Hi Guys,
A guy needs your Advice about his Girlfriend, Kindly Advice him.. I don’t even understand the guy self.
See what he sent to Us:-
I have a girlfriend. She is 21 while I am 25. She is using Blackberry and iPhone while I am using Nokia torch. I bought the phones for her because I love her so much.
I send 400 naira card to her every day but she doesn’t call me. She only flashes me. Whenever we go to a restaurant, I buy her Red wine, Juices and fried rice while I drink only pure water and eat groundnut.
One day, I bought 400 naira card for her. When we were together, she called another guy and told the guy that she loves him and will marry him. When I asked her who she was calling, she said that she was only joking. She has never ever visited my house and she doesn’t allow me to visit her house. Whenever I want to hug her, she would shout at me harshly.
What should I do? Should I increase the recharge card I buy for her to 600 naira? Or should I buy another Blackberry phone (N100,000) for her and iPhone6 (N458, 000) for her too?
I know that she loves me very much, but she’s just pretending as if she doesn’t.
Drop your Comments Guys!!
welcome to Ewagist, a blog that updates the youth with Entertainment, Gist, tech updates, News, Education and other important info
Friday, November 13, 2015
House names Fayose ‘opposition leader’
Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he is not afraid of going to jail to defend his conviction and ensure that the nation does not slide into a one-party dictatorship.
He said he was not afraid of President Muhammadu Buhari and would continue to criticise him for clamping down on former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors.
The governor spoke yesterday after the House of Assembly declared him “Nigeria’s opposition leader” for consistently speaking against perceived persecution by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
The House, led by Speaker Kola Oluwawole, passed the resolution at a special sitting.
Lawmakers, who spoke at the sitting included Oluwawole; his deputy, Segun Adewumi; House Leader Tunji Akinyele; Samuel Omotoso and Mrs. Titi Owolabi-Akerele.
Fayose said: “Why should I be afraid of jail? Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nelson Mandela were jailed. Chief MKO Abiola was clamped into detention.
“So, why should I be afraid of President Buhari? He is just going to be President for a period of time. Virtually, all former PDP governors are being tried for corruption.
“But my speaking about what the APC government is doing does not mean I am eyeing a bigger position. I am not ready to go to the Senate. Great leaders don’t think about political placement, but think about how to strive to make their country better.
“All of us cannot run away from harassment. I am an opposition figure and I want to help the ruling party through criticisms, so that it won’t sleep.
“I don’t have any apology. This is the only time I can help Nigeria by helping check oppression and dictatorship.
“But a fact remains that whether the house calls me opposition leader or not, I will remain myself.”
On why they ‘honored Fayose with the title, Oluwawole said: “Since Fayose assumed office, if you see and hear his contributions to national issues, he has been honest, frank, courageous and this shows that he is an epitome of leadership. He has also been prudent in the management of our resources.”
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe and the Chairman, State Traditional Council, Oba Samuel Oyebade, urged the Assembly and other Ekiti citizens to continue to support the governor.
He said he was not afraid of President Muhammadu Buhari and would continue to criticise him for clamping down on former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors.
The governor spoke yesterday after the House of Assembly declared him “Nigeria’s opposition leader” for consistently speaking against perceived persecution by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
The House, led by Speaker Kola Oluwawole, passed the resolution at a special sitting.
Lawmakers, who spoke at the sitting included Oluwawole; his deputy, Segun Adewumi; House Leader Tunji Akinyele; Samuel Omotoso and Mrs. Titi Owolabi-Akerele.
Fayose said: “Why should I be afraid of jail? Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nelson Mandela were jailed. Chief MKO Abiola was clamped into detention.
“So, why should I be afraid of President Buhari? He is just going to be President for a period of time. Virtually, all former PDP governors are being tried for corruption.
“But my speaking about what the APC government is doing does not mean I am eyeing a bigger position. I am not ready to go to the Senate. Great leaders don’t think about political placement, but think about how to strive to make their country better.
“All of us cannot run away from harassment. I am an opposition figure and I want to help the ruling party through criticisms, so that it won’t sleep.
“I don’t have any apology. This is the only time I can help Nigeria by helping check oppression and dictatorship.
“But a fact remains that whether the house calls me opposition leader or not, I will remain myself.”
On why they ‘honored Fayose with the title, Oluwawole said: “Since Fayose assumed office, if you see and hear his contributions to national issues, he has been honest, frank, courageous and this shows that he is an epitome of leadership. He has also been prudent in the management of our resources.”
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe and the Chairman, State Traditional Council, Oba Samuel Oyebade, urged the Assembly and other Ekiti citizens to continue to support the governor.
Super Ministers and other stories
HAVE you congratulated our new Ministers?”
“I am still thinking about it, actually. I don’t know whether to congratulate them or to commiserate or to pity some of them. They have merged Ministries that need not be merged. Some Perm Secs are now floating. Six months and this is it?”
“What kind of talk is that? You have come again oh”.
“I wonder too. At least you can see that round pegs have been put in round holes, and shame on all you doubting Thomases, our government is good to go.”
“”Who is talking politics? Can we discuss Nigeria and leave politics out of it? And please, leave that thing about pegs. Some pegs are neither round nor square, they are misshaped.”
“Everything is political.”
“I know. Very soon, you will also insist that that funny walking stick Ngige was carrying about, like the rod of Moses, is also political.”
“Okay, what is your point?”
“I have said it before and I repeat it again. I still think whenever Ministers are to be screened by the Senate, their portfolios should be attached. It helps to prepare the prospective Minister mentally. It deepens the screening process, and makes it even more participatory.”
