by Azubuike Azikiwe

Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Ojorocha, says the creation of the All Progressives Congress signalled the demise of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP)

Okorocha also stated that seven PDP governors were secretly holding meetings and strategizing to work for the party at the polls.

Okorocha made the utterance on Monday, March 9, during the APC campaign rally in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos.

Below are 4 things we learnt from his statement:

1. Okorocha believes Buhari’s victory is 100% guaranteed
“Buhari’s victory has been sealed and delivered and today, about seven governors who are not APC are coming to hold meeting with us privately. There is fear in the country and the fear was that they know that Buhari is a good man and he will win.”

2. Okorocha says corrupt people will flee Nigeria after Buhari wins
“They know that once the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC announce Buhari as the winner of the presidential election, all the bad people who are embezzling the country’s fund will leave the country at night. The fear of Buhari is the beginning of stoppage of corruption.”

3. According to Okorocha, PDP died immediately APC was born
“PDP died immediately APC was formed and we scheduled the burial of the party for February 14 but they postponed it to March 28. We are waiting patiently to bury the party forever. But let me tell you that you can change the date of burial but you cannot change the burial. It must take place.”

4. Okorocha is certain APC will change the bad government (PDP)
“The worst thing that can happen to any nation is to have a bad government and the worst thing that can happen to any family is to have a bad father. Today, it is obvious that PDP is a bad government and we thank God that we came together to change the bad government.”

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by Damilola Jagun

Bola Tinubu, as always is unhappy with President Goodluck Jonathan.

His latest grudge is a supposed lack of apology-capacity of the President.

The National leader of the All Progressives Congress, says the Jonathan has never said ‘i’m sorry’ to Nigerians.

Speaking at a rally in Amuwon Odofin in Lagos, Tinubu said: “Jonathan never says to Nigerians, I am sorry. Today, he cannot pay insurance for the life of the soldiers and the police who are working in danger. They have concentrated money in bribing people. The exchange rate is very high and he says he wants to make vehicles for Nigeria.”

“Majority of Nigerian youths are looking for jobs. Six years ago, he appealed to Nigerians that he had no shoes and because of that people voted for him. The President has spent six years in office and he is yet to do what he promised Nigerians.”

“He has failed in the area of power and that has affected many small and medium scale businesses. Today, they are asking for people to pay for electricity they don’t use. That is double jeopardy; money for diesel, money for electricity failure. Can we allow that one to continue? We need change.”

“If a government has been there for 16 years and you don’t see progress, you must move out of that government; send them away. Enough is enough. Failure is not part of us. Our brothers and sisters from East, there is no difference between us. The vote is about salvation, happiness and together in unity; we can rescue Nigeria and lead it to prosperity.”

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by Chinwe Okafor

Amy Winehouse returns from the grave… to pay homage to Lady Gaga.

Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic, definitely had an objective with this photo, but we don’t know if she’s achieved it.

A new photo released by the actress shows an attempt at going for something we just can’t place.

Certainly, the AMVCA-winning actress will be able to explain the concept behind the photo.

We simply give up… look.

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by Ranti Joseph

Hundreds of the Boko Haram insurgents fleeing from the onslaught met their waterloo in Gombi town, Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Monday, March

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Sani Usman, Acting Director of Army Public Relations on Tuesday, March 10.

The statement said: “The terrorists were engaged by troops of 23 Brigade Nigerian Army in a gun battle that led to killing of quite a number of them, destruction  and recovery of vehicles, motorcycles,  various calibre of weapons and ammunitions.”

“These include 4 Hilux vehicles, 3 Anti-Aircraft guns and one .50 inch Browning machine gun. Others include 5,000 rounds of 12.7 millimetre ammunitions, 2 boxes of .50 inch ammunitions, 1,000 rounds of Light Machine Gun ammunitions and one Rocket Propelled Grenade 7 tube, as well as one General Purpose Machine Gun.”

“Unfortunately, one soldier was wounded in the encounter and he is responding to treatment. Troops are mopping up the area to prevent further incursions by the terrorists” the statement added.

The post Another victory for Nigerian Army against Boko Haram insurgents (PHOTOS) appeared first on YNaija.

by Anike Jacobs

The incessant increase in domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape, has become a thing of major concern.

In view of this, Nigerian female entertainers have gathered for a campaign against the atrocities.

They gathered on Tuesday, March 10, in G.R.A Ikeja Lagos carrying placards with inscriptions like ”Rapists belong to the zoo, say no to child abuse” and more.

As they moved from street to street and major junctions, onlookers and passersby joined by chanting and clapping behind them.

