Tuesday, 31 December 2013

I stand by my letter to Jonathan — OBJ

Jonathan’s response, shallow – NEF, CNPP
*President responded well – Afenifere, IYM, others
*They should refrain from evil things – Sagay
*Obasanjo jealous of Jonathan –Ezeife

President GoodLuck and OBJ

BY SONI DANIEL, CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, OKEY NDIRIBE, DAPO AKINREFON, PETER DURU,BASHIR ADEFAKA & DAUD OLATUNJI
ABUJA—FORMER President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, declined to respond to President Goodluck Jonathan’s reply to his December 2 letter, saying that he stands by the contents of his missive.
Obasanjo who spoke to newsmen at his hilltop mansion in Abeokuta through his media aide, Tunde Oladunjoye, said he would not reply the letter because he has chosen to maintain his serenity.
President Jonathan in a 14-page response to Obasanjo’s 18-page letter, said he only had time to respond to the most serious of the charges which question his sincerity, personal honour and commitment to his oath of office. He said Obasanjo did him grave injustice by accusing him of “deceit, deception, dishonesty, incompetence, clannishness, divisiveness and insincerity,” among others and challenged Obasanjo to substantiate the allegations.
However, Obasanjo indicated that he is not ready to the president’s challenge yesterday. Chief Obasanjo, in the statement read by Oladunjoye, acknowledged receiving President Jonathan’s response, followed by several requests from local and international media for his reaction.
“Baba, as he already indicated in his December 2, 2013 (letter), does not wish to make further comments beyond the contents of his last letter to Mr. President or react to the said letter/response from Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,” the statement said.
It quoted from page 14 of Obasanjo’s original letter to buttress that position: “I will maintain my serenity, because by this letter I have done my duty to you as I have always done, to your government, to the party, PDP, and to our country, Nigeria.”
He continued: “Two, let me reiterate here that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, has tremendous respect for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Finally, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo sincerely appreciates all of you, my cherished colleagues; gentlemen and women of the media profession, who have been very upright, ethical and robust on the subject matter”.
Obasanjo’s comments came on a day mixed reactions trailed Jonathan’s response to the former president’s letter. While some hailed Jonathan’s response, others said it was shallow and disappointing.
Jonathan’s response pedestrian — NEF
Reacting to the letter, the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, expressed disappointment with Jonathan’s response to the issues raised by the former President.
The NEF said Jonathan adopted what it called ‘pedestrian approach’ in addressing the core issues raised by Obasanjo and ended up creating more tension in Nigeria than what his predecessor’s letter had generated.
“We feel highly disappointed by the tone and contents of Mr. President’s response to Obasanjo’s letter,” Secretary-General of the NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi, told Vanguard in an interview.
According to the former ABU vice-chancellor, Jonathan missed the point by not taking time to explain to Nigerians whether he had fulfilled the electoral promises he made to the nation and whether in his view, he had made the country better than he met it on assumption of duty.
Abdullahi noted that despite the shortcomings of Obasanjo as a former president of Nigeria, Jonathan should sum up courage as the current leader to address the germane issues raised in the letter so that the country could move forward.
He noted that since the nation was passing through a turbulent period in its political history, it was incumbent on Jonathan to take appropriate steps to arrest the drift rather than pretend that all was well with the polity and the citizenry.
The NEF scribe said that it would have been better for Jonathan to keep quiet over the Obasanjo letter than offer a lame reply, which in the main, shies away from the bone of contention.
He said: “By the response of Jonathan to Obasanjo’s letter, it seems clear to us that the President does not agree that his administration has failed to provide answers to the myriad of challenges facing the nation and its people. By the response given by Jonathan to Obasanjo’s letter, the impression seems to be that Jonathan lacks a clear understanding of the major problems facing the country and does not seem to appreciate the innocuous admonition given him by Obasanjo in his letter.
“Our simple and innocuous advice to Mr. President is to use the remaining part of his tenure to find answers to the raging problems facing Nigeria and desist from acting as if all is well with the nation. If Mr. President does not know or the people around him have shielded him from knowing, the truth remains that Nigeria is drifting and its citizens in dire need of a leadership that can take them to the next level.”
Obasanjo doesn’t want Jonathan to surpass his record –Ezeife
Former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife said: “President Jonathan’s reply to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter was okay, but I believe he shouldn’t have even bothered himself to reply. One of our problems in this country is that we have very short memories. Otherwise, have we forgotten the days of impunity so soon? Obasanjo believed in riding roughshod over everybody and institutions.
“Those who know Obasanjo very well would tell you that his major reason for opposing President Jonathan’s possible second term bid is to prevent the President from serving a longer period in office than Obasanjo himself.
This is because, if Jonathan should win another term in office and completes it, he would have served over nine years in office as a democratically elected President. This means he would have surpassed Obasanjo’s eight years in office as a democratically elected President.
“Don’t forget that Obasanjo altogether ruled this country for the longest period of time. He was a military Head of State for about four years and also served as a civilian President for eight years. Jonathan would win a second term in office irrespective of what the All Progressives Congress, APC is doing. APC is a major disappointment because it has no ideology. We wanted two strong parties for Nigeria but they have to be different in ideology.
“Obasanjo is guilty of all the allegations he made against Jonathan. First of all, whatever he has said against the President on the issue of corruption are mere allegations. But the case against him was investigated and proven. Which one do we want to talk about? Is it the N50 million naira bribe he (allegedly) gave to members of National Assembly?
“The use of Ghana-must-go bags filled with bribe money was initiated by Obasanjo. I was very close to him as a Special Assistant and I know what happened.
“Obasanjo does not want Jonathan to outshine him as a democratically elected president.”
Jonathan’s response timely – Ikokwu
Second Republic politician and one of the founders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Guy Ikokwu, said Jonathan was diligent in his response.
His words: “The response of President Jonathan to the vituperations and unstatesman-like public declarations of former president Obasanjo on security and very delicate matters is not only timely but also very cautious in a democracy that is still fragile as that of Nigeria.
“President Jonathan obviously wrote as a diligent and well behaved son would have written a rather belligerent father and even, mentor. Most of us thank him for not escalating the various issues which are deliberately being made to heat up the polity without regard to the very damming and destructive effect it will have on the nation at this point in time.
“It is therefore remarkable that most of our leaders should sheathe their swords and concentrate on the more positive issues on how to build a stronger Nigeria by their positive participation in the oncoming National Conference which many of us and the ethnic nationalities believe should transform this nation from its present militaristic nature to a more democratic and development-oriented perquisite in order to rank among the strong nations of the earth, knowing that the Almighty God has given Nigeria the right population, the right size of territory and a conglomeration of natural resources as few nations on this earth have.”
Obasanjo’s letter vainglorious – Opadokun
However, former Publicity Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Mr. Ayo Opadokun, countered that the President tackled the issues that Chief Obasanjo raised.
“President Jonathan responded substantially on all the issues raised by former President Obasanjo in his letter. I would also add that neither of the two camps is entirely satanic or angelic. The two of them are maneuvering to get control of the destiny and commonwealth of the Nigerian people. If the quarrel between the two camps which led to Obasanjo’s letter was based on altruism, it could have commanded respect.
“Obasanjo has always utilized this undue advantage he has had to vilify, demonise and condemn heads of sitting governments since the early 1980s. He did so against former President Shehu Shagari. He did so against Generals Buhari and Babangida. He did same to the late General Sani Abacha. In each case, you could read the mood behind the letter; that he was not acting in the best interest of the people, but for his vain glory.
“The fact that President Jonathan followed Obasanjo’s footsteps should make Nigerians pause before taking positions in support of either of the two men. Obasanjo represents a terrible mouthpiece to call for a change in the system. Even though, Obasanjo raised some critical issues in his letter, he is not credible as a messenger. This is a known fact even in communication theories. It was best captured by the position of a school of thought in the field of communication which states that “the medium is the message”.
Jonathan responded in a dignified manner – Annkio Briggs
Also, pro-democracy activist and Ijaw leader, Ms Annkio Briggs, said President Jonathan dealt with the issues Obasanjo raised. She picked holes in Obasanjo’s hobnobbing with leaders of the APC, who said they want to rescue Nigeria.
Her words: “Jonathan’s response to Obasanjo is very dignified. It shows that he is indeed a leader and a man Nigerians will one day look back upon and give his dues. Obasanjo raised a lot of issues and he has responded to them. He handled Obasanjo’s letter very well. Obasanjo has been exposed for what he is; even his daughter, Iyabo, has exposed him. Nigerians should see clearly why they should continue to support Jonathan to complete his tenure in 2015 and vote him in for a second term.
Obasanjo and leaders of the APC are no longer going to deceive Nigerians. They said they want to save Nigeria; it will be better they save Nigeria from people like them because they are the people who have destroyed Nigeria. They should not bother about saving Niger Delta because Niger Delta people will save themselves.”
Obasanjo should leave Jonathan alone –Uwazurike
President of Aka-Ikenga, the Igbo intellectual think-tank group, Dr Godwin Uwazurike, advised General Obasanjo not to distract President Jonathan from leading the country.
His words: “Letters have been written, that is what Obasanjo did to his successors in office. He should leave Jonathan alone to govern this country. He was in power for almost 12 years and had the chance to fix all he is complaining about but did not do so.”
Jonathan deserves praise for choosing civil words – IYM
Chairman of the Igbo Youths Movement (IYM), Evangelist Elliot Uko commended President Jonathan for being presidential in his response to Obasanjo, whom he alleged had unleashed calamity on Nigerians.
He said: “I praise President Jonathan for his modesty in choosing civil words to respond to the apparent provocation by Obasanjo. He displayed godliness and good upbringing; Nigerians are very proud of the president at this time. Obasanjo has proven to be a disaster to himself and to his country. General Obasanjo displayed grave ignorance when he failed to congratulate President Jonathan on the convening of a national conference. He is one of the few disgruntled Nigerians who do not know that without urgent restructuring of the polity the Nigerian ship will capsize.”
Jonathan’s response is vague, laughable – CNPP
Also reacting, the Benue State chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, described Jonathan’s letter as vague, empty and laughable.
Benue State Chairman of the CNPP, Mr. Baba Agan, said: “Honestly, the reply that I saw in the papers is far from explicit and lacking in real content. One begins to wonder why the President would ascribe the ills in the country to past administrations when he was voted into power to improve on whatever he met on ground.
“Instead of making deliberate efforts to tackling the problems, the President was shifting blames; he should know that Nigerians are no fools and there is no gainsaying that we are all worse off today than when Obasanjo was in government.
“This means that instead of making progress, Nigeria is nose-diving with its attendant consequences on the lives of the ordinary people and nobody seems to care.
“Today, Nigeria is corruption and corruption is Nigeria and our dear President is pretending that there is nothing of such in the country thereby giving credence to the obvious fact that the authorities are encouraging the near rape of this country.”
My advice to Jonathan and Obasanjo —Sagay
Constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay (SAN) said: “Obasanjo has written what he has written, Jonathan has written what he has written. I think the important point is that Jonathan should adhere to what he has written and also take heed from what Obasanjo has written.”
Sagay advised that “in other words, they should abide by the good things that have been proposed and definitely refrain from the terrible things that were suggested which they denied. They should make sure that denial should be put in practice. That is all I want to say.”
Nigerians should judge—Odumakin
Spokesperson of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin, said: “It is a good thing that President Jonathan has responded to Obasanjo’s letter and Nigerians will be the ones to judge between the two. For instance Jonathan has denied the allegations of training snipers, it is now left for Obasanjo to substantiate this so that Nigerians will not see him (Obasanjo) as a frivolous person. If he is able to substantiate it, it means there is trouble, but if he is not able to substantiate it, I think there are appropriate laws to deal with such a person.”

