Issues et al!

Jonah Jang - Crisis in Jos!

2011-09-07T11:05:00.002+01:00

Over 50 people have been reported dead in the fresh crisis in Jos, Plateau State.

I am really disturbed! Why are we killing ourselves? What has happened to the phrase "love your neighbour as yourself"? LOVE is the key word here.

In all this wahala, I hear that the Governor, Mr. Jonah Jang is NOT in the Country!! Can you imagine? Well I want to believe that is not true...

During the Obasanjo regime, when a similar crisis was reported, a State of emergency was declared. What is the current President, Mr. Jonathan, waiting for?

Similarly, members of the notorious Islamic sect, otherwise known as BOKO HARAM, have been causing havoc to the Nation. The dastardly way they (Bokos) have been detonating explosives should be a cause of concern to ALL Nigerians!

Enough is enough o!

May the Peace of Almighty God flood this Nation! God bless Nigeria!

Gaddafi - Wanted Dead or Alive!

2011-08-25T10:12:00.003+01:00

The "action film" in Libya is getting fierce!

When this whole crisis started, Gaddafi proclaimed that he would fight till the last blood! He added that he would rather die a martyr! A martyr is someone who is killed for his religious or other beliefs. I need to know, IF Gaddafi is killed, would he be considered a martyr? Just wondering...

It is no longer news that at least 90% of the Libyan territory is under the control of the rebels. Although the rebels have over powered them, the "pro-Gaddafi" people are still fighting back!

Meanwhile, Gaddafi (the once upon a time bold tyrant) has gone into hiding! The guy is missing in action. LOL! Even in his mystery hide out, Gaddafi was reported to have said "We are resisting with all our strength. We will either win or become martyrs, God willing... All Libyans must be present in Tripoli, young men, tribal men and women must sweep through Tripoli and comb it for traitors."

Right now, Gaddafi has been declared WANTED, DEAD OR ALIVE. There is a reward of $1.7 million for anyone who can hand Gaddafi over to the rebels!

O boy see money... Abeg who know where dis guy dey? This is good business...

Bills Signed into Law in Lagos State!

2011-08-10T16:18:00.000+01:00

By virtue of one of the Bills recently signed into Law by Governor B.R. Fashola, it is now an offence for a man to impregnate a woman and thereafter desert her!

Other Bills signed into Law include amendments to provisions of the Emergency Management Agency Law, Criminal Justice Administration in the Courts, Rules on criminal conduct. While assenting to the Bills, Fashola said the various amendments to the laws were needed in order to tackle the problem of crime and delay in administration of justice in Lagos State.

The Criminal Code used in the State was enacted as far back as 1914! O yes. It is an old Law and the need to amend it can not be over emphasized. While I want to appreciate the efforts of the Lagos State Government, I would like to say that the effectiveness of these Laws (particularly the one that affects the deserted woman) rest more on ENFORCEMENT!

Bomb Explosion in Suleja!

2011-04-09T07:14:00.001+01:00

I woke up this morning to hear the sad news about the explosion that rocked the INEC office in Suleja. This horrid act has claimed 11 lives including some NYSC members!

For more on this sad story, please visit 234next.com.

Source: 234next.com

What? This quest for power is getting too much. To win an election should not be a do or die affair o! So far, over 900 people lost their lives during the so called campaigns and other political rallies! What is all this?

God Bless Nigeria! I believe that no matter what happens, the will of God will be done in Nigeria! God Bless Nigeria!

Elections 2011!

2011-04-02T08:23:00.000+01:00

Election 2011 commence today 02/04/2011!

All over the Nation, Nigerians would go out to cast their VOTES in favour of their chosen candidates.

During the past few weeks, particularly during campaigns and political rallies, there had been various degrees of violence recorded as a result of clashes between rival political parties. Some major party stalwarts have decamped to rival political parties. I wonder why they had to wait till the last minute to make this move.

The candidates made SEVERAL promises. One common promise made by all candidates is that they would revamp the power sector! We have to hold them up to their promises! We have to leave a better Nigeria for our children and their generation.

Nigerians, please go to your polling center with your Voters Registration card and vote for the candidate of your choice! No matter how long it take to get accredited, please be patient and vote.

Today, Saturday 2 April, 2011 we shall be electing people to represent us in the Senate and House of Representatives. Please vote for credible representatives. Not fighters!