“There is no such Constitutional requirement.”
“Everything doesn’t have to be in the Constitution.”
“Okay we have heard. You have said it before. When next we are appointing Ministers, we will disclose their portfolios”.
“What do you mean we?”
“Na we, now”
“Ehen”
“See, I usually don’t vote. But this last election, I got my PVC and I voted. Those PDP people already had their cup full. I voted for change.”
“Me too.”
“But the campaign is over, and I see too many of you still locked in an election mode.”
“Na so e be. As I dey sef, I dey wait for 2019. Na for Baba side I dey.”
“This Baba syndrome is a problem. It is breeding a culture of mass sycophancy, hypnotism and amnesia.”
“Grammar!”
“When you elevate a government to a semi-divine status, you lose sight of your responsibility to hold government accountable. The ascribed, contrived, or self-imposed divinity of elected officials is a threat to democracy.”
“I think you should be holding this conversation with your brother, Patrick Obahiagbon, I beg. Simple matter, you want to give somebody headache. One of these days, I will arrange a meeting between you and the Igodomigodo. Any little talk, somebody must look for dictionary. You too dey show. Na only you?”
“Leave am make e dey yarn. People who have become Ministers have become Ministers.”
“Look at it this way, I know one of those old Ministers. The day he was given a portfolio, a very important one at that, the guy said he didn’t know what the Ministry was all about. I was shocked.”
“Well, I am not shocked.”
“He ended up creating problems.”
“We know.”
“So, what usually happens is that when a man takes a Ministry, he had no prior knowledge of, he spends the next six months trying to figure it out.”
“That’s why Baba has chosen experienced people who have been in government at senior levels.”
“But one of them has said he is there to learn”
“Who is that?”
“You go and find out.”
“If I may play the Devil’s advocate, I think what the man means is that he is open to ideas. As human beings, we are always learning. At the retreat, the point was made clear that this is not a cabinet of learners, but drivers. People who are ready to move things forward.”
“Were you there? Suppose they can’t move anything.”
“Someone told me. I have my contacts.”
“You are just a bloody gossip. The truth is that some Ministers spend the whole time learning and moving nothing”
“I see noise-making has started already”.
“We don’t need noise. I want to see the change I asked for with my PVC.”
“Fashola is the luckiest guy.”
“Baba meta, himself.”
“What is that?”
“Power, Works, Housing. The Holy Trinity of Government.”
“E remain make dem add Finance.”
“Fashola is mai mhe-en.”
“I don’t envy him. I actually sympathise with him. I hope he has not been set up for demystification and disambulation.”
“Why don’t you speak like a normal human being?”
“Those three key portfolios make him a Super Minister.”
“They should just have named him Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy.”
“No. We don’t need that. Every Minister is important.”
“Fashola in that assignment, I tell you, will need the services of a doctor, a massager, and prayer warriors”
“Don’t worry yourself. The man will do it. He performed in Lagos. The moment he left, Lagos shut down. See how Ambode is struggling with Fashola’s big shoes. It is just Fashola’s wife that I pity.”
“What has his wife got to do with this? Please.”
“You don’t know? This one that they have made him a Baba Meta; I swear, when next the man shoots straight, his wife go born triplets! One for Power, one for Works, and the other for …”
“Amaechi wife, na twins that one go born.”
“Are you guys alright?”
“Wait oh, e be like say na only one Baba give Amaechi. Transportation.”
“Na two. Transport not Transportation. Baba has added …ation for Aviation. Amaechi is in charge of Transport. He is in charge of Aviation, add the two: Transportation. Him na Baba Ibeji.”
“With control over 15 parastatals/agencies. God! You have his phone number?”
“No. I no get. But Baba didn’t treat our brother, JFK well”
“He is in charge of Solid Minerals. That is a very strategic Ministry. It is like Agriculture. A developed Solid Minerals sector will further diversify the economy and increase non-oil revenue.”
“But na only one they give am.”
“Me, I thank God that he has a portfolio. I think PMB gave him Solid Minerals deliberately to please Fayose.”
“What has Fayose got to do with this now?”
“Everything. You know he was the one who begged President Buhari to give Ekiti State, a solid ministry. He said Ekiti people don’t want any yebuyebu Ministry but a very solid one.”
“So?”
“So, the President has shown that he listens, and he has given the people of Ekiti State, the Ministry of Solid Minerals!”
“You are not okay.”
“Ekiti is solid. Whatever Fayemi is able to do in that Ministry, his efforts will be appreciated. But as for Amaechi and Fashola, well…”
“Who is in charge of Niger Delta? That is another strategic Ministry”
“Na Pastor they put there oh. Pastor Uguru.”
“Me, I just hope the man knows that that is not a Ministry where you go and chop guguru oh. It is an important portfolio.”
“If Uguru likes, let him chop guguru. As long as he does not chop alone, and the people of the Niger Delta get enough popcorn too.”
“But wait a moment, is that not the same Pastor who during the Ministerial screening swore that God forbids him having anything to do with PDP members?”
“He didn’t swear. He said it.”
“He will probably need a one-on-one retreat with President Buhari. This is a government of nobody and a government of everybody.”
“Hey! Even our critics are beginning to quote us as if they are quoting the Bible. Patapata we go win again o, winner! ”
“Just tell your Uguru that he is not an APC Minister, but a Minister of the Federal Republic, whose doors must be open to everyone.”
“Hen, hen. Are you looking for contract already, or a consultancy? Do I give you the man’s number?”
“I don’t need his number. I am making commonsense.”