Nine Places Men Want to be Touch

Relaxing is the most important step of arousal. Hence, much before you jump start to the action in the bedroom, indulge in little play to boost your man’s ‘drive’. A little foreplay can do wonders between the sheets. Try the following tricks on your man and you won’t be disappointed.

Love making

#1. It is all on his face
As per Chinese medicine, yang is a kind of male energy that has been associated with male s*xual drive for years and to top it all, male face is the ground for most of the yang channels. You got it right! Try and relax your partner’s mood by running your fingers gently over his face. Start from gently pressing his temple to relieve his pressure and then gently go down to his cheek and then lips. You will see a marked difference in his mood instantly.
#2. Soothe the neckline
Neck is the next region to explore. Neck region that holds thyroid gland is believed to get stimulated upon gentle caresses, which is responsible for body’s metabolism, including his s*xual drive. Start the action with a feather and arrange a flirtatious arrest of his Adam’s apple with your hands in a circular motion. After a while, switch the action with your lips!
#3. Play it along his ears
Ear lobe is a zone that has numerous nerve endings, so every time you touch his ear lobe, he will go crazy. Use imaginative ways to entice his senses by using your tongue, teeth or simply play with your fingers.
#4. Magic touch for his hands
Though his palm can seem a bit rough to work under your gentle strokes, still this trick is quite effective to complete the business. Circle your fingers starting from the outer edge of his palm, slowly progressing towards the centre. Gently press the webs with your thumb and forefinger to ease his tension and see him go crazy.
#5. Route through the spine
His lower back can be a good route to arousal. Move and rub your fingers on the region just above the hip bone. This will generate heat, warm his skin and relax him. Now go gently towards the spine above while exerting the pressure. You can also entice his senses by tickling him very sensually with your hair.
#6. Behind his knees
The region behind his knees is very delicate and has many nerves to stimulate his senses. This sensitive volatile spot can be explored to drive him into pleasure villa. Scratch gently behind his knees to generate heat and ticklish sensations.
#7. Bellybutton urges
His navel is an exciting spot to explore his urges. Start by making circles around the navel and then go towards the outer edge. But do remember, the amount of pressure has to remain consistent or the entire process can turn completely laughable. You can use a feather or maybe an ice cube to heighten his pleasure.
#8. Bottoms high
Soles of his feet are another tried and tested region. However, precaution should be taken while exercising the pressure or you will send him to one of his laughing sprees, which is something that is not going to get him into the mood. So, move your fingers gently like a rhythm.
#9. Caress the tresses
His hair is as important as the rest of his body. Run your fingers through his hair, very gently and sensually. Play with his locks, moving your fingers up and down his neck and ears. This would definitely prepare him for everything you have on your mind.
So, wives, use these steps to heighten your bedroom experience and to send your man’s spirits soaring!
bollywoodshaadis

2014 Budget: Presidency to spend N2.3bn on travels

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North & Babajide Komolafe
ABUJA—The Presidency plans to spend at least N2.3 billion on local and international travels and transportation next year.
The proposal is contained in the 2014 appropriation bill submitted by President Goodluck Jonathan through the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to the National Assembly last week.
A breakdown of the figure showed that the State House would require the sum of N1, 219, 612, 417 for what it called Local Travels. International travels and transportation will gulp N1, 159, 240, 600 .
For the whole year, the Presidency intends to spend N200 million for the provision of foodstuffs/catering supplies while it also plans to expend another N162,556,500 on meals and refreshments.
For honorarium and sitting allowances, the Presidency has budgeted a princely sum of N320 million for that purpose just as it has set aside the sum of N33.8 million for the office of the Vice-President to take care of his foodstuffs and catering supplies as well as meals and refreshments in the year.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Under the arrangement, N23.8 million will go for foodstuffs and catering supplies while the balance of N10 million will be spent on meals and refreshments in the office of the second in command.
In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is expected to spend the sum of N568,859,940 on honorarium and another N51, 403,464 on meals and refreshments within the fiscal period.
A scrutiny of the budget proposals however showed that the Presidency shied away from making any provision for the controversial Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, whose head, Arunma Oteh, has been embroiled in a ceaseless war with the National Assembly.
The lawmakers had vowed not to approve any budget for the commission until Oteh was removed but President Jonathan ignored them and their resolution.
In the same vein, the Federal Government made the same yearly provision of N150 billion for the National Assembly but did not give any breakdown of the sum.
It is not clear if the NASS would be in a hurry to pass the budget given the furore that attended the presentation of the document.
Controversy had mounted to the extent that President Jonathan had to back out of the presentation and later sent the Finance Minister to represent him.

