I, for one will not be surprised because the only diffrence between Ade bendel and the rest of the Nigerian political class is very small.

Ade bendel is certified fraudster, paid his price, maybe reformed? ie. ex con


Whereas the majority of our so called politicans are PROFESSIONAL FRAUDSTER more exprienced than Ade Bendel, and that is why they have NOT being caught

It is not a good idea, reformed or not for Ade Bendel to become anything in govt  BUT PDP is the party of SERIOUS CRIMINALS AND FRAUDSTERS.

IBORI ,AOODAONKA, WAZIRI and many hundreds of them records are known, as the the saying goes, NO GOOD THINGS CAN EVER COME FROM THOSE PEOPLE. They don't know how become decent.

 

Fela sang this b/4

Authority stealing pass armed robberry
Armed robber get gun, authority get pen
Pen get power, gun no get
Armed robber steal N10,000, authority steal N10billion
You no go hear them shout robber, robber

Actually, the plane is valued at less than N8.5 million . Not including shipping and maintenance costs.

Do you know how many miles of road this money would fixed in this legislooter constituency? If this guy really has passion of flying a jet he should just go and enroll with Nigerian Airforce then I know he his serving the country, but seating down in the NASS and telling us of his passion for flying is bull $**T.

Imagine, money that Nigeria government can make from well organise entertainment industry in Nigeria and Africa through effective taxing system. Successive government in Nigeria don't see any value in this critical aspect of economy, The US government made killing from Hollywood same in Indian Bollywood.

@chidichris
I know a strong tendency exist for every nigerian to cry foul of such purchases given the love our politicians have for corruption. however, we will miss the point if we fail to analyze each case on its own merits. it may interest us to know that Hon. Ibn Na'Allah is a very succesful lawyer in NIGERIA. He featured prominently during the oputa panel. he has been a vocal member of the opposition in the house of Reps. he was also at the vanguard of the struggle against 3rd term. He hails from a royal family in kebbi. it is against this background that i ask for us to think before posting. we have not bothered to know the details of his assets declaration which is definitely in excess of five hundred million naira (the plane is valued at less than 50million). A customized hummer,maybach, bentley (the type that we see regularly on the streets of lagos and abuja) cost more.

Hey, then don come o!!! are you among the internet warrior of the politician we were told? A lawyer declaring five hundred million as an asset? any way for your information, no amount of your propagandist msg on this forum will sway the truth.

TELL PEOPLE THE TRUTH INSTEAD OF TREATING THEM LIKE FOOLS

What is wrong with nigerians,how can adeboye be called a living legend,what in God goes name has he ever done for nigeria apart from opening churches,what sacrfices has he made,how many hospitals/clinics has he built,how many times has he stood up and condemned nigeria politicians.Anyway poverty is a bitch,in a country were 70 percent living under a dollar,according to karl max,religion is d opium of d people.I WEEP 4 NIGERIA,I REALLY WEEP 4 NIGERIA,it is extremely tragic that when d average nigerians hears d title pastor or evangelist etc,he shoves his critical intelligence up his arse and stops thinkinG,D Bible says that my people suffer because of lack of knowledge.[/i][/b][/b]

Gbam, you took the word from my mouth.

China has the great firewall of China to block unfriendly sites from its citizens, and This Nigerian government is spending 5 million dollars on a bunch of yahoos who are barely literate. Fourth, like hell all these money will be spent on this program without being chopped up until its nothing but 500 dollars to pay some idiot, LItmus, to post on forums such as this.

Are you advocating this type of firewall in Nigeria or what is your point?

Quote from www.nigerianvillagesquare.com

It was Dele Momodu that wrote on his ‘The Search for own Obama’ Series that:

“The mood of the Nigerian nation today will be the waterloo of our ruling elites. The search for our own Obama has already started as a battle on cyberspace. It is amazing how Nigerians worldwide are warming up for the battle ahead. They are determined to cause a bloodless revolution in their own country, and demonstrate that we are no donkeys. They are networking like never before, and discussing issues that can move us forward. The economic meltdown has been a blessing in disguise. Many Nigerians abroad now want to return home. But there is no good home waiting to embrace them. Our leaders think Nigeria will never change. I laugh. Since they are incapable of gauging this mood, their cataclysmic fall will reverberate across the world. It would remain one of the greatest miracles of this century. But it shall come to pass”.

One Anambra Legislator simply told me: 2010 is around the corner, so what do you expect? Evidently, Like the hardened careerist politicians they are, the Nigerian Politician is determined to manipulate and influence the cyber battles, they don’t want to be

I hope everyone here is gearing up for the upcoming cyberwar that is coming up, come 2011.