“Oh, you want to become another Ben Bruce, the commonsense Senator? He goes about saying he is making commonsense.”
“He is right. We need commonsense”
“We don’t need commonsense. Too much commonsense caused all our problems. What we need is uncommon sense, to get rid of common nonsense. Tell him.”
“Who is in charge of Finance?”
“That’s the Ogun State Ministry.”
“What do you mean Ogun State Ministry? I am asking you who is the new Super Minister in charge of our money?”
“She is from Ogun State. Kemi Adeosun; she speaks fone.”
“I hope she won’t become a Madame No.”
“Madam what?”
“Madam No Money.
“Nobody will try that with us. We will tell that person what to do.”
“This is part of the problem with governance; too many people claiming to know what should be done. I don’t remember PMB making you a Minister, adviser or errand boy. When these Ministers start failing, we will talk again.”
“Leave us alone, I beg. It is our turn…
“I am still thinking about it, actually. I don’t know whether to congratulate them or to commiserate or to pity some of them. They have merged Ministries that need not be merged. Some Perm Secs are now floating. Six months and this is it?”
“What kind of talk is that? You have come again oh”.
“I wonder too. At least you can see that round pegs have been put in round holes, and shame on all you doubting Thomases, our government is good to go.”
“”Who is talking politics? Can we discuss Nigeria and leave politics out of it? And please, leave that thing about pegs. Some pegs are neither round nor square, they are misshaped.”
“Everything is political.”
“I know. Very soon, you will also insist that that funny walking stick Ngige was carrying about, like the rod of Moses, is also political.”
“Okay, what is your point?”
“I have said it before and I repeat it again. I still think whenever Ministers are to be screened by the Senate, their portfolios should be attached. It helps to prepare the prospective Minister mentally. It deepens the screening process, and makes it even more participatory.”
“There is no such Constitutional requirement.”
“Everything doesn’t have to be in the Constitution.”
“Okay we have heard. You have said it before. When next we are appointing Ministers, we will disclose their portfolios”.
“What do you mean we?”
“Na we, now”
“Ehen”
“See, I usually don’t vote. But this last election, I got my PVC and I voted. Those PDP people already had their cup full. I voted for change.”
“Me too.”
“But the campaign is over, and I see too many of you still locked in an election mode.”
“Na so e be. As I dey sef, I dey wait for 2019. Na for Baba side I dey.”
“This Baba syndrome is a problem. It is breeding a culture of mass sycophancy, hypnotism and amnesia.”
“Grammar!”
“When you elevate a government to a semi-divine status, you lose sight of your responsibility to hold government accountable. The ascribed, contrived, or self-imposed divinity of elected officials is a threat to democracy.”
“I think you should be holding this conversation with your brother, Patrick Obahiagbon, I beg. Simple matter, you want to give somebody headache. One of these days, I will arrange a meeting between you and the Igodomigodo. Any little talk, somebody must look for dictionary. You too dey show. Na only you?”
“Leave am make e dey yarn. People who have become Ministers have become Ministers.”
“Look at it this way, I know one of those old Ministers. The day he was given a portfolio, a very important one at that, the guy said he didn’t know what the Ministry was all about. I was shocked.”
“Well, I am not shocked.”
“He ended up creating problems.”
“We know.”
“So, what usually happens is that when a man takes a Ministry, he had no prior knowledge of, he spends the next six months trying to figure it out.”
“That’s why Baba has chosen experienced people who have been in government at senior levels.”
“But one of them has said he is there to learn”
“Who is that?”
“You go and find out.”
“If I may play the Devil’s advocate, I think what the man means is that he is open to ideas. As human beings, we are always learning. At the retreat, the point was made clear that this is not a cabinet of learners, but drivers. People who are ready to move things forward.”
“Were you there? Suppose they can’t move anything.”
“Someone told me. I have my contacts.”
“You are just a bloody gossip. The truth is that some Ministers spend the whole time learning and moving nothing”
“I see noise-making has started already”.
“We don’t need noise. I want to see the change I asked for with my PVC.”
“Fashola is the luckiest guy.”
“Baba meta, himself.”
“What is that?”
“Power, Works, Housing. The Holy Trinity of Government.”
“E remain make dem add Finance.”
“Fashola is mai mhe-en.”
“I don’t envy him. I actually sympathise with him. I hope he has not been set up for demystification and disambulation.”
“Why don’t you speak like a normal human being?”
“Those three key portfolios make him a Super Minister.”
“They should just have named him Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy.”
“No. We don’t need that. Every Minister is important.”
“Fashola in that assignment, I tell you, will need the services of a doctor, a massager, and prayer warriors”
“Don’t worry yourself. The man will do it. He performed in Lagos. The moment he left, Lagos shut down. See how Ambode is struggling with Fashola’s big shoes. It is just Fashola’s wife that I pity.”
“What has his wife got to do with this? Please.”
“You don’t know? This one that they have made him a Baba Meta; I swear, when next the man shoots straight, his wife go born triplets! One for Power, one for Works, and the other for …”
“Amaechi wife, na twins that one go born.”
“Are you guys alright?”
“Wait oh, e be like say na only one Baba give Amaechi. Transportation.”
“Na two. Transport not Transportation. Baba has added …ation for Aviation. Amaechi is in charge of Transport. He is in charge of Aviation, add the two: Transportation. Him na Baba Ibeji.”
“With control over 15 parastatals/agencies. God! You have his phone number?”
“No. I no get. But Baba didn’t treat our brother, JFK well”
“He is in charge of Solid Minerals. That is a very strategic Ministry. It is like Agriculture. A developed Solid Minerals sector will further diversify the economy and increase non-oil revenue.”