PDP, APC at war over OBJ, Jonathan feud

Jonathan desecreting office of president —APC
*Christmas is not season for politics — PDP
By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor
LAGOS—The All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP were, yesterday, engaged in a war of words over the propriety of President Goodluck Jonathan exchanging words with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the state of the nation.
While the APC flayed President Jonathan for supposedly diminishing the Presidency through what it claimed as his unrestrained attack on his one-time benefactor, called on the president to make peace with him. The PDP accused the opposition party of being insensitive to the holiday mood of Nigerians.
The PDP said it would not join the fray as it was devoted to making good sense of the purpose and essence of Christmas in giving to the poor and the less privileged people in society.
Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak equally did not respond to the issue despite an SMS question sent to him.
The APC in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed further expressed the party’s reservation that the president used the platform of the church on Christmas Day to hit at his critics including the former president.
APC flays Jonathan’s reply to Obasanjo
The APC noted that the decision of the president to go personal in his reaction to the letter from President Obasanjo crossed the threshold of decency and put the country in disrepute.
It said: “In other climes, the President would have simply issued a terse response to such a letter denying the allegations that border on national security, if any; as well as saying the former President’s observations have been noted, and that the government would study them and then engage with the former President in private, while assuring that the ship of state is on course.
Obasanjo-Jonathan3

“Instead, the President’s response read like the stuff of gossip magazines, and the exchange of words felt like what one would have expected in a beer parlour. At the end of the day, the Presidency allowed Obasanjo to take the higher moral ground by simply insisting on the allegations he made in his letter and saying he would not respond to the presidency’s reply.
“The President, who accused Obasanjo of doing him a great injustice, has himself done a great injustice to the Presidency, which is an institution in which he is only a tenant. In the end, the President of Africa’s most populous nation, the leader of the foremost black nation on earth and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria simply desecrated his own presidency and allowed those who can only be likened to gravy train passengers, rascals and knaves to seize the initiative from him.
“This is what happens when a President is surrounded by self-serving, sycophants, at the expense of seasoned technocrats and veteran policymakers, who would have reminded the President that while critics can afford to fire all sorts of darts at him, as the custodian of the presidency at this point in time, he cannot afford to respond in kind because, in doing so, he would be debasing the presidency as an institution,” APC said.
Noting that the president’s response may have shut the door of peace between both men, the APC said:
“However, he quickly jettisoned such reluctance and, in an unfortunate debasement of the tone and quality of statecraft, went full blast, calling the former President a liar, a conflict instigator and an unreliable ally, among other inferred derogatory labels that may have now shut the window to reconciliation between him and his political God-father, in addition to portraying Nigerian leaders as delinquents.
“To worsen matters, President Jonathan could not restrain himself from using even the revered and ecclesial platform provided by his appearance at a Church service on Christmas day to further lambast his critics and spew out hot words. This, surely, is not what is expected of a President, a leader and anyone who wants to be a nation builder. It is time to call a truce!” the APC advised.
PDP hits back
Responding to the assertion, the PDP through its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said it would not be dragged into what it claimed as the propaganda schemes of the APC as it was devoted to making good sense of the Christmas celebration.
Asserting that it would get back to the APC after the holiday season, the PDP said:
“On the 23rd of December the PDP National Working Committee declared that this Christmas period is a period to give back to the less privileged, orphans, the widows and to pray for peace and the unity of this country.
“We stand by it and this is not a season for politics. PDP, APC and all the parties in Nigeria will remain after this Christmas season and there is a time for politicking, this is not the time.
“We are ready, we will face them after this period. But for now, it is said ‘give to Caesar what is Caesar’s’. We are giving to Christmas what Christmas deserves in this period. This period does not deserve bickering, name calling, antagonisms and propaganda. This is a season that demands peace and praying for the unity of the country.”

Oshiomhole escapes death!

How it happened – Edo Govt House
By Simon Ebegbulem
But for mother luck, Governor Adams Oshiomhole would have died after a bus lost control and crashed into his car along Auchi-Benin Road yesterday.
The governor miraculously escaped death alongside his aide-de-camp (ADC) and driver in the accident which occurred at Ewu village.
Sunday Vanguard learnt that the impact of the accident left Oshiomhole’s vehicle damaged beyond repairs.
The governor was said to be returning from his Iyamho village when the crash occurred around 9.45 a.m.
This is the second time within a year that Oshiomhole’s convoy will be involved in an accident.
The first time, a tipper rammed into his car and another vehicle conveying the media crew in his convoy, killing some journalists.

*Oshiomhole

Yesterday’s incident was said to have happened when a Peugeot J5 bus, marked XB 355 Fugar, conveying tomatoes and plantains, lost control while trying to overtake an articulated vehicle and crashed directly into the governor’s flag car, a BMW bullet proof vehicle, before ending in a ditch.
Three vehicles in the convoy were reportedly in front of the governor’s flag car and had passed the Peugeot J5 bus before it crashed into the flag car which had the governor, his ADC and driver inside.
Oshiomhole’s car was said to have been damaged beyond repairs but no injuries were sustained in the accident. The governor, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on telephone, thanked God for his life, saying: “The almighty God is always on the throne and will surely protect his people. I thank God; we are all fine. Glory be to Jesus and honour to Mary”.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Prince Kassim Afegbua, narrated the incident. Afegbua said: “The Peugeot J5 bus was following a truck that was descending the Ewu slope when it suddenly veered off into the governor’s lane from the opposite direction and directly impacted on the governor’s vehicle, apparently because of brake failure.
“The good story is that nobody sustained injuries in both vehicles. The comrade governor is hale and hearty; his ADC and other occupants of the Peugeot J5 are also in good condition.
“The incident has been reported to the Divisional Police Station at Ewu for further investigation. This is to assure all good people of Edo State that there is no cause for alarm.
“Their loving comrade governor is fine, hale and hearty as well as other occupants of the other affected vehicle. The comrade governor is wishing everyone a prosperous new year ahead”.

President Goodluck’s achievement in 2013 unprecedented — Presidency

ABUJA—The Presidency, yesterday, reviewed its performance in the outgoing year and gave itself a pass mark, saying that it recorded unprecedented feat despite distractions from the opposition.
However, the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) pooh-poohed the Presidency’s claims, saying the citizenry are worse off on account of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party’s alleged bad rule.
Dismissing the Presidency’s claim, Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said all the indices of a failed state are present in Nigeria.

President Goodluck Jonathan

The presidency boasted that during the year, major policies were made and key projects executed for the good of Nigerians.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, gave the presidential score card in a statement made available to Vanguard last night in Abuja.
Okupe noted that contrary to impressions being created by vocal leaders of the opposition, Nigeria, under President Goodluck Jonathan has moved significantly forward in many sectors than it was in 2011.
He said that the transformation which had taken place in the economy, transportation, agriculture, power and other critical sectors were the routes which all developed nations had taken before now but which unfortunately had not been taken by Nigeria before now.
According to Dr Okupe: “It is an incontrovertible fact that Nigeria under Jonathan has reduced its food imports by about 40 per cent and increased its local production of rice, cassava, sorghum, cotton and cocoa in percentages ranging from 25 to 56 in the last two years.
“For the first time since independence, the Nigerian agricultural sector is attracting unprecedented Foreign Direct Investment. Over the past two years, the sector has attracted $ 4 billion in private sector executed letters of commitment to invest in agricultural value chains, from food crops, to export crops, fisheries and livestock.
“The number of private sector seed companies grew from 10 to 70 within one year. Over $ 7 billion of investments from Nigerian businesses have been made to develop new fertilizer manufacturing plants, which will make Nigeria the largest producer and exporter of fertilizer in Africa. It is also noteworthy that agricultural lending as a share of total bank lending has risen from two per cent to six per cent in two years.

