*U.S. May Cremate Nigerian Prof - Help Bury Him

By Masterweb News Desk

The burial of Chukwudubem Okafor, 64, a Nigerian Professor in the U.S. who killed his wife and himself on August 15, is on hold unless funeral expenses are paid up. The original funeral/burial cost of $13.000.00 was reduced to $9,500.00 to enable Okafor’s family afford the bill, but only the sum of $4,200.00 has been paid as at the time of this report. Hunt Memorial Chapel(aka Emmett Golden Hunt Memorial Chapel), the funeral home (mortuary) handling the burial, upon passionate plea by Nigeria Masterweb, has extended its deadline for the completion of the funeral payment from August 30, to September 6. Hunt Memorial Chapel would upon the expiration of the deadline, if the $5,300 balance is not paid, declare Okafor’s body abandoned and seek permission from the city for its cremation .

Hunt Chapel handled the funeral and burial ceremony of Cheryl, Chukwudubem Okafor’s murdered wife, and is now stuck with his body. Cheryl was buried at Laurel Dale Cemetery in Reading, Pennsylvania. According to Carrie Arvilla Hunt, Hunt’s Funeral Director, the funeral home has been with Okafor’s body since August 15. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: Laurel Dale Cemetery, Reading, Pennsylvania, where Chukwudubem Okafor’s wife, Cheryl was buried.

Nigerians and friends of Nigerians are called upon to help raise the needed funds to enable Okafor’s burial in the U.S. We are not talking of burial in Nigeria which would be more than double the cost for U.S. internment. Let us give him a grave site which his children in Nigeria from his first marriage could go to and pay him their last respect, whenever they make it to the U.S.

Please send your donation via Cashier’s Check (Cheque) immediately to:- Hunt Memorial Chapel(or Emmett Golden Hunt Memorial Chapel), 427 E Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, Pennsylvania 19320.

Please for record purposes notify Masterweb at admin@nigeriamasterweb.com of any donation to Hunt Memorial Chapel. Hunt Memorial Chapel can be reached by phone at +1 (610) 380-8000.

Photo Above: Chukwudubem Okafor and wife Cheryl (Photo 1).

Photo Above: Chukwudubem Okafor and wife Cheryl (Photo 2).

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*Tags: Nigerians, Chukwudubem, Okafor, Kill, Wife, Cheryl, Attack, Woman, Crime, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Is Occultism The Solution?

By Ikechukwu Enyiagu

One can hear a number of our Nigerian university students cheering and saying, “aha, we know it; we know that cultism is the only safe way through school, and when we graduate, we will metamorphose into our fathers’ occults to take our places in the nation-we always knew we were right.” As for our fathers and our leaders of the ages, “what an old man sees while sitting down, the young can’t see even while standing"- so they often quote. But suppose, only supposing, that I beg to differ in this case, will the generals involved dare to consider this truth they have only refused to acknowledge for decades?

There once was a young man who had to, as a matter of no-alternative, become a cult member in order to muster enough bullies to rig the councilorship election in his favour. And he sure won. I once knew of a local government chairman who, on campaigning, had to offer the life of his first son before he could be granted the chairmanship position of his L.G.A. The story is, “and he sure won.” Just lately we were brought to the awareness of state lawmakers in naked blood oath taking. Our polity has been marred from the beginning by occult introduction and acceptance. For the uninformed, occultism in our polity is what has been rebranded ‘godfatherism’. ( Continues below….. )

Granted, Wole Soyinka, in an interview, explained the genuine and commendable (permit me to say) reasons confraternities were introduced in Nigeria. Looking back upon the years gone, I wonder how this myopic birth has fared. Cults metamorphosed into occults hence, cultism and occultism. While the cult boys and girls rule our universities and streets, the occult fathers and mothers rule the nation.

The sole purpose for the emergence of cultism and occultism in our country was and has always been to instill fear in the opponents in order to subdue them and subvert justice. This is the tool that has successfully held Nigeria under one cord-dictatorship. This dictatorship tells its story when PDP openly rigs elections by the shameless comments and decisions they make before elections are conducted. Over the years, occult groups became Nigeria while Nigeria became just a name.

The basic criterion for winning an election in Nigeria has, for decades, been established as the name of the so called elders’ groups one belongs to. Research has equally proven that within a short space of time, two different cult and/or occult groups are bound to have a misunderstanding and, since violence and terror are their greatest tools, blood often spills. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD) students demonstrate against cultism. *Ado Ekiti is a city in Ekiti State, Nigeria. It is also known as Ado. The population in 2004 was 44,6749.

But the question here is, “whose blood, whose child?” It has always been the simple, the innocent and the quiet in the land; it has always been Nigeria. Taking a second look at our national political parties will give you an even clearer picture. They are like a bunch of children playing the “ghost and blood games”, gambling, as it were, with our future that they have called personal business. Now that the election is our closest neighbor, there are blood initiations, oath takings, missing of persons, blood sacrifices, and all the evils only them can tell how they are done going on in different constituencies.

All hope is not lost, however, for my true fellow Nigerians. Change is coming to America through Obama, a change commensurate with what the country needs at a given time. In the case of Nigeria, a change has already begun but it wont be a change via pleas. The change that is coming on Nigeria shall be as strong as the heart of Nigeria-it shall not be measured less. There is a clarion call; Get rid of this evil practice and let Nigeria breathe.

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Finally and after all considerable considerations, I permanently stand to oppose the majority who agree that occultism is the solution for Nigeria. No, it is not!

Ikechukwu Enyiagu can be reached at ike.enyiagu@gmail.com

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*Tags: Nigerians, Attitude, Nation, Occultism, Solution, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria Finally Attains FAA Category 1 Safety Status

By Lateef Lawal

It is indeed a 50th Independence Anniversary gift as promised by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren when he spoke of his optimism last month with aviation journalists that the attainment of Category 1 Safety Status will be an anniversary gift to the government of the Federation of Nigeria.

Last Wednesday, United States of America(USA) through her Ambassador in Nigeria, Ms Robin Sanders announced in Abuja that Nigeria had scaled the hurddle and is now recognised as belonging to the Category 1 Safety Status of the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) of the U.S.A after three years of strenuous upgrading exercise entered into with the country’s regulatory agency, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA).

Sanders explained that with the new safety rating, Nigeria registered aircraft will be able to operate direct flights between the U.S and Nigeria without safety hinderance.

She therefore charged Nigeria, especially the regulatory agency to sustain the status already attained in continued collaboration with the United States of America to ensure the maintenance of the highest safety standards. ( Continues below….. )

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

Sanders urged Nigeria to keep the flame aglow in sustaining the safety rating and noted that in the next 18-24 months, Nigeria will come under global watch towards ensuring that the Category 1 Status is sustained and also urged Nigeria to step up its efforts at maintaining hundred per cent full body search at all airports in addition to its efforts at acquiring three dimensional full image body scanners.

She said that the achievement of category one is an important milestone for Nigeria and US bilateral relationship. Sanders explained that Nigeria is one of the African countries including Cape Verde, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, South Africa that are Category 1 rated.

Receiving the Category 1 certification documents, from the U.S Ambassador on behalf of Nigerian government, the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren expressed gratitude to the US government for all its contributions for the long journey that started a few years ago.

In her remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Mrs Fidelia Njeze, lauded the assistance of the U.S government in the attainment of the safety rating while she listed the benefits to include reduced costs on aircraft insurance premium, better and easier access on aircraft leasing from aircraft manufacturers as well as attracting foriegn investment into Nigeria. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigeria Minister of Aviation, Mrs Fidelia Njeze

Njeze assured the Nigeria will do everything possible to sustain the safety rating , which she said is a befitting gift for Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary. She commended Arik Air as one of the airlines that will benefit from the safety rating in flying into the U.S with its domestic crew as well as Nigeria registered aircraft.

Also speaking the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Aviation matters, Captain Shehu Usman Iyal expressed gratutude to the US government for the feat, which he said is no mean achievement considering the many years the Nigerian government through its safety reform agenda has been pursuing the safety rating. Iyal said the Federal Government is committed to sustaining the category one status through various measures aimed at promoting safety and security in the aviation sector.

He traced the pursuit of category one to the tenure of the Obasanjo administration, which he said was poised to turn around the aviation sector with its many intervention measures and programmes affirming that sustaining the safety rating will not be difficult.

He praised various agencies and bodies including the World Bank, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), U.S Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and others that made Category 1 Safety rating for Nigeria a reality.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Airlines, FAA, Category, Safety, Status, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Hurray! 50 big cheers to Nigeria!!!

By Dr. Genesis A. Dawuda

“Today is independence Day.” – Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s First Prime Minister on October 1st 1960.

About 50 years ago, the quote above rent the air as the first sentence, and first line of the speech presented by Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister –late Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa on the ceremony of the Independence of Nigeria as a sovereign state.

Nigeria is situated in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the West, Chad and Cameroun in the east, and Niger in the North. In the south its coast lies on the Gulf of Guinea, part of the Atlantic ocean. With a population of over 140 Million, it is known as the most populous country in Africa and the eighth in the World.

This wasn’t so about 50 years ago. It had about 25,000,000 people that made up the population. According to the late Prof. Stephen Leacock (Dec. 30, 1869 –March 28, 1944 –former lecturer, head of department of Economics & Political Science and Professor Emeritus at McGill University, Montreal), “The climate never varies; each day is awful. White people cannot live there; those who survive go home.” ( Continues below….. )

About 50 years ago, there were all in all 5,000 whites, but a large proportion of them were missionaries, nurses, and teachers, holding down a job, not a country, along with the clerks and traders of the steamship companies and the Staff of the Government House. Three guns (31/2 inches each), four battalions of infantry, one mortar and a signal school class, make up the whole National Defence of Nigeria.

Even at that, the whole army was black, except the officers. Someone said if there was to be mutiny at that time Nigeria could rise up and kill all the white officers, but why will they do that at the first instance?

Before independence, there was real government, the Government House was at Lagos. With mostly the Nigerians running the state. Those in the inland govern themselves through their Chiefs, Emirs and such relevant titles their people know them with. This was the indirect way of ruling the whole regions put together.

About 50 years ago all the revenues raised in taxes cannot keep Chicago running for six months, but today there is Petro-dollar, Human resource, Solid minerals and recently ICT that is doing wonders in the development that even led to the relocation of one of the headquarters of a GSM company from South Africa to Nigeria.

Today, Nigeria has earned to herself the credit of constructing the fastest growing federal capital city in the world. The federal Capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja. It started with three-lane roads, now it’s embarking on six-lane roads in order to manage vehicular traffic. About 50 years ago, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa said, “ In these days of rapid communications, we cannot live in isolation, apart from the rest of the world, even if we wished to do so.” Today, there is the Internet, The GSM and the easier accessibility to air Transportation.(There are 22 airports in Nigeria with paved runways, and 21 Airstrips). ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

About 50 years ago, the late prime minister closed his speech with “God save our Queen.” But today; to utter ‘God’ has been replaced by ‘Allah.’ About 50 years ago, Nigeria “emerged without bitterness or bloodshed” but today it’s sad to say that many lives have been lost in cold blood and vehement bloodlettings.

About 50 years ago, the late prime minister opened a “new chapter in the history of Nigeria and of the commonwealth and indeed, of the world.” Today, we have a recorded history of 14 previous and current Leaders after Independence, 10 past and present senate presidents, 11 Past and Present Chief Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 7 Speakers of the Federal House of Representatives (past and present).

Today, we have six geopolitical zones, 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory, 774 Local Government Areas, Today, we have 8,540 elected councilors, 1,205 House of Assemblies. 24 well-consolidated banks. We have 27 federal Universities, 31 State Universities, 33 Private Universities.

Today, We have 13 different organizations concerned with security in the Military, Paramilitary, and Agencies. With the Nigerian Police divided into 12 zones. To say Nigeria has not grown and developed does not need consulting the late professor of Economics, Stephen Leacocks in his grave but to compare his penned thoughts with what is tenable today in Nigeria.

With doors opened to the world, Nigerians are listed among every 5 blacks around the world. Today, we have the Philip Emeagwali (a Nigerian), who Bill Clinton (former president of United States of America, the most popular democracy in the world) addressed as the Bill Gates of Africa.

This same Bill Clinton recognized the resilience in Nigerians as the most happiest people on the planet earth. Click www.drgenesis.com/hurray.htm to read more on Nigeria at 50

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

*Nigeria: Abuja Airport Now IATA StB Compliant

By Lateef Lawal

MAEVIS Nigeria Limited, in conjuction with key industry partners, especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), British Airways, RESA, IER and other stakeholders, has completed a key milestone in making Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (NAIA) the second IATA StB compliant airport in Nigeria.

The Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos(MMIA) became compliant in August 2008. British Airways (BA) – a One World Alliance partner airline, and MAEVIS launch partner airline commenced the use of full 2D Bar Coded Boarding Pass (BCBP) Departure Control Systems (DCS) operations on a fully IATA compliant CUTE systems for all Abuja international passengers on her Abuja - London and points beyond international flights from August 16, 2010. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria.

This development makes Nigeria’s Abuja airport fully compliant ahead of the IATA/ACI deadline of December 2010. According to the Managing Director of Maevis, Mr Tunde Fagbemi, this achievement “is also a true testimony of the resilience of the FAAN/Maevis team (a true Nigerian spirit), the extensive Infrastructure, Superstructure and Systems deployment at these Airports and the many tests, customisation and certification by British Airways, Lufthansa, Delta Airlines, Air Nigeria and our numerous IATA/ACI certified deployment partners and personnel".

Fagbemi added, “now that we are fully certified and gone live, we are confident that in the coming days other Airlines and their passengers using NAIA will gradually cut over to the new world class systems and Brand new Check-in-Desks and ultra modern check-in platform /systems provided by MAEVIS on a PPP – BOOT basis. As noted by IATA, these systems would further simplify the check-in and boarding process for all passengers who use NAIA and help to make Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) drive for excellence in customer service and make international standards and other Technology friendly expectations at our airports a reality.”

The full implementation of the 2D bar-coded boarding passes enables:

-*Fast and convenient check-in and boarding.

-*Boarding with home printed 2D bar coded boarding passes.

-*Issuance of Mobile phone 2D bar coded boarding passes.

-*Several other passenger facilitation delights for airport customers and Aviation Stakeholders. ( Continues below….. )

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

Maevis is a world-class Airports Infrastructure, Airports Operations Automation Systems provider Integrated ICT business solutions expert and Out Sourced Service provider. Maevis is FAAN’s partner under a PPP agreement - the team is committed to the renewal, revamping and upgrading of FAAN Airports Operations Management Systems (AOMS) and the renewal of certain defined infrastructure, superstructure and systems at Airports and Terminals located at four International Airports in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

The current deployment at NAIA includes the Building of a Brand new World Class level 4 Data Centre, laying of a brand new ICT backbone for the aviation industry, the re-cabling of the Fiber Optic cable at the airports & the installation of modern servers, a brand new Communications network linking all Airlines and their host Airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano & Port Harcourt, deployment of a full suite AOMS Systems, a Full IATA compliant 2D BCBP compliant CUTE /DCS System, the renewal/revamping of the Check in counters, check-in area, replacement of all current Servers, PCs, Printers etc at these airports with 2D barcode-compatible machines, and the introduction of 2D barcode readers at boarding gates in line with ICAO, ACI & IATA standards.

Since the deployment Friday, August 20, passengers have been able to print their own 2D bar-coded boarding passes at home or at the office and proceed directly to baggage drop-off or through security at NAIA enroute to their boarding gates and destinations of choice. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria.

Fagbemi noted that the company had made provisions for all local airlines and any other operators on all its new check-in counters and boarding gate stations to issue and read 2D BCBPs even if their Departure Control Systems (DCSs) have not been upgraded to handle them or if they do not currently have their own CRS and Departure Control System.

The unique approach that Maevis has taken with this technology implementation at NAIA, according to him was fashioned after its earlier deployment in August 2008 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) which has been described by many industry stakeholders as impressive. Not only are the day-to-day needs of the Airlines supported with shared workstations, Maevis is investing for the future of the Airlines, FAAN and indeed assisting the entire aviation industry in Nigeria to fully implement IATA’s Simplifying the Business objectives with the aim of creating:

-*more opportunities for airports;

-*more convenience for passengers and lower costs for the industry.

The technology reduces costs and improves customer service for both airlines and airports by introducing faster and easier check-in. This system offers the passenger more self-service options during their journey through the airport. This also translates into paper documents being converted into electronic messages both for passengers and air cargo, saving time and increasing accuracy. This new system deployed at NAIA will result in less time spent at check-in, giving longer commercial dwell time to travelers and offering passengers more pleasant travelling experience.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Irs, Liquidation, Airlines, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: The Attitude Of A Repentant Nation

By Ikechukwu Enyiagu

Does Nigeria have a problem? Yes. Is it right to pluralize this monster? Yes. The Concise Oxford English Dictionary describes ‘problem’ as “an unwelcome or harmful matter needing to be dealt with and overcome.” Before anything can be termed as problematic, it must be an unwelcome phenomenon which outcome will bring nothing but harm and/or discomfort to its hosts. The force and the face of a problem stir a spontaneous desire in man to deal with and overcome it. However, the middle line which this definition of problem tends to summarize(in the case of Nigeria)with the word ‘deal with’ is the key to the ‘overcoming’ which everyone yearns for. This hidden word is called ‘repentance.’

The problem with Nigeria is not just the leaders who cannot lead well and it is definitely not the leaders with passion for embezzlement either. The problem with Nigeria is an epitome of a nation that has refused to apportion its mistakes their appropriate places. It is the mistake of not accepting one’s place of fall and the reason for the fall before attempting to move on. I can assure you that many a leader have come up severally in Nigeria with the ‘genuine’ desire to better Nigeria…but have not only failed, they made everything worse. No farmer who comes home sweating and wants a change of cloths will venture putting on a new cloth without, first of all, taking a clean bathe. The stench has to be removed as a matter of urgency. Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Map of Nigeria showing its 36 states (including Imo State) and capital (Abuja or FCT)

Nigeria has refused to acknowledge its sins and repent from it yet we yearn to go forward. We heap sin for sin, be it from the government offices to our national and international security quarters, from our business fronts to our neighborhoods, and/or from our religious enclaves to our families. Our desire for sin matches our desire to be better. This is why it has become a blind cycle in Nigeria-soldier go soldier come…

However, there is an attitude for progress, be it in the live of an individual, an organization or a state. This attitude is called REPENTANCE. Repentance has a miraculous grace to lift one to an unimaginable height of assurance, peace and progress. It deals with the covenant of death and cuts off every limiting cord. Nigeria, what we need is genuine repentance…from all quarters.

We need to individually consider our roles in this problem, be it a government that treads on the minority, the president who buys his way forward, the banker that robs, the lecturer that bullies, the security officer that plays god, the parent who spoils the child, the pastor who preaches his type of heaven, the imam who encourages self-destruction or the brother who betrays-the list is endless. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

We all need to take stock and repent genuinely. Genuine repentance is the only answer to our moving forward as a nation because genuine repentance alone can abolish minority-mentality, stop our incumbent president from becoming another Abacha, the likes of Umar Farouk Abdul Matallab from shaming his family, another Prof. P. O. Otubu from destroying the future of our children, the police court-like attitude of execution rights, the parent from buying WASSC for the son, the pastor from feeding on the blood of his weak members, the incorrect re-branding of Islam as a terrorist religion, and the ritual killings for money.

Only genuine repentance will make Nigeria enjoy what it has. As 2011 election approaches, I implore us all, as a nation, to set aside a period for true remorse and genuine repentance before we plunge ourselves into yet another future that could turn out to be an already written history. Genuine repentance alone will make the Nigerian vision clearer and our leaders able to deliver. It is the only true re-branding that Nigerian needs for the now and the future.

Ikechukwu Enyiagu can be reached at ike.enyiagu@gmail.com

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*Tags: Nigerians, Attitude, Repentant, Nation, Abuja, Lagos, Quality,Projects, Africa, Masterweb

*Woman Dies in Nigerian Ex-Governor U.S. Home

By Masterweb News Desk

A Nigerian woman, Chinwe Masi, 47, on August 19 died in the United States home of Ex-Abia governor, Orji Uzor Kalu. Chinwe died from suspected internal organ failure that may have been triggered by ingestion of alcohol. She suffered from high blood pressure according to friends.

Chinwe, formerly married to one Okechukwu Ogbonna, reportedly arrived the ex-governor’s home at 14900 River Road, Potomac, Maryland at 8.30 pm on the fateful day, Thursday, August 19. According to sources, she had gone to deliver cologne purchased by the ex-governor at her shop during a previous U.S. visit in June this year. There were four other Nigerians at the ex-governor’s home at the time of Chinwe’s arrival.

Chinwe was offered a bottle of Guinness stout upon her request and 15 minutes later started shouting “my chest, my chest” vomiting blood. The ex-governor immediately picked up the phone and called paramedics and police, both arriving the scene in minutes. Paramedics were on their way carrying her into the ambulance when she gave up the ghost at 8.48 pm. ( Continues below…… )

Police and detectives with the permission of the ex-governor, conducted an 8-hour search of his home. The Homicide unit of Montgomery County Police Department said they do not suspect foul play so far in Chinwe’s death and were awaiting autopsy results for final conclusion.

Masterweb will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Photo Above: Deceased, Chinwe Masi (Photo 2)

Photo Above: Orji Uzor Kalu’s US home where Chinwe Masi died.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Woman, Dies, Ex-governor, Orji, Uzor, Kalu, Home, Africa, Masterweb

*British Gay Priest To Marry Nigerian Man

By Masterweb News Desk

Reverend Colin Coward, 65, a homosexual priest at St John the Baptist Church in Devizes, Wiltshire, England, has announced plans to marry his Nigerian male model boyfriend, Bobby Ikekhuame Egbele, 25. Mr. Egbele is a fashion designer and runs an online clothing shop, Bobafrique ( http://www.bobafrique.com/index.htm ), where he models clothes.

Devizes has four Church of England parish churches, the oldest, St John the Baptist Church founded in 1130 and dedicated to St John the Baptist.

The Church was stunned with Rev. Coward’s proclamation, because ordained homosexual clergy of Church of England are required to be celibate. Coward failed to reassure the Church he would remain celibate with the gay union.

Coward lives with his gay fiancé in Marston, near Devizes and believes his marriage would set a “visible example” to other homosexuals within the church. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: British Gay Priest Rev. Colin Coward with Nigerian Gay Fiancé Bobby Egbele (Photo 1)

Rev. Coward speaking on his proposed gay marriage said: “My goal is for everyone within the church to feel comfortable with the situation because at the moment the majorityof gay Christians marry secretly.

“It is a taboo subject but the church is now under huge pressure to change its stance and that pressure will only increase in the future.

“Clearly the blessing is going to be quite a sensitive issue. I know that many people will see it and view it with horror.

“But we are both deeply committed Christians so it would be unthinkable for me not to do it in church and not to do it with the congregation and with all of our friends.

“I hope my wedding will inspire others and set a visible example to the church that we are not afraid.” ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: British Gay Priest Rev. Colin Coward with Nigerian Gay Fiancé Bobby Egbele (Photo 2)

Coward who found out he was gay when he was a teenager, kept it a secret. He was ordained a priest in 1978 after resigning his job as an architect. He openly declared his homosexuality in 1991 to the surprise of Church of England.