“But na only one they give am.”
“Me, I thank God that he has a portfolio. I think PMB gave him Solid Minerals deliberately to please Fayose.”
“What has Fayose got to do with this now?”
“Everything. You know he was the one who begged President Buhari to give Ekiti State, a solid ministry. He said Ekiti people don’t want any yebuyebu Ministry but a very solid one.”
“So?”
“So, the President has shown that he listens, and he has given the people of Ekiti State, the Ministry of Solid Minerals!”
“You are not okay.”
“Ekiti is solid. Whatever Fayemi is able to do in that Ministry, his efforts will be appreciated. But as for Amaechi and Fashola, well…”
“Who is in charge of Niger Delta? That is another strategic Ministry”
“Na Pastor they put there oh. Pastor Uguru.”
“Me, I just hope the man knows that that is not a Ministry where you go and chop guguru oh. It is an important portfolio.”
“If Uguru likes, let him chop guguru. As long as he does not chop alone, and the people of the Niger Delta get enough popcorn too.”
“But wait a moment, is that not the same Pastor who during the Ministerial screening swore that God forbids him having anything to do with PDP members?”
“He didn’t swear. He said it.”
“He will probably need a one-on-one retreat with President Buhari. This is a government of nobody and a government of everybody.”
“Hey! Even our critics are beginning to quote us as if they are quoting the Bible. Patapata we go win again o, winner! ”
“Just tell your Uguru that he is not an APC Minister, but a Minister of the Federal Republic, whose doors must be open to everyone.”
“Hen, hen. Are you looking for contract already, or a consultancy? Do I give you the man’s number?”
“I don’t need his number. I am making commonsense.”
“Oh, you want to become another Ben Bruce, the commonsense Senator? He goes about saying he is making commonsense.”
“He is right. We need commonsense”
“We don’t need commonsense. Too much commonsense caused all our problems. What we need is uncommon sense, to get rid of common nonsense. Tell him.”
“Who is in charge of Finance?”
“That’s the Ogun State Ministry.”
“What do you mean Ogun State Ministry? I am asking you who is the new Super Minister in charge of our money?”
“She is from Ogun State. Kemi Adeosun; she speaks fone.”
“I hope she won’t become a Madame No.”
“Madam what?”
“Madam No Money.
“Nobody will try that with us. We will tell that person what to do.”
“This is part of the problem with governance; too many people claiming to know what should be done. I don’t remember PMB making you a Minister, adviser or errand boy. When these Ministers start failing, we will talk again.”
“Leave us alone, I beg. It is our turn…
NSCDC arrests woman for allegedly buying stolen petroleum products
A MIDDLE-AGED woman alleged to have been a frequent receiver of stolen petrol from vandals has been arrested by the men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command.
The woman, Toyin Olatunbosun, was reportedly arrested around Daramola Close, Akute, in Ifo Local Council of the State.
According to the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the state, Kareem Olanrewaju, the woman was arrested with “exhibits” which served as evidence.
He said the woman and her husband were involved in the shady business, adding that the woman had confessed that her husband and some other people normally go out at night and scoop petrol for her to sell.
The 45-year-old woman was said to have been caught with more than 2,000 litres of petroleum products stored in her residence at the time of the arrest.
He said: “The woman alleged that her husband goes out in the night and return with a large volume of petroleum products for her early in the morning.”
“She explained that her spouse works with some other people whom she has never seen as they come and go before day-break.”
“In addition, she said her husband used to patronise the boys (vandals) by buying one or two kegs to power their generator in 2014 and later joined them in the business in 2015.”
Olanrewaju said Olatunbosun had confessed to the crime, pleading that the country’s economic situation pushed her into crime.
He said the case was under investigation and efforts are being made to arrest others at large.
Exhibits recovered from the suspect include 2000 litres of petroleum products, many empty jerry cans and one handset.
The woman, Toyin Olatunbosun, was reportedly arrested around Daramola Close, Akute, in Ifo Local Council of the State.
According to the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the state, Kareem Olanrewaju, the woman was arrested with “exhibits” which served as evidence.
He said the woman and her husband were involved in the shady business, adding that the woman had confessed that her husband and some other people normally go out at night and scoop petrol for her to sell.
The 45-year-old woman was said to have been caught with more than 2,000 litres of petroleum products stored in her residence at the time of the arrest.
He said: “The woman alleged that her husband goes out in the night and return with a large volume of petroleum products for her early in the morning.”
“She explained that her spouse works with some other people whom she has never seen as they come and go before day-break.”
“In addition, she said her husband used to patronise the boys (vandals) by buying one or two kegs to power their generator in 2014 and later joined them in the business in 2015.”
Olanrewaju said Olatunbosun had confessed to the crime, pleading that the country’s economic situation pushed her into crime.
He said the case was under investigation and efforts are being made to arrest others at large.
Exhibits recovered from the suspect include 2000 litres of petroleum products, many empty jerry cans and one handset.
… A country’s unity threatened by separatist agitations
THE protests have refused to abate – from Asaba to Port Harcourt, Awka to Onitsha, Owerri to Enugu and Abakalik, the protesters and adamant security operatives pit their wills.
Hundreds have been arrested as their chants, “All we are saying, give us Biafra,” and “Freedom for Biafra,” “We are not terrorists, we are freedom fighters,” “Biafra my home,” “Biafra must stand,” “Biafra for life,” “No going back on Biafra,” “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” emblazoned on placards resonate across the landscape. Some have paid the ultimate prize, shot and dying, their blood staining the sides, despite the peaceful nature of the protests.
