qualified to govern Benue, we can break the jinx.

In fact, the governorship seat na moimoi joor!
Okpokpowulu got it wrong. I guess he only calculated based on his personal relationship with governor Suswam. Who says things will never change?

Ameh Comrade Godwin writes from Lagos.

The Governor of Plateau State and factional Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), David Jonah Jang in a bid to consolidate his hold on the fractured forum, monday secured an office accommodation in Maitama District, Abuja, to serve as the new secretariat of the forum. He has also appointed one Osaro Onaiwo as the Sole Administrator of the forum, as against the provision of a Director General. Onaiwo, it was gathered has been saddled with the responsibility of managing the secretariat as a peer review group for the governors.

Jang also claimed that more governors had been making solidarity calls to him, and pledging their supports and cooperation.

In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. James Mannok, Jang reinstated his resolve to work with his colleagues to strengthen the bond of service in the forum, maintaining that “the NGF is a family in which there is no issue that cannot be resolved or settled among them, as family members.” He said the modalities for this reconciliation were being implemented with the result of which more governors were making solidarity calls to him and pledging their cooperation.

While appreciating his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him, Jang urged that the forum be driven by the collective desire to build a strong and prosperous Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) inaugurated a committee to fast track the process of constitutional adherence as it affects the current status of the office of the Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai, who was injured in the self piloted plane crash in October last year.

Also, the party has set up a committee headed by Senator Hope Uzodinma with the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulaki, Shittu Mohammed, Bala Buhari, Prof. Richard King, Bolajoko Doherty with Senator Abubakar Gada as member and secretary to discuss the circumstances relating to constitutional adherence as it affects the current status of the office of the Governor of Taraba State and ensure that all practical implication of PDP in the state and emerge stronger and more united in responding to all the partisan challenges arising thereafter in the state.

The committee is to find out the extent of the political harmony or otherwise among the key stakeholders within the ruling PDP family in Taraba State, and interact and establish the most effective approach to reduce to the barest minimum, the fears of all the contending interest.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jang-opens-new-ngf-secretariat/148706/

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his satisfaction that the fanfare surrounding his retirement is over ‘because it was hard work’ and claimed he knew the title was headed back to Old Trafford before the season even started.
The outgoing Manchester United boss was named Manager of the Year at the LMA awards for a record-breaking fourth time after this season winning his 13th Premier League crown.
England manager Roy Hodgson presented the accolade to Ferguson, who spoke publicly for the first time since his final game – the thrilling 5-5 draw at West Brom. He also picked up the Premier League Manager of the Year award, which was presented by his friend Sam Allardyce.
Ferguson described the reaction to his retirement as ‘overwhelming’ and added: ‘The club did fantastic at the Swansea game, it was brilliant. And congratulations to West Brom for the way they handled it. In a way I'm glad it's all over because it was hard work.
‘Steve Clarke should have got this award, anyone who scores five against Manchester United deserves it. It was the perfect send-off. Five each, everyone will remember it that’s for sure.’
Asked when he knew United had won the title Ferguson replied ‘August 17’, apparently referring to the day before the start of the Premier League 2012/13 season.
He added: ‘I thought the players were really focussed. It was the disappointment. Adversity is the best recipe for success. If you’d seen our dressing room at Sunderland, the day we lost the league to Man City, you had a feeling about them.
‘There’s great character in this squad, enough experience, great resolve, and I felt we had a great chance, I really did.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2328049/Manchester-United-manager-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-wins-LMA-Manager-Year-award-double.html#ixzz2U6uYOgjX

After announcing his retirement, Sir Alex Ferguson vowed to enjoy his other passions besides Manchester United.
At the top of his wish-list would be his love of horse racing.
And within 72 hours of handing the bringing the curtain down his Manchester United reign and handing the baton over to David Moyes, Ferguson was clearly in no mood to take it easy.Instead he was true to his word as he was quickly out of the blocks by making the trip to Lingfield.
Ferguson, who was mobbed by autograph hunters in Surrey, is the owner of Telescope.
But his colt, the leading British hope for the Derby, failed to impress in a racecourse gallop ahead of a possible bid for the Epsom Classic a week on Saturday,
SIR ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT JARE!

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Wednesday called for urgent measures to tackle the rising spate of youths unemployment in the country.

Sanusi, who described the development as “a time bomb," stressed the need for the country to initiate policies to would lead to job creation “before it explodes.”

He made this call in Umuahia, where he delivered the maiden Ochendo Lecture Series, which was part of the “Abia Youth Empowerment Summit (A-Yes) 2013,” aimed at finding a sustainable solution to youths unemployment in the state.

“The unemployment of youths in Nigeria poses a threat to its development, security and peaceful co-existence,” he said, adding that it is “further underscored by the fact that Nigeria is a pluralistic and multi-ethnic society with different cultural and religious background.”

In the lecture entitled “Youth Employment as Panacea for Insecurity in Nigeria,” the CBN governor noted that despite the fact that youths possess tremendous productive energy, governments at all levels had failed to harness such potential for the transformation of the economy.

He blamed the ‘dysfunctional economy’ as the root of all problems facing Nigeria hence “a vision of prosperous, peaceful and technologically advanced society is therefore, unrealisable in an environment where the youths are not properly groomed and positioned.”

Though youths unemployment appears to be a huge problem, Sanusi insisted that “the solution is simple.”

According to him, what the country needs to do is to develop the agricultural sector and enhance its industrial capacity to create the needed job opportunities for the youths.

In his address, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State said his administration had chosen to harness the potential of the youths.
“We have consistently advocated the importance of the youths of Abia State in the politics, development, security and the total emancipation of our people,” he said.
Orji added that his administration has defined the concept of youths empowerment through enlightenment and by prioritising issues concerning youth development.
He stated that apart from empowering youths through skill acquisition programmes, the administration has refocused the agricultural sector in order to create jobs and wealth in the State.