On Saturday 9 April, 2011, Nigerians would go out to elect a President for our great Nation. Finally, the Governorship and State Assembly Elections would be held on Saturday 16 April, 2011.

I heard in the News that between the hours of 8am to 12pm, eligible voters are expected to be at the Polling Centers for accreditation on each election day. The voting exercise would commence by 12.30pm.

Contrary to what the Inspector General of Police purportedly said, the Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC) announced that voters are allowed to take their cell phones to the Polls for the purpose sending text messages to report any fraud, violence or election tampering.

Please do not engage in any form of violence at the polling centers. However, if you notice any foul play send your text messages to any of the following numbers:
0816-666-2222
0812-000-6622
0809-666-2221

Vote Right! Vote Wisely!

God bless Nigeria!

Gaddafi vows to fight till the 'last drop of blood'

2011-02-23T14:20:00.000+01:00

When I heard this news, the first question I asked myself was - "Whose blood are we talking about here?????" WHY on earth is he still holding on to power? Na hin get the Country?! For crying out loud, this guy has been in power for over 40 YEARS and still counting!

This man known as Gadhafi actually called on his own supporters to attack the protesters! In his words: "You men and women who love Gadhafi ... get out of your homes and fill the streets . . . and attack them in their lairs."

This guy even referred to himself as a fighter and he says he will die a MARTYR!

Odi kwa serious o!

Rascals?!

2011-02-10T13:11:00.001+01:00

Recently, at the PDP campaign in Oyo State, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was reported to have said:
“We must take over all the States in the Southwest. The zone is too important to be left in the hands of rascals.”

Rascals? That is a very HARSH word. The first thing that came to my mind was maybe Mr. President was quoted out of context. I waited for a rebuttal, but I got none! Did he actually say that? If he did, well the guy fall my hand big time! I suggest that ALL politicians, particularly those vying for elective positions should focus on positive objectives and watch their utterances. They should deter from using abusive or derogating words on their opponents!

God bless Nigeria!

INEC Registration!

2011-01-19T14:11:00.001+01:00

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Registration of voters took off with some hiccups on the 15th of January 2011.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk

Prospective voters complained that they spent hours waiting to be registered and this discouraged others who chose to come back at a later date. One man told me when he went to register, the INEC official gave him a number and asked him to come back to following day! The reason for that, according to the man, was that the registration process takes as much as 30 minutes for one person, so in order not to keep people waiting in the sun
for too long, they are advised to come back the following day.

Another person who attempted registering was informed that the DDC Machines have been rejecting peoples finger prints! This even happened to the former President Obasanjo, whose finger prints where rejected by the DDC machine several times while he was registering. The Senate President, Mr.David Mark also experienced some difficulty in registering.

News have it that in Oyo State, 4 out of the 32 DDC machines needed for the registration exercise were declared missing. When these machines resurfaced, it was discovered that about 2,000 fictitious names had been fed into the machines! How far would these bad elements would go to have their way! Hmmmm!

No matter what, I WILL register, so I can vote. I know my vote will count!

Nigerians, please lets all go out and register. Vote for the Candidates of your choice. Do not sell your votes.

God Bless Nigeria!

Register to Vote!

2010-12-20T13:41:00.000+01:00

With the new Election timetable, registration of prospective and eligible voters will commence on the 15th day of January 2011 and end on the 29th day of January 2011. Please go out and register!

Nigerians have been praying for good leaders in all ramifications. Politicians have commenced mapping out various winning strategies. In an attempt to get the support from people, some politicians/aspirants are distributing gift items, such as phone recharge cards, food stuff, money etc.

Meanwhile, the latest news now is that, the ruling PDP is hoping that they would win the gubernatorial elections in Lagos State! This is a statement credited to Mr. President, GEJ.

I do not like it when politicians make such statements. No. This is a MULTI PARTY Nation and not a single party Nation. There are over 60 registered political parties in Nigeria today.

Nigerians, please lets all REGISTER TO VOTE!

Merry Christmas!

Bad Roads = Traffic Jam!

2010-11-29T12:51:00.000+01:00

Elections are round the corner. So many politicians are garnering all they can in order to make it. However, for those who have no interest to be "re-elected" are just sitting back doing NOTHING! There are so many bad roads within the area I live. I live in Isolo, and I can state categorically that there are more pot holes/craters on the route I pass, than smooth roads.

