*Nigeria: N10 Billion Indebtedness To FAAN

By Lateef Lawal

*Board Gives Management Marching Order To Recover Debts

*Erring Concessionaires To Be Sanctioned

The Board of Directors of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has directed the Authority’s Management to explore all legitimate means to recover the over N10 billion owed FAAN by airlines and other concessionaires. The directive advised management to sanction erring debtors through outright eviction, termination or withdrawal of services.

According to Akin Olukunle, General Manager, FAAN Public Affairs, the directive was part of resolutions passed at the recent meeting of the Board headed by its Chairman, Chief Ebitimi Banigo.

The meeting also directed FAAN’s management to identify fraudulent concessionaires, whose activities lead to revenue losses to the organization, in order to minimize, if not eliminate such ugly situation. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: FAAN logo On A Nigerian Map in Nigerian Flag Colours

The Authority has also been advised to implement the increase in Passenger Service Charge (PSC) from N350 to N1,000 fuel surcharge and advert concessions, as approved by the Board with the mind to improving revenue generation.

Some of the key resolutions at the meeting were that FAAN should undertake only safety critical projects until its liquidity position is restored and that all the Authority’s debtors should pay up within a limited period of time to avoid sanctioning.

It was also agreed that all incompetent officers and staff, including those found to have engaged in malpractices should be weeded out. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigerian Naira Notes

The management was also directed to work towards returning the Authority to liquidity, through concerted efforts at achieving major improvement within six months in all airports under its management. This according to the board would be a grand way of celebrating Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary.

The meeting also agreed that FAAN’s management should work with the unions to reposition the Authority to achieve government objectives.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, FAAN, Abuja, Lagos, Yar’Adua, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Post-Amnesty, Bombs & MEND

By Ifeatu Agbu

Perhaps, there is no greater evidence of the dissatisfaction of Niger Delta youths with the sluggish implementation of the Federal Government-sponsored amnesty programme, than the bomb explosions that effectively aborted the post-amnesty conference in Warri recently. The timing was professionally done. As the governors of Edo, Delta and Imo states were arriving the Delta State Government House Annex, Warri, for the talks, the first explosion went off. Before the governors and hundreds of participants already seated in the hall, could digest what was amiss, the second bomb was detonated. And hell was let loose. Everybody, including the governors dived for cover and scampered to safety. And that was the end of the much advertised conference organised by the Vanguard newspapers and sponsored by the Delta State government to discuss how best to breathe life into the nostrils of the amnesty programme that was seemingly comatose.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, a coalition of militant groups, claimed responsibility for the violent action. According to their spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, they carried out the attack to put a lie to the claims of the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Timipre Sylva that MEND was no longer in existence. That it was a mere creation of the mass media. Moreover, he said that the bombing was also meant to prove the point that Niger Deltans were tired of the “endless game and deceit in the name of conferences and dialogues which have never yielded any fruits.” Mr. Gbomo alerted media houses that MEND would bomb the conference venue at 11.30 am. True to his threat, the first bomb was detonated exactly at that time and the second followed 10 minutes later.

According to Gbomo, the third one, which was to follow immediately, was stopped when their operatives noticed that most people fleeing for safety were actually running towards where that bomb was planted. The irony of it all is that some of the politicians who were dashing for cover were the very ones who initially armed the militants. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Map of Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region showing Port Harcourt

It is a pity that the two persons who were reported killed and about a dozen others injured were ordinary Nigerians who played no role in creating the monster. There is no doubt that what MEND did was condemnable. Indeed, the perpetrators should be fished out and severely punished to serve as a deterrent. Nevertheless, the reasons they gave for their dastardly act should not be swept under the carpet. Professor Itse Sagay was probably right when he said: “Those in government who MEND accused of daring them erred. The governors should learn to accommodate the views of the militant groups instead of defying them.” While discussing the bomb blast in the Senate, Senator Effiong Bob corroborated the position of MEND when he said: “The time has come for the Federal Government to replace words with actions in the development of the Niger Delta. It seems to me that we talk too much about the development of the Niger Delta, while little or nothing is being done in practical terms.”

He cited the example of the East/West road, whose construction has been moving at a snail speed. The fear of Niger Deltans that the Federal government is not truly committed to the development of their region was confirmed by the Managing Director of Setraco, the contractors handling the East/West Road project, Mr. Michael Hachenberg. He told the South-South caucus of the House of Representatives recently that it would take 10 years to complete this all-important road. Reason: The Federal Government is not releasing funds as and when due. This nonchalant attitude of the government, which is quite evident in the criminal neglect of the region that produces over 90 per cent of the nation’s foreign exchange, is the greatest threat to the success of the amnesty programme. This is painful because it is the most ingenious device by the Yar’Adua’s administration to end the incessant violence and militancy in the Niger Delta.

Niger Deltans want to see the gains of amnesty translated to economic growth, infrastructure and human capital development. “We are tired of attending these meetings. We have exhausted whatever is needed to be said and we are beginning to wonder why we accepted having these meetings,” Dr. Chris Ekiyor, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, said. One can imagine the discomfiture of the Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who held an emergency meeting with the members of the Presidential Co-ordinating Committee on the Niger Delta soon after the bomb explosions. Fillers from the closed-door meeting showed that Jonathan and members of the committee have come to terms with the reality that action is the name of the game and the antidote to militancy.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President, Mr. Ima Niboro, told journalists at the end of the meeting that all agencies and bodies involved in the amnesty process have been charged to intensify their activities. “Of course, we know that the area of infrastructure development may take more time. But the Acting President has also directed the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to fast-track all issues concerning infrastructure development so that the perception that the amnesty programme is sleeping is corrected. He has also appealed that all stakeholders, including militant leaders must be on the same page, since the amnesty is for the militants in the first place. “ ( Continues below….. )

Though the amnesty is for the militants it was surprising that the long list of participants published in the media as those invited to the aborted conference did not include the names of notable ex-militant leaders. Since from the outset, some factions of MEND refused to identify with the amnesty scheme, one expected the government to woo them and bring them into the fold. Exclusion, as was the case in the Warri failed conference would not wash.

Achieving the core objectives of the amnesty programme would have been a lot easier if the report of the Niger Delta Technical Committee, which synthesized all the previous reports and recommendations on the Niger Delta crises, was adopted wholly. Perhaps, the consequences of not fully implementing the recommendations of the committee are now beginning to manifest in the return to trenches by the militants.

The committee recommended the creation of a Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) – where 2,000 jobs will be provided in each local government council in the zone, to keep the youths meaningfully busy and away from the temptations of militancy and other untoward behaviour. This is born out of the fact that the efforts at achieving rapid socio-economic transformation of the region will come to naught if our youths, including graduates, are allowed to roam the streets with little or no prospects of getting jobs. Of course, the most potent weapon against youth criminality is gainful employment.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha sees the problem of finding jobs for the youths as the panacea to the Niger Delta debacle. “I can tell you that the problem will be over as soon as we are able to establish a connection between the people and the booming oil and gas economy in the region by gainfully engaging our youths and enhancing the general standards of living of our people.” he said.

Getting jobs for the youths will be better achieved by the faithful implementation of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan. But rather unfortunately, it seems that the much-applauded plan is not being accorded the desired attention by all agencies of development in the region as envisioned. There seems to be the mistaken notion that the NDDC which facilitated its drawing up, should carry the burden all alone. The federal, state and local governments, oil companies, donor agencies etc. should take seriously the implementation of the plan as well as the recommendations of the Mittee’s committee.

That is what is needed. Not endless conferences and dialogues where all that are being canvassed are no more than recycling the views already expressed in the master plan and the Mittee’s committee’s recommendations.

Mr. Ifeatu Agbu ( ifeatuagbu@yahoo.com ) writes from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Niger Delta, Abuja, MEND, Lagos, Yar’Adua, Jobs, Africa, Masterweb

*In Pictures: KnocK Out That Made Nigerian U.S. Boxing Champ

[ Photos Arranged In Order of Events ]

By Masterweb News Desk

The Nigerian Gentleman (TNG), Enobong Umohette was on March 20, crowned Wisconsin State Heavyweight Boxing Champion, after he sent defending champion, Lyle McDowell ("The Iceman") crashing to the canvass in the 7th round of the scheduled 8 round fight. The title fight, was the main event of the boxing promotion dubbed “Combat at the Crowne” held at Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport, 6401 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53221, USA.

McDowell who won the State heavyweight boxing title in 1992, successfully defended it until his encounter with Umohette. Many observers say the Nigerian Gentleman was too good to have been able to beat McDowell, who was indomitable in Wisconsin boxing.

Ironically, McDowell was knocked out in the 7th round to lose the title as he knocked out Michael Arms on August 12, 1992 to win it.

Umohette, an ardent Christian and social crusader/public commentator says his march would continue until he clenches the world heavyweight title. Many concur to this.

Below are photos from the fight, arranged as events occurred.

Photo Above: Umohette and McDowell trade punches

Photo Above: 7th Round: McDowell knocked out face-up on the floor

Photo Above: 7th Round: McDowell unable to get up and fight after knock out

Photo Above: Umohette declared winner & new Wisconsin Heavyweight Champion. The referee raises Umohette’s right hand and another official (holding Umohette’s new belt) raises his left.

Photo Above: Enobong Umohette makes acceptance speech of title after declaration as winner

Photo Above: Enobong Umohette surrounded by fans after declaration as winner by TKO

*Enobong Umohette Writes Fans, Nigerians & The World

PRESS STATEMENT By ENOBONG UMOHETTE

Dear Good People,

It is with utmost humility and gratitude that I announce to you our victory in the USA Wisconsin State Heavy Weight Title fight over the Weekend.

With respect and awe, I salute the out going Champion Mr Lyle (The Iceman) McDowell, who is a true champion indeed. He fought gallantly and traded punches with me even till the last minute, showing his wealth of experience, craft and power.