The governor also disclosed that the focus on the agriculture sector has started yielding the desired results as farms across the state and the rubber plantations have so far employed over 1000 youths.

The event also witnessed the presentation of 200 vehicles to youths for commercial transportation. This was in addition to 50 other vehicles, 700 tricycles, hairdressing equipment, sewing machines, laptops, among others that had been given out in the empowerment project which commenced in 2012.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/sanusi-nigeria-must-tackle-unemployment-of-youths/145916/

The Federal University Dutsin-Ma has offered provisional supplementary admission into its various Degree
Programmes for the 2012/2013 academic session to the following Candidates:
1. Candidate should check the following list to confirm that their names are on the admission list and
Department/Programme of Study admitted in the University.
2. Candidates are advised to study carefully the following specific Departmental subjects requirements
and ensure that they obtained the required subject combinations before coming to the University to
commence registration.
3. Successful students of the 2012/2013 session Supplementary admissions are to report to the
University for Registration from 2
nd to 6th March, 2013.
4. The commencement of lectures for the first semester 2012/2013 session for newly admitted students
would be from Monday 11th March, 2013.
LOG ON TO WWW.fudutsinma.edu.ng for more information.

The Confederation of African Football has laid the blame for Nigerians’ inability to watch the Africa Cup of Nations on terrestrial television at the feet of BON
Nigeria was blacked out from the Afcon as a result of disagreement between the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and LC2, the agency that is responsible for marketing the television rights to member nations in Africa.

BON was negotiating to pay $1.5 million for the television rights but LC2 initially asked for eight million Euros which it later cut down to 4.5 million Euros. But BON refused to pay, hence Nigerian fans are unable to watch their darling Super Eagles on terrestrial television.

El Amrani said Caf has to continue to sustain itself and has to stay in business so they need to do the business in the best way.

“CAF needs to secure two things. The first is to sustain the maximum coverage of the competition and the other is to respect the laws of the market and the prices,” he said.

“We cannot sell to someone who wants to buy at 20 times less than the usual price, we cannot do this otherwise we will have to close our doors. We cannot survive if we do not sustain the minimum value of our television rights.

“We have seen steady progress in the Nations Cup in the last few years, this is because we are self-sustaining and financially independent.

“Nigeria will go and purchase an English package or European football package at the right price but they want to purchase our package free or at a ridiculous price. We cannot go ahead with that, there is a minimum balance we have to maintain,” El Amrani explained.
www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4687/2013-africa-cup-of-nations/2013/02/02/3720296/afcon-tv-blackout-caf-blames-nigeria-for-ridiculous-offer?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_BN_2

Power cut! Craven Cottage is plunged into complete darkness! Incredible scenes.
manutd 1 fulham 0

Mario Balotelli says he will miss little about life in Manchester after taking a swipe at English culture following his £19m move to AC Milan.

The Italy striker was paraded by his new club on Friday and did not shy away when asked what he liked and disliked most about England.

"Good things? Only when I get to Carrington to train, so my team-mates and manager," he said.

"Bad things? Everything else - press, weather, food, the way you drive."

Balotelli, 22, has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Italian giants AC Milan after scoring 30 goals in 80 appearances for City.

He was at the centre of several controversial incidents, both on and off the pitch, during two-and-a-half-years in Manchester.

But Balotelli told a news conference in Milan: "I prefer playing - not talking.

"To be a player for Milan has always been my dream so I'm very happy.

"Now I'm at Milan it's very important above all because I am close to my family and friends. Manchester is not so far, but it's not close like Milan."

Asked whether he planned to return to the Premier League before the end of his playing career, Balotelli added: "It is an amazing league and I think it's the best, together with the crowd and the pitches.

But he added: "I don't know for the future if I could go back or not."
www.thisdaylive.com/articles/balotelli-criticises-life-in-england-after-italy-return/138203/

Some ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) Tuesday admitted before the Senate Committee on Federal Character that they took bribes before offering employment to applicants.

The subtle admittance followed a question thrown to the agencies by Senator Uche Chukwumerije during a session involving the Senate committee, Federal Character Commission (FCC) as well as MDAs.

Chukwumerije had asked the representatives of the agencies represented at the session to boldly raise up their hands if they knew they weren’t taking bribe before recruiting new employees into their organisations.

To the shock of all in the gathering, only the representative of National Security for Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) raised up his hands, while others who had earlier boasted of observing merit in their recruitment processes could not summon courage to raise up their hands.

Chukumerije then warned the agencies that it was an unpardonable offence for anyone to take bribe from applicants before offering them jobs, saying doing so implies automatic recruitment of additional thieves into the system while qualified people are left in the “growing cesspool of unemployment.”

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Senator Awaisu Kuta, had lamented increasing number of scandals in MDAs during recruitment exercises, noting that the principle of federal character is often violated in the process with impunity.

According to Kuta who said the law establishing Federal Character Commission also spelt out punishment for violations of its principles, added that marginalisation of people in certain parts of the country is the bane of productivity, anti-corruption war and patriotism among Nigerians.

Kuta who alleged that jobs are usually offered to the highest bidders, noted that scandals in recruitment processes have reached an alarming rate as he threatened that the law establishing federal character would soon be amended with a view to imposing stricter sanctions on its violators.

While describing the military, police and public officers as the most guilty of the violations, Kuta also accused heads of institutions of complicity in the scandalous acts.

Chairman of FCC, Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, alleged that military, police, civil service commission, Judicial Service Commission, petroleum sector and ministries were notorious for flouting federal character principles.