Armed with flags and placards they continue to press for a State of Biafra, the release of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and continued detention of other members of Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). In spite of the risks, the protesters and their leaders have vowed to go on, “as long as the government continues to detain Kalu.
The scenario has raised questions and concerns in a region beleaguered with bad roads, high crime, and a thriving sense of political and economic marginalistion by the Federal Government. Just how realistic is the quest for Biafra? Is MASSOB actually the voice of Ndigbo? Is the actualisation of a state of Biafra an Igbo cause? Is MASSOB the platform for the actualisation of the Igbo cause? Is this protest a shadow of a campaign against the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari? Where is the fate of the leader of the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) Benjamin Igwe Onwuka, standing trial for treason after his group tried to hoist their flag in the Enugu Government House and for invading the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) in the protest? Perhaps, no self-determination group in Nigeria has been so hounded. None perhaps yet so misunderstood and fractionalised.
And yet, none so passionate, resilient, unyielding and its members so fatalistic. No one is certain anymore how many members of MASSOB have died in their chase for the actualisation of their dream, a sovereign State of Biafra. Many are rotting in police cells and others awaiting trial in various prisons. Yet many others are on the streets protesting. They protest the arrest of their leaders, police brutality and harassment, death of their colleagues, refusal of government agencies to recognise and accept their right to exist, etc. The governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha, who claimed to be speaking on behalf of Igbo leaders and governors in the South East said that the protests do not have the support or blessing of the governors and leaders of the zone, and that Ndigbo will not use the platform of any separatist group including MASSOB to pursue the pursue the Igbo cause.
According to him: “The Igbo will not use the agitation for Biafra as a platform to negotiate the place of Ndigbo (in Nigeria). The Igbo will not use Biafra as a front; we condemn those agitating because that is not Ndigbo’s need.”
According to Okorocha: “If a section of the people in the South East or even the whole people in the geo-political zone protest over the bad shape of the federal roads in the area or protest over the total negligence of the geo-political zone, every governor and leader in the area would support that, but not to protest over an issue that is neither here nor there.”
While Okorocha restated the submission of Ndigbo to the unity of the country, he pointed out that the concern of the leaders of the zone “is to get what is due for us in our country, and any other quest especially for Biafra is diversionary. We regret that some Igbo people could get involved in a protest the end result of which won’t benefit Ndigbo in anyway, but could lead to the shooting of some of them”.
The disassociation is widespread in the face of a loud silence of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural and political organisation, whose leadership considers the “matter is too sensitive right now.”
In Enugu, a group tagged Concerned Citizens of Enugu State (CCES), faulted the protests and considered them “illegal, unacceptable, anti-democratic,” and inimical to the peace and unity of the country.
But the acclaimed leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazurike has dismissed Okorocha as “a sabotuer,” who is only “aiding and abetting the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government in the continued marginalisation of the Igbo.”
While Uwazuriuke is condemning Okorocha, his position on the protests is ambivalent. In one breath, he condemns Kanu, and considers Radio Biafra a violent approach and opposed to the non-violent modus operandi of MASSOB and that “Kanu’s arrest has nothing to do with the struggle for the sovereignty of Biafra.” In another breath, he calls for the release of Kanu, “so that he will come out and learn to adopt the non-violent approach, but since he is preaching Biafra, he should be freed.”
A top member of a faction of MASSOB in Owerri, who pleaded anonymity, said that the positive thing about the protests is that “people agree that a huge sense of injustice has been perpetrated with the arrest of Kanu. Kanu won’t be the first MASSOB member to be arrested, and he won’t be the last”.
Dismissing the wave of disassociations, the source said, “These are people who say one thing in public and another in private.” According to him, “Uwazurike has no moral right to disclaim Kanu. It should be the other way. Uwazurike and his faction of MASSOB have become a tool in the hands of government. He picks his fights. What has he done recently in the fight for the actualisation of Biafra if he so believes in the cause? In the last general election he was used by government in the campaign to sack the then chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega. He cashed in and mobilised MASSOB members. His double standards have factionalised the movement.
“We need new ideas to realise the dream. It is the inability to continue to listen to the self-serving arguments by Uwazurike that forced Kanu and people like Benjamin Onwuka to embark on their projects with their groups. Although we are committed to a nonviolent approach, the action of the BZM has shown that the passion for Biafra runs deep. The Radio Biafra, of course, is not a violent approach and it has brought some attention to the cause.”
A factionalised cause
THE struggle for Biafra sits on a tripod – MASSOB, the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) led by Benjamin Igwe Onwuka (who is on trial for treason) and the IPOB led by Kanu. While there is a general agreement for non-violence, a source said, “Most members of MASSOB are disenchanted with the antics of Uwazurike, who is stupendously rich, lives like a head of state in an impregnable mansion and has a fleet of choice cars. We are not nearer to the actualisation of Biafra, as we were many years ago, when MASSOB was founded. What sort of engagements are there to even push for the cause? Since 1999, thousands of MASSOB members have been killed, arrested and detained without going to court. Once a MASSOB member is arrested, he is charged for treason.”
Whither Biafra? Executive Director of the Dan Ukwu Leadership Foundation, Enugu, Mr. Daniel Ukwu, said that Biafra has continued to thrive in the psyche of the Igbo man essentially because of the civil war.
“The sentiments of Biafra cannot be toyed with. People died to raise the name of Biafra. Ndigbo might have lost the chance to have Biafra as a country, but what no one can take from any true Igbo man is the memories of the war.