Does he have the work permit or the right visa to work in Nigeria?

Why is KAI not arresting this guy; street trading is a crime in Lagos?

Is this guy not using gala sale ; as a cover-up for some other espionage?

It amazes me, what usually get us amused; when people are supposed to be asking deep questions? Many hundreds of years ago, our fore fathers were amazed when they saw the white man had their fingers burnt.

It's rather funny that till date we are still doing the-same things all over again.


I suggest you read Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins (2004), and understand that that guy on the street of Ojota is doing a very different job, not gala sale

GBAM!

Do you realize how many thousands of molue drivers and conductors that would be? You are actually suggesting the government become employer of thousands of molue drivers and conductors we have in that state now? So, the government will spend 100’s of millions to procure buses for the trained drivers to drive, millions for training them and them millions more to pay their wages each month? Is that really the burden you want a state like Lagos to take on?

The government is not doing anything with the taxis. Those Taxis are currently privately funded and we are yet to know how profitable the venture will be considering I read that the drivers are paying for their vehicles  through some micro-loan scheme.

There is nothing bad in phasing out molues from the state road, what is bad in training them and give them road worthy buses to drive and pay them wages since the buses are not free to travel on.

He has not addressed the issue of police taking bribe to allow ppl park indiscriminately

Fasola do not have control over the police in his state, he his only chief security officer by mouth. Okiro control Lagos state police.

And what is their jobs when they are busy collecting money.
I think the law enforcement needed a complete overhaul as well.

Thats where the need for state police comes in, Lagos need a police that is not answerable to Abuja before carring out any assignment. Imagine a police that are well kitted, trained and resides within the community not in the baracks.

Sorry o, I am ignorant of this. Please what is the different between Hausa and Fulanis?

Tuesday, 16 June 2009 06:41 By FELIX OBOAGWINA


Democratic Peoples’ Alliance (DPA) has accused the Action Congress (AC) government in Lagos State of planning to deceive the public through a recent directive banning some categories of public office holders from talking to the Press.

Declaring the instruction as evidence of unparalleled hypocrisy and condemnable in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Felix Oboagwina, the party said that the order ran at variance with democracy as well as compromising the right of the public to know.


DPA wondered that such a move should emanate from an AC that had always thrown its weight behind the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill currently in the National Assembly, and had loudly condemned the Oath of Secrecy the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lately administered on its staff over the Ekiti rerun elections.

In the words of DPA: “What does the Lagos State Government of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola have to hide? This uncommon step to silence associates can only mean that there are skeletons in the AC government’s lockers it is afraid its operatives will carelessly leak to the public.”

DPA regarded the directive coming at this time as highly suspicious, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the state’s refusal to tell Lagosians:

* How much exactly it pays Alpha-Beta from the IGR,
* How much it was awarding contracts and projects,
* The Governor’s refusal to disclose his pre-office and post-tenure worth,
* The secret selling off of Lagos assets to the Governor’s associates and business partners, and
* The growing disenchantment within the civil service, amongst other things.

Citing AC’s condemnation of Vice President Jonathan Goodluck’s failure to publish his assets when both Fashola hid his under wraps, DPA also said it would not be the first time AC was serving others the pill it refused to administer on itself. Lagos DPA also recalled the ruling party’s endorsement of open-secret voting for national elections when it fought against employing the method in Lagos council polls.

“AC trades in unparalleled hypocrisy,” DPA said. “And this latest directive to its political appointees should be seen in that light. It must be condemned by all and sundry. It remains curious why they know the right thing to do, demand it of others and yet proceed to do just the opposite themselves.”

DPA asked the government to rescind the directive as it stood against public interest, adding that it also attempted to cast a pall on government business which was public business and ought to be done transparently and openly.

In the words of the party: “How will the Press live up to its democratic responsibilities as enshrined in Section 22 of the Constitution, which states: ‘The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people’?”

Saying that the government must retrace its steps, DPA said gagging public office holders flowed against the grain of the trend worldwide of openness in government business, and warned, “Where information fails to flow, rumour and misinformation fill the gap.”





FELIX OBOAGWINA
Director of Publicity, Lagos DPA
08033327355

ole ajibole !!!

Thinks barawo!! would be the prefer language he would understand.

The comments of nairalanders on this issue have so far proceeded on the faulty assumption that all legislators are poor before they assumed office. The truth is that there are some legislators who could afford to buy a boeing 747 aircraft before they came into office. Before we criticize and label Ibn Nallah a rogue, we must take consious effort to review his background inorder to ascertain whether he bought the plane from the proceeds of his business or from stolen funds. In America, many individuals own helicopters and jets.