Lt General O. A Ihejirika, Chief of Army Staf

ABUJA—In its bid to reposition the Nigerian Army for expected operational challenges in the coming year and beyond, the Nigerian Army Council has commenced issuing terminal letters to over 40 generals preparatory to their leaving the force.
The letters from the Military Secretary’s office said the letters are being issued to officers of the rank of colonel, brigadiers-general and majors-general and the letters take effect from January 2014. Many of the officers are to commence their retirement with immediate effect from this December.
Among the generals who have so far received the letters were some Principal Staff Officers at Army and Defence headquarters, Commandants of Tri-service institutions, Corps Commanders as well as those of Army-owned training institutions. Officers from TRADOC, Divisions and Corps headquarters are also involved.
Vanguard gathered that while some of the Generals have served the mandatory 35 years in service, others have been caught up by the age on rank requirement for retirement while some can no longer be promoted on the ground that they failed three opportunities given them by the promotion board.
Army Chief on repositioning
Vanguard gathered that the decision of the Army authorities to issue the terminal leave letters followed the determination of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika to commence the repositioning of the Nigerian Army for the expected operational challenges in year 2014 and beyond.
When Vanguard sought to know why such a large number of generals would be allowed to leave service even when President Goodluck Jonathan had in the past, reiterated the need to keep these officers that cost the nation colossal amounts of money to train, an Army source said: “Yes, the services of the officers would still be needed by the Army but it will be in a different capacity.
“To ensure that the top of the service is not too heavy, thereby hindering deserved promotions and movements (postings) of officers with new ideas and innovations, these officers (retirees) have to be retired in line with the Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS).
“However, the experts among them whose services are still relevant, will be deployed to our training, engineering and tactical institutions to continue to impart knowledge and practical experience to upcoming soldiers”, the source said.
According to the source, “the ever dynamic internal security crisis involving Boko Haram, kidnapping, armed robbery and renewed banditry along the nation’s border areas are also areas the Army intends to pay more attention in the coming months.
“Towards this end, tested and highly trained officers who have garnered both local and international experience will not just be discarded. Their services will be required in strategic planning, training and support in dealing with moves aimed at containing and curtailing the myriads of security challenges facing the nation”.
It will be recalled that 27 majors-general and over 50 brigadiers-general of the Nigerian Army were recently promoted by the Nigerian Army Council.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Gov. Oshiomole of Ondo state Badly Injured, Rushed To Secret London Hospital

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, is currently battling for survival after a horrible auto crash which his aides noted that is not serious.

My plans for this year 2014 — Jonathan

More jobs for youths in 2014
*To cut official travels, speed up National confab
*100 yrs of Amalgamation, time for sober reflection
BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & BEN AGANDE

ABUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday promised Nigerian youths more jobs this year and improved well-being for the citizenry through focused implementation of the Transformation Agenda.
In a six-page, 2896-word New Year message, the President, who restated that the amalgamation of the country exactly 100 years ago was not a mistake but a blessing, however, said that the centenary of the country’s nationhood was a moment for sober reflection.
Enumerating the achievements of his administration last year, the president said he would this year “diligently carry forward the purposeful and focused implementation of our agenda for national transformation in priority areas such as power, the rehabilitation and expansion of national infrastructure, agricultural development, education and employment generation.”
Jonathan also called on Nigerians to place the higher interests of national unity, peace, stability and progress above all other considerations and work harder in their various fields to contribute more significantly to the attainment of our collective aspirations.
The message read:
Dear Compatriots,
I greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the year 2014 which promises to be a momentous one for our country for several reasons, including the fact that it is also the year of our great nation’s centenary celebrations. I join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for guiding us and our beloved nation safely through all the challenges of the outgoing year to the beginning of 2014.
Exactly 100 years ago today, on January 1, 1914, the British Colonial authorities amalgamated what was then the separate Protectorates of Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria, giving birth to the single geopolitical entity known as Nigeria. For us therefore, today is not just the beginning of a new year, but the end of a century of national existence and the beginning of another. It is a moment for sober reflection and for pride in all that is great about Nigeria.
Whatever challenges we may have faced, whatever storms we may have confronted and survived, Nigeria remains a truly blessed country, a country of gifted men and women who continue to distinguish themselves in all spheres of life, a country whose diversity remains a source of strength. We pay tribute today, as always to our founding fathers and mothers, and all the heroes and heroines whose toil and sweat over the century made this country what it is today.
As I noted, a few days ago, the amalgamation of 1914 was certainly not a mistake but a blessing. As we celebrate 100 years of nationhood, we must resolve to continue to work together as one, united people, to make our country even greater.
I assure you that our administration remains fully committed to the progressive development of our country and the consolidation of peace, unity and democratic governance in our fatherland. Despite several continuing domestic and global challenges, for us in Nigeria, the year 2013 witnessed many positive developments which we will strive to build upon in 2014.
We have diligently carried forward the purposeful and focused implementation of our agenda for national transformation in priority areas such as power, the rehabilitation and expansion of national infrastructure, agricultural development, education and employment generation.
You may recall that our 2013 Budget was on the theme, “Fiscal Consolidation with Inclusive Growth”, and I emphasized the need for us to “remain prudent with our fiscal resources and also ensure that the Nigerian economy keeps growing and creating jobs”. I am pleased to report that we have stayed focused on this goal.
Our national budget for 2014 which is now before the National Assembly is specifically targeted at job creation and inclusive growth. We are keenly aware that in spite of the estimated 1.6 million new jobs created across the country in the past 12 months as a result of our actions and policies, more jobs are still needed to support our growing population. Our economic priorities will be stability and equitable growth, building on the diverse sectors of our economy.
In 2013, we commenced implementation of the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) aimed at industrializing Nigeria and diversifying our economy into sectors such as agro-processing, light manufacturing, and petrochemicals. We have also negotiated a strong Common External Tariff (CET) agreement with our ECOWAS partners which would enable us to protect our strategic industries where necessary.
I am pleased to note that as a result of our backward integration policies, Nigeria has moved from a country that produced 2 million metric tonnes of cement in 2002, to a country that now has a capacity of 28.5 million metric tonnes. For the first time in our history, we have moved from being a net importer of cement to a net exporter.
Foreign direct investment into Nigeria has also been strong. In fact, for the second year running, the UN Conference on Trade and Development has named Nigeria as the number 1 destination for investments in Africa.
We are witnessing a revolution in the agricultural sector and the results are evident. We have tackled corruption in the input distribution system as many farmers now obtain their fertilizers and seeds directly through an e-wallet system. In 2013, 4.2 million farmers received subsidized inputs via this programme. This scheme has restored dignity to our farmers.
Last year we produced over 8 million metric tonnes of additional food; and this year, inflation fell to its lowest level since 2008 partly due to higher domestic food production. Our food import bill has also reduced from N1.1 trillion in 2011, to N648 billion in 2012, placing Nigeria firmly on the path to food self-sufficiency.
The sector is also supporting more jobs. Last year, we produced 1.1 million metric tonnes of dry season rice across 10 Northern states; and over 250,000 farmers and youths in these States are now profitably engaged in farming even during the dry season.
This Administration is also developing our water resources which are key for both our food production and job creation goals. In 2013, we completed the construction of nine dams which increased the volume of our water reservoirs by 422 million cubic metres. Through our irrigation and drainage programme, we have increased the total irrigated area by over 31,000 hectares creating jobs for over 75,000 farming families while increasing production of over 400,000 metric tons of assorted irrigated food products.
Fellow Compatriots, I have always believed that the single greatest thing we can do to ensure all Nigerians realize their potential and play a full part in our nation’s future, is to invest in education. The education of our young people is a key priority for this Government. We take this responsibility very seriously and I urge all other stakeholders in the sector to recognize the national importance of their work, and to help advance the cause of education in our nation.
Between 2007 and 2013, we have almost tripled the allocation for education from N224 billion to N634 billion – and we will continue to vigorously support the sector. We have improved access to education in the country with the construction of 125 Almajiri schools, and the establishment of three additional Federal Universities in the North, bringing to twelve, the number of universities established by this administration.
In 2013, we rehabilitated 352 laboratories and constructed 72 new libraries in the Federal Unity Schools; and also rehabilitated laboratories of all the 51 Federal and State polytechnics across the country.
In the Health sector, we are building strong safety nets and improving access to primary health care under the Saving One Million Lives programme. In 2013, we recruited 11,300 frontline health workers who were deployed to under-served communities across the country. Over 400,000 lives have been saved through our various interventions. We have reached over 10,000 women and children with conditional cash transfer programmes across 8 States and the FCT and we intend to scale up this successful initiative.