Despite going down in the fight already, The Iceman arose to his feet and fought on, rattling me several times during the proceedings.

The epic fight came to a close at 1.18secs into the 7th round of the scheduled 8 round fight, as I stopped The Iceman via a TKO (Technical Knock Out) to become the first Nigerian to be privileged to hold this prestigious title in the State of Wisconsin.

Going into that fight, I was fully aware that I was heavily outgunned, out-sized and outweighed in terms of experience.

However, the unknown factor that drove my tact, craft and resilience that night was that I had a cross section of the Nigerian and Milwaukee community with me at ring side and also had your invisible force of energy through prayer and support as I went up against the highly decorated Veteran.

It was a tough and grueling battle indeed and even when I took such heavy dazzling punches from The Iceman; I looked through the ropes and heard the voice of your prayers and encouragement that has constantly come my way and was energized to stay the course.

To all of you out there, who have given me, emotional, spiritual and material support in this campaign, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart and to assure you that your sacrifice is not in vain, but is inspiring a new generation of civil society, political class and sports men and women in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and all over the world.

To the very special few, who have sacrificed hard earned resources to support this noble cause and who have invested a lot of time and energy knocking doors and pulling down barriers of age, race and gender to put this vision out there, though you are all too shy to see your name in print or accept public credit; The Almighty creator knows you all by heart and name and will through my unending gratitude reward you for all you have done to support this journey of destiny.

The task ahead is enormous and there will be dark days, challenges and frustration along the way but I call on you all, to always remember the larger picture, which is to INSPIRE our young ones at home to shun violence and crime but to pursue noble dreams, honest endeavours and to show love, charity and support for one another.

The journey has begun!

To this regard, I wish to Thank His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, (Obong) Godswill Akpabio, whose dynamic leadership back in my home state is part of the inspiring factor that gives me a solemn conviction that Akwa Ibom State, no matter the challenges is moving forward for the better.

I offer my condolence to all the families of loved ones perished recently in the violent upheavals in Jos, Plateau State of Northern Nigeria. I condemn in entirety any individual who professes, supports or implements violence in any form as a tool of political or religious expression. All mankind are one; brothers and sisters irrespective of race, gender or religion. It is a shame to unjustly take the life of our own kind.

Despite the inherent diversity and complications in the instruments and ideology of our national franchise, The Laws of the Land remain supreme and with a Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Person of His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Johnathan steering the ship of leadership, there are available, legal, constitutional, diplomatic and bureaucratic channels to address differences.

On a final note, I am now the USA Wisconsin State Heavy Weight champion and will continue in my inevitable journey towards World Championship carrying you along with me in this campaign in and out of the ring and when my days are done in the distant future and it is time to take stock, I will soberly ask myself, “How do I want to be remembered as a Champion?”

I want to be remembered as a Champion who was not known by his wins or losses or abilities in the ring, but one who was humble, respected the sports with a passion and who was a social crusader contributing his quota to the human and capital development of his people. One who is an unrelenting supporter and crusader for human and social rights and most importantly, a Champion who directly touched the lives and hearts of many by inspiring, through his life’s struggles in and out of the boxing ring.

Once again, I am humbled and honoured to have you in my corner and say a big thank you. See you again soon at ring side.

The Journey continues.

Sincerely

TNG (THE NIGERIAN GENTLEMAN), Enobong Umohette

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*Tags: Nigerians, Enobong, Umohette, Gentleman, Lyle, McDowell, Africa, Crown, Plaza, Milwaukee, Masterweb

*Nigeria: The Death of Political Godfathers

By Frank Ediagbonya

The emergency exit taken by the Acting President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan from the consulting room and operational theatre of Political Godfathers, whose advise to former and present public office holders encased Nigerian masses into everlasting hardship and hopelessness, has began to shape and create a new identity for Nigerian politics. His action has become a source of excitement to many and also a source of suspicion to most Nigerian audience who are sitting on the fence, watching the strangest events as they unfold in Nigeria. The action of the Ag. President has left quite a few hiding their red faces in shame, bewilderment and uncertainty due to a shift in political paradigm.

Dr Goodluck Jonathan is directing Nigerian politicians to a tutorial on how to place National interest above selfish interest of the Godfathers. Perhaps he is keen to redraw the political power map of Nigeria by pegging a beacon on the location of political power which resides in Aso Rock, not some consulting room elsewhere. Could this be the defining moment for Nigerian Politics? Can Nigerian Politics see the light of the day without the colossal presence of money bags and Political Godfathers? Who are the Political Godfathers? Of what benefits are Political Godfathers to potential politicians and to the Nigerian social system?

Nigerian Politics has been deprived of the good fruits of democracy and good governance because of flourishing political Godfatherism, which remains a major prerequisite of reaching any political office of one’s dream in Nigeria. It all depends on who your Godfather is. The location of power has never been where many thought it is; real power lies in consultation room of political Godfathers. Those who appear to wear the crown of power sometimes do so ceremoniously, hence Nigeria’s progress remain stagnated. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria Acting President

Nigerian Politics has become a dangerous ground for softies and those who have no Godfathers or those who fall out of favour with their Godfathers. Godfatherism in Nigerian politics is an investment venture and a power league game for the untouchables. Those who invested in potential political candidates do not expect their money to go down the drain. It even propels elections to be fiercely contested which explain where elections are rigged at all cost and it also explain why many politicians are assassinated if they are becoming a threat to the Godfathers and their candidates in the political terrain. The nation’s power is in the pouch of the Godfathers. Having a powerful or power broker Godfather requires you to meet some certain criteria and rituals. In return you get power, you become immune to persecution, you become fully equipped with the tools of oppression afterwards, you can loot the national treasury and public fund with impunity.

Political Godfatherism has defaced the moral values of the Nigerian society. It has deprived the la-creme, hard working honest and patriotic Nigerians from active politics in the land they loved so much. Dr Goodluck Jonathan has done what is only possible in a military regime by brushing aside with a wave of hand the Godfathers when he made his first three major decision as the Ag. President of Nigeria. We saw the mood of the Godfathers on the television, they were tensed with red faces. It is not done anywhere in Nigeria. No one can rule Nigeria without due consultation of the Godfathers. It is a risk so huge that it can only be compare to a man scratching his tongue with the teeth of a life cobra. ( Continues below….. )

What has Dr Goodluck Jonathan stand to gain if he continues to ignore the political tradition of Godfatherism? A tradition which has set Nigeria on the path of political backwardness and moral decadence in Nigeria. He stand to gain a lot even if he has been told that he cannot contest the next Presidential election come 2011. If Dr. Goodluck Jonathan put the nation first before the Godfathers who are scouting for national treasury to loot, then his name would automatically be written among great names like Abubakar Balewa, Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Anthony Enahoro etc.

Nigeria suffers from the menaces of Godfatherism. Sponsoring a group of candidates for political offices with the hope to rig elections or win it by do or die, encouraging these candidates to loot the national treasury so as to place the Nigerian masses in bondage forever; this act is disgraceful, unpatriotic and a huge disappointment of what democracy represents in a globalizing world. Godfatherism has finished and rendered Nigeria bankrupt, the earlier Nigerians eliminates Godfatherism, the sooner the prayers of the hopeless and helpless Nigerian masses be answered. Political Godfatherism is a clog in the wheel of Nigeria’s progress.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Goodluck, Jonathan, Governance, Abuja, Lagos, Yar’Adua, Godfatherism, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Destroying Today to Secure Tomorrow?

By Kali Gwegwe

Recent political developments in Nigeria have unearthed the true depth of the underlying spirit of her nationhood. It has also put to a simple test, the character of our political leaders; who are supposed to be advocates of sound democratic political culture. Unfortunately, the parochial interests of the nation’s political, tribal, and religious leaders have made nonsense of the culture of sound political leadership as prescribed in every healthy presidential democracy. It is very absurd that the political class has shamelessly turned Nigeria’s democracy on its head. This sad development is a clear demonstration that the noble democratic culture of good governance has been deliberately drowned in the pool of negative political scheming.

A curious observation of unfolding events in the country following the hospitalisation of President Musa Yar’Adua in King Faisal Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia would lead one to the bitter conclusion that Nigeria’s institutional framework has become too weak and consequently unable to carry the burden of Due Process, Rule of Law, and Fair Play. While Transparency and Accountability are the creation of the culture of Due Process, the Rule of Law promotes Justice and Fair Play. It is equally necessary to point out that National Peace and Unity are products of Fair Play. These principles are unarguably the pillars of every healthy society. Without them, political leadership will be of no benefit to the masses. This should help explain why Nigeria is still counted among the poorest countries in the world despite the abundant human and material resources in the country. It has also given a clue as to why Nigeria- the sixth largest producer of crude oil in the world relies on the importation of petrol and kerosene. Instead of this sad reality posing a huge challenge to our political leaders; they have with selfish intentions allowed the country to drift far into the ocean of anarchy and disintegration. Surprisingly, the political class is carrying on as if Nigeria has nothing to lose, even when the contrary is clearly the case.

Just like I have submitted in previous write-ups, Nigeria’s greatest problem is tribalism. It is owing to the deep rooted culture of tribalism that successive administrations have not been able to effectively fight corruption in the country. There is an unwritten law in Nigeria that forbids citizens from exposing or prosecuting fellow tribesmen for corrupt practices. That is the reason why public servants that earns less than N12m annually will build mansions and own fleet of exotic cars worth over N500m and still be conferred with chieftaincy titles without verifying the sources of the sudden wealth of their kinsmen and women. ( Continues below….. )

Nigeria has been turned into a country where one must also have his or her tribesperson in position of authority in order to be employed, given a key appointment, or awarded a big contract. This anomaly is hugely responsible for why the issue of tribal lineage is regarded far above every other factor in the Nigerian society. In a nutshell; tribalism can only become rife in a country where there is no transparency, accountability, justice, and fair play.