Can you please tell us his job b/4 he becomes a legislator. You hardly see real millionaire in Nigeria,the likes of Otedola, Dangote, that fella that owns GLO mobile are all crooks.

no point repeating what y'all said. that rubbish costs $234,000 instead of $48,000.
Two things:
1. He is lying about the price(because of EFCC).
2. He bought it has 10th hand(which will hopefully kill him soon).
the idiot mentioned petrol as if we're illiterates like himself, the air-rubbish actually uses Jet-A fuel.
Sosoliso & Bellview beckons him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_172

laugh wan kill me o, take am easy now

This man just bought his coffin, carry go until your fellow legislooter will pay your family a condolence visit on your death.

Just think I should share the view African and Nigeria on this issue from BBC website.


Barack Obama is not stopping over in Nigeria to meet Umaru Yar'Adua in July


In our series of weekly viewpoints from African journalists, Sola Odunfa considers US President Barack Obama's forthcoming visit to Ghana in a letter from Lagos:

Last weekend a recently retired senior Nigerian diplomat sat virtually alone at a bar in his club contemplating rather than drinking the glass of soda water on the coffee table before him.

After watching him for some time I approached to cheer him up.

We would persuade the White House that a touchdown in Nigeria would serve our mutual interests

Retired diplomat
He was not interested in any subject but the impending one-day visit of Africa's own president of the United States to the continent.

"This cannot happen," he said.

"What cannot happen?" I asked. "This is not the first time the most powerful man in the world would be visiting the continent of the dark man."

"Sola," he answered with a dry smile. "In my time in the foreign service, all of us in our missions in Europe and America would have been mobilised to ensure that President Obama would make at least an airport stop-over in Nigeria next door.

"We would persuade the White House that a touchdown in Nigeria would serve our mutual interests."

'Giant of Africa'

As the discussion or, more appropriately, the lecture went on, I found that the former career diplomat's discomfiture was caused, not by the apparent snub of "the Giant of Africa", as Nigerians love to describe their country, but by what he concluded was the death of Nigeria's foreign service.

As far as my respected friend was concerned the government had declared the foreign service redundant.



Nigeria has intervened in regional conflicts in Sierra Leone and Liberia
"That cannot be the case," I said. "Remember that Foreign Minister Ojo Madueke declared long ago that Nigeria's foreign policy was 'Citizens' Diplomacy'"

That is, the government would do whatever was necessary to protect Nigerians everywhere in the world, including applying tit-for-tat actions when a Nigerian was maltreated abroad.

"That was a hollow statement meant for newspaper readers," the diplomat replied.

In fact, he said, Nigeria began practising citizens' diplomacy under military rule: Lawyers were recruited into the foreign service, trained in diplomacy and posted to key missions abroad to advise Nigerians.

When necessary those lawyers attended court hearings to keep a watching brief for Nigerians.

In time, according to him, every government knew that if they maltreated innocent Nigerians in their country, their own citizens in Nigeria would not be left untouched.

Also, he said Nigeria became active in the international institutions set up to formulate a global immigrant policy, given the large numbers of Nigerians in Europe and America.



Olusegun Obasanjo threw his weight around when he was president
Nigeria's clout as "Big Brother" was well established in Africa, especially in the western sub-region, so, no serious international discussion on Africa would be held without the participation of Nigeria.

"What has brought about the change," I asked.

He did not mince words:

• Perceived systemic corruption has led to distrust in important circles

• The economic downturn has meant that the government can no longer back its diplomacy with funds

• Lastly President Umaru Yar'Adua, unlike former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has not been seen to demonstrate any serious interest in matters beyond Nigeria's shores.

It is not only President Obama who is perceived by Nigerians to have snubbed their country, even small African nations now behave with little consideration for what the reaction of Nigeria might be.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A selection of your comment recieved so far
This has always been an idiotic obsession of the ruling elite and their minions in the foreign service and the domestic media. Ordinary Nigerians, on the contrary, realise that you can't have a "foreign policy" without an economy, and that you can't have an economy without infrastructure or effective public institutions.
AKPAN, Canterbury, UK/Nigeria

I think Nigerians should be more concerned about fixing their country than fret over Obama's visit to Africa
Charles Brown, Brazil

Yes indeed Nigeria is the giant of Africa but has she demonstrated that politically? No. This giant is asleep and until he can wake up and demonstrate to the world how to conduct a free and fair election without the baggage that comes with it, Nigeria will be known to have a democracy with a small (d) - while Ghana will demonstrate her Democratic process is more viable.
Trokon Guar,Minnesota USA.

