Wednesday, 1 January 2014
You are lied, Jonathan replies Obasanjo.
By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Ben Agande
LAGOS—President Goodluck Jonathan has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of deceitfully manipulating facts and figures to impugn his credibility, vowing that he would not for any reason mortgage a bright future for the country.
The President, in his response to the December 2, 2013 letter to him from the former president, accused his one time political benefactor of hypocrisy asserting that Obasanjo was rather guilty of several of the allegations raised.
Dr. Jonathan in debunking the allegations of having failed in maintaining security, reminded Obasanjo that the Boko Haram insurgency started under his watch in 2002 and that the first major case of kidnapping for money was also in 2006 during Obasanjo’s stewardship.
President
Jonathan also challenged Obasanjo to swear with the bible if he
believed in the allegation that the administration was training snipers
to trail political opponents, just as he said that retractions by
Central Bank governor, Lamido Sanusi have debunked the allegation of
squandering oil receipts.
Responding to the allegation of corruption leveled against the present administration, Dr. Jonathan poked at Obasanjo citing the Halliburton and Siemens scandals which happened under his brief, and the mockery of his military administration by his townsman, the music legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. He thus challenged Obasanjo to cite verifiable cases corruption against the present administration.
Dr. Jonathan also denied the allegations of betraying the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP charging that it was certainly not him that made the PDP to lose Obasanjo’s home state, OgunState to the opposition in 2011.
President Jonathan who in the letter acknowledged Obasanjo’s role in his political enthronement and called him baba five times, nevertheless said he was forced to respond openly based on what he described as Obasanjo’s legendary role in pulling down all his successors since he was Head of State in the seventies.
The letter dated December 20, 2013 ran thus:
December 20th 2013 His Excellency,
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR
Agbe L’Oba House, Quarry Road,
Ibara, Abeokuta.
RE: BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE
I wish to formally acknowledge your letter dated December 2, 2013 and other previous correspondence similar to it.
You will recall that all the letters were brought to me by hand. Although both of us discussed some of the issues in those letters, I had not, before now, seen the need for any formal reply since, to me, they contained advice from a former President to a serving President. Obviously, you felt differently because in your last letter, you complained about my not acknowledging or replying your previous letters.
It is with the greatest possible reluctance that I now write this reply. I am most uneasy about embarking on this unprecedented and unconventional form of open communication between me and a former leader of our country because I know that there are more acceptable and dignified means of doing so.
But I feel obliged to reply your letter for a number of reasons: one, you formally requested for a reply and not sending you one will be interpreted as ignoring a former President.
Secondly, Nigerians know the role you have played in my political life and given the unfortunate tone of your letter, clearly, the grapes have gone sour. Therefore, my side of the story also needs to be told.
The third reason why I must reply you in writing is that your letter is clearly a threat to national security as it may deliberately or inadvertently set the stage for subversion.
The fourth reason for this reply is that you raised very weighty issues, and since the letter has been made public, Nigerians are expressing legitimate concerns. A response from me therefore, becomes very necessary.
The fifth reason is that this letter may appear in biographies and other books which political commentators on Nigeria’s contemporary politics may write. It is only proper for such publications to include my comments on the issues raised in your letter.
Sixthly, you are very unique in terms of the governance of this country. You were a military Head of State for three years and eight months, and an elected President for eight years. That means you have been the Head of Government of Nigeria for about twelve years. This must have, presumably, exposed you to a lot of information. Thus when you make a statement, there is the tendency for people to take it seriously.
The seventh reason is that the timing of your letter coincided with other vicious releases. The Speaker of the House of Representatives spoke of my “body language” encouraging corruption. A letter written to me by the CBN Governor alleging that NNPC, within a period of 19 months did not remit the sum of USD49.8 billion to the federation account, was also deliberately leaked to the public.
The eighth reason is that it appears that your letter was designed to incite Nigerians from other geopolitical zones against me and also calculated to promote ethnic disharmony. Worse still, your letter was designed to instigate members of our Party, the PDP, against me.
The ninth reason is that your letter conveys to me the feeling that landmines have been laid for me. Therefore, Nigerians need to have my response to the issues raised before the mines explode.
The tenth and final reason why my reply is inevitable is that you have written similar letters and made public comments in reference to all former Presidents and Heads of Government starting from Alhaji Shehu Shagari and these have instigated different actions and reactions. The purpose and direction of your letter is distinctly ominous, and before it is too late, my clarifications on the issues need to be placed on record.
Let me now comment on the issues you raised. In commenting I wish to crave your indulgence to compare what is happening now to what took place before. This, I believe, will enable Nigerians see things in better perspective because we must know where we are coming from so as to appreciate where we now are, and to allow us clearly map out where we are going.
You raised concerns about the security situation in the country. I assure you that I am fully aware of the responsibility of government for ensuring the security of the lives and property of citizens. My Administration is working assiduously to overcome current national security challenges, the seeds of which were sown under previous administrations. There have been some setbacks; but certainly there have also been great successes in our efforts to overcome terrorism and insurgency.
Those who continue to down-play our successes in this regard, amongst whom you must now be numbered, appear to have conveniently forgotten the depths to which security in our country had plunged before now.
At a stage, almost the entire North-East of Nigeria was under siege by insurgents. Bombings of churches and public buildings in the North and the federal capital became an almost weekly occurrence. Our entire national security apparatus seemed nonplussed and unable to come to grips with the new threat posed by the berthing of terrorism on our shores.
But my administration has since brought that very unacceptable situation under significant control. We have overhauled our entire national security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, training, funding, logistical support to our armed forces and security agencies, and security collaboration with friendly countries with very visible and positive results.
The scope and impact of terrorist operations have been significantly reduced and efforts are underway to restore full normalcy to the most affected North Eastern region and initiate a post-crisis development agenda, including a special intervention programme to boost the region’s socio-economic progress.
In doing all this, we have kept our doors open for dialogue with the insurgents and their supporters through efforts such as the work of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and the Peaceful Resolution of the Security Challenges in the North-East. You also know that the Governor of Borno State provided the items you mentioned to me as carrots. Having done all this and more, it is interesting that you still accuse me of not acting on your hardly original recommendation that the carrot and stick option be deployed to solve the Boko Haram problem.
Your suggestion that we are pursuing a “war against violence without understanding the root causes of the violence and applying solutions to deal with all the underlying factors” is definitely misplaced because from the onset of this administration, we have been implementing a multifaceted strategy against militancy, insurgency and terrorism that includes poverty alleviation, economic development, education and social reforms.
Even though basic education is the constitutional responsibility of States, my administration has, as part of its efforts to address ignorance and poor education which have been identified as two of the factors responsible for making some of our youth easily available for use as cannon fodder by insurgents and terrorists, committed huge funds to the provision of modern basic education schools for the Almajiri in several Northern States. The Federal Government under my leadership has also set up nine additional universities in the Northern States and three in the Southern States in keeping with my belief that proper education is the surest way of emancipating and empowering our people.
More uncharitable persons may even see a touch of sanctimoniousness in your new belief in the carrot and stick approach to overcoming militancy and insurgency. You have always referred to how you hit Odi in BayelsaState to curb militancy in the Niger Delta. If the invasion of Odi by the Army was the stick, I did not see the corresponding carrot. I was the Deputy Governor of BayelsaState then, and as I have always told you, the invasion of Odi did not solve any militancy problem but, to some extent, escalated it. If it had solved it, late President Yar’Adua would not have had to come up with the amnesty program. And while some elements of the problem may still be there, in general, the situation is reasonably better.
In terms of general insecurity in the country and particularly the crisis in the Niger Delta, 2007 was one of the worst periods in our history. You will recall three incidents that happened in 2007 which seemed to have been orchestrated to achieve sinister objectives. Here in Abuja, a petrol tanker loaded with explosives was to be rammed into the INEC building. But luckily for the country, an electric pole stopped the tanker from hitting the INEC building. It is clear that this incident was meant to exploit the general sense of insecurity in the nation at the time to achieve the aim of stopping the 2007 elections. It is instructive that you, on a number of occasions, alluded to this fact.
When that incident failed, an armed group invaded Yenagoa one evening with the intent to assassinate me. Luckily for me, they could not. They again attacked and bombed my country home on a night when I was expected in the village. Fortunately, as God would have it, I did not make the trip.
I recall that immediately after both incidents, I got calls expressing the concern of Abuja. But Baba, you know that despite the apparent concern of Abuja, no single arrest was ever made. I was then the Governor of Bayelsa State and the PDP Vice-Presidential candidate. The security people ordinarily should have unraveled the assassination attempt on me.
You also raised the issues of kidnapping, piracy and armed robbery. These are issues all Nigerians, including me are very concerned about. While we will continue to do our utmost best to reduce all forms of criminality to the barest minimum in our country, it is just as well to remind you that the first major case of kidnapping for ransom took place around 2006. And the Boko Haram crisis dates back to 2002. Goodluck Jonathan was not the President of the country then. Also, armed robbery started in this country immediately after the civil war and since then, it has been a problem to all succeeding governments. For a former Head of Government, who should know better, to present these problems as if they were creations of the Jonathan Administration is most uncharitable.