Actresses like Ini Edo, Annie Idibia and Kehinde Bankole were spotted in the walk against rape.

See photos below:

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by Chinwe Okafor

Toke Makinwa has unveiled her sister to the world, and oh isn’t she so pretty?

The on air personality took to her Instagram page to describe her sister in the kindest of words.

She captioned a picture with two of them together at a function saying, “Sister love, it’s not Thursday but this picture is making me all mushy inside. My sister is awesome. If the world had more people like her, it will be a much better place to live in. Always so supportive, my mother, my confidant. My OpyMaks….Don’t be jealous @calebslilgirl”

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by Kolapo Olapoju

1. Okonjo-Iweala at war with SERAP

First, Serap institutes a lawsuit against Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala over the missing N30 trillion allegation by former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chukwuma Soludo,

Then, Okonjo-Iweala responds saying the group is a political one, only for SERAP to issue a rebuttal saying it doesn’t work for APC, although Madam didn’t mention any party.

So far, that’s the extent of the exchange… at least for now.

2. Soldiers VS Civilians battle causes students to flee school

When two elephants engage in a battle, who suffers? – the ants of course.

The students of the Kaduna State College of Education fled for their lives on Monday, when soldiers and civilians clashed in a bloody confrontation.

“We received a coded message about a clash between soldiers and some of the local residents. The clash resulted in a few deaths. However, we are yet to confirm the cause of the fight and the actual number of casualty.”
3. Dumb Policeman kills dump-site digger over N200

A scavenger who is barely making ends meet has been shot dead by a gun-toting policeman.

The officer from ‘C’ Division in Kogi State Police Command, shot the scavenger twice in the head, simply because he refused to give him N200 weekly tip.

Maybe not all policemen are mentally and psychologically fit to carry arms, no?
4. So, N4.97 billion has been spent by APC, PDP

Talk about a case of gross over-spending and illegality.

The Centre for Social Justice says that the two main opposition political parties – the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress have so far spent a whopping N4.97bn to publicise their presidential candidates.

Worse still, the Center says the N4.97bn spent on campaign for the presidential candidates of both political parties was a gross violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act.

5. Dear FG, give Aunty Oby a chance to dance

We look forward to two things- the rescue of the Chibok girls and the legendary dance steps of Obiageli Ezekwesili.

The former Minister for Education and campaigner of the #BringBackOurGirls, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, says she would revel and celebrate when the Chibok girls are rescued by the Federal Government.

Yesterday, she tweeted: “When the news of the RESCUE of OUR Girls shall break someday soon, my legendary dance steps shall evolve.”
6. Niger Delta militants don’t mind if GEJ loses

A group of former Niger Delta militants, ‘Niger-Delta Coalition and Delta Coalition for Change’, has promised to support whomever emerges as President after the March 28th election.

“We are one Nigeria, let no one be troubled, pray for peace and free/fair election, whoever emerges as the next president of the federal republic of Nigeria should be giving the necessary support from the North, South, West and East of this great nation.”

We will only believe this when it happens.

7. Aviation Minister becomes victim of his system
In a case of classic irony, the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, was left stranded at the Abuja airport for a couple of hours on Monday.

Not surprisingly the airline responsible for the flight delay is Arik airline.

Like most people nowadays, Chidoka took his vexation to Twitter… to rant.

The post Niger Delta militants don’t mind if GEJ loses – 7 important things you didn’t read yesterday (but should have) appeared first on YNaija.

by Ifreke Inyang

English Premier league rivals, Arsenal FC and Manchester United squared off last night at Old Trafford.

The North London club went on to defeat United by a margin of 2-1.

Here are 5 things we learnt from the football-duel:

1. Welbeck delivers

One of the surprises, as Arsene Wenger named his side to face Manchester United on Monday night, was Danny Welbeck. The striker, who came through the ranks at Old Trafford, was preferred ahead of Olivier Giroud, who has scored five times in his last five appearances. Welbeck does not guarantee you goals, but he always scores full marks for endeavour. And on the night, his winning goal was down to his willingness to chase everything and anything.

2. Di Maria’s sad season continues

When Angel Di Maria whipped in a devillish cross for Wayne Rooney to equalize shortly before half time, a few United fans thought his confidence was slowly returning. But as the Red Devils chased the game in the second half, Di Maria reverted back to type and got sent off for pulling referee Michael Oliver. The Argentina winger will now miss Sunday’s crunch tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

3. Arsenal’s defence still wobbling

The Gunners might have won the battle on the night, but it was not victory built on defensive solidity. Hector Bellerin was a bit shaky, especially after the early yellow card. Per Mertesacker was desperately slow, while Laurent Koscielny did not exude his usual composure. Something to work on for Wenger, as the season scurries to a close.