One of such bad spot is the road by the Five Star bus stop down where Emzor Plc. is located. This road has other Companies and it links to the popular Aswani market. That road is so bad that on an average day, after work, it takes at least 1 hour to drive through that stretch of road.

For starters, this road is very close to the Isolo LCDA Office! I have always asked (nobody in particular) "what is the Chairman of the Isolo LCDA doing?

However, on my way to work this morning, I notice that these bad spots had been patched. The patch work is such that I'd describe as a shoddy work. With the volume of traffic on that road, that patched road will carve in again!

The next bad point I want to address is the Jakande Estate at the Ejigbo LDCA. The road leading into the Estate is very bad! So bad that the ripple effect is felt even along the Isolo/Mushin Road! I do not have pictures of that road, but I was told that something is being done. For how long? I wonder.

I am a tax payer. Every month I pay as I earn, a quantum of my salary is paid as tax! Why can't I enjoy something as basic as good road or even stable power supply?

Some time ago (not too long ago) I read a tweet purportedly posted by the Governor of Lagos State. It was to the effect that anyone who knows of any bad road should call these numbers: 07098107021 / 07023326147. The alternative was to go online and fill a form stating your name; residential address and telephone number.

So, my fellow Lagosians, if you know of any bad road call or go online to make a report.

Ekó ó ni baje o!

NGF Elections!

2010-11-01T10:10:00.000+01:00

This weekend, Mr, Gabriel Suswam, the Governor of Benue State, informed the general public that Otunba Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State is the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF). This (according to the report) became necessary because the Mr. Bukola Saraki intends to contest as President of Nigeria in the 2011 election. Mr. Suswam added that Saraki is distracted and he has not been able tocomment on National issues such as the bomb blast that rocked Abuja during the Independence Celebration on October 1, 2010.

Mr. Suswam said Gbenga Daniel was unanimously elected by consensus by all the members of the group.

Meanwhile, from the reactions of some other Governors who are also members of the NGF, there was no meeting or election properly so called! In his words, Mr. Shekaru of Kano State said “To the best of my knowledge, there was never a meeting where a decision to appoint a new chairman of the forum was reached.” Mr. Shekaru added that the NGF is not entirely a PDP affair.

Another dissenting voice was Commrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State. Oshiomole dismissed the claim that any meeting was held where the decision was taken to appoint/elect Mr. Daniel as Chairman. Oshiomole explained that some PDP Governors (not all Governors) met at Mr. Gbenga Daniel’s lodge and these Governors purportedly elected Mr. Daniel as its new Chairman.

Mr. Osiomole however added that a meeting of the NGF would be held on Wednesday November 3, 2010. At this meeting, a new Chairman would be elected.

As a concerned citizen of this great Nation Nigeria, I feel it is rather unfortunate that these Governors would start to bicker amongst themselves. If the NGF cannot conduct a free and fair election to choose a Chairman, how can they be found preaching "free and fair" elections for the Nation in 2011?

Campaign Strategies!

2010-10-13T14:15:00.000+01:00

I have heard of Politicians using money to woo electorates to vote. I have also heard of Politicians using food to score cheap campaign points. Now, another strategy has been added to that list - RECHARGE CARDS!

The Oyo State Governor, Mr. C. A. Alao-Akala, who is aspiring to be re-elected as Governor for a second term, has chosen to distribute recharge cards to the people thereby boost his campaign. Recharge Cards! Is that how cheap our votes are? NO WAY! Read more here.

We should all appreciate the fact that OUR VOTES ARE WORTH MUCH MORE THAN MONETARY GIFTS!

Our votes are VERY PRECIOUS! We should guard our votes jealously!

Nigerians, please Registerto vote. Select the right candidate to Vote for. Do not attach any sentiments when voting. Do not vote for a Political Party. Vote for the PERSON you know is right. Finally, Protect your votes!

We have the civic obligation to vote WISELY!

God bless NIGERIA!
NIGERIA o no baje o!

Kidnappers on the Prowl!

2010-09-29T10:02:00.000+01:00

Kidnapping occurs when someone is taken by force and held captive. This act of kidnapping is a criminal offence in any civilized Nation.

The rate of kidnapping is on the rise in Nigeria, particularly in Abia State. This heinous act started in Rivers State with the kidnapping of expatriates and oil workers. Back then, the kidnappers/hoodlums/militants claimed that the reason for kidnapping was to get the attention of the Federal Government to heed to their plead and develop the Niger Delta region.

