The Federal Government yesterday countered the Minister ofState for Energy (Petroleum), Mr. Odein Ajumogobia assuring that there was no going back on the December 31, 2008 deadline for oil companies operating in the country to stop gasflaring.
Ajumogobia had said that the December 31, 2008 date was not “firm” ,saying it was difficult to put a definite date on the discontinuation of gas flaring.
It is very interesting that Ajumogobia who is heading such sensivity position and knowing the volatile nature the area is, is unaware that officials of the Ministry of Energy(Gas) were putting finishing touches to arrangementsthat that would ensure that no gas is flared by the final date and the policy on gas flaring, which stipulates sanctions and penalties for non-compliance,amongst others, was being prepared for approval byPresident Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
And to think that the detailed policy would soon be unveiled by the Minister of State for Energy (Gas), Emmanuel Odusina (his counterpart on the same sector) and that under the new arrangements, the Department of PetroleumResources (DPR) would be empowered to enforce all the new sanctions and penalties.
Anyways it is commendable that this Yar'Adua Administration has done what successive Militarygovernments and even Obasanjo administration have not been able to do.
This is good news because over the weekend while returning from the Vice President father's burial I passed through one of the gas flaring site and it was unbelievable. I have never seen one before so I naturally thought there was fire outbreak in the area but the calmness with which those around the area walked told me it was a normal phenomenon.
Our prayers is that the president will stick to this excellent decision and allow full penalties be paid bydefaulters. (As a matter of fact, penalties should bereviewed upwards in line with current gas prices). According to one of my colleagues
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
NFA back Berti?
Kickoffnigeria.com reports that Nigeria Football Association (NFA) despite Coach Berti Vogts poor outing thus far in the Nation's Cup has received kudos from the body.
I am of the opinion that this is the time for Nigerians to have their pound of flesh once the Super Eagles are flush out of the competition.
It is so sad that some Nigerians just for what they can get will deliberately ruin the only thing that brings out together. First they had to travel to England to beg Vogts to come coach the team. Else where the position is advertised and interested parties come to prove why they should be given the job. From day one, Vogts record has not been encouraging and yet NFA signed spurious contract that allowed the man to dictate how he does his thing and today we are seeing the result in Ghana.
Vogts Eagles have picked up just one point from their first two group games at the African Nations Cup and are on the brink of elimination, with their slim chances of progress resting on Ivory Coast beating Mali on Tuesday, and the Nigerians triumphing by at least two goals against Benin. We are now relying on mathematics to qualify. I want the Eagles out of that championship. It is not fair that other teams will put in their best and prepare for a competition while we use the fire brigade approach and expect to win the cup.
Somebody will sure taste the anger of Nigerians very soon because I think we have been too patient with these people without ideas.
I am of the opinion that this is the time for Nigerians to have their pound of flesh once the Super Eagles are flush out of the competition.
It is so sad that some Nigerians just for what they can get will deliberately ruin the only thing that brings out together. First they had to travel to England to beg Vogts to come coach the team. Else where the position is advertised and interested parties come to prove why they should be given the job. From day one, Vogts record has not been encouraging and yet NFA signed spurious contract that allowed the man to dictate how he does his thing and today we are seeing the result in Ghana.
Vogts Eagles have picked up just one point from their first two group games at the African Nations Cup and are on the brink of elimination, with their slim chances of progress resting on Ivory Coast beating Mali on Tuesday, and the Nigerians triumphing by at least two goals against Benin. We are now relying on mathematics to qualify. I want the Eagles out of that championship. It is not fair that other teams will put in their best and prepare for a competition while we use the fire brigade approach and expect to win the cup.
Somebody will sure taste the anger of Nigerians very soon because I think we have been too patient with these people without ideas.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Distinguished 419ers
May I ask why the Senate President, David Mark choose to prevent the Chairman, Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence, Senator Nuhu Aliyu, from naming members of the National Assembly whom he investigated for Advance Fee Fraud (419) when he was Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Criminal Investigations Department? I hope he is not in the list o!
Even the dumbest Nigerian knows Senator Aliyu was not making a frivolous threat because he has records to prove his allegations. Why will Senator Mark prefer the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to do the investigations?