4. #LongBallUnited

Louis van Gaal can go ahead and pull up stats that even Squawka and Opta don’t have, but on the evidence of what we saw last night, United are essentially a long ball team. Time and time again, they kept humping the ball forward, hoping to find the big-haired Marouane Fellaini. It did not quite pay off.

5. More silverware for Wenger?

After another testing win in Manchester this year, Wenger is off to Wembley, where his team will face either Bradford or Reading. On paper, you expect the Gunners to go through to the final and defend their trophy. But this is good old football.

‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke

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by Ranti Joseph

File photo

Federal government on Tuesday, March 10, stated that Boko Haram’s pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State group was a sign of weakness and a result of pressure on the jihadist militants by Nigeria and its allies.

This was disclosed in a statement by the National security spokesman Mike Omeri, who called the pledge an act of desperation which comes at a time when Boko Haram is suffering heavy losses.

The Islamists’ leader Abubakar Shekau made the announcement in an audio message on Saturday night after months of indications that Boko Haram was seeking a formal tie-up.

Troops from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger have claimed a series of successes against the militants since last month, pushing them out of captured territory in northeast Nigeria.

The operation is designed to secure and stabilise the region in time for Nigerian general elections, which were postponed by six weeks from February 14 to March 28.

Omeri said that the four-nation coalition force was rooting out Boko Haram out of its strongholds and degrading its combat abilities.

“Boko Haram is on the way to being eliminated. No foreign extremists can or will change this fact –- as long as the Nigerian military continues to receive cooperation and commitment from its citizens and allies. There will be no Islamic State in Nigeria, the only state that will exist is the united Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Omeri said.

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by Temitope Onitiju

Behind every great man is a woman, and vice-versa.

Former Minister of Education and convener of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, Obiageli Ezekwesili, is celebrating her husband who is a year older today.

Ezekwesili lauded her husband, Chinedu Ezekwesili, with a heartfelt message on her Twitter page.

She added the caption: “He is a shepherd after God’s own heart & MINE. He feeds me on God’s knowledge & understanding. #HBD my Pastor @neduezeks.”

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by Fu’ad Lawal

Nothing is truly original. Every innovation is just an improvement from a previous one –or hundred.

So my friend called me up to tell me he had a task with a four-day deadline. He had to “connect an audience of his choosing to a product or service from a global brand in a way that wasn’t possible five years ago”.

Our aim was to do two things –find ideas that would generate lots of excitement from people and also add value to their lives. What we did first was talk about some brilliant innovations –there was the pedestrian walks and jogging paths that generated electricity from the energy produced as people stepped on them. There was the “god of sight” in Nepal that has made ove 100,000 people blinded by cataract see again with his innovation. Lots of brilliant, life-changing ideas.

That got us going.

By midnight, we came up with a brilliant idea –it was a kind of blood donating app. The app was going to make people donate blood and create a network to drive the campaign (don’t ask me how, here). It was mind-blowing and exciting –the number of lives that could be saved, and money to be made, perhaps. We easily connected it to Google (don’t ask me how). By two in the morning, we were already thinking of assembling a team to make it happen. It was a good cause, fresh and original. Or so we thought.

Two-thirty. My instincts drove me to Google Play. I typed in the keywords for a search and pow, an app came up. I checked the features of the app and guess what; it was everything we thought of, almost word for word. For a moment, I believed time travel was already possible, because it felt like somehow, the developers travelled to our time and stole our idea. How callous. We went to bed broken-hearted.

First, before you get too excited about your ‘fresh’ app idea, check your nearest app store. The earlier you have your heart broken, or pumped (depending on how you see it), the better. You aren’t the only person thinking. So the earlier you get it done, the better for you.

Secondly, about originality. The golden rule about originality is that it is as real as unicorns, Santa Claus etc.

Nothing is truly original. Every innovation is just an improvement from a previous one –or hundred.

Take flight for example. Yes, you just thought of the Wright brothers. We know them as the first people to fly a plane. But in truth, they were over one thousand years late for the first human flight (without sorcery of course). A man in Andalusia (now Spain), Abbas ibn Firnas, studied the flight of birds and in 887 AD, equipped with a type of glider and even bird feathers (for real), he made the first flight. Unfortunately, he didn’t plan his landing well and it cost him, in injuries. But it was a start. And everyone else built their work on the knowledge that human flight was possible, just as he had built his work on the flight of birds.