Having said that, let me remind you of some of the things we have done to curb violent crime in the country. We have reorganized the Nigerian Police Force and appointed a more dynamic leadership to oversee its affairs. We have also improved its manpower levels as well as funding, training and logistical support.
We have also increased the surveillance capabilities of the Police and provided its air-wing with thrice the number of helicopters it had before the inception of the present administration. The National Civil Defence and Security Corps has been armed to make it a much more effective ally of the police and other security agencies in the war against violent crime. At both domestic and international levels, we are doing everything possible to curb the proliferation of the small arms and light weapons with which armed robberies, kidnappings and piracy are perpetrated. We have also enhanced security at our borders to curb cross-border crimes.
We are aggressively addressing the challenge of crude oil theft in collaboration with the state Governors. In addition, the Federal Government has engaged the British and US governments for their support in the tracking of the proceeds from the purchase of stolen crude. Similarly, a regional Gulf of Guinea security strategy has been initiated to curb crude oil theft and piracy.
Perhaps the most invidious accusation in your letter is the allegation that I have placed over one thousand Nigerians on a political watch list, and that I am training snipers and other militia to assassinate people. Baba, I don’t know where you got that from but you do me grave injustice in not only lending credence to such baseless rumours, but also publicizing it. You mentioned God seventeen times in your letter. Can you as a Christian hold the Bible and say that you truly believe this allegation?
The allegation of training snipers to assassinate political opponents is particularly incomprehensible to me. Since I started my political career as a Deputy Governor, I have never been associated with any form of political violence. I have been a President for over three years now, with a lot of challenges and opposition mainly from the high and mighty. There have certainly been cases of political assassination since the advent of our FourthRepublic, but as you well know, none of them occurred under my leadership.
Regarding the over one thousand people you say are on a political watch list, I urge you to kindly tell Nigerians who they are and what agencies of government are “watching” them. Your allegation that I am using security operatives to harass people is also baseless. Nigerians are waiting for your evidence of proof. That was an accusation made against previous administrations, including yours, but it is certainly not my style and will never be. Again, if you insist on the spurious claim that some of your relatives and friends are being harassed, I urge you to name them and tell Nigerians what agencies of my administration are harassing them.
I also find it difficult to believe that you will accuse me of assisting murderers, or assigning a presidential delegation to welcome a murderer. This is a most unconscionable and untrue allegation. It is incumbent on me to remind you that I am fully conscious of the dictates of my responsibilities to God and our dear nation. It is my hope that devious elements will not take advantage of your baseless allegation to engage in brazen and wanton assassination of high profile politicians as before, hiding under the alibi your “open letter” has provided for them.
Nevertheless, I have directed the security agencies and requested the National Human Rights Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of these criminal allegations and make their findings public.
That corruption is an issue in Nigeria is indisputable. It has been with us for many years. You will recall that your kinsman, the renowned afro-beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti famously sang about it during your first stint as Head of State. Sonny Okosun also sang about corruption. And as you may recall, a number of Army Generals were to be retired because of corruption before the Dimka coup. Also, the late General Murtala Mohammed himself wanted to retire some top people in his cabinet on corruption-related issues before he was assassinated. Even in this FourthRepublic, the Siemens and Halliburton scandals are well known.
The seed of corruption in this country was planted a long time ago, but we are doing all that we can to drastically reduce its debilitating effects on national development and progress. I have been strengthening the institutions established to fight corruption. I will not shield any government official or private individual involved in corruption, but I must follow due process in all that I do. And whenever clear cases of corruption or fraud have been established, my administration has always taken prompt action in keeping with the dictates of extant laws and procedures. You cannot claim to be unaware of the fact that several highly placed persons in our country, including sons of some of our party leaders are currently facing trial for their involvement in the celebrated subsidy scam affair. I can hardly be blamed if the wheels of justice still grind very slowly in our country, but we are doing our best to support and encourage the judiciary to quicken the pace of adjudication in cases of corruption.
Baba, I am amazed that with all the knowledge garnered from your many years at the highest level of governance in our country, you could still believe the spurious allegation contained in a letter written to me by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and surreptitiously obtained by you, alleging that USD49.8 billion, a sum equal to our entire national budget for two years, is “unaccounted for” by the NNPC. Since, as President, you also served for many years as Minister of Petroleum Resources, you very well know the workings of the corporation. It is therefore intriguing that you have made such an assertion. You made a lot of insinuations about oil theft, shady dealings at the NNPC and the NNPC not remitting the full proceeds of oil sales to the CBN. Now that the main source of the allegations which you rehashed has publicly stated that he was “misconstrued”, perhaps you will find it in your heart to apologize for misleading unwary Nigerians and impugning the integrity of my administration on that score.
Your claim of “Atlantic Oil loading about 130, 000 barrels sold by Shell and managed on behalf of NPDC with no sale proceeds paid into the NPDC account” is also disjointed and baseless because no such arrangement as you described exists between Atlantic Oil and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company. NPDC currently produces about 138, 000 barrels of oil per day from over 7 producing assets. The Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD) of the NNPC markets all of this production on behalf of NPDC with proceeds paid into NPDC account.
I am really shocked that with all avenues open to you as a former Head of State for the verification of any information you have received about state affairs, you chose to go public with allegations of “high corruption” without offering a shred of supporting evidence. One of your political “sons” similarly alleged recently that he told me of a minister who received a bribe of $250 Million from an oil company and I did nothing about it. He may have been playing from a shared script, but we have not heard from him again since he was challenged to name the minister involved and provide the evidence to back his claim. I urge you, in the same vein, to furnish me with the names, facts and figures of a single verifiable case of the “high corruption” which you say stinks all around my administration and see whether the corrective action you advocate does not follow promptly. And while you are at it, you may also wish to tell Nigerians the true story of questionable waivers of signature bonuses between 2000 and 2007.
While, by the Grace of God Almighty, I am the first President from a minority group, I am never unmindful of the fact that I was elected leader of the whole of Nigeria and I have always acted in the best interest of all Nigerians. You referred to the divisive actions and inflammatory utterances of some individuals from the South-South and asserted that I have done nothing to call them to order or distance myself from their ethnic chauvinism. Again that is very untrue. I am as committed to the unity of this country as any patriot can be and I have publicly declared on many occasions that no person who threatens other Nigerians or parts of the country is acting on my behalf.
It is very regrettable that in your letter, you seem to place sole responsibility for the ongoing intrigues and tensions in the PDP at my doorstep, and going on from that position, you direct all your appeals for a resolution at me. Baba, let us all be truthful to ourselves, God and posterity. At the heart of all the current troubles in our party and the larger polity is the unbridled jostling and positioning for personal or group advantage ahead of the 2015 general elections. The “bitterness, anger, mistrust, fear and deep suspicion” you wrote about all flow from this singular factor.
It is indeed very unfortunate that the seeming crisis in the party was instigated by a few senior members of the party, including you. But, as leader of the party, I will continue to do my best to unite it so that we can move forward with strength and unity of purpose. The PDP has always recovered from previous crises with renewed vigour and vitality. I am very optimistic that that will be the case again this time. The PDP will overcome any temporary setback, remain a strong party and even grow stronger.
Instigating people to cause problems and disaffection within the party is something that you are certainly familiar with. You will recall that founding fathers of the Party were frustrated out of the Party at a time. Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi was pushed out, Late Chief Solomon Lar left and later came back, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Chief Tom Ikimi also left. Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo left and later came back. In 2005/2006, link-men were sent to take over party structures from PDP Governors in an unveiled attempt to undermine the state governors. In spite of that, the governors did not leave the Party because nobody instigated and encouraged them to do so.
The charge that I was involved in anti-party activities in governorship elections in Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and AnambraStates is also very unfortunate. I relate with all Governors irrespective of political party affiliation but I have not worked against the interest of the PDP. What I have not done is to influence the electoral process to favour our Party. You were definitely never so inclined, since you openly boasted in your letter of how you supported Alhaji Shehu Shagari against Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe and others in the 1979 presidential elections while serving as a military Head of State. You and I clearly differ in this regard, because as the President of Nigeria, I believe it is my duty and responsibility to create a level playing field for all parties and all candidates.
Recalling how the PDP lost in states where we were very strong in 2003 and 2007 such as Edo, Ondo, Imo, Bauchi, Anambra, and Borno, longstanding members of our great party with good memory will also consider the charge of anti-party activities you made against me as misdirected and hugely hypocritical. It certainly was not Goodluck Jonathan’s “personal ambition or selfish interest” that caused the PDP to lose the governorship of OgunState and all its senatorial seats in the last general elections.
You quoted me as saying that I have not told anybody that I will seek another term in office in 2015. You and your ambitious acolytes within the party have clearly decided to act on your conclusion that “only a fool will believe that statement” and embark on a virulent campaign to harass me out of an undeclared candidature for the 2015 presidential elections so as to pave the way for a successor anointed by you.