Abdulraheem who threatened to henceforth drag any violator of the principles to court, insisted that the committee must ensure that heads of all MDAs were summoned by the committee.

In her submission, Head of Federal Civil Service Commission, Joan Ayo, described the existence of federal character in civil service as unnecessary, arguing that the civil service commission should rather serve as the custodian of core values in public service.

She claimed that the commission under her leadership has so far maintained zero tolerance for corruption, disclosing that 80 per cent of recruitment carried out on the basis of existing three senatorial districts in each state are done on merit while the remaining 20 per cent are done on discretion.

The committee promised to invite the military, police and para-military institutions accused of violating the federal character principle during the next session.
It also threatened to accordingly deal with violators of federal character principles.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/mdas-admit-taking-bribes-for-employment/136503/
I weep for this country!

he Federal Road Safety Commission’s (FRSC) plan to reduce road accidents by providing free mandatory eye test to drivers, may suffer a ditch like the cost of treatment or even legality of barring those with defect which could frustrate the potential gains of the eye test, writes Chiemelie Ezeobi

As usual, the sun rose from the East and cast the streets of Lagos in a golden hue with its characteristics harsh weather accompanied by the stinging rays of the sun. Not surprisingly, the hot weather seemed to have affected motorists alike with impatience as they all struggled for the right of way to leave the canopy of the scorching sun.

Suddenly, the ambience of the busy afternoon was shattered by a screeching sound accompanied by a loud thud. A 46-seater- commercial bus had rammed into a Toyota Camry Saloon Car.

At first, many thought the gory and grisly scene was not real. And no, it was not the scene of a badly prepared Nollywood script either. The accident scene was as real as it could ever get.

While passersby were still trying to wrap their minds around the somewhat unreal incident, scraps of the dismembered bodies littered the streets, the collective pool of blood from the accident victims ran from all angles until it congealed at a spot.

Rescue efforts which kicked off rather late could only rescue five persons from the carnage including the driver of the ill-fated vehicle. Preliminary investigations into the cause of the accident revealed the driver had an eye defect, which made him not see the oncoming car until it was rather late.

The eyes are often described as the window to the soul. This statement is not far from the truth as the eyes tell a story of its own, often depicting the state of one’s mood; either in a weepy, sad, angry or happy state. This is the story across Nigeria as commuter bus driver wheeled out on the road to ferry their passengers. Indeed, there are drivers in Nigeria who have lost an eye and still have drivers’ license. They drift out of their lanes unconsciously and blindly search for the gear away from the component of the gear-box.

But this, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), says must be checked to save lives. It commenced a mandatory nationwide automated free eye test for driver’s license applicants at over 50 processing centers, spread across the country.

The Free eye mandatory test, according to the FRSC, was designed to give room for on-the-spot vision/screening examination.

The test is also expected to sight correction among drivers as parts of the Corps’ strategies towards road accident reduction in Nigeria.

Giving reasons for its resolve to take safety on the roads up another notch, FRSC in a recent publication said the incessant loss of lives on the roads is preventable.

Corroborating the need for the eye test, the FRSC Public Education Officer, Mr. Jonas Agwu, stressed that the test is part of the efforts to enhance the safety of road users and reduce accidents.

He said, “The mandatory eye test was designed to give room for on-the-spot vision and screening and sight correction among drivers as part of strategies to reduce road accidents. The test is imperative as “visibility is one of the important ingredients for safety’’.

Advancing reasons for the choice of the Optec 1000 Vision testing machine for the mandatory test, Agwu noted that one of the unique advantages of the machine is its ability to detect if someone can recognise colours.

“Also the machine detects side views including visual field and has come to replace the manual chart which was previously used but could only discover short and long sightedness of drivers,” he confirmed.

The mandatory eye test may be a big deal to FRSC to salvage carnage on Nigerian roads, but analysts say it’s a gamble on the part of the Commission. They argued that such campaign should have been backed by law.

Faliu Junaid, a Nigerian who lived in London said, “I can tell you that this is a good move for the first time to stem the tide of road accidents in Nigeria, but compliance will be low since there is no law requiring that a driver must not drive with defective eye.”

In the United Kingdom, it is a criminal offence for any individual with current driving licence with sight impairment which makes it dangerous for the person to drive a vehicle without notifying the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). It is punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.

In the current FRSC code there is no reference to defective eyes as part of possible road safety offence listed.

Contrary to claims that the tests is meant only for commercial drivers, THISDAY reliably gathered that it is meant for all motorists that drive.

A visit to the FRSC Headquarters in Ojodu-Berger where a test center is opened however shows lack of commitment on the part of FRSC as the optometrist company in charge of the contract was conspicuously absent.

THISDAY investigation further shows that Exxelli Vision Eye Clinic Limited located in Ojodu-Berger is the company engaged to conduct the eye test, but only their equipment was available at the test centre without personnel.

On inquiry, THISDAY was made to know that those responsible for the test had not been available for days. Speaking on conditions of anonymity, an FRSC official who was quite helpful said the test was usually held daily but that recently, the eye clinic personnel had not shown up.

THISDAY attempted to reach Exxelli Vision Eye Clinic Limited through phone numbers provided on a brochure of their company, but all telephone lines were blocked. Although THISDAY gathered that quite a number of motorists had successfully conducted the test.

THISDAY sampled the opinion of some commercial drivers in Lagos and they had a lot to say about the test. For Kpokobiri, a commercial driver who ply the Ikotun- Cele route, the test was a good initiative but he rued the fact that the test was conducted in only place in Lagos.

He said, “I quite agree that bad eyesight can cause accidents. I used to have an eye defect until it was corrected. My challenge then was driving in the night. I was losing control once an oncoming car comes closer with their headlights.