Perhaps I should come closer to home, closer to what doesn’t involve too much mathematics –Afrobeats. When you think afrobeats, you think Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

The truth is, Afrobeats isn’t what many people will call ‘original’, just like many other great innovations. Afrobeats is really just a fine blend of different music styles including jazz and highlife. But its real, true, brilliant.

Originality is just well masked plagiarism. It’s overrated. Deal with it.

Jobs knew this when he said “creativity is just connecting things”.

It’s the difference between the creator and the consumer –one is connecting ideas, the other is connecting shops.

Mark Twain said, “There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.”

That summarises everything.

You probably heard all these before, but not in this combination. Think about all the words that have ever been written in English, from love letters to declarations of war. They all happened with twenty-six letters of the alphabet. How original.

As for my friend, he came up with a brilliant idea before the deadline, something to do with recycling paper and electricity (don’t ask me how, here). We know paper and we know electricity. But then, his mental kaleidoscope did the magic and made the difference, not yours.

Make your magic.

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by Dolapo Aina 

“Who are we? We are no longer normal…. Nigeria is a giant embarrassingly trapped in dwarfish height.” –Dr Oby Ezekwesili

In 2012, I wrote an article about the ALUU 4; the article was prompted by a speech given by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili in which the former top shot at the World Bank lamented the gradual decline of the value of the Nigerian life. While she delivered her speech, she came close to tears.

Several years later, on the 11^th of February 2015, while on my way to attend a meeting; I had to make use of the Oniru Estate/Ligali Ayorinde road in Victoria Island. While on board a tricycle (better known as Keke Marwa), I observed a body by the side of the road and I was shocked. I went for my appointment and couldn’t reflect on the body I saw (at 9.55am) throughout the day. In the evening, I made use of the same road and I realised the body was still there; unattended to.

The shock for me was that there was a traffic stand still on this particular road and no one bothered to find out what was wrong with the man. From afar, I took pictures, hoping I won’t have to use any.

In the evening, while gathering my thoughts, I remembered the body I saw and I hoped that the authorities would have taken the dying man to the hospital.

Thursday, the 12^th of February 2015.

I decided to take the same route and my heart was blown to smithereens when I noticed the body was still there, with a brown cartoon paper which covered his midsection. I had to walk over to the car hire park which was opposite the body and I discussed with the drivers in a mixture of Yoruba and English. What they told me was quite shocking. After several minutes with them, I took pictures and a video clip of what I saw. I took the pictures and video clip hoping I wouldn’t have to post and upload them on the internet. But how would I post such on the internet? Wouldn’t that place me in the bandwagon of the dysfunctional society Nigerians live in? Dysfunctional but a majority of the citizens think nothing is wrong with the way they reason or get results.

And with a mixture of shock, annoyance and dented patriotism (what is left of it); I tweeted the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola-@TundeFashola, the foremost stand up comedian Alibaba -@Alibabagcfr and Japheth Omojuwa @Omojuwa. Do read the tweets below;

- At 10am on Wednesday;I tweeted about a naked body(man), I saw along the Oniru/Ligali Road, barely alive

- I didnt want to take any pixs in the morning.But in the evening,the man was still there.It was shocking

- Shocking to me because down the road is a traffic wardens’ post (the one that leads to Shoprite Lekki)&just at the back of this street is IRU LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA; which should handle such matters

- I passed through that road in the evening as traffic built up; I checked&found the man was still there. From afar, I decided to take decent pictures (hoping I wont do anything with them and delete them). I got home and hoped by Thursday, the man would have been taken to the hospital.

- Today is Thursday, I decided to pass through the road and alas the man is still there. But not alive. That I was&still shocked is beyond belief. But the story I got is mindblowing. I ask ARE WE STILL NORMAL?

- People around told me; the man had mental issues. People went to IRU LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA. The officials at IRU LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA came along. Took pictures&told those who reported it, that they had to pay 25,000Naira before the dying man could be taken away. The people wondered why they should pay 25,000Naira for officials of IRU LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA.

- Believe it, the IRU COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA officials left without taking the naked dying man. The naked man is no longer alive, so said the people I spoke with. And his lifeless body is still there.

- Am not a journalist and am decent enough not to post pictures or upload the video. Do something Governor

For several hours I was in shock; wondering if we as citizens were still normal? The shock (which I observed was very unusual of me) must have been prompted or influenced by a motorcycle accident I saw in Kigali, capital of Rwanda in December 2014 and the effectiveness with which the authorities handled the accident. Surprisingly, 2 hours later, I went past this particular route and you would not have known an accident occurred some hours earlier. Juxtaposing a country like Rwanda; whose population can not be compared with the population of Lagos State, one would think some things should work. In the evening, I went past the Oniru Estate/Ligali Ayorinde road and observed the body was no longer there.