Furthermore, tribalism promotes national poverty. It compels citizens to be lazy. In a tribal-induced bureaucracy, even people that sow nothing can reap bountifully simply because their tribesperson is in power. This is clearly against natural principle. The more we promote tribal agenda above constitutional provisions, the closer we get to the source of our disintegration. Everybody professes “One Nigeria” but is unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices to unite the various ethnic clusters in the country.

It is indeed a solid fact that the current political tension in the country is mainly as a result of an avoidable clash between forces of democracy and that of tribal interests. The northern belt of the country believes that based on a power sharing arrangement by the ruling PDP, the period spanning between 2007 and 2015 is their turn to occupy the Nigerian presidency. They therefore see the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as the substantive president as a rude interruption of their political sail. This has forced quite a number of them to disregard the spirit of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. They were forced by the spirit of PDP to quickly forget that even the presidential democracy has a character. Owing to all of these, most individual and group opinions from the north became infected with deep tribal sentiments. The consequence was the emergence of an overheated polity. History is starring at us; as we dance naked in the market square.

Power belongs to God. He gives power to whoever that pleases Him. God also takes away power whenever it pleases Him. One is therefore forced to wonder why people see and treat power with a “do-or-die” attitude. Perhaps, one should emphasise here that the basic aim of political power is to improve the lives of man and society through quality leadership. If that is the case, why are Nigerians fond of clinging onto power at all cost? It points to the fact that many people seek political power for reasons other than offering quality leadership. That is why it is uncommon for public servants in Nigeria to resign from office no matter the circumstances.

Just as Nigeria is bigger than any one individual or political party; the presidency is by far greater than a president. Most times, both military and political leaders are tempted to see themselves as sources of power. This accounts for why many public officers use power as if it were their personal property. Through this way, power is most times abused by those in authority. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria Acting President

As the political drama in Nigeria continues to unfold, one fact has emerged conspicuously. The northern belt of the country has spoken in very clear and loud voice: They want to secure their stake in PDP’s 2007-2015 power sharing arrangement. As long as PDP remains in power, no one can fault their position. No southerner is against a northerner becoming the president of the federal republic of Nigeria in 2011. It should however be noted that the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria has collided with that of the PDP. Is the north saying the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria should give way for that of PDP? It is for this reason that this writer is of the opinion that no section of this country should destroy our today in a bid to their secure tomorrow. We do not need to be reminded that tomorrow is the daughter of today. We all therefore need to protect our today so that it would grow up and give birth to both our sectional and collective tomorrow as the case may be.

It is indeed most unfortunate that President Yar’Adua fell sick. Everybody is concerned and has shown this by offering prayers for his quick recovery. The actions and inactions of a few persons have tended to create a false impression that the southern belt of the country is happy about the president’s poor health. This is not true. What has actually created a sharp divide is in the way and manner some close family members and aides of the Yar’Adua have handled the president’s ill-health. They have refused to accept the fact that a president is a public property. They have also forgotten that Nigeria is a presidential democracy with an operating constitution. Some sincere persons of northern extraction too have openly condemned the actions of the president’s family members and close aides.

More than that, the refusal of the president to activate section 145 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria points to one direction: Those entrusted with the wellbeing of the president during this period of his ill-health are not in any way ready to trust any other person with power despite the unforeseen circumstances that has almost enveloped the country. Many are beginning to feel that the north is not ready to make the required sacrifices to enable this country move forward. The sacrifice is conspicuously stipulated in section 145 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. It was in recognition of this fact that the National Assembly in its wisdom declared Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as the acting president and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the federal republic of Nigeria. Ordinarily, it was President Yar’Adua, and not the National Assembly that should have voluntarily brought about making Jonathan the acting president.

Only God knows what would have become of Nigeria if the National Assembly had not acted on time. To appreciate how far men can go, some persons are still faulting the intervention of the National Assembly. Their argument is that the absence of President Yar’Adua from office did not create any vacuum and therefore had no need to proclaim Vice President Jonathan as the acting president. It is quite ironical that those who claimed the absence of the president did not create any vacuum were the same people that ferried the 2009 Supplementary Budget to the convalescing President Yar’Adua in Saudi Arabia for signing. It was also the same set of people that asked a retiring Chief Judge of the federation to swear-in his successor. Are we not aware that federal permanent secretaries could not be sworn-in owing to the absence of the president? Whom do they want to deceive?

Kali Gwegwe writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and can be reached at kali.gwegwe@nigerianfootballpost.com ( 0806 407 4810 )

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*Tags: Nigerians, Yar’Adua, Africans, Goodluck, Jonathan, Political, Politics, Leadership, Masterweb

*Nigerian Wins U.S. State Heavyweight Boxing Title

[ Umohette(The Nigerian Gentleman) is New Wisconsin Heavyweight Boxing Champion ]

By Masterweb News Desk

The Nigerian Gentleman (TNG), Enobong Umohette clinched Wisconsin State Heavyweight Boxing Title yesterday after knocking out the defending champion, Lyle McDowell ("The Iceman") in the 7th round of the scheduled 8 round fight. The bout was the main event of the boxing promotion dubbed “Combat at the Crowne” and held at Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport, 6401 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53221, USA.

Umohette dominated all the rounds with punitive punches and jabs on McDowell, who was forced against the ropes most of the time. The 1st round commenced at 9.50 pm U.S. Central time (3.50 am Nigerian time) with Umohette on the offensive and McDowell initially fiercely fighting back, but gradually retreating to the ropes. The Nigerian Gentleman kept up with his hard punches with McDowell on the ropes. The defending champion, whenever opportunity would permit, landed counter punches in a bid to fend-off McDowell. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Enobong Umohette surrounded by fans after declaration as winner by TKO

The Nigerian Gentleman kept up his punishment of the defending champion through the 5th round, when he almost knocked him down. McDowell through these rounds ended up on the ropes where he would counter with punches that hardly would dent Umohette’s offensive.

The embattled defending champion was knocked down in the 6th round, but got up before the final count by the umpire (referee). Embattled McDowell was knocked down again few minutes into the 7th round, but immediately got up to resume fighting. He was again knocked down, but this time failed to get up. The fight was awarded to Umohette on technical knock out (TKO), and was declared the new Wisconsin Heavyweight Boxing Champion at 10.22 pm U.S. central time. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Enobong Umohette makes acceptance speech of title after declaration as winner

In a passionate speech after his spectacular victory, Umohette accepted his new title, congratulating McDowell for putting up a good fight. The Nigerian Gentleman said his march would continue until he clenches the world heavyweight title.

Line-up of the officials of the fight were as follows - referee: Jeff Nass, judges: Horace Craft, Mike Fitzgerald and Tyrone Trice.

More photos from the fight to be published here in due course.

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“COMBAT AT THE CROWNE” LIVE REPORT

*Fight Venue: Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport, 6401 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53221, USA.

[ Time in U.S. Central Time *Add 6 hours To Convert To Nigerian Time ]

6.00 PM: Doors open. Many coming in and taking seats.

6.45 PM: People still arriving and taking seats.

7.00 PM: People still arriving. 80% of the seats taken.

The folling boxing bouts are scheduled for the evening -

1st Bout - Featherweight: Nicholas Ambriz Vs Bobby Connors *Was cancelled

2nd Bout - Featherweight: James Owens Vs Duwan Collier

3rd Bout - Weight: Predrag Radosevic Vs Elvin Versey

4th Bout - Jr. Middleweight: Jasmin Davis Vs LaShawnda Knox

5th Bout - Jr. Welterweight: Andre Sherard Vs Matt Ellis

6th Bout - Supper Middleweight: Antwun Echols Vs Fred Thomas

Main Bout - Heavyweight: Enobong Umohette ("Nigerian Gentleman") Vs Lyle McDowell ("The Iceman")

7.50 PM: 1st bout cancelled. 2nd bout commences - James Owens winner by TKO.

8.08 PM: 3rd bout cancelled. 4th bout (women’s boxing) commences - Jasmin Davis winner by TKO.

8.33 PM: 6th bout commences - Antwun Echols winner by TKO.

9.16 PM: 5th bout commences - Andre Sherard winner by TKO.

9.45 PM: Main Bout - Heavyweight Title Fight - Enobong Umohette ("Nigerian Gentleman") Vs Lyle McDowell ("The Iceman") commences with ushering into the ring of each boxer. Boxers introduced as they enter ring. 1st round begins.

9.55 PM: 2nd round commences. Umohette thoroughly beating up McDowell.

10.00 PM: 3rd round commences. Umohette constantly punching McDowell to the ropes.

10.05 PM: 4th round commences. Umohette constantly punishing McDowell with hard jabs.

10.10 PM: 5th round commences. Umohette almost knocks out McDowell with hard jabs.

10.15 PM: 6th round commences. Umohette on the offensive pushing McDowell all over the ring. McDowell knocked down.

10.20 PM: 7th round commences. McDowell knocked down gets up immmediatetly. McDowell knocked down flat on the floor - could not get up this time. Umohette wins by TKO.

10.22 PM: Enobong Umohette ("Nigerian Gentleman") declared winner and new Wisconsin State Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

10.25 PM: Umohette makes acceptance speech of the title, congratulates McDowell for putting up a good fight.

*Tags: Nigerians, Enobong, Umohette, Gentleman, Lyle, McDowell, Africa, Crown, Plaza, Milwaukee, Masterweb

*Umohette Vs McDowell Heavyweight Title Fight Live Report

[ Boxing Event Dubbed “Combat at the Crowne” ]

By Masterweb News Desk - *See below for Live Report

“COMBAT AT THE CROWNE” LIVE REPORT

*Fight Venue: Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport, 6401 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53221, USA.