“At a time, I stopped driving in the night, but it was painful because it is at night that we make the most money. I had no choice but to go for treatment. It’s not as if my eye sight is perfect now but it is lots better.”

On whether he had gone for the recent eye test he replied in the affirmative but added that it took him the better part of the day. “I first went to the Isolo office of the FRSC only to be told that I should go to the headquarters at Ojodu-Berger.

“If it’s possible, they should put out these centers in their different units. It would help us have access and encourage other drivers to go for the test as well. I know my colleagues. I am sure they have calculated the hours they will lose if they go and queue up for the eye test.”

Another driver who admitted that he hadn’t gone for the test ironically also commended the test. He said, “This is a very good thing. He however said he failed to see how the initiative would succeed since most drivers do not like wearing prescription glasses to drive. I know people who are drivers that have defect. Some have blurred vision or cannot drive in the night but rather than go for treatment, they prefer to manage it.”

In an interview with THISDAY, Isolo Unit Commander, AbayomiAdegbesan, said the eye test is encapsulated as a compulsory level to go through when acquiring the new driver’s license.

He said, “A lot of the drivers find it difficult to see far distance. We talk about road signs, but how many of them can see and even if they can, how many can interpret? That is why the idea of an eye test came up. We are not saying drivers should not use eyeglasses; they are encouraged to, so as to correct their eye defect, ut what we are against is driving with black shades.”

While admitting that the rays of the sun might be too much for motorists, he was however quick to point out that every car has a foldable protective shade that limits the amount of sun light that filters into it.

After the tests, he said drivers are told their status, so that treatment would commence immediately. “We let them know their status and advise them to go to the optician to correct their vision,” he said.

FRSC clearly placed the burden of cost for the corrective surgery on any driver who has defective eye saying despite the financial difficulties people might face in undergoing corrective surgeries or treatment; it is for the best since it involves life.

Adegbesan said, “They are not doing themselves any good by driving with bad eyesight. They are only endangering their lives as well as those of other road users. A mistake could lead to a dastardly accident that would claims lives.

“Although some states have taken up the gauntlet to help the drivers to correct their eyesight, we still appeal to road users to try and take care of their eyes. As a matter of fact, any one with bad eyesight should stay clear the road.”

It however remains to be seen on what follow-up measures the FRSC has put in place to ensure that those with eye defects go for treatment.

When THISDAY contacted, He says, “if anyone is caught, we simply advice him or her to go for eye test, we cannot impound the vehicle”

However, the Lagos State Government is worried about increased cases of crashes, most especially the ones involving commercial bus drivers, and it has introduced in its motor parks across the state an initiative tagged: Motor Parks Health and Safety Initiative, which creates awareness about negative effects of alcohol and drugs on safe driving.

At a joint briefing on Tuesday, September 25, by commissioners for Health and Transportation, Dr. Jide Idris and Mr. Kayode Opeifa, respectively, they agreed that it was time something concrete was done about the menace of drunk driving.

Recently, the state government administered breathalyzers on 2,500 commercial drivers to check alcoholic content in their system.

Idris said, “We screened 2,002 drivers and obtained the following results: 781 were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol; 601 were found to be hypertensive; 441 were positive to psychotropic drugs, especially cocaine and marijuana; 940 were screened for visual impairment; and 13 per cent had to be given special glasses.”

The commissioner said the result made the government to increase its enlightenment campaign and also invoke Section 21(1) of the state traffic law which prescribes, on conviction, a fine of N100,000 or two-year imprisonment or both for offenders.

As for the FRSC eye test, a motorist who identified himself as Mr. Lawrence Epuechi, said , “as laudable as the free eye test initiative is, the only problem I see is the fact that one is expected to pay for treatment. How can a poor driver who can barely afford to feed, be able to pay for his eye treatment?”
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/eye-exam-for-drivers-permit-the-good-and-the-ugly/127763/