Coward met his Nigerian gay partner, Egbele in 2007 at a Christian conference in Togo, a West African nation. The duo became engaged two years later, last year. They plan a civil partnership ceremony October 9 at the register office in Devizes and later service at St John the Baptist Church. The service would be a communion Eucharist rather than Blessing which is forbidden for homosexual couples.

Coward speaking on the planned Church service said: “Churches are not supposed to bless civil partnerships. It can bless almost anything else; animals, bombs, battleships, armies going to war but gay couples? No. So our church blessing has to be carefully-worded in so far as it does not use the word blessing in the context of the two of us in relationship.”

Sex is only permitted for married couples under Church of England laws, but the Church does not recognize same-sex civil partnerships as marriage.

Masterweb will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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*Tags: Nigerians, British, Gay, Priest, Marry, Man, Wife, Woman, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Skill Acquisition In Post Amnesty Era

By Ifeatu Agbu

Engaging the youths in meaningful ventures after a long spell of militancy in the creeks of the Niger Delta poses a tricky challenge that requires some delicate balancing of reorientation and training. It is an integrated process that will not only change the mindset of the youths but also prepare them to be productive citizens with marketable skills.

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman of the Amnesty Committee, Mr. Timi Alaibe, said the final stage of the post-amnesty programme, which is reintegration, is where a lot more work is required. At that point, the ex-combatants are expected to return to normal life and gain sustainable employment. “It is essentially a social and economic process with an open time-frame, primarily taking place in communities at the local level,” Alaibe said.

The Ledum Mittee-led Niger Delta Technical Committee took cognizance of this, when it recommended the creation of a Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) – where 2,000 jobs will be provided in each local government council in the zone, to keep the youths meaningfully busy and away from the temptations of militancy and other untoward behaviour.

Much as it is critical to change the mindset of the former militants, it is even more crucial to arm them with skills that will give them financial freedom on a sustainable basis. Unfortunately, the Post-Amnesty Programme may not adequately address the challenges of providing comprehensive training for the former militants because of the constraints of time. Yet, skill acquisition programmes and other short-term trainings must be of such quality and duration that would give optimum value to the beneficiaries. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) militants

It makes no sense to hurriedly rush the youths through training programmes with little time and facilities to impact the necessary skills. For instance, you need more than a three-month crash programme to train a good mechanic. It is only when the trainees are given sufficient time to master the skills, that they can put it to full use. Adequate training would ensure that the successful ones would utilize their take-off funds or starter packs, where they are provided, and not sell them as is often the practice.

No matter how well the programme runs, chances are that some of the youths may still be irredeemable. Already, some isolated cases of misdemeanours have been reported at the camp in Obubra. First, some personnel at the camp, including Mr. Alaibe, were said to have been manhandled by some aggrieved ex-militants. Again, two of the ex-militants were arrested recently for allegedly smuggling illicit drugs into the camp. This is in spite of the camp rules which say that anyone caught using such drugs risks outright expulsion.

Obviously, it would take some extra efforts to reintegrate youths with this kind of background. This means that the development agencies, such as the oil companies, the federal, state, local governments, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, must come up with more imaginative ways of dealing with them. It is not enough to put them through skill acquisition programmes The beneficiaries of the programmes must be empowered to set up their own businesses and given access to micro-credits to enable them take off on solid foundation. They should also be monitored and mentored until they acquired enough confidence to stand on their own. Artisans, such as welders, carpenters, mechanics and bricklayers should be given opportunities to update their knowledge and sharpen their skills through hands-on-training in established workshops. This will enhance their ability to render better services and expand their businesses to employ more people.

It is only then that the maxim of dignity in labour would begin to make sense to the youths who have become accustomed to getting quick money without much sweat. If the training is thorough and the mentoring consistent, the strange scenario where some youths that have benefitted from skill acquisition schemes and were given starter-parks to enable them to be self-employed sell the tools and return to the labour market, would be avoided.

Another strategy for getting around this problem hinges on team efforts. Since it is difficult to get the youths to utilize their start-up capital well, a more effective tactics is urgently needed. One government agency that is currently using a new system to achieve better results is the NDDC. The interventionist agency now insists that the beneficiaries of its skill acquisition programmes must form cooperatives before they could access the micro-credit scheme meant to help them to establish their businesses. To ensure the success of this arrangement, the commission works in partnership with training and financial institutions to not only enhance the skills of the youths but also bring them together to take advantage of the opportunities available in the region, particularly in the oil and gas industry. Of course a key component of sustainable development is to create sustainable livelihoods, because the best form of development is to develop the people. ( Continues below….. )

The NDDC has been running skill acquisition programmes since 2005 and no less than 8,000 youths of the Niger Delta have benefitted from the various schemes. In 2008, for instance, 7,732 youths were trained in diverse skills. Out of this number, 2,204 were trained in computer literacy, 1,929 in welding while 3,599 young boys and girls acquired skills in such areas as automobile mechanics, aluminium and furniture works, electrical installation and maintenance, home management skills, outboard engine maintenance, printing, photography as well as refrigeration and cooling technology.

Similarly, a total of 1,920 welders have so far been trained by the NDDC under its Human Capacity Development and Empowerment programme. The commission also donated 15 multi-purpose welding processing equipment and 500 KVA generating set to the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Warri. During the flag off of the “Train the Trainer” welding programme at PTI, and commissioning of the welding equipment and generating set, the Managing Director of NDDC, Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha said that the commission’s target was to produce 5, 000 professional welders certified by the International Institute of Welding in the next three years.

Ugwoha, who was represented by the Director, Commercial and Industrial Development, Mr. Aniete Usen explained that graduates of the “Train the Trainers” programme would further proceed to South Africa Institute of Welding for advanced welding and fabrication programme. According to him the graduating youths would subsequently be deployed to train a large pool of welding apprentices waiting to be trained and employed in the various sectors of the economy, particularly in oil and gas. ”We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the Niger Delta youths acquire necessary cutting edge skills and education that will give them the competitive advantage, especially in the oil and gas sector of the economy that the region is naturally, endowed,” he said.

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

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*Tags: Nigerians, Niger Delta, Abuja, MEND, Lagos, Skill, Acquisition, Amnesty, Jobs, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigerian Prof. Kills Wife, Self In The U.S.

By Masterweb News Desk

U.S. police are investigating what made a Nigerian lecturer, Chukwudubem Okafor, 64, to kill his wife and himself. Okafor was an associate professor of English and Literature at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. His wife Cheryl, aged 37, previously known as Cheryl Philmore (from previous marriage), came at age nine as Cheryl Moncrieffe with her parents to the U.S. from Jamaica. The family settled in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania where Cheryl grew up. Birdsboro is eight miles (13 km) southeast of Reading were the murder suicide took place.

The couple were found dead last Sunday inside a Chukwudubem sister’s home on Pear Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. A small-caliber handgun was found near the bodies. Reading Police are still checking whether Chukwudubem legally owned the gun used in the shooting. As at the time of this report, no information is available for the possible motive for the murder suicide. The couple had four children.

Cheryl Okafor was a Kutztown University alumna. She graduated from the university with a bachelor’s degree in art education in 2002 and a master’s degree in art education in 2005. Apparently the couple met at Kutztown University, as Chukwudubem had taught there for 15 years, which covered the period Cheryl studied there. Reading Eagle, a local newspaper, reported that Cheryl in a 2006 interview, said she was a victim of domestic violence in a previous marriage before her marriage to Chukwudubem. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: Chukwudubem Okafor and wife Cheryl (Photo 1).

Cheryl’s marriage to Chukwudubem was the second to end in violence. She left her first husband, Alfred Simon Philmore sometime in the 90s for another man according to reports. Philmore caught up with her and her boyfriend in Reading in 1998, shooting the man, Osmond Dacosta Walker dead. He was convicted of third degree murder in 1999 and remains in prison in Fayette County according to reports.

Chukwudubem Okafor, an acclaimed poet, is cousin to the late poetry giant, Christopher Okigbo. According to sources, Chukwudubem apparently upset his wife left him, arranged a meeting with her last Sunday at his sister’s house in Reading, where he shot her dead and shooting himself on the head.

Chukwudubem held a Ph.D. from University of Minnesota obtained in 1994. He was on sabbatical for the 2009-10 school year at the time of the murder suicide.

Masterweb will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Photo Above: Chukwudubem Okafor and wife Cheryl (Photo 2).

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*Tags: Nigerians, Chukwudubem, Okafor, Kill, Wife, Cheryl, Attack, Woman, Crime, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Avoidable Deaths in Niger Delta

By John Araka

Okerenkoko, in Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State is no stranger to violence. May, last year, it made headlines when it was bombarded from the sea, air and land by the Joint Military Task Force (JTF). Since then, the headquarters of the dreaded Niger Delta warlord, Tompolo, has attracted some succour from governments and other quarters. It has, therefore, witnessed some relative calm. The tranquility of the town was, however, violated last week. This time around, it had nothing to do with militancy or clash with law enforcement agencies. It was all about poor facilities in their hospital which caused the avoidable death of a young woman in labour.

Consequently, hundreds of Ijaw youths, women and men poured into the streets of Okerenkoko. They were armed with leaves and tree branches. They mournfully rendered songs of sorrow. Their point of call was the only hospital in that part of the Niger Delta, built years back by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. They laid siege to the hospital. Their reason according to a woman leader, Mrs. Gold Mademi was to protest poor facilities and inadequate personnel which have led to the avoidable death of many women and children in the area.

“The woman that died last week was in labour and she was rushed here with a part of the baby already out. What was needed was CS (caesarian section) to bring out the baby, but because there was no equipment doctors could not perform the surgery. She died on the way, as she was being rushed to Warri for proper treatment” she said. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Tompolo (Left), MEND Militant Leader - Henry Okah (Right)

Pathetic. In the Creeks of the Niger Delta, avoidable deaths of this nature are very common. Most of the communities have no access to medical facilities. In sane societies, a place like the Niger Delta should have a clinic in virtually every community. The clumsiness of the creeks should be no excuse. After all, it is from the bowels of these so-called inaccessible creeks that the wealth of the nation is extracted. We are talking of over 95 percent of our total foreign exchange earnings.

Paradoxically, it is the region infected with all manners of diseases. All because the environment has been seriously devastated in the past 50 years by mindless oil exploitation with countless oil spillages to the bargain. Worse still, is that most of the people in the region have no potable water. They drink water from the same rivers, rivulets and streams in which they wash their clothes, take their bath and empty their bowels. That explains why water borne diseases are rampant. For these reasons, one would expect that the Niger Delta should be given special attention in the siting of health facilities. That unfortunately, is not the case. In several cases, people have to travel for hours to reach a clinic, which is often poorly equipped and poorly manned as was evident in Okerenkoko.

Given the fact that the Okerenkoko hospital was built by the NDDC, one expected higher standards. But what happened was that, it handed it over to the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, to run. That was to ensure that the state agency took proper care of the place. Since the name of NDDC will inevitably be mentioned when the hospitals that it built are run aground, it should show more than passing interest on how they are managed.

A leader of the area Mr. Momotimi Guwor said “when DESOPADEC was running the hospital it was very well managed. But after the crisis of May 13, 2009 DESOPADEC handed it over to Tare Ventures to manage. The owner of this outfit lives abroad. So, we want a situation whereby DESOPADEC runs this hospital directly because we don’t have doctors here, just a few nurses who merely carry out first aid”. It is difficult to understand why the only hospital which serves several communities was handed over to an absentee management. If DESOPADEC was, for whatever reason, desirous of giving the hospital to someone else to run, it should have looked for a competent organization. Certainly, not the Tare venture man who does not have what it takes to efficiently manage the health facility. The Delta State government should, therefore, heed the plea of the people of Okerenkoko by ordering DESOPADEC to take over the running of the hospital again. Even with all the challenges that the agency is currently facing, there can be no comparison between the level of services it can render with that of the absentee owner of Tare Ventures. Since DESOPADEC was set up solely to cater for the developmental needs of the oil producing areas, it should not shy away for its responsibility. ( Continues below….. )

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

It is very painful that various levels of governments in this country and their agencies treat the health of our citizens with levity. They don’t just care. This is most unfortunate. In most parts of the world, the health of the citizenry is given top priority. Enough resources are devoted to it. This is to ensure that there are adequate competent professionals, with up-to-date facilities to do their job. That is the main reason they enjoy longer life span. Nigeria is notorious for having one of the highest infant and maternal mortality in the world. This is the expensive price we pay for having leaders whose only reason for assuming leadership positions is to swell their bank accounts. Service to the people takes the back burner.

One cannot understand why 50 years after independence, most Nigerians can still not have access to basic health facilities. Even when provisions are made for them in the budgets, the money ends up in the private pockets of some of our leaders.

This obnoxious practice is mainly responsible for the stunted growth of the health sector of this country. The issue is further complicated by incessant strikes by doctors in public health institutions. They have a litany of complaints. Their grouse include poor remunerations. They are also unhappy with the cessation of overseas training for resident doctors to hone their skills and make them internationally competitive. They condemn scanty facilities and the purchase of sophisticated medical equipment, without first of all training Nigerian doctors to handle them efficiently. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

This mess in the health sector has been going on for too long. It is now a status symbol for one to go abroad for medical attention and even to die there. Our former President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was treated unsuccessfully in a hospital of a third world country like Nigeria, in Saudi Arabia. What a shame!

Certainly, we cannot continue endlessly on this inglorious journey. That is why, I support the recent action by a reputable human right activist, and seasoned lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana. He has taken the federal government to court to restrain it from taking any public officer abroad for medical treatment. He wants the court to compel the government to “ensure that there are adequate medical and health facilities for all persons in the country”. I pray that he succeeds in his patriotic mission. If that happens, the nation will save the whopping sum of over $2.8 billion (N450 billion) that our rich men spend on overseas medical treatment every year.

The Fraudian theory of ego, should not only apply to individuals, but also to nations. As a country, we should have a sense of self esteem. Our nation is fast losing its self respect by allowing our rich men to run abroad even for minor ailments that can easily be treated in this country.

Yes, it is the fundamental human right of every Nigerian to seek medical treatment anywhere in the world. Since this right has, however, been flagrantly abused by our leaders to the detriment of the growth of our health sector, it should be tampered with. The money spent on overseas medical consultations, check-ups and treatments annually by Nigerians is more than enough to build some of the best hospitals in the world in this country. President Goodluck Jonathan should, therefore, give us world-class hospitals to end the shame of Nigerians flocking abroad for medical attention.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Niger Delta, Abuja, Lagos, Death, Projects, Jobs, Africa, Masterweb

*Alleged Liquidation: Nigeria Federal Court Clears IRS Airline

-*Acquires 3 More Aircraft

-*Expands Operations to West Coast Shortly

By Lateef Lawal

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ruled in favour of IRS Airlines in a case of alleged voluntary liquidation brought against it by Union Bank early in the year.

The airline, had through its counsel filed a counter motion against the suit claiming that the airline was not going into liquidation as claimed by the bank and that the issue on ground was mere misunderstanding between the bank and its customer which could be settled amicably. IRS also filed all necessary documents to support its grounds of objection.

Giving a ruling recently, Justice A. Abang noted that the issue at stake, he strongly believed could be settled amicably among the parties without recourse to legal battle.

The Chairman of IRS Airline, Alhaji Isyaku Rabiu could not be reached on his reaction to the ruling as he was said to be out of the country to shop for more aircraft to beef-up the fleet of the airline in preparation for the airline’s route network expansion on the domestic and West Coast. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: IRS Airline plane (Right) and copter (Left).

The Assistant Secretary General of the Airline Operators of Nigeria(AON), Alhaji Mohammed Tukur said he was delighted on the outcome of the court decision, as it would correct the wrong signal given to the public at-large and foreign business partners of IRS Airlines.

He advised the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) to as a matter of urgency set up an aviation dispute resolution unit to settle business dispute between airlines and their partners, especially the banks who finance aircraft acquisitions for Nigerian carriers so as not cripple air transportation business in the country through unnecessary litigations.

As a member of AON, Alhaji Tukur said the entire members of the airline’s body congratulated the Chairman of IRS on the manner of the outcome of the case and the manner in which both parties resolved the matter amicably. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: An Airborne Plane

Meanwhile, competent sources close to the airline indicated that the airline is to increase the number of aircraft in its fleet from the present four to eight before the end of the last quarter of the year. It presently operates 4 Fokker100 and 1 Fokker 28.

Presently, the airline has increased its frequencies on the Lagos-Abuja route to 4 daily, same applies to Lagos-Kaduna, Lagos-Kano.

It is also expanding to its operations to Kaduna-Enugu, Kaduna-Yola-Maiduguri, Lagos-Warri, Lagos-Port Harcourt, while she plans to add Enugu-Abuja at a later time. In total, IRS currently operates 36 frequencies daily.

As part of plans to shore up its operations, the management of IRS has sent 21 pilots and over 20 aircraft engineers on retraining at overseas facilities

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Irs, Liquidation, Airlines, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

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*Nigeria At 50: Any Hope In Sight?

By Engr. Steve Ochonma

My article entitled “Ahead 2011: Abia loot causes rift” which was published on this website few weeks ago, did not only strike the right cord but made some Abia politicians uncomfortable. The reasons were obvious. Meanwhile, I strongly believe that Dim Emeka Ojukwu and APGA are not the agents of change we desire and deserve neither in Igbo land nor in Nigeria. APGA is a regional party and not good enough for the Igbo cause in Nigeria. The Iboman deserves a better bargaining platform. Most of the decisions and moves the Dim and pals made between 1966-1970 were not right. They would have provided better leadership in the mist of the great challenges they faced, if they had been in touch with the realities then, and were also foresighted, and not go on an ego trip.

On the other hand, I believe Gowon and his co-horts were carried away by youthful exuberance and tribal sentiments and considerations. Their motives, actions and responses were characterized by primordial ethnic chauvinism. Again, if the parties to the Aburi meetings of January 4th and 5th, 1967 and the subsequent accord, had understood that what was on the table then (and still is today) was a national question and not a regional survival or winning or positioning strategy, and had respected resolutions reached, we all would have been better off today. But the Dim did not prove his degree in world history, when he declared quick secession instead of re-strategizing and waiting for the right time to make the right moves. Recognizing Gowon after Gowon’s explaination of the brutal murder of the then C in C and his host Fajuyi, and thereafter do what was needed at the right time, would have been a better decision. And we all saw the consequences. Yet today the issues of the past and their ghost still hurt us as a nation badly, still they are not ready to lead yet. They are obviously not ready for good leadership and governance, so why rely on them? They are making similar mistakes, as they did before. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

Ndigbo need to be firm and formidable in a political party with national appeal. Yorubas made the mistake of playing regional politics and payed for it, before M.K.O Abiola and Obasanjo brought them into main stream and today they are better off. So why go back to regional politics. Why tow that ugly path. We must take the bull by the horns, we must earn every position in Nigeria in relation and competition to all Nigerians, and this is the right path to follow. The south-south has it today because they followed the correct path. No section of this country can go it alone, because no section is significantly ahead of the others, politically, economically or by size (population). Please, do not trust those population figures; they are obviously not a true reflection of the Nigerian realities. If you want to discover the truth and be shocked beyond imagination conduct a biometric data based census, with place of origin (tribe) as the focal issue, and this nonsense of a particular region holding the ace will evaporate like gas before a hot sun. Make no mistake about it, no section of Nigeria can go it alone, we must go with the rest. Even if we want to go our separate ways, we will decide it together.

Still on the afore-mentioned article, someone responded and asked “where are we boarding from” in reference to the call for all Abians to come on-board, my answer for now would be let’s wait a bit and see. But the following websites may give us directions; www.nigeriapmm.org, www.nigeriamasterweb.com, www.steveochonma.org, www.abiaforum.ng.org, www.organizingforabia.com, and www.organizingfornigeria.com.

Some of these sites are still being developed, so do not get frustrated if you can’t assess them yet. Now, let me also state humbly that i see some credible candidates in Abia for 2011. Certainly, I am one, Chief Charles Okereke is another and I believe Chief Ikechi Emenike, Mr. Uzoma Azogu, Sir Alex Ottih of first bank, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and a few others, are there too. But whether or not any of these people will run and how much they can raise for the campaigns will be determined by the political realities in Nigeria today. At the national level, I believe the issue of zoning should not only be rejected but also the discussions discontinued.

Let us ask all candidates respective of areas of origin to unviel their visions, missions and plans for us, to enable us determine whom we will give our mandate to in 2011. We are waisting too much time and energy on the non- important issue of presidency- by- allocation. I believe President Goodluck Jonathan has started well, though i see “ the voice of Jacob but the hand of Esau” in his presidency, so far. Again he has this tendency, which he has utilized to his advantage for long, to stay calm and still in the presence of ills. Though he may not be corrupt himself, he had condoned the excesses of his bosses, in order to be seen as loyal. He should have spoken out at least or resigned in some instances. But the forgoing not withstanding, he has good motive for Nigeria and the capacity, and vision to excel if given the opportunity, in 2011. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: Nigerians line-up to vote during election, while a cattle herder remains on his normadic job with his herd.

President Jonathan must tackle seriously such issues of urgent national importance as monumental corrupt practices in the Nigeria police, the Military, especially those on joint mission with police in the Niger Delta, South East and elsewhere, who engage in broad day robbery and public extortion, and again amongst the political class, in areas of outright treasury looting through phonzy schemes and award of contracts. Again the issue of power generation and distribution, geunine Electoral Reforms, Authentic biometric data based Voters Register, Guranteed infrastructural developments, amongst others, before the election, if he desires to run and win next year without rigging himself in. I will write a letter shortly to Mr President to furnish him with information on the level of insecurity, lawlessness, looting and extortions within the political class and security operatives in the South East and South-South, and how the security personnels in these regions, both old and newly posited, collaborate with robbers and kidnappers to terrorize the people there. Also I will let the President see why it is wrong to give an award be it local, national or international to people just because the occupy high public positions, even when they have not performed.

The recent national honours conferred on the former speaker of the house of reps., some present public office holders including the police I.G, commerce and industry minister, senators, federal ministers, etc, is an insult to Nigerians. What was the basis and yardsticks for these awards. As the first Nigerian PhD holder to assume the presidency, we expect a clear departure from the failed leadership style of the past, but so far we have seen just very little from him in that regard. He seem to be maintaining the status quo. Obviousy, Mr President is not the best candidate in the political ring today. We need men of higher intellectual and perceptional capacity, and judgement at the presidency of the 21st century Nigeria.

Professor Pat. Utomi and a few others posses these pedigree and should do better. Mr. Donald Duke is certainly in a class of potentail great leaders and therefore may not disappoint the nation, if elected. But he will have hard time explaining to us how he became so rich in government. He is a product of the corrupt military and political class of 1990’s and 2000’s. Though Governors Babatunde Fashola and Chibuike Amechi are fisrt term governors, they have made tremendous marks on our political landscape. Fashola certinly is a man for tommorrow, not today. If keep his cool and continues his laudable projects in Lagos, he will go places, sooner than later. Gov. Amechi on the other hand needs to re-adjust his binoculars. Amechi has the tendency to be arrogant and disrespectful, and has exhibited this, time after time, and again he has a lot of tribal and fraternal attachments that may weigh him down when the time comes. He is certainly not using the best hands around to execute his projects and programmes. Most of his building and road projects are obviously poorly done.