I don't really know what the fuss is all about Obama not visiting Nigeria. I think the American president made the best choice in selecting Ghana. If anything, I had expected Kenyans to be upset on Obama's decision. Even countries like Sierra Leone, Benin and South Africa would have made a better choice than Nigeria. Yes, Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and produces more oil than any other country on the continent. But are these enough reasons for Obama to come to Nigeria? The country can't even organize free and fair elections! As we speak, kidnappers are prowling the streets ready to snatch even babies for a paltry ransom. And what about electricity and corruption, sea piracy and the Niger Delta? I think Nigerians should be more concerned about fixing their country than fret over Obama's visit to Africa.
Charles Brown, Rio, Brazil

Nigeria for the past decade has been playing the role of brotherhood thereby helping oust military junta governments in both Sierra Leone and Liberia. Nonetheless in the process of doing so they had an unbelievable criminal reputation in both Sierra Leone and Libera. However, there are hundreds of thousands of nice and honest Nigerian people. Those in the 419 business have damaged their image around the world in a way that even world presidents may think if they were to visit Nigeria they could be scammed.
Jack, a Sierra Leonean in Boston


We are corrupt to our bones. If President Obama ignores us, he is right. This may serve as a deterrent to us
Tony Etim, US

Why should Nigerians worry about Obama not visiting Nigeria rather than Ghana? Obama knows why he has chosen Ghana over Nigeria and if I am not wrong diplomacy is all about self-interest and doing everything possible to achieve it. Obama knows clearly that when it comes to achieving America's objectives in Africa Ghana is a soft target. There is every indication that the previous government in Ghana was sympathetic to America's desire to establish a military base in Africa and possibly Ghana whereas Nigeria is not. Faced with such a situation where will Obama choose to go? Ghana and nowhere else. Nigerians must be proud for opposing the establishment of an American military base in Africa. Well done President Umaru Yar'Adua.
Kwabena Ohemeng, London

I can understand the frustration of that diplomat. The role of Nigeria in the world politics is great. Unfortunate, the country has not being living to expectation. Many a time I ask the question, where did we get things wrong in that country? Things were not as bad it is today. The schools system was fine, economy beautiful and every Nigeria is proud of the country. All these have changed nothing to write home about education, hospital and there is frustration written on people's fore head.
Tayo, Tallahassee FL

You are right in your report. Nigerians including the president are not protecting their citizens. We are corrupt to our bones. Rich people continue to be richer and poor continue to be poorer. If President Obama ignores us, he is right. This may serve as a deterrent to us.
TONY ETIM, SMITH. USA

Obama's first visit to Africa and his first stop is Ghana, I believe that the visits has some economics undertone, with the discovery of oil in Ghana and they want to have their share and control some of this resources. America already has interest and investment in Nigeria oil fields, when it time for proper visits he might make touch down in Nigeria or Kenya his ancestral home.
Fatai Yussuff, Belfast

Ridiculous, Nigerians for some vain reason sees themselves as the big man of Africa. It takes more than a big population and some lucky oil to be a giant. Nigeria is not and has never been a giant of anywhere. It's just plain inflated ego. They should clean up if they want to be taken seriously.
OBI, Canada

The facts stated in your story are undeniable but the gist of the matter is "What is Nigeria doing about it?" Methinks an uncharacteristic disregard for world events and taking the place of pride as Africa's giant should be discarded for a thorough reworking of Nigeria in the 21st century. When this new Nigeria is achieved, all the countries of the world, including the US of A would come calling. And President Umaru Yar'Adua would not need to declare a sad day at not being invited to the G20 meeting. Bashir Evbogame, Lagos, NIgera

Snubbing Nigeria is okay. It is a wake up call for those who drag Nigeria by the nose. With the blatant corruption that has engorge the Nigerian government, any patriotic citizen would appreciate the fact that at last the outside world has become uncomfortable with the stench emanating from the so call Nigerian leaders. President Obama snubbing? I hope, that he is in reality doing just that, with a much hope for follow ups by other progressive leaders of the world. ADEBAYO, Niles ,IL -USA

President Barak Obama is a world phenomenon and in him lies the ethos of True Democracy a sharp contrast to what is happening in Nigeria, where corruption of un-mitigated proportion has been the main stream of our body polity. Obama should not be seen to associates with rulers who rig themselves into office.
Jacob Ekele, Kogi State, Nigeria