Our national immunization coverage has exceeded 80%. And for the first time in the history of the country there has not been any transmission of the Type-3 Wild Polio virus for more than one year. We have also eradicated the guinea worm that previously affected the lives of over 800,000 Nigerians yearly. In tertiary health care, we upgraded medical facilities across the country. Two of our teaching hospitals – the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu, and the University College Hospital in Ibadan – commenced open heart surgeries this year after the installation of new facilities.
Fellow Nigerians, I have dwelt on some of our administration’s achievements in 2013 to reassure you that we are working and results are being achieved on the ground. As we enter our Centennial year, there is still much work ahead. We are determined to sustain our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, to strengthen our domestic institutions, and to invest in priority sectors. These investments will create more jobs for our youth. Government will at the same time, continue to scale-up investments in safety nets and the MDGs to take care of the poor and the vulnerable so that they too can share in our growth and prosperity.
In 2014, we will continue to prioritize investments in key sectors such as infrastructure development, power, roads, rail transportation and aviation. In the past year, the Federal Government completed the privatization of four power generation companies and 10 power distribution companies. We are also in the process of privatizing 10 power plants under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP).
We shall boost investments in transmission to ensure power generated is properly evacuated and distributed. In this regard, we have already mobilized an additional $1.5 billion for the upgrade of the transmission network in 2014 and beyond. Government will also strengthen regulation of the sector, and closely monitor electricity delivery to increase this beyond 18 hours per day. We will complete the privatization of the NIPP projects, accelerate work on our gas pipeline infrastructure and also continue to invest in hydro-electric power and clean energy as we monitor the effects of climate change on our economy.
Our administration believes that the cost of governance in the country is still too high and must be further reduced. We will also take additional steps to stem the tide of corruption and leakages. We have worked hard to curb fraud in the administration of the pension system and the implementation of the petroleum subsidy scheme. We have introduced a Pensions Transition Arrangement Department under a new Director-General. This department will now ensure that those of our pensioners still under the old scheme receive their pensions and gratuities, and are not subjected to fraud. Prosecution of all those involved in robbing our retired people will continue. The Petroleum Subsidy Scheme is also now being operated under new strict guidelines to tackle previous leakages in the scheme and prevent fraud.
Foreign travel by government personnel will be further curtailed. This directive shall apply to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government. Our strategy to curb leakages will increasingly rely on introducing the right technologies such as biometrics and digitizing government payments.
I am therefore pleased to inform you that we shall complete the deployment of the three electronic platforms in 2014 – namely, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) – which are all geared towards improving efficiency and transparency in our public finances. Through these reforms, we have already saved about N126 billion in leaked funds and intend to save more.
To sustain Nigeria’s ongoing agricultural transformation, we have planned further investments in the sector. We will provide input subsidies to five million farmers nationwide using the e-wallet system. This Administration recently launched a self-employment initiative under the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP), called the Nagropreneur programme. This scheme would encourage our youth to go into commercial agriculture as entrepreneurs and we plan to develop over 750,000 young Nagropreneurs by 2015.
We will also establish new agro-industrial clusters to complement the staple crop processing zones being developed across the country. In 2014, this Administration will continue to work with the private sector to improve financing in the agricultural sector. For example, we will launch the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) which will serve as a private equity fund to invest in agri-businesses across the country.
Our Small and Medium scale enterprises (SMEs) will be the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialization. We have about 17 million registered SMEs, and they employ over 32 million Nigerians. When our SMEs grow, more jobs will be created for our youth. Therefore, in 2014, this Administration will focus strongly on implementing the Nigeria Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) to address the needs of small businesses. Our interventions will include helping SMEs with access to affordable finance, business development services, and youth training. In addition, our new CET policies will enable us to support our emerging industries.
We will also intensify our investment promotion efforts abroad, to ensure we bring the biggest and best companies from around the world to invest in Nigeria.
Dear Compatriots, the housing and construction industry is a critical sector in most developed economies. When the housing sector booms, it creates additional jobs for architects and masons, for electricians and plumbers, forpainters and interior decorators, and for those in the cement and furniture industries.
Today, I am pleased to inform you that this Administration is reinvigorating our housing and construction sector. We have established the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) which will increase liquidity in the housing sector, provide a secondary market for mortgages, and thereby increase the number of people able to purchase or build homes at an affordable price in the country.
In 2014, we will work in a number of pilot states where the State Governors have agreed to provide fast-track land titles, foreclosure arrangements, and serviced plots. This new institution will enable us to create over 200,000 mortgages over the next five years at affordable interest rates. In addition, those at the lower end of the economic ladder will not be left behind as this new initiative will expand mass housing schemes through a re-structured Federal Mortgage Bank and other institutions to provide rent-to-own and lease-to-own options. I am confident that very soon, many more hardworking Nigerian families will be able to realize their dream of owning a home.
In this our centenary year, we will continue our efforts, through the Saving One Million Lives initiative to strengthen primary health care services. We will scale up interventions in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition, routine immunization, HIV/AIDS, malaria elimination, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and non-communicable diseases. We will pay greater attention to the provision of universal health coverage. Besides the implementation of new initiatives such as my comprehensive response plan for HIV/AIDS, we shall continue to collaborate with global health partners to deliver our health sector transformation agenda.
I am glad that the issues responsible for the long-drawn ASUU strike have been resolved and our children are returning to their campuses. We are committed to making our tertiary institutions true centers of learning for our young people. We will therefore focus on upgrading hostels, laboratories, classrooms, and halls. As the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals approaches, we will continue to expand access to basic education for all Nigerian children. Working with State Governments, we shall decisively tackle the problem of the large numbers of out-of-school children in this country. We will also invest in technical and vocational education to promote skills development for our youth across the country.
Nigerian entrepreneurs still lack access to affordable financing, with medium-to-long-term tenors. To address this gap, a new wholesale development finance institution will be established in 2014 to provide medium-to long-term financing for Nigerian businesses. We are working with partners such as the World Bank, the Africa Development Bank, the BNDES Bank in Brazil, and KfW in Germany, to realize this project. Our existing Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry will be re-structured as specialized institutions to retail financing from this new wholesale development bank.
In addition to the foregoing, our administration will also do all within its powers to ensure the success of the forthcoming National Conference. The report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Conference is undergoing urgent review and the approved structure, guidelines and modalities for the conference will soon be published as a prelude to its commencement and expeditious conclusion.
It remains our sincere hope and expectation that the success of the national conference will further enhance national unity, peace and cohesion as we move ahead to the 2015 general elections.
In keeping with our avowed commitment to progressively enhancing the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process by consistently upholding the principle of one man, one vote, our Administration will also ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) receives all required support to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the next general elections.
As peace and security remain prerequisite conditions for the full realization of our objectives, we will also do more in 2014 to further empower our security agencies who are working in collaborative partnerships with our friends in the international community to stem the scourge of terrorism in our country and enhance the security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria. The allocation of over N600 Billion to Defence and Policing in the 2014 Budget attests to this commitment.
Fellow compatriots, the task of making our dear nation a much better place for present and future generations cannot be left to government alone. I therefore urge you all to be ready and willing to do more this year to support the implementation of the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation in every possible way.
Let us all therefore resolve as we celebrate the new year, and Nigeria’s Centenary, to place the higher interests of national unity, peace, stability and progress above all other considerations and work harder in our particular fields of human endeavour to contribute more significantly to the attainment of our collective aspirations. I urge all Nigerians, no matter their stations in life, to rededicate themselves to contributing meaningfully to further enrich our national heritage. The time for that re-dedication is now, not tomorrow.
I wish you all a happy and rewarding 2014. God bless Nigeria. Happy New Year.