One of the lessons I have learnt in 2014; is never to compare Nigeria with Western Countries. it is a fruitless adventure. It would be proper compare Nigeria with her fellow African countries. Since the experience of the body in an exclusive part of Lagos; I have wondered and still mulling over why citizens and relevant authorities would be nonchalant about human life. Throughout that day, I complained to a Nigerian entrepreneur and East African friend residing in Nigeria about what I know is the rapid decline in /of our collective humanness, moral fabric and the lack of human dignity and value for human life. I wondered and still do wonder, if I want to be part of a system where abnormality is the accepted norm.

If you are reading this and you have discovered other cultures; you would concur with this writer that there is a fundamental flaw in Nigeria’s collective norms and practices. But how would one know a bad trait, when he/she was born into it; and growing up to believe it is the accepted norm, African or global practice?

As I composed this reflective piece, I still rehash Mrs Ezekwesili’s speech and rhetorical question she posed to the audience at that event in 2012 and which she is still reiterated at the Social Media Week Lagos event on Monday, the 23^rd of February 2015, by asking; are we still normal?

Experiencing other African cultures; I can posit that there is a fundamental flaw in our collective cultural psyche and it has permeated negatively into almost all facets of life but a lot of Nigeria have no a clue. My generation was born into a system that was not working i.e. abnormality was the norm. If so, the citizens who think and act normal are surely the outcasts.

Several years after the ALUU 4 lynching; and on the 1^st of March 2015; news filtered in, that an angry mob lynched a girl (suspected suicide bomber) to death. And you still think we live in a normal society with normal cultural norms? Think again.

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– Dolapo Aina tweets from @DolapoAina

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

The post Dolapo Aina: I agree with Oby Ezekwesili, we are no longer normal appeared first on YNaija.

by Bolaji Aregbeshola

So far, government’s response to the self-inflicted crisis is, at best, laughable. They blame external shocks as if we did not expect them and say nothing about the terrible policy choices they made.

Every Nigerian now has to bear the brunt of a mismanaged economy courtesy of the Jonathan administration. If only we knew we would not be better off now than we were four years ago. We are on the verge of making another choice as regards who will lead the country for another four years. It’s a choice between continuity which President Jonathan represents and change which Rtd.General Muhammadu Buhari promises to bring to bear if elected. Many Nigerians are torn between these two choices which the New York Times editorial referred to as miserable. Regardless of this, we have to weigh our options.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s recent allusion to the lack of institutions, systems and process as the reason for persistent corruption and the current state of the Nigerian economy is an afterthought. Though institutions, systems and processes are needed but what has been done under the coordinating minister of the economy to address this problem and avoid this economic mess? Nobody has come out to tell Nigerians that the economy is in recession. Worst still, what the economic management team can tell us is that we need to start diversifying the economy in order to cope with the current fall in oil prices. Nigeria’s economy is finally in recession.

Former CBN Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo in his much criticized article titled “Buhari versus Jonathan: Beyond 2015″ which was published in most newspapers stated that “at a time of oil boom, Nigeria again went on a consumption spree such that the budgets of the last five years can be best described as consumption budget with new borrowing by the federal government exceeding the actual expenditure on critical infrastructure. Not one penny was added to the stock of foreign reserves at a period Nigeria earned hundreds of billions from oil.”

Professor Soludo said President Obasanjo met about $5 billion in foreign reserves and the average monthly oil price for the 72 months he was in office was $38 and yet he left $43 billion in foreign reserves after paying $12 billion to write-off Nigeria’s external debt. In the last five years, the average monthly oil price has been over $100 and the quantity also higher but our foreign reserves have been declining and exchange rate depreciating.”

The CBN’s further devaluation of the naira after the initial one in 2014 is a pointer to this fact as well as the statement by Dr. Okonjo-Iweala that tough time awaits Nigerians. According to Professor Charles Soludo: the naira exchange rate to the dollar is $210 at the parallel market. Sadly the government’s economic team is very weak, dominated by self-interested and self-conflicted group of traders and businessmen and so-called, economic team meetings have been nothing but showbiz time. The very people government exist to regulate have seized the levers of government as policy makers and most government institutions have largely been privatized to them. All the indices for measuring government performance on the economy have been poor for Nigeria according to reputable statistical organizations. This has been the case for many years now and past administrations have done little to improve these indices thereby improving the standard of living of Nigerians.

