Poor Goodluck: Nigerians were not the only electrically challenged bunch (well at least for 34minutes, we weren't)

Christiane Amanpour said today "after the super bowl power outage, people in Nigeria were amused to find out they weren't the only ones electrically challenged" she brought up President Goodluck Jonathan's latest CNN interview when he said the country's electrical woes were improving "that's one area Nigerians are quite pleased with the Government..." ...cue CNNs vox pop! The people on Nigerias streets said " It's a lie"..."nothing has changed"hmmmm. Its not often you hear these two words in a sentence POOR and GOODLUCK? ...poor Goodluck!   

Nation's Centenary Anniversary Celebration Kicks Off With A Bang !

From Leadership Newspaper

Former Heads of State and Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Alh Shehu Shagari and Abdulsalami Abubakar yesterday night stormed the presidential villa for the flag off dinner of centenary celebrations billed to hold January next year.
Ironically, Obasanjo who presented the centenary theme challenged Nigerians to love their country and speak positively about the President. The former resident had been critical of the Jonathan's administration of late, accusing the president of being the cause of the Boko Haram insurgence.
High point of the event was the lighting of the centenary torch by Jonathan who walked straight to Buhari and held him hand in hand as they climbed the platform to conduct the lighting the torch.
They were later joined by Vice President Namadi Sambo, all former Heads of States, first lady Dame Patience and the vice president's wife.
President Jonathan in his speech expressed hope that the country was destined for greatness, as a powerful and great nation which would be the pride of generations yet unborn despite its challenges, including the civil war.
According to the president, what makes the country great is not the abundance of mineral resources, but the interactions of Nigerians everywhere in the country as well as the efforts of people from all works of life.
Citing the victory of the Super Eagles in the quarter finals against Cote D'Ivoire in the quarter finals of the on-going African Cup of Nations in South Africa, he said the hardwork of all Nigerians promotes the country's sense of unity.
Gowon who unveiled the centenary logo, described Nigeria as a nation of strong, peaceful and hard working people. He expressed hope in the future of the country.
The logo, he said embodies the country's values for faith and courage ans symbolises unity. He prayedl for Nigeria to experience peace and progress. He presented the logo to Mr President.
Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar presented the centenary theme song, while Speaker Aminu Tambuwal launched the centenary web portal before Senate President, David Mark launched the centenary lottery.
Also present at the occassion were SGF, Senator Anyim, Pius Anyim, Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, Deputy Senate President, Sen Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha also made the event as well as other members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Others are Senators Ken Nnamani, Prof Jeryy Gana, PDP chairman, Bamanga Tukur, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Senator Ben Obi, Andy Uba, Chris Ngige, Zack Orji, Aliko Dangote, Ben Murray Bruce, Barnabas Gemade
Governors present wre TA Orji (Abia), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe)
Nollywood stars present were Monalisa Chinda, Segun Arinze, Jide Kosoko, Charles Okafor, AGN president, Ibinabo Fibresima.

Source. Leadership Newspaper 

Lord Lugard created Nigeria to last for only a 100 years..... I regard it as a challenge

From www.naijapundit.com

From former military President, Ibrahim Babangida came a shocker yesterday when he revealed that Lord Lugard created Nigeria to last for only a 100 years.

The self acclaimed evil genius said this in Lagos yesterday at the presentation of 2 books in honor of his foreign affairs minister, Bolaji Akinyemi.

Speaking yesterday Babangida had said “As Nigerians, we are aware of the great doubts that have been cast about what 2014 portends for the continuing existence of our nation. I am aware that Nigerians have taken great umbrage at these predictions. Even Lord Lugard who founded what has been called Nigeria gave it a life-span of 100 years. I regard it as a challenge to our intelligence to ensure that these portends and prophesies do not become self-fulfilling.

“We should engage these predictions on an intellectual level, testing whether the facts justify the conclusions.

“But on a practical and public policy level, we must import honesty into our public policy assessment. First, we must identify the problems that need to be addressed. Secondly, we must address these problems honestly. Thirdly, we must identify the most current and the most appropriate mechanism for addressing these issues.

“Let me make this clear. My position is not dictated by the fact that foreigners are making these predictions. We don’t even need foreigner sources as a reference point. The Nigerian media is awash with alarming news about our problems.

“My position is dictated by my conviction that Nigeria is precious enough to be saved. It deserves an investment of our time and resources to make Project Nigeria a success. But the starting point has to be an admission that we need to fix things.”

Babangida also stated that mistakes of past administrations are putting pressure on the country today though he refused to identify the mistakes or the past administrations that made them.

Said he “Some of the mistakes of the past have now come to haunt us. But let me make one thing clear. Not all these mistakes were made out of callousness or bad faith or malice.

“Most people in office do their best. They act to the best of their ability. Unless we think that our leaders have divine ability, we have to admit that even with all the best of their abilities and even with the best faith and with the best of all intentions, human beings will still make mistakes,”

In his own comments, ProfessorAkinyemi called for a national dialogue saying “Zoning, federal character, rotation, marginalisation of the brightest and the best will only make the much prophesied collapse of Nigeria in 2014 a self- fulfilling prophecy. We cannot build a nation on a system that takes care of the few while condemning the many to penury. A system that cannot take care of the many that are poor cannot save the few who are rich."

Source 

Nigerian Farouk Lawan charged over $3m fuel scam 'bribe'

Nigerian legislator, Farouk Lawan who headed an inquiry which found that a fuel subsidy scam had cost the country $6.8bn (£4.2bn) has been charged with corruption.

It is alleged that last year he collected $500,000 of a $3m bribe solicited from Femi Otedola to drop his company (Zenon) from the investigation.

The legislator pleaded not guilty in court today but was remanded in custody until a bail hearing on 8 February.