You will recall that you serially advised me that we should refrain from discussing the 2015 general elections for now so as not to distract elected public officials from urgent task of governance. While you have apparently moved away from that position, I am still of the considered opinion that it would have been best for us to do all that is necessary to refrain from heating up the polity at this time. Accordingly, I have already informed Nigerians that I will only speak on whether or not I will seek a second term when it is time for such declarations. Your claims about discussions I had with you, Governor Gabriel Suswam and others are wrong, but in keeping with my declared stance, I will reserve further comments until the appropriate time.
Your allegation that I asked half a dozen African Presidents to speak to you about my alleged ambition for 2015, is also untrue. I have never requested any African President to discuss with you on my behalf. In our discussion, I mentioned to you that four Presidents told me that they were concerned about the political situation in Nigeria and intended to talk to you about it. So far, only three of them have confirmed to me that they have had any discussion with you. If I made such a request, why would I deny it?
The issue of Buruji Kashamu is one of those lies that should not be associated with a former President. The allegation that I am imposing Kashamu on the South-West is most unfortunate and regrettable. I do not even impose Party officials in my home state of Bayelsa and there is no zone in this country where I have imposed officials. So why would I do so in the South West? Baba, in the light of Buruji’s detailed public response to your “open letter”, it will be charitable for you to render an apology to Nigerians and I.
On the issue of investors being scared to come to Nigeria, economic dormancy, and stagnation, I will just refer you to FDI statistics from 2000 to 2013. Within the last three years, Nigeria has emerged as the preferred destination for investments in Africa, driven by successful government policies to attract foreign investors. For the second year running, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Investments (UNCTAD) has ranked Nigeria as the number one destination for investments in Africa, and as having the fourth highest returns in the world.
Today, Nigeria is holding 18 percent of all foreign investments in Africa and 60 percent of all foreign investments in the ECOWAS Sub-Region. Kindly note also that in the seven years between 2000 and 2007 when you were President, Nigeria attracted a total of $24.9 Billion in FDI. As a result of our efforts which you disparage, the country has seen an FDI inflow of $25.7 Billion in just three years which is more than double the FDI that has gone to the second highest African destination. We have also maintained an annual national economic growth rate of close to seven per cent since the inception of this administration. What then, is the justification for your allegation of scared investors and economic dormancy?
Although it was not emphasized in your letter of December 2, 2013, you also conveyed, in previous correspondence, the impression that you were ignorant of the very notable achievements of my administration in the area of foreign relations. It is on record that under my leadership, Nigeria has played a key role in resolving the conflicts in Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea Bissau and others.
The unproductive rivalry that existed between Nigeria and some ECOWAS countries has also been ended under my watch and Nigeria now has better relations with all the ECOWAS countries. At the African Union, we now have a Commissioner at the AU Commission after being without one for so long. We were in the United Nations Security Council for the 2010/2011 Session and we have been voted in again for the 2014/2015 Session. From independence to 2010, we were in the U.N. Security Council only three times but from 2010 to 2015, we will be there two times.
This did not happen by chance. My Administration worked hard for it and we continue to maintain the best possible relations with all centres of global political and economic power. I find it hard therefore, to believe your assertions of untoward concern in the international community over the state of governance in Nigeria.
With respect to the Brass and Olokola LNG projects, you may have forgotten that though you started these projects, Final Investment Decisions were never reached. For your information, NNPC has not withdrawn from either the Olokola or the Brass LNG projects.
On the Rivers State Water Project, you were misled by your informant. The Federal Government under my watch has never directed or instructed the Africa Development Bank to put on hold any project to be executed in Rivers state or any other State within the Federation. The Rivers Water Project was not originally in the borrowing plan but it was included in April 2013 and appraised in May. Negotiations are ongoing with the AfDB. I have no doubt that you are familiar with the entire process that prefaces the signing of a Subsidiary Loan Agreement as in this instance.
Let me assure you and all Nigerians that I do not engage in negative political actions and will never, as President, oppress the people of a State or deprive them of much needed public services as a result of political disagreement.
I have noted your comments on the proposed National Conference. Contrary to the insinuation in your letter, the proposed conference is aimed at bringing Nigerians together to resolve contentious national issues in a formal setting. This is a sure way of promoting greater national consensus and unity, and not a recipe for “disunity, confusion and chaos” as you alleged in your letter.
Having twice held the high office of President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I trust that you will understand that I cannot possibly find the time to offer a line-by-line response to all the accusations and allegations made in your letter while dealing with other pressing demands of office and more urgent affairs of state.
I have tried, however, to respond to only the most serious of the charges which question my sincerity, personal honour, and commitment to the oath which I have sworn, to always uphold and protect the interests of all Nigerians, and promote their well-being.
In closing, let me state that you have done me grave injustice with your public letter in which you wrongfully accused me of deceit, deception, dishonesty, incompetence, clannishness, divisiveness and insincerity, amongst other ills.
I have not, myself, ever claimed to be all-knowing or infallible, but I have never taken Nigeria or Nigerians for granted as you implied, and I will continue to do my utmost to steer our ship of state towards the brighter future to which we all aspire.
Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and warm regards.
GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN
LAGOS—President Goodluck Jonathan has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of deceitfully manipulating facts and figures to impugn his credibility, vowing that he would not for any reason mortgage a bright future for the country.
The President, in his response to the December 2, 2013 letter to him from the former president, accused his one time political benefactor of hypocrisy asserting that Obasanjo was rather guilty of several of the allegations raised.
Dr. Jonathan in debunking the allegations of having failed in maintaining security, reminded Obasanjo that the Boko Haram insurgency started under his watch in 2002 and that the first major case of kidnapping for money was also in 2006 during Obasanjo’s stewardship.
President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Responding to the allegation of corruption leveled against the present administration, Dr. Jonathan poked at Obasanjo citing the Halliburton and Siemens scandals which happened under his brief, and the mockery of his military administration by his townsman, the music legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. He thus challenged Obasanjo to cite verifiable cases corruption against the present administration.
Dr. Jonathan also denied the allegations of betraying the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP charging that it was certainly not him that made the PDP to lose Obasanjo’s home state, OgunState to the opposition in 2011.
President Jonathan who in the letter acknowledged Obasanjo’s role in his political enthronement and called him baba five times, nevertheless said he was forced to respond openly based on what he described as Obasanjo’s legendary role in pulling down all his successors since he was Head of State in the seventies.
The letter dated December 20, 2013 ran thus:
December 20th 2013 His Excellency,
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR
Agbe L’Oba House, Quarry Road,
Ibara, Abeokuta.
RE: BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE
I wish to formally acknowledge your letter dated December 2, 2013 and other previous correspondence similar to it.
You will recall that all the letters were brought to me by hand. Although both of us discussed some of the issues in those letters, I had not, before now, seen the need for any formal reply since, to me, they contained advice from a former President to a serving President. Obviously, you felt differently because in your last letter, you complained about my not acknowledging or replying your previous letters.
It is with the greatest possible reluctance that I now write this reply. I am most uneasy about embarking on this unprecedented and unconventional form of open communication between me and a former leader of our country because I know that there are more acceptable and dignified means of doing so.
But I feel obliged to reply your letter for a number of reasons: one, you formally requested for a reply and not sending you one will be interpreted as ignoring a former President.
Secondly, Nigerians know the role you have played in my political life and given the unfortunate tone of your letter, clearly, the grapes have gone sour. Therefore, my side of the story also needs to be told.
The third reason why I must reply you in writing is that your letter is clearly a threat to national security as it may deliberately or inadvertently set the stage for subversion.
The fourth reason for this reply is that you raised very weighty issues, and since the letter has been made public, Nigerians are expressing legitimate concerns. A response from me therefore, becomes very necessary.
The fifth reason is that this letter may appear in biographies and other books which political commentators on Nigeria’s contemporary politics may write. It is only proper for such publications to include my comments on the issues raised in your letter.
Sixthly, you are very unique in terms of the governance of this country. You were a military Head of State for three years and eight months, and an elected President for eight years. That means you have been the Head of Government of Nigeria for about twelve years. This must have, presumably, exposed you to a lot of information. Thus when you make a statement, there is the tendency for people to take it seriously.
The seventh reason is that the timing of your letter coincided with other vicious releases. The Speaker of the House of Representatives spoke of my “body language” encouraging corruption. A letter written to me by the CBN Governor alleging that NNPC, within a period of 19 months did not remit the sum of USD49.8 billion to the federation account, was also deliberately leaked to the public.
The eighth reason is that it appears that your letter was designed to incite Nigerians from other geopolitical zones against me and also calculated to promote ethnic disharmony. Worse still, your letter was designed to instigate members of our Party, the PDP, against me.
The ninth reason is that your letter conveys to me the feeling that landmines have been laid for me. Therefore, Nigerians need to have my response to the issues raised before the mines explode.