Political patronage rather than professionalism definitly is the motive behind those contracts. Like “they” would say “we don’t want to give jobs to or empower those who will tommorrow use the money from our jobs to fight us.’ But they forget that these are State’s money and not theirs. Senator Ken Nnamani has been tested and found capable, he may be a good material for the presidency. Also senator Ayim Pius Ayim possess the fear of God that is rear today within the political class, so should be a big fish in the Nigeria waters. Vice President Namadi Sambo is a technocrat and carries himself well and therefore should deliever, but he needs to know that corruption can distroy a man faster than he struggled to climb. Retired AIG Nuhu Ribadu has proved himself worthy, though he needs to overcome youthful exuberance and zeal and get matured for a place of such importance. Mallam El-Rufai needs time and another opportunity to rewrite the ills of FCT days before he can be trusted again. But he is a good guy who slipped on the ladder of nepotism. He didn’t have to climb it, but he did. What a pity. Former President Babangida and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have looted enough and should be greatful to be enjoying the air of freedom still. General Buhari (rtd) is a gentleman to the core, a tested and proven leader, he is one of the rear breeds of the military, so he should be a hot cake in the political market. But his military background and non-strategic political moves may undermine his chances. For me he is good enough for the presidency. The present SSG of the federation, nay, of Nigeria, for there is nothing federation in our union as it stands today, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed is a presidentail materia and maybe one of the finest today from the North.Professor Bath Nnaji has the right credentails for the job and should be given an opportunity. ( Continues below….. )

Chief Emeka Anyaoku has the requisite experience and exposure required today to move Nigeria forward, but age is definitely not in his favour for a 21st century presidency. Senator David Mark is a true Nigerian, accommodative and has done well as senate president, so he has no reason not to do better as president. Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, though not a politician has all it takes to give Nigeria world class leadership, he should be encouraged to run, if not in 2011 but soon.

I can’t understand why someone like that has never been nominated for a federal cabinet position nor asked to run for Governor. I don’t know of any Abian today that has better pedigree and credentails than Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa for the office of Governor. I suggest that He make himself available for that position in 2011. His time for that position may elapse after 2011. The world bank managing Director, Mrs Ngozi Okonji- Iweala is a gift to Abia, Delta and Nigeria. She has the capacity and intergrity to lead either Abia or Nigeria. But I know she may not fancy the idea of leaving such exalted position at the world bank to run for Governor of Abia. Her place may be at the presidency.

If Ngozi Okonji-Iweala and Sam Ohuabunwa would not run for governor in 2011, then let’s file behind people like Chief Ikechi Emenike, Chief Charles Okereke, Sir Alex Ottih or any other honorable man or woman, to give Abia good governance. There are so many other credible Nigerians and Abians that can bring the change we yearn for and need in 2011, whom we cannot particularly mention herein owing to time and space constraints, but whom we will present to Nigerians at www.nigeriapmm.org before the elections, to see, judge, adopt and vote for.

Now back to the comments that were generated there, from that article: Ahead 2011- Abia loot causes political rift. There were many of them, but one by one so-called Onu Otile needed to be responded to here. Just like he claimed his name is, he is truly “onu-otile” Mr Onu Otile had stated therein “my dear Ochonma, you are but a drop of water in a political ocean and you can only make a tum noise,” He went further to insinuate that I was writing for PDP’s interest. Again Mr. Otile posited that APGA and Dim Emeka Ojukwu would bring the change we crave for in 2011, not just in Abia State but in the entire five South Eastern states.

Mr. Otile is certainly among the few disillusioned persons in Igboland today, who are not only politically naive, out-of-touch with present day realities, but also a supporter of the status quo in Abia. They forget that little drops of water make the ocean, as the saying goes. Again, Mr. Otile forgets that change does not just happen by themselves. They are caused to occur. There must be agents of change. And these are those who are not cynical, those who are not bought over and those who will maintain their courage and integrity, regardless. Mr. Otile and his pals forget that change means a shift from status quo. And that T.A., OUK, Paul, PPA and such wanted criminals in Abia represent our ugly immediate past. They certainly represent all we need and want to change, not just in Abia but in Nigeria too. Onu Otile, as he called himself, is not bold enough to mention his real name, he prefers to masqueared and hide in the dark, because his works are evil. Otile forgets that Dim Emeka and APGA have just opened their living rooms to welcome and hide a confirmed rogue. And in this case, they are all accomplices to those crimes against the state of Abia. So what kind of change will those rogues bring and for whom. Certainly not the kind we need and yearn for today both in abia and in Nigeria. They have looted Abia and therefore deserve only a change of environment: from freedom to incarceration. We should therefore not hesitate to give them passports to prison as they rightly deserve. But solitary confinement alone is not good enough. They should be made to return all their loots first, so we could use same to give Abians what was denied them for this long. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigerian Flag

It is therefore on this note that I agree with Mr. Obioma’s comment, on that same article, that those who are thinking that because T.A has gone to APGA, good things will come to Abia, are fools. Nothing can be far-fetched than that. It is without doubt a lie. APGA is a mere political creation of Man. APGA like any other party is controlled by men. And men’s activities are determined by their value systems. If T. A. likes let him join PDP, as he is likely to sooner or later, he will still have nothing to offer to Abia. Certainly, these men who were at the helm of affairs for the past eleven years plus, have very poor value systems. They represent the retrogressive and centrifugal forces that held the Abia project down for too long. You can not be a part of that kind of monumental looting and raping for II years plus and just wake up one morning to start preaching sanctimonious sermons. Such sermons are not only deceitful but insulting too. You needed to have apologized first, and then return all your loots, as a sign of genuine repentance and goodwill, before asking for our vote. You are insulting the intelligence of Abia voters. Do first thing first. Then and only then will Abians take you seriously. Jumping from one political Party to the other will not cover you.

Paul was commissioner for works and earned salaries and other emoulments for years, in addition to his own loots and yet he rendered no service whatsoever to Abia. No road was constructed, repaired or maintained, if they ever did, it ws insignificant and not commensurate with funds available, during this period under review. He never disagreed with his masters and did not resign voluntarily in protest but enjoyed the loot together with his bosses while it lasted. Now he too has jumped to AC or ACN and is preaching his own sermon now, “AC, only hope for Liberation.” what is Paul’s pedigree to desire to run for office of governor? How dare he talk of liberation, why did he not revolt or at least talk against the evil that went on for eleven whole years in Abia? He never opposed it, in fact, he benefited immensely from it and now he talks about liberation. What an insult. From whom or what is he liberating Abia, from himself or those like him? We know those who are wolves in sheep’s skin, and we will not be fooled this time around.

They can rejoin PDP, AC, APGA or any other party, for all I care. They conspired to destroy Abia, they conspired to de-roof Abia house, and now, they seek shelther in the same house, simply because the heat and rains are descending on them heavily. They de-rooted the Abia house; now let the rain drench them terribly. This is the consequences for their individual and collective actions. And mark my words, ‘nmeri ga ama ha nile.’ Make no mistake about that. He that sowed wind shall reap whirlwind. This is the law of nature. Now their harvest is just beginning.

Let me reiterate here that I am not a PDP member as at today. I have never belonged to any political party or movement in Nigeria before now. I am active and a contributory member of President Barack Obama’s organizing for America group. I co-signed the health care bill with him like any other member of that group. But I am a Nigerian and believe that we need to replicate what is happening in America here in Nigeria now. I am open to any political association or relationship that will best serve the interest of the majority of Nigerians. I don’t belong to the elites club and have never benefited from corrupt political class in Nigeria or elsewhere. So I can with good conscience do what I have to do, without fear or favour to anyone. I will join a party at the appropriate time and will make a different in whatever capacity I am mandated to serve, be it on an elective or appointive basis.

Yes, I have political ambition, because I believe that things are this bad in Nigeria today because there are not enough good men in our political rings. We can not sit on the fence and just keep critisizing. We must be willing to sacrifice to make our state and country better, for all.

The Nigeria political environment of 2010 and beyond is such that we should be looking beyond parties, to individual who can deliver, no matter their political inclinations. Credibility and integrity must come first. Some people have suggested that APGA will do well if given the opportunity in the east. Such persons have cited the case of Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State to buttress their point. I cannot say for certain whether Obi is a success or not in government yet. It may be too early to conclude that. But like it or not, Obi was a successful businessman before joining politics, so if he fails in government I will be puzzled a great deal. T.A, OUK, Ohakim and so many others like them do not enjoy such pedigree as Obi. So it would be wrong to equalt Obi’s performance to APGA’S. There is simply no basis for such. This is also true of Lagos and Rivers governors. They are succeeding because they came with vision and mission. But this cannot be said of majority of the governors and political leaders in Nigeria too.

I am not a pastor or a prophet but let me predict based on my physic abilities, talents and experience that the game is up for those criminals in Abia. They knew that much themselves. Running back to PDP to seek the vice presidency or any other political relevance will not work. If the mission to go back to PDP was to hide under its umbrella, to run away from your crimes, you will be ulterly disappointed. 2011 is the “doomsday” for you all.

The PDP canopy may be large but it is certainly not big enough to hide all those criminals seeking it for cover. Like the police would say ’better come out and surrender’. The earlier the better. We need all that loots back to develop our state. You cannot run away from your crimes for too long.

To all Abians of goodwill, I say congregations, because our set time has come. Our time for change, liberation and quantum leaps has come. The Omnipotent has answered our prayers. All the night vigils for years have not been in vain. The miraculous will take place in 2011. The lion has roared, who will not fear, and the Lord God has spoken, who will but prophesy. Truly when the Omnipotence speaks the miraculous does take place. But who has believed our report and to whom is the Lord’s arms revealed?

Rejoice and be glad Nigerians for our God reigns and rules over the affairs of Nigeria. The Satans Eden built by those evil men will be turn down. All people of goodwill in Abia state, hold on, faint not, help is on the way. To all Nigerians of goodwill, hold on, help is on the way. I see a silverlining in the sky and I know the sun will arise on your behalf for good. Watch out for the people candidates for 2011 on www.nigeriapmm.org. For those who are still fearful and therefore keep silent because of probable evil that will be targetted at them, let me encourage you as Peter did in 1Peter 3:14-17 ‘ And who is he that will harm you, if you be followers of that which is good, but if you suffer for goodness sake, be happy and not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled, for it is better, if the will of God be so, that you suffer for well doing than for evil doing.’ Follow Nigerians, hold on and faint not, help is on the way. Till next time,

With loyalty and humility,

Yours in national service,

Engr. Steve Ochonma

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*Tags: Nigerians, Political, 50, Hope, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Goodwill Message To Nigerians by U.S. Boxing Champ

By Enobong Umohette (Wisconsin Heavyweight Boxing Champion)

Once again, I am humbled and grateful to you all for giving me the privilege to contribute my quota to inspiring our people, through my struggles in and out of the boxing ring.

Today, August 5th, 2010, our people under the dynamic umbrella of AKISAN will convene in Baltimore, Maryland to celebrate the achievements of our sons and daughters and to show the sense of brotherliness, charity and goodwill that is synonymous with Akwa Ibom people. I stand to identify with AKISAN and its able leadership, whose humanitarian philanthropy for the less privileged by way of scholarships and grants for our sons and daughters back home, has been tremendous. Also, I want to commend the distinguished sons and daughters, whose excellence in professional and humanitarian endeavors have earned a worthy reckon from AKISAN this year. I thank, the Maryland AKISAN chapter youth group, who have given me and my manager/promoter Mr. Emmanuel Usoh the privilege to be a part of their function and to speak to them about chasing their dream.

You were all there in my corner, when I started the journey in professional boxing in April 2009 and with your support, I clinched the Heavy Weight Championship title of the State of Wisconsin within one year.

First let me acknowledge the support and sacrifice His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Godswill Akpabio has shown towards Akwa Ibom state and our people. Obong Godswill Akpabio represents leadership, and through this dynamic leadership, I am convicted that no matter the challenges we face back home, our state is moving forward for the better. I call on all our sons and daughters to pray for the leadership, show support and encouragement and foster brotherly love for one another.

I respectfully wish to recognize the contributions of People’s Servant(Ps.) Charles O. Okereke, an idealist, social reformer and a strong advocate of the rights of the poor masses of Nigeria. People’s Servant(Ps.) Charles O. Okereke, has over the years continued to empower the Nigerian people with his progressive articulation. His electoral revolution campaign in south Eastern Nigeria is in itself and ideological landmark, that is re-orienting the minds of Nigerian citizens on their sacrosanct right to free electoral choice. This gentleman has supported my career and is not only a friend of Akwa Ibom, but an asset to Nigeria and Africa.

As we head to a momentous convention in Baltimore, Maryland I want to use this moment to recognize the tireless and selfless sacrifice of Ms. Linda Umoh. She is like a raging fire of progress, passion and dedication to the upliftment of Akwa Ibom people. I salute her dexterity, courage and resilience in pushing the cause of the ‘Akwa Ibom Project’ as well as her unending support for my career.

In another breath, I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Emmanuel Usoh of Philadelphia who has been a pillar of support to my career since we met at the 2009 Michigan Convention. Despite the enormous cost implication inherent in professional boxing, he boldly took on the challenge of managing and promoting my professional career. Since 2009, Mr. Emmanuel Usoh has contributed immense material resources to fund my training, travels and campaign in the boxing ring. His unflinching faith in the project of inspiring our people has culminated in the first of many Heavy Weight title championships that shall be won to the glory of our people, through my hands. Mr. Emmanuel Usoh, leading the ‘Philadelphia group’ has taken me all over the United States and exposed me to veteran trainers and fighters who equipped me with the technical know-how to defeat the Champion whose belt I claimed, even when I was completely out-sized and seemingly over matched.

I want to thank Mr. Ufot Kish Ufot, his lovely wife and family and indeed his ‘Washington DC crew’ who showed their kindness and hospitality to me during the maiden visit of Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan to the United States of America. It was indeed a rare privilege to see His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan again in person, after first seeing him as a Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, in my days as a Federal Civil Servant back in Nigeria.

On a personal note, I want to take a moment to remember our brothers and sisters who have laid down their lives through service in the Armed Forces all over the world, as they fight to keep peace, uphold fundamental human rights and protect the freedom of citizens from tyranny and oppression. I remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen to conflicts of violence and lost their lives through natural disasters. May their souls rest in peace.

I shall not end this goodwill message without saying a big thank you, to the few who are too shy to see their names in print for their kind spiritual and material support in the journey so far.

Finally, I invite you all to come and fellowship with one another in Baltimore, Maryland, as I will not only be there in spirit but will be there physically to thank you, talk with you and show you my sense of gratitude and association with our people. I shall bring with me, the coveted belt I won in a grueling 7 round battle and will proudly have you earn your right to its glory, because it is yours; an Akwa Ibom inspired championship victory.

I intend to be the next Akwa Ibomite to become Heavy Weight Champion of the world and will be as I have always been, a champion in the heart of the people, who will not need forms filled to be accessed or be aloof and distant from the people but will be a humble servant in the mission of inspiring our people. I respectfully urge you all to extend your prayer and support to our dear champion Samuel Peter who makes his rise and return to capture the undisputed heavy weight championship of the world. Samuel did it before and will shake up the world again.

Also, please join me in wishing a Happy Birthday to a fine gentleman, whose courage and passion for service has written his name on a glorious page in the history book of the great United States of America; I speak about His Excellency, President Barack Obama who clocked 49 years yesterday (August 4th), 2010.

As a citizen of the world, I respectfully thank all my non-Akwa Ibom, non Nigerian and non African partners and friends who have helped in giving me a voice to encourage and inspire through the sport of boxing.

See you in Baltimore and soon again at ring side.

Yours sincerely,

Enobong Umohette

THE NIGERIAN GENTLEMAN (TNG)

TNG WISCONSIN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE PHOTOS

*READ TNG’s WISCONSIN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT REPORT AT:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/03/21/title_5

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

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

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

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*Nigeria: Niger Delta Deserves High Quality Projects

By Ifeatu Agbu

The point has been made repeatedly that developing the Niger Delta is not a tea party. In the area of providing infrastructure, the task is daunting. This is understandably so because of the difficult and challenging deltaic terrain, characterized by criss-crossing rivers, creeks and rivulets.

Developing such an environment, therefore, requires special attention and expertise. In building roads, for instance, care must be taken to provide a solid stone-base after the muddy top-soil had been taken off to ensure that the road stands the test of time. This accounts for why roads in the Niger Delta, sometimes cost as much as thrice that of similar roads in other parts of the country.

Given its peculiar circumstances, it is paramount that contractors handling projects in the region must be made to adhere to specified standards to ensure that the infrastructure being put in place are those that can endure over time. Governments and their agencies have a duty to use reputable experts to spell out the standards that should guide all contractors handling jobs in the region.

Since Niger Delta is in dire need of rapid development, there should be no room for unqualified and indolent contractors who often deliver shoddy jobs that would collapse in no time. Setting up the process that would hold contractors accountable also means that the governments at various levels should adhere to established guidelines. This is where the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) Act of 2007, which institutionalized due process and transparency in contract awards and executions, comes in handy.

However, for the due process to be meaningful there is need to clip the tentacles of the octopus called corruption. The set standards have to be strictly adhered to. This is particularly so for those supervising jobs in the Niger Delta States. In fact, the governments in this region should establish a unified standard that will guarantee quality jobs delivery across the oil-rich zone. Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Map of Nigeria showing its 36 states (including Imo State) and capital (Abuja or FCT)

Today, a lot of projects embarked upon by the three tiers of government and their agencies in the region have been abandoned or are poorly executed. From all indications, the process of screening contractors to ascertain their suitability and capability to execute projects is faulty. The practice world-wide is for the government to outline the parameters for determining whether contractors have the relevant experience, manpower, equipment and monetary resources to successfully execute projects. Contractors bidding for big ticket projects must have good and verifiable track-records to be able to meet the requirements of due process.

Again, it should be made clear to all contractors at the outset that project abandonment would lead to permanent exclusion from bidding for future contracts, in addition to their refund of mobilization fees with appropriate interest. Unfortunately, we seem to have a situation where a contractor could easily abandon a project and just walk away without serious consequences.

Some of the governors in the Niger Delta region are beginning to wield the big stick against incompetent and fraudulent contractors. In Rivers State, for instance, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is having a rethink over his government’s policy to encourage indigenous contractors. He said that the performances of some local contractors were very disappointing.

As a result, he said the state government has changed its initial policy of “Rivers money for Rivers people, to Rivers money for competent contractors. Just show me any failed project, by the time you investigate, you will find out that it is being handled by a Rivers indigenous contractor, so we have decided to only give our jobs to qualified and competent contractors, irrespective of where they come from”.

In the neighbouring Akwa Ibom State, Governor, Godswill Akpabio appears to be toeing the same line. He made his position quite clear when he said: ‘’ I am not against giving jobs to indigenous contractors in the name of empowerment but you have to give the jobs to them depending on their technical expertise”.

He advised his fellow governors and other development agencies in the region to insist on high standards so as to provide enduring infrastructure, especially roads. ‘’Let’s set quality and standards. Let’s change the attitude of our people. We require enduring infrastructure and must sustain them.’’, Akpabio said.

It must be noted, however, that the problem of poor quality jobs goes beyond the Niger Delta, as it is a national malaise. Many highways across the country have either collapsed or are in dreadful conditions. Perhaps, more disturbing is that parts of some roads still under construction are often riddled with potholes before their completion. ( Continues below….. )

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

The situation has become so pathetic that federal legislators could no longer gloss over the problem. Recently, the leadership of the House of Representatives had some harsh words for officials of the Federal Ministry of Works regarding the poor state of roads across the country. The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Usman Nafada accused the officials of colluding with contractors to short-change Nigerians. He lambasted them at a public hearing on a bill for an Act to construct, build and maintain roads and erosion projects for five years before handing them over to the government.

“We need to do something on the state of our roads. I don’t want to blame the construction companies, there are people supervising them for a Certificate of no Objection to be raised. There is someone in the ministry that would have said the project was satisfactory. Fraudulent practices by officials cause roads to fail,” Nafada said. The failure of supervisory bodies to play their roles effectively, which was aptly identified by the legislators, complicates the problem of dealing with errant contractors. This notwithstanding, defaulting contractors still have to be whipped into line for appreciable progress to be made towards providing durable infrastructure. Of course, this poses a challenge for the various levels of government and the development agencies.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, a critical interventionist agency, appears to have taken up the challenge. According to Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha, the Managing Director of the commission, consultants to all its projects must uphold professionalism by ensuring that contractors were monitored every inch of the way. He warned that the commission would no longer tolerate the nonchalant attitude of some of the consultants towards projects delivery. “All projects must be executed in line with specifications. Our people need development. Everyone must partner together to accomplish this for the good of all as you [consultants] are playing a critical role in this direction,” he said.

At a meeting between the management of the commission and members of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, who came on projects inspection as part of the committee’s oversight functions, Ugwoha noted that it was only through regular project monitoring that contractors would be kept on their toes, adding that all projects must be executed according to design and specifications. When the NDDC boss led an inspection team on tour of projects in Imo State, recently, he threatened to revoke the contract for Izombe/Obokofia road. By his assessment, what was on ground did not suggest that the firm handling the project was capable of meeting the standard set by the commission.

He said: “In NDDC, we want to do road projects that will last up to 15 years or at least five years before the project starts having any problem. What I am seeing here does not show that the contractor is capable of meeting NDDC standard of my desire.” Ugwuoha expressed disappointment at the level of work on some of the projects inspected and stated that henceforth, all road projects awarded by the commission must be stone-based. He said that in line with its repositioning posture, NDDC had set a standard which must not be compromised and warned that any attempt to do otherwise would be punished.

Since experience has shown that many road contractors have the predilection for short-changing this country, all such contracts should have binding maintenance clauses that would guarantee that every road remains at tip-top shape for at least five years. Strict enforcement of such clauses would force all contractors, particularly the local ones, to embrace best global practices in the execution of their projects.

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

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*Tags: Nigerians, Niger Delta, Abuja, Lagos, Quality,Projects, Jobs, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria Attainment of Category1 Status

-*National Carrier, Not A Prerequiste For FAA Cat1 Attainment -Demuren, DG, NCAA

By Lateef Lawal

The attainment of Category1 Status of the United States of America’s Federal Aviation Administration (US-FAA) is not one of the set requirements. This clarification was made by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren to correct the wrong impression created in the minds of the public by certain section of the Nigerian Press lately.

One of the requirements for the attainment of Category1 Status, he asserts is the certification of at least one Nigerian airline in accordance with the new Safety Regulations stipulated in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations of July, 2009. Nigeria, he says has just completed this process of re-certifying and issuing an Air Operator Certificate(AOC) to Ark Air, a Nigerian registered airline which is already designated and has been flying the US using foreign registered aircraft. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: An Airborne Plane

According to Demuren, other Nigerian airlines, whether flying domestic regional or international are also to go through the re-certification process to ensure very high safety standards and erase the era of recording fatalities in our airspace through plane crashes. “Our target is zero accident and zero fatality. Our commitment in this aspect is total. As an airline operator, you must obey our safety regulation 100 per cent for you to continue in operation", Demuren was quoted as saying.

Demuren pointed out that 80 per cent of countries that have attained Category One Status do not have national carrier and that if there was any need to establish a national carrier now, that decision is that of the Federal Government and is not tied to the country’s quest toward attainment of the most valued safety standard.

According to him, Nigeria has adhered strictly to all the eight critical safety elements sighted by FAA and made sure that, “all the eight critical elements of the ICAO Safety Oversight which is what FAA Category One is all about have been closed by NCAA". ( Continues below….. )

The next stage in the pursuit of Cat1 which is the Mock Audit(FAA Technical Review) was carried out on July 26, 2010 by a team of Inspectors from FAA which is the last final assessment preparatory to the attainment of FAA Cat1.