Well if that's the case, then we should accept it in good faith, after all, everything that has a begin must surely have an end. For us here in Nigeria being the giant of Africa is not such a big deal other than; stable power supply, water, up grading the standard of educational, checking our standard of living-in terms of food, health care and security will matter to an average Nigerian than being called the giant of Africa
Ogbaji Odey Cyrus, Calabar & Nigeria

If the visits of the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton couldn't liberate Nigerians from poverty and insecurity, I wonder what an Obama visit would do
Adamau Abdullahi, Senegal

This is quiet interesting. The reasons why President Obama is visiting Ghana instead of Nigeria are not far fetched. Democratically, Ghana has out performed Nigeria. From the recent election in Ghana to the economy, Ghana has demonstrated great improvement. As for Nigeria, we are still stagnant. Corruption is endemic, crime is on the high side, No solution to the Niger Delta crisis and our inability to conduct elections devoid of ringing, confrontations and intimidation and assassinations. In this day and age, Nigeria cannot boast of light for 24hrs, go good roads, our youths are migrating out of the country in large numbers due to unforeseeable future, no good healthcare system to mention but a few. After ten years of democracy, there is nothing to write home about democracy in Nigeria. How is Nigeria 'the giant of Africa' when despite the abundance of human and natural resources, nothing to show for it. Nigeria has a lot of clean up to do in order to remain in that enviable position and be respected by the international community. How can Nigeria be role model to other African countries when she cannot stand on her feet? This present administration is nothing but trial and error. How can our people be suffering in the midst of plenty? When is the stronghold of corruption going to be pull down? May God help us!
Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA

Well, let's see: Nigeria is big brother to other African Countries? Is it in corruption? Con artists? Population? Oil? Democracy? I cannot put a finger on anything particular that makes Nigeria claim to be big brother to other African countries. If the notion of big brother is one who leads a model and exemplary life that others can emulate, then Nigeria has no chance to be big brother to Africa.
Kiwi Wate, Houston, TX, U.S.A.

I think the Nigerian Government should rethink its stance, as regards to the International Community-if we must be recognised internationally, we must first get our acts together-I mean fighting Corruption head-on at every level of Nigerian public and private life, having free and fair elections and respecting universal Human Rights of Nigerians at home, especially regarding the current deplorable situation in the Niger Delta Region, where innocent people are being killed daily.
Chidi Nwokedi, Madrid,Spain

Nigerians should grow up; we are entering a new world order where the growth of your GDP and your ability to attract foreign investment determines how you are treated on the international stage. Clearly, our leaders have neglected the criteria listed above and Nigerians should get used to being snubbed.
Femi, PA, US

Simply put, Obama's visit to Africa and his choice of Ghana intend to send a clear message message to corrupt governments in the continent. Nigerians, please, clean your house first - before blaming Obama or anybody else, for that matter.
Mike Peter, St. Paul, MN

Obama is stopping over in Ghana to talk about oil and about a possible US base, which idea was initially introduced by Bush. The Ghanaians are interested in doing business with the Americans but are not interested in having an imperialist base on their soil.
Kwame, UK

I think Nigerians are unduly concerned over nothing; whether Obama stops in Abuja, en route to Ghana, or not is not much of a significance; it does not erase the stigma of corruption and inefficiency that bedevils our country. Today, Ghana is seen as a genuine embodiment of democracy in the West African region, and Obama is well within his rights to acknowledge that, by visiting that country. When Nigeria emerges from endemic corruption and lawlessness, important world leaders will take note. At the moment, they are watching and waiting for something positive to emerge from that country. Our government should focus on putting our house in order, before expecting august visitors.
Felix Oti, Arlington, Texas

With due respect, Barack Obama snubbing Nigeria is not our problem, l shan't presume that you forgot that (Bill) came to Nigeria back in 2000 under Olusegun Obasanjo, with too much money spent to host him, yet 98% of Nigerians are dying in hunger after that visit till today. So, do tell the President Umaru Yar'Adua, to take care of our needs and forget about having Barack Obama in his dinner table in ASO ROCK as if that's our problems. Regards,
Mr Kingsley Jonah, Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire

Let this not surprise anyone. In fact, this is only the beginning. When an elder brother fails to live up to expectations, the younger ones take over. This is our fate in Nigeria.
AGADAH, W.O., YENAGOA, BAYELSA, NIGERIA.