The tenth and final reason why my reply is inevitable is that you have written similar letters and made public comments in reference to all former Presidents and Heads of Government starting from Alhaji Shehu Shagari and these have instigated different actions and reactions. The purpose and direction of your letter is distinctly ominous, and before it is too late, my clarifications on the issues need to be placed on record.
Let me now comment on the issues you raised. In commenting I wish to crave your indulgence to compare what is happening now to what took place before. This, I believe, will enable Nigerians see things in better perspective because we must know where we are coming from so as to appreciate where we now are, and to allow us clearly map out where we are going.
You raised concerns about the security situation in the country. I assure you that I am fully aware of the responsibility of government for ensuring the security of the lives and property of citizens. My Administration is working assiduously to overcome current national security challenges, the seeds of which were sown under previous administrations. There have been some setbacks; but certainly there have also been great successes in our efforts to overcome terrorism and insurgency.
Those who continue to down-play our successes in this regard, amongst whom you must now be numbered, appear to have conveniently forgotten the depths to which security in our country had plunged before now.
At a stage, almost the entire North-East of Nigeria was under siege by insurgents. Bombings of churches and public buildings in the North and the federal capital became an almost weekly occurrence. Our entire national security apparatus seemed nonplussed and unable to come to grips with the new threat posed by the berthing of terrorism on our shores.
But my administration has since brought that very unacceptable situation under significant control. We have overhauled our entire national security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, training, funding, logistical support to our armed forces and security agencies, and security collaboration with friendly countries with very visible and positive results.
The scope and impact of terrorist operations have been significantly reduced and efforts are underway to restore full normalcy to the most affected North Eastern region and initiate a post-crisis development agenda, including a special intervention programme to boost the region’s socio-economic progress.
In doing all this, we have kept our doors open for dialogue with the insurgents and their supporters through efforts such as the work of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and the Peaceful Resolution of the Security Challenges in the North-East. You also know that the Governor of Borno State provided the items you mentioned to me as carrots. Having done all this and more, it is interesting that you still accuse me of not acting on your hardly original recommendation that the carrot and stick option be deployed to solve the Boko Haram problem.
Your suggestion that we are pursuing a “war against violence without understanding the root causes of the violence and applying solutions to deal with all the underlying factors” is definitely misplaced because from the onset of this administration, we have been implementing a multifaceted strategy against militancy, insurgency and terrorism that includes poverty alleviation, economic development, education and social reforms.
Even though basic education is the constitutional responsibility of States, my administration has, as part of its efforts to address ignorance and poor education which have been identified as two of the factors responsible for making some of our youth easily available for use as cannon fodder by insurgents and terrorists, committed huge funds to the provision of modern basic education schools for the Almajiri in several Northern States. The Federal Government under my leadership has also set up nine additional universities in the Northern States and three in the Southern States in keeping with my belief that proper education is the surest way of emancipating and empowering our people.
More uncharitable persons may even see a touch of sanctimoniousness in your new belief in the carrot and stick approach to overcoming militancy and insurgency. You have always referred to how you hit Odi in BayelsaState to curb militancy in the Niger Delta. If the invasion of Odi by the Army was the stick, I did not see the corresponding carrot. I was the Deputy Governor of BayelsaState then, and as I have always told you, the invasion of Odi did not solve any militancy problem but, to some extent, escalated it. If it had solved it, late President Yar’Adua would not have had to come up with the amnesty program. And while some elements of the problem may still be there, in general, the situation is reasonably better.
In terms of general insecurity in the country and particularly the crisis in the Niger Delta, 2007 was one of the worst periods in our history. You will recall three incidents that happened in 2007 which seemed to have been orchestrated to achieve sinister objectives. Here in Abuja, a petrol tanker loaded with explosives was to be rammed into the INEC building. But luckily for the country, an electric pole stopped the tanker from hitting the INEC building. It is clear that this incident was meant to exploit the general sense of insecurity in the nation at the time to achieve the aim of stopping the 2007 elections. It is instructive that you, on a number of occasions, alluded to this fact.
When that incident failed, an armed group invaded Yenagoa one evening with the intent to assassinate me. Luckily for me, they could not. They again attacked and bombed my country home on a night when I was expected in the village. Fortunately, as God would have it, I did not make the trip.
I recall that immediately after both incidents, I got calls expressing the concern of Abuja. But Baba, you know that despite the apparent concern of Abuja, no single arrest was ever made. I was then the Governor of Bayelsa State and the PDP Vice-Presidential candidate. The security people ordinarily should have unraveled the assassination attempt on me.
You also raised the issues of kidnapping, piracy and armed robbery. These are issues all Nigerians, including me are very concerned about. While we will continue to do our utmost best to reduce all forms of criminality to the barest minimum in our country, it is just as well to remind you that the first major case of kidnapping for ransom took place around 2006. And the Boko Haram crisis dates back to 2002. Goodluck Jonathan was not the President of the country then. Also, armed robbery started in this country immediately after the civil war and since then, it has been a problem to all succeeding governments. For a former Head of Government, who should know better, to present these problems as if they were creations of the Jonathan Administration is most uncharitable.
Having said that, let me remind you of some of the things we have done to curb violent crime in the country. We have reorganized the Nigerian Police Force and appointed a more dynamic leadership to oversee its affairs. We have also improved its manpower levels as well as funding, training and logistical support.
We have also increased the surveillance capabilities of the Police and provided its air-wing with thrice the number of helicopters it had before the inception of the present administration. The National Civil Defence and Security Corps has been armed to make it a much more effective ally of the police and other security agencies in the war against violent crime. At both domestic and international levels, we are doing everything possible to curb the proliferation of the small arms and light weapons with which armed robberies, kidnappings and piracy are perpetrated. We have also enhanced security at our borders to curb cross-border crimes.
We are aggressively addressing the challenge of crude oil theft in collaboration with the state Governors. In addition, the Federal Government has engaged the British and US governments for their support in the tracking of the proceeds from the purchase of stolen crude. Similarly, a regional Gulf of Guinea security strategy has been initiated to curb crude oil theft and piracy.
Perhaps the most invidious accusation in your letter is the allegation that I have placed over one thousand Nigerians on a political watch list, and that I am training snipers and other militia to assassinate people. Baba, I don’t know where you got that from but you do me grave injustice in not only lending credence to such baseless rumours, but also publicizing it. You mentioned God seventeen times in your letter. Can you as a Christian hold the Bible and say that you truly believe this allegation?
The allegation of training snipers to assassinate political opponents is particularly incomprehensible to me. Since I started my political career as a Deputy Governor, I have never been associated with any form of political violence. I have been a President for over three years now, with a lot of challenges and opposition mainly from the high and mighty. There have certainly been cases of political assassination since the advent of our FourthRepublic, but as you well know, none of them occurred under my leadership.
Regarding the over one thousand people you say are on a political watch list, I urge you to kindly tell Nigerians who they are and what agencies of government are “watching” them. Your allegation that I am using security operatives to harass people is also baseless. Nigerians are waiting for your evidence of proof. That was an accusation made against previous administrations, including yours, but it is certainly not my style and will never be. Again, if you insist on the spurious claim that some of your relatives and friends are being harassed, I urge you to name them and tell Nigerians what agencies of my administration are harassing them.
I also find it difficult to believe that you will accuse me of assisting murderers, or assigning a presidential delegation to welcome a murderer. This is a most unconscionable and untrue allegation. It is incumbent on me to remind you that I am fully conscious of the dictates of my responsibilities to God and our dear nation. It is my hope that devious elements will not take advantage of your baseless allegation to engage in brazen and wanton assassination of high profile politicians as before, hiding under the alibi your “open letter” has provided for them.
Nevertheless, I have directed the security agencies and requested the National Human Rights Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of these criminal allegations and make their findings public.
That corruption is an issue in Nigeria is indisputable. It has been with us for many years. You will recall that your kinsman, the renowned afro-beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti famously sang about it during your first stint as Head of State. Sonny Okosun also sang about corruption. And as you may recall, a number of Army Generals were to be retired because of corruption before the Dimka coup. Also, the late General Murtala Mohammed himself wanted to retire some top people in his cabinet on corruption-related issues before he was assassinated. Even in this FourthRepublic, the Siemens and Halliburton scandals are well known.
The seed of corruption in this country was planted a long time ago, but we are doing all that we can to drastically reduce its debilitating effects on national development and progress. I have been strengthening the institutions established to fight corruption. I will not shield any government official or private individual involved in corruption, but I must follow due process in all that I do. And whenever clear cases of corruption or fraud have been established, my administration has always taken prompt action in keeping with the dictates of extant laws and procedures. You cannot claim to be unaware of the fact that several highly placed persons in our country, including sons of some of our party leaders are currently facing trial for their involvement in the celebrated subsidy scam affair. I can hardly be blamed if the wheels of justice still grind very slowly in our country, but we are doing our best to support and encourage the judiciary to quicken the pace of adjudication in cases of corruption.