In a most-revealing new memoir titled, “Interventions (A Life in War and Peace)”, former United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, has detailed the role he played in the aftermath of General Sani Abacha’s death in 1998 and his encounter with the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola a few days before the latter died.
He also revealed his delicate negotiations with the then Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, as well as his impressions of Nigeria and key actors at the time.
Annan, who had met with Abiola at his detention house shortly before his dramatic death, said: “On our return journey, everything seemed set for Abiola’s release. But tragedy struck a week later when Abiola collapsed and died during a meeting with U.S. Under-Secretary of State Thomas Pickering. Despite the earnest intentions we had detected in Abubakar, the timing could only be considered suspicious.”
Annan also explained his role in the negotiations that led Nigeria to cede Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroun following the October 10, 2002 judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
On the Abiola saga, Annan wrote: “Moshood Abiola had been imprisoned and in solitary confinement since 1994. Previously he had been a millionaire businessman reveling in the most extravagant of lifestyles, acquired through a long-standing and close relationship with Nigeria’s military governments.
“But in 1993, there was a short-lived attempt to introduce democracy, and Abiola entered the presidential race. When Abiola looked entirely set to win, the final and full count was never allowed by the reigning military government of President Ibrahim Babangida, even though he had set up the elections in the first place.
“Abiola backed down quietly, but the vote changed his relationship with the government. He had acquired an unprecedented swell of support from many sides of the ethnic and religious divides that criss-crossed Africa’s most populous country.
“When President Babangida was ousted from power and replaced by General Sani Abacha later that year, in the midst of Nigeria’s deepening financial crisis, the new president dissolved the institutions that had been formed to move the country toward a semblance of democracy—the parliament, the thirty state governments, and every single local council—and declared all political parties illegal.
“But in the unfolding chaos of Abacha’s rule, Abiola stepped forward in 1994 and, on the basis of the thwarted 1993 elections, announced to a huge crowd of supporters in Lagos that he was the legitimate president of Nigeria.
“He was immediately arrested and charged with treason and spent the next four years in solitary confinement. During this time, he was denied access to even radio, saw no one from his family from 1995 onward, was unable to talk to anyone else, and was shown only one newspaper article: a report on the assassination of one of his wives in 1996. The only other reading materials he had were a Bible and a Koran.
“Abacha was as illegitimate a ruler as one might have the misfortune to come across—extremely corrupt, and prone to eccentric and self-indulgent behaviour on a scale that only Nigeria’s crony-capitalist oil wealth could sustain.
“He loosely promised the return to democratic elections, including one to me personally after I became secretary-general in 1997, but persistently reneged on such pledges. Opponents and suspected opponents were arrested, and the ranks of political prisoners swelled, as did the number of victims of politically motivated murders at the hands of security forces.
“But on June 8, 1998, Abacha unexpectedly died. General Abdulsalami Abubakar was installed as his replacement the next day. I had met Abubakar previously, when he was accompanying Abacha at a summit in Lome, Togo, in January 1997. He had once served as a UN peacekeeping officer as part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, so we had a common past in peacekeeping which I used to get us talking.
“I found him reasonable in outlook and straight speaking, in contrast to the strange, quiet character of Abacha. At one point, when the president left the room, I pressed upon Abubakar the importance of releasing political prisoners. Abacha had only sighed away my repeated calls for greater freedoms and introduction of democracy, and I hoped influencing his advisers might at least increase the pressure upon the Nigerian president.
“But now Abubakar was president, and he, as he later revealed to me, was scared. The country was entirely isolated internationally after repeatedly refusing to change its political course or release political prisoners, and could count on little outside help; it was in a terrible financial position with a crippling high debt; Abacha had antagonised the country’s power bases, which had brought growing unrest and violence onto the streets; the military (dominated by the Hausa ethnic group) was used to its privileged position in society and was not going to give this up easily; and while Abubakar recognised the necessity of democracy to ensure the country’s political sustainability, a mismanaged and sudden introduction of elections could bring even more instability.
“Abacha had disingenuously set the date of October 1, 1998, for a transition to democracy, which, everyone agreed, he fully intended to miss. But Abubakar, with his more genuine agenda, was now beholden to this deadline. One way or another, he needed a carefully managed way out of this very difficult situation.
“Part of the problem for Abubakar was how to deal with the imprisoned Abiola. If released, he could still upend the political balance in the country if he demanded the presidency as he had before. Such a move would be backed by his mainstay of supporters in the South-west of the country, but almost certainly rejected by the military…A few weeks after Abubakar came to power—on June 22, 1998, at 3.30 pm—I had one of these sessions with Nigeria’s foreign minister, Tom Ikimi.
“He conveyed Abubakar’s message: The president hoped I could help him exploit the current opportunity provided by Abacha’s death, Ikimi said, to assist his plan to move Nigeria out of its current predicament. He wanted to return Nigerian to a position of reasonable standing in the region and internationally, to end the country’s misrule, and to usher in democracy. But he also wanted to extend the timetable for elections to ease the process of change—and he wanted my public support for this.
“Ikimi’s style was unrecognisable in comparison to the one he had displayed while serving Abacha. Previously, he had lectured me and others, at length, on how the internal affairs of Nigeria were solely the government’s business. That bold front was now giving way to realism: a recognition of the truly interdependent world of which Nigeria was a part.
“My first thought concerned Abiola. He could not be a casualty of this transition, or it would not be a transition at all. He had but won the first real attempt at democratic elections, retained significant support, and his imprisonment had caused him to become a symbol for those demanding political change in the country. Continuing to imprison him would mean the antithesis of any progress toward genuine democracy and the rule of law.
“‘I’m willing to publicly give my approval for the president’s plan,’ I said, as Ikimi’s eyes visibly lit up. ‘But only if Abiola is released.’ Ikimi looked taken aback. But he replied that if I came to Abuja personally to voice my support of Abubakar’s election proposals, then Abiola could be released. I accepted the invitation to visit.
“I would play whatever small role I could to aid the end of a military dictatorship; particularly in Nigeria, which had suffered enough from military rule, after an exhausting series of coups that had ridden roughshod over the country since 1960.
“Due to my flight schedule, we flew on June 29 to Abuja from Vienna on a plane provided by the Nigerian government. They were keen for us to come, as it was a brand-new and lavishly furnished aircraft, designed for the president’s use. On arrival, I met with President Abubakar to discuss the situation. He emphasised everything Ikimi had said in New York, and I pushed him to move on his promises, to open up the political system and to bring in civil society, to build the momentum in his favour in order to keep the country on course.
“He replied positively but said the October 1 date for a transition to democracy was too soon for credible elections. I counseled him that if he postponed the date, he would have to publicly provide a new and detailed timetable and communicate clearly to everyone why this delay was necessary. I also reminded him that Abiola needed to be released if he was to obtain international goodwill—and mine.
“On this Abubakar wavered slightly. He pledged his willingness to release Abiola immediately, but under the condition that he made no attempt to reclaim the presidency. I could see the general’s concerns: if Abiola came out and demanded to be instated as president, it could cause a deep and violent split that, given the fragile conditions, could take the country to goodness knows where. Abiola’s release was necessary, but it also needed to be a calm process.
“I asked if I could see Abiola, to discuss this problem, and Abubakar said it would be arranged. It was later that night that Lamin heard the knock on his door, and we found ourselves speeding along Abuja’s dark roads to Abiola’s current holding place. We pulled up at a location near the presidential palace, and sullen guards walked us inside the guest house-like building into a simple, bare room with white walls, where I found him sitting quietly.
“After exchanging greetings, I explained that I was in discussions with the president and the junta concerning current developments in Nigeria, and I was pressing them for his release. He seemed remarkably ambivalent. I asked if he wanted to claim the presidency once he was out, which I told him I was confident would happen very soon.
“He said he was not sure, commenting that the junta would be afraid if he did. He seemed to be hedging his bets, not wanting to be drawn into a firm answer. Suddenly, he switched his interest and asked, ‘But who are you?’
“‘I’m Kofi Annan,’ I replied. ‘I’m the secretary-general of the United Nations.’
“‘What happened to the other one? The Egyptian?’ He said, surprised. I had mistakenly assumed that Abiola had been told who was coming to see him and why. All he had been told was that an ‘important person’ would visit. It was amazing the isolation in which this man had been kept—the regime was so used to keeping him in the dark, they maintained his ignorance of anything going on outside even now.
“Once he realised who I was, he became more enthusiastic. He also became more explicit regarding his plans. He said he had no intention of claiming the presidency. All he wanted was go to Mecca to pray and give thanks. But he emphasised that he would make no commitment in writing. If he did so, he felt this would destroy his reputation. But he said he was willing to give the same assurance to President Abubakar.
“I conveyed this assurance to Abubakar the next day, but he was still hesitant. I explained that a free Abiola, who had no interest in upsetting the situation, would be a calming influence on his supporters, not an agitating one. I then told him that I would be announcing in my departing speech to the press that the president had promised me he would release Abiola and the other prisoners very soon. Whether this speech reinforced his credibility or undermined it would now depend upon him.
“In the ensuing press conference, given shortly before our flight out of the country, I did as promised. But I also revealed that Abiola had, indeed, told me that he had no intention of claiming any right to the presidency, further removing any justification Abubakar held for not releasing him and also smoothing the path ahead with Abiola’s more hardline supporters. I was also trying to ease the concerns of those Nigerians who feared Abiola’s return.
“On our return journey, everything seemed set for Abiola’s release. But tragedy struck a week later when Abiola collapsed and died during a meeting with U.S. Under-Secretary of State Thomas Pickering. Despite the earnest intentions we had detected in Abubakar, the timing could only be considered suspicious.
“However, an international team of pathologists established that it was the result of heart condition, and there was no foul play—other than the fact, I thought that Abiola had been denied adequate medical care throughout his incarceration. Either way, he was yet another casualty of the systematic violations of a whole range of human rights that are inevitable under personalised and oppressive regimes.
“On leaving the country after the final press conference, we found the Nigerians had lent us a very different airplane than the one in which we arrived. It was old, run-down, and did not look entirely safe. On seeing it, Kieran Prendergast, my insightful and witty under-secretary-general for political affairs, turned to me, laughing through his beard: ‘Well, you’ve done what they needed you for. Who cares about you now?’ Indeed, within fifteen minutes of taking off, the flaps jammed in a mechanical failure, and the pilot told us that we had to return and change aircraft…”
On Bakassi, Annan wrote: “This was a long-standing cause of hostility between these two countries (Nigeria and Cameroun), and a ruling on the status of the territory by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), expected in 2002, could inflame communities on both sides, including inhabitants of Bakassi, thus threatening significant violence of some form as well as interstate hostility.
“I had seen too many times how complicated such conflicts could become once they began, and long before the ICJ ruling was given, I took steps to ensure a set of diplomatic structures and avenues for dialogue between the parties so that this contentious issue could be managed peacefully. And over the years of diplomacy and the breakthroughs in Nigerian-Camerounian dialogue that we brokered, we succeeded in maintaining peace and stability – an important success in alternative forms of intervention..
www.thisdaylive.com/articles/kofi-annan-abiola-s-death-was-suspicious/128140/