[ Time in U.S. Central Time *Add 6 hours To Convert To Nigerian Time ]

6.00 PM: Doors open. Many coming in and taking seats.

6.45 PM: People still arriving and taking seats.

7.00 PM: People still arriving. 80% of the seats taken.

The folling boxing bouts are scheduled for the evening -

1st Bout - Featherweight: Nicholas Ambriz Vs Bobby Connors *Was cancelled

2nd Bout - Featherweight: James Owens Vs Duwan Collier

3rd Bout - Weight: Predrag Radosevic Vs Elvin Versey

4th Bout - Jr. Middleweight: Jasmin Davis Vs LaShawnda Knox

5th Bout - Jr. Welterweight: Andre Sherard Vs Matt Ellis

6th Bout - Supper Middleweight: Antwun Echols Vs Fred Thomas

Main Bout - Heavyweight: Enobong Umohette ("Nigerian Gentleman") Vs Lyle McDowell ("The Iceman")

7.50 PM: 1st bout cancelled. 2nd bout commences - James Owens winner by TKO.

8.08 PM: 3rd bout cancelled. 4th bout (women’s boxing) commences - Jasmin Davis winner by TKO.

8.33 PM: 6th bout commences - Antwun Echols winner by TKO.

9.16 PM: 5th bout commences - Andre Sherard winner by TKO.

9.45 PM: Main Bout - Heavyweight Title Fight - Enobong Umohette ("Nigerian Gentleman") Vs Lyle McDowell ("The Iceman") commences with ushering into the ring of each boxer. Boxers introduced as they enter ring. 1st round begins.

9.55 PM: 2nd round commences. Umohette thoroughly beating up McDowell.

10.00 PM: 3rd round commences. Umohette constantly punching McDowell to the ropes.

10.05 PM: 4th round commences. Umohette constantly punishing McDowell with hard jabs.

10.10 PM: 5th round commences. Umohette almost knocks out McDowell with hard jabs.

10.15 PM: 6th round commences. Umohette on the offensive pushing McDowell all over the ring. McDowell knocked down.

10.20 PM: 7th round commences. McDowell knocked down gets up immmediatetly. McDowell knocked down face-up on the floor - could not get up this time. Umohette wins by TKO.

10.23 PM: Enobong Umohette ("Nigerian Gentleman") declared winner and new Wisconsin State Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

10.25 PM: Umohette makes acceptance speech of the title, congratulates McDowell for putting up a good fight.

Photo Above: Side View of Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport, Venue of Umohette Vs McDowell Fight

Photo Above: Mr. Enobong Umohette( alias “Nigerian Gentleman” )

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*Tags: Nigerians, Enobong, Umohette, Gentleman, Lyle, McDowell, Africa, Crown, Plaza, Milwaukee, Masterweb

*Nigerian Predicted To Win U.S. Heavyweight Title

[ Masterweb To Cover Fight Live ]

By Masterweb News Desk

Masterweb News Team made a surprise visit to Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center, a Milwaukee modern arts and sports community facility. The gym and boxing sections of Dr. King Center attract personalities such as Enobong Umohette ("Nigerian Gentleman") and Lyle McDowell ("The Iceman"), scheduled to slug it out for the Wisconsin State heavyweight title today. Masterweb News Team yesterday interviewed ten people at Dr. King Center on Umohette Vs McDowell fight, and all said McDowell was not a match to Umohette. Some of them said Umohette was so good that one day he would emerge the world heavyweight champion. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: Side View of Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport, Venue of Umohette Vs McDowell Fight

Masterweb will cover the fight and report live from the venue. Live updates can be read on our Newspaper, Daily News and Newsflash sections.

Seven other bouts are on the card; the main event is Umohette Vs McDowell fight. Doors open at 6.00 pm. and fights start at 7. The boxing event dubbed “Combat at the Crowne” is organized by Johnson Kennedy Promotions.

Photo Above: Mr. Enobong Umohette( alias “Nigerian Gentleman” )

Photo Above: Enobong Umohette(Nigerian Gentleman) Vs Lyle McDowell(The Iceman) Flyer

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*Tags: Nigerians, Enobong, Umohette, Gentleman, Lyle, McDowell, Africa, Masterweb

*A Cry To Save Nigeria

By Engr. Noble N. Noble

Nigerians, why can’t we practice what we preach? We preach patriotism, love, unity and one nation, but what are we trying to do to our blessed nation? Will we allow politics, ethnic protection and religious domination to come before the interest of the nation for a country that is supposed to be one? Why can’t we answer these questions conscientiously and educate our people properly for the good of our nation.

Nigeria as a nation should transcend social crisis, personal interest and political interest and embrace common interest, common goal and common target for future growth of the country. How have we failed, how have we allowed private interest to take precedence over our nation? Nigerians, now is the time to prove the love we claim to have for this country, now is the time to think, reason together and take a commonly acceptable step deemed necessary for the way forward for Nigeria. ( Continues below….. )

Our leaders are well read and should know better; better enough to put into practice the qualities they represent, the qualities that distinguish them and prove them worthy of solving Nigerian problems, speaking in one voice when necessary, taking the right decision at the right time and allowing the proper thing done as it concerns the future of the country.

Nigerians, this is the time to put aside ethnic differences, religious differences, political differences, personal interests and sentimental interests and hold onto unity, peace and understanding, in order to weather this raging storm that Nigeria is faced with. A raging storm that could be put to still if we show little love and exercise little trust with one another, believing in one nation and making sacrifices for the nation, a raging storm that is no case if we value and put our country first, a country that has shown us so much love, a country so blessed that it never experiences natural disasters if not for human made disaster. Nigerians, now is the time to act in one direction, now is the time to discard personal advantage and commit together for the building of our nation. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria Acting President

Our highest leaders are referent leaders, with the interest of the nation at heart and as such, they should apply required controls when necessary to ensure the well-being of the nation and its citizens. Nigerians, this is the right time to take the right step; a step that would transform Nigeria and its citizens. A step to make our schools internationally competitive and our hospitals meet our medical needs; a step to patronize Nigerian made goods and make create jobs for Nigerians. Thank you, Nigerians. God bless Nigeria.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Buhari Moves On - Speaks On ANPP, CPC

Photo Above: General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Mohammadu, Buhari, ANPP, CPC, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria Air Rage

By Lateef Lawal

*Governor Daniel’s Aide Went Berserk, Beat Passenger On Board IRS Flight

*Culprits will be prosecuted, says NCAA

*Case reported to Police

There was dramatic scene Wednesday, March 10, when one of the aides of Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, Nigeria allegedly beat a passenger on board an IRS flight at the Lagos airport. In retaliation, some passengers on board the flight pounced on the governor’s aide and dealt with him severely.

The passengers, who proved uncontrollable at the terminal, told reporters that they would fight the case with their last sip of blood, since the manhandled passenger did not commit any offense that warranted the assault.

One of the passengers narrated that their flight which took off from Abuja airport for Lagos, but could not land at Lagos domestic terminal due to unfavourable weather. She said the plane returned to base in Abuja after it hovered for some minutes in Lagos airspace.

She stated that as they prepared to return to Lagos with passengers taking their seats, one of the passengers who had business class ticket went to take his seat at the business class area when one of the aides of the governor told him to vacate the seat, saying it was reserved for the Governor.

The passenger, it was learnt explained that he also bought the same business class seat and could seat anywhere in business area. The aide allegedly told him to vacate the area for the governor and his entourage, a situation which caused a ‘brouhaha’ from take-off to landing.

STOPPED When Governor Daniel eventually came on board, his aides allegedly dragged the passenger out of the business area which he had paid for and was forced him to sit in the economy area. After the aircraft landed, it was gathered that the passenger was dragged out of the aircraft and beaten, a situation which attracted the attention of security officers attached to MMA2.

At the MMA2, the Chief Security Officer and ADC attached to Daniel were seen telling the security officers that the passenger “embarrassed the governor on board and should suffer the consequence". “I am the Chief Security Officer of the governor, we are not dragging this case because of anything, but for the embarrassment he caused the governor", the Chief Security Officer told the police officers. ( Continues below….. )

The aides, who accused the passenger of calling the governor “stupid", eventually took the case to the Beesam police station when it appeared the security officers could not do anything. Another passenger, who accused the officials of the airline onboard of refusing to intervene, said he had to go into the cockpit to talk to the Pilot to intervene when the issue became very serious. “We need to tell the whole world that we all have equal right anywhere, both on air and on ground”, he stressed.

However, Benedict Ifeanyi, Murtala Muhammed Airport police public relations officer told reporters that the case had been transferred to the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the international airport adding that he received the report yesterday.

Spokesman for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Sam Adurogboye said the matter was yet to be reported to the authority, but described the incident as air rage that was capable of leading to accident. He described the situation as horrendous and against all international aviation law, stressing that the culprits could be prosecuted for endangering passengers’ lives.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, NAMA, FAAN, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigerian Fights For U.S. Heavyweight Boxing Title March 20

[ Umohette is No. 1 Contender For Wisconsin Heavyweight Title ]

By Masterweb News Desk

Enobong Umohette( alias “Nigerian Gentleman” ), a Nigerian resident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is making news waves in U.S. professional boxing as a promising rising star. His Wisconsin professional boxing career will climax Saturday, March 20, 2010 when he gets a shot at the state heavyweight title.

Umohette, after a successful amateur career has progressively gained grounds in professional boxing. The “Nigerian Gentleman", with a 75% knock out ratio is the number one contender for Wisconsin State heavyweight title. He won his last five fights with four of them by knock out (TKO). Saturday, March 20, 2010 Umohette will trade blows with Lyle McDowell( alias “The Iceman” ), Wisconsin heavyweight champion, for a chance at the title.