Dear President Goodluck Ebere Jonathan

I have decided to write you this 18-page letter BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. If I don’t write it now, people may start considering you as a good president; forgetting that I am the only good president Nigeria has ever had. There is no one like me. As far as Nigeria is concerned, I am the Baba of the Babas. I am the president of the presidents. Before me, Nigeria had no president. After me, there will be no other president.
I have had occasion in the past to warn you, especially when I nominated you as vice-president to Yar’Adua and then campaigned for you to be president, that under no circumstances should you outshine me. I did not put you there to do the things I could not do. Neither did I put you there to succeed where I failed. I put you there because my fourth-term agenda failed. Therefore, I needed someone to be a figure-head, while I continue to rule from behind the scene.
But since you became president, you have not been following my orders. I have warned you again and again to desist from this abuse of the authority I gave you. But you have refused to listen. So you now think you are actually the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I still de laugh! You are not the president. I am the president. If you continue to disobey me, and to promulgate policies that put me in a bad light when compared to you, I will see to it that you don’t even complete your first-term, how much more have a second-term.

President Goodluck

I am already in discussions with the APC to see if we can have you impeached. Did you not read in the papers that APC leaders came to my house the other day? When they were here, we all ate pounded yam with egusi soup. Even Buhari had a second helping and asked for the recipe. You better read the writing on the wall. I notice you have quickly returned the missing 49 billion dollars after I brought the matter to the notice of fellow Nigerians; but that won’t help you. I will have you know that we are already training 1000 snipers who will puncture all the tyres of your supporters. Therefore, if you know what is good for you, you better start acting as the puppet president I put you there to be.
How dare you, Goodluck? How dare you build almajiri schools in the North? Why didn’t you suggest that to me while I was in office? How dare you address the NEPA problem when I could not? What exactly are you trying to prove? You think you are better than me? Don’t you know that you would have remained a striking university lecturer if it had not been for me? How dare you appoint a competent man to be Minister of Agriculture? Now the man is going around getting awards for his policies. Which policies? I am the one who revolutionized the agric sector in Nigeria. When I became president, I had only one farm. By the time I left office, I had over six farms in different parts of the country. Is that not progress? How many farms do you have?
You can never be better than me. The corruption in my government was far more than yours. You have nothing to compare with my infamous Siemens and Haliburton scandals. You don’t even have the gumption to buy a Toyota Land Cruiser for your mistress. Chinua Achebe said, “One of the truest test of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” You will soon find that this statement cannot be applied to me. I am above it.
How dare you release AlMustapha from prison after 14 years when you know I want him to stay there for the rest of his natural life? I give you my word; you are going to regret that decision. How dare you convene a national conference when I specifically refused to do so? Are you trying to make me look bad? Did you even get my approval before agreeing to it? You are a very disrespectful man. Do you think that you, a minority nonentity from the South-South, could have risen to be President of the country had it not been for me? Have you forgotten so soon, the extent I went in order to ensure that you are where you are today? There was only bad luck in Nigeria until I, in my infinite wisdom, bequeathed good luck on the country.
You ungrateful man! If you don’t stop all these irritating policies, I will declare a national state of emergency. Nonsense! You are supposed to obey your elders. Henceforth, Goodluck Jonathan, you must obey me. Otherwise, I will show you pepper. I will pour sand into your gari. I will put tea in your coffee. You can no longer be trusted; that is why you will only get a second-term over my dead body. I need to get someone in Aso Rock who will do what I say. I already have your replacement in mind. I don’t intend to make the same mistake three times. I will take him to a shrine under Olumo Rock to swear an iron-clad oath to do whatever I say. Any flagrant disregard of my authority, and he will not be able to speak English and Hausa again.
People close to you, if not you yourself, have been asking: “What does Baba want?” What a stupid question. I want to be president of Nigeria again! I want to be president! Half a dozen African presidents have spoken to me and assured me that I am the only president they recognize in Nigeria. Half a dozen of them said their only wish for Nigeria is that I should return to Aso Rock. Of course, yes. Mugabe is still there. Why not me? It is not my will but providence has determined that the presidency is my birthright. I fought for this country. Single-handed, I kept Nigeria together during the civil-war. You cannot sideline me. I put you there: I can remove you. I made you: I can unmake you. You are not the Messiah of Nigeria. I am the Messiah. Don’t you forget it! I want nothing personally from you but that you obey me at all times.
When I changed the constitution of our great party, I made sure I would continue to control things by inserting a clause which guaranteed that I am the only one qualified to be the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. But as chairman, I was not given the recognition I deserve as the father of the party. Therefore, I tendered my resignation. Imagine my surprise when you had the audacity to accept it. You are such an impudent man. If you knew your place, you would have recognized that my resignation was just a protest. You were supposed to send the elders of the party to beg me to stay on; a plea I would have graciously accepted. But like the ungrateful son that you are, you accepted my resignation. And now, you have Tony Anenih occupying a post that rightfully belongs to me.
Your unlimited ambition became clear to me when the National Chairman of the party said he never does anything without your approval. So you now see yourself as the Leader of the party. Never! See where it has got you now. A number of governors have resigned from the party and taken APC. If you don’t behave, another set will resign and take aspirin. The PDP has lost its majority in the House. There is talk of impeachment; and you are no longer sleeping at night. It serves you right. I fully intend to teach you a lesson you will never forget. By the time I have finished with you, you will run out of the country and seek political asylum in Equatorial Guinea.
It is not surprising that you have not been able to eradicate the scourge of Boko Haram from Nigeria. You don’t have military experience like I have. Under my watch, Bola Ige, Marshal Harry and others were surgically removed from the scene. Similarly, I would have finished Boko Haram within three months. I understand the violence. I am fully cognizant of the root, stem and branches of the underlying causes. But I will not share any of this with you as long as you refuse to make an unequivocal statement that you will not pursue a second-term.
Unlike you, as president of our great country, I was dynamic and resourceful. I exterminated trouble-makers from Odi and Zaki Biam. I spent $16 billion dollars restoring NEPA to its enviable heights. I committed 300 billion naira rebuilding all the federal highways in the East alone. I restored the country’s refineries. I raised the price of petrol several times. I rigged the most amazing election in the history of the country. I conducted the first widely-accepted national census. I could go on and on but my secretary has to go home. In short, I was the great president you can never be. So if you think a neophyte like you can compete with me; think again!
Stop taking me for granted. You don’t want to be in my bad books. I don’t forgive my enemies. You will regret this for the rest of your life. I will show you how much of a nuisance I can be. I will embarrass you everywhere. I will tell as many lies about you as I can. I will write public letters to you every week. I will copy the next one to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Never you forget: I dey kampe!
Accept, ungrateful Mr. President, the assurances of my highest disapproval.
Baba the Baba.
P.S. I shall be sharing the contents of this letter with all the newspaper houses in Nigeria and Ghana. I will also be copying my very good friend Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
By Femi Aribisala.

The men and women who will shape 2014,The nation's vision

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

How can you use the brain of an illitrate Yoruba man like OBJ to compare that of a PHD holder like GEJ?

GoodLuck Jonathan & OBJ

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the presidency has been greatly diminished by its decision to throw decorum to the wind and engage former President Olusegun Obasanjo in a hot exchange of words in what may now be described as ‘lettergate’, the latest in a series of scandals to hit the Jonathan presidency.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said while it is not interested in joining the fray over the issues contained in the letters written by both men, the decision by the President to go personal in his reaction crossed the threshold of decency and brought the presidency – and indeed the country – into disrepute.

It said in other climes, the President would have simply issued a terse response to such a letter denying the allegations that border on national security, if any; as well as saying the former President’s observations have been noted, and that the government would study them and then engage with the former President in private, while assuring that the ship of state is on course.

obj-jona-faceoff

”Instead, the President’s response read like the stuff of gossip magazines, and the exchange of words felt like what one would have expected in a beer parlour. At the end of the day, the Presidency allowed Obasanjo to take the higher moral ground by simply insisting on the allegations he made in his letter and saying he would not respond to the presidency’s reply

”The President, who accused Obasanjo of doing him a great injustice, has himself done a great injustice to the Presidency, which is an institution in which he is only a tenant. In the end, the President of Africa’s most populous nation, the leader of the foremost black nation on earth and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria simply desecrated his own presidency and allowed those who can only be likened to gravy train passengers, rascals and knaves to seize the initiative from him.

”This is what happens when a President is surrounded by self-serving, boot-licking and dishonest people, at the expense of seasoned technocrats and veteran policymakers, who would have reminded the President that while critics can afford to fire all sorts of darts at him, as the custodian of the presidency at this point in time, he cannot afford to respond in kind because, in doing so, he would be debasing the presidency as an institution,” APC said.