The NCAA DG therefore appealed to Nigerians especially the media to see the Cat1 process as a national project, requiring the support of all, and added that, “false and misleading statements would only cause unnecessary distraction and jeopardize the strides already attained, especially as the process is nearing completion. Cat1 will put Nigeria aviation on the premier league and we assure all that Nigerian aviation will meet all international standards.”

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Dr Adesanya Adelekan Got It Wrong On Nigerians

By Dr Solomon Ojehonmon

I beg to disagree with the managing director of Macmillan Nigeria Publishers, Lagos, Dr Adesanya Adelekan, on some of his comments during the interview with Sunday Punch published on the 11th of July. In the article Dr Adelekan intoned that Nigerians do not buy or read books except to pass examinations, and that they are not interested in novels, magazines, articles etc. Sadly, it is now commonplace to hear Nigerian publishers grousing about poor sales and heaping the blame on poor Nigerians while the fault, in my honest opinion, is almost entirely theirs.

With the ongoing revolution in the music and movie industries in Nigeria, interest has been largely drawn away from foreign movies and music. Only last week, I attended a gig and it was local music all through. In a moment of sober reflection, it occurs to me that, ten, fifteen years ago, not a single local song would have been played at such a party. The other day I was watching a group of artistes perform on Silverbird TV and actually thought they were westerners until I was corrected of my erroneous notion by my wife who pointed out that they were selected African artistes, including Nigerians. That is an indication of how far the music industry has developed in Nigeria and Africa.

In recent times Nollywood has taken over the heart and soul of the film industry, relegating foreign movies to the background. Our local movies may not have been upped to western standard but they have enough sap to nosh local and continental interest. Even in western countries most Nigerians, Africans and Caribbean residents now have a predilection for our movies and music. We do not hear much complaining from these sectors. The reason is not farfetched. President Barrack Obama once said during his campaign that the world is changing and we must change with it. Our film and music industries have changed with the tide. ( Continues below….. )

The literary industry in Nigeria and Africa in general has failed woefully to join this revolution. So Dr Adelekan believes we do not read novels. No, sir, Nigerians do read plenty of novels but mostly foreign ones: compelling historical thrillers, intriguing murder mysteries, action-adventures, cutting-edge medical thrillers, spellbinding romance, revolutionary general fiction, and provocative, even controversial, religious thrillers. These are what most Nigerians love to read. So where are Nigeria or Africa equivalents of Sidney Sheldon, Michael Crichton, Dan Brown, Jeffery Archer, Robin Cook, JK Rawling, Steven King, Michael Connolly, etc?

With our rich cultural heritage, a change in orientation, and a small push in the right direction, our authors can produce novels with equal flare to those by these international best-selling authors, and have Nigerians rushing back to the bookshops. But, no, what we are saddled with instead are boring novels on civil wars, slave trade, the colonial era, poverty, disease, prostitution, and politics. Some of these themes may have worked well in the past but not now as Nigerians hurried to keep pace with a fast-moving world.

To make matters worse, most of our publishing houses now prefer the pusillanimous way out to keep afloat: vanity publishing. A manuscript accompanied with a fat check—five hundred thousand to a million—will be rushed into publication without the slightest consideration whether the book will interest the reading public. Of course, the publishers don’t even bother to advertise such books. Why waste time and money when they are already aware that not a single copy will probably leave the bookshops?

Notable exemptions are two relatively young and vibrant publishing houses, Cassava Republic and Farafina, who seem not afraid to experiment with unusual works but they still need to encourage their authors to focus more on entertainment in other to excel in a global competitive market.

The problem is not peculiar to Nigeria, or even to Africa, alone. Publishers and agents on the international scene—America and Europe—most of whom cares nothing for books, only interested in making money, has taken over the industry. Their newest strategic is to hype novels into bestsellerdom. Most of the novels end up in the rubbish bins for recycling only a few hours after they are released, instead of being on their way to Africa and other developing countries as second-hand books. So our bookshops are starved of foreign novels as well. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Building Complex

That brings me to the reason I was particularly irked by Dr Adelekan’s comments. A few years back, I realized my appetite for reading novels had considerably dwindled but, unlike our publishers, I quickly realized that the problem wasn’t with me as a reader per se. Instead, I was finding it difficult to read beyond the first thirty or so pages of some of the new books I bought. So I was challenged to write my first novel titled The Methuselah Conspiracy, an historical cum medical cum religious thriller, which centers on man’s epic pursuit of immortality and also offers plausible scientific explanation to one of the greatest mysteries of all times: the longevity of the biblical Methuselah. Even, my wife, Beatrice, enthusiastically joined in by writing her own novel, The Black Omen, a mystery thriller, dwelling on the epic clash between traditional beliefs and medical perceptions regarding mysterious birthmarks. We had hoped these intriguing thrillers will kick start the much needed revolution in Nigeria and Africa literary industry.

After spending the last two years fine-tuning the novels, with the help of members of our international writers club, we passed the books to some Nigerian publishers for consideration. But, no, the publishers did a Hussein Bolt: they don’t want novels in those genres, prefer to leave it to the Americans and Britons to feed our appetite for intrigue and entertainment while they sponsor and publish books that effectively serve as cure for insomnia.

I will like to remind Dr Adelekan that Nigeria comprises of millions of enlightened, well-read people who love entertainment, and will go to any length to get entertained, and not even poverty will stop them from going after a good book, if there are any on the shelves that will merit their time and money. Has the respected Macmillan publisher ever gone to the streets or the local bookshops, to meet with readers and inquire about the sort of novels they like to read?

What must be done is not in the abyss: the literary sector is not just living up to its billing and will need a massive shake-up. Firstly, the publishers must give us interesting books to read. Then there must be effective advertising and distributive network so that books can get to all nooks in Nigeria. Our government must act to make local novels less expensive and more affordable. The media must play their part in promoting novels, as they do in western countries. And, finally, Dr Adelekan and his cronies should realize that books are sold by word of mouth. No reader will recommend a book that did not make any impression on him or her to others, so they should get back to the drawing board.

Article by Dr Solomon Ojehonmon, KILADEJO HOSPITAL AND SPECIALIST CLINICS, OKOKOMAIKO, LAGOS, PHONE: 07036701022, E-MAIL: ojesolomon@yahoo.com

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*Nigeria Poetic Message of Hope: (Lean On Me)

By Engr. Steve Ochonma

I want to share this inspiration that came to me recently with regards to the change we yearn for today in Nigeria. This is a message from Christ Jesus to all of us. The me in this poem refers to Him and Him only.

Creativity brings out intelligent failures, And the myth of perfect competency, Must be punctured for men to clearly see, And say sincerely “I don’t know” , But wisdom is too high for a fool, And the mind of the lazy is empty, So come take my lesson of hope, And lean on me and learn of me.

You are not worth anything, Until you prove yourself worthy, Success is a combination of factors, An inner fulfillment and outer achievement, But lean not on your own understanding, For knowledge will fail you before men, And the pride of the proud will pull him down, So lean on me and learn of me.

I like what Martin Lutter King (jnr) said, “ We know finite disappointments, But more importantly, we know infinite hope” When assessing uncertainty associated with quality challenge, What road do you follow? The way of easy resistance or the tough, rough and narrow road? Multitudes go through the broad way, But the narrow path by a few, So come lean on me, and learn of me.

I woudn’t dare go if I don’t know Him, Him, who says, ‘I am Alpha and omega’ He who says and it comes to pass, And because he has spoken, Let all lesser beings kept silent, Before the great and mighty conqueror, Therefore I will traverse the land, With the message of the king, A message of infinite hope, That freedom is here at last, So come lean of me and learn of me.

But freedom is not free, A price must be paid, But only by the brave and wise, Fools are not called to this mission, And cowards are not welcome to the battle front, A mission to liberate the bound, A battle for the liberation for the souls of men, For God made man but man made slaves, But He came to set slaves free, A ransom was demanded and paid, So we have no reason not to go, To go to a place of promise, So come lean on me and learn of me.

He has promised and can’t fail, The lion has roared, Let all keep quite before the higher being, The Lord God has spoken, Let his servants go forward, To the battle of great importance, To liberate the spirit, soul and body of men, That the land may be cleansed, From all filth and ills, Let no one say, “go do it” All are welcome to do it, So come lean of me and learn of me.

Would we be counted upon now? To do what is right before God and men, But the Girthology of truth who can fathom, I chose to stay under the canopy of hope, Let some jamboree in their ignorance, And others in knowledge and understanding, But I chose to stay in love, For God has given us a mandate, To serve Him and humanity, With all our might ans strenght, But you need the peoples’ mandate, To legally serve them in any capacity, Do not usurp that mandate, It is sacrosanct and must be earned, So come lean on me and learn of me.

With Humility and loyalty

Yours-in- statehood

Engr. Steve Ochonma

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

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*Tags: Nigerians, Poetic, Message, Hope, Political, Revolution, Governor, Abia, Loot, ppa, Orji, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Kalu, Umuahia, Masterweb

*Communique Imo United USA Incorporated

By Imo United USA Incorporated

On Friday June 25, 2010 at the Best Western Hotel in Prince Georges County, Maryland USA, Nigerians of Imo State descent, their friends and well wishers gathered for a night of communal rekindling of faith in one another, and entertainment in the launching of Imo United USA Inc. Conceived by certain leading lights of the Imo community in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, Imo United USA Inc. is intended to fill the vacuum that unfortunately exists in the community in the lack of a strong association that coheres Igbo people of Imo State descent. Many attempts have been made in the past to establish an organization that would provide a platform to address the needs and concerns of Imo people. Within the larger and diverse community of the Washington Metropolitan area, Igbo people of Imo State descent have indisputable concerns and needs, necessitating, therefore, a strong organization that would play a strong advocacy role in addressing those concerns and meeting their needs. Some of the concerns expressed range from cultural issues like the cultural conflicts and consequent difficulties that result from melding African and American cultures in raising children, to the gradual but alarming denudation of lingual heritage in the inability of American born Igbo children to communicate in the 5,000 year old Igbo language.

The needs of Nigerians of Imo State descent are various, but the generally agreed salient ones are economic and social. Economically, there is a need to take advantage of their population strengths in their respective communities by rising to become major economic players ( for example, Ibos make up about 20% of the population of Prince Georges County Maryland, yet have no significant economic presence in major areas of the economy of Prince Georges County). Socially, there is a need to establish a strong advocacy presence in the corridors of power to work for targeted state funded healthcare, pro family and education programs. State or county funded Igbo language programs for Igbo children is an area of great need.

In speeches at the launching of Imo United USA, the speakers covered some of these concerns and needs. The common thread of the speeches, however, was the imperative of Imo United to spearhead a renewal of faith among Imo people that cohesion is once again possible. And that the cynicisms engendered by previous failures to cohere them must be jettisoned for a new day of unity, citizenship, youth development, cultural pride, and vigorous political and socioeconomic advocacy both in the USA and in Nigeria. Speeches were delivered by Chief Sam Uwandu CPA, ACA, chairman of Imo United USA; Dr. Charles Uzoigwe, chairman of the occasion; Prof. Cosmas Nwokeafor, dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Bowie State University; Mrs. Margaret Dureke, President of JAHS Enterprises; and Ms. Chioma Dike, a recent Howard university graduate and law school bound, who spoke for the youth.

In his keynote address, Chief Uwandu strongly emphasized the need for the Imo Diaspora to use its numbers to effect positive change, not only in their Diaspora communities, but also back home in Imo State, where the quality of life has been rendered intolerable by high unemployment, and a devastating crime wave whose apogee is a pernicious kidnapping spree. Businesses are closing up shop and leaving the state in droves, and many of the elite and their families are keeping away for fear of being kidnapped. Essentially, Imo State and the rest of the Southeast region are going through a slow socioeconomic death as a consequence of the activities of heartless criminals, while the Igbo political leadership is doing little to nothing to stop them. Chief Uwandu issued a clarion call to duty and an uncompromising commitment to reverse the society-killing trends.

Imo United USA Inc. strongly urges that:

1. The federal government must without delay take steps to deal decisively with the kidnappings spree, but also commends President Jonathan for the steps he has taken so far in deploying additional police to the southeast region.

2. The Igbo caucuses at the House and Senate whose seeming demonstration of a lack of responsibility to their constituents on the kidnappings issue is deeply chagrining and disappointing, must act now in concert with our president to eradicate this societal cancer, which is abhorrently reminiscent of the Transatlantic Slave Trade when Alaigbo was rife with kidnappings for the Slave Trade and no one was safe. In this 21st Century, we insist that we are not going back to the insecurity and darkness of those days. We are disappointed that the southeast senators aren’t aggressively addressing this issue with the police and other stakeholders with the utmost urgency required?

3. A bill must be introduced in the Senate and House without delay to require mobile telephone providers to verify personal data in the sale of sim cards and to register such sales. Additionally, non registered sim cards would be cancelled. Enactment of this law should give the law enforcement authorities a powerful tool in combating crime. Mexico recently passed such a law and is currently making significant progress in denting the crime of kidnapping in its territory.

4. A free and fair election must be insisted upon by Nigerians. In this light, the Imo United USA Inc. commends President Jonathan for his appointment of Professor Attahiru Jega as the new INEC chairman. Professor Jega’s positive antecedents provide hope that it can be done, and we pray that God will give him the wisdom and courage to do it for Nigerians.

Imo United USA Incorporated is a non profit, non political organization registered under the laws of the state of Maryland, USA.

Photo Above: Map of Nigeria showing its 36 states (including Imo State) and capital (Abuja or FCT)

Photo Above: Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim

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*Tags: Nigerians, Communique, Imo, State, United, Usa, Incorporated, Owerri, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: NCAA Reissues Arik Air 1st AOC

-*This is under the new civil aviation regulation

By Lateef Lawal

Arik Air last week, July 13, became the first Nigerian registered airline to be reissued Air Operator License(AOC), by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, under the new Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations(NCAR).

The epoch-making short ceremony held at the Aviation House Annex, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, which was witnessed not only by top officials from Arik Air led by its Chairman, Sir Arumemi-Johnson Ikhide, but also by officials of NCAA and those of United States Federal Aviation Administration(FAA).

This development is part of the process laid down for the attainment of FAA Category 1 Status by Nigeria, which entails airlines in the country must go through recertification as contained in the July, 2009 new NCAR. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: An Airborne Plane

Speaking at the signing and presentation ceremony, NCAA Director General, Dr Demuren noted that the occasion was historic in the country’s pursuit of greatness in safety within Nigeria airspace by ensuring that “our Safety standard meet that set at international level.” This milestone, he noted had taken three years to achieve.

He said that in the pursuit of Category 1, eight critical areas were highlighted by FAA that must be addressed and that the recertification of airlines, that is, Airline Licensing and Certification, was item number 6, adding that, “today, we are about to close this open item and to be followed by the next, which is the Technical Review from FAA(Mock Audit) slated for the last week of July, 2010.”

The elated Director General remarked: “I feel good for having gone this far in our pursuit of Category 1. After Arik, every other airline must pass through the same process.” ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: A landing Arik Plane

Responding, Arik Air Chairman, Sir Arumemi Johnson-Ikhide expressing his joy at the recertification of his airline and being the first to do so under the new NCAR, said: “It is a tedious, hard and expensive process but it is worth doing.”

He commended officials of NCAA for a job well done and FAA for the support given to Nigeria in the process of ensuring that the country maintain the highest safety standard in civil aviation operations.

He added that he was commending the D.G of NCAA, Dr Demuren for the journey so far in ensuring that we maintain the highest safety standards in commercial airline operations, not because, “we are best of friends, but because we are blessed with a good technocrat. What you have done today, is, you are leaving your foot-print on the sand of time.”

He also took a swipe at a section of the press that he accused of mudslinging and spreading negative stories about him and his airline, noting that nothing would be gained by anybody creating fear in the minds of the traveling public nor by writing stories that would paint the industry in the negative.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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

*Nigeria Electoral Revolution Broadcast of July 19, 2010.

By Masterweb News Desk

People’s Mandate Movement’s Nigeria Electoral Revolution (NER) localized mass mobilization campaign was successfully aired on AM Safari program of Abia Pacesetter FM Radio (103.5 FM) yesterday, Monday, July 19, 2010. It was also aired on both Monday and Friday last week. To listen to a clip of the radio broadcast, click on the link below.

Here is the link:- http://www.nigeriapmm.org/AMSafari71910Clip.html

Photo Above: Pacesetter FM 103.5 buildung. *Pacesetter FM is located in Amakama, Umuahia, Abia State.

To listen to or download high quality MP3 file of “Nigeria National Call To Action", click on the link below.

Here is the link:- http://www.nigeriapmm.org/NationalCallToAction.html

To listen to Clip of Abia Radio “National Call” & July 12, 2010 Broadcast, click on the link below.

Here is the link:- http://www.nigeriapmm.org/AMSafara2ndSeg71210Clip.html

Photo Above: People’s Mandate Movement (PMM) Logo

*To forward this article to friends and associates, here is the link to send to them:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/07/20/nigeria_electoral_revolution_broadcast_o_2010

*Tags: Nigerians, Electoral, Revolution, Election, Votes, Struggle, Spreads, South, East, South, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria Air Force: Recurring & Provoking Annexation

By Olu Ohunayo

The Air Force is an institution saddled with the responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of a country primarily through aerial warfare, which has naturally made them an ally of the civil aviation institutions worldwide, which encourages technical and operational collaboration. The forty-six year old Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was established by the Germans in 1964 with the following objectives:

*To defend the republic by air, train personnel in the air and on the ground;

*Raise operational units and establish a reserve of officers and men.

Armed with these objectives, NAF sent the first set of pilots to Ethiopia for training and have continued to perform their sacred duties within and outside Nigeria.

In other climes, the Air Forces have done the same and have gone further by partnering with the civil aviation industry to improve safety and providing critical service in support of the country’s economy. ( Continues below….. )

In Columbia, the Air Force controls and manages the Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales (SATENA), which was first established on April 12, 1962 by the President of the Republic, Alberto Lleras Camargo, who created the airline using Decree 940 in order “to form an aerial transport service for the benefit of the underdeveloped regions of the country, with the object of promoting the welfare of educational campaigns, agricultural and pastoral development and the economic and social progress of such territories.”

Since its creation, the airline has performed many public services on behalf of the Colombian people, having provided service during crises in the country’s history, as was the case of the Huila and Cauca earthquake of June 6, 1994, when SATENA performed search and rescue operations, airlifted local residents, and transported needed medicines, food and aid in general to the site of the tragedy.

Robeble Ababya an Ethiopian writer in his column said “two of the most successful General Managers of Ethiopian Airline were from the Ethiopian Air Force (EAF) as were two top administrators of Civil Aviation Administration, that officers and men of the EAF played key roles in the creation, management, and training of the internationally reputed Flying School as well as the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School of the airline”. The EAF served as a source of manpower for many years for both organizations. Can we say same for those sent to Nigeria Airways and the Ministry of Aviation?

In South America, the Air Force operates commercial flights to remote and difficult terrains where commercial airlines dread, due to commercial and safety limitations.

Examples of airlines managed by the Air Force are Satena (Columbia), Lada (Argentina) and TAW (Peru). It is a common practice in the region; it keeps the Air Force busy during peace time and improves revenue and proficiency. We need such services to Obudu, Markudi, Bauchi and Jalingo In the Western countries, the Air Force aircraft are scrambled when an enemy or troubled civil aircraft is seen in their airspace or those without authorization, while joint research and training with civil aviation is encouraged. ( Continues below….. )

In Nigeria, the military involvement in politics made some Air Force officers, Ministers of Aviation, heads of parastatals and members of governing boards, during this period some residential properties given to the seconded Air Force officers were surreptitiously converted to NAF quarters, particularly, properties of the liquidated Nigeria Airways in GRA Ikeja, were lost to the Air Force via military fiat. Also, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) continues to lose some of its landed properties in Ibadan, Kano, Lagos and Minna airports to NAF, perhaps it’s a legacy of Babangida administration who insisted on having NAF personnel in all the airports for security reasons to compliment his policy of not only being in government but also in power. Recently, NAF, without any document or judicial proclamation barricaded some land at Ibadan Airport, fenced it and started collecting rent, from the same occupants that had been paying rent to FAAN over the years.

FAAN staff in these airports has notified their Management, which is unfortunately, was lukewarm in attitude and in response. Maybe the appalling infrastructure has taken the steam from them or the Air Force personnel attached to the MD have quietly cleaned their guns in his office, either way FAAN management should show commitment as stakeholders rather than the present political appointee apparel . The Presidential Air Fleet managed by NAF added a controversial brand new 737 aircraft to their fleet during this democratic era. Queries regarding the date of manufacture and initial owners as listed on Boeing website, led to some journalists spending the night in Kuje prisons.

The government told the nation, while introducing this aircraft that older aircraft in the fleet would be sold or auctioned. After selling one of the aircraft to a PDP chieftain, the process was discontinued. The other aircraft are participating in the civil charter market flying governors, ministers, top politicians and traditional rulers to destinations within and outside the country at a fee without any regulation or payment of related charges to FAAN, NAMA, NCAA and FIRS as other commercial operators who are regulated and made to pay requisite charges.

The recent take over of Skypower Catering by NAF, is simply deplorable and must be reversed, for NAF to send armed personnel over night against tax paying harmless civilians in the year 2010, on a very flimsy excuse, that the general manager refused to attend a meeting called at their behest, is an insult to civility. The army, navy and the police can also use the same excuse to take over lands situated close to their operational areas. ( Continues below….. )

The civil aviation industry in Nigeria has supported and paid for services rendered by the Air Force such as gate-pass, payment for medical services, use of maintenance hangar, provision of security in some airports, use of airfields even without a fire cover, patronage of their officers mess and mammy markets. The industry has also assisted in training some of their controllers, dispatchers, aero-medical staff etc. Therefore, NAF should bid for advertised assets or properties rather than annex those that have not been put on bid.

The British Royal Air Force, the first independent Air Force in the world, and her counterparts worldwide have defended their countries aerially and partnered with civil aviation bodies without any ugly recurring and provoking annexation of landed and other physical assets of civil aviation bodies.

The Ministry of Aviation should quickly resolve the Skypower Catering and related issues with the Presidency, considering the fact that the Minister is quite close with the Ministry of Defense top brass. The present posture NAF will hinder a successful concession guideline for the airports and hinder the long overdue resuscitation of Skypower Catering.

Finally, my sympathy goes to the Skypower Catering staff, in the heat of the forced lock out asked for their outstanding salaries and probing of the management, which is really belated; they kept quite all these while, raising funds through sub-letting, mama-put, owanbe e.t.c at the expense of their core competence - airline catering. I sincerely hope their salaries will be paid while the issue of the Management and the organization is a topic for another day. The General Manager in the interim can go to the High Court to seek an injunction restraining NAF, that’s safest solution when confronted with a gun in a democratic setting.

Article submitted by Olu Ohunayo

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*Tags: Nigerians, Air, Force, FAAN, Airlines, Skypower, Catering, Hotel, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*US Nigeria Visa Ban: Open Letter To President Obama

By Kingsley Izuakor

Dear Mr. Obama,

My heart was exceedingly gladdened over media reports of the ongoing enforcement of the US Presidential Proclamation 7750 on former and current corrupt Nigerian government officials. There was great joy all over the world at your emergence as the US President due to the anticipated positive change you were to bring to America and the world in general. Behold that wind of change blowing through the shores of Nigeria. This may well be the take-off of the much needed and long overdue revolution in Nigeria.

