Wednesday 27 February 2013

Nigerian Clerics: Kicking God, Kissing The Dog By Ayo Opadokun

Nigerian Clerics: Kicking God, Kissing The Dog By Ayo Opadokun


By Ayo Opadokun
When Karl Heinrich Marx, the 19th Century German Philosopher, Economist, Sociologist, Historian, Journalist and Revolutionary Socialist, declared that religion is the opium of the people, he could as well have been speaking of contemporary Nigeria and other undeveloped parts of the world. Religions have provided deceptive avenues for the location and hide-out of every manner of persons who have failed in other careers.
Instead of using their past failures or non-fulfilment as a stepping stone to attempt other careers, they descend on religion; religion thus has provided unlimited space for several of such vocational dropouts to hibernate. With nothing but money in their mind, they plot the exploitation of human weaknesses for their selfish benefits, through preying on gullible and unsuspecting adherents. And a sketch of world religions will clearly demonstrate that religion is a strong commodity.

World Religions
Four largest religions
Adherents
Percentage of world population
Further information
World population 6.9 billion[1] Figure used by individual articles
Christianity 2,000,000,000 29% Christianity by country
Islam 1,650,000,000 24% Islam by country
No religion 1,100,000,000 16% Irreligion by country
Hinduism 999,800,358 14.5% Hinduism by country
Buddhism 489,807,761 – 690,847,214 – 1,921,989,641, depending on extent of syncretism 7.342% – 10.356% – 28.775% Buddhism by country
Total 6.8 billion 93.5%
  
  
Little wonder that Karl Marx can make his captivating submission. Religion is the opium of the people, one of his most frequently paraphrased statements, was translated from the German original, “Die Religion…ist das opium des Volkes.” The quotation originates from the introduction of his epic work, “A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right.” The full quote is:
Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.”
This commentary perhaps may or may not generate diverse opinions. But reactions are welcome as long as they are meant to draw the attention of Nigerian clergymen and clergywomen to introspectively re-consider their individual or group profile before God, Whom they claim to serve, before their innocent adherents and before the larger society. Let me also state strongly that I am not passing judgment on the clerics but calling their attention to the unsavoury image the lifestyle of some within their fold has created for Nigerian Christians.
I am not unmindful of the fact that in recent times, Nigerian clergymen and clergywomen have done some positive work to expand the Kingdom of God and the Good News globally.
It is a fact that today, it is Nigerian priests on missionary exploits who are building large churches in the states of Europe, Asia and the United States of America. The Europeans and Americans, who in the 19th and 20th centuries came on missionary journeys to Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations, have virtually moved on to other pastimes, as their societies have conquered hunger, and achieved self-sufficiency in housing, clothing, efficient transportation, relatively quality education, medical care and care for the aged. These services that Western societies take for granted are still the aspirations of a continent, where about 70% citizenry remains pauperized and dehumanized by both military and civilian rulers who have appropriated the commonwealth to themselves and their fellow conspirators.
The current state of religion’s expansion in Nigeria without commensurate godliness is just part of the fulfilment of the prophecy contained in both the Old Testament and the New Testament as signs of the end times. These signs are illustrated particularly in Ezekiel 34:2-7 and 27, and Mathew 24:11-12, respectively. Ezekiel 34:7-10 and 27 states:
“Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds...”
Meanwhile, Matthew 24:11-12, predicts:
“And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
An American-based research group in 2010 reported that Nigeria was the most religious country in the world. Another organization, measuring citizens’ state of mind in 2008, reported that Nigerians happen to be the “happiest” of all people globally.
That is a paradox. How can the sixth largest exporter of crude oil, with about $400 billion gross oil earnings, have one of the most wretched people in the world, have unprecedented levels of poverty, have about 70% of its population living on about $1 per day, have about 40% of its work force unemployed, and yet be considered the “happiest” place in the world? It beats logic. It is an irony. To say it is a contradiction to reality is an understatement. As a Nigerian, are you happy with all that you see?
Confronted with an economy that defies all understanding, Nigerians sought refuge in He who promises peace that passes all understanding. The national economy witnessed an unprecedented down-turn, and many Nigerians resorted to patronizing the many one-man founder churches for promised succour, comfort and varieties of trumpeted “miracles.”
In looking up to the hills of religion for help, these Nigerians were just being human. Humanity is faced with the regular situation of a state of anomie, confusion and paranoia in attempting to deal with the fear of the unknown. But once laid vulnerable, human psyche quickly becomes susceptible to various manipulations by so-called men of God. We have had the likes of the “Jesus of Oyingbo,” the “Saviour of Agege,” various Gurus, and their likes in the early 70s. And their proliferation in recent times is indicative of the end times as forewarned in the Bible. Many now deceptively profess to be Pastors, Bishops, Founders and General Overseers, Popes, Prophets, Evangelists, Imams, Ustazs, Gurus, Grandmasters, etc. But as prophesised, they usually come in sheep’s clothing. But they are wolves through and through. One common thread in their activities is that rather than proclaim God’s supremacy and the Gospel of Christ, they engage in vain self-glorification and self-advertisement of their accomplishment of the “supernatural and miracles.”
Apostle Paul’s divinely inspired teachings on the acceptable characteristics of true servants of God as contained in 2 Corinthians 2:14-26 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7 are noteworthy, particularly where he instructed in 1 Timothy 3-2-3 that:
“A Bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach…. Not given to wine, no striker, NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.”
Furthermore, Paul’s admonition in Titus 7-9 is helpful enough as guide post to our clergy.
There are numerous advertorials in the media, signposting where these charlatans make ridiculous claims of general and specific miracles –making babies for the barren, matching-making spinsters with life partners, securing jobs for the unemployed, healing the sick of afflictions, overcoming worshippers’ enemies, prophesying and foretelling for the curious, etc.
A particularly worrisome dimension to the reported cases of the outrageous conduct of many clergymen and clergywomen in recent times is the incredible race by church proprietors and leaders to out-pace, out-manoeuvre, and out-class their colleagues. They have embarked on this inordinate acquisition of cheap popularity, dubious wealth and the endorsement of and collaboration with politically-exposed persons and business tycoons capable of financing them. Many Nigerian clerics today will take tithes, offerings and gifts from anyone without questioning the sources of such largesse. And sometimes, these gift-givers wear the reputation of corruption, with provable evidence and indictment for misappropriating public funds. Yet our clerics will accept offerings from these degenerate dogs. In fact, they have shown a preference to kick their God and kiss these dogs. But they have queries they must answer their Creator and the society.
(1)    How can our clergymen justify their penchant for contracting their personal security to armed professional outfits? Why are they afraid, to the extent of employing bouncers to keep commoners from coming in contact with them? Are they not now in unholy competition with our political jobbers who hedge themselves in with armed guards and convoys?
(2)    How can our clergymen justify their ostentatious lifestyle and opulence in the current circumstances of extreme poverty and misery ravaging their flocks?
(3)    How can our Christian religious leaders rationalise their usage of private jets when their flocks are being manipulated through sophistry to part with their hard-earned donations and tithes?
(4)    What biblical foundation justifies their playing “god” in their various advertorials, propagandas, signboards and banners, as opposed to promoting Jesus Christ?
No doubt, the global community has entered the JET AGE, concomitant with the development of IT and social media, and many church Ministers just want to “belong.” But should our clergymen and clergywomen not return to the divine injunction of soberness and tenderness of the spirit to prevent further ridicule of Christendom?
Nothing here indicates we demand that our priests must be superhuman and behave like angels. But as we find in Luke 12:48, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” meaning that, “Greater privileges demand greater responsibilities.” In essence, anyone who has volunteered to heed the divine call must accept the demands, the disciplines and the denials concomitant with such a high calling. Otherwise, clerics have kicked God out of religion.
FORMER SECRETARY OF AFENIFERE AND NADECO, MR. AYO OPADOKUN IS CURRENTLY CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL WORKING COMMITTEE, COALITION OF DEMOCRATS FOR ELECTORAL REFORMS (CODER)