McDowell, former IBO Inter-Continental heavyweight champion, has a record of over 40 professional fights. His numerous wins have a total of 18 knock outs. Boxing pundits are divided between McDowell and “Nigerian Gentleman"; some gave the fight to McDowell, while others predict a win for Umohette.

Umohette, outside the ring, a social crusader and public commentator, targets more feathers to his profile, which would include Wisconsin and World heavyweight champion. The “Nigerian Gentleman” believes the combined profile would serve as a source of inspiration to youths in Nigeria, especially in his home state of Akwa Ibom in the Niger Delta region. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: Mr. Enobong Umohette( alias “Nigerian Gentleman” )

Come Saturday, March 20, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA, “Nigerian Gentleman” will slug it out with “The Iceman". A win by Lyle McDowell(The Iceman), reaffirms his title, but a win by Enobong Umohette(Nigerian Gentleman) apart from bestowment of the title, also would boost Nigeria’s image. Umohette’s honour as Wisconsin heavyweight champion would set a record for emulation by Nigerians that success comes with hard work and patience.

Umohette in an interview, expressed his gratitude to Nigerians from all shades of life for their support and thanked The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Godswill Akpabio for his dynamic leadership and support. He not only upheld his culture of respect for the sport of boxing and his opponent, but promised to stay determined and focused in the fight ahead and throughout his boxing career, which he hopes will be a tool to help the less privileged and support other young Nigerians to succeed in boxing and professional sports.

Nigerians and all lovers of sports are encouraged to show their support by attending the event. Details are as contained in the flyer below. Direct all phone inquiries on Enobong Umohette( “Nigerian Gentleman” ) to +1-414-795-4293 and all email inquiries to enobong_umohette@yahoo.com

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Photo Above: Enobong Umohette(Nigerian Gentleman) Vs Lyle McDowell(The Iceman) Flyer

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*Tags: Nigerians, Enobong, Umohette, Gentleman, Lyle, McDowell, Africa, Masterweb

*Driver Speaks On Highway Crushing of Nigerians

By Masterweb News Desk

The truck driver involved in the runover and crushing to death of at least 19 Nigerians on Ijebu-Ode/Sagamu expressway, has spoken out to newsmen. Late last month Masterweb News Desk carried an article on the highway robbery of a Nigerian luxury bus on lagos- benin expressway which led to the truck-crushing death of many people. The article can be read at http://nigeriamasterweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/25/nigeria_highway_robbery_aamp_gruesome_ma

The two drivers at the center of the armed robbery attack and crushing to death of passengers controversy, have been arrested by police in Abuja. The drivers are: Osayande Idahosa, 40, who hails from Edo State and driver of the crusher truck with registration number XN 808 BEN and Okechukwu Okafor, driver of the robbed Young Shall Grow luxury bus with registration number XF 285 AKD. Okafor hails from Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. The arrests followed recent motion by the Senate for investigations into the expressway mayhem that put in doubt police capacity in tackling crime in the country.

Osayande Idahosa, driver of the killer truck, told reporters the incident took place July 31 last year at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State. Idahosa said on the fateful day, he was driving a Seaner Truck hired by a woman to deliver bags of garri to customers. According to him, he took-off from Benin en route Lagos in company of his conductor and the truck renter. The journey according to Idahosa met heavy traffic jam at Ore which finally paved way to lonely highway up to Obalende area of Ijebu-Ode. On sighting the headlights of a vehicle around 9.45 pm Idahosa said he became more relaxed. “When I saw the lights, I was happy. I did not know that it was an evil light that will continue to haunt me till eternity,” Idahosa told Daily Sun newsmen. According to his account, as they approached the vehicle, he sighted what seemed like barricades of logs of wood on the highway. “I thought it was a police check-point, so I slowed down. But I started hearing gun shots. I saw many people firing at me. Out of panic, I decided to run over what I assumed were logs of woods,” Idahosa speaking in tears told reporters. He said all three of them in the truck panicked as he drove through in high speed, but was thrown in confusion as he heard human cries. The truck wavered through human bodies and ended up in the forest. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: Osayande Idahosa, driver of the killer truck

In his words to Sun newsmen Idahosa said: “As my truck ran over the ‘barricades’, I noticed that they were too soft. I also heard gun shots and agonizing cries of people. I suspected that I must have killed some people but I did not know who my victims were. I couldn’t control the vehicle and it ran into the bush. I immediately jumped down and took to my heels. While in the bush, I saw about 20 armed men in civilian clothes searching for me. They were boasting that they would soon fish me out and slaughter me in pieces. At this time, I did not know the fate of my conductor or that of the woman who hired me.” Idahosa said that while the armed robbers where searching his truck, he ran deeper into the forest and hid in a hole. He said he hid in the hole till about 6.00 am the following morning, before finding his way to the highway. He was told by a fellow driver that he had crushed to death 19 innocent lives and advised not to go near the scene of the bloodshed as he would definitely be lynched by the angry mob.

Idahosa got a ride from the driver to Ijebu-Ode junction, where he took an okada (commercial motorcycle) to Obalende police station, where he made a statement to the police. The police took his statement and told him to go back to the scene where at the time, the Commissioner of Police, the Divisional Police Officer and other senior policemen were for an on-the-spot-assessment. Idahosa said when he got to the scene and saw the havoc, shredded corpses after corpses, he wept and surrendered to the police and crowd. He explained: “But rather than stoning me to death, they all started listening to my story on how I unintentionally killed innocent robbery victims who I mistook to be robbers’ barricades. The sympathizers started consoling me, telling me it was not my fault. The policemen took me along with them and I was with them for four days before I was granted bail.” ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: The killer truck driven by Osayande Idahosa

Okechukwu Okafor, driver of the ill-fated luxury bus, blames the tragedy on bad road condition. According to a statement to Daily Sun newsmen, Okafor said their journey started in the morning of July 31, 2009 at Enugu en route Lagos. He said the trip was smooth until 3.00 pm when they were held up in Ore for four hours by heavy traffic jam. According to him, on reaching a point between the Federal Government College, Odogbolu and Babcock University junction along Ijebu-Ode/Shagamu Expressway, their bus was forced to a stop by armed robbers numbering around 50. Okafor fearing for his life and knowing he did not stand a chance against the intimidating number of the bandits, fled into the forest. He said he heard gun shots and wailing of people in agony while in the forest. In his own words: “I thought it was the robbery gang that was killing my passengers. It was not until the following morning when I found my way out of the bush that I learnt that it was a truck driver who refused to stop for the robbers that ran over my passengers.” Okafor said he weeps when confronted with the tragedy and bloodshed of his passengers. “You know, right from the park at Enugu down to the scene of the ugly incident, we had all become friendly. In fact, in my 22 years of driving, I had not seen or heard such a story that looked like a fairy tale,” Okafor told Sun newsmen.

Police report on the incident states that: “On the 31st of July 2009, at about 11. 30 a.m, a luxurious bus with registration above, loaded with passengers travelling from Enugu to Lagos were attacked by a gang of armed bandits at a spot between Federal Government College, Odogbolu and Babcock University along Ijebu-Ode/Sagamu expressway. During the attack, the suspected armed robbers ordered the passengers of the luxury bus out of the vehicle and made them to lie face down on the expressway. An on-coming truck with reg. XN 808 BEN, driven by one Osayinde Idahosa of Ewetube Egbe Estate, Benin City, who refused to be stopped by the hoodlums, crushed some of the passengers to death. A a total of 19 passengers of the luxury bus which includes 6 females and 13 males were crushed to death by the truck and that there was no Police escort attached to the luxury bus as confirmed by the driver, Okechukwu Okafor who survived the incident. Some of the ten corpses have been collected by their relations for burial after proper identification and documentation and that some of the corpses were crushed beyond recognition and yet to be identified or collected by their relations or kinsmen.”

Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, speaking to reporters said: “Following some offensive photographs being posted on the internet by some mischievous people who made the incident looked like it happened recently, the force would like to inform the public that the ugly accident happened on July 31, 2009.” He said 19 passengers, including six females and 13 males, were crushed to death by the truck, and that the file in respect of the case had been duplicated and forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. Mr. Ojukwu’s comments on mischievous postings on the incident does not apply to Masterweb updated news report, which referenced Sunday Tribune 2/8/09 article on the incident.

Please forward any new information, article or photo you may have regarding this incident to admin@nigeriamasterweb.com. Please include your phone number in your email, so that our News Team can reach you on the phone.

Masterweb News Desk is always scouting volumes of information daily, searching for information relevant to Nigerians, Africa and the world. This is what separates us from most news media. We report all news worthy events for the information of our readers and for news syndication and aggregation. This allows the dissemination of our news articles by our readers, partner news media and RSS feed.