Baba, I am amazed that with all the knowledge garnered from your many years at the highest level of governance in our country, you could still believe the spurious allegation contained in a letter written to me by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and surreptitiously obtained by you, alleging that USD49.8 billion, a sum equal to our entire national budget for two years, is “unaccounted for” by the NNPC. Since, as President, you also served for many years as Minister of Petroleum Resources, you very well know the workings of the corporation. It is therefore intriguing that you have made such an assertion. You made a lot of insinuations about oil theft, shady dealings at the NNPC and the NNPC not remitting the full proceeds of oil sales to the CBN. Now that the main source of the allegations which you rehashed has publicly stated that he was “misconstrued”, perhaps you will find it in your heart to apologize for misleading unwary Nigerians and impugning the integrity of my administration on that score.
Your claim of “Atlantic Oil loading about 130, 000 barrels sold by Shell and managed on behalf of NPDC with no sale proceeds paid into the NPDC account” is also disjointed and baseless because no such arrangement as you described exists between Atlantic Oil and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company. NPDC currently produces about 138, 000 barrels of oil per day from over 7 producing assets. The Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD) of the NNPC markets all of this production on behalf of NPDC with proceeds paid into NPDC account.
I am really shocked that with all avenues open to you as a former Head of State for the verification of any information you have received about state affairs, you chose to go public with allegations of “high corruption” without offering a shred of supporting evidence. One of your political “sons” similarly alleged recently that he told me of a minister who received a bribe of $250 Million from an oil company and I did nothing about it. He may have been playing from a shared script, but we have not heard from him again since he was challenged to name the minister involved and provide the evidence to back his claim. I urge you, in the same vein, to furnish me with the names, facts and figures of a single verifiable case of the “high corruption” which you say stinks all around my administration and see whether the corrective action you advocate does not follow promptly. And while you are at it, you may also wish to tell Nigerians the true story of questionable waivers of signature bonuses between 2000 and 2007.
While, by the Grace of God Almighty, I am the first President from a minority group, I am never unmindful of the fact that I was elected leader of the whole of Nigeria and I have always acted in the best interest of all Nigerians. You referred to the divisive actions and inflammatory utterances of some individuals from the South-South and asserted that I have done nothing to call them to order or distance myself from their ethnic chauvinism. Again that is very untrue. I am as committed to the unity of this country as any patriot can be and I have publicly declared on many occasions that no person who threatens other Nigerians or parts of the country is acting on my behalf.
It is very regrettable that in your letter, you seem to place sole responsibility for the ongoing intrigues and tensions in the PDP at my doorstep, and going on from that position, you direct all your appeals for a resolution at me. Baba, let us all be truthful to ourselves, God and posterity. At the heart of all the current troubles in our party and the larger polity is the unbridled jostling and positioning for personal or group advantage ahead of the 2015 general elections. The “bitterness, anger, mistrust, fear and deep suspicion” you wrote about all flow from this singular factor.
It is indeed very unfortunate that the seeming crisis in the party was instigated by a few senior members of the party, including you. But, as leader of the party, I will continue to do my best to unite it so that we can move forward with strength and unity of purpose. The PDP has always recovered from previous crises with renewed vigour and vitality. I am very optimistic that that will be the case again this time. The PDP will overcome any temporary setback, remain a strong party and even grow stronger.
Instigating people to cause problems and disaffection within the party is something that you are certainly familiar with. You will recall that founding fathers of the Party were frustrated out of the Party at a time. Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi was pushed out, Late Chief Solomon Lar left and later came back, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Chief Tom Ikimi also left. Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo left and later came back. In 2005/2006, link-men were sent to take over party structures from PDP Governors in an unveiled attempt to undermine the state governors. In spite of that, the governors did not leave the Party because nobody instigated and encouraged them to do so.
The charge that I was involved in anti-party activities in governorship elections in Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and AnambraStates is also very unfortunate. I relate with all Governors irrespective of political party affiliation but I have not worked against the interest of the PDP. What I have not done is to influence the electoral process to favour our Party. You were definitely never so inclined, since you openly boasted in your letter of how you supported Alhaji Shehu Shagari against Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe and others in the 1979 presidential elections while serving as a military Head of State. You and I clearly differ in this regard, because as the President of Nigeria, I believe it is my duty and responsibility to create a level playing field for all parties and all candidates.
Recalling how the PDP lost in states where we were very strong in 2003 and 2007 such as Edo, Ondo, Imo, Bauchi, Anambra, and Borno, longstanding members of our great party with good memory will also consider the charge of anti-party activities you made against me as misdirected and hugely hypocritical. It certainly was not Goodluck Jonathan’s “personal ambition or selfish interest” that caused the PDP to lose the governorship of OgunState and all its senatorial seats in the last general elections.
You quoted me as saying that I have not told anybody that I will seek another term in office in 2015. You and your ambitious acolytes within the party have clearly decided to act on your conclusion that “only a fool will believe that statement” and embark on a virulent campaign to harass me out of an undeclared candidature for the 2015 presidential elections so as to pave the way for a successor anointed by you.
You will recall that you serially advised me that we should refrain from discussing the 2015 general elections for now so as not to distract elected public officials from urgent task of governance. While you have apparently moved away from that position, I am still of the considered opinion that it would have been best for us to do all that is necessary to refrain from heating up the polity at this time. Accordingly, I have already informed Nigerians that I will only speak on whether or not I will seek a second term when it is time for such declarations. Your claims about discussions I had with you, Governor Gabriel Suswam and others are wrong, but in keeping with my declared stance, I will reserve further comments until the appropriate time.
Your allegation that I asked half a dozen African Presidents to speak to you about my alleged ambition for 2015, is also untrue. I have never requested any African President to discuss with you on my behalf. In our discussion, I mentioned to you that four Presidents told me that they were concerned about the political situation in Nigeria and intended to talk to you about it. So far, only three of them have confirmed to me that they have had any discussion with you. If I made such a request, why would I deny it?
The issue of Buruji Kashamu is one of those lies that should not be associated with a former President. The allegation that I am imposing Kashamu on the South-West is most unfortunate and regrettable. I do not even impose Party officials in my home state of Bayelsa and there is no zone in this country where I have imposed officials. So why would I do so in the South West? Baba, in the light of Buruji’s detailed public response to your “open letter”, it will be charitable for you to render an apology to Nigerians and I.
On the issue of investors being scared to come to Nigeria, economic dormancy, and stagnation, I will just refer you to FDI statistics from 2000 to 2013. Within the last three years, Nigeria has emerged as the preferred destination for investments in Africa, driven by successful government policies to attract foreign investors. For the second year running, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Investments (UNCTAD) has ranked Nigeria as the number one destination for investments in Africa, and as having the fourth highest returns in the world.
Today, Nigeria is holding 18 percent of all foreign investments in Africa and 60 percent of all foreign investments in the ECOWAS Sub-Region. Kindly note also that in the seven years between 2000 and 2007 when you were President, Nigeria attracted a total of $24.9 Billion in FDI. As a result of our efforts which you disparage, the country has seen an FDI inflow of $25.7 Billion in just three years which is more than double the FDI that has gone to the second highest African destination. We have also maintained an annual national economic growth rate of close to seven per cent since the inception of this administration. What then, is the justification for your allegation of scared investors and economic dormancy?
Although it was not emphasized in your letter of December 2, 2013, you also conveyed, in previous correspondence, the impression that you were ignorant of the very notable achievements of my administration in the area of foreign relations. It is on record that under my leadership, Nigeria has played a key role in resolving the conflicts in Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea Bissau and others.
The unproductive rivalry that existed between Nigeria and some ECOWAS countries has also been ended under my watch and Nigeria now has better relations with all the ECOWAS countries. At the African Union, we now have a Commissioner at the AU Commission after being without one for so long. We were in the United Nations Security Council for the 2010/2011 Session and we have been voted in again for the 2014/2015 Session. From independence to 2010, we were in the U.N. Security Council only three times but from 2010 to 2015, we will be there two times.
This did not happen by chance. My Administration worked hard for it and we continue to maintain the best possible relations with all centres of global political and economic power. I find it hard therefore, to believe your assertions of untoward concern in the international community over the state of governance in Nigeria.
With respect to the Brass and Olokola LNG projects, you may have forgotten that though you started these projects, Final Investment Decisions were never reached. For your information, NNPC has not withdrawn from either the Olokola or the Brass LNG projects.
On the Rivers State Water Project, you were misled by your informant. The Federal Government under my watch has never directed or instructed the Africa Development Bank to put on hold any project to be executed in Rivers state or any other State within the Federation. The Rivers Water Project was not originally in the borrowing plan but it was included in April 2013 and appraised in May. Negotiations are ongoing with the AfDB. I have no doubt that you are familiar with the entire process that prefaces the signing of a Subsidiary Loan Agreement as in this instance.
Let me assure you and all Nigerians that I do not engage in negative political actions and will never, as President, oppress the people of a State or deprive them of much needed public services as a result of political disagreement.
I have noted your comments on the proposed National Conference. Contrary to the insinuation in your letter, the proposed conference is aimed at bringing Nigerians together to resolve contentious national issues in a formal setting. This is a sure way of promoting greater national consensus and unity, and not a recipe for “disunity, confusion and chaos” as you alleged in your letter.