Did Obama forget that Mandela still exists? He better sees this man instead of flying around Africa . He will learn more from SA than from any other country. I rest my case.
Mwenge, B'Ham AL

His not coming to Nigeria has saved us a lot of hard currency
Ugboaja Victor-Isaac, Dubai

I think President Umaru Yar'adua should go extra mile to make sure we meet up with all that is international. Over the recent years, I have come to realise that common individuals work and protect the image of Nigerians more than the government of Nigeria do. I think it is high time the government put us where we should belong.
Ige Adeyemi, ternopil,Ukraine

An adage in the eastern part of Nigeria says: "A man whose house is on fire does not run after rats." We have a president who at present is interested in home affairs, he has to handle issues in Nigeria and not globe trotting as in the case of the last administration that left a lot of things undone ,President Yaradua will get Nigeria on the right footing. We are not bothered about President Obama's visit to Ghana, his not coming to Nigeria has saved us a lot of hard currency. Yaradua we dey ur back ride on.
Ugboaja Victor-Isaac, Dubai UAE

As painful as it might be to the majority of Nigerians, the snub is a wake-up call to the country to get her acts together. For years, we have had succession of governments fostering a culture of corruption which has tainted our image. Worse still, we currently have a government that not only gives the impression of being corrupt (inspite of claims to the contrary)but is seen as completely inept through 2 years of inactivity. The more other nations snub us, the sooner perhaps we will collectively act to rescue the nation from the same band of people that have been in power since independence!
Akin Osuntoki, London, UK


Most Nigerians living overseas are going through so much agony in terms of immigration policy just because the Nigeria government not doing its work to look after the interests of her citizens
Oluwasegun , Barbados If the visits of the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Jimmy carter and Bill Clinton couldn't

liberate Nigerians from poverty and insecurity, I wonder what an Obama visit would do.
Adamau Abdullahi, Dakar, Senegal.

It's time we move beyond this ceremonial visits and tackle our problems through our missions that are funded by tax payers money. I don't see a need for him to be here cause I have not seen significant and rapid changes in countries he's visited.
Jide, Owerri nigeria

As a Nigerian living abroad, I think this is a big blow to us - the setback to our appearance and stand on the foreign scene. I wonder how long we would still have this so called "giant of Africa" title. It's high time we started seeing laudable improvements in every sector from the Nigerian government.
Ethel, Dalian & China

America is rebranding its image with a positive and transparent world. Nigeria does have the brand America is looking for.Terry Igbakule, Makurdi-Nigeria

In as much as Obama's stop over in Nigeria will be a welcome gesture, I do not think that will help Nigeria solve the myriad of problems facing the country. It's a simple case of having leaders who do not have a vision to propel the nation in the right direction towards meeting the challenges of this information age. Nigerians are locked in a delusional past glory that we are the giant of Africa. We are beginning to realise that our population will not give us that status. Harnessing our potentials will. Neither will the presence of the white house!
Ayo, Atlanta

Even if Obama will not visit Nigeria when coming to Africa, does not make any difference to me. Nigeria will rise to the Occasion. Our Beloved President is committed to the development of our country. Please let give him a chance. And lets pray for our country instead of us to be condemning our nation. No matter the condition in Nigeria we are better off many countries in Africa. Let's support our President with prayers. Even some Governors are now doing well, complimenting the efforts of our beloved president. I believe Nigeria will be better in my life time. We will always be the true Giant of Africa as it was in the glorious days.
Emeka Opara, Abuja, Nigeria

President Obama not visiting Nigeria this time around should not be considered as a snub, there is time for everything and everything is in place. Nigeria is busy overhauling her electroral system, combating militants as well as vigorously pursuing President Yar'Adua 7 point agenda. To me these are Government priorities than hosting the Most powerful man in the world.
Abiodun Azeez, London UK

The dilemma of the Nigerian retired senior diplomat might not be far fetched from what some Ghanaians in the two coastal towns of Cape Coast and Elmina may be having as to which of the two castles situated in these towns deserve the visit of the first couple of America. Fellow Africans let's relax and enjoy Obama's visit.
Regina, Cape Coast, Ghana

I do wonder at times about why we as Nigerians like to show-off to the rest of the world about hosting leaders such as President Obama rather than us to focus on the main issues of solving our problems at home which has to do with lots of corruption from the unscrupulous Nigerians who hurts other notable citizens just to save their own greed. Please let Obama be; and do what is right for the image of Nigeria to be restored on the international scene. Most Nigerians living overseas are going through so much agony in terms of immigration policy just because the Nigeria government not doing its work to look after the interests of her citizens. Let Nigeria redeem her name rather than being giant of corruption.
Oluwasegun , Barbados



Name

i dont understand why govt cant flush this assholes out

Are talking about Nigeria Army and Airforce that can not locate a crash aircraft?