The reasons for these are quite obvious. Leaders of government and politicians have failed to address the fundamental problems. They have refused to reduce the cost of governance as well as the salaries and emoluments of public office holders. Besides, the citizens have not forced their representatives at the National and State Assemblies to work on cutting
down government spending by at least 50 per cent. Also, corruption, lack of respect for the rule of law and impunity have not been effectively tackled since the return of democracy in 1999 and that is why holding a public office in Nigeria is the most lucrative job.

Countries that do not have as much natural resources like we do are managing their economy in such a way that the citizens are not made to suffer untoward hardship besides our over-reliance on crude oil as the major source of revenue has resulted in undermining the agricultural and mining sectors which are capable of solving most of our economic problems. Now, the current economic management team is looking at diversifying the economy as a result of the fall in oil prices but this should have been done a long time ago.

Professor Soludo further stated that “so far, government’s response to the self-inflicted crisis is, at best, laughable. They blame external shocks as if we did not expect them and say nothing about the terrible policy choices they made. The National
Assembly had described the 2015 budget as unrealistic. The fiscal adjustments proposed in the 2015 budget simply play to the gallery and just to pander to our emotions”.

Now that the Nigerian economy is in recession due to economic mismanagement, corruption and insincerity on the part of our leaders, ordinary Nigerians have to bear the brunt of our leader’s failure to manage our common wealth with attendant high inflation rate, rising public debt, high exchange rate, high unemployment rate, growing poverty and budget deficit.

“The seeming crisis is not destiny but self-imposed” says Professor Soludo. “However, we must see it as an opportunity to be seized to fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s political economy including its fiscal federalism and mineral rights. The current system guarantees cycles of consumption loo and I cannot see sustainable long term prosperity without major systemic overhaul.”

Nigerians can only hope for the best as they make a choice in the upcoming general elections. Achieving a strong economic growth at all times, month by month and year by year is not rocket science, we only need leaders who are ready to make sacrifices and support fiscal discipline. These are some of the solutions to our economic problems. Leaders of government should seek the advice of people with the initiatives and expertise to improve the Nigerian economy. We have a lot of them.
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– Bolaji Aregbeshola is the author of Nigerian Political Parties and Politicians: Winding Road from Country to Nation.

Op-ed pieces and contributions are theopinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

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by Kolapo Olapoju

1. Tambuwal is once again, secured

After being deprived of his security aides, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, must be glad to have them back.

On Thursday, he arrived at the National Assembly with the full complement of his Department of State Service details.

The Speaker’s DSS details were restored on Wednesday, more than four months after they were withdrawn on October 28, 2014 by the Inspector General of Police.

2. We’re not owing N600 billion, just N50 billion

The debt profile of Akwa Ibom state is just N50 billion, and not N600 billion… so get your facts right.

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has denied allegations that the state was in debt to the tune of N600 billion.

Akpabio says the state borrowed over N80 billion due to the dwindling economic fortunes to execute some star projects, N30 billion had been resettled with the possibility of further reducing the debt profile to N45 billion in the next two months.

3. Jega wants political parties, politicians to chill

INEC Chairman, Jega wants politicians and their parties to behave themselves

During a meeting with registered political parties in Abuja, he said some political parties and their candidates were heating up the polity.

He said it was “unfortunate that because of the actions of some political parties ‎with some candidates, a lot of tension has already been raised.”

4. Babangida is cool with the use of Card Readers

Former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, has supported the use of card readers for the forthcoming general election.

“We must appreciate the creativity and innovation of the card reader which INEC has introduced to make for better election credibility and transparency.”

“In a digital world where almost everything is driven by technology, the offer of the card reader is a welcome development. We may not get to the fullest merit of this, but it is a good way to start.”

5. Party expels Presidential candidate, adopts GEJ

Rafiu Salau cannot be very happy with President Goodluck Jonathan, no way!

The Alliance for Democracy, AD, has adopted the President for the March 28 election… and has suspended its flagbearer.

“Our decision to endorse Dr. Goodluck Jonathan did not come easy. We had to critically compare his record with that of General Buhari and we can affirm that Jonathan has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that he is a true democrat.”

6. Weed smokers war leads to closure of two schools

Because some bozos couldn’t control their high, some pupils will be out of school temporarily.

A clash between smokers of Indian hemp in some parts of Osogbo has led to the closure of two schools.

The Osun State deputy governor, Mrs Titi Laoye Tomori, has ordered the immediate closure of two public schools located in Sabo and Aiyetoro areas, AUD Elementary School, Sabo and St James Elementary, Middle and High Schools.