Like Hon Eziuche Ubani said today while contributing to the debate at the floor of the House of Representatives, the former DIG being a cop knows what he is talking about and should be allowed to present his list.
Senator Aliyu we are waiting to see your next line of action if you will allow this conspiracy in the name of Ethics Committee to deprive Nigerians from knowing the looters of our treasury and the destroyer of our image in the international commmunity. While they hardly face the embarrassment genuine Nigerians go through abroad, we are left to bear the brunt of snifing dogs and mean security operatives at the national airport.
Even the dumbest Nigerian knows Senator Aliyu was not making a frivolous threat because he has records to prove his allegations. Why will Senator Mark prefer the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to do the investigations?
Like Hon Eziuche Ubani said today while contributing to the debate at the floor of the House of Representatives, the former DIG being a cop knows what he is talking about and should be allowed to present his list.
Senator Aliyu we are waiting to see your next line of action if you will allow this conspiracy in the name of Ethics Committee to deprive Nigerians from knowing the looters of our treasury and the destroyer of our image in the international commmunity. While they hardly face the embarrassment genuine Nigerians go through abroad, we are left to bear the brunt of snifing dogs and mean security operatives at the national airport.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
O super Eagles!
I was very excited yesterday when i saw the crowd at the sekondi stadium where Nigeria's Super Eagles were going to play against the Elephants of Cote d' Ivore. I abandoned all and focused my eyes on the TV screen but 90 mins later, all my confidence was boosted as our boys lacadiscal play cost us dearly.
I had argued with my colleagues that we will beat them silly despite the confidence of others that the Dragba led team were no push overs.
Now Vogsts is giving us hope again and talking tough, i hope this is no false hope and the boys will make sure they win their remaining two matches convincingly and not try to toy with our delicate hearts again o!.
I had argued with my colleagues that we will beat them silly despite the confidence of others that the Dragba led team were no push overs.
Now Vogsts is giving us hope again and talking tough, i hope this is no false hope and the boys will make sure they win their remaining two matches convincingly and not try to toy with our delicate hearts again o!.
Ateke Ready to Surrender
It is heartwarming to hear that the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Movement, Mr. Tom Ateke, has said he is ready to lay down arms.
Atake declared wanted by security agencies, said he has grown tired of fighting and killing human beings and called on those brokering the peace between him and the government of Governor Rotimi Amaechi to hasten the process.
He also assured that if adequate arrangements were made to secure his freedom, he would be willing to embrace peace but warned that “Nobody should talk about surrender of arms for now until when it will be discussed, let’s face peace now as me and my boys are not animals to live in the creeks this way”.
There is no gain saying that the loosers of this militants fights have been the poor in the region.While the funders and militants themselves have been smiling to the bank, the people of the area have continued to suffer environmental degradation, poverty, health issues, homelessness among others.
Atake will be doing his people a lot more good if he indeed lay down arms.
Atake declared wanted by security agencies, said he has grown tired of fighting and killing human beings and called on those brokering the peace between him and the government of Governor Rotimi Amaechi to hasten the process.
He also assured that if adequate arrangements were made to secure his freedom, he would be willing to embrace peace but warned that “Nobody should talk about surrender of arms for now until when it will be discussed, let’s face peace now as me and my boys are not animals to live in the creeks this way”.
There is no gain saying that the loosers of this militants fights have been the poor in the region.While the funders and militants themselves have been smiling to the bank, the people of the area have continued to suffer environmental degradation, poverty, health issues, homelessness among others.
Atake will be doing his people a lot more good if he indeed lay down arms.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Igbinedion Ready for Trial
The Former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion has stated his readiness to face trial over the 142-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a letter to the EFCC, his lawyer, Chief Richard Ahanaruogho, said his client also wanted an assurance that he would be free from intimidation and harassment when he returns.He also demanded that the commission should return to court to vacate the warrant of arrest it obtained against him.
He said he was ready to return to the country for his trial if his safety can be guaranteed.
Can you imagine that? What safety does he want? He shouldn't fool himself if he is clean let him come and defend himself.
When he was stealing did he ask for safety guaranteed to fairy the money?