Another twist to the state of events in Iran
Election officials claimed results announced were provisional
Reports emanating out of Iran claims a recount of votes is being planned
I guess the Almadinejad and his supporters are rattled and shocked by the level of protests/unrest!

That is what people power can achieve, Nigerian needs to wake up from their slumber now! internet has already librate us from the government propaganda machine.

Because when the other religions came, Africans were told that their deities were crap and forced to pick up  Western religion. Yet, it's the same westerners that glorify Greek Gods and have all our artifacts in their musuems. It's part of our history and should not be forgotten.

Thank you, the halloween celebration in the western word. Halloween is the celebration of witches and wizardry in the land of the same people that gave us Christianity 

History of Halloween
Halloween has origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (Irish pronunciation: [ˈsˠaunʲ]; from the Old Irish samain, possibly derived from Gaulish samonios).[5] The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes[6] regarded as the "Celtic New Year".[7] Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient Celtic pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Celts believed that on October 31, now known as Halloween, the boundary between the living and the deceased dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, into which the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to copy the evil spirits or placate them.[8][9]

Oshodi: The dark days are back again?
By Albert Akpor
Monday, June 15, 2009


FOR long Oshodi, a sprawling market and major bus-stop, revelled in its notoriety as an urban commercial jungle where confusion reigned supreme; a no-man’s land where bedlam was the order of the day courtesy of traders and commercial vehicle operators who turned the place into a war zone of survival.


Then last year the Lagos State government led by Governor Babatunde Fashola decided that enough was enough and sent in the bulldozers accompanied by uniformed security personnel to put an end to that reign of chaos and restore order and sanity.


And by the time they were through, all the illegal structures, especially those obstructing the flow of traffic, had been pulled down and all undesirable elements were sent packing.

This was loudly hailed in several quarters, especially as the once dreaded Oshodi began to wear a new, decent look with traffic now flowing freely through the place unlike what obtained in the past when it used to be a traffic nightmare for motorists and other road users.

But it seems the joy attending this welcome development is about to be short-lived. Reason? The elements that once made Oshodi a notorious centre of commerce are gradually finding their way back to the place and appear determined to continue where they stopped the last time before their overthrow.

For instance, some road side traders are back and are already erecting illegal structures. On their heels are the notorious social miscreants otherwise called Area boys.

Motorists, both private and commercial and of course pedestrians who use the Agege Motor road en route the popular Oshodi market, as well as the Oshodi bridge (Oshodi Oke) now have one bitter tale or the other to tell of the re-emergence of what they refer to as “dark days”.

Presently, it is easy for the camel to pass through the needle’s eye than for motorists and pedestrians alike to drive and walk through the Oshodi market as the public transport vehicles called Molues have successfully taken over a substantial part of the Bolade axis of the Agege Motor road of the market, thereby making it increasingly difficult to drive through.

Apart from this, make-shift large umbrellas, a recent means adopted by some itinerant traders have completely replaced the illegal roadside structures.

Worse still, club-wielding Area Boys have taken over the Oshodi bridge and commuter bus operators, including of course, passengers are harassed with reckless abandoned even in the presence of law enforcement officers which include the Police and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority(LASTMA) officials.

Reacting to this situation, Mr. Uzo Okudili, a driver with one of the second generation banks with its headquarters on the Lagos Island but lives somewhere in Iyana-Ipaja had this to say: “You won’t believe that I was the happiest man when about two months ago, I drove through this road; it was as if I was in Ghana or South Africa. I couldn’t believe that one could drive through Oshodi in just seconds.

Normally I drive through the Mobolaji Bank Anthony way to my work place but with the clearance of all the illegal structures and those traders who had virtually blocked the road, I said bye- bye to Bank Anthony way.

But as you can see for yourself now, the story has changed. We have been stuck here for about one hour now just to connect the express road without success. The police, LASTMA and even the traffic officers are all at the Bolade junction and we do not know what is wrong”.

Another aggrieved respondent who simply identified himself as Kasali, one of the traders at the market whose stall was demolished angrily remarked in pidgin English language: “The government and even you Journalist wrote that we traders in Oshodi are the problems of Oshodi market, you write for papers and government come demolish our shop so that we should go and thief before we feed our families and we couldn’t do anything. Now that the go-slow has resurfaced, are we still the cause?”


Continuing, Kasali pointed out thus: “Can’t you see that Molue has taken over the whole second lane and you people wey get motor dey manage one lane? Move forward before you get to the bridge, you will see Lagos State environmental officials there. What people don’t know is that they allowed the molues to block the road because the drivers have settled them”.