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Photo Above: Helpless Nigerians run over by a trailer after they lay down on the ground on the orders of armed robbers.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Crime, Armed, Robbers, Africa, Masterweb

*Turai: Don’t leave Aso Rock In Shame

By Ihejirika Peter

It is said that those their gods kneaded Fufu for, should eat it in silence. Such could be said of the first family of this nation. Hence going by the array of contestants in the 2007 Presidential election Yar’ Adua would not have been the best option. But for the entire wisdom of Obasanjo, PDP and some of their cohorts who made it possible for him to win the election. Well, everything surrounding the 2007 election is now history though Nigerians can never forget in a hurry. If not the ruse called 2007 Presidential election we would not have been in the mess we are today. President Yar’ Adua mounted the saddle of leadership almost three years ago and since then he has been sick. It would be recalled that mid way into the 2007 Presidential election he broke down and was flown to Germany for medical attention which prompted the then President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to humorously ask “…….Umoru are you dead………?” but in all Yar Adua succeeded and has been piloting the affairs of this great nation as President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces until 23rd of November, 2009 when he was hurriedly sneaked out of the country on health grounds. Since then, things have fallen apart and nobody expected the center to hold. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigeria’s First Lady Hajiya Turai yar’Adua

I am not among those who wish the President dead, nor those who are canvassing for his removal due to illness hence Yar’ Adua is a mortal and every mortal being is prone to one ailment or the other at any given time. But my point of departure is the way and manner which the President’s ailment has been politicized by individuals or groups for their self-aggrandizement. Left for me, I would not have wasted an effort to write but for posterity to vindicate me as it was Wole Soyinka who says “.……..the man died who keeps quiet in the face of tyranny…….”. So, those of us who do not go by the barrage of gun should muster as fast as possible all the arsenal in our disposal to condemn in strong terms the near anarchy the country is drifting into. Sentiment apart, if you do not know for the past three months now the country is sitting on a keg of gunpowder, you better think twice and pray fervently for God to bring the final solution to this political logjam. As what is happening in country today is an ill wind that blows no one good. This political debacle is now becoming obvious that an overambitious woman has sworn not to let the country be. A situation whereby our President has been ill and our representatives have been denied access to him. Even the thoughtful effort of the Federal Executive Council to swear in Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as an “Acting” President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces has been flagrantly played down. Hence the purported arrival of the president and subsequent deployment of troops was not known by the acting president who is supposed to welcome the ill president back home. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigeria’s Ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua at a Muslim prayer session in Abuja on September 29, 2009.

Well I am not against the abracadabra but my own concern is this nation. Turai Yar’ Adua and people behind her should know that power belongs only to God and nobody does the contrary. Even if they have succeeded in deceiving the people for the past three months it cannot be ad-infinitum. Very soon the cat would be let out of the bag. I remember when the former President, Chief OBJ advised that Yar’ Adua should toe the path honour and resign if he is incapacitated many agents of destabilization called for his head but now the truth is playing out and very soon all these agents of darkness who are bent on fast tracking the United States of American intelligent reports of a possible disintegration of this country by 2015 will unmask themselves. We will not be surprised that our tormentors are from our own kitchen. And anybody who thinks that the country belongs to him or that a section of this country could be seen as second-class citizens is doing so at his own peril. The first lady of this nation should know that her predecessors have come and gone and are remembered for one good thing or the other. She should toe that line of honour and work for the unity and indivisibility of this nation while we pray for the quick recovery of our President. But if she decides to play the pharaoh our time, she might leave the Aso Rock in shame or tears. God forbid! Advice they say, no be curse.

Ihejirika Peter writes from Etche, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and can be reached at idpeters@yahoo.com

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*Tags: Nigerians, Turai, Yar’Adua, Wife, First, Lady, Africans, Goodluck, Jonathan, Political, Politics, Leadership, Masterweb

*Extra Judicial killings: A Risk Society & The Nigerian Police.

By Frank Ediagbonya

The video clips from Aljazeera TV now showing on YouTube ( http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlpZr81RucY ) has exposed how unarmed civilians were shot in the head and heart at pointblank by men of the Nigerian Police. These video clips has generated a lot of anger and shock from Nigerians and non Nigerians alike. The question of whether the poor and less privileged Nigerians are safe in the hand of security operatives especially the Nigerian Police Force is being critically examined by concerned Nigerians and Amnesty International.

Is Nigeria a risk society as being portrayed by that shocking video footage?

There are different types of risk; security risk, environmental risk, economic risk and social risk. Modern society have put in place institutions to deal with various risks. For example, the Central Bank or other relevant agencies has the responsibilities to avoid a country’s economic risk while institution like the Nigerian Police Force or it counterparts across the globe is entrenched with the responsibilities to deal with social and security risks as well as protect lives and properties of citizenry. On many occasions the Nigerian Police have been caught in a conflicting duties of a peace makers, law enforcers and executioners.

The duties of the Nigerian Police Force which includes protection of lives and properties of Nigerians irrespective of status or religious affiliation has been seriously compromised after watching those clips of some men in noble uniforms of the NPF committing horrendous murder all in the name of maintaining law and order. The role of the Nigerian Police as a social institution established to maintain social order, enforce laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without fear or favour is now a subject of moral dilemma. The brutal murder of alleged religious activists of Boko Haram as seen on YouTube suggested that the poor and less privileged Nigerians are undervalued by those in authority or those who are bent on tarnishing the image of the Nigerian Police Force so to say.

It is a known fact that the image of the Nigerian Police Force amongst the Nigerian masses is tinted with notions, speculations and stigma of all unrighteousness. Not all members of the Nigerian Police are barbaric or 700 years behind modern civilization like the bad eggs in the Force who are bent to drag the image of the Force to the gutters. Nuhu Ribadu and his likes are good examples of trained and polished officers of the Nigerian Police Force.

Agreed that the Nigerian Police Force have mountain of challenges before them, for example fighting crime in a hi-tech society like Nigeria in the wake of mobile phone and Internet communication technology in all the nooks and crannies of the country; which has boosted violent crime and also taken the police by surprise. They were not prepared for this surprises when the erstwhile President Obasanjo introduced these technology hence, they were being filmed in the act of untold murder, sent to a global TV network while the Police tried to cover up their tracks with their usual tales by the moonlight or cock and bull stories.

I am not impressed that a fellow human being were killed like a chicken at the pleasure of some blood tasty men parading themselves in Police Uniforms who ought to have been detained in psychiatric hospitals. This clips has socially constructed Nigeria as a risk society not knowing who to trust. This is not a good PR for a country that is striving to gain a permanent seat in the UN. The only way to get out of this national embarrassment is to persecute all those involved in a court of law with their trail broadcast live in global media. It has also become imperative for all members of the Nigerian Police Force to be subjected to a mandatory psychiatric examination every 12 months due to their role as protector of lives and properties. (God’s caretakers).

The Federal government of Nigeria should take urgent steps to enact laws banning all religious leaders from incitement, inducement, inflammatory statements capable of creating tribal tension and establish Religious, Ethnic or Tribal equality Commission to deal with tribal or ethnic complaints, nepotism, favouritism and religious inflammatory statements. These steps could reduce religious and tribal tension in Nigeria. ( Continues below….. )

The need for the Nigerian Police Force to build a new image worthy of commendation can not be overemphasised after that obnoxious killings carried out by its men in that video footage. I will strongly suggest that the Police Public Relations Officer or the Inspector General of Police should make a declarative statement disassociating the Nigerian Police Force from that wicked act against man and God. I know it is hard to change existing paradigm be that as it may, the NPF must either claim responsibility for the killings by keeping silent or disassociate itself from it outrightly through an official statement. It is like trying to change from traditional ways of thinking to modern ways of doing things isn’t it?

It is time for the Nigerian Police to draw a framework that could win them back public trust which is a vital social instrument to modern policing. How? They should invest material and social resources into communities that they have taken so much from. They should invest in community projects and community empowerment. The Police should build water projects, amusement parks, help with environmental sanitation, engage individuals in the community in police-citizens sport activities and consultative forum, patrol the streets and ask the locals if they have any problems in their areas or if they need police help etc. The swift action of the new AGF of Nigeria Chief Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN) shows that the Nigerian masses is about to witness a social change package to add more value to their lives crushing all the notions and insinuations that the poor and less privileged Nigerians like the ones asked to lie face to the ground then shot is priceless under Yar’adua’/Jonathan’s administration. I am pleased with the new proposal to punished any security operatives caught in the act of extra judicial killings. Kudos.

“The police is your friend, bail is free, help the police (with information) so that the police can help you” These catchphrases should move from its substantive meaning to a normative and functional meaning. There is a cloud of uncertainty and anxiety among many Nigerians as to whether the police can be trusted again, everything being equal, if the police uses the right approaches or holistic approach to woo the Nigerian masses, the spirit of forgiveness is what the Nigerian masses is Known for.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Police, Governance, Abuja, Lagos, Yar’Adua, Jobs, Africa, Masterweb

*Dear God, is it a crime to be borne a woman?

( A Critical analysis of Constitutionally Guaranteed Discriminatory Laws against Women )

By Olugu Ukpai

Professor Martha Nussbaum in her classical work Gender, Justice, Development and Rights submit that “women in developing world face numerous problems because of their sex.” Nigeria is one of the developing nations alluded to by the human right and constitutional lawyer. While there are sufficient international instruments designed to secure equality for women, the challenge lies in deciphering means of making the provisions within these instruments a reality. Although Nigeria has ratified major regional and international instruments proscribing gender discrimination, paradoxically, the constitution contains discriminatory provisions whilst legislations that overtly discriminate between sexes are rife. I argue that the first step towards surmounting the discrimination surrounding women’s rights issues is by repealing these discriminatory laws enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, placing men and women at par by way of appropriate legislative measures backed by judicial interventions where cases of violation of the legislations to that effect arise. The philosophy underpinning my argument lies in basic constitutional principles that must be respected and implemented by the governments, as a minimum standard of what respect for human dignity requires. ( Continues below….. )

This article is divided into two parts. The first part examines some equality provisions of the Constitution, while the second part is a critical analysis of salient features of some discriminatory legislations, customs and practices that affect Nigerian women in the law in practice. But first, I will start by defining the working concept of the article. What is discrimination? Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (hereafter, CEDWA) defines discrimination against women as “any distinction or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on the basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, and civil or any other field.”

Domestic guarantees of equality

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex. Section 42 (1) provides that: A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, either ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person:

(a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions are not made subject: or

(b) be accorded either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any such executive or administrative action, any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions.

© Section 17 (1) The State social order is founded on ideals of Freedom, Equality and Justice. Section 17 (2a) every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law.