The recent kidnapping of 15 innocent Nursery/Primary pupils on their way to School in Abia State, is the most heinous act I have heard in recent times. Infact the kidnapping in Abia State is TOO MUCH! Haba! The other time it was the journalist, then three female members of the National Youth Service Corps servicing in the State and now little children! Children between the ages of 3 to 6!

Now, these are the ones we get to hear about via the news media. I was told that people are kidnapped there daily. Kidnapping is now a means of getting free money for lazy people who want free money without working for it! These kidnappers would abduct anything, whether living or dead! If they have their way, they would even abduct pets and then demand ransom. WHY?

Should parents now lock their kids at home? Can we no longer walk freely without free of been kidnapped? Imagine the mental torture these children would be going through. I don't care however it is described, all I know is that it is morally WRONG for any right thinking human being to kidnap another! I just pray these children are released unhurt!

In a few hours, Nigeria would be celebrating its 50th year as a Nation. I ask myself, with the continued insecurity, crime etal, is there any reason we should be celebrating? What are we celebrating?

God Bless Nigeria!

Restricting Motorcycles in Lagos State!

2010-09-01T16:10:00.002+01:00

Lagos, Nigeria: From today, September 1, 2010, it will no longer be "business as usual" for commercial motorcyclists popularly known as OKADA.

With effect from today, no okada should be seen on the highways within the Lagos metropolis.

They have also been restricted from carrying pregnant women and women with children on strapped to their back.

In addition, school children and anyone under 18 years should not be found on any okada.

So many people have reacted to this ban/restriction. Some are of the firm view that the ban would lead to more crime in the state, while others believe the ban would reduce the inflow of patients in the Lagos State Orthopedic Hospital (Igbobi). Different people with different views.

What do you think? Will this ban/restriction be effective?

Blackout!

2010-08-26T11:01:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, the workers in the PHCN commenced a nationwide strike. As a result, the entire nation (I believe) was plunged into darkness. My neighbourhood was a bit noisy last night because almost every house generated its own electricity via a generating set.

Blackout Naija
Source: 234next.com

The news this morning now is that this so called strike has been "suspended". I wonder, is that supposed to make us happy? For crying out loud, the power situation in Nigeria is NOT encouraging! Most people generate their power themselves! Some use, generators, some use solar and some use inverters. Some even use all three!

Dee: The strike by the PHCN workers have been suspended after Johnathan "stepped" into the issue.
Colleague: Is that supposed to be news?
Dee: *Laughing very hard*
Colleague: Why are you laughing? Has there ever been light? Answer me.
Dee: Well the power situation has been on and off. You know, it is kind of epileptic!
Colleague: Exactly! We've not had light for over a week!
Dee: Wow! But seriously, that is a fair deal.
Colleague: What do you mean by that?
Dee: There are some areas in this same Lagos that had been without light for MONTHS! I just thank God for the availability of petrol and the money to buy the petrol.
Colleague: Yes o! They can continue the strike for all I care! The Nation does not rely on them for electricity anymore. I mean why would any right thinking human go on strike and withhold the service that is NOT even provided in the first place? Nonsense.
Dee: The irony is that the PHCN workers would also power their generators because they would also be plunged in the same darkness. Anyway, that is no longer the case, since they have called off the strike.
Colleague: I no blame them! Dem for continue the strike!

Yerima to be Prosecuted!

2010-08-04T12:02:00.001+01:00

I have just read here that Yerima the cradle snatcher WILL BE PROSECUTED SOON!

Please read full story here.

I only hope that justice would not be tampered with.

EFCC vs NFF!

2010-07-28T10:06:00.000+01:00

After the just concluded World cup, and the hurried exit of the Nigerian team, the Super Eagles, the President "banned" the National team from any international tournament. People (particularly football lovers) opined that the President erred in his decision. The National Assembly even pleaded with him to rescind his decision - all for the fear of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). BTW, FIFA actually stands for the phrase "Fédération Internationale de Football Association" which is a french phrase.

Well, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) decided to put their house in order and the result was the immediate ~~removal~~ sack of some key players of the NFF - Mr. Sani Lulu (NFF president), Mr. Amanze Uchegbulam (NFF vice-president), and Mr. Taiwo Ogunjobi (head of the technical committee).

Following that shack up, the NFF promised "to take urgent steps to address the maladministration of football in the country".