However, to Mr. Uzo sOkwudili, a Lagos based legal practitioner, what bothers him is not so much the re-emergence of all the relics that gave Oshodi a bad name in the past.

Rather it is the fact that the state government has not been able to completely stamp out the 911 truck called Molue as a means of transportation in Lagos metropolis. According to him the fact that Molues are still used as means of public transport system in Lagos is not only a shame but a dent on the developmental efforts of the state goverment.

yes under yar'aua we have none

Think we sent some soldiers to somalia recently.

Nigeria has no foreign policy

Are you sure?

If this man really want to be taking seriously and really want to work for the common good of Anambra people, he should join another party that have the interest of Nigerian. PDP is not a party to be seen with people with intergrity.

Nigerians deserve to know the position of Yaradua Govt on Iran election. Country like North Korea, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Libya, Burma etc have congratulate Amadinajad while Britain, US, EU question the victory of Amandinajad. So, what is the position of Nigeria government?

what are they doing?

What kind of question is that? of course they are working to look after their family back home in Nigeria. Since the government have failed in her responsibility.

Peckham: Yorubaland in London
By Olaolu Afolabi
Saturday, June 13, 2009


Nigerians have migrated to Britain in significant numbers since the 1960s. After the independence in 1960, there was a need for more skills and higher levels of education. Many Nigerians, therefore, went to the United Kingdom to study.


After civil and political unrests in Nigeria in the late 1960s, refugees began arriving in London. A number of Nigerian asylum seekers also arrived in the UK in recent years. However, most Nigerians arriving at present come with work visas, student visas for family reunion.


Nigerians live in many parts of the United Kingdom, especially in London. A significant number of them live in Peckham, Dalston, Hackney, Swiss Cottage and Kilburn.


A former reporter of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC’s) Focus on Africa, Robin White, once wrote about Nigerians resident in Peckham, South London. “The African immigrants I have come across in some two months of travelling in England, Wales and Scotland are hard working, idealistic, and bright, a long way from the popular view portrayed by some in the UK.


“Everyone I met, I asked them when they wanted to go home. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but - when their countries are at peace, when they've made a bit of money, when democracy returns - they will return,” he said.


Peckham, also called, by Nigerians, little Lagos and Yorubatown, is home to one of the largest Nigerian communities in the world; many of the local establishments are Yoruba-owned.


Nigerian churches and mosques can be found in the area. As immigrants become assimilated, English is becoming the predominant language of the local Nigerian British population. About seven per cent of Peckham's population was born in Nigeria.


A Nigerian resident in London said Peckham looked like Lagos. “I used to live there and over the past 10 years, it has been transformed into a Yoruba heartland.” A Yoruba taxi driver, Olusola Dixon, was quoted to have said many of the shops in Peckham were Yoruba-owned and one could buy any Nigerian food one wanted.


“Peckham is where the living meet the dead,” Dixon said. It is where Nigerians can bump into a distant Nigerian cousin who they never even knew was in the UK. Not only this, Nigerian churches and mosques flourish and compete for worshippers in the place.


White said: “The successful churches run several Sunday sittings. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms and everyone is given an envelope with instructions on how to donate money for the church’s upkeep.


“But the trouble is that many Nigerian living in the area have neglected to pass their traditions to their children. A few insist on the languages being spoken at home, but many have given up the struggle of teaching them to unenthusiastic children, and English Language has become the family language.


“True, they take their children home on holidays, but their culture and language, as known in Nigeria, are on a steep decline. Dubi Imevbore, an expert on language, said if a language dies, so does the human spirit. A people without a culture will lose their self respect.

“Some Nigerians living in Peckham and have found home there came on student visas and never went home. Some came on holiday to visit relatives and “missed” the plane back to Lagos. Some smuggled themselves in and have been in hiding ever since.


It does’t take long to discover that many Nigerians in London shouldn’t be here at all. But being an illegal immigrant is not an easy life. Because they can’t work officially, they have to take the worst paid jobs at very unsociable hours and live in squalid flats – at the mercy of unscrupulous landlords.


Many would like to go home, but they’re ashamed to admit failure to their friends and families back in the motherland.

If only he could be more vocal in his constructive criticsim of the goverment policy. I watch AIT political programmes a lot but I have not see his face for a long time.

Why not beg Rashidi Yekini to comes out of retirement

walata do you have a heart

I have got a lion heart if you dont know, all we need mobilising the populace when the time comes. Its time to take back our country from the stealing elite.

Will you lead?

Why not? check my signature.