Having twice held the high office of President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I trust that you will understand that I cannot possibly find the time to offer a line-by-line response to all the accusations and allegations made in your letter while dealing with other pressing demands of office and more urgent affairs of state.
I have tried, however, to respond to only the most serious of the charges which question my sincerity, personal honour, and commitment to the oath which I have sworn, to always uphold and protect the interests of all Nigerians, and promote their well-being.
In closing, let me state that you have done me grave injustice with your public letter in which you wrongfully accused me of deceit, deception, dishonesty, incompetence, clannishness, divisiveness and insincerity, amongst other ills.
I have not, myself, ever claimed to be all-knowing or infallible, but I have never taken Nigeria or Nigerians for granted as you implied, and I will continue to do my utmost to steer our ship of state towards the brighter future to which we all aspire.
Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and warm regards.
GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN
Learn From This: chest and bosom Problems
Nipplé discharge is usually not a symptom of bréast cancer. But it is important to find out what is causing it and to get treatment. Here are some reasons for nipplé discharge:
- Pregnancy
- Stopping bréastfeeding
- Rubbing on the area from a bra or t-shirt
- Infection
- Inflammation and clogging of the bréast ducts (mammary duct ectasia)
- Injury to the bréast
- Non-cancerous brain tumors
- Small growth in the bréast that is usually not cancer (intraductal papilloma)
- Severe hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Fibrocystic bréast (normal lumpiness in the bréast)
- Use of certain medicines, such as birth control pills, cimetidine, methyldopa, metoclopramide, phenothiazines, reserpine, tricyclicantidepressants, or verapamil
- Use of certain herbs such as anise and fennel
- Widening of the milk ducts
Cancers that can cause nipplé discharge are:
- Bréast cancer
- Paget’s disease of the bréast (a rare form of bréast cancer)
Symptoms
Nipplé discharge that is NOT normal is:- Bloody
- Comes from only one nipplé
- Comes out on its own without you squeezing or touching your nipplé
- It comes out of both nipplés
- Happens when you squeeze your nipplés
Squeezing your nipplé to check for discharge can make it worse. Leaving them alone may make the nipplé discharge go away.
Medic Health
Zoning, an impediment to good governance — Rep
Map of Nigeria
According to him, zoning constitutes a major impediment to electoral contestation in the country.
Jime, who spoke in an interaction with newsmen said: “The truth is that I have never hidden my dislike for zoning in our politics as a people.
“I truly believe that zoning actually conscript the political space and it makes political contestation uninteresting and encumbered, which is not good for the growth of democratic norms and practices.
“I think that our problem in Nigeria is not the issue of where a leader comes from, but that of good leadership.
“The truth is that if a leader is doing well, he will be appreciated and supported by all, irrespective of his background or section of the country or state where he comes from.
“That is why we must jettison the thought of ‘the person in power must be my person or brother’ before we can talk of development for my people, that kills the spirit of unity and oneness in any society.
“Hence I keep talking of a paradigm shift from the mentality of tribe and religion; let’s begin to talk about how to improve the lives of our people and also dwell on the cores issues that will impact positively on the lives of our people that is what governance is all about.”
Jime, who is chairman of House Committee on Federal Capital Territory, FCT, however, said: “Though I must say that zoning has its merits, especially in a society of disgruntlement and alienation, zoning comes handy, that is the more reason we must start propagating those values that unite us as a people.”
Claim this prayers by typing amen-by Pastor E.A Adeboye
THE NEW YEAR, 2014.A POWERFUL PRAYER FROM PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE:
WAIT A MINUTE: JUST LEAVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND LETS HAVE A WORD WITH THE MAKER OF THE UNIVERSE !!!
SAY THESE PROPHETIC WORDS....
Father in the name of Jesus, do something in my life that will surprise my enemies in this coming new year, 2014.
Surprise my enemies in,
my business,
my marriage,
my family,
my career,
my future husband/wife.
surprise me with an Admission,
Where the enemies say its Impossible, make it Possible my LORD. Promote me in every area
of my life or in every part of my life.
Father I am still waiting for your promises in my life in this new year, 2014 and I will not lose hope because I know and believe that you are GOD of Miracles.
I know that as this new year, 2014 starts, I shall receive all your promises.
I shall receive that breakthrough in Jesus Name.
I shall get my admission, breakthrough, fruit of the womb, safety in Jesus name.
My health shall be restored In the Name of Jesus; Amen.
Obey these rules to receive these prophecy onto your life. SHARE and LIKE this Message at the same time. Type "AMEN" and your own words to claim this prayer NOW!!!
LASG to set standards for abattoirs
LAGOS — The Lagos State government, yesterday, said it had put in
place a reform to set standards for the operation of abattoirs in the
state.
Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, made the disclosure in an interview in Lagos.
He said that the reform, tagged: ‘The Red Meat Industry Reform,’ was to ensure that meat processing was done in hygienic conditions.
He added that “the reform is the state government’s response to the problem of illegal abattoirs and preparation of animals in unhygienic conditions.
“The state government is concerned about the health of residents and the reform seeks to ensure that the meat consumed by the people does not constitute threat to their health.”
The commissioner said a major component of the reform was the prohibition of the practice of trekking cattle from the market to the point of slaughtering.
Lawal said “when you make animals trek from one point to another, you get them tired and this reduces the meat quality of the animals.
Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, made the disclosure in an interview in Lagos.
He said that the reform, tagged: ‘The Red Meat Industry Reform,’ was to ensure that meat processing was done in hygienic conditions.
He added that “the reform is the state government’s response to the problem of illegal abattoirs and preparation of animals in unhygienic conditions.
“The state government is concerned about the health of residents and the reform seeks to ensure that the meat consumed by the people does not constitute threat to their health.”
The commissioner said a major component of the reform was the prohibition of the practice of trekking cattle from the market to the point of slaughtering.
Lawal said “when you make animals trek from one point to another, you get them tired and this reduces the meat quality of the animals.
SHOCKING PHOTOS: Actress Halima Abubakar Goes Bra-less, Flaunts bosoms
Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar has got what it takes to have men swooning.
The very curvy actress knows she naturally endowed and loves to flaunt her curves at every opportunity.
This time the actress is revealing more than curves.
See photos below:
One word for this photo?
This time the actress is revealing more than curves.
See photos below:
One word for this photo?
Why These Women Are NOT Happy With Their Vaginas
Women are getting increasingly distorted ideas of what their
private partia should look like, with many wrongly thinking their
bodies are ‘abnormal’.
New research has found that those who looked at ‘designer vaginas’ were more more likely to consider them ‘normal’ and ‘ideal’ when later comparing them to unaltered private partia.
Airbrushing and waxing are two of the main reasons why women are becoming unhappy with their appearance, the researchers say.
Many also don’t realise how much appearances can vary, they add.
The number of labiaplasties performed by the NHS has risen five-fold since 2001, according to the study’s Australian authors.
The surgery involves reducing the size of a woman’s labia minora to make them more symmetrical and smaller than the labia majora.
‘The rise in private part cosmetic surgery for women is a very worrying trend,’ the study’s lead author, Claire Moran, from the University of Queensland said.
‘There seems to be massive misconceptions around perceptions of normal private part appearance and I wanted to explore this further.’
Generally, there are no health reasons to have the surgery – it is only for the sake of appearance. So the researchers wanted to know what drives women’s perceptions of what looks good.
Ms Moran added: ‘There are misconceptions around normal private part appearance.
‘This is due to airbrushing, lack of exposure to normal women’s private parts, greater private part visibility due to Brazilian and private part waxing and the general taboo around discussing private parts and private part appearance.’
Ninety-seven Australian women ages 18 to 30 years old were divided into three groups. In the initial stage of the study, one group was shown almost three dozen images of modified female private partia; another group was shown images of unmodified private partia. A third group was not shown any images.
Next, all three groups were shown a mix of images of modified and unmodified private parts and asked to rate them for the degree to which the vulva ‘looks normal’ and ‘represents society’s ideal.’
All three groups rated the images of the ‘designer vaginas’ as more like society’s ideal than those which hadn’t undergone surgery.
Women who had viewed the images of the modified private partia first also rated the modified vulvas as more ‘normal’ than the unmodified private parts.
But women who had seen the photos of unmodified private partia first tended to rate them as normal in the second stage.
The researchers suggest that young women may not realize that normal private partia vary considerably in appearance.
‘The reality is that when it comes to women’s private parts, as with other body parts, diversity is what is normal. The results demonstrate that exposure to one kind of image impacts women’s perceptions of normal,’ Ms Moran added.
Vanessa Schick, co-author of ‘Read My Lips: A Complete Guide to the Vulva and v**ina’, told Reuters Health: ‘It’s important to understand whether women are seeking elective private part surgeries because they want their vulvas to appear “normal” or because they want them to be consistent with an “ideal”.
‘If they want to change their labia color, shape or size because they find them to be abnormal, concerns about potential variation may be addressed by showing women a variety of private part images,’ she added.