Formal President Olusegun

President Goodluck Jonathan,Man of the People

The Presidency has taken its case against ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
It asked the commission to investigate the allegation of keeping over 1,000 people on a political watch list and training snipers.
Jonathan made the demand in a letter to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof Bem Angwe.
A source in the commission, who confirmed the receipt of the December 23, 2013 letter, said Obasanjo may be invited for interaction on his allegation.
The Presidency asked the NHRC to “investigate the allegations bothering on the human rights violations contained on pages 9-10 of the letter dated 2nd December 2013, written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) attached to the memorandum under reference.
“In order to properly delineate the issues within your sphere of competence, particularly as other issues raised in the letter are being investigated by appropriate agencies of government.”
The letter cited two offensive paragraphs in Obasanjo’s letter for investigation by the NHRC.
The paragraphs are:
“Allegation of keeping over 1,000 people on political watch list rather than criminal or security watch list and training snipers and other armed personnel secretly and clandestinely acquiring weapons to match for political purposes like Abacha, and training them where Abacha trained his own killers, if it is true, cannot augur well for the initiator, the government and the people of Nigeria. Here again, there is the lesson of history to learn from for anybody who cares to learn from history. Mr. President would always remember that he was elected to maintain security for all Nigerians and protect them. And no one should prepare to kill or maim Nigerians for personal or political ambition or interest of anyone. The Yoruba adage says, ‘The man with whose head the coconut is broken may not live to savour the taste of the succulent fruit’. Those who advise you to go hard on those who oppose you are your worst enemies. Democratic politics admits and is permissive of supporters and opponents. When the consequences come, those who have wrongly advised you will not be there to help carry the can. Egypt must teach some lesson.
“Presidential assistance for a murderer to evade justice and presidential delegation to welcome him home can only be in bad taste generally, but particularly to the family of his victim. Assisting criminals to evade justice cannot be part of the job of the Presidency. Or, as it is viewed in some quarters, is he being recruited to do for you what he had done for Abacha in the past? Hopefully, he should have learned his lesson. Let us continue to watch.”
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) in a memo to the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Bem Angwe, dated, December 23 to which he attached a copy of Obasanjo’s letter, directed Angwe to investigate allegations relating to human rights violations.
Specifically, Adoke requested Angwe to investigate allegations bothering on the human rights violations contained in pages 9 and 10 of the letter by ex-President Obasanjo.
The memo marked: HAGF/NHRC2013/Vol2/5, titled: “Re: Before it is to late,” a copy of which The Nation sighted yesterday, reads: “May I draw your attention to the above and the attached State House Memorandum dated December 23rd 2013 in respect of the above subject matter.
“I am to request you to investigate the allegations bothering on the human rights violations contained on pages 9-10 of the latter dated December 2, 2013, written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR attached to the memorandum under reference.
“In order to properly delineate the issues within your sphere of competence particularly as other issues raised in the letter are being investigated by appropriate agencies of government, I have decided to reproduce the relevant paragraphs below,” Adoke said.
A source in the NHRC said: “We have received the letter and a memorandum attached to it. With the issues raised in the letter, we may invite ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for interaction.
“The question of being on political watch list raises some human rights issues. What I can assure you of is that we will be fair to all sides.”
Responding to a question, the source said the demand of the Presidency was within the mandate of the NHRC.
He cited Section 5(b) of the 2010 (Amendment Act) of the commission.
The section reads in part: The Commission shall- (a) deal with all matters relating to the protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other International Treaties on human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory;
“(b) monitor and investigate all alleged cases of human rights violation in Nigeria and make appropriate recommendation to the President for the prosecution and such other actions as it may deem expedient in each circumstance;
“(c) assist victims of human rights violation and seek appropriate redress and remedies on their behalf…”

Oritsejafor

My grouse against northern governors’
As the world celebrated Boxing Day, National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, played host to two Niger Delta governors, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Obong Godswill Akpabio, among others at the 8th edition of Word of Life Bible Church/Eagle Flight Micro-Finance Bank poverty reduction programme where he gave out six brand new cars, 15 tricycles and 100 grinding machines. Impressed by the gesture, the two governors and Mr. Erhuani Godbless donated the sum of N30 million to assist the next poverty alleviation programme. While Akpabio gave N250,000 each to the first four persons who won cars, Uduaghan opted to buy fuel for the six persons who won cars in a process described as a free and fair election. Before the programme that took place on Ajamimogha Road, Warri, the CAN President spoke on the essence of Christmas and some national issues. Our SAM EYOBOKA was there. Excerpts:

Amaechi and Jonathan family , today he impeaches Jonathan, the next day Patience and even her dead mother. The crazy thing about all his ranting is that they are all lies! Why won't this 'idiot Yoruba man deporting like a boy' shut up? ::|:: How Patience tried to hijack Rivers, by Amaechi

by: Bisi Olaniyi, Clarice Azuatalam and Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

•Blames President’s wife for ‘resuscitating’ kidnapping in PH
•PDP can only win in 2015 through rigging
•Amaechi has lost control, says Minister

OBJ AND President Jonathan

Following the controversies generated by the open letter from Olusegun Obasanjo to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Network of Progressive Activists, (NPA) has expressed deep worry that if the issue is left unarrested, the brewing diatribe which is already over-heating the polity could boil over and lead to unimaginable consequences.
In view of this, NPA opined that the former President should tender an unreserved apology to the incumbent for peddling falsehood and desecrating the office of the President and Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces, of the Federal Republic.
In a statement made available to Saturday,our Team, the Coordinator and National Secretary of NPA, Timothy Ademola Simon Imobo-Tswam said, “ The former President Olusegun Obasanjo should apologize to President Jonathan and the people of Nigeria for peddling falsehood and desecrating the office of the President and Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
We note that despite General Obasanjo’s pretenses to infallibility, his records of service are replete with broken promises missed opportunities, mis-steps and folly. Nigerians are tired of being trampled upon by revisionary historians whether they hail from the plain farm fields of Ota or from far flung corners of our beautiful country.

President Goodluck Jonathan

        A socio-cultural   group, the Igbomina Development Forum, on Saturday rallied support for President Goodluck Jonathan in his bid to tackle the nation’s challenges.

       The group, at a forum organised at Agbamu, Irepodudun Local Government Area of Kwara, also called for participatory politics and internal democracy in parties to strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.
The forum, which was organised by Mrs Shola Adedoyin-Adeoti, a business magnate and community leader, appraised the current socio-political developments in Kwara and urged the Igbomina “ to work for their political emancipation.’’
Adedoyin-Adeoti urged the Igbomina ethnic stock to work for the development of the area, saying driving investment through private sector investment would change the economic fortunes of the people of the area.
She also commended the Igbomina for their industry and unity of purpose, arguing that only a concerted effort of the country’s ethnic nationalities would promote sustainable development.
“ We are all Nigerians irrespective of our political affiliations. We should seek the development of the country by ensuring unity of purpose,’’ she said.
A PDP stalwart, Mr Kunle Sulyman, urged the Igbomina to sustain their passion for community development through self help.
“ I have always known the Igbomina for their hard work, industry and diligence. They are also a very principled people who are not swayed by pecuniary benefits,’’ he said.
A don, Prof. Samuel Ibiyemi, urged development associations   within the ethnic group to evolve programmes which would promote sustainable development.
He called on wealthy indigenes of the area to invest in their individual communities, saying this was the only way to tackle unemployment and ensure sustainable development.
Earlier, a PDP stalwart, Mr Lanre Ogundeji, had called for unity among the Igbomina while working for the common interest of the ethnic group. (NAN)

CBN Governor Mallam Lamido Sanusi

Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi will proceed on retirement leave effective April 1st 2014, two months to the end of his tenure.

It would be recalled that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua nominated Sanusi as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on June 1, 2009 and his appointment was confirmed by the Senate on June 3, 2009. Hence his five year tenure is scheduled to end on June 3rd 2014.
Contrary to speculations that he has been forced to immediately procede on retirement leave, Saturday,our Team investigations revealed that Sanusi will still be CBN Governor till March 31st.
Though, when contacted, Director of Corporate Communications, Mr. Ugo Okoroafor said he was not aware of the CBN Governor being forced to proceed on retirement leave, a highly placed regulatory official, who pleaded anonymity confirm that Sanusi is scheduled to proceed on terminal leave after March 31st. He however said this is normal, and it is not true that the Governor is being forced to proceed on leave.
“It is a normal thing; some people go on six months, some on three months. So, there is nothing abnormal about it. You cannot force your Central Bank Governor to go on leave, it could damage the economy”, the source said.
But this did not apply to Sanusi’s predecessor, Professor Charles Soludo, who left office on May 29th, when his tenure expired. A CBN source however said this was because Soludo was hoping he would be appointed for a second term.
According to the source who pleaded anonymity, the issue of the governor going on retirement leave is a normal thing for us.
It would be recalled that Sanusi had in a chat with Bloomberg on March 24th indicated his intention not to seek second term as CBN Governor.
Sanusi said that he had intimated President Goodluck Jonathan way back in 2011 that he would not be interested in seeking second term in office on the expiration of the present tenure in June 2014.
“I informed the President way back in 2011 that I would not be interested in serving for two terms,” Sanusi told Bloomberg adding that “the job has been done, largely”.
In November, he called for earlier announcement of his successor, saying the Federal Government should take a cue from the United States and announce the next CBN Governor three months to the expiration of his tenure.
He said, “I think the issue of Bernanke and Yellen, if you remember, it started about two months ago and Bernanke ends in December. Tomorrow it will be six months to the end of my term, probably a bit early for the government to start talking about the next person. But I do hope that about two or three months before then, there should be some announcement.
“Central bank governors don’t comment on who they think their successor should be. It is not our business to do that, it is the President’s decision.
But if I have input at all, I will try to encourage that we announce a successor two to three months before the end of my tenure so that everybody knows who that person is, what the views are and so people prepare accordingly. By the way, some of the names are out there in the newspapers and more can come out later.”