7. Expect election violence in Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna

We would prefer to remain in denial on this one, and hope it turns out wrong.

Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof Chidi Odinkalu disclosed yesterday that the commission has identified Lagos, Rivers and Kaduna states as areas that are prone to violence during and after the forthcoming general elections.

Everyday, it’s increasingly becoming obvious that the peace accord signed by political parties may just have been a waste of time.

The post Weed smokers war leads to closure of two schools – 7 important things you didn’t read yesterday (but should have) appeared first on YNaija.

by Ranti Joseph

The All Progressives Congress (APC) asked President Goodluck Jonathan to apologize to Nigerians for the embarrassment that he caused them over his phantom phone conversation with the King of Morocco.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday by its national publicity secretary, Lai Mohammed, APC said they gave Jonathan the benefit of the doubt by asking him to clarify what happened, just as the Moroccan king has done.

“Instead, a loquacious spokesman for the President decided to abuse us instead of addressing the issues. That tells us that, indeed, these people have something to hide over the phony phone conversation,” it said.

APC also said based on the antecedents of the Jonathan administration, which has little or no regard for the truth, it is safe to assume that the President did not hold any phone conversation with King Mohammed VI of Morocco, adding that the party would be glad if Jonathan can prove, conclusively, that he spoke with the King.

“Whereas Morocco was unequivocal in denying that its King had any phone conversation with President Jonathan, saying ‘Morocco is surprised at the incredible twist given by Nigeria to an alleged phone conversation that never took place between HM King Mohammed VI and Nigerian President’, the Nigerian presidency has been less forthcoming, instead opting to engage in shadow-chasing. Because of this unnecessary controversy over a phone discussion, Nigerians have now been branded liars. This is very serious, considering Nigeria’s standing in Africa. We therefore expect that any serious administration would not have hesitated to come clean on what really transpired, instead of dissipating its energy on abuses,” APC added.

APC said while its earlier statement was borne out of patriotism, rather than partisanship, the President’s spokesman frittered away the opportunity to convince Nigerians that his principal did not just conjure up the idea of speaking with the King.

“In the true tradition of the Jonathan administration to ignore the message and attack the messenger, those who should bury their heads in shame for dragging their nation to the realm of the abyss simply engaged in their usual pastime. It is indeed those who have disgraced Nigeria locally and internationally that lack patriotism. The incompetent and clueless presidency has now further transformed to a lying presidency,” it stressed.

It said the global contempt which the Jonathan Administration has brought on Nigeria can only be imagined, with the likes of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe firing darts at Nigeria, which played a front-line role in his country’s independence and the militaries of less-endowed neighboring countries belittling Nigeria’s military, despite its globally-acclaimed role in the maintenance of peace and security in the sub-region.

“It is now clear that the legendary cluelessness and incompetence of the Jonathan administration did not end with the mess they have made of running the country, but also extends to their ineptitude in international diplomacy. Nigerians who are tired of this do-nothing administration have been handed another reason to vote it out on March 28th,” APC said.

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by Ranti Joseph

President Goodluck Jonathan says insurgent group Boko Haram have traveled to the Middle East for training with Islamic State militants (ISIS).

Jonathan didn’t give the name the countries where the fighters were allegedly trained, but in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) on Wednesday, the President said he’s long suspected Boko Haram of having alliances with international extremist groups.

“So, we know the links are there. But even now, we may not know the degree of linkages as to how much funds are coming in from them, the kind of volume of weapons coming in from them, the nationalities coming from them. But the training, because some of the Boko Haram members go to have their training in the ISIS camp and come back,” he said.

In the interview, Jonathan recognized both the intervention of Nigeria’s neighbors as well as the acquisition of new weapons for turning the tide against the militants.

He hit back at criticisms that foreign troops aren’t being allowed to push into Boko Haram strongholds deep in Nigerian territory. He said Cameroon previously denied Nigeria permission to pursue Boko Haram into its territory, and added that restrictions on foreign troops were matters of coordination.

“I think the idea is that look, for any major aggression, we should know. Where possible, let some Nigerian soldiers also be with you,” he added.

Jonathan explained that foreign technicians are present in the northeast to teach Nigerian troops on how to use their new weapons, since there wasn’t time to train the troops before they were deployed. He said two unnamed companies were involved in the training but declined to offer nationalities or numbers of the trainers.

“So we now have this technical people who are trainers and technicians, who are to train our people on how to use them, and technicians that help the maintenance, at the same time training our people how to maintain this equipment,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan dismissed the suggestion that Boko Haram’s insurgency had come to define his time in office.