It is no longer news that these unrepentant rogues have stolen a total of over 500 billion dollars from the Nigerian coffers since independence. And this demonic looting of the public treasury has resulted to the gross under-development of infrastructure in Nigeria with a ripple negative effect on youth employment, education, health, agriculture, transportation, etc. Today, Nigerian citizens who are economically frustrated at home are forced to migrate and in many cases engage in sundry criminal activities in their host nations.

I want to believe you have enough information on the criminal records and activities of some Nigerians living in the US. Your Secretary of State, Mrs Hilary Clinton has repeatedly described the situation in Nigeria as heart-breaking.I would not bother you with the details of how corruption (in both public and private sectors) has damaged Nigeria beyond repair. The US ambassador to Nigeria may want to brief you on the reputation of the Nigerian Police, the Judiciary, Ports and Custom authorities, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, immediate past leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, some Chief Executive Officers of Nigerian banks, State and National Houses of Assembly, Chairmen of Local Government authorities, etc.

But Sir, permit me to draw your attention to a particular heart-breaking situation in Nigeria which suggests that MORE THAN A VISA BAN is urgently required before common sense and corrupt-free leadership can be enthroned in Nigeria. I am glad to inform you however, that a semblance of common sense leadership is currently in place in Lagos State, Nigeria; many thanks to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN). Is it not laughable that Nigeria as a world’s major producer of crude oil cannot even boast of an efficient post office system? And yet, this same country is talking of such a sensitive and delicate technology like nuclear power; longing for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council; and tells whoever cares to listen how they would join the league of 20 most industrialized nations by 2020. What a bunch of jokers and day dreamers!

It bleeds my soul to inform you that letters posted from one Nigerian city to another take up to two weeks or more to reach the recipients. In many cases, letters get outrightly missing with nobody to hold responsible. Infact, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Nigerian Postal Service has an official website in place. On some occasions, besides the long delays, letters and parcels coming into Nigeria from overseas are tampered with by the post office officials, apparently searching for valuables such as foreign currencies, jewelleries, and other precious items.

This is largely why most Nigerians living abroad resort to the use of courier companies to send across letters and parcels to Nigeria. To send a letter from here in the UK to Nigeria using any of these courier companies costs about £ 40.00 per letter. Now imagine the tens of thousands of Nigerians living in the UK and the volume of letters they send each year, and then extend this same calculation to the millions of Nigerians all over the world. That will give you an idea of how much postal ineptitude costs Nigerians and their economy annually.

Most Nigerians, both home and abroad are afraid of transmitting important documents such as original certificates, international passports containing visas, postal orders, and other important documents through the Nigerian post office. Chances are that those documents may not reach the intended recipients whether or not they are registered. What does it really take to have a postal system with a reasonable degree of efficiency? – Personnel to sort and distribute letters, computers, vehicles and motor bikes. As a graduate student in Britain some years ago, I still remember how the British Royal Mail would recruit tens of thousands of university students as ad-hoc staff to help sort and distribute mails during peak Christmas period.

The Christmas period is when they experience the movement of millions of mails within and outside the UK and hence require more hands. In the case of Nigeria, given the suffocating and drowning levels of graduate unemployment, 200,000 university graduates could be easily recruited within two weeks to help sort and distribute letters all year round. And I am talking of young, first rate graduates who would be quite glad to work for a salary of just £ 90.00 per month. Yet, some of the types of people you see in our post office branches are grand mothers who come to work with their grand children, spending most of their man-hours attending to those children.

With a daily crude production of over 2 million barrels per day, would it be a herculean task for the Nigerian government to buy computers and vehicles for its post office use? And yet, this same country, with one of the worst socio-economic indices in the world, is proposing to spend a whooping £ 43 million (10 billion naira) for a so-called Independence Day anniversary celebration. With the British government cutting back on frontline public services and introducing all sorts of belt-tightening regulations, as a response to the prevailing economic reality, is it not obvious that Nigeria is in dire need of leaders with even common sense before we start talking of integrity?

I do not wish to bore you with the endless tales of Nigerian woes. But permit me to inform you that due to the corrupt and irresponsible activities of these officials, Nigeria has officially degenerated to a failed state status. According to Prof. Ben Nwabueze, an erudite legal scholar, Nigeria has been added to the list of 11 failed states in Africa and 17 in the world.Given the above, I think the US government needs to be thorough and far-reaching beyond the late President Yar’ Adua’s cabal members in the visa ban/revocation exercise.

Visa approval is an absolute prerogative of the issuing country and a privilege not a right to the recipient. Therefore the US reserves the right to impose a visa ban on anybody even for a mere allegation of corruption until the person is given a clean bill by the relevant local and international anti graft agencies. The US authorities do not necessarily have to wait for the outcome of a court proceeding before such a ban can be imposed.

Based on this, one expects that the 31 former state governors accused of corruption by the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC chairman, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, should be banned; a past president who was alleged to have squandered 16 billion dollars on so-called electric power projects with nothing to show for it should be banned; a past military head of state who was alleged not to have properly accounted for a 12.4 billion dollars gulf war oil windfall should be banned (if not already banned); all members of the State and National Houses of Assembly with any slight corruption allegation against them should be banned; present State Governors and Local Government Chairmen with any slight corruption allegation against them should be banned; top echelon of the nation’s financial institutions should be investigated and banned if found wanting, for example the former Chief Executives Officers of banks who had axes to grind with the Central Bank of Nigeria; present and past political party chiefs should be investigated and banned if found wanting; Court Judges and Justices who deliver kangaroo judgements (e.g. the type of judgement we heard from an Asaba high court) for material gains should be banned; Education chiefs, for example university Vice Chancellors who have any corruption allegation against them should be banned.

In fact, the list is endless I am afraid.Going forward, it is instructive to say that more than a visa ban is required by the US authorities in order to achieve their goals. The US government can use its influence to persuade its European and Asian allies to enforce similar visa ban on corrupt Nigerian government officials. It could also use its influence to instigate tougher UN sanctions on corrupt Nigerian officials and other African heads of state.

Another area the US government can use to help fight corruption in Nigeria is by being very thorough with the evidence of funds people present for visa applications. They must insist on the documentary evidence of the source of the money in the bank statements people are presenting. A drug dealer or money launderer would find it difficult to present any evidence to back up his source of income. A government official who is presenting papers for phoney contracts and companies should be apprehended and sanctioned. Any government official presenting any income not captured in his/her payslips or letters of engagement should be subjected to further questioning. These evidences must be independently verifiable.

Another way would be for the US government to tighten its visa policy for Nigerian government officials from the local to the federal government level. In the short term, these officials could be made to compulsorily submit clearance letters from the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC and the court as part of supporting documents for their visa application. Such letters which should be thoroughly verified by the embassy must be signed by the chairpersons of the anti graft agencies and a high court Judge. In the medium to long term, the embassy should introduce a psychiatric examination policy for all Nigerian government officials before any visa could be issued to them.

This examination has become imperative given their unbelievable capacity for primitive accumulation of wealth. Once the noose is tightened and there is no longer any safe haven for these officials, they will be forced to sit down and genuinely make efforts to develop their country. I want to see a situation where these twisted officials and their family members are forced to study in Nigerian universities, forced to seek medical attention in Nigerian hospitals among other activities.Can Nigeria be great again? Yes We Can! Long Live Mr. Barack Obama.

Best regards.

Kingsley Izuakor is an International Public Affairs Analyst and has written in from Edinburgh, U.K.

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

Photo Above: U.S. President Barack Obama

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*Tags: Nigerians, Visa, Ban, Open, Letter, Obama, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Abia Radio “National Call” & Talk Show Program Clip

By Masterweb News Desk

Shortly after 6.15 am on Monday, July 12, the air waves roared in the East graced with recorded solemn call to Nigerians. Abia Pacesetter FM Radio (103.5 FM) carried the call ( Nigeria National Call To Action ) on their AM Safari program that airs twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays. Nigeria National Call To Action was part of People’s Mandate Movement(PMM)’s Nigeria Electoral Revolution (NER) localized mass mobilization campaign scheduled on Pacesetter FM’s AM Safari along with other programs. To listen to a clip of the radio broadcast featuring PMM’s “Nigeria National Call To Action” and related discussions, click on the link below.

Here is the link:- http://www.nigeriapmm.org/AMSafara2ndSeg71210Clip.html

Other topics discussed on the AM Safari program, included the abandonment of the relocation of Umuahia Main Market to the proposed new site in Ubani, Ibeku which already has construction work in progress, and the worsening crime rate in Aba.

To listen to or download high quality MP3 file of “Nigeria National Call To Action", click on the link below.

Here is the link:- http://www.nigeriapmm.org/NationalCallToAction.html

Photo Above: People’s Mandate Movement (PMM) Logo

Photo Above: Nigeria National Call To Action Symbol

*To forward this article to friends and associates, here is the link to send to them:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/07/14/abia_radio_national_call_aamp_talk_show_

*Tags: Nigerians, Electoral, Revolution, Election, Votes, Struggle, Spreads, South, East, South, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria National Call To Action

By Masterweb News Desk

Photo Above: Nigeria National Call To Action Symbol

PRESS RELEASE - by People’s Mandate Movement(PMM) - www.nigeriapmm.org

Nigeria marches on to better future. Nigeria Electoral Revolution (NER) localized mass mobilization campaign was successfully aired in grand style on AM Safari program of Abia Pacesetter FM Radio (103.5 FM) yesterday, Monday, July 12, 2010. A People’s Mandate Volunteer (PMV)recorded the program and emailed us an MP3 file of the recording. Watch out for our report and a clip from the broadcast tomorrow, here on Masterweb.

We are proud to give you the opportunity here, to listen to “Nigeria National Call To Action” aired in the broadcast. Click on the link below to listen to The National Call To Action.

Here is the link:- http://www.nigeriapmm.org/NationalCallToAction.html

Photo Above: People’s Mandate Movement (PMM) Logo

Photo Above: People’s Mandate Movement (PMM) Flag

Signed

People’s Mandate Movement(PMM) - www.nigeriapmm.org

*To forward this article to friends and associates, here is the link to send to them:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/07/13/nigeria_national_call_to_action

*Tags: Nigerians, Electoral, Revolution, Election, Votes, Struggle, Spreads, South, East, South, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria Electoral Revolution (NER) Spreads East

By Masterweb News Desk

PRESS RELEASE - by People’s Mandate Movement(PMM) - www.nigeriapmm.org

Nigeria marches on to better future. Nigeria Electoral Revolution (NER) localized mass mobilization campaign will commence in grand style in most of the eastern states of Nigeria starting Monday, July 12, 2010 between 6.15 am and 6.45 am. NER announcements/discussions and National Call Jingle ( “Nigeria National Call To Action” ) will run on AM Safari program of Abia Pacesetter FM Radio (103.5 FM) on that day and the following Friday. Thereafter, it will run every Monday and Friday until further notice.

Pacesetter FM Radio (103.5 FM) reaches most of the neighouring states to Abia. If you are in the coverage area, be sure to listen to the station between 6.15 am - 6.45 am. If you are not within the coverage area but know people within it, kindly tell them to tune-in accordingly.

One of the broadcast clips is dubbed “Nigeria National Call To Action". It is a clip that will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart. An MP3 file of the National Call To Action will be posted here at Masterweb immediately after Abia Pacesetter FM Radio (103.5 FM) Monday broadcast. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: People’s Mandate Movement (PMM) Logo

“Nigeria National Call To Action” was made to be broadcast several times every day on stations across the nation. We need you to help achieve this by getting it on your local radio station. We can also customize it to your local language. It was also made for Nigerians to download on their handsets (cell phones). Help achieve this by arranging its download to handsets across the nation.

AM Safari program of Abia Pacesetter FM Radio (103.5 FM) runs twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays between 5.15 am and 6.45 am. To listen to Nigeria Electoral Revolution (NER) program, tune-in between 6.15 am to 6.45 am on these days. Those interested in the entire AM Safari program can tune-in at 5.15 am - the program starts at this time with highlight of scheduled topics/events, followed by news from 6.00 am to 6.15 am.

Photo Above: People’s Mandate Movement (PMM) Flag

Signed

People’s Mandate Movement(PMM) - www.nigeriapmm.org

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*Tags: Nigerians, Electoral, Revolution, Election, Votes, Struggle, Spreads, South, East, South, Africa, Masterweb

*A Call To Duty - That Nigeria May Be Greater

By Engr. Steve Ochonma

God has made Nigeria great, but we must contribute our God-given lot to make her even greater. We must leave the stage better than we collectively or individually met it. The older generation has contributed their lot to the best of their abilities and capabilities, but whether or not these contributions were optimal and satisfactory is another point all together.

It has fallen our lot now as younger generation of Nigeria to make our input to the Nigerian project. The dream and wish of every reasonable father is that the son should do better than him. We cannot fail our fathers; neither can we fail our sons. We must rise up to the occasion and the time is now.

Should we be seeing this kind of underdevelopment, non-key sector development; disarticulation, distortion and structural imbalances today if our fathers had got it right? Is this the vision of progress and well-being held forth in the anti-colonial mass movement or have things fallen short of that vision, politically and economically?

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa described the 1980’s as “a lost decade for us". Yet in the 2000’s nothing has changed significantly. Some had posited that the underdevelopment of Africa is circumscribed by the external constraints posed by the structured asymmetrical relations between the industrialized nations and periphery states like Nigeria. But who made industrial nations what they are, and who chose to be a peripheral state? America was built by Americans, Japan by Japanese and Europe by Europeans. Likewise Africa must be built by Africans. ( Continues below….. )

Nigeria must be built by Nigerians, No more – No less. You cannot leave the fate of Nigerians to non-Nigerians. External forces would never take enough interest, let alone do enough with Nigeria or for her. Their interest will always be paramount. The Nigerian leaders must create strategic policy framework not only for sustained strategic development but also for harnessing of our material and human resources for quality and optimal service delivery, and also for wealth creation.

The Nigerian elites and political leadership must cross over from Hob Nobbing with external concerns in engendering exogenous development strategies. The focus should be in revising this “development of underdevelopment” in Nigeria.

And to achieve this we must invest more in our commodity sectors, and other key sectors, such as power, education, manufacturing, health, research and guaranteed and strategic infrastructural development. Goods produced must be guaranteed and warranted for a specific period of time. Services rendered should also be guaranteed. When roads and buildings are designed and constructed, the consultants and contractors should be responsible for earlier demise. If life span of a project is 20 years for instance, the design and construction must be guaranteed to last. Only when the cause of early demise is outside the domain of design and construction practices and materials, can the concerned professionals be unaccountable. Also only and if only qualified professional bodies determine those facts, can they be set free. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigerian Flag

Due process must be due process for all its intent and purposes, not just another hypocritical approach to circumvent goodwill and encourauge corruption further. For a greater Nigerian state to be realized the following suggestions may be necessary. A forum of Nigerian PhD holders should be put in place by government to produce policy framework on how to best restructure and diversify the productive base of the economy, in order to reduce dependence on the oil sectors and imports.

The issue of political offices by allocation should be jettisoned. Affirmative declaration or federal quota systems should only be implemented strategically and fairly not the way it is been done today. Only competent persons should be appointed into key positions on merit and on seniority basis. Electoral reform should be a must and sovereignty of peoples’ mandate must be adopted. “One man -one vote” policy should not only be preached but ensured.

Yearly allocations in form of grant should be made in budgets for research institutions to undertake tailored researches and patents granted safely for findings made, and funds (loan) provided for pilot schemes and commercialization of products. Guaranteed service delivery must be part of our administrations. And targets settings and appraisal must be part of our administrations too. Also targets settings and appraisal must be part of our appointments and promotions.

There should be no time for self aggrandizement and incorporation of national economy or business into selected and fortunate pockets controlled by imperialists’ political forces. Focused and visionary leadership is needed urgently and we must cross-over to the path of integrity, honor and selfless service. Sustained and strategic leadership and good governance is needed not only to effectively but also efficiently harness and utilize our God given resources for optimal benefits. A situation where a section of the country is strategically and politically positioned to accommodate all military and petroleum life wires is not acceptable. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

The distribution of our collective, wealth and resources should be equitable. No section of the country should be strategically strangulated economically and holed in. All citizens should have immediate access as a matter of right to good transport systems including international air and sea routes where applicable. Aspiration and actualization of any political position in the country including the presidency should be unlimited and unhindered for any Nigerian.

We must make huge efforts to recognize and harness talents of Nigerians no matter where they come from or are, for optimal national benefits. We are being called to duty and to brace up to the challenges ahead. Though the task will be daunting, but our collective resolve should be to individually and collectively, and optimally carry out our lots by the grace of God. We must offer optimal and qualitative service to Nigeria.

A new approach to leadership and governance must be adopted and adapted to. We must invest our money and time in Nigeria for sustained growth. We must make quantum leaps in our way of thinking, and dealing with one another. Delegated authority must be responsible and leadership must be sensitive, responsive and responsible to the people. This is the way forward. There is no other way.

Others have done it; have got it right we have no reason not to. We can, yes we can, and we should. The time for real change is now, and this is the real deal to make Nigeria greater. Tomorrow may be too late. Let us all rise up to the occasion and show the true Nigerian Spirit and power. You are all welcome on board our Greater Nigeria project’s space craft.

Come join the revolution for greater Nigeria. Come let’s organize for greater Nigeria.

God bless.

With Humility and loyalty,

Yours in Nigeria service

Engr. Steve Ochonma

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*Tags: Nigerians, Political, Greater, Duty, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Political Revolution is Needed Urgently in Abia

By Engr. Steve Ochonma

Abia State was created on the 27th day of August, 1991. After over 18 years of her existence, Abia could best be described as a toddler. In both the economic and physical infrastructural terms, Abia is simply strangulated.

While other states created along with Abia in Nigeria and after, have made marginal progress, Abia is crippled by the greed, corruption and self-centeredness of her rulers. None of the persons who had been privileged to head the state at any time had made any sacrifice of any sort. They had seen their position as an avenue for self enrichment and aggrandizement. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Map of Abia State, Nigeria Click Adjourning Link For Enlarged Photo:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/Etc/AbiaMapLarge.jpg

Today, Abia has nothing, practically nothing, to show for all the billions of Naira that had accrued and still accruing to her as an oil producing state.

If truth must be told, we must look upon this gross abuse on Abia, her backwardness in the comity of states in Nigeria, and the “development of underdevelopment” in Abia as strategic phenomena of internal imperialism. This internal imperialism therefore has resulted to disarticulation, distortion and structural incorporation of Abia economy into selected families’ economic system controlled by these imperialist political forces.

Should we continue in transgression that grace may abound? God forbid. History will not be fair to us if we neglect the opportunity that is being presented us today to right the ills. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, Nigeria

Focused and visionary leadership is needed urgently. We must cross over to the path of integrity, honor and selfless service. Sustained strategic leadership and good governance is needed not only to effectively and efficiently harness and utilize our God given material and human resources, for a sustained and strategic development of our state, but also for wealth creation through sustained and strategic innovative leadership. This innovative leadership should place merit over and above favoritism and provide a platform where technocrates are placed over government fronts and contractors.

This is the call to duty today. We must brace up to the challenges ahead. Though daunting as the challenges may be, our collective resolve should be “so help me God”, to optimally do our bid. We must offer qualitative and optimal service delivery to Abia.

A new approach to leadership and governance must be adopted and adapted to, in order to revise these present ills. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Orji Uzor Kalu, Immediate Ex-Governor of Abia State, Nigeria

We must invest more in commodity sectors, manufacturing, power, education, health and guaranteed infrastructural development. By guaranteed, we mean a road design for 25-year life span must be so constructed and contractors and consultants held responsible for earlier demise. Delegated authority must be responsible and leadership must be responsible to the people.

There is no other way. Others have done it; have got it right, there’s no reason why we cannot. We can, yes we can.

The time for change in Abia is now. The time for good governance and responsive and responsible leadership is now. The time for sensitive leadership and sovereign peoples’ mandate is now. Tomorrow may be too late. Let us all rise up to the occasion. You are all welcomed on-board.

Come join the revolution for greater Abia. God Bless.

With Humility and loyalty

Yours-in- statehood

Engr. Steve Ochonma

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*Tags: Nigerians, Political, Revolution, Governor, Abia, Loot, ppa, Orji, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Kalu, Umuahia, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Niger Delta Master Plan: Need for urgency

By Ifeatu Agbu

When Europe was virtually on its knees at the end of the Second World War, it took the intervention of the United States of America, armed with a Marshall Plan, to revive the devastated economy of the continent. The positive rings of that initiative have continued to reverberate across the globe over the years. In Nigeria, the Federal Government took a cue and included the drawing up of a Master Plan in the Act setting up the Niger Delta Development Commission [NDDC]. It was meant to produce a comprehensive compass that would guide the orderly and rapid development of the region.

To actualize this mandate, the commission promptly engaged international experts to produce the highly acclaimed Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan [NDRMP]. The document, which took several years and huge resources to develop, has been globally applauded as one of the greatest achievements of the NDDC which facilitated the project. The overall objective is to fast-track the development of the region that produces over 90 per cent of the country’s oil wealth.

The importance of this regional plan, aptly described as a roadmap to development, is better appreciated against the background of the abysmal performances of previous interventionists’ agencies from the Niger Delta Development Board [NDDB] set up in 1961 to the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission [OMPADEC] inaugurated in 1992. It is no secret that one of the reasons those agencies failed to tackle the developmental challenges of the region was because of the absence of a comprehensive master plan. ( Continues below….. )

Photos Above: Map(s) of Nigeria Showing Niger Delta

The choice of GTZ International of Germany and Wilbahi Engineering Consortium of Nigeria as lead consultants that produced a world-class master plan was deliberate, as they have cognate pedigree. In addition, 30 sector consultants and various resource consultants were assembled to work on different aspects of the plan to further enhance its global competitiveness. The process was systematic and laborious as several workshops and seminars were organized with oil-bearing communities, local, state and federal governments, international donor agencies, oil companies, among others.

The Master Plan is structured in three 5-year phases, namely: the foundation phase (2006-2010); the expansion phase (2011-2015); and the consolidation phase (2016-2020). It can be said to be the first integrated development plan driven by stakeholders’ participation in Nigeria because it covers different sectors including health, education, transportation and agriculture, while its objectives embrace economic growth and infrastructural development.

The comprehensive work was approved and adopted by the Federal Government as a document that holds the key to the rapid development of the Niger Delta. The governors and other political leaders of the region were satisfied as they were part of the processes that produced the plan from the scratch. The then President Olusegun Obasanjo was excited and delighted on March 27, 2007, when it was officially launched. He said: “It is my abiding belief that we are launching the commencement of a voyage of hope that will sail the Niger Delta past a legacy of turbulence, neglect and poverty into an assured future as our nation’s most peaceful, most prosperous and most ecologically regenerative region by 2020”. ( Continues below….. )

The administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, which succeeded Obasanjo, also agreed that the plan has the capacity of adequately addressing the development challenges of the Niger Delta. The commission has through its Partners for Sustainable Development [PSD] Forum brought all the stakeholders under one umbrella to aid the process of harmonizing projects in the region as enunciated in the plan.

Incidentally, the first official assignment of the present NDDC Managing Director, Mr. Chibuzor Ugwuoha was the attendance of a workshop by the PSD Forum in Port Harcourt. His remarks at that occasion underscored the importance he attached to partnership. He said: “We know that the task of developing the Niger Delta is enormous. We cannot do it individually but together we can do it.” Ugwoha’s emphasis on the PSD Forum as a platform for collaboration is in line with his desire to engender further buy-in and commitment of all stakeholders to the Master Plan. He said that since the Master Plan constitutes the template for tackling the developmental challenges of the Niger Delta, the commission needs to constantly engage stakeholders in implementing it.