Oshiomhole escapes death in auto crash

BENIN CITY – GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Saturday escaped death in a ghastly motor accident involving the governor’s convoy around Ewu village, Auchi-Benin road.

Vanguard learnt that the incident occurred at about 9.45am on his way to Benin City from his Iyamho Village.

It was gathered that the incident occurred when a Peugeot J5 Bus with registration number XB 355 Fugar, conveying tomatoes and plantains lost control while trying to overtake an articulated vehicle and crashed into the governor’s flag car, a BMW bullet proof car, before ending in a ditch. It would be recalled that the governor’s convoy was also involved in an accident last year when a tipper rammed into his car.

Olamide wins big @ Headies 2013 + full list of winners

The Headies award 2013 has come and gone with surprising and not too surprising winners grabbing the Gold busts. Olamide, however, stole the night winning the Best Street Hop artist, Best rap album, and Album of the year awards.
Other winners include, Banky W, Sean Tizzle, Davido, 2face and others.
See the full list below…
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR Presented by Mai Atafo and Stephanie Coker
I WISH – WAJE
GOOD MORNING – BRYMO – WINNER
NATURAL SOMETHING – SOUND SULTAN
THIS YEAR – JAYWON

*Olamide

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Presented by Seyi Law and Jumoke Alawode-James
PHEELZ – DUROSOKE
DTUNES – SHO LEE – WINNER
DEL B – LIMPOPO
LERIQ – LIKE TO PARTY
LEGENDURY BEATS – EMI NI BALLER
BEST MUSIC VIDEO – Presented by Funmi Iyanda and Kelechi Amadi-Obi
ALINGO – JUDE OKOYE/CLARENCE PETERS – WINNER
OLIVER TWIST – SESAN
GAGA CRAZY – AJE FILM WORKS
AZONTO– MOE MUSA
YES/NO – CLARENCE PETERS
BEST RnB/POP ALBUM – Presented by HIPTV’s Femi Daniels
IYANYA VS. DESIRE – IYANYA
O.B.O. – DAVIDO – WINNER
RnBW – BANKYW
BLESSED – FLAVOUR
AWAY n BEYOND – 2FACE
BEST RnB SINGLE Presented by Beat FM’s Koch
DON’T LET GO – CAPITAL FEMI
GOOD GOOD LOVING – BANKYW – WINNER
LIKE TO PARTY – BURNA BOY
RICH n FAMOUS – PRAIZ
OMOTE – ESE PETERS
BEST POP SINGLE Presented by Osas Ighodaro and Lynxxx
IHE NE ME – 2FACE – WINNER
The KICK – WANDE COAL FT DON JAZZY
GOBE – DAVIDO
CATCHING COLD – TUNDE EDNUT
UR WAIST – IYANYA
GOODY BAG – D’PRINCE
BEST REGGAE/DANCEHALL SINGLE Presented by Toolz
I WISH – WAJE – WINNER
RIHANNA – OREZI
GIVE IT TO ME – GENERAL PYPE
GO DOWN – BABA DEE
BEST RAP ALBUM Presented by Basketmouth
OGA BOSS – ILL BLISS
THE SECOND COMING – VECTOR
YBNL – OLAMIDE – WINNER
BOOK OF RAP STORIES – REMINISCE
BEST COLLABO Presented by Chin and Kemi Adetiba
GHOST MODE – PHYNO FT. OLAMIDE – WINNER
TONY MONTANA (REMIX) – NAETO C FT. D’BANJ
BADDEST BOY – EME FT. WIZKID, SKALES n BANKYW
EZIOKU – LYNXXX FT. IKECHUWKU, ILL BLISS n PHYNO
EMI NI BALLER – CHIDINMA FT. SUSPECT n ILL BLISS
BABY MI DA (REMIX) – DR. VICTOR OLAIYA FT. 2FACE
BEST RAP SINGLE Presented by Illbliss and Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere
MAN OF THE YEAR – PHYNO – WINNER
ANAM ACHI KWANU – ILL BLISS FT. PHYNO
DUROSOKE – OLAMIDE
2 MUSSHH – REMINISCE
GHOST MODE – PHYNO FT OLAMIDE
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE) Presented by Deji Awokoya
RICH AND FAMOUS – PRAIZ – WINNER
OMOTE – ESE PETERS
DON’T LET GO – CAPITAL FEMI
YES/NO – BANKY W
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) Tewa Onasanya
I WISH – WAJE
TOH BAD – NIYOLA
IRAWO – SEYI SHAY
TOTALLY YOURS – ZAINA
ONLY YOU – NIKKI LAOYE – WINNER
NEXT RATED Presented by Hyundai
SEAN TIZZLE – WINNER
DAMMY KRANE
BURNA BOY
SEYI SHAY
PHYNO
HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION Presented by Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi and Ayo Animashaun
W.A.J.E – WAJE
OMO BABA OLOWO – DAVIDO – WINNER
FRENZY – D’PRINCE
THE YEAR OF R’N’B – CAPITAL F.E.M.I
LYRICIST ON THE ROLL Presented by Efe Omoregbe
OLAMIDE – VOICE OF THE STREETS
BOOGEY – SANCTUM
MODE 9 – LET IT GO – WINNER
PHYNO – MAN OF THE YEAR
BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE Presented by Darey Art Alade
TERRY G – RUN MAD
DUROSOKE – OLAMIDE – WINNER
MY DEAR – DAMMY KRANE
SKIBO – SOLID STAR
ALAYE – LKT
BEST ‘ALTERNATIVE’ SONG Presented by Cool FM’s Mercy and Freeze
REPETE – BLACKMAGIC – WINNER
OMO PASTOR – AJEBUTTER FT. BOJ
FEEL ALRIGHT – SHOW DEM CAMP FT. BOJ n POE
THIS YEAR – JAYWON
ALBUM OF THE YEAR Presented by Ali Baba and wife
IYANYA VS. DESIRE– IYANYA
O.B.O. – DAVIDO
RnBW – BANKYW
BLESSED – FLAVOUR
YBNL – OLAMIDE – WINNER
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Presented by COOL WORLD
IYANYA – WINNER
DAVIDO
WIZKID
FLAVOUR
OLAMIDE
ICE PRINCE
SONG OF THE YEAR Presented by Uche Onwudiwe
DUROSOKE – OLAMIDE
UR WAIST – IYANYA
ALINGO – P-SQUARE
SHO LEE – SEAN TIZZLE
LIMPOPO – KCEE – WINNER
BEST AFRICAN ARTISTE (WINNER NOT ANNOUNCED)
R2BEES
MAFIKIZOLO
LIQUID DEEP
SARKODIE
MICASA
HALL OF FAME Presented by Chris Ihidero
KWAM 1

ALL IN ONE NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Tuesday, 31 December 2013

I stand by my letter to Jonathan — OBJ

Nine Places Men Want to be Touch

2014 Budget: Presidency to spend N2.3bn on travels

PDP, APC at war over OBJ, Jonathan feud

Oshiomhole escapes death!

President Goodluck’s achievement in 2013 unprecedented — Presidency

Security: Army plans to retire upto 40 Generals

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Gov. Oshiomole of Ondo state Badly Injured, Rushed To Secret London Hospital

My plans for this year 2014 — Jonathan

Dear President Goodluck Ebere Jonathan

Sunday, 29 December 2013

The men and women who will shape 2014,The nation's vision

Saturday, 28 December 2013

How can you use the brain of an illitrate Yoruba man like OBJ to compare that of a PHD holder like GEJ?

Jonathan reports Obasanjo to Rights Panel -Regarding the allegation of Snipers

I see danger ahead 2015—Says Oritsejafor

Oritsejafor

Amaechi and Jonathan family , today he impeaches Jonathan, the next day Patience and even her dead mother. The crazy thing about all his ranting is that they are all lies! Why won't this 'idiot Yoruba man deporting like a boy' shut up? ::|:: How Patience tried to hijack Rivers, by Amaechi

Obasanjo should apologize to Jonathan,OR — NPA

Kwara group rallies support for Jonathan saying Jonathan 2015

Mandatory directive From FG-Sanusi to leave office April 1

Oshiomhole escapes death in auto crash

Friday, 27 December 2013

Olamide wins big @ Headies 2013 + full list of winners