The Law in practice: Constitutionally guaranteed discriminatory legislation against women

Antithetical to constitutional non-discriminatory guarantees against discrimination, the Constitution itself contains provisions that discriminate against women, and administrative regulations and practices exist which breach these guarantees with impunity. More so, it can also be argued that the Constitution is interpreted as prohibiting discrimination in the public sphere, or by state agents, thus leaving no room for redress where discrimination is perpetuated by non-state actors. There is no known case where the Nigerian Constitution was relied upon to challenge human rights violations of women by a private person. These legislations that will be examined are some examples of statutes that have been in force since independence and/or colonial era and have not been changed, updated or reformed. For instance, most of the common law in force in Nigeria is that in force in England before 1900. This is inconsistent with the characteristic of law. Margaret Davis maintains that law should be in flux, flexible, and not static, enabling it to respond to changes in the society.

The Constitution provides in Section 26(2) that a woman who is or has been married to a citizen of Nigeria may be registered as a citizen of Nigeria, but silent as to whether a woman married to a foreign national can confer Nigerian nationality on her foreign husband. It implies that a woman is incapable to confer Nigerian citizenship on her foreign husband, and this provision exist despite the fact that such provisions have been identified and repealed as discriminatory in other parts of African nations such as South Africa and Botswana, to mention but a few. This is also in direct infringement of Article 9(1) of CEDAW, which posits equality for women in matters pertaining to nationality.

Discriminatory provisions also exist in many public law statutes. For instance, Section 353 of the Penal Code, which applies to the Southern States in Nigeria, provides that an indecent assault against a man is a felony, punishable by three years in prison. But Section 360 holds that the same offence against females as a misdemeanour is punishable with only two years of imprisonment. It is worrisome that this distinction remains on the statute books, especially when indubitable facts exists that indecent assault is an offense that is often committed against women. Here, I have no choice other than to infer that the law implies that, the offense is of less gravity when committed against a woman. Again, this is inconsistent with the cardinal principle of criminal law which stipulates that like cases should be treated alike and all persons should be protected from harm of a similar degree. More so, these provisions are antithetical to Article 2(g) of CEDAW, which requires state parties to repeal all national penal provisions which constitute discrimination against women.

Discriminatory provisions also exist in the 1963 cap 89 Nigerian Penal Code, which is applicable to the northern Nigerian states that have not adopted Sharia law. For instance, Section 55 of the Penal Code provides that:

Nothing is an offense which does not amount to the infliction of grievous hurt upon any person and which is done by a husband for the purpose of correcting his wife, such husband or wife being subject to any native law or custom in which such correction is recognized as lawful.

Thus, the Penal Code permits husbands to use physical means to chastise their wives as long as it does not result in “grievous harm,” which is defined as loss of sight, hearing, speech, facial disfigurement, or life-threatening injuries. Although the constitution provides for equality and freedom from discrimination; there are no laws that criminalize gender-based violence, while some federal laws condone such violence. It is hoped that the law makers should use the ongoing Constitutional reform project to repeal the Penal Code, because women’s rights are human’s rights.

Under the Police Act (Chapter 359, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990), the provisions regulating the conduct of police officers made thereunder provide that an unmarried woman who becomes pregnant shall be discharged from the force and may not be re-enlisted without the consent of the Inspector-General (Regulation 127, Police Act, 1990). Another regulation permits a serving female police officer may only marry, with the consent of the Commissioner of Police, if she has served for at least three years and her intended husband is of good character (Regulation 124 and 125, Police Act, 1990). Here, it instructive that I pause and ask, is it a crime to be borne a woman or to be endowed with the capacity to reproduce? It is hoped that the male dominant National Assembly will find answer to this question in the ongoing Constitutional review.

Nigeria’s personal taxation laws, also contains come discriminatory laws (Personal income tax decree, Chapter 104 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1993). Under these laws, a married woman will only be allowed to claim tax relief based on the number of dependents she has if she can show that she has separated from her husband by deed or by an order of the High Court (Section 3 personal income law decree above). This requirement does not apply to divorced or separated men. This legislation is still based on the premise that married women and their children are maintained by their husbands. As a result, single mothers and wives who bear the main financial responsibility in a household are denied the tax relief that men are entitled to. It is hoped that the Courts should start upturning such gender discriminatory laws. ( Continues below….. )

The Marriage Act (Marriage Act, Chapter 218, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990) provides that written consent is necessary where either party to an intended marriage is under 21 years. However, this consent must be from the father: a mother’s consent is only acceptable if the father is dead or of an unsound mind (Section 118, Marriage Act, 1990). Beyond a shadow of doubt, it is clear that acceptability of the consent based on the gender of the parent is unnecessary, discriminatory and serves no known practical or legal purpose other than to perpetuate the stereotype that treats Nigerian women as chattel and second class citizens.

In conclusion, the legislations detailed above are at variance with Nigeria’s domestic and international law obligations relating to gender rights. For instance, Section 55 of the Penal Code presupposes that a wife can never be considered an equal in a marriage and ought to be expunged. Likewise, in its 2003 report to CEDAW the Nigerian government described wife as ‘the man’s property and she is generally not expected to entertain any measure of equality in whatever form’. Human dignity is firmly established as an international standard and finds expression in the major international human rights instruments. Regionally, it is provided for by the African Charter and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of women, and necessarily implies that a husband cannot be permitted to legally (or otherwise) beat his wife.

More so, the provisions in the Police Act limiting the reproductive freedom of female police officers are also infringement of Nigeria’s obligations under CEDAW. Policies and practices that have an impact on women’s reproductive rights constitute a form of violence against women as well as denial of a basic freedom to choose because of their sex. These regulations do not impose concomitant obligations on men. These provisions contravenes the right not to be subjected to degrading treatment as provided for under the major international human rights instruments and is contrary to the concept of human dignity and gender justice. The Nigerian born political scientist, Professor Mojubaolu Okome, insists that ‘legal and extra-legal constrains coexist in both the letter of the law and its administration.’ She avers that ‘customs and traditions still persist which prevent the elimination of discrimination against women.’ Professor Christiana Murray, a leading human rights lawyer in her work Constitutional equality for women contend that “No nation can be free [or develop] when one half of it is enslaved. I can do no better than to finish with the 1997 judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal (Enugu Division) as delivered by Chief Justice Niki Tobi, in Mojekwu vs Mojekwu condemning discriminatory laws and customs against women based on their sex: “…In my humble view, it is the monopoly of GOD to determine the sex of a baby and not the parents. Although the scientific world disagrees with this divine truth, I believe that GOD, the creator of human beings is also the final authority of who should be male or female. Accordingly, for …a law [customs and practices] to discriminate against a particular sex is to say the least an affront on the Almighty GOD himself… LET NOBODY DO SUCH A THING.”

*Olugu Ukpai, a Ph.D student, School of Law, University of Reading, sent in this article from UK, and can be reached at oluukpaiolu@yahoo.com

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*Tags: Nigerians, Africans, Leaders, Woman, Women, Masterweb

*Nigeria’s AON, A Disappointing Cartel

By Olumide Ohunayo

Recently, the committee set up by the Federal Government submitted its report on bailout. The airlines represented by Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) were given ten days to report back to the government on modalities for the bailout plan. It took them three months after being lampooned by the authorities for the slow pace of work. On submission, the body had two different and obviously opposite positions on the bailout issue.

One faction supported bailout, the other wanted stoppage of promotional fares and doubling of domestic fares. This is simply absurd! Asking Government to legislate or collude in doubling air fares is regimental and retrogressive in a deregulated industry. If any airline wants to triple its current fares, it can please go ahead by filing the new fares with the appropriate authorities and test the will of Nigerian passengers. It should not be legislated, neither do we want collusion.

We should be reminded that the industry is frowning at and punishing with hefty fines, airlines caught colluding in fixing fares or tariffs. Western countries started it, and it has got to Africa with the current investigation of some airlines in South Africa, who were accused of fixing fares for the upcoming 2010 World Cup. ( Continues below….. )

The promotional fares and online ticket purchase, introduced last year by some Nigerian carriers are laudable and in tandem with multiple fares regime obtained in other climes. It generally increases en-planeing, booking ahead via the internet and improves load factor. The model is a marketing gimmick with the objective of attracting passengers from other transport modes.

Though, it has a low yield initially with appropriate fare mix it generates brand loyalty, market share and becomes profitable in the long run, if properly managed. Profitable low cost carriers world over, have used promotional fares to their advantage at the peril of legacy carriers who are made to slash, burn, run or in the alternative set up competitive low cost carriers.

These airlines have gone further in developing their social media marketing network by placing promotional fares, schedules and related information on facebook, twitter, flickr, youtube e.t.c, while using same to respond to passengers’ complaints. AON also requested for some waivers and lower charges. With recent happenings in the industry, it will be difficult to monitor and ensure that only scheduled operators enjoy such waivers and relief, because the process has always been abused by operators, who have assisted the non-scheduled operators, such as charter operators, businessmen, bankers, jet age preachers, serving and ex-governors, etc to bring in aircraft, spares and other related equipments, thereby depriving the same treasury that will be doling out bailout, the juicy luxury tax and charges. Most of these private and non-schedule operators whose service are for the affluent, later give their aircraft and equipments to registered carriers to manage at a fee and are made to generate revenue for the owners and new managers.

On the issue of outstanding debt to the agencies, it should be negotiated not forgiven and tied to whatever funds that will be released, because the agencies need to meet their responsibilities too. It is also nice to hear AON consenting to Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as the body to advise government on airlines qualified to get bailout. So where was the economic audit team of the NCAA, when these airlines went into a financial tailspin?