Jonathan agreed that Boko Haram’s insurgency is a major security issue, but Boko Haram should not define Nigeria.

Jonathan predicted that the north-eastern states of Yobe and Adamawa would be cleared of Boko Haram territory before the middle of next week. He said he hopes neighboring Borno State, where the group started, will be cleared in the next three weeks.

But Jonathan said he expects Boko Haram to continue bombing markets and bus stops stating that the government’s strategy is to improve intelligence gathering as well as job and educational prospects in the northeast as a long-term strategy to destroy the group.

The post Boko Haram members receive training from ISIS, says Jonathan appeared first on YNaija.

by Mark Bassey

He is determined to win the Premier League

Jose Mourinho’s latest attempt to win his third Champions League medal, ended with a sorry 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain. The result saw the Ligue 1 champions progress on away goals rule, after the first leg ended 1-1 in Paris. “The people that lost, is the same people who are top of the Premier League since day one and won the Capital One Cup and the same people who will win the Premier League,” he said. “We have 11 matches, we have five point advantage, we have a game in hand. We cannot promise we win every game, but we are optimistic.”

Souness and Carragher’s senility is as because of their diet

The Blues boss also fired at Sky Sports pundits Graeme Souness and Jamie Carragher, after they both criticized his team for putting pressure on the referee against PSG. “The world is a bit strange, what with the diet and the quality of products we are eating, because memories are getting short. When Graeme Souness and Carragher speak about it they are having a problem for sure. The game finished and to close the Champions League chapter, I did that in the tunnel, one by one every one from PSG I shook their hands and told them they deserved it. Jamie stopped two years ago and in two years ago he has forgotten everything. Mr Souness had stopped playing for a long time and he has done that. I was at Benfica a couple of years after him, so I know a lot about him. I prefer to laugh, and I prefer to say that they envy is the biggest tribute to us from people in the shadows.”

No business with Champions League till next week

Mourinho also refused to speak about the Champions League, after they were eliminated this week. “I had a meeting with the players, but I am working for the future. I don’t have to share with you. It was good and interactive. If you want to speak Champions League you gave to go to (Arsene) Wenger or (Manuel) Pellegrino (Pellegrini), they have one match to play. If you want to speak Champions League, speak with them. We lost zero matches – we were not good enough to make the result we needed. We are out of the Champions League, so we speak about it next season. We need to finish in the top four.”

Chelsea players pay fines for surrounding referees

There was a lot of talk about Chelsea players surrounding the referee on Wednesday. But Mourinho has revealed that if they are fined, the culpable players pay. “If the players surround referee we are charged and we have to pay a fine. If we do that the players pay the fine. We have eight or nine months and we were charged once and we paid for that. Go to the Premier League and see how many were charged. We were charged once.”

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Deputy Director-General of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign organization, Tunde Adeniran, criticized his party for not making public the achievement of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Adeniran warned that if the PDP did not retrace its step and showcase Jonathan’s achievements others would use it against him.

He spoke on Thursday in Abuja at a national training session for PDP delegates, designed to train-the-trainers and expected to train 600,000 polling units canvassers ahead of the election.

Recently, the party denied animosity between president Jonathan and the National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mu’azu; the later had been allegedly accused of not showing total commitment to the presidential campaigns.

“The president’s achievements are under sold and in some cases not sold at all, in some places they ask, so Jonathan has done this,”
he said.

Adeniran pleaded with the participants who he said are being trained with the view to impart the knowledge acquired in their states stressing that cumulatively, 600,000 polling units canvassers are expected to emerge and counseled them not to just keep the materials given to them on the shelves.

Also speaking, Director of Contact and Mobilization Committee of Jonathan presidential campaign organization, Jerry Gana, noted that the final phase of the PDP campaign is designed to focus intensively on grassroots mobilization and education of voters at the ward and polling units levels explaining that at the end of the exercise, participants are expected to convene a training session in each state on Monday, March 16, for ward level mobilizers.

“The trained mobilizers will then go back to their wards and train polling unit canvassers on Tuesday March 17,” he said.

He added that March 16-26th has been declared operation deliver your ward” saying it will focus four cardinal issues; voter mobilization, voter Education, voter motivation and voter monitoring on election day.

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by Chinwe Okafor

For all those who could not attend the APC organised event tagged ‘An Evening With Nigeria’, here are all the photos from the event-proper.

The event was held on Thursday, March 12, at the Intercontinental hotel, in Lagos.

Have a fun look:

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