the same old story,the same set of pple buying up our economy.....which way nigeria?

The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) Tuesday, in Abuja, opened the financial bids submitted by investors wishing to acquire the state-owned power generation companies, with foreign-based companies alongside their Nigerian partners emerging as winners of the power assets put up for sale or concession.

Some of the companies that emerged preferred bidders at the end of the exercise were backed by former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd); Chairman of Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola; Chairman of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Trancorp), Mr. Tony Elumelu; former military governor of Kano State, Col. Sanni Bello (rtd); and oil and gas magnate, Mr. Tony Onoh.

Other prominent persons that bid for the power plants included former Chief of General Staff, Vice-Admiral Okhai Akhigbe, and a former senator and retired military officer, Brig. Gen, Tunde Ogbeha.

During the financial bid opening, Transcorp, alongside its partners, offered $300 million to emerge the preferred bidder for the 360 megawatts (mw) Ughelli power plant in Delta State.
Transcorp beat two other bidders, including Feniks Electricity and Amperion Power Distribution Limited, which offered bid prices of $54 million and $252 million respectively.

Both Transcorp and Amperion’s bid prices were, however, said to be above the reserve price, which enabled Amperion to emerge the reserve bidder for the Ughelli plant. The Amperion Group is jointly owned by Israeli-based BSG Resource Limited, State Grid Corporation of China and their local partner, Forte Oil.

Should Transcorp pay for Ughelli, it will be acquiring 100 per cent of the plant.

However, Amperion's $128.52 million as the sole bidder for the 414mw Geregu power plant fell below the reserve price of $132 million to acquire a 51-per-cent stake and was offered the chance to match the reserve price to win the power plant.

Also, CMEC/Eurafric Energy, comprising a Chinese firm and Eurafric, a Nigerian oil and gas firm owned by Tony Onoh, offered $201 million to secure the 120mw Sapele power station, thus defeating its contender JBN-Nestoil (Julius Berger Nigeria Plc-Nestoil), which offered only $80 million initially.