The AON surprisingly did not raise the issue of market bailout; simply put - traveling with public funds on a Nigerian Carrier. The American carriers who are happy and cover the domestic market more than the international market had ‘Fly American Act’ in 1974 and have continuously amended it till date. It protects their carriers and keeps public expenditure within the economy, despite the absence of American carriers on most international routes at that period in time. AON seems contented with the “buy some seats I operate to your state” deals with some state governors, while overlooking publicly funded international charters and travels being carted away by foreign registered carriers and aircraft with accompanying crew. ( Continues below….. )

On fuel, which constitutes a huge chunk of operating cost, it will be appropriate to consider fuel subsidies or the Middle Eastern state method of selling at a rate much lower than the market rate-with the acronym PLATTS. Airlines from this region, have quietly enjoyed it while boosting their cash reserve; they have used the cash, to ask for more frequencies and dumping excess capacities on Nigerian routes. Airlines such as Saudia, Etihad, Qatar, Emirates, and Air Arabia are beneficiaries. Also, in the USA scheduled operators pay 21.9 cents per gallon for aviation fuel, while non schedule and private operators pay 36 cents.

The operators, in their presentation preferred the fat cheques and have gone ahead to blame external factors such as fuel price, charges, taxes, meltdown, promotional fares, infrastructure while refusing to address fundamental structural problems such as ownership, management and capacity that have become glaring liabilities for our carriers. It is noteworthy that it was not total doomsday in the industry last year as we are made to believe by operators. Airlines such as American private carriers - Air Tran, Jet blue and Southwest; European carriers -Ryan Air, Easy jet and Lufthansa; South American LAN, COPA (Panama); and Ethiopian Airlines in Africa all declared profits. In Nigeria, we have not seen a financial report, yet we expect serious investors to partner with them.

In aligning with the government disappointment at the submission of the report, we really need to make it clear to AON that scheduled operators should be separated from charter operators. They must guarantee that private aircraft being managed by some of them will not benefit from taxpayers fund or the approved bailout plan and should endeavour to re-engineer their ownership and management processes to attract investors. Most importantly they must stop the ego tripping, divisive bickering and unite with one voice. Anything short of this indicates that we should rather talk of stimulus for the entire industry than having bailout for airlines without clear cut business objectives and national initiative in outlook.

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*Tags: Nigerians, NAMA, FAAN, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Time To Be Commander-In-Chief, Mr. Acting President

By Kola Alapinni

Dear Mr. Acting President,

I remember meeting you on a courtesy call in your office in Yenagoa a couple of years ago. I was a young lawyer in the company of my bosses and we had wanted to meet your erstwhile boss DSP Alamesiegha who was unavailable. We were prospecting in your territory (Kaiama-Mbiama-Yenagoa axis) as part of our operations in the Niger-Delta. In the little time that I spent in your company you came across as friendly, unassuming and loyal to your boss. These are still character traits that you have displayed particularly in the last 100 days. A 100 days of rubbish that has been displayed to the whole world and has greatly undermined the whole black race. We have been portrayed as a collection of people who do not know their left from the right. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria Acting President

Enough is enough and it is time to end this nonsense. I do not know if in the last few days you have been following the news. I know that when people are in such positions as fate has thrust you into, they are cut away from the reality of the real world. A close knit of people form a tight cordon round you. The result is that you lose touch with the reality of life as being experienced by the normal citizen on the street. In my capacity as a bona fide citizen of our dear country Nigeria, I pose to you a few questions:

(1) Is it true that you as the Acting President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was unaware that your ‘brother’, President Umaru Yar’Adua was being discharged from the hospital in Saudi Arabia? Therefore you could not make adequate preparations to meet him and usher him back home even as we hear that he was brought into the country on a stretcher?

(2) Is it true that troops whom you command with powers vested in you as the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of our nation were deployed to the Abuja International Airport without your knowledge? If this is true, what have you done about this?

(3)Have you summoned the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Commanding Officer of the Brigade of Guards to explain their action? Are you aware that this action of theirs borders on treasonable felony and it is perceived as such by the wider peoples of Nigeria in whom you derive your powers as invested on you by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

(4)Are you aware, that the person who instructed those troops to the airport without your knowledge can also instruct the troops to cordon you off in your Akinola Aguda residence and quarantine you from the nation? Are you aware that the implication is that foreign troops can land in Nigeria (right under your nose in Abuja) and take over the airport of the country which you preside over and you will not have a clue and proceed up to the Presidential Lodge without your knowledge? You mean nobody (right from the air traffic controller, the watch-tower where the aircraft got clearance to land, the aviation chiefs et cetera) could let the cat out of the bag to you?

(5) Is it true that Mrs. Turai Yar’Adua (the wife of President Yar’Adua) has kept you (the President and Commander-In-Chief) from physically seeing your sick friend, colleague, brother, boss et cetera? Are you telling us that one particular woman placed a restricting order on you within the Federal Territory of Nigeria? I don’t think so. ( Continues below….. )

Commander-In-Chief Sir, you are playing with fire! If all these allegations are true, now you need to use your Sword of Office before it is used to behead you, so to speak. I would suggest you do the following:

(a) Redeploy all the security that are cordoning off your friend and our President. He is the President of Nigeria and he cannot be held hostage by his wife and cohorts. There must be a change of guards now! Replace them with troops loyal to you. When you do that you will be able to see the true state of health of your friend and brother. Remember that you campaigned for the Presidency together, worked together, dined and wined together. Now that he is ill, you are honour-bound to take care of him. Do as you will be done by. Anybody can take ill, even you and I at any point in time.

(b) When you see him and you are able to ascertain the true state of his health (because all you and I have been hearing is hear-say which is not admissible evidence in law) you must provide the best medical brains available in our country for him. Oh yes! Nigeria has brilliant professors and medical experts who still reside within Nigeria even though previous governments have tried to kill off all our infrastructures. If you spend what has been spent on the trip to Saudi Arabia in the last 100 days on the National Hospital in Abuja or the premier teaching hospital in Nigeria, the University College Hospital Ibadan (UCH) you will be amazed on its transformation. He can be hospitalized there. Do not transform Aso Rock and the Presidential Suites into an ad-hoc infirmary. The Presidency should project vitality, robustness, vibrancy and not this dark cloud of uncertainty, or the gloomy mood of a sick nation or that of a sick President hovering over it. It has a dangerous psychological effect on government and governance and the way we are perceived by foreign dignitaries that come to the Presidential Lodge. We love our President, but he is ill. Sick people go the hospital!

© Stop this ‘Office of the first lady’ sham. Start that by redeploying all staff to other quarters where they can be productive to the country. Instruct Mrs. Yar’Adua to continue looking after her husband as a wife, (emphasis mine) whilst the medical experts continue their job. We did not vote for a first lady. It is unconstitutional, a waste of money and a charade. In our part of the world, it is a virus that must be exterminated immediately by abolishing that office. Mrs. Turai Yar’Adua can support her husband as he recovers. She can also support him in all other ways. A good wife is a praying wife, not one struggling for presidential power with you by virtue of her association with the holder of the office i.e. her husband. The same goes for State Governors wives. The position is illegal, unconstitutional and potentially damaging to the entity of our country as we have all seen now.

Mrs. Yar’Adua and your wife as well can take a cue from Mrs. Michelle Obama of the US and Mrs. Sarah Brown of the UK. They are all supportive of their husband without being disruptive. Please end this idiotic parade. The President and Governors wives can be useful without being brash, corrupt and wasting tax payers money. You start that change by leading by example. Curtail your own wife and others will follow. However, if they are interested in power and governance it is their right as enshrined in the constitution of our country . All they have to do is to go through the ballot box. The famous Margaret Thatcher of the UK, Angela Merkel, (the present German Chancellor) and other women have done so and ruled their countries. Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson is next door in Liberia, she can offer them expert opinion in how to run for the presidency in West Africa and win. Therefore capable women will be given a chance, but you must follow the due process and the rule of law.

(d) After your meeting with your service chiefs and the Commander of the Brigade of Guards, you will have known the truth as regards who tried to undermine your authority. You must now address the nation in a very brief speech not more than 10 minutes and brief us of the state of health of the President. You must also dismiss or retire (depending on how grave the treachery was) the responsible persons for that atrocious deployment of troops. You must do this live on television and name their replacements immediately. You must also make sure that there are no unusual movement of troops within the territory of Nigeria whether for training purposes or otherwise until you have consolidated your hold and the polity cools down.

Remember that you did not lobby for this post, therefore you owe less people political favours. Shuffle the cabinet, if you need to. Surround yourself with capable hands. There is no reason why you can’t call back Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi to come and reorganise our foreign policy. It is in shambles! Prof. Wole Soyinka should be speaking on behalf of Nigeria either at the UN or as your Presidential Special Envoy to the whole world. Bring back Nuhu Ribadu and Nasir El-Rufai and stop the witch-hunting. These are the kind of people that the wider world will listen to. But they will only come and serve you if you assure them of your seriousness and they know that you are truly serious. Time to get busy and send that signal to the whole world.

Fate and circumstance has thrust power on your shoulders. Now prove to us that you are man enough to lead the most populous, potentially prosperous and brilliant black nation in the world. This is the first time in a very long while that the majority of our country will rally round one man. You must remember that Nigerians are very impatient people. Move fast, swift, and decisively. Reform the electoral commission now by use of a digital biometric register to prevent fraud. Use Option A4 to ensure that people are electable by their own communities before they say they want to lead. Restructure our nation and return it to its rightful place internationally. You have been made the Commander-In-Chief for over two weeks. The only person person who can stop you is yourself. I hasten to remind you that in this instance, only ‘goodluck’ will not suffice. Now talk like a Commander, walk like a Commander, be a Commander. The whole world is watching. Or do you still need us to wish you ‘good luck’?

Kola Alapinni is an International Human Rights Lawyer and writes from Birmingham, U.K.

*Tags: Nigerians, Ya’Adua, Goodluck, Army, Military, Africa, Masterweb