He is even arguing that the arrest warrant was obtained without following due process. He said he was not served a notice of invitation that he did not honour, nor was he given an opportunity to appear to defend the charges against him.
Igbinedion's case even so annoying that a man that came from a rich home could still have itchy fingers. He can be rest assured that we will ensure he is prosecuted. He mus join his colleagues in any of the prisons across the country.
In a letter to the EFCC, his lawyer, Chief Richard Ahanaruogho, said his client also wanted an assurance that he would be free from intimidation and harassment when he returns.He also demanded that the commission should return to court to vacate the warrant of arrest it obtained against him.
He said he was ready to return to the country for his trial if his safety can be guaranteed.
Can you imagine that? What safety does he want? He shouldn't fool himself if he is clean let him come and defend himself.
When he was stealing did he ask for safety guaranteed to fairy the money?
He is even arguing that the arrest warrant was obtained without following due process. He said he was not served a notice of invitation that he did not honour, nor was he given an opportunity to appear to defend the charges against him.
Igbinedion's case even so annoying that a man that came from a rich home could still have itchy fingers. He can be rest assured that we will ensure he is prosecuted. He mus join his colleagues in any of the prisons across the country.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
37 Million Nigerians Blind?
I just read the alarm raised by the Minister of Health, Professor Adenike Grange 37 million Nigerians representing one quarter of the country’s population are either blind or suffering from one form of visual impairment or the other.
How factual is this? If indeed this is true what is she doing to tackle this? I have since learnt that some of these ministers just like to make headlines and after that they go to sleep. In other countries, we will see genuine efforts to tackle this and before you know it, we will see positive results.
It is not enough to go to flag-off ceremonies like that of the Free Cataract Surgery Programme at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State capital, what next after this alarm has been raised? Is not enough to underlined the importance of quality vision to the individual and commend others initiatives.
How factual is this? If indeed this is true what is she doing to tackle this? I have since learnt that some of these ministers just like to make headlines and after that they go to sleep. In other countries, we will see genuine efforts to tackle this and before you know it, we will see positive results.
It is not enough to go to flag-off ceremonies like that of the Free Cataract Surgery Programme at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State capital, what next after this alarm has been raised? Is not enough to underlined the importance of quality vision to the individual and commend others initiatives.
37 Million Nigerians Blind?
Minister of Health, Professor Adenike Grange has decried the alarming increase in the number of Nigerians suffering from cataract and other eye diseases. The Minister disclosed that about thirty seven million Nigerians representing one quarter of the country’s population are either blind or suffering one form of visual impairment or the other. The disclosure came at the flag-off ceremony of the Free Cataract Surgery Programme at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, and the Edo state capital. The project, which is being undertaken by a non-governmental organisation, Amen Foundation in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, is designed to provide treatment of cataract and other related eye diseases to patients free of charge so as to save more Nigerians from avoidable blindness. Grange, who underlined the importance of quality vision to the individual, commended the initiative, stating that the gesture would provide hundreds of thousands of Nigerians life and sight lines. Cataract, she said, could be effectively tackled since the leading causes were preventable if discovered on time. She said that in Nigeria as in most poor countries, cataract has remained a leading cause of blindness except that most people are either not aware that they have the problem or are too impoverished to access quality eye care. The Minister therefore urged t he nation's tertiary health institutions to move out o f their ivory towers into the neighbourhoods, in order to allow the local people access the facilities available in the teaching hospitals. She also implored the leadership of the states and local councils to latch onto the gesture and similar initiatives to bring succour to their people, adding that ''the eye is too precious and its care too delicate to be left in the hands of quacks and charlatans.'' Earlier, the founder and president of Amen Foundation, Rita Oguntoyinbo disclosed that cataract surgeries have been carried out on 276 patients including children, whilst 1,491 glasses have been given out to persons with varying degrees of visual impairments . She said that it was for the purpose of ensuring that the under-privileged for whom the free cataract services are being provided actually benefit from that the foundation.She also disclosed that the Foundation planned to work closely with the mi nistry of health, the central hospital and the local government to conduct cataract screenings in the rural c ommunities.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Police Reform Committee
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has expressed regrets that the police as an institution, has not kept pace with society's rapid transformation hence has promised that his administration is ready to reform and reposition it to make it fully functional and able to meet its constitutional mandate of effective maintenance of law and order.
