Godwin Etakibuebu: This Nigerian Democracy Is Really Going Crazy

Events of the last few months are throwing interpretation of democracy to another level. It is no more what the great philosophers from the ancient Greece meant it to be. For them, the Greeks, it is government of the people for the people by the people.
This application has no meaning in the Nigerian context. Even at what Ibrahim Babangida called “home grown democracy” during his wasteful experimentation with the project called Nigerian for over seven years, the meaning of democracy as we see it today remains a bitter and useless version what the Army Four-Star General from Minna in NigerState practised.
Starting from a selfish and wicked structure called Nigeria Governors Forum, which is a demonic entity for the sole selfish survival of members to the annihilation of the unprotected citizens of this failed nation, one would see the handwriting that the meaning of democracy is being reinvented.
Before then even, there is evidence of total failure in the practise of our democracy. For example, the late law guru , Gani Fawehinmi, fought a major battle, using the instrumentality of the law, to put an end to a major illegality going by the name of the “office of the first lady”, at both federal and states levels. Gani won that battle, l think, but the operators of Nigeria “care no damn” about it.
Gani is gone to rest with his creator, the office of First Lady and, maybe “First Widows”, remains. The present incumbent of that office in Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, just this year, has the unrestrained audacity to include a N4 billion project under the sub-heading “office of the First Lady”, in the Nigerian National Budget sent to the National Assembly by the Presidency. Can we see the democracy of “care no damn”?
Talking about “care no damn” about any issue, President Goodluck Jonathan was to promote it to a household name when he told television viewers [all over the world that NTA covers] that he “care no damn” on declaration of his assets.
For President Jonathan, it was a “moral issue but not legal”, which brings an interpretation that our President do not mind being morally bankrupt while legally okay. His conclusion reminds me of the maverick politician from Oguta in ImoState, Francis Arthur Nzeribe. It was he who made the statement many years ago that “what a millionaire minds is legality and not morality”.
What, therefore, is the difference between Nzeribe, the creator of that nefarious and unregistered Association of Better Nigerians [we cannot forget so easily how that Association truncated the "freest and fairest democratic election" ever held in this country which eventually led to the death of the winner of that election, MKO Abiola] and President Jonathan, who could not draw the line between his “legal and moral” obligations to Nigerians, the people he is elected to lead?
He ought to have known, as a scientist with PhD degree, that a man who is morally bankrupt is not qualified to lead people democratically because democracy will ever remain a legal structure. That is Nigeria’s democracy for us on the other hand.
Let us welcome this Peoples Democratic Party – new face of old and new – roforofo [in honour of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti's memory] battle. Can we define the meaning of democracy from this free for all “chop and quench” battle of the titans? Are there some Nigerians, still, who did not know that the reason for this fight to finish between the “old” and the “new” PDP is for our money?
There is no way that the creator of heaven and earth, who equally created Nigeria with its wealth, which these dealers parading themselves as leaders, are carting away to their private bank accounts, will not call them to judgement. Yes, my prayer will be in agreement with the President of the Senate, David Mark, when he was talking about the thieves of the Pension Reform Fund. He said that “may God put them in the hottest part of hell”– Amen.
The “family” affair of the PDP is coming together again; both the old and the new, after our common wealth had changed hands, some foreign bank accounts of some individuals had gotten a boost, some earnings from crude oil sales had been mismanaged, part of the never audited security vote had collapsed into “securing pockets of some individual politicians” and many other calamities against 90 percent of the 150 million Nigerians. Eh! God will fight for us and defend us – the hopelessly oppressed citizens of this country that presently have no comforter!
Is this not a democracy that has gone crazy? Think of it. Please, do.

Mr Godwin Etakibuebu, a current affairs commentator, wrote from Lagos#
courtesy - http://naijaobserver.wordpress.com/
 