Biafra has become a rallying cry. It has a stronger sentiment than even Ohanaeze, the dominant Igbo organisation. The arrests and detention of the protesters will not deter others to march on the streets. This courage comes from a purposeful passion that has kept the dream of Biafra alive even when the reality or realisability of the subject is considered dead. I am convinced that the quest for Biafra died at the end of the war. Although those who have offered leadership to the articulation of the sentiments might have their own reasons, I see them more as romantics. How can Biafra be realised? The issue of violence is out of the question because no one wants war. The non-violent approach appeals, but it has no place without a wider agreement in the Igbo nation. This is certainly an agitation that is beyond MASSOB and its adjuncts; their fragmented leadership and factions confirm this.
The Igbo cause is usually couched as marginalisation by the Federal Government and the lack of political place in the polity. As long as that feeling of deprivation thrives, the sentiments of Biafra will be aroused. It is left for leaders in the zone to use this sense of unity offered by Biafra to develop the region.”
A lecturer in the Department of English, University of Lagos, Dr. Chimdi Maduagwu, noted, “Every nation or group of people is entitled to national movements. No one can deny a nation the right to self-determination. If a group of people, or a nation within a bigger nation, desires secession, it should be given a chance to articulate its desires. It is after a clear picture emerges that negotiations will begin. MASSOB has been around for some time. May be authorities should invite them for a talk.
It is not easy to assess the seriousness of MASSOB. However, I can feel the passion of her leaders. Though there are a lot of sentiments, but the sincerity of purpose is not hidden. The leadership of MASSOB has articulated a non-violent but civil movement asking for independence. To them, the Igbo nation is colonized by Nigeria and all they want is freedom for the people. If the leaders are able to make this point a universal Igbo feeling, then there is a case.
The next steps will be towards the actualization of sovereignty. If they are able to attract the sympathies and support of the Igbo political class, especially those in the National Assembly, in a way that will make them push for a referendum on the issue. Then actualization may not be far-fetched. We have recently witnessed a successful move in Sudan and an unsuccessful move in Britain. The bottom line is that democracy permits that and it is possible here too.”
On the fragmented leadership held together by the pursuit of a common cause, Maduagwu said, “If the self-determination quest intensifies, of course there are bound to be fragmentations and factionalisations. In fact, more groups may emerge to join the struggles. Self-determination movements and quests produce action leaders, but the proper orthodox leaders, at the political level, will emerge after the radical revolutionaries have prepared the stage for them. The important thing for rebels or revolutionaries is to keep on focus. If the objectives of all factions and groups align, reconciliation will come at last.
“One cannot legislate platforms for action for self-determination. For a people with a strong sense of marginalization, any route perceived to be capable of leading to freedom is acceptable. What is important is a realization of what Ndigbo need and want and how they wish to go about it.”
MASSOB’s factional Director of Information, Madu, said, “MASSOB shall continue to identify with genuine, selfless agitation, as showcased by Kanu. South East, South-South geopolitical zone are wiser, united and hungry for Biafra now. MASSOB, IPOB and other genuine groups are now ready to unleash the potency of non-violence, which includes civil disobedience, massive boycott, as was done during the emancipation struggle of Ghandi of India and Martin Luther King Jnr”.
Hundreds have been arrested as their chants, “All we are saying, give us Biafra,” and “Freedom for Biafra,” “We are not terrorists, we are freedom fighters,” “Biafra my home,” “Biafra must stand,” “Biafra for life,” “No going back on Biafra,” “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” emblazoned on placards resonate across the landscape. Some have paid the ultimate prize, shot and dying, their blood staining the sides, despite the peaceful nature of the protests.
Armed with flags and placards they continue to press for a State of Biafra, the release of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and continued detention of other members of Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). In spite of the risks, the protesters and their leaders have vowed to go on, “as long as the government continues to detain Kalu.
The scenario has raised questions and concerns in a region beleaguered with bad roads, high crime, and a thriving sense of political and economic marginalistion by the Federal Government. Just how realistic is the quest for Biafra? Is MASSOB actually the voice of Ndigbo? Is the actualisation of a state of Biafra an Igbo cause? Is MASSOB the platform for the actualisation of the Igbo cause? Is this protest a shadow of a campaign against the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari? Where is the fate of the leader of the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) Benjamin Igwe Onwuka, standing trial for treason after his group tried to hoist their flag in the Enugu Government House and for invading the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) in the protest? Perhaps, no self-determination group in Nigeria has been so hounded. None perhaps yet so misunderstood and fractionalised.
And yet, none so passionate, resilient, unyielding and its members so fatalistic. No one is certain anymore how many members of MASSOB have died in their chase for the actualisation of their dream, a sovereign State of Biafra. Many are rotting in police cells and others awaiting trial in various prisons. Yet many others are on the streets protesting. They protest the arrest of their leaders, police brutality and harassment, death of their colleagues, refusal of government agencies to recognise and accept their right to exist, etc. The governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha, who claimed to be speaking on behalf of Igbo leaders and governors in the South East said that the protests do not have the support or blessing of the governors and leaders of the zone, and that Ndigbo will not use the platform of any separatist group including MASSOB to pursue the pursue the Igbo cause.
According to him: “The Igbo will not use the agitation for Biafra as a platform to negotiate the place of Ndigbo (in Nigeria). The Igbo will not use Biafra as a front; we condemn those agitating because that is not Ndigbo’s need.”