JBN-Nestoil, however, was allowed to revise its bid price to $106.5 million, a figure declared by the NCP to have exceeded the reserve price. By revising its price upwards, JBN-Nestoil automatically emerged the reserve bidder for the Sapele plant.

Meanwhile, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, which has ties to Bello, Akhigbe, Ogbeha and Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua, Chairman of Bullet Construction Company and patron of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN), who is the vice chairman of the consortium, was also the sole bidder for the Kainji-Jebba hydro electricity plants, as Mainstream offered $50,760,665.18 as fixed annual fees for the facility.

The Kainji-Jebba facility, THISDAY learnt, is a 15-year concession and not an outright sale. However, it shall attract a commencement fee of $257 million, which comprises the initial fee and the fixed annual fee.

Also, for the 600mw Shiroro power facility, North-South Power Limited, believed to have the backing of Babangida, offered to manage the firm under a concession for a fixed annual fee of $23,602,484.47 including a commencement fee of $111,654,534.30.

Speaking at the opening of financial bids for the generation assets, the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the NCP, Mr. Atedo Peterside, who has overseen the process, cautioned the jubilant successful companies to be mindful of the fact that their emergence as preferred bidders was still subject to the approval of NCP and that they could still be denied the opportunity of taking over the companies if they failed to pay their fees or if they were found wanting in documentation during post-bid assessment.

He added that the winners should not deem themselves “preferred bidders” yet until confirmation by the NCP and their ability to make a letter of credit or bank guarantee for 15 per cent of the bid amount.

“They will be given 15 business days after the NCP approval to comply and be designated preferred bidder,” he explained.

He said that the power privatisation and reform programme was now at full throttle with the opening of the bid for generation companies (gencos), noting that the power sector in the country has been saddled with insufficient funds and low electricity tariffs.

According to him, the privatisation of the distribution companies (discos) and gencos, besides the introduction of Manitoba as management contractor for the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the strengthening of the fuel to the power segment, would liberate the power sector from the low equilibrium trap.

He observed that if this is done, it “should help unleash long-term private sector investment activity in the country generally,” pointing out that “the electricity sector has segment that are intricately interwoven so in most nations, the pace at which results are achieved by the sector, as a whole, is determined by the weakest link in a complex and inter-dependent chain.”

Peterside concluded that the NCP had done its best to ensure that the genco transactions were accomplished in accordance with internationally accepted standards, stressing that the “NCP raised the qualification bar to ensure that only operators who are technically qualified and financially sound make it to the finishing line”.

In his remarks, Minister of State for Power, Mr. Darius Ishaku, described the successful conclusion of the exercise as a milestone in the history of the country, given the level of transparency attached to the entire selection processes.

Chairman, House Committee on Power, Mr. Patrick Ikhariale, said the event marked "a new dawn and glorious day" for the country as the issue of monopoly, which had been one of the major problems in the power sector, would be rested.

Also, Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, commended the exercise, adding that the Senate would intensify its oversight functions to ensure that the new management of the various generation companies are held in trust for Nigerians.

Similarly, the Managing Director of Transcorp, Mr. Obinna Ufudo, who spoke to THISDAY shortly after the bid opening, described his firm’s success as “good news to the development of the Nigerian economy”.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for us and the Nigerian electric power supply situation by bringing private input and resources to this sector,” Uffodo said.

He assured Nigerians that shortly, the country would begin to enjoy the benefits of having steady power supply.
He said: “Transcorp and our partners are very happy to have this opportunity and it is a new dawn for Transcorp and a new dawn for our shareholders and a new beginning for the whole country.”
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ibb-otedola-elumelu-backed-groups-win-bids-for-power-plants/126056/

Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura Monday narrowly escaped a fatal car accident in which three of his aides were killed.

This was when a truck with registration number KANO XE 384NSR ran into the governor's convoy as he was returning from Nasarawa Toto Local Government Area after inspecting flood ravage areas of the state.

An eyewitness account who was in the convoy however said the poor state of the road, which was still under construction by the caused the accident.

Governor Al-makura was coming from the area, where he had gone to distribute relief materials to the over 15 000 people who were displaced by flood .

The accident claimed three lives of the Governor's aides while his son, Khalil, who was in the Hilux vehicle sustained serious injuries and has since been operated upon at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The governor, according to a source was visibly shaken over the incident as he remained in sober mood while calling for prayers for the victims.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/nasarawa-governor-escapes-auto-accident-three-killed/125886/

Drug abuse is into different classification. Codeine falls into the category of derivative of the opiate. Cough syrups like Benylin with codeine is one of the forms by which people are exposed to codeine use, though the intention of the manufacturers are for therapeutic purposes.

but the users especially the young people nowadays now use this drug for recreational purposes and because of the addictive nature of the opiate and codeine being one of them; the tendency to be dependent on drug is very high. Hence, the reason for the prevalence of its abuse among young people in Nigeria. Public enlightenment about drug abuse needs to be strengthened.

What we have now is not enough. Benylin with Codeine is not controlled and there is urgent need to control it by prescriptions so that the young people can be helped out of drug abuse. I am advocating routine drug screening at least once a year to achieve early detection amongst young people in various higher institutions across Nigeria and parents must ensure supervision of their children.

They must take time to visit school once in a while to understand the lives their children are living away from home.


Mr. Titus Taiwo Ajayi, a psychiatric nurse and drug abuse expert works at Neuropsychiatric hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State
http://www.thisdayonline.com/

President Goodluck Jonathan Sunday reiterated his call for politicians to stop distracting his administration from concentrating on governance with their campaigns for the 2015 general election.

He said in Lagos at the media presentation of a book entitled: ‘Sure and Steady Transformation’, which documents his achievements in the first one year of being in office, that the moment is for governance and not politicking for the next election.