FG To Spend N971bn On Fuel Subsidy In 2013

The Federal Government has said it will spend a total of N971bn to subsidise petroleum product consumption this year.
The amount is, however, N21bn higher than what was expended on fuel subsidy last year.
The government announced this on Monday as it released fresh N46.76bn for the payment of subsidy claims to 30 oil marketers.
The amount brings the total payments made under the fuel subsidy regime in the 2013 fiscal period to N287.35bn.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, confirmed the payment in a statement issued by her Special Adviser (Communications), Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu.
She said, “In 2011, there was a huge public outcry. As a result, this administration has worked hard to clean up the process of subsidy payments. In response, the ministry set up the Aig-Imoukhuede committee, which investigated the subsidy payments. The committee was later elevated to a presidential committee by Mr. President.
“We also hired new auditors and we put in place different checks and balances. As a result, last year, we brought the subsidy payment down to about N950bn, and we expect that this year, we will pay about N971bn.
“I believe this is a huge achievement for which the Jonathan administration deserves some credit, something that should make Nigerians proud of their government.”
According to the statement, 11 oil marketers were paid N17.29bn subsidy for petrol imported into the country in April, while the remaining 19 were paid N29.46bn for May imports.
Okonjo-Iweala said, “In furtherance of President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of fuel subsidy payments, the Federal Ministry of Finance has released the sum of N46.764bn as the latest payment to oil marketers, whose claims have successfully gone through the verification process.
“This means that, so far in 2013, a total of N287.351bn has been paid in verified claims to verified marketers.”
She said the prudent management of the subsidy regime had enabled the Federal Government to reduced public spending on petroleum product subsidy from N2.2tn in 2011 to N971bn last year.
This, she added, represented a reduction of about N1.2tn or 56 per cent.
The statement also quoted Okonjo-Iweala to have said that the Federal Government would continue to block loopholes in the fuel subsidy regime, adding that only marketers with genuine claims would be paid.
Some of the marketers that got their subsidy claims are AITEO Energy Resources Limited, Conoil Plc, DEE Jones Petroleum and Gas Limited, Forte Oil Plc, Gulf Treasures Limited, Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc and NIPCO Plc.

Contesting For a Second Term Is Not illegal – President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has said the country’s Constitution gives him the opportunity just like any other Nigerian, the chance to vie for second term in office either as elected president or governor.
He spoke on Sunday midnight during a meeting with Nigerian Professionals in New York, United States.
Jonathan, who is yet to publicly declare his ambition on the 2015 presidential election, believed that the administration should be more concerned with delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
Stressing that the interest of the nation is greater than that of any individual, he urged those fanning the ember of disintegration in the country to refrain it.
He also urged the political class in the country to drop the idea of do or die approach in politics and allow him to concentrate on his core mandate of governance.
The President said that Nigerians hold the power to vote out anybody they are not comfortable with during elections.
According to him, political leaders in the country must be mindful of what they say or do in order not to undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria.
Jonathan said, “Already we have a constitution that makes provision for maximum of eight years for anyone who wants to become a president or a governor. There is no president or governor that all citizens vote for but at the end of the election if somebody emerges you must allow the person to work.
“If you love your country, you would want your country to work. That does not mean that you will not vote against the person if you don’t like the way he works but you must allow him to work.
“No matter how you feel about the political situation, consider the interest of your country first before yourself. If you are struggling to enter a house you must not put dynamite to destroy the house. By the time you get there, there will be no house for you to stay.
“So first and foremost we must collectively build our country. Don’t bother about who is there now because power is transient, very temporary.”
On corruption, he said “So many people are saying we are not doing well in fighting corruption and before you say that, there must be a parameter for judging us. What are the yardsticks they are using to judge us?”


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How To Choose A Wedding Suit

      

''An inexpensive but impeccably cut suit will look like a million bucks. The same can’t be said for a pricey, ill-fitting one.''

Guys, let’s face it: When it comes to weddings, it’s all about her. From the rehearsal dinner to the reception to the exotic honeymoon locale, we’ve got little say. And then, of course, there’s the dress -- perhaps the only thing anyone cares about. After all, even if the salmon is bland, the bridesmaids are drunk and the band plays "Sweet Caroline" a few too many times, everyone will look back and think about that dress. So what’s in it for us? In short, not much unless you select your suit wisely and squeeze it for all it’s worth. Lucky for you, we know just how to do that.

Choosing Your Wedding Suit: What You Should Know

Purchase - don’t rent
Most men go the rent-a-tux route. And we wouldn’t totally blame you for it either, considering that you probably plan on wearing the darn thing for just a few hours. But this isn’t your high school prom. So you can scrounge for your scrapbook or take our word for it: rented suits never fit properly and always look cheap. Not to mention the fact that someone else (in fact, many someone elses) wore it on their special day. Break the mold and buy.

Quit the corporate culture
You should look like you’re getting married, not giving a PowerPoint presentation. Suiting up in something new rather than a rental or boardroom leftover is a first step, but it’s far from the only thing that will keep you out of the office. Go black, three piece, and shell out somewhat more than you may be used to. We guarantee it’ll pay off.
Say something with the fit
You may be tempted to break out the bells and whistles. This day, after all, is only supposed to come around once. But despite your best instincts, your energy and hard earned money is better spent on tailoring. An inexpensive but impeccably cut suit will look like a million bucks. The same can’t be said for a pricey, ill-fitting one.



Form follows fabric
A tailor’s nip and tuck can only go so far. Without a fine fabric to lay the foundation, it’s tough to construct a winning wedding suit. A slouchy, shapeless blend will leave you looking, well, slouchy and shapeless. A weighty wool, on the other hand, will do just the opposite.