‘There a number of books, websites, posters and projects devoted to helping women “normalise” their private part appearance. If women are electing to have surgery in order to match a private part ideal, it may be more difficult to counter those women’s concerns.
New research has found that those who looked at ‘designer vaginas’ were more more likely to consider them ‘normal’ and ‘ideal’ when later comparing them to unaltered private partia.
Airbrushing and waxing are two of the main reasons why women are becoming unhappy with their appearance, the researchers say.
Many also don’t realise how much appearances can vary, they add.
The number of labiaplasties performed by the NHS has risen five-fold since 2001, according to the study’s Australian authors.
The surgery involves reducing the size of a woman’s labia minora to make them more symmetrical and smaller than the labia majora.
‘The rise in private part cosmetic surgery for women is a very worrying trend,’ the study’s lead author, Claire Moran, from the University of Queensland said.
‘There seems to be massive misconceptions around perceptions of normal private part appearance and I wanted to explore this further.’
Generally, there are no health reasons to have the surgery – it is only for the sake of appearance. So the researchers wanted to know what drives women’s perceptions of what looks good.
Ms Moran added: ‘There are misconceptions around normal private part appearance.
‘This is due to airbrushing, lack of exposure to normal women’s private parts, greater private part visibility due to Brazilian and private part waxing and the general taboo around discussing private parts and private part appearance.’
Ninety-seven Australian women ages 18 to 30 years old were divided into three groups. In the initial stage of the study, one group was shown almost three dozen images of modified female private partia; another group was shown images of unmodified private partia. A third group was not shown any images.
Next, all three groups were shown a mix of images of modified and unmodified private parts and asked to rate them for the degree to which the vulva ‘looks normal’ and ‘represents society’s ideal.’
All three groups rated the images of the ‘designer vaginas’ as more like society’s ideal than those which hadn’t undergone surgery.
Women who had viewed the images of the modified private partia first also rated the modified vulvas as more ‘normal’ than the unmodified private parts.
But women who had seen the photos of unmodified private partia first tended to rate them as normal in the second stage.
The researchers suggest that young women may not realize that normal private partia vary considerably in appearance.
‘The reality is that when it comes to women’s private parts, as with other body parts, diversity is what is normal. The results demonstrate that exposure to one kind of image impacts women’s perceptions of normal,’ Ms Moran added.
Vanessa Schick, co-author of ‘Read My Lips: A Complete Guide to the Vulva and v**ina’, told Reuters Health: ‘It’s important to understand whether women are seeking elective private part surgeries because they want their vulvas to appear “normal” or because they want them to be consistent with an “ideal”.
‘If they want to change their labia color, shape or size because they find them to be abnormal, concerns about potential variation may be addressed by showing women a variety of private part images,’ she added.
‘There a number of books, websites, posters and projects devoted to helping women “normalise” their private part appearance. If women are electing to have surgery in order to match a private part ideal, it may be more difficult to counter those women’s concerns.
Afrocandy Again! Pulls Down Pant In New Year Photo (18+)
Afrocandy has made a name for herself in Nigeria’s internet space
with her frequent unclad/half unclad photos she shares via social media.
Afrocandy takes it to a new level here by uploading photos of her panties pulled down.
What do you think?
Airlines will face multiple challenges, politicians will go down-TB Joshua
Renowned Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua has declared 2014 as a year of
‘crossing the bridge’, prophesying it to be a year of destiny where
corruption would be corrected in Nigeria as corrupt leaders would go
down.
It was an electric atmosphere in The Synagogue Church Of All Nations
(SCOAN) where large crowds thronged to usher in the New Year 2014. T.B.
Joshua came out around 11pm to deliver his much anticipated prophetic
message in a broadcast beamed live via the churches
popular television
station Emmanuel TV.
He first counseled believers to stay steadfast in faith despite the challenges that would arise in the coming year. “We are tempted so that we may pray the more. Afflictions are meant for our spiritual benefit,” he encouraged the congregants and television viewers.
Moving on, he spoke about what was to be expected in the New Year, attendees listening with rapt attention and scribbling notes as he spoke. “This New Year 2014 is not like any other year in the past. It is a year of crossing bridge. To cross the bridge, you need to grab onto faith,” he began. “This is not going to be easy for the mighty. Many of the mighty will fall. Pray for them. The rich, famous and popular people – many will fall this 2014 because crossing the bridge is not going to be easy; they need God. Many of them believe it is their own making to be great in their own area of expertise.”
He went on to decry the effect this ‘fall’ would have on the business world as, according to him, “98% of businesses and companies are owned by these people.” Specifying a field of business that would especially be affected, he said the airline industry would face multiple challenges, leading to an unprecedented rise in ticket prices, particularly noting that African airlines would be most affected. Joshua further declared 2014 to be a year of destiny for those would ‘follow the ways of the Lord’. “Many people that are not known will be rise by destiny,” he prophesied.
Talking about the current Nigerian political situation, Joshua said, “There will be a leadership tussle on who will lead and who will be presidential candidate in APC which will affect them as a political party. They should be vigilant. Many are with them in flesh but not with them in spirit.” Talking about the current crisis Nigeria’s ruling party PDP are embroiled in, the prophet stated that they would ‘pay any price to unite’ but that the issue of who would be the presidential candidate would cause challenges.
“Many of the key leaders in political parties will go down in 2014,” Joshua then announced to the somber audience. “If many key leaders go down with 2014, what will now happen in 2015? Pray for 2015 to be fulfilled. The beginner is not the owner but the finisher.”
He then stated to thunderous applause that 2014 would see a positive improvement for the nation in the area of corruption. “What will happen in 2014 will result in the correction of the corruption in Nigeria because many corrupt leaders will go down in 2014.”
Joshua then prayed for the congregants who all lit candles to symbolize the dawn of the New Year. “God has promised that 2014 is the year of destiny. Your destiny cannot be changed. This New Year, your destiny cannot be tampered with. I command your dream to come true, your dream to come to fulfillment, in Jesus’ name.”
 |
| Tb Joshua |
He first counseled believers to stay steadfast in faith despite the challenges that would arise in the coming year. “We are tempted so that we may pray the more. Afflictions are meant for our spiritual benefit,” he encouraged the congregants and television viewers.
Moving on, he spoke about what was to be expected in the New Year, attendees listening with rapt attention and scribbling notes as he spoke. “This New Year 2014 is not like any other year in the past. It is a year of crossing bridge. To cross the bridge, you need to grab onto faith,” he began. “This is not going to be easy for the mighty. Many of the mighty will fall. Pray for them. The rich, famous and popular people – many will fall this 2014 because crossing the bridge is not going to be easy; they need God. Many of them believe it is their own making to be great in their own area of expertise.”
He went on to decry the effect this ‘fall’ would have on the business world as, according to him, “98% of businesses and companies are owned by these people.” Specifying a field of business that would especially be affected, he said the airline industry would face multiple challenges, leading to an unprecedented rise in ticket prices, particularly noting that African airlines would be most affected. Joshua further declared 2014 to be a year of destiny for those would ‘follow the ways of the Lord’. “Many people that are not known will be rise by destiny,” he prophesied.
Talking about the current Nigerian political situation, Joshua said, “There will be a leadership tussle on who will lead and who will be presidential candidate in APC which will affect them as a political party. They should be vigilant. Many are with them in flesh but not with them in spirit.” Talking about the current crisis Nigeria’s ruling party PDP are embroiled in, the prophet stated that they would ‘pay any price to unite’ but that the issue of who would be the presidential candidate would cause challenges.
“Many of the key leaders in political parties will go down in 2014,” Joshua then announced to the somber audience. “If many key leaders go down with 2014, what will now happen in 2015? Pray for 2015 to be fulfilled. The beginner is not the owner but the finisher.”
He then stated to thunderous applause that 2014 would see a positive improvement for the nation in the area of corruption. “What will happen in 2014 will result in the correction of the corruption in Nigeria because many corrupt leaders will go down in 2014.”
Joshua then prayed for the congregants who all lit candles to symbolize the dawn of the New Year. “God has promised that 2014 is the year of destiny. Your destiny cannot be changed. This New Year, your destiny cannot be tampered with. I command your dream to come true, your dream to come to fulfillment, in Jesus’ name.”
Abe said,He will soon join APC
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| Magnus Abe |
Speaking at Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, during his third annual interactive session with youths from the seven local government areas that make up Rivers South-East senatorial district of the state, he said: “I am going to cross to APC. Even if it is only one senator that will cross from PDP to APC, you can go and write it down, Magnus Abe will be that senator. I will cross. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of association. It says if there is division in your political association, you can cross.”
The lawmaker said that the crisis rocking PDP, which led to the walk-out of some aggrieved members of the party and subsequent formation of a faction of the ruling party, justifies the decision to dump PDP for APC.
“Everybody in Nigeria knows that there was a walkout during the convention of PDP and that resulted in the formation of a faction. That faction has now merged with APC. So, what am I doing in PDP when my faction is in APC? This country belongs to all of us. Nigerians must oppose this idea that once you hold power, it is your personal estate and you can do whatever you like.