Despite his insistence that he has not given any thought to running in the 2015 presidential race as he is presently focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians, various groups and the opposition have been linking him with surreptitious moves to seek a second term in office.

However, the president, represented by his Special Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas, said the call on politicians to stop distracting his administration had become necessary given the preponderance of reports and comments on the 2015 elections in the media.

Jonathan, who wondered why politicians are already talking about 2015 which is three years away, said they should know that in politics, even 24 hours is a long time.

He said: “There seems to be too much emphasis on politics in Nigeria than governance. In other democracies, politics stops at the end of an election, and governance starts. But in Nigeria, it is the opposite.

“Politics will not put food on the table of the people. It is governance that will. Let us focus on governance.”

He urged Nigerians not to allow politicians to distract them with talks about the 2015 elections so they could focus on a sincere assessment of his administration's transformation agenda, of which the achievements in the last one year were documented in the book, and could be accessed on the website: www.sureandsteadytransformation.gov.ng


Douglas, and the president's Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who was also at the briefing, highlighted Jonathan's numerous achievements, as contained in the 155-page book.

In his comments, Okupe rated the Jonathan administration as one of the best performing governments Nigeria has ever had since independence, adding that the president is a serious and straightforward person.

Pointing out that the president keeps his promises, he said the Jonathan administration was transforming all sectors of the nation, especially the agriculture and power sectors.

He said although most Nigerians have acknowledged a noticeable improvement in power supply, with many areas reporting about 12 hours of uninterrupted supply, this would most likely increase to 16 hours by the end of the year, when power generation is expected to reach 7,000 megawatts.
“In a very short time, the agriculture sector will be providing about 25 per cent in terms of revenue that oil is currently providing us,” he added.

He described as pedestrian many of the arguments on the state of security in the country, stating that what he knew personally, but could not make public, was reassuring.

“The slowdown in these terror attacks is not a fluke. It is because more and more efforts are being made, using technology, to nip in the bud the activities of these terror agents,” he said.

The 155-page book has 32 sections, with highlights of the achievements of each of the ministries. It also contains the president's inaugural address, and a section on building strong institutions.
www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jonathan-reiterates-focus-on-governance-not-2015-politics/125178/

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other...Atiku is not a failed politician like must of u claim,the man is determined to succeed..if u r familiar with the story of Abraham Lincoln u know what resolution means!

ANNOUNCEMENT!ANNOUNCEMENT!!ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
This is to inform all Candidates who chose Federal University, Dutsin-ma as 1st or 2nd Choice, particularly those who did not participate in the earlier Post UTME conducted in July, 2012 that Supplementary Post UTME Screening exercise is scheduled as follows:
The announcement includes those Candidates who did not CHOOSE the University, in the 2012/2013 JAMB registration, but have interest to secure admission in Federal University, Dutsin-ma and they have minimum points of 180 JAMB score. The interested Candidates are free to participate in the screening exercise.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:
(i) Obtain a bank draft of N2,500.00 (N2,000.00 for the test and N500.00 for results and results notifications) in favour of Federal University Dutsin-ma.
(ii) Go online and log onto www.fudutsinma.edu.ng website and go to “Admissions” and click on “POST-UTME”.
(iii) Fill the online Application form.
(iv) Print two copies of the completed application form.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION:
Please use exactly the same names (and in the same order) as on your JAMB Registration
Form).
Kindly fill current and valid e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers on your Application
Form for ease of contact.
Candidates are to note that the Post UTME Aptitude Test is an online examination.
Website closes by midnight on 20th September, 2012.
Log-on to www.fudutsinma.edu.ng for more details.
fudutsinma.edu.ng/resources/9ca1d0425d002fbfd2345a1f3d96b0d1.pdf

waitoooo i hope this boko haram boys are not involve oooooo.

i wonder what this country is tuning into!

Strong indications have emerged that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is warming up to roll out his machinery for the 2015 presidential election.

His campaign office at Jabi district in Abuja, which was never really closed and had operated on a skeletal level, is now being renovated and put in good shape for the campaigns. .

The office is already taking a new shape as workers have been busy carrying out extensive renovations on the media office.

The renovation, THISDAY learnt, has been going on since the end of the public holidays to mark the end of the Muslim Ramadan fasting period.

It was learnt the media office is also being strengthened with more hands to promote Atiku’s fresh bid for power.

THISDAY investigation revealed that although President Goodluck Jonathan is yet to come out openly on the issue of 2015, some Northern political contenders like Atiku are not leaving things to chances.

Atiku is largely regarded as the strongest political contender in the PDP from Northern Nigeria.
His bid for the presidency dates back to the build-up to the annulled 1993 presidential election.

At that time, he vied for the ticket of the defunct Social Democratic Party in Jos but stepped down in the second ballot to pave way for the eventual winner, late Bashorun MKO Abiola.

He also contested for the presidency in 2007 and 2011, vying for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s convention in Abuja but lost on the two occasions.

He was the concensus candidate of the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF), the group which unsuccessfully campaigned for the sanctity of the PDP zoning arrangement in the last April 2011 presidential election.
www.thisdaylive.com/articles/atiku-prepares-for-2015-renovates-campaign-office/125108/

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Thursday emerged the 81 “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women,” in a survey conducted by Forbes

The finance minister who emerged in the politics category, was 87th in 2011. Only three African women were on the list.

Okonjo-Iweala, according to the list obtained on the Forbes website was listed among Joyce Banda, President of Malawi (71) and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s President (82).In her reaction, in a chat with THISDAY, Okonjo Iweala said: “I thank God that this has come to Nigeria. I am happy about it for Nigeria and Africa.”
www.thisdaylive.com/articles/okonjo-iweala-now-81-on-forbes-world-s-most-powerful-women/123082/