According to Okorocha: “If a section of the people in the South East or even the whole people in the geo-political zone protest over the bad shape of the federal roads in the area or protest over the total negligence of the geo-political zone, every governor and leader in the area would support that, but not to protest over an issue that is neither here nor there.”
While Okorocha restated the submission of Ndigbo to the unity of the country, he pointed out that the concern of the leaders of the zone “is to get what is due for us in our country, and any other quest especially for Biafra is diversionary. We regret that some Igbo people could get involved in a protest the end result of which won’t benefit Ndigbo in anyway, but could lead to the shooting of some of them”.
The disassociation is widespread in the face of a loud silence of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural and political organisation, whose leadership considers the “matter is too sensitive right now.”
In Enugu, a group tagged Concerned Citizens of Enugu State (CCES), faulted the protests and considered them “illegal, unacceptable, anti-democratic,” and inimical to the peace and unity of the country.
But the acclaimed leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazurike has dismissed Okorocha as “a sabotuer,” who is only “aiding and abetting the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government in the continued marginalisation of the Igbo.”
While Uwazuriuke is condemning Okorocha, his position on the protests is ambivalent. In one breath, he condemns Kanu, and considers Radio Biafra a violent approach and opposed to the non-violent modus operandi of MASSOB and that “Kanu’s arrest has nothing to do with the struggle for the sovereignty of Biafra.” In another breath, he calls for the release of Kanu, “so that he will come out and learn to adopt the non-violent approach, but since he is preaching Biafra, he should be freed.”
A top member of a faction of MASSOB in Owerri, who pleaded anonymity, said that the positive thing about the protests is that “people agree that a huge sense of injustice has been perpetrated with the arrest of Kanu. Kanu won’t be the first MASSOB member to be arrested, and he won’t be the last”.
Dismissing the wave of disassociations, the source said, “These are people who say one thing in public and another in private.” According to him, “Uwazurike has no moral right to disclaim Kanu. It should be the other way. Uwazurike and his faction of MASSOB have become a tool in the hands of government. He picks his fights. What has he done recently in the fight for the actualisation of Biafra if he so believes in the cause? In the last general election he was used by government in the campaign to sack the then chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega. He cashed in and mobilised MASSOB members. His double standards have factionalised the movement.
“We need new ideas to realise the dream. It is the inability to continue to listen to the self-serving arguments by Uwazurike that forced Kanu and people like Benjamin Onwuka to embark on their projects with their groups. Although we are committed to a nonviolent approach, the action of the BZM has shown that the passion for Biafra runs deep. The Radio Biafra, of course, is not a violent approach and it has brought some attention to the cause.”
A factionalised cause
THE struggle for Biafra sits on a tripod – MASSOB, the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) led by Benjamin Igwe Onwuka (who is on trial for treason) and the IPOB led by Kanu. While there is a general agreement for non-violence, a source said, “Most members of MASSOB are disenchanted with the antics of Uwazurike, who is stupendously rich, lives like a head of state in an impregnable mansion and has a fleet of choice cars. We are not nearer to the actualisation of Biafra, as we were many years ago, when MASSOB was founded. What sort of engagements are there to even push for the cause? Since 1999, thousands of MASSOB members have been killed, arrested and detained without going to court. Once a MASSOB member is arrested, he is charged for treason.”
Whither Biafra? Executive Director of the Dan Ukwu Leadership Foundation, Enugu, Mr. Daniel Ukwu, said that Biafra has continued to thrive in the psyche of the Igbo man essentially because of the civil war.
“The sentiments of Biafra cannot be toyed with. People died to raise the name of Biafra. Ndigbo might have lost the chance to have Biafra as a country, but what no one can take from any true Igbo man is the memories of the war.
Biafra has become a rallying cry. It has a stronger sentiment than even Ohanaeze, the dominant Igbo organisation. The arrests and detention of the protesters will not deter others to march on the streets. This courage comes from a purposeful passion that has kept the dream of Biafra alive even when the reality or realisability of the subject is considered dead. I am convinced that the quest for Biafra died at the end of the war. Although those who have offered leadership to the articulation of the sentiments might have their own reasons, I see them more as romantics. How can Biafra be realised? The issue of violence is out of the question because no one wants war. The non-violent approach appeals, but it has no place without a wider agreement in the Igbo nation. This is certainly an agitation that is beyond MASSOB and its adjuncts; their fragmented leadership and factions confirm this.
The Igbo cause is usually couched as marginalisation by the Federal Government and the lack of political place in the polity. As long as that feeling of deprivation thrives, the sentiments of Biafra will be aroused. It is left for leaders in the zone to use this sense of unity offered by Biafra to develop the region.”
A lecturer in the Department of English, University of Lagos, Dr. Chimdi Maduagwu, noted, “Every nation or group of people is entitled to national movements. No one can deny a nation the right to self-determination. If a group of people, or a nation within a bigger nation, desires secession, it should be given a chance to articulate its desires. It is after a clear picture emerges that negotiations will begin. MASSOB has been around for some time. May be authorities should invite them for a talk.
It is not easy to assess the seriousness of MASSOB. However, I can feel the passion of her leaders. Though there are a lot of sentiments, but the sincerity of purpose is not hidden. The leadership of MASSOB has articulated a non-violent but civil movement asking for independence. To them, the Igbo nation is colonized by Nigeria and all they want is freedom for the people. If the leaders are able to make this point a universal Igbo feeling, then there is a case.
The next steps will be towards the actualization of sovereignty. If they are able to attract the sympathies and support of the Igbo political class, especially those in the National Assembly, in a way that will make them push for a referendum on the issue. Then actualization may not be far-fetched. We have recently witnessed a successful move in Sudan and an unsuccessful move in Britain. The bottom line is that democracy permits that and it is possible here too.”