Currently, the NDDC boss has been visiting the state governors in the region and using every opportunity to reiterate the importance of the partnership arrangements already worked out with them. The visits have become necessary at this time to rekindle the interest of some state governments and other key stakeholders to the Niger Delta project that seems to have dwindled over time. A lot of people are worried that the key stakeholders appear to have abandoned the implementation vehicle for only the NDDC to drive. This is unfortunate because the Master Plan is a property of all Niger Delta people. ( Continues below….. )

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

Perhaps, the setting up of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs contributed to the loss of focus. At the onset, the mandate of the ministry was not very clear, and its interface with the NDDC was at best hazy. Even in terms of allocating funds for the critical needs of the Niger Delta, both the executive and the legislature appeared to treat the ministry and the commission as if they were eating from the same pot. In the 2008, the National Assembly approved a budget of N79 billion for the NDDC. In 2009, however, its budget was drastically reduced to N27 billion, while N50 billion was budgeted for the new ministry. Thus, both of them got the same amount that only the NDDC got a year earlier.

It, therefore, came as a big relief when President Goodluck Jonathan reassured Niger Deltans recently that the lofty plans captured in the Master Plan would be pursued with renewed vigor. He said: “Let me assure you that I am irrevocably committed to the development of the Niger-Delta. We must develop the region to restore confidence and hope among our people and children. To this end, let me assure you that the Niger-Delta Master Plan for development is on course and we will assist the NDDC and all the state governments to faithfully implement it.” The Federal Government should match its words with action by going a step further to mobilize all the stakeholders to put their hands on the plough to get the plan moving at optimum speed. In 2008, there was an understanding that all the nine states budgets would be prepared to fit into the Master Plan, to ensure that they actually keyed into its implementation. It would, therefore, be good to ensure that the central government, states, local governments, oil companies and other stakeholders work in harmony to realize the lofty dreams inherent in the Master Plan. Every one of them should be allocated specific roles on which they can be held accountable.

It is encouraging that the state governors in the region are beginning to take keen interest in the affairs of the commission which drives the master plan process. Recently, the hitherto dormant Advisory Committee of the NDDC, which comprises the governors and the principal officers of the commission, sprang into life after many years of in-action. The advisory committee intervened in the internal challenges that have confronted the interventionist agency of late. The long expected meeting of that moderating body also deliberated on how to aggressively implement the master Plan.

With the governors now putting heads together with the NDDC management, there is hope that the Master Plan will now experience a new lease of life. The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs should be mandated to play a key role in coordinating the activities of the various stakeholders. If the ministry does that, it will help to facilitate the smooth implementation of the Master Plan and consequently the development of the region. There should be some sense of urgency in its implementation knowing full well that the first five years of the 15-year plan, termed the foundation phase, is ending this year.

Mr. Agbu writes from Port Harcourt.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Niger Delta, Abuja, Militants, Master, Plan, Lagos, Ministry, Jobs, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Public Hearing On FAAN Concession Agreements Planned

-*Vows To Assist FAAN Recover Over N16b Debts From Concessionaires

By Lateef Lawal

Public hearing is being organized by the Senate Committee on Aviation into all the concessions entered into by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN), especially those concerning the collections of revenues from several of its revenue generating aspects of airports management business.

The public hearing expected to come up before the end of July, 2010 is being planned by the committee in view of avalanche of protests by workers unions and some stakeholders alleging the un-favourability of the various concession agreements to the revenue portfolio of the authority.

Competent sources close to the Senate Committee informed NigerianAviationNews that despite the fact that FAAN has more than twenty-six (26) companies on the list of its registered concessionaires, it was baffling and unimaginable that the authority’s revenues has not appreciated reasonably beyond the period prior to the signing of the agreements with the private companies.

Apart from the invitations being extended to companies involved in collating and collection of revenues, companies that had agreement with FAAN on Airport concessions are also to appear before the Senate Committee. ( Continues below….. )

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

The aim of the public Hearing, it was learnt was to verify which of the agreements needed to be reviewed or cancelled outright on its being detrimental to the financial well-being of FAAN, more so when some companies who collected revenues on behalf of the authority blatantly refused to remit such collections to the coffers of FAAN, thereby impoverishing the authority more than they met it.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Aviation is set to assist the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to recover over N16 billion owed it by various concessionaires.

Fielding reporters’ questions at the Lagos Airport, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Anyim Ude, stated that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and some concessionaires would be investigated because the issues bothered on grave safety and security implications.

He said the committee was interested in finding out why an agency like FAAN would be owed to the tune of N16 billion and be complaining that concessionaires owed them a lot of money. This he said was an affront and that the Committee would ensure that FAAN recovers its monies. ( Continues below….. )

His words: ”On the May 9th, there was a tragic incident at the MMIA involving a blackout at the arrival and departure halls, this caused a great embarrassment to Nigeria and there was also safety implications. I have already praised NAMA, FAAN, NCAA for their response and efforts they made to restore power at the terminal within the four hours that the blackout lasted.

“For instance if the issue at stake is the 30 or 32 years that the infrastructure have decayed the cables are old, they want to find out if there is any management programme for, maintenance, if not why not? They also want to find out why FAAN is screaming no money, no fund to do certain things while those they call management concessionaires owe them over N16billion.

“We are told that while we are making efforts to help FAAN recover this money, those involved are fidgeting and are trying to make contact at the highest level to thwart our efforts and FAAN’s.” “We are waiting to get this information and we will do the much we can for FAAN to recover the money.

“N16 billion is a good sum of money and FAAN can’t be telling us that they need all the money to do their job, if they collect such kind of money and yet government has put machinery in motion to provide N5.8 billion to rectify these things, if they collect that amount they would not go to government and that is all the issues involved and now we have all mobilized to help FAAN recover that money.

“FAAN, NCAA, NAMA and most importantly big debtors, I learn’t that the big ones are fidgeting and we are expecting a list of debtors from FAAN. What is obvious is that there are many chronic debtors owing FAAN and I hear they have many contacts across the country that once you touch them the ground will start quaking.We will not allow the earthquake before we do what we are supposed to do”

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, FAAN, Airlines, Senate, Aviation, Hearing, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Ahead 2011: Abia Loot Causes Political Rift

By Engr. Steve Ochonma

It is always easier to steal, loot and plunder than to amicably, impartially and sucessfully share the loots. The unfolding scenario in Abia has lend yet credence to this well known fact. So it is not surprising at all that Governor T. A. Orji defected from PPA to APGA on Wednedsday, June 30, 2010 - only that he is doing so too late. He had enjoyed Abia loot for too long and did not see anything wrong with coniving with the Uzor Kalu’s dynasty of Igbere to rape and destroyed Abia for eleven whole years.

Chief T. A Orji was Chief of Staff under Chief Orji Uzor Kalu and now governor for over 3 years and yet he did not do anything to move Abia forward. It only took a rift with his political godfather and mentor now for him to have a mandate to develop Abia in six months. It is obvious that Abia did not give him her mandate. But who has given Governor Orji mandate now, in June 2010? Obviously political exigencies has.

It should be clear that Governor T. A. Orji and Chief Orji Uzor kalu are like kettle and pot respectively, and non should call the other black. They are from the same school and are both politically the same in all intents and purposes. They shared the same vision and had the same mission in Abia: to loot. They both represent the Abia of yesterday and should be sent on political exile from Abia State. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, Nigeria

Chief T. A. Orji’s so called six months mandate should therefore be seen as a desperate and calculated cheap political attempt to decieve vulnerable Abians that he meant well but was impeded from doing what was right before now. If he could not do it before now when would he? He squandered his opportunity. He has been tested and found wanting and unfit for the position of a governor. We cannot afford to waste another four years in Abia.

The time for sweeping change is now. Abains are wiser now. Those who collaborated with ”mama” and son to ensalve Abia must pay the price. They will be called upon to give account of their stewardship in due course. I hope they will be ready then and would defend their positions. All those who have converted public properties and wealth to personal belongings should be ready then to defend their positions too.

For now, emphasis is on who will carry our mandate in 2011. A sovereign people’s mandate that will authorize same to carry out the vision and mission of Abia, to be a technological engine room of Nigeria and for Africa’s development. We are watching with great interest the unfolding drama and thank God Almighty for such an opportunity to rescue our beloved state from the jaws of satan.

Make no mistake about it, Abians will rise up to this occassion. We will ensure a credible election and we will ensure a true lover of Abia is elected in 2011 to carry on our dream regardless the political platform.

For PDP, the warning is: “give your ticket to a true technocrat with vision or forget yet again Abia government house in 2011.” For the rest of the parties, especailly political brothel parties like APGA and ANPP in Abia, “keeping giving your tickets to failures and political prostitutes ahead of your loyal members to your own detriment.” Keep givimg your tickets to the highest bidders to your political non relevance. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Map of Abia State, Nigeria Click Adjourning Link For Enlarged Photo:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/Etc/AbiaMapLarge.jpg

No reasonable party would give it’s ticket to a highest bidder who is a rogue and who is in some instances less than a week old in the party, simply because he has a few bucks to give to party officials. It is an insult to loyal party memebers and should be rejected both at the party level and in an election. It has happened over and over again in Abia.

These political rogues are in for a surprise this time. Abians will teach you a lesson this time around. Chief T. A. Orji’s posters that is defacing the streets of Abia under the platform of PPA reads “one good tenure deserves another”. But what good tenure was he referring to. Good tenure of refuse piles in Aba and umuahia? Good tenure of bad roads, no good publc utilities, delapited schools and hospitals, one good tenure of converting all public lands and properties to personal belongings or one good tenure of looting the Abia treasure empty? What one good tenure was he talking about? These guys think we are idiots in Abia. But we will know who the idiots are in 2011 and beyond.

Thank you Abians for your resilence. We will trump, we will show the light, and darkness will be chased away in Abia.

Long live Abia State, long live Abains and long live Organising for good governance in Abia.

Humbly yours in Abia service,

Engr. Steve Ochonma

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*Tags: Nigerians, Governor, Abia, Loot, ppa, Orji, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Kalu, Umuahia, Masterweb

*A Case of Clash of Party & National Interest in Nigeria

By Kali Gwegwe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is Nigeria’s ruling party. Its interest has clashed with that of corporate Nigeria. Unfortunately, the political class is carrying on as if Nigeria is a lawless country. It is a massive shame that a constitutional democracy can allow the interest of one political party to distort its constitution.

Up till now, the issue of rotational presidency is foreign to Nigerian constitution. That is to say - the constitution has not prescribed that the nation’s presidency rotates between the north and southern tribal divide. Contemplating it is therefore not just an insult on the constitution, but an indictment on those championing it. ( Continues below….. )

By allowing the issue of rotational presidency remain in the public domain implies that Nigeria’s constitution is not supreme. This is dangerous and capable of collapsing the pillars that hold up Nigeria as a country. Political parties should not be allowed to hide under the banner of freedom to undermine the sanctity of rule, law, and order.

The constitution of all political parties must be legislated to conform to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. If not so, one or more political parties would wake up one morning and fix that only homosexuals are qualified to aspire to be president. Another party may just decide that only ex-convicts are qualified to be president. It is also possible that some parties would suggest that only bachelors are eligible to contest the presidency. To avoid all of these, let all political parties work within the framework of the constitution. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

In another breadth, it is even possible that the clamour for rotational presidency is a ploy to kill and bury the PDP. If not so, I do not see any reason why democrats would choose to dance naked on the head of democracy. The leadership of PDP should come out and declare its stand on zoning so that Nigerians can know the political path to follow.

There is no doubt about the fact that PDP will die the moment zoning is adopted. Nigerians are tired of poor political leadership. It is necessary to note here that we cannot talk of political reforms when internal democracy is foreign to political parties in Nigeria. As the ruling party, PDP must show good example by shunning all undemocratic and unconstitutional practices. This is the only way Nigeria can achieve political growth, which would in turn stimulate socio-economic rejuvenation.

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

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*Tags: Nigerians, pdp, Corruption, Africans, Goodluck, Jonathan, Political, Politics, Leadership, Masterweb

*Hotel Owner Says World Cup Robbers Not Nigerians, Woman Not Raped

[ ‘Nigerian’ Gunmen Rob World Cup Fans, Rape Woman -Updated ]

By Masterweb News Desk

Masterweb News Team contacted Mr. Kurt Mulder, owner of Hamilton Parks Country Lodge where four gunmen robbed World Cup soccer fans guests of the hotel. He told our news team reaching him on the phone that the gunmen were South Africans and not Nigerians. On asking him how he knew the identity of the gunmen he said: “I am a South African and should know South Africans when I see them. Above all, I am an African and you know we know ourselves – I can tell a South African from a Nigerian.” He said the female victim was not raped, but tied up along with others including him, in the same room. Mulder said he was 2 meters away from the female victim and did not see her assaulted by the robbers.

Hamilton Parks Country Lodge is in Hazyview, an isolated area north-east of Johannesburg, South Africa. The hotel according to Masterweb investigations, has witnessed several robbery incidents which South African police failed to investigate appropriately. Several robberies have also occurred at Kruger National Park around the corner from Hamilton Parks Country Lodge, without significant arrests by South African police. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: Hamilton Parks Country Lodge, Hazyview, South Africa.

Masterweb investigations revealed the gunmen did not trail the soccer fans, but hid in the bushland surrounding the hotel. Hamilton Parks Country Lodge is surrounded by over 250 hectares of indigenous bushland. Shortly after midnight, after fans arrived the hotel from the World Cup match between Australia and Serbia, the hotel owner, who doubled as manager, stepped out to welcome them into the hotel, but was accosted by the gunmen. The robbers ordered him at gunpoint to “get back in.” He went in and the gunmen locked the door, ordering everyone in that section of the hotel, including the owner, to lie down. They tied their hands behind their backs with shoestrings and robbed them of valuables, including, cell (mobile) phones, laptops, passports, money, etc. They also went from room to room stealing all that were of interest to them. Captain Jacky Mbuyane, South African police officer investigating the crime, said the Australian female victim was sexually assaulted, and got medical treatment, but she was not raped. In his words: “Emotionally, she was hurt. She was upset.” ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: Map of South Africa

The victims were freed after the robbers left. South Africa police and embassies of victims were contacted with details of the incident. Consular officials from Australian High Commission in Pretoria assisted victims in getting medical treatment, issuing emergency travel documents to their citizens.

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Yesterday, Sunday, June 27, 2010, Masterweb News Desk published an article titled ”‘Nigerian’ Gunmen Rob World Cup Fans, Rape Woman”. After Masterweb sponsored investigations, our News Desk came up with the update above. Our Sunday, June 27, 2010 article is reproduced below.

‘Nigerian’ Gunmen Rob World Cup Fans, Rape Woman

Nine soccer fans were tied up and robbed at gunpoint with one victim raped, in a terrifying hold-up in their hotel rooms following the Australia-Serbia World Cup match in South Africa. The fans, which included five Australians, were on their way back to the hotel after the match. The Socceroos of Australia defeated Serbia 2-1 in the encounter.

According to reports reaching Masterweb News Desk, four armed men trailed nine soccer fans back to their hotel in Nelspruit, South Africa, invading their rooms and robbing them, allegedly raping a female victim. Steve Gaynor, one of the victims who had $10,000 worth of equipment stolen from him said the robbers were Nigerians. He said the men were armed with rifles and handguns, and five of the victims, including himself and the raped female, Australians. According to Gaynor, one of the victims, an off-duty Australian Federal Police officer, for safety reasons, kept others calm during the robbery and assault.

“I had watched the match from the hotel that night and about 12.30 am three cars arrived back at the hotel and people started filing in. I was in the bar and some people came in there while others went back to their rooms. We were oblivious to what was going on. These poor kids were tied up, held at gunpoint and robbed. My room was robbed, but luckily I wasn’t in there when they broke through the window.” Gaynor was quoted as telling reporters.

“They took cash, jewellery and watches off the people they had tied up and stole phones and laptops. It was robbery with violence. One guy was on the floor and the man had his boot on his head and told him not to move or he is dead - it was serious.” Gaynor added.

Photo Above: Steve Gaynor, one of the World Cup robbery victims.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Gunmen, Attack, Rob, Rape, Soccer, World, Cup, Fans, Woman, Crime, Africa, Masterweb

*‘Nigerian’ Gunmen Rob World Cup Fans, Rape Woman

By Masterweb News Desk

Nine soccer fans were tied up and robbed at gunpoint with one victim raped, in a terrifying hold-up in their hotel rooms following the Australia-Serbia World Cup match in South Africa. The fans which included five Australians, were on their way back to the hotel in the early hours of Thursday morning, June 24, after the match. The Socceroos of Australia defeated Serbia 2-1 in the encounter.

According to reports reaching Masterweb News Desk, four armed men trailed nine soccer fans back to their hotel in Nelspruit, South Africa, invading their rooms and robbing them, allegedly raping a female victim. Steve Gaynor, one of the victims who had $10,000 worth of equipments stolen from him said the robbers were Nigerians. He said the men were armed with rifles and handguns, and five of the victims, including himself and the raped female, Australians. According to Gaynor, one of the victims, an off-duty Australian Federal Police officer, for safety reasons, kept others calm during the robbery and assault. ( Continues below…… )

Photo Above: Steve Gaynor, one of the World Cup robbery victims.

“I had watched the match from the hotel that night and about 12.30 am three cars arrived back at the hotel and people started filing in. I was in the bar and some people came in there while others went back to their rooms. We were oblivious to what was going on. These poor kids were tied up, held at gunpoint and robbed. My room was robbed, but luckily I wasn’t in there when they broke through the window.” Gaynor was quoted as telling reporters.

“They took cash, jewelry and watches off the people they had tied up and stole phones and laptops. It was robbery with violence. One guy was on the floor and the man had his boot on his head and told him not to move or he is dead - it was serious.” Gaynor added.

Masterweb will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Photo Above: Map of South Africa

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*Tags: Nigerians, Gunmen, Attack, Rob, Rape, Soccer, World, Cup, Fans, Woman, Crime, Africa, Masterweb

*Nick Fadugba Resigns As AFRAA Sec. General

By Lateef Lawal

The Secretary General of African Airlines Association(AFRAA), Mr Nick Fadugba has reportedly resigned his position in the continental body. He is barely seven months in the saddle before his sudden resignation letter dated June 10, 2010, handed to the secretariat of AFRAA in Nairobi, Kenya. He was elected into office, November 24, 2009 following a keenly contested election held in Maputo, Mozambique.

Giving reason for his decision, Fadugba wrote in his resignation letter that “Since 18 February, 2010, it has been an honour and a privilege for me to serve as Secretary General of AFRAA, an intense period spent single-mindedly addressing the many challenges facing African airlines today.

“After careful deliberation, I have now come to the conclusion that I can better serve the African Aviation industry and African airlines in my previous capacity as founder and Chief Executive Officer of African Aviation Services (AAS) rather than as Secretary General of AFRAA. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: LEFT: Mr. Christian Folly-Kossi - Former AFRAA Secretary General, CENTER: Mr. Nick Fadugba - Outgoing AFRAA Secretary General, RIGHT: Mr. David Tokoph, Chairman AFRAA Executive Committee. Photo in Nairobi, Kenya after handover from Folly-Kossi to Fadugba as Secretary General.

“Consequently, I have tendered my resignation as AFRAA Secretary General in accordance with the terms of my contract to Mr Girma Wake, President of AFRAA.”

Fadugba thanked the Chief Executives, management, staff and all members of AFRAA for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the association and for the valuable experience and insight gained. He expressed his gratitude to Mr Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for his valued support during his tenure as AFRAA Secretary General. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: AFRAA Headquaters decorated with map of Africa

He said that he was pleased to have initiated steps to resuscitate the fortunes of AFRAA, through the “3 Rs” strategy involving improving the Association’s Relevance to its members, enhancing its international Reputation and boosting its Revenues.

“I look forward to supporting my successor as Secretary General, as well as the AFRAA Secretariat and all AFRAA members. I also look forward to continuing the longstanding close relationship between AFRAA, African Aviation Services (AAS) and African Aviation Magazine in promoting aviation development in Africa, a goal which unites all of us", Fadugba wrote in conclusion of his letter.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, AFRAA, Nick, Fadugba, Resigns, FAAN, Airlines, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria’s NDLEA Arrests Drug Jailbird, Traditional Doctor, 5 Others

By Lateef Lawal

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have apprehended an ex-convict, Uzoaru Oliver over drug trafficking. The suspect tested positive for drug ingestion on Thursday June 3, 2010 during the screening of passengers on Iberia flight to Madrid, Spain. Also arrested include a traditional doctor, Longe Moshood Adewale, 58, and five others for alleged drug related offenses.

While on observation, Uzoaru expelled 60 pieces of powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine, weighing 915 grammes. Uzoaru was first arrested April 9, 2009 while about to board a KLM flight to Holland with 1.273kg of cocaine in his stomach. He was charged to court and sentenced to eight months imprisonment after which he regained his freedom on Friday December 11, 2009. Prior to his first arrest, Uzoaru lived in Padova, Italy for nine years before returning to the country in January 2009. The ex-convict who used to sell fridges is married with a child and hails from Orlu in Imo State. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria.

In his confession, Uzoaru blamed his involvement in drug trafficking on human error and frustration. “All I know is that it was a big mistake. It is not a good thing to be in this condition, but I was frustrated and could not explain how it happened again. When I came out of the prison, there was nothing for me to do. I even begged for transport money to get home. In the process, I met a contact that prepared another international passport for me because NDLEA seized my first passport. I would have been paid 2,000 Euros but unfortunately I was caught again. It is a mistake and I regret everything” he lamented.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade said that the situation would have been prevented if the court had sentenced him to 15 years as stipulated by the law. According to the NDLEA boss, “this unfortunate situation where drug convicts get recycled is avoidable. The re-arrest of the ex-convict is an indication that light sentences do not deter criminals. This is a collective responsibility and we must all work towards a drug free Nigeria of our dream, because crime that is highly lucrative requires stiff penalty to enforce compliance.”

The traditional doctor, Longe Moshood Adewale who was caught on June 8, 2010, attempted to board Iberia flight to Paris with 77 pieces of cocaine which he was got to expel. He is married to two wives and has nine children. According to Longe, he had fortified himself with charms and was surprised that he was found with the drugs. “I am a traditional doctor and prepared myself before the trip, so it is shocking that they were able to detect me” Longe stated. He hails from Iperu in Ogun State. ( Continues below….. )

NDLEA Airport Commander, Alhaji Hamza Umar gave the name of other suspects as Okwara Calistus Chinonye, 30, Mgbakogu Nnaemeka, 34, Kadaji Hadija Shettima, 57, Emeto Lucius, 42 and Uzoma Nnaemezie Gerald, 39. Emeto Lucius, a trader based in Italy for over 14 years ingested 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.535kg for a fee of 2,800 Euros. He was to board Air France to Paris when he was nabbed. His reason was that he lost his job, and his trading business was in financial distress. He hails from Imo State. Mgbakogu Nnaemeka that sells cars at his home town Asaba, Delta State was nabbed on June 3, 2010 for ingesting 46 pieces of cocaine weighing 950 grammes. He was to board an Iberia flight to Madrid.