The shake up paved way for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to carry out investigations into the alleged acts of financial impropriety by some officials. Contrary to the claim that NFF had no money, the EFCC discovered large sums of money in some of the NFF's bank accounts! One bank account had about N144m (One Hundred and Forty-Four Million Naira), another account had 2 million US dollars, while another had 6 million US dollars deposited in it! Now that is MONEY for an organisation claiming not to have money!

Right now these accounts have been frozen by the EFCC.

NEPA (or PHCN) on STRIKE!

2010-07-26T15:36:00.000+01:00

Workers at the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), otherwise known and popularly referred to as NEPA ~~are~~ were planning to go on a nation wide strike! What a paradox! The strike is based on the non-payment of over N69 BILLION as accrued benefits! WOW!

Most buildings in Nigeria rely on self generated power in order to get electricity supplied to their houses! There are different classes of power generators, from the "I better pass my neighbour" generating set to inverters and even solar. The noise pollution generated from the generators is very unbearable!

Why bother announcing the intended strike! How often do we get power from the PHCN?! They are really living up to their name - POWER HOLDING, they hold the power well! Meanwhile, I do not support the fact that they are been owed their benefits/entitlements. So, please FG pay them O!

Anyway, the strike has been shelved till tomorrow (Tuesday) 27 July 2010. Please read more here.

I would have loved to see and appreciate the strike! It would not make much difference anyway!

Women in Politics!

2010-05-25T14:14:00.000+01:00

The political drums have been rolled out in readiness for the forthcoming election in 2011. All the players are ensuring they are "well placed", with the "right political godfather", in the "right political party".

No sooner than Dr. Goodluck was sworn in as the President, people started telling him not to contest for Presidency because the Presidency was zoned to the North! Please let the guy settle down and serve Nigeria for the short time he has.

Politicians are swapping Parties, moving from their original Party to another. Simply put, the Politicians are making sure they are well aligned! Yet, others are doing last minute make over (as if the people are myopic or blind). Well, time will tell.

It is no longer news that Senator Gbemi Saraki wants to be the first female Governor of Kwara State. There is a website for that. However, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Kwara State recently issued a statement saying it is against Islamic Law for a female to be a leader!

Alhaji Tijani Edun, the state coordinator, said the legacy and Islamic culture will be destroyed if a female should rule the state come 2011. In an attempt to safe guard the Islamic culture, the Supreme Council for Shariah has called on all Muslims in the State to converge at the YIDI praying ground in Ilorin on the Sunday, 30 May 2010 for special prayers to ensure that a woman is not imposed as the next Governor.

As a Senator, representing a senatorial district, I believe she is a leader. As a leader, Gbemisola Saraki registered a foundation - the HAVE FOUNDATION to reach out to the poor in her constituency.

Through the foundation, she has been giving financial support to the needy. She has also purchased tractors with implements to assist rural farmers in land cultivation in her constituency. The empowerment programme has also benefited 33 people. One of them, Mallam Abdulrasaq Hossein Eja got a Mazda 626 for commercial purposes, while the remaining 32 got cash awards ranging from N450,000 to N15,000, hair dryers, grinding machines, sewing and pressing irons as well as motorcycles.

If the Supreme Council for Shariah hold strongly to the Islamic beliefs, why was Gbemisola (a serving Senator) voted to the National House of Assembly in the first place?

My history teacher, taught me about a Muslim female leader and warrior, known and addressed as QUEEN AMINA of Zaria. Hello! Amina of Zaria was a notable female Muslim leader!

I wonder, is the fight/prayer against Gbemi as a woman or against Gbemi as a SARAKI?

Mourning the President!

2010-05-06T07:54:00.001+01:00

Finally, President Umaru Yar'adua has gone to rest.

News has it that he died yesterday after a prolonged battle with a heart ailment.

The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will now be sworn in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Yar'adua is the fifth Nigeria ruler to die while in power.

Rest in peace Yar'adua.

God Bless Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic in Nigeria!

Imagine this!

2010-04-30T16:18:00.000+01:00

That Alhaji Sani Ahmed Yerima has a taken another child as his new wife is no longer news. However, what is new and news to me is the fact that this old man was quoted as saying he has not done any wrong! Hello! Talk about cradle snatching! Talk about child abuse!

It would be recalled that sometime in the year 1999, Sani Yerima, who was the Governor of Zamfara State declared that his State - Zamfara, was adopting the Sharia Legal system. That single act generated a lot of debates and it was greatly criticized.