On the fragmented leadership held together by the pursuit of a common cause, Maduagwu said, “If the self-determination quest intensifies, of course there are bound to be fragmentations and factionalisations. In fact, more groups may emerge to join the struggles. Self-determination movements and quests produce action leaders, but the proper orthodox leaders, at the political level, will emerge after the radical revolutionaries have prepared the stage for them. The important thing for rebels or revolutionaries is to keep on focus. If the objectives of all factions and groups align, reconciliation will come at last.
“One cannot legislate platforms for action for self-determination. For a people with a strong sense of marginalization, any route perceived to be capable of leading to freedom is acceptable. What is important is a realization of what Ndigbo need and want and how they wish to go about it.”
MASSOB’s factional Director of Information, Madu, said, “MASSOB shall continue to identify with genuine, selfless agitation, as showcased by Kanu. South East, South-South geopolitical zone are wiser, united and hungry for Biafra now. MASSOB, IPOB and other genuine groups are now ready to unleash the potency of non-violence, which includes civil disobedience, massive boycott, as was done during the emancipation struggle of Ghandi of India and Martin Luther King Jnr”.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Photo: MTN Nigeria Gets New CEO, Promises To “Deal With NCC”
Mr. Phuthuma Nhleko has been appointed as the new group CEO of MTN Nigeria.
Following the resignation of the ex-Group Chief Executive Officer of one of Nigeria’s Telecoms service provider, MTN, Mr. Sifiso Dabengwa, due to the N1.04tn fine imposed on the company by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC recently, the temporally Non-Executive Chairman of the company, Mr. Phuthuma Nhleko has taken over as the acting Executive chairman for a maximum period of six months pending the appointment of a new CEO.
“I’ll proactively deal with the Nigerian regulator and will continue to work with them in addressing the issues around unregistered subscribers as a matter of urgency”, Nhleko.
However, Dabengwa’s resignation was contained in a statement issued by MTN in Johannesburg, South Africa in the early hours of Monday.
“Due to the most unfortunate prevailing circumstances occurring at MTN Nigeria, I, in the interest of the company and its shareholders, have tendered my resignation with immediate effect”, the erstwhile CEO was quoted as saying in the statement.
The company was sanctioned by the commission on its failure to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered subscribers from its network.
The NCC had in August directed mobile telecoms service providers in the country to deactivate all unregistered SIM cards or face severe sanctions.
While other networks complied substantially with the directive, the NCC said MTN refused to comply and after the deadline to deactivate its unregistered subscribers elapsed, a 200,000-naira ($1,008) fine was imposed for each unregistered SIM.
The company claimed that it has until November 16, 2015 to pay up the fine, it promises to inform shareholders and subscribers of any engagements reached with the Nigerian government.
Surprisingly the company’s shares took a severe hit shortly after news of the outrageous fine was made public; its shares at the stock market closed 12.49 percent lower at 167 rand, the lowest in several years.
Following the resignation of the ex-Group Chief Executive Officer of one of Nigeria’s Telecoms service provider, MTN, Mr. Sifiso Dabengwa, due to the N1.04tn fine imposed on the company by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC recently, the temporally Non-Executive Chairman of the company, Mr. Phuthuma Nhleko has taken over as the acting Executive chairman for a maximum period of six months pending the appointment of a new CEO.
“I’ll proactively deal with the Nigerian regulator and will continue to work with them in addressing the issues around unregistered subscribers as a matter of urgency”, Nhleko.
However, Dabengwa’s resignation was contained in a statement issued by MTN in Johannesburg, South Africa in the early hours of Monday.
“Due to the most unfortunate prevailing circumstances occurring at MTN Nigeria, I, in the interest of the company and its shareholders, have tendered my resignation with immediate effect”, the erstwhile CEO was quoted as saying in the statement.
The company was sanctioned by the commission on its failure to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered subscribers from its network.
The NCC had in August directed mobile telecoms service providers in the country to deactivate all unregistered SIM cards or face severe sanctions.
While other networks complied substantially with the directive, the NCC said MTN refused to comply and after the deadline to deactivate its unregistered subscribers elapsed, a 200,000-naira ($1,008) fine was imposed for each unregistered SIM.
The company claimed that it has until November 16, 2015 to pay up the fine, it promises to inform shareholders and subscribers of any engagements reached with the Nigerian government.
Surprisingly the company’s shares took a severe hit shortly after news of the outrageous fine was made public; its shares at the stock market closed 12.49 percent lower at 167 rand, the lowest in several years.
7 Things You Should Know About The New EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa Magu
President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde.
Lamorde has been replaced by a former operative of the agency, Ibrahim Magu.
Here are 7 things you should know about Magu:-
1. He served as head of the EFCC’s Economic Governance Unit (EGU) during the tenure of Nuhu Ribadu as chairman
2. Magu was arrested on August 4, 2008 following allegations that police discovered EFCC files and a computer containing classified documents at his Abuja residence.
3. During his time at the EFCC, he led investigations into the affairs of officials including former Delta Governor James Ibori and current Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
4. Magu is a recipient of USG and London Metropolitan Police institute training.
5. He reportedly worked with Ribadu to jail his brother-in-law and former Bank of the North chief, Shettima Bulama. Bulama was later pardoned by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
6. He is a member of the investigative committee convened by National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the procurement of arms in the Armed Forces from 2007 till now.
7. He is an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
May GOD help him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)