Uzoma Nnaemezie Gerald, a cleaner in Greece also confessed to have swallowed 85 pieces when he was arrested on June 6, 2010. Luck ran out for the Imo State suspect, while he was attempting to board an Iberia flight to Madrid. He would have been paid 3,500 Euros. A 57 year old female trader at Akute who is the only female among the seven suspects, equally fell into the NDLEA dragnet on June 6, 2010 on her way to London in an Arik flight. She ingested 85 wraps of cocaine for which she would have received 3,000 Euros. Okwara Calistus Chinonye, who lives in Spain, was caught on June 3, 2010 on his way to Madrid in an Iberia flight. He swallowed 100 wraps and was to be paid 6,000 Euros. He said that he lost his job and he met his contact at a night club.

Some of the suspects are still under observation.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, NDLEA, Airlines, Drug, Jailbird, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Secrets of Diluted Patriotism In Nigeria Exposed

By Frank Ediagbonya

If the Nigerian constitution makes it mandatory for any Nigerian seeking special privilege(s) from the Federal Government of Nigeria by way of paid employment, contract, appointment or election into public office to undertake oral and written test on patriotism, National Consciousness and how to boost the national treasury for economic and social growth of all Nigerians, seventy-five percent of Nigerians who now enjoy those special privileges mentioned herein, would have been disqualified on the ground of hypocrisy, pretence, lack of national consciousness, lack of genuine patriotism, greed and looting of tax payers’ money with impunity.

Which is worth dying for; your country, your tribe or looting the national treasury? Since the end now justifies the means in modern day Nigeria, many Nigerians would chose to loot the national treasury and wait for the “consequences", of which 94% high profile cases of looting are consequential in Nigeria. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria anti-graft agency would confirm their frustration in this regards. There are reported cases where those who looted the treasury have broken the long arm of the law stretched to them by the EFCC. The EFCC is being suppressed and confined by looters of the national treasury to pursue low profile cases. Those who are privileged to be occupying juicy government positions know the answer to this question without mincing words. For those who try to get appointments, win elections by rigging and failed because of their ineptitude as well as their past “unofficial” criminal records know the answer to the above question. To cover their tracks, they would set one tribe against another. The most comical Nigerians, are those who parades themselves as “nationalists” yet they take pleasure in plundering the nation’s scarce resources to finance their conspicuous consumption.

They would tell you that they love Nigeria till thy kingdom come. The masses whose destinies is being manipulated and reordered into the abyss of social mysteries, a life-wire that has disconnected them from the real world. They would ask you; “which Nigeria are you talking about?” “Theirs” (the rich, the unstoppable, the law breakers and the untouchable). “Or ours?” (those who wallows in social exclusion). “Let’s not talk about it my brother, “shine your eyes", we look up to heaven and wait for divine intervention". Patriotism, National consciousness and national unity comes alight when the Super Eagles of Nigeria is playing international matches and when stopping IBB political ambition suddenly became a platform of national unity regardless of social class, political bitterness, tribal and religious differences. Is stopping IBB and the National Football Team what Patriotism and National Consciousness is all about?

Patriotism is an emotional journey of loyalty, allegiance, impartial love and total obedience to one’s country or one’s chosen country other than one’s own country of birth; the country which has given you all the rights and privileges accorded to you by the constitution. The most challenging quest before many law abiding Nigerians is their total submission, full obedience and impartial loyalty to their country. Unfortunately, Ninety-five percent of Nigerian leaders have tinted patriotism with looting of the national treasury, just as they painted Nigerianess with tribalism and religious fanaticism. The task of reviving patriotism, accountability, transparency and National consciousness in a materialistic Nigeria remain daunting unless drastic measures are put in place. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

The current tribal divide in Nigeria has become a source of nightmare to most people who want Nigeria to progress in the speed of lightening. There is one thing I am not very sure of, why some politicians are making a big deal of why the North must complete Yaradua’s tenure. Is that where the solutions to problems of Nigeria lies? In a country where Voters decision matters, there can be an upset to political tradition. What bothers political analysts is if PDP’s alleged gentleman’s agreement represent the decisions of eligible voters in Nigeria? There is definitely something wrong some where.

An alleged comment from Buhari, Atiku and Bafarawa that “Nigeria is set to disintegration in 2011 if there is an imposition of candidate on Nigerians", reflects how leaders creates problems for ordinary Nigerians out of frustration. I will assume that they were misquoted by the press. This men are role model to millions of Nigerians. You can read the full story from the following link (http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5475019-146/Buhari,_Atiku,_Bafarawa_say_Nigeria_may.csp). If they did made the said statement, it demonstrates the height of Diluted Patriotism from role model like Buhari and Atiku. They should do better than that. They could have said “Nigerians would revolt if there is an imposition of candidate". Not “disintegrate” as alleged.

Some Nigerians perhaps out of frustration are placing their tribes over the good cause of Nigeria. It is unfortunate that most Nigerian politicians are not willing in a million years if given the opportunity to learn from their past mistakes. The notion that Nigeria must continue to wait for one tribe or some ex no good leaders before the country can move forward still remain a mystery. ( Continues below….. )

Globalization has brought positive CHANGE to politics in most serious countries of the world. The patient of hungry and angry Nigerians has been overstretched to the limit due to incompetent and non performing leaders who have managed Nigeria for nearly five decades. Using all sort of threats to find your way into power is not a very good tactics. Toying with the Nigerian voters with words that may lead to violence could backfire for those who want to use threats of disintegration to achieve their political ambition. Leaders caught in the web of defamatory comments against Nigeria should be barred from competing or holding any public office.

In the past, leaders have been caught in the web of questionable behaviour and comments capable of tearing Nigeria apart. These were comments from some so call Nigerian leaders; “Nigeria is a mere geographical expression.” Nigeria is an unholy marriage of nations by the British.” “Nigeria is gradually becoming a failed state.” “The North must produce the next president in 2011″ etc. Does these comments reflect the tone of Patriotism or tribal chauvinism? This is how Nigeria has and is being governed by leaders who want their followers to be patriotic when majority of them lacked the spirit of patriotism.

Just like any prosperous nation in the world today, Nigeria has pass through many ups and downs. The reason why the downs seems to outweighed the ups is due to Diluted Patriotism which is prevalent among most leaders and then copied by their followers. Nigerian leaders especially those that has been diagnosed with the syndrome of diluted Patriotism are the ones stopping Nigeria from reaching the full fledged of patriotism and National consciousness. Ordinary Nigerians are helpless in this regards. They only copied what they saw from their role model. The syndrome of diluted Patriotism includes:

*Statements capable of tearing Nigeria apart.

*Placing one tribe above the other or down grading National interest for selfish reasons.

*Placing one’s religion above National interest.

*Placing one’s pocket above National treasury.

*Converting money for the progress of Nigeria, state or Local Govt. into fraudulent and personal use.

*Not showing the spirit of Patriotism when settling national issues.

*Failing to provide basic Social amenities to all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religious affiliation.

*Failure to provide security for lives and properties to all Nigerians irrespective of social class.

*Aiding and abetting electoral fraud.

*Inflating government contract.

*Discriminating against fellow countrymen/women on the ground of tribe and religion. (this includes the obnoxious Quota system).

*Using Federal government infrastructure and resources to achieve tribal and personal gain or; to frustrate other tribes who also are Nigerians.

*Denying fellow Nigerians from equal opportunities in their fatherland. etc.

Diluted Patriotism has becomes the mechanism within which tribes and individuals pockets are prioritised over Nigeria’s progress. It construes why most Nigerian leaders are persecuting those who are calling for accountability, transparency, electoral reforms, true Federalism as practised by the United States, the rule of law, sanity and civility in the way Nigeria is managed. These people who are fighting for the good of Nigeria have been labelled Public enemies by those who are benefiting from the largesse and booty of the National Treasury. For example, Ibori said he was contented with the way Nigeria was being governed when the former Attorney General of Nigeria, Aondoakaa took it upon himself at tax payers’ expense to make sure that Ibori eludes Justice in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Now Ibori is not contented with the way Nigeria is being governed because his sister and accomplices were jailed in England for helping him to launder money he looted in Nigeria. Nigeria is good for the untouchables when they break the law and evade justice. When they loot the treasury with impunity and are rewarded with national honours. This is Diluted Patriotism in action.

Diluted Patriotism overtly or covertly gave impetus to the Nigerian Civil War in the late 60s. It became the pivot of Quota system and state of origin in the Nigerian social system. A system consciously designed to encourage mediocrity. It marks the origin of discrimination against some tribes in Nigeria. Nigerian leaders whom millions emulates have exhibited the love for their tribes and their pockets more than the love they have for their country. There are suggestions that the new phenomenon of divided and rule Nigeria through Arewa consultative Forum (Hausa/Fulani and Middle Belt), South-South(Niger Delta), South East(Ndi Igbo) and Oduwa (Yoruba) etc. is evidence that things are not working constitutionally in Nigeria. Politicians have taken the shortcut to satisfy their tribal and personal enthusiasm at the expense of a united Nigeria. Why not settle for devolution of power as obtainable in the Welsh and Scottish Parliaments of United Kingdom through constitutional means. These regional consultative phenomenon only came into existence in less than 12 years in Nigeria. It has energized the level of diluted patriotism amongst ordinary Nigerians. It is a clear indication of how Nigerian Politicians have unconstitutionally, consciously and unconsciously remodelled power sharing in the outlook of tribal and religious platforms. ( Continues below….. )

Diluted Patriotism has made it impossible for Nigerians to chose a good leader from anywhere in the country. Patriotism is in intermission in Nigeria. Those campaigning against Goodluck Jonathan Presidency are suffering from induced syndrome of Diluted Patriotism if they are doing so on the ground of ethnicity and religion. If Goodluck Jonathan is good enough to put Nigeria in the centre of global excellence, he can win election as an independent candidate if votes counts in Nigeria and If Nigerians knows what they want. If he is not good enough, it mustn’t be on the ground of his tribe or religion. Loving Nigeria less and tribe more is a myopic and barbaric concept. The next president must possess the quality of a Servant-Leader, a listener to yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians as demonstrated by Goodluck Jonathan. He did this when he removed the enemies of Nigeria from their positions. His first three major decisions when acting as President earned him the respect and popularity he now enjoys.

What is the best for Nigeria? Mediocrity or competent reliable leaders? The best of Nigeria is being edged out of limelight while the worst of Nigeria are being elevated to limelight to handle affairs of Nigeria for tribal sake. Who would have thought that Nigeria have fearless, patriotic and intelligent minds like late Gani, Femi Falana, Dora Akunyili, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Nuhu Ribadu, Col. Umar rtd., Donald Duke, Fashola, Pat Utomi, Wole Soyinka, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Adams Oshoimole and many other great managers of human and material resources.

At 50 in October, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan should implore all Nigerians at home and abroad to task themselves with the goal of promoting the best of Nigeria; resist, discourage, disassociate themselves from corruption and work against those who are working against Nigeria’s progress. Enough is enough. The need to ensure that Nigeria’s progress remain on course after 50yrs cannot be overemphasised. Nobody should be allow to compromise Nigeria’s prosperity no matter how big or how highly placed in the society. If the progress of Nigeria is cursed, all Nigerians must do everything within their power to reverse it. The media should stick out their neck even if it is a matter of life and death, to make sure that Nigeria becomes one of the greatest countries in the world. The media should target, expose and disgrace those leaders who are spreading division and hatred through their utterances among Nigerians. There should be more investigating journalism in the Nigerian media to enable people account for their action and utterances about Nigeria.

At 50, Nigerians should place their country first before greed and tribal chauvinism. The secret behind Britain and America greatness is impartial patriotism and zero tolerance to corruption. Tribal Importance should be used to promote Nigeria’s tourism, culture and greatness. Tribalism and religion should not be an avenue to disturb peaceful coexistence or divide law abiding Nigerians.

The election of President Barack Obama exemplified how American interest superseded pettiness and the way the British Politicians Placed National interest above Party and personal interest to form a coalition government shows that the name Great Britain did not just fall from the sky. Can Nigerians rise above pettiness like the American? Can Nigerians put their country first for the interest of the nation and its people as exemplified by the British politicians who solved their recent political logjam in a wink? It is up to Nigerians to decide what is best for them. Those who are pretending to serve Nigeria with all their strength and all their heart yet, are paying lip services to the progress of Nigeria would soon have themselves to blame. Those who are dwelling in tribal and religious politics in a 21st century Nigeria, are sunbathing in the gallery of stupidity if they cannot bargain for the very best.

Does it matter who rule Nigeria? Does it really matter whether an Isoko, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Edo, Ijaw, Tiv, Isekiri, Urhobo, Calabari, Fulani etc. rule Nigeria? Does the Nigerian constitution forbids some certainty tribes from becoming the Nigerian President? Why is this a BIG ISSUE in Nigeria if some tribal chauvinists haven’t got some ulterior motives to destabilized Nigeria? I opined that it does not matter. What matters to many Nigerians is wealth redistribution. Wealth is poorly distributed among Nigerians. What really matters to Nigerians is for them to have power (energy) supply 24/7, for all Nigerians to be gainfully employed anywhere in Nigeria; even those without employment can be on dole, for all Nigerians to sleep in their houses at night and leave their doors and windows open if they so desire. It matters to all Nigerians to have three square meal a day. It matters most to Nigerians to have good roads, free education and free medical care. It also matters if Nigerians pay their taxes to the government in order for the government to provide them with these basic amenities. If Nigerians continues to play tribal politics at the expense of National Unity and good leaders; Nigerians should not expect answers to their prayers because they would have deliberately told God that they have rejected Him.

Just like Dr Martin Luther King, he had a dream that he saw the day when Blacks and Whites in America would no longer fight each other or discriminate against one another because of the colour of their skin, Dr. King saw the day a Black man in America would not be judge by the colour of his skin but by the content his character. In that same spirit, I saw the day when a Nigerian would not be considered for a job or appointment inside Nigeria because of the content of his/her tribe, cult or religion but on merit and on the account that he/she is a Nigerian of good behaviour, patriotic, incorruptible and a zealot fighter of corruption. I also saw the day in Nigeria, when evil doers would no longer hide their wickedness under tribalism. A day when every Nigerian who’d embezzled public fund in Abuja or elsewhere would be ostracised in his/her home town for bringing disgrace to his/her tribe. If this dream becomes reality like that of Dr Martin Luther King, then, Nigeria is fulfilled.

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

*Nigerian Air Force Men Invade Skypower Catering & Hotel

-*Forcefully take Possession

-*Lock out the General Manager and Workers

-*Million Naira Catering Materials and products destroyed

By Lateef Lawal

Skypower Catering and Hotels Limited in the early hours of Saturday, June 12, lost over a million naira when men of the Nigeria Air Force invaded its premises at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos and forcefully occupied it. One of the domestic airline-Chanchangi, was also caught up with the illegal takeover of the premises as it could not have access to its hydraulic equipments kept in the compound for safe keeping. It’s early morning flights were delayed as a result of this.

Skypower workers, who were preparing food for supply to their airline clients were sent out of the premises, while all other staff-both junior and senior including the General Manager, were locked out.

According to eye witness accounts, the military men who were armed, invaded the company in a Gestapo-style demanding everybody evacuated as they were asked to take possession of the premises because “it is the property of the Air Force.” ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria.

Everybody that saw what happened was surprised by the claim of men of Nigeria Air Force. This is because Skypower Catering is a Federal Government owned outfit supervised by the Ministry of Aviation. In addition it is the last of the subsidiaries of the defunct national carrier-Nigeria Airways which is yet to be sold or privatized by the government.

The Minister of Aviation had been contacted through the Permanent Secretary in the ministry. The Air Force men who had removed the company’s signpost and replaced them with theirs were still occupying the premises as at the time of this report.

Speaking on the incident, the Secretary General of the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria(ATSSSAN), Comrade Frank Aiyede condemned the action of the Air Force and called on the Federal Government through the Minister of Defence to call the rampaging military men to order. He argued that the establishment of the defunct Nigeria Airways in 1958 preceded the coming into being of Nigeria Air Force for it to be laying claims to the premises of Skypower Catering. ( Continues below….. )

Aiyede continued: “We never had it so tough. Things were carried out with decorum not to talk of now that we are in a democracy. The air force men must be called to order.”

Also, Comrade Abdul-Razaq Saidu of the Civil Society Group of the Safe Aviation Committee, described the action of the military men as highly condemnable. “Was there any court pronouncement asking Skypower Catering to vacate the premises the Nigerian Airfoce is laying claims to? If there is none, then their action is illegal. They must subject themselves to the dictates of civility not take action that will embarrass the top echelon of the military and the Federal Government of Nigeria in the eyes of the civilized world. The Nigeria Air Force should not be seen as an Occupation Force,” Saidu was quoted as saying in his remarks.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Air, Force, FAAN, Airlines, Skypower, Catering, Hotel, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*New Order Of Leadership As Nigeria Turns 50

By Princewill Ogbobula

The constitutional controversies that surrounded the presidency in the wake of Yar’Adua’s illness ended on 5th of May, 2010 with the passing on of our president. I do share our elder’s views that no matter how hard the loss, defeat might serve as victory to shape the soul and let the glory out.

The painful demise of President Umaru Musa Shehu Yar’dua has indeed ushered in a new order of leadership for our great country Nigeria as she turns 50. While it is still very difficult for us to accept this fact, we must accept it gracefully as it has finally ratified a new order of leadership and altered the power sharing formula of Northern and Western regions. A good development for the Niger delta. The Niger Delta region, in spite of the vast economic contributions to the nation, is yet to have political control and had been oppressed and seriously marginalized hitherto.

Today, the situation has become different with the exit of Yar’dua. We now have a president for the very first time in the history of Nigeria. For the sake of our continued unity of the people of Nigeria and the growth of our democracy, I urge every responsible Nigerian to offer support and prayers to this new administration. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan needs us as he pursues Electoral Reform, Niger Delta Development and Power sector reforms as stated in his inaugural speech to the nation. ( Continues below….. )

Nigerians need to discharge their responsibilities unconditionally to honour the new president and do everything possible to help in the fulfilment of the great call on him to serve our fatherland at this critical point of the nation’s history. No doubt, the remaining time of this present administration will not be enough to conclude these objectives, but it sure has opened new doors for political and social landmarks before the forthcoming 2011 elections.

I believe that what remains of the party rancours over the alleged internal zoning arrangement should now be a thing of the past for sustainable progress and peace of the nation. History has given us examples of how some past heroes of Niger Delta like the Adaka Boro’s and Ken Saro’s have fiercely fought for the emancipation of the region with their own challenges and how both the victor and the vanquished have accepted the result peacefully and in the spirit of reconciliation for one Nigeria.

So in that same spirit, let us give President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan the support he needs towards his commitment to serve again in the next dispensation. I know that some will be disappointed but this should be overcome by the love for one Nigeria, for the strength of our love can be established through the difficulties and challenges we collectively overcome. On my part, I urge the entire Orashi region as the “Prince of Orashi” to stand behind President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, come 2011 election. This is ‘Nija’ we need to fight to keep Nigeria first and above all sectional or group interests. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan

With so much faith in God and in Nigeria, Goddluck Ebele Jonathan has served from Deputy Governor to Governor with the support of PDP and the entire Nigerians. He served again as Vice President, now President and should be encouraged as he continues the first tenure of his late boss which is just a matter of months.

Now the campaign for the second tenure is on and I plead with all Nigerians to give him our support again so that the support of our heroes past will never be in vain. Let us grow above sectional and partisan wranglings that have impeded the growth of our country and give President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan all the support he needs to establishment the divine liberty rights of all Nigerian as stated in Lev. 25: 9-13.

Niger Delta people have given Nigeria and indeed the world so much with her human and mineral resources, so I believe that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s re-election as President and commander-in-chief of The Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2011 should be a way of paying back the rich Niger Delta Region.

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

*The Truth About Fuel Subsidy In Nigeria

By Kali Gwegwe

I have in the past, and will continue to disagree with the minority elitist clan of bureaucrats calling for the removal of fuel subsidy. I do this just for one simple reason: Nigeria’s present socio-economic framework is too weak to carry the additional burden that will arise owing to any further hike in the pump price of petroleum products. The removal of fuel subsidy will for sure leave millions of hapless Nigerians at the mercy of international market forces. This is not only dangerous, but undemocratic.

Let it be understood that subsidy is an indirect way of putting money in the pockets of citizens. It should therefore not be seen as waste of money as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) would want us to believe. Furthermore, the removal of fuel subsidy is just one among the several means through which government conserve funds. Despite this fact, most developed countries still subsidise critical sectors of their national economy. For instance, agricultural subsidies alone accounts for more than 40% of the total budget of EU. This has not only helped the agro-allied sector to grow; it has equally promoted food security in the EU. The message here is that, subsidy is not as bad as is being painted.

Like in every other country on the face of the earth, activities in the petroleum sector are strongly tied to international market forces. Apart from the fact that Nigeria does not have influence over the pricing of crude oil in the international market, our local currency is too weak against the US Dollar. Those campaigning for the removal of fuel subsidy must also take into account the fact that Nigerian workers are not paid the Dollar equivalent of what their contemporaries earn in developed countries. ( Continues below….. )

This fact alone should rubbish the bases for anyone to assume that the income of the average Nigerian workers can withstand the effects of removal of fuel subsidy. The very wide disparity in the wages of Nigerian workers and their contemporaries in developed countries where fuel subsidy was removed should act as bumps along the economic road Sanusi Lamido and Olusegun Aganga are driving. President Goodluck Jonathan is also reminded that there are inherent dangers associated with leaving the fate of the down trodden masses at the mercy of international market forces, which Nigeria does not have any influence over. This is the major reason why fuel is still being subsidised all over the world.

The Economist reports that over half of the world’s population enjoy fuel subsidies. However, the level of subsidy varies from country to country. For instance, the official pump price of a litre of petrol in Nigeria is N65- about US45₵. However, petrol marketers sell a litre of petrol for as much N100 in the riverine areas of the Niger Delta region due to the dearth of major marketers. Venezuela is reputed to be the nation with the cheapest fuel. There, a litre of petrol goes for just 4₵. It is 79₵ in China, 15₵ in Saudi Arabia, 30₵ in Kuwait, 29₵ in Egypt, 16₵ in Libya, 24₵ in Qatar, and 13₵ in Iran. Compare this to the $2.77 in Britain, $2.62 in Germany, $2.69 in France, and $1.15 in the United States. The percentage of subsidy is mostly influenced by government’s evaluation of the country’s socio-economic framework.

While it is true that the subsidisation of petroleum products is costing the country huge sums of money annually, it must also be noted that democracy has a distinct fundamental character- good governance. Under normal circumstances, this character is not supposed to be killed on the alter of narrow and shallow economic theories, strongly influenced by lack of practical ideas by fiscal policy formulators and economic advisers.