Now, Yerima, a serving Senator, is in the news again. His latest wife is a child! She is just 13 years old for crying out loud!

I have had discussions with some moslems and one thing I have learnt from these discussions is that the Qur'an only permits marriage to more than one woman, on the condition that the man can support and treat them equally. Yap! The Qur'an does not make it mandatory to marry more than one wife! That is one part most moslems omit when relying on the provisions permitting them to marry more than one wife!

Yerima, who was born sometime in the year 1960, paid a whooping sum of $100,000 approximately (N15,000,000) as the bride price for this child and the wedding was allegedly conducted at the National Mosque in Abuja!

Nigerian women senators and various Women's Groups made this information known by writing a petition to the Senate. Following the petition, the Senate has ordered an investigation into this allegation - that one of its members married a 13-year-old Egyptian girl.

The groups also want the senate to "estabish the legality or otherwise of this action, considering the high personal status of Senator Yerima, his status in society as a lawmaker and leader and the negative effect of such acts on the image of Nigeria".

In an attempt to raise a defence, Yerima said in a BBC telephone interview that he has not violated any rule as far as Islam is concerned. "I don't care about the issue of age since I have not violated any rule as far as Islam is concerned," he said.

THE CHILD RIGHTS ACT
In 1989, world leaders saw that children needed a special convention just for them because people under 18 years old often need special care and protection that adults do not. The leaders also wanted to make sure that the world recognized that children have human rights too. To this end, there was a Convention for the Rights of the Child which was adopted by the UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

By virtue of this Convention, every Member State is mandated to ensure that the principles of the Convention are implemented in their Countries. On this note, Nigeria passed this Convention into Law in July 2003. Under the Nigeria Child Rights Act, betrothal and marriage of children (as defined by the Act) is prohibited. The penalty/punishment is a fine of N500,000 {(£2,000) ($3,320)} or imprisonment for 5 years or both (ie fine and jail term).

Iwu is OUT!

2010-04-29T11:19:00.000+01:00

Professor Maurice Iwu is no longer the Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). I call him Maurice Law because "Iwu" means Law in the Ibo Language!

Yesterday, the news had it that Dr. Goodluck Johnathan, the acting President of the federal Republic of Nigeria, sacked the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). Prof. Maurice Iwu was asked to commence a "pre-disengament" leave. This must have come as a rude shock to Maurice Law whose tenor as INEC Chairman was due to terminate at the end of June 2010.

Before his removal, Prof. Maurice Iwu presided over the last election in 2007. This election was regarded as one filled with all forms of fradulent activities. That election was not 'free and fair'. Nigerians had been calling for his removal. Well now he is out!

I pray that the next INEC Chairman lives up to expentation and conduct a free and fair election in Nigeria come 2011!

My Issue with BBC's "Welcome to Lagos"

2010-04-23T16:57:00.000+01:00

The controversial documentary depicting Lagos State as a slum where poverty and disease trive has been generating alot of reactions from Nigerians.

I just watched it on Solomonsydelle's NIGERIAN CURIOSITY.

After watching the documentary, I was so angry with the BBC for sending wrong signals to the entire world! Haba! Wetin Nigeria do them? Whenever they (BBC) air any documentary about Nigerians, it is always on poverty, disease etc. WHY? Why are they not showing the world the beautiful side of Lagos that attracts them here in the first place?

Please go there and watch. When you watch you will (I believe) know where I am coming from!

Eko o ni baje!

Making Nigeria Roads Safe!

2010-04-19T13:49:00.001+01:00

On my way to work today, I heard on the radio today that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) will begin to clamp down on motorists with fake drivers license. This warning was issued by the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission Mr. Jonas Agwu. This great quest will purge the system and society of drivers with fake driver’s license. About time!

Mr. Agwu further advised anyone applying for a driver’s license or renewal of a driver’s license must be physically present before the driver’s license is issued or renewed. This means very soon, the quality of motorists/drivers will be greatly improved. Well done Mr. Agwu!

The need to purge our roads of half baked drivers cannot be over emphasized! With all due respect to the FRSC, most motorists in Nigeria today do have a valid driver’s license! For those that have, at least 70% or more have their licenses by proxy. That is the license holder was not physically presence before the license was issued! It is that bad. That is why we have a lot of problems on our roads!