But can the 17-member Presidential Committee on the Reform of the Nigeria Police Force, inaugurated at the Presidential Villa, yesterday deliver?
"The Nigeria society has undergone fundamental transformation in several respects over nearly half a century of nationhood. Regrettably, the Nigeria Police as an institution, has not kept pace with this rapid transformation. The obvious result has been a Force that is neither prepared nor equipped to cope with the challenges of policing a modern, increasingly urban society like ours, in today’s technology-and knowledge-driven world".
Isn't it clear what the problems are? Do we need a committee of men and women with retired brain that know next to nothing about modern trend in security operations to spend the next three months to tell us?
The Chairman of the Committee, Mohammed Dikko Yusuf (rtd) described the assignment as a difficult one not for the committee but for the federal government. “We hope the federal government will be able to implement the recommendation because within the past eight to nine years, several attempts have been made to reform the police but the Federal Government always chicken out. We hope when it comes to implementation this time it will be different”.
It was Oby Ezekwesili as Education Minister that said that Nigeria is an over workshopped and over reform committee society. Never body doubts this? Drop your comment
But can the 17-member Presidential Committee on the Reform of the Nigeria Police Force, inaugurated at the Presidential Villa, yesterday deliver?
"The Nigeria society has undergone fundamental transformation in several respects over nearly half a century of nationhood. Regrettably, the Nigeria Police as an institution, has not kept pace with this rapid transformation. The obvious result has been a Force that is neither prepared nor equipped to cope with the challenges of policing a modern, increasingly urban society like ours, in today’s technology-and knowledge-driven world".
Isn't it clear what the problems are? Do we need a committee of men and women with retired brain that know next to nothing about modern trend in security operations to spend the next three months to tell us?
The Chairman of the Committee, Mohammed Dikko Yusuf (rtd) described the assignment as a difficult one not for the committee but for the federal government. “We hope the federal government will be able to implement the recommendation because within the past eight to nine years, several attempts have been made to reform the police but the Federal Government always chicken out. We hope when it comes to implementation this time it will be different”.
It was Oby Ezekwesili as Education Minister that said that Nigeria is an over workshopped and over reform committee society. Never body doubts this? Drop your comment
Even the President is Pissed
Yesterday I was walking on air and boy did i feel good?
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, the rule of law president yesterday expressed displeasure with the management of Nigeria Communication’s Commission (NCC) and the GSM operators over the poor quality of services rendered to Nigerians as well as complaints over tariffs. He has warned that it should be taken seriously.
One of my mischivious colleague said the president reacted because his credit has been chopped too. Now let's see if these GSM operators will continue to take us for granted.
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, the rule of law president yesterday expressed displeasure with the management of Nigeria Communication’s Commission (NCC) and the GSM operators over the poor quality of services rendered to Nigerians as well as complaints over tariffs. He has warned that it should be taken seriously.
One of my mischivious colleague said the president reacted because his credit has been chopped too. Now let's see if these GSM operators will continue to take us for granted.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Frank & Katherine Edoho
Away from Nigeria problems I have something disturbing me right now.
I just read about the marital problems of Frank and Katherine Edoho and to say the least I am very sad. I am so sad to know Frank is a wife beater and I am unhappy that Katherine rather than seek professional help for her husband choose to throw everything they stood for to the wind by going to the press. I hope this will not end like Fred and Agatha Amata or Esse and Kingsley Ogoro etc.
My sister is in a similar situation right now. Initially she was the silient one in the matter while the hubby made us believed she was the devil in the marriage. Of course she got the tongue lashing of her life from us all bcos we thought she was the trouble maker. But when he started threatening her with acid bath, machete cuts and outright killing, we advised her to move out with the help of the police while her hubby cools down.
He initially he called us unprintable names rather than plead with his wife for them to find solution but when the damage had gone too far and he realised the wife was ready to divorce him, he started running to the same family (both his and ours that he was insulting for help).