In every democratic society, leadership is mostly about offering selfless service. On the other hand, politics is a democratic exercise aimed at securing the mandate of the electorates in order to offer quality leadership for the good of man and society. There is no doubt that sound political leadership is the hallmark of every healthy constitutional democracy. Fortunately, Nigeria is gradually adjusting to the culture of good governance. Eleven years of uninterrupted democratic governance is indeed a huge achievement. The important need to sustain this political culture cannot be overemphasised. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

It is sad to note that for more than one year now, there has been an orchestrated pressure on the federal government to withdraw fuel subsidy. This pressure has been mostly from the leadership of the FMF, CBN, and membership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. It is necessary to note that by virtue of their remuneration and accompanying entitlements, this category of government officials can afford to buy petrol even at N500 per litre. They are definitely not representing the interest of the over 60m unemployed Nigerians. Even among the employed citizens, how many can rely on their salaries for feeding, transportation, rent, medical, and academic needs of their families? In calling for the removal of fuel subsidy, the two ministers in the federal Ministry of Finance, Governor of the CBN, and membership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum failed to look at the nation’s socio-economic framework critically. Quite frankly, an average Nigerian family (father, mother, and three children) would need about N5,000 daily in order to escape poverty and withstand the negative effects of increase in prices of petroleum products. Of this amount, feeding alone will gulp N3,000: N200 x 3 meals x 5 persons. Transport will take another N1,000: N200 x 5 persons. Another N1,000 would equally be needed to cover rent, medical, academic, and miscellaneous expenses.

Unfortunately, a large chunk of the nation’s workforce is earning in a whole month, what they would need for just a day. It is in this very sad situation that highly informed persons in government are calling for the removal of fuel subsidy, which will no doubt drive up the price of transportation, rent, essential commodities, and services. I am of the opinion that the inability of fiscal policy formulators and the several teams of economic advisers to find appropriate solutions to the nation’s poor socio-economic infrastructure are forcing them to look for shortcuts. The removal of fuel subsidy is by all indications a dangerous short cut to our economic recovery. Rather than rely on the immediate gains from subsidy removal, the nation’s fiscal policy formulators and economic advisers should encourage government to diverse the economy by opening up the non-oil sector.

Through this way, the already battered Nigerian masses would not be forced to carry the burden of a few corrupt officials and inefficient team of economic advisers and fiscal policy formulators. There are abundant potentials in the agro-allied sector alone. In case Aganga, Sanusi, and Babalola need help, I would offer it free of charge for the sake of our dear nation. Government can raise huge sums by rejigging the nation’s anti- corruption protocols. Corruption is costing Nigeria more money than fuel subsidy. They should also advise government to embark on a thorough review of all contracts and audit the activities of the NNPC. It is very clear that most contracts have been inflated to oil the wheels of corruption. The fact that the activities of the NNPC have been shrouded in secrecy for decades is an indication that Nigeria was being milked dry by a few dishonest people in the system.

Worse still, it is a huge shame that government officials have had to resort to blackmail and propaganda in order to stampede government into withdrawing fuel subsidy. From a safe distance, the anti-subsidy apostles appear as though they love Nigeria so much. Far from it! They are only trying to cover up their abysmal lack of credible ideas. Why must anyone deceive the Nigerian public just to score a point? Only recently, the Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Mr. Abiodun Ibikunle told the world that the 2009 payments for fuel subsidy was N450b and not N1trillion as alleged by the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. This is ridiculous and calls for an immediate investigation. It could be that some persons are short-changing the country. Ordinarily, the operation of Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) is so detailed that corruption cannot find root except more than three key players are involved. The agencies involved in the activities of the PSF are Nigeria Customs Services, Nigeria Port Authority, Department of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant General, marketers, security bodies, external auditors, and inspection agents.

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

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

*Virgin Nigeria Metamorphosed Into Air Nigeria

By Lateef Lawal

The much awaited name change promised by the Chairman of Virgin Nigeria, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim soon after he took possession of the airline five weeks ago has finally come into being. At a not-too-crowded press briefing in Lagos last week Ibrahim declared: “Virgin Nigeria Airways has finally changed her name to Air Nigeria Development Limited, and the airline is now to be known as Air Nigeria.”

The name change, according to him was effected sequel to the airline’s Board resolution on May 14, 2010 following the approval by the Corporate Affairs Commission which registered and issued it with Certificate Number RC 501975. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: A Virgin Nigeria Plane

The Chairman explained that the name change became necessary so as to make the airline fully indigenous, adding that, “everything about the airline will reflect Nigerian culture with integrity, showcasing that we as a nation can do it.”

Ibrahim promised that the first branded aircraft in the new name and logo would arrive Lagos before the end of next week from France, while the remaining aircraft would follow in quick succession so as to conclude in record time the rebranding. He said the airline would have a minimum of ten aircraft in its fleet by October 1, 2010. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria.

He also assured staffers of the airline of beneficial working environmental with take home pay, adding that: “As we increase the number of aircraft in our fleet, job security will be guaranteed as more people will be required to run the airline while we build customers’ confidence through established commitment to service delivery.”

The Chairman admonished the management of the airline to always embrace the high-road to financial success as against low-road balance sheet, which always leads to negative short end.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Air, Virgin, Nigerians, FAAN, Airlines, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Nwachukwu Replaces Dele-Cole As NAHCO Aviance’s Chair

By Lateef Lawal

The board of directors of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has announced the resignation of Patrick Dele-Cole as chairman and director of the company with effect from May 27, 2010. The board also announced the appointment of Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu as chairman of the company with effect from May 27.

Prior to the 29th annual general meeting (AGM) of the company held in Ibadan on Thursday, May 27, 2010, Dele-Cole had at the pre-AGM board meeting announced his resignation as the chairman of the company. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Ike Nwachukwu shaking hands with Late President Yar’Adua

The company’s head of corporate communications and business development, Demola Akingbola, said the board of directors thanked Dele-Cole for leading the company to significant growth and successfully managing its transition from a government institution to a publicly quoted company. The board appreciated him for his significant contributions to the success of the company and wished him well in his future endeavours, Akingbola said. According to Akingbola, Nwachukwu will be responsible for leading the company through the next stage of its growth and transformation.

The board noted that it has enjoyed the benefits of the wisdom and insightful contributions of both Dele-Cole and Nwachukwu. The resignation of Dele-Cole and the appointment of Nwachukwu is a reflection of the internal democracy and corporate governance which the company advocates and cherishes. ( Continues below….. )

Nwachukwu is an alumnus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies. He holds an honorary Doctor of Law (LL.D) (Honoris Causa) degree of Abia State University. He is a graduate of the Institute of Humanitarian Law, San Remo Italy.

Some of the institutions he attended in the course of his military training are the Royal Canadian School of Infantry of the Royal Canadian Military Academy; the Royal School of Infantry, Warminster; United Nations Peace Academy.

Ike Nwachukwu has authored several publications on military strategic studies, social engineering, and diplomacy. He has a long list of national and international honours including: Commander, Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR), Knight, Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (GCMG) given by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. He joined the Board of nahco aviance on 9th May 2008.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Ike, Nwachukwu, Dele,Cole, Nahco, Aviance, Chairman, Airlines, Aviation, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*PRESS RELEASE: Vote John W. Walker For Change

Vote on Tuesday, June 8 for change; vote John W. Walker for Arkansas House of Representatives District 34

- John W. Walker, a man of the people

John W. Walker, premier civil rights attorney in Arkansas will:

-Change the status quo!

-Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves!

-Stand for those who cannot stand for themselves!

-Make laws for the good of all Arkansans!

John W. Walker

In the state house of representatives, he will be the people’s voice.

For Fairness, Justice and the future, our choice is John W. Walker

It is time for John W. Walker to be our lawmaker!

Attorney John W. Walker, Snr. received support of Dr. Terrence Roberts (Little Rock Nine who integrated the Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957)

By Dr. Chima Uko Igwe -for Friends of John W. Walker.

Email: chimaigwe@sbcglobal.net

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*Tags: Arkansas, House, Representatives, John, Walker, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: ‘Police Fire’ Abort Abia Amnesty Program

By Masterweb News Desk

The 21-day amnesty announced by Abia State Government for kidnappers, was reportedly aborted yesterday by police fire. According to our source, police around noon invaded Abala arms collection center, one of the designated points for arms surrender by kidnappers to officers of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). A repentant kidnapper was killed in a shoot-out with the police, with other kidnappers taking back their surrendered weapons, taking NSCDC officers hostage as they fled into the bush. The officers were accused of betrayal and beaten-up, some severely. It took the intervention of the traditional ruler of Abala for them to regain their freedom. Those of them that sustained injuries are being treated in the hospital.

The motive for the police invasion was unclear but some see it as geared towards sabotage of the amnesty program. Their reason being that most of the surrendered guns had Nigeria Police colour which may have drawn the action by the police to disrupting the exercise. If the guns were acquired from the police, disruption of the exercise would make it difficult incriminating the police. Abia commissioner of police is still to confirm whether surrendered guns in Nigeria Police colour belong to the police or were criminally painted by the kidnappers. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigerian Policemen

Some have accused some members of Nigeria Police Force and some politicians as barriers to the amnesty exercise. According to reports, kidnappers were scared away by some men of the Nigeria Police who mounted stop-and-search road blocks at some roads leading to the arm collection centers, while some politicians poisoned the minds of the kidnappers for their selfish interest.

Abala, a community in Obigwe LGA was a new arms collection center carved out from Ukpakiri center as a result of kidnappers’ fear of going to Ukpakiri. As at 5.00 pm Thursday, June 3, the amnesty program had yielded positive results; Ukpakiri had 20 assorted weapons turned-in, Abala recorded 10, Mbutu 6 and Asa High School 10. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Map of Abia State, Nigeria Click Adjourning Link For Enlarged Photo:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/Etc/AbiaMapLarge.jpg

The Abala incident immediately spilled over to Ukpakiri with kidnappers calling-off the exercise, fleeing into the bush and accusing Abia government of insincerity. Activities are also paralyzed in the other collection centers. NSCDC is deliberating with Abia government on the conclusion of the exercise which was to end this morning.

Chief Umeh Kalu, Chairman of the Amnesty Central Working Committee and Commissioner for Justice, described the incident as sabotage of government efforts in ending kidnapping in the state. He said some highly placed people were behind the plot.

Masterweb will keep you updated as news become available.

*CLICK LINK BELOW TO READ OUR ARTICLE OF 3/6/10 TITLED “Abia Kidnappers Lay Down Arms ”

http://nigeriamasterweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/06/03/abia_kidnappers_lay_down_arms

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*Tags: Nigerians, Abia, Kidnappers, Police, Amnesty, Programme, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigerian Airlines To Partake In N500b CBN Credit

By Lateef Lawal

Nigerian troubled airline industry is to partake in the N500 billion($3.3b) fund meant to stimulate credit to the power and manufacturing sectors of the nation’s economy. The development is at the instance of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN)which felt that the airlines should not be allowed to go under, in view of their contributions to the growth of the nation’s economy. This was confirmed in an interview with Reuters by the spokesman of the apex bank, Mohammed Abdullahi at the weekend.

Airlines in sub-Sahara Africa’s second biggest economy have gone through rapid expansion in recent years and are heavily indebted not only to the country’s banks, but also to service providers such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), ground handling companies and other allied service providers. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: A landing Arik Plane

“These airlines can now partake from the fund and those that are indebted to banks can refinance their loans and amortise them over a period of 10-15 years.This we believe will help put off a feared financial crisis in the aviation industry", the Central Bank spokesman said.

Nigeria’s airline industry has become highly competitive in recent years, particularly on domestic routes, with new carriers such as Arik Air and Dana Air springing up to compete with older firms such as Aero Contractors and IRS Airlines.

British billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic [VA.UL] has said it is looking to sell its 49 percent stake in Virgin Nigeria, which recently changed its name to Nigerian Eagle Airlines and said last year it needed fresh capital.

The airline last year suspended its loss-making long haul flights to Britain and South Africa to focus on domestic and regional operations, under pressure from one of its main financial backers, Nigeria’s United Bank for Africa ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: An Aerocontractors Plane

Analysts have warned some Nigerian airlines are in such financial dire straits that they could end up being forced to merge or face collapse. Reacting to this, the Assistant General Secretary of Airline Operators of Nigeria(AON), Alhaji Mohammed Tukur described it as a welcome development and a big relief for airlines in the country that have been struggling to survive under unfriendly economic environment.

He commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan for acceding to the request of airline operators in getting bail out in form of the credit line extended to them with conducive moratorium. He also implore his members to positively take advantage of the credit line to improve on their operation and move away from the ‘Death Zone’ to that of lively and improved operations, adding that: “we should not abuse this good gesture".

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Airlines, Aviation, Cbn, Credit, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Abia Kidnappers Lay Down Arms

By Masterweb News Desk

Abia State kidnappers last week agreed to lay down their arms to the Abia State Government through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command. The kidnappers refused handing over their arms to police nor the army, but rather to NSCDC. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Map of Abia State, Nigeria Click Adjourning Link For Enlarged Photo:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/Etc/AbiaMapLarge.jpg

The Amnesty program is sponsored by Abia State Government. The three Arms collection centers are: Ukpakiri in Ugwunagbo LGA, Mbutu in Isialangwa South LGA, Asa High School in Ukwa West LGA all in Abia State.

Reports filtering into Masterweb News Desk claim the sighting of officers of NSCDC over the weekend in bushes around kidnappers’ camps for the weapons collection exercise.

Masterweb will keep you updated as news become available.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Abia, State, Kidnappers, Lay, Down, Arms, Crime, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigerian Airlines Owe NAMA N4b

-*Total Completion of TRACON Slated for June 2010

-*All Satcom Sites Upgaded

-*Next Phase-Total VHF Coverage

By Lateef Lawal

Nigerian registered airlines are owing the country’s air navigation service provider-Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA), not less than N4 billion as at February this year. This was brought to light at the weekend during an interactive session with aviation journalists by the Managing Director of the agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Auyo who laid bare the problems, prospects and the successes so far achieved by his management since it came on stream in February, 2009.

The response of domestic airlines in the prompt payment of their bills was having negative impact on the revenue base of NAMA and its onerous safety critical mandatory obligation to the industry, especially in the areas of constant maintenance of facilities and provision of electricity to energize landing aids spread across the country. Auyo said for example between January and September 2009 alone, the agency spent over N170 million for the purchase of petroleum products, especially diesel to power the landing facilities. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Port Harcourt International Airport, Nigeria

He pointed out that some people used to hide under the claim that since the Federal Government provided for some of our major facilities such as the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria(TRACON) project domestic airlines should not pay navigational charges, ’Yes, government paid for the TRACON project, they should know that we have the sole responsibility to ensure constant maintenance, procure spare parts from the revenue we generate, pay staff that are in charge of these facilities from our internally generated revenue which government does not pay for. We are a service provider agency and so airlines must pay for services they enjoy’.

Alhaji Auyo wondered why domestic airlines have not been cooperating in this regard before the recent intervention of the Minister of Aviation, Mrs Fidelia Njeze who in her wisdom appealed to airline operators to go and reconcile their accounts with the Agency with a view to settling their outstanding bills while other industry issues were referred to the committee she set up. Foreign airlines, he noted have been very cooperative in this regard, adding that if not for the constant payments of bills by them, NAMA would have been in a dire strait in the provision of air navigation service and the country’s image would have been dented.

On the TRACON project which began in 2004 and inherited by his management without being completed five years after, Auyo said he was happy to inform the public that the 63million Euros project funded by the government was in the final lap of total completion. The TRACON project, he explained is embedded with automatic billing system which would assist in the tracking of airlines that make use of its services as against the manual billing. He pointedly noted that the Lagos and Abuja phases of the project have been fully deployed into operation while the Port Harcourt and Kano sites have also been completed and being test run in readiness for calibration. ( Continues below….. )

Hopefully, he assured that by the end of June 2010, all the sites including the 9 other stand alone sub-sites would have been fully integrated and deployed for seamless air navigation. To ensure continuous maintenance of the total radar coverage of the country’s airspace by the equipment installed, the Managing Director noted that NAMA has entered into a 5-year maintenance agreement with the contractor-Thales ATM of France which included the training of staff of the Agency in maintenance, handling and operation of the equipment.

In addition to this, Auyo said in order to ensure that the Agency has adequate skilled manpower to be in charge of all its safety critical facilities in the Engineering and Air Traffic Control aspects of its operations, the World Bank is currently funding the training of its Controllers in several aspects traffic control including Area Radar Control. On the cost of calibration of its facilities by the Dakar based aeronautical company-ASECNA, he disclose that NAMA used to spend N60million every six months to calibrate facilities but with the return of the calibration aircraft of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) six years after it was sent to South Africa for maintenance, the Agency was looking into partnering with NCAA for this aspect of its operations so as to save costs.

The next phase of its program, he disclosed was in the area of Communication which was aimed at the total radio coverage of the country with the provision of the Very High Frequency(VHF) radio coverage. The contract for the equipment, he said had been awarded last year and that the equipment have been manufactured and factory tested and awaiting shipment to Nigeria. The VHF equipment would be in the country by October 2010 for installations across the country.

Presently, Alhaji Auyo said the Agency has been able to upgrade all its Satellite Communications(Satcomm) equipment in both Kano and Lagos sectors while the World Geodetic Survey(WGS84) for the country which report was submitted early in the year would fully be deployed in 2011 to further boost air safety and assist pilots in connecting to satellite for navigation and terrain services.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Airlines, Aviation, Owe, Nama, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Delta Airline Begins Abuja-New York Flight

-*Take-Off Date,June 3,2010

By Lateef Lawal

Delta Airline is to begin a non-stop service between the Federal Capital, Abuja and the city of New York on June 3, 2010. This was disclosed at a press briefing in Lagos by the Commercial Manager, West and East Africa Delta Airline, Mr Bobby Bryan. According to him, the airline will be using Boeing 767-300 aircraft for the operation on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday every week from the take-off date. ( Continues below….. )

The aircraft is configured to carry 216 passngers with 20 in the business elite class. Bryan explained that the airline would be providing greater choice and efficiency on the Abuja-New York non-stop operation, which would be the first of its kind in this sector. The airline also promised connections to 45 other destinations from New York to cities like Washington DC, Dallas and Houston. ( Continues below….. )

He further disclosed that the economy class fare would be $889, while the business class would go for $2,889.

The airline has customers’ established base in Africa, having lifted more than 1.5 million passengers in 2006 and transported over 266,000 passengers on the Lagos-Atlanta route since it began services in Nigeria in December 2007.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Delta, New, York, Airlines, Aviation, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Niger Delta & Poor Contract Execution

By Ifeatu Agbu

It is a well known fact that the process of contract award both in the public and private sectors in Nigeria, leaves much to be desired. It has not only entrenched corruption in the system, but has also contributed immeasurably to the underdevelopment of our country. This leads to unquantifiable wastages and delays, as well as loss of confidence in Nigeria by foreign and even local investors. This ugly scenario may have spurred the Federal Government to introduce reforms to ensure a more effective system of awarding contracts and monitoring their execution. This included the passage of the Bureau for Public Procurement [BPP] Act 2007, which institutionalised due process and transparency in contract awards and executions.

Recently, the Minister of Works, Senator Sanusi Daggash, told contractors handling the Kaduna Eastern Bye-pass that “enough is enough.” He was obviously appalled by the slow pace of work on the 58.8 kilometre road, which was started in 2002 and was to be completed in 2005. Since then, the contractor had continued to ask for one extension after another. The Minister just could not continue to stomach the rot in the system. So he warned that no contractor would be allowed to take Nigeria for granted through incessant delays and extension of completion dates. He also stated that the era of impunity and lackadaisical performance in contract execution was over.

This is not the first time top government officials would be expressing disgust over the dubious attitude of many contractors and threatening to take tough measures to curb their excesses. Even then, nothing seems to have changed over the years. One can only hope that the new administration of President Goodluck Jonathan would be able to make a substantial difference in this aspect. Without doubt, the eagerness of successive administrations to propel the engine of growth in the country is being hampered by some contractors who have no respect for contract specifications and deadlines. They have, therefore. constituted themselves into stumbling blocks to activities of governments and their agencies in the development process of this country. ( Continues below….. )

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

This unfortunate situation is also contributing to the underdevelopment of critical flash-points like the Niger Delta region. Today, a lot of projects embarked upon by the three tiers of government and their agencies in the region are in comatose because of the nefarious activities of some self-serving contractors, who divert funds meant for projects to their pockets.

From all indications, a good number of these contractors lack discipline and the sense of patriotism, as well as professional skills required to execute contracts given to them. Greed and avarice motivate some of them; as they see their contracts as an opportunity to get their own share of the “national cake.” Hence, they cut corners; use inferior materials and unqualified or inexperienced personnel and end up delivering shoddy jobs. They also take joy in displaying their ill-gotten wealth in an offensive manner by living ostentatious life.

Take the case of the Independent Power Projects initiated by the Obasanjo administration, and consider the shocking revelations that greeted members of the House Committee on Power and Steel when they toured the project sites. There were reports of contractors who had been paid billions of naira as mobilization fees but never bothered to reach the sites let alone starting work. Some of those who managed to get to the sites demonstrated a lackadaisical attitude in the execution of the projects. For instance, the committee was told that the Federal Government overpaid one of the contractors, Marubeni Nigeria Limited, by N224 million for the Calabar 561mw GT power station. In spite of this, Marubeni was said to have completed only 30 per cent of the civil works while the project was already eight months behind schedule.

The Obasanjo-led government spent a whopping $16billion on the energy sector between 1999 and 2007, with little or no improvement in power supply. The Ndidi Elumelu-led House Committee discovered sharp disparities in the level of work done by contractors and the payment made to them by the government. At long last, some members of the committee were accused of being sucked into the cesspool of corruption, thereby rendering useless the effort of the House to re-activate the ailing power sector. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

Sometimes, it would appear that the government fails to thoroughly screen contractors to ascertain their suitability and capability to execute projects awarded to them. As it is the practice world-wide, governments and their agencies should also determine whether contractors possess the requisite qualifications, have the relevant experience, manpower, equipment and monetary resources to successfully execute projects. And whether they also pass integrity and reliability tests, which many Nigerian contractors would fail woefully. Many contractors without the above qualifications win big jobs by short-changing the system which unfortunately disregards due process for selfish reasons.

Again, it should be made clear to all contractors at the outset that project abandonment would lead to permanent exclusion from bidding for future contracts, in addition to their refund of mobilization fees with appropriate interest. We seem to have a situation where a contractor could easily abandon a project and just walk away without serious repercussions. The Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, was quoted recently as saying that henceforth, non-performing contractors would be blacklisted. One wonders why that has not been the practice over the years. If there are no strict sanctions, contractors and their official collaborators would continue to be the clog in the country’s march to sustainable development.

The negative attitude of the contractors, which may have been a carry-over from the long years of military dictatorship, when there was abominable permissiveness in the country, cannot be allowed to continue. It is a challenge which must be confronted resolutely to pave way for the rapid development of our nation. One of the development agencies that is making appreciable efforts to whip erring contractors into line, is the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. The Managing Director of the commission, Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha, made it clear to consultants and contractors working for the commission that nothing short of the best would do. He satd: “A poorly executed contract or project is wastage of scarce resources,” adding that it was counter-productive to developmental efforts. He said that the commission would no longer accept poorly executed projects and warned that contractors and consultants involved in such projects would be sanctioned.

Giving teeth to Ugwoha’s warning, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Arc. Esoetok Ikpong Etteh, recently came down hard on contractors handling four different road projects of over 98 kilometres in Ohaji Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas of Imo State. At one of the road construction sites, where the contractor was apparently cutting corners, he ordered: “Stop work until you have done the right thing.”

He said the commission would hold consultants responsible for any shoddy job by contractors and directed all consultants attached to the various road projects to move to site for effective supervision and monitoring of the contractors to ensure that jobs are executed to specifications. Indeed, that is how it should be in all aspects of our national life, if we are to realise our development dreams as a nation. The National Assembly can contribute immensely in this area by taking its oversight functions more seriously. It must stop the situation where due process in contract awards seems to be observed more in the breach through all kinds of manipulations.

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

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