“Have people not been crossing to PDP? How many governors have crossed from other parties to the PDP? Was Theodore Orji of Abia State not elected on the platform of another party? Is he not in PDP today? Did they hang him? People have been crossing over to PDP, suddenly, you said, people cannot cross. There can only be one rule for all Nigerians. That is how other countries make progress.”
Earlier in his remarks, Speaker of Rivers State Youth Parliament, Mr. Ijok Emmanuel, commended Senator Abe for all he had done for students and youths of Rivers South-East senatorial district since he was elected into the National Assembly.
Security challenges-FG not responsible said Maku
ABUJA— The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, yesterday, said
the current insecurity challenges in the country were not the creation
of Federal Government, but local politicians that felt Nigeria belong
to them.
The minister said they caused crises to discredit Jonathan’s administration and that in spite of that, the government had made tremendous progress in all sectors of the economy in the last three years.
Maku, who stated this during a world press conference to review Federal Government’s achievements in 2013 in Abuja, noted that those criticising government were doing so because of their ambitions for the 2015 general election.
According to him, government has been able to manage the economy in spite of the economic meltdown in the world economy.
He further said the present administration, in spite of political denials, had been able to developed people-oriented economy, with the highest Gross Domestic Growth, GDP, recorded consecutively in the past three years.
The minister maintained that the government had ensured stability in the exchange rate, low inflation rate and high economic growth, due to proper management of the economy.
This, according to him, had made Nigeria the highest receiver of foreign investment in the continent.
Maku said: “Nigeria’s GDP is one of the fastest growing in the world. Growth rate in 2013 was put at 7.2 per cent by International Monetary Fund, IMF.
“The dollar exchange rate has remained stable in the last two years (between N155 and N160).
“Inflation rate is declining and has been in single digits all year. Current inflation rate is eight per cent in September, down from nine in January 2013.
“By May 2013, Nigeria’s foreign reserve was $48.4 billion up from $32.08 billion in May 2011.
“Excess Crude Account, ECA, rose from $4 billion in 2011 to $9 billion at the end of 2012. It is now helping the country to cushion the effects of current low earnings from oil.
“Nigeria’s debt to GDP is 21 per cent, compared with South Africa, 42.7; USA, 106; UK, 90 and Japan, 225.
The minister said they caused crises to discredit Jonathan’s administration and that in spite of that, the government had made tremendous progress in all sectors of the economy in the last three years.
Maku, who stated this during a world press conference to review Federal Government’s achievements in 2013 in Abuja, noted that those criticising government were doing so because of their ambitions for the 2015 general election.
Information Minister, Labaran Maku
He further said the present administration, in spite of political denials, had been able to developed people-oriented economy, with the highest Gross Domestic Growth, GDP, recorded consecutively in the past three years.
The minister maintained that the government had ensured stability in the exchange rate, low inflation rate and high economic growth, due to proper management of the economy.
This, according to him, had made Nigeria the highest receiver of foreign investment in the continent.
Maku said: “Nigeria’s GDP is one of the fastest growing in the world. Growth rate in 2013 was put at 7.2 per cent by International Monetary Fund, IMF.
“The dollar exchange rate has remained stable in the last two years (between N155 and N160).
“Inflation rate is declining and has been in single digits all year. Current inflation rate is eight per cent in September, down from nine in January 2013.
“By May 2013, Nigeria’s foreign reserve was $48.4 billion up from $32.08 billion in May 2011.
“Excess Crude Account, ECA, rose from $4 billion in 2011 to $9 billion at the end of 2012. It is now helping the country to cushion the effects of current low earnings from oil.
“Nigeria’s debt to GDP is 21 per cent, compared with South Africa, 42.7; USA, 106; UK, 90 and Japan, 225.
10 houses razed in Delta,and Three siblings burnt to death.
An eye witness said the source of the fire could not be ascertained but suggested it could be from candle light or generating sets as there was power outage at time of the incident.
Our source said the tragic incident occurred at about 9.43 p.m while both parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jakpor Emuruohwose and their eldest daughter, aged 11years, were away
Father of the victims, a graduate of Petroleum Training Institute, Mr. Emuruohwose, 38, is a native of Okonohwoakpo-Egbo of Kokori Inland, Ethiope East Council Area of Delta State.
The victims, two boys and a girl, ages between 9 and 3, were in great health and hopeful before the tragic incident which has left both young parent stunned.
Our source said the fire started from Emuruohwose’s side of the all zinc estate and the kids ran inside to the room as the fire was billowing.
According to the source, “Two of the kids died in the fire and the other one died in the hospital from severe burns. Property worth millions of Naira were destroyed in the fire.
“We made frantic efforts to quench the fire but it was beyond our power. By the time the fire service came, the havoc was already done and angry mob chased them away, pelting them with stones in anger.
“Out of fear, the fire service officials drove away as their vehicle windsreens were shattered. Maybe, they would have assisted but for the angry youths.”
Our correspondent visited the scene, yesterday, sympathisers were seen discussing the incident.
Pastor, 6 children, 9 others were arrested by DSS for printing fake currency
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| suspects |
The service, yesterday, announced the arrest of a syndicate, including the pastor, over the alleged printing and circulation of fake naira notes.
The Director of DSS, Mr Mike Fubara, said this when he presented the suspects to newsmen, adding that the syndicate included 15 others, including the pastor’s six children.
He named the pastor as Godson Akubuiro, the General Overseer of The Mountain of Breakthrough Deliverance Ministry, Lagos.
Fubara said DSS in its effort to trace the source of the “worrisome fake naira currency in circulation in the state undertook a covert operation to uncover those behind the act.
‘’This operation took the service close to four months before a breakthrough resulting in the arrest of the 16-man syndicate led by Reverend Godson O. Akubuiro,’, the director said.
He said the operation took security agents to The Breakthrough Church, also known as Land of Solution, located at Plot 7, Koya Estate, Igbo Olomu, Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos.
He said the suspects were being investigated preparatory to their prosecution.
Items recovered
The director said items recovered from the suspects include equipment and materials used in printing fake currencies.
Other items recovered were a large quantity of printed fake notes, cut to size blank currency notes and N1.3 million fake naira notes.
Fubara urged the public to be wary of the fake naira notes in circulation and report suspects to the service.
I used the money to support the less privileged — Pastor
Akubuiro, however, told newsmen that he was not using the money for himself but in supporting the less privileged and the needy in his congregation.
He, however, pleaded for leniency, saying men of God were often tempted like King David in the Bible, who as a man after God’s heart but fell many times and was still pardoned by God.
Pastor Godson Akubuiro and six of his children were reportedly kidnapped on Friday from their Adeosun Street residence, Koya Estate, Igbo Olomu, Ikorodu, and Lagos State.
Harm Robbers caused Banks to close early in Ilorin
ILORIN — Bank customers in Ilorin, the Kwara capital, have been
going through hassles to transact businesses as the local branches now
close at 2.00 pm over fear of attack by robbers.
According to reports, the development was caused by a December 19 incident in Offa during which an estimated 30 robbers stormed some banks killing a number of people.
The robbers also raided a divisional police station in the town during the attack which occurred at about 6.00pm.
Consequently,
banks in Ilorin close as early as 2.00 pm instead of the usual 4.00 pm,
forcing scores of customers to resort to the use of the Automated
Teller Machines, ATMs.
This has led to long queues at the ATMs as customers besiege the cash dispensing machines for transactions.
A member of staff of one the banks, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the banks’ refusal to open till the usual 4.00 pm was caused by fears of impending attack.
Some of the customers said the development was unfortunate.
They called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to rise to the occasion and secure lives and property.
They urged government at all levels to create jobs and initiate people-oriented programmes to cater for the teeming unemployed youths.
The Kwara Police Commissioner, Mr Agboola Oshodi-Glover, said yesterday that the police were on top of the situation.
He said the command had deployed its officers and men to the nooks and crannies of the state to reduce crime rate to the barest minimum.
He urged the people to go about their businesses without any fear and cooperate with the police.
According to reports, the development was caused by a December 19 incident in Offa during which an estimated 30 robbers stormed some banks killing a number of people.
The robbers also raided a divisional police station in the town during the attack which occurred at about 6.00pm.
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| picture |
This has led to long queues at the ATMs as customers besiege the cash dispensing machines for transactions.
A member of staff of one the banks, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the banks’ refusal to open till the usual 4.00 pm was caused by fears of impending attack.
Some of the customers said the development was unfortunate.
They called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to rise to the occasion and secure lives and property.
They urged government at all levels to create jobs and initiate people-oriented programmes to cater for the teeming unemployed youths.
The Kwara Police Commissioner, Mr Agboola Oshodi-Glover, said yesterday that the police were on top of the situation.
He said the command had deployed its officers and men to the nooks and crannies of the state to reduce crime rate to the barest minimum.
He urged the people to go about their businesses without any fear and cooperate with the police.
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