How To Wear Your Wedding Suit Post-Wedding

Funny thing is, with all the fabrics and fits, picking your suit often takes longer than the time you’ll actually spend wearing it. But, as promised, there are a few things you can do to maximize mileage. Here are some ways to make sure the suit you choose can be worn well after your wedding day is over. Ditch the vest
Sure, it’s the easiest way to switch up a three piece, and you’ll gain a new weekday work suit in the process. We just recommend reserving it for special days when you need to play boss and bust balls. Pair it with a red, purple or light-blue knit tie from Drake’s London. The knit will lighten up the mood, but it’s really the color that counts. Remember: The suit is already black, and you don’t want to look like you’re going to a wedding again, or worse, a funeral.
 


Add the vest
While your workweek may be saturated with suits, we’re willing to bet your weekend is of the jeans and tee variety. Throw on the vest with slim-cut, dark denim (like this indigo resin rinse from J Brand), a solid white V-neck from Uniqlo and sleek black sneakers by Lanvin. Just make sure to keep the vest open and the shirt fitted but not skin tight. Otherwise, you’ll come off like you’re trying too hard.






Jerry-rig the jacket
Take the jacket and use it as a blazer. Yeah, yeah, we know you’ve heard this one before. But take note: The jacket should be trim and tailored enough to survive on its own. It’s a rule that will help you find the right fit for your wedding suit and one that lends itself nicely to the tailored cut of Joe’s Brixton blue jeans and a Hugo Boss spread-collar button down long after the big day is over. For those extra special nights out, feel free to slip on that vest with the Tie Bar’s classic black skinny tie and a pair of patent leather lace-ups from Ferragamo. Fly the trousers solo
Using the trousers with your regular run-of-the-mill button down for business-casual climes is fine by us. But you could really stretch your investment by pairing the pants with a crisp, un-tucked polo (we’re partial to this three-button pima pique from Theory) and some cool kicks like Tods’ iconic driver in red suede.

In the end, all eyes will definitely be on her dress. But there’s no harm in stealing a few glances for yourself on that day and those blissful years beyond.

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Pregnant Woman Killed, Others Injured As Building Collapses In Enugu

A four-bedroom bungalow, built on the hilly Ologo settlement in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, collapsed Sunday night, killing a pregnant woman and injuring her husband and another tenant.
The woman, Mrs. Chinasa Chukwuka, and her husband were in their room, when part of the hill behind their house collapsed during a downpour and pulled the house down.



An eyewitness said that the woman died before she could be rescued from the rubble, while her husband, Emeka, was successfully pulled out, but fainted thereafter. He was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Their neighbours, Mr. Cyril Jaja, who occupy two rooms in the same house with his son, however, sustained a minor injury, but all their belongings were destroyed.#

Read More...

FG To Spend N971bn On Fuel Subsidy In 2013

The Federal Government has said it will spend a total of N971bn to subsidise petroleum product consumption this year.
The amount is, however, N21bn higher than what was expended on fuel subsidy last year.
The government announced this on Monday as it released fresh N46.76bn for the payment of subsidy claims to 30 oil marketers.
The amount brings the total payments made under the fuel subsidy regime in the 2013 fiscal period to N287.35bn.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, confirmed the payment in a statement issued by her Special Adviser (Communications), Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu.
She said, “In 2011, there was a huge public outcry. As a result, this administration has worked hard to clean up the process of subsidy payments. In response, the ministry set up the Aig-Imoukhuede committee, which investigated the subsidy payments. The committee was later elevated to a presidential committee by Mr. President.
“We also hired new auditors and we put in place different checks and balances. As a result, last year, we brought the subsidy payment down to about N950bn, and we expect that this year, we will pay about N971bn.
“I believe this is a huge achievement for which the Jonathan administration deserves some credit, something that should make Nigerians proud of their government.”
According to the statement, 11 oil marketers were paid N17.29bn subsidy for petrol imported into the country in April, while the remaining 19 were paid N29.46bn for May imports.
Okonjo-Iweala said, “In furtherance of President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of fuel subsidy payments, the Federal Ministry of Finance has released the sum of N46.764bn as the latest payment to oil marketers, whose claims have successfully gone through the verification process.
“This means that, so far in 2013, a total of N287.351bn has been paid in verified claims to verified marketers.”

Read More... 

Gombe Police Arrest 2 Men For Raping Teenage Boys

Gombe State Police Command says it has arrested two persons suspected of homosexuality and another for rape.
Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr. Fwaje Atajiri, made this known yesterday in Gombe.
Atajiri said that a 25-year-old suspected homosexual of Dubai by-pass Gombe had, on September 15, lured a seven-year-old boy to an uncompleted building, threatened him with a knife and raped him.
According to him, an old man notified the police after querying the boy, whom he met walking in pains after the rape.
The police spokesman said the suspect was immediately arrested and after interrogation allegedly confessed to have committed the offence.

 Read More...