Right now they are trying to solve the problem but i honestly do not know how it will end.
My point is, you can only solve your problem if you admit there is indeed a problem. I am so sad because both Frank and Katherine are my favourite celebrity couple in Nigeria. Frank needs help and that is sure but Katherine will have to help her husband, going to the press is not the solution. I am against her keeping silence on the issue but how many professional help has she sought for her man?I hope part of Frank's problem is not because he allowed his fame to get into his head bcos b4 now his wife was the famous one and we didn't hear of any wahala. I am damn sure he must have been getting a lot of female attention this of course might blind and make him think his wife can be replaced at will.
I pray family members, church leaders and genuine friends would interven and reconcile them, this marriage must not end like this pls. Katherine also needs to know this might just be attack from the devil becos he hates happy homes and will do anything to destroy it. If frank is really interested in getting his wife back, he must seek help and he must attend the sessions with his wife. My prayer is that God will restore their home in Jesus Name. Amen.
People what do you think? Drop your comments pls.
I just read about the marital problems of Frank and Katherine Edoho and to say the least I am very sad. I am so sad to know Frank is a wife beater and I am unhappy that Katherine rather than seek professional help for her husband choose to throw everything they stood for to the wind by going to the press. I hope this will not end like Fred and Agatha Amata or Esse and Kingsley Ogoro etc.
My sister is in a similar situation right now. Initially she was the silient one in the matter while the hubby made us believed she was the devil in the marriage. Of course she got the tongue lashing of her life from us all bcos we thought she was the trouble maker. But when he started threatening her with acid bath, machete cuts and outright killing, we advised her to move out with the help of the police while her hubby cools down.
He initially he called us unprintable names rather than plead with his wife for them to find solution but when the damage had gone too far and he realised the wife was ready to divorce him, he started running to the same family (both his and ours that he was insulting for help).
Right now they are trying to solve the problem but i honestly do not know how it will end.
My point is, you can only solve your problem if you admit there is indeed a problem. I am so sad because both Frank and Katherine are my favourite celebrity couple in Nigeria. Frank needs help and that is sure but Katherine will have to help her husband, going to the press is not the solution. I am against her keeping silence on the issue but how many professional help has she sought for her man?I hope part of Frank's problem is not because he allowed his fame to get into his head bcos b4 now his wife was the famous one and we didn't hear of any wahala. I am damn sure he must have been getting a lot of female attention this of course might blind and make him think his wife can be replaced at will.
I pray family members, church leaders and genuine friends would interven and reconcile them, this marriage must not end like this pls. Katherine also needs to know this might just be attack from the devil becos he hates happy homes and will do anything to destroy it. If frank is really interested in getting his wife back, he must seek help and he must attend the sessions with his wife. My prayer is that God will restore their home in Jesus Name. Amen.
People what do you think? Drop your comments pls.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Nigerian Roads
No matter how broke I am, traveling by road is never an option for me. I'll rather do the business on phone or source the money some how to go by air. That our roads are dead traps is no longer news but like somebody once said, I will never loose faith in this country that providing the basic amenities can never be achieved.
President Yar'Adua has had six months sabatical leave if you ask me and is about time he starts with the roads. Really with what I saw on TV for those traveling home to be with love ones during the xmas and new year celebratins, the suffering was not worth the troubles. Many even died in the process and it was turned into mourning season.
I am looking forward to the day a minister of works or is it transport will really make impact like the likes of Nuhu Ribadu(who the whole country is agog for his posting to NIPSS for promotional course), Dora Akunyili, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, El-Rufai etc. It is possible all we need is th will.
Welcome to 2008 and please do drop your comment.
President Yar'Adua has had six months sabatical leave if you ask me and is about time he starts with the roads. Really with what I saw on TV for those traveling home to be with love ones during the xmas and new year celebratins, the suffering was not worth the troubles. Many even died in the process and it was turned into mourning season.
I am looking forward to the day a minister of works or is it transport will really make impact like the likes of Nuhu Ribadu(who the whole country is agog for his posting to NIPSS for promotional course), Dora Akunyili, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, El-Rufai etc. It is possible all we need is th will.
Welcome to 2008 and please do drop your comment.
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