Some time ago, our car was hit from behind by a commercial bus. Immediately, the bus driver came out and was ranting and cursing. He claimed there was no damage to our car, so why the fuss! Anyway, Hubby was in a very good mood, so he simply called a Police man and reported the incident. When the bus driver saw that Hubby was not throwing back words, he started begging! Mehn! The change of behavior was very swift! The guy prostrated and said “Daddy, please I am sorry! My conductor did not tell me there was a car beside me. I am sorry.” At this point, I told him it was too late, because the Police have been invited into the matter. When we got to the Police Station, the bus driver was asked to produce his driver’s license and vehicle particulars! Believe it or not, this guy could not presence any of the documents.

So what gave this guy the courage that he can drive on our roads? Who certified him a fit and proper driver for the Nigeria roads? There are a thousand others like him.

This problem is not limited to commercial bus drivers alone. Some private car owners and/or drivers are also affected. For this other category, they get their driver’s license by proxy! That is they do not present themselves for tests before been issued a drivers license! Too bad. Last year, one of my friends showed me a driver’s license issued in her name. We had the following conversation:
Dee!: When did you start driving?
My friend: Aunty Dee!, I am still learning o.
Dee!: So how did you get this?
Friend: Someone got it for me.
Dee!: Without testing you?! I will not enter any car driven by you! How can you join the band wagon to procure a drivers license by proxy? I am not happy with you.
Seeing I was not down with the whole thing, my friend just changed the topic.

When the society is filled with people who are not “qualified” to drive on the roads, you can imagine the high rate of accidents and other avoidable incidents on the roads.

We complain about traffic and rough drivers, most of the time, it is people who are not properly tested that start the problems faced on our roads! The commercial bus drivers boldly refuse to clear off the high ways to pick their passengers. When there are four vehicles on a slow lane, the fifth one, usually a commercial bus or a car driven by an ex-commercial driver, will form a second or third lane. In Lagos, the okada riders (motorcyclists) do not obey traffic rules! They are simply untouchable! There are so many vehicles on the roads that are not “road worthy”, yet they have a road worthiness permit.

Please note that only the FRSC, in collaboration with the state government, has the power and authority to produce driver's license.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live Lagos State!
Ekọ ó ni bajé!

Rebuilding Jos! Rebuilding Nigeria!

2010-03-18T13:05:00.002+01:00

Jos, the capital of Plateau State is a mining city and therefore known as the Tin City. Plateau State is known as the Home of Peace and Tourism! Like other States in Nigeria, Plateau State is made up of several ethnic groups. For years, ALL these groups lived in harmony.

I know this, because I schooled in Jos and I was there for 5 solid years! I really had a WONDERFUL time in Jos to the point that I nursed the idea of coming back to settle there. By the late 80s, when I left Jos, the city was still a very peaceful town.

Today, Jos is no longer the peaceful city I knew back then. The current situation in Jos is very tragic. Violence and crime is the order of the day! Brothers killing brothers! This violence must stop! Why would a human being take the life of another? We should learn to show love to humanity.

Right now, we need to rebuild Jos. We need to rebuild Plateau State and make it the State of Peace and Tourism that it was meant to be.

Some Nigerians have started putting together various schemes to get much needed relief to Jos. I was so touched by the level of efforts put in by some LOVE filled Nigerians to help rebuild Jos.

I visited a blog - We are Jos, and I must say, I was very impressed. God bless the team members of that blog for putting up that blog with a view to rebuilding Jos and helping the victims. God bless you all!

There are so many things that can be done to help the survivors in Jos. However, I suggest that any person who intends to make any donation should visit any registered charitable Organisation, such as the Nigerian Red Cross and ask for details of ways to make donations.

I was at NAIJABLOG and I saw details of an account where donations can be paid to help rebuild Jos. This is an account for the NIGERIAN RED CROSS strictly for aiding the Jos survivors. The Nigerian Red Cross is a non-governmental, non-political, non-religious, and non-ethnic humanitarian organisation. The major objective of this Organisation is primarily to assist people who are victims of disasters, by providing shelters, food, clothing etc.

I also suggest that before making any donation into any bank account, please confirm and verify that the account is really for the charitable organisation and for the purpose of your donation.

Please do something. Help spread the word and get people to send donations as well. Apart from monetary aids, food items, clothes, medications and all other forms of relief aids can also be donated. Please save a life. Put a smile on a face.

While the rebuilding efforts are going on, I pray that there would be no more violence in our Nation. I pray that the LOVE that surpasses all understanding will bind us in Nigeria!

God Bless Nigeria!