Tony Anenih Photonews


Friday 22 February 2013

Nigerian Clerics: Kicking God, Kissing The Dog By Ayo Opadokun

Nigerian Clerics: Kicking God, Kissing The Dog By Ayo Opadokun

By Ayo Opadokun
When Karl Heinrich Marx, the 19th Century German Philosopher, Economist, Sociologist, Historian, Journalist and Revolutionary Socialist, declared that religion is the opium of the people, he could as well have been speaking of contemporary Nigeria and other undeveloped parts of the world. Religions have provided deceptive avenues for the location and hide-out of every manner of persons who have failed in other careers.
Instead of using their past failures or non-fulfilment as a stepping stone to attempt other careers, they descend on religion; religion thus has provided unlimited space for several of such vocational dropouts to hibernate. With nothing but money in their mind, they plot the exploitation of human weaknesses for their selfish benefits, through preying on gullible and unsuspecting adherents. And a sketch of world religions will clearly demonstrate that religion is a strong commodity.

World Religions
Four largest religions
Adherents
Percentage of world population
Further information
World population
6.9 billion[1]
Figure used by individual articles
Christianity
2,000,000,000
29%
Christianity by country
Islam
1,650,000,000
24%
Islam by country
No religion
1,100,000,000
16%
Irreligion by country
Hinduism
999,800,358
14.5%
Hinduism by country
Buddhism
489,807,761 – 690,847,214 – 1,921,989,641, depending on extent of syncretism
7.342% – 10.356% – 28.775%
Buddhism by country
Total
6.8 billion
93.5%
 
  
  
Little wonder that Karl Marx can make his captivating submission. Religion is the opium of the people, one of his most frequently paraphrased statements, was translated from the German original, “Die Religion…ist das opium des Volkes.” The quotation originates from the introduction of his epic work, “A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right.” The full quote is:
Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.”
This commentary perhaps may or may not generate diverse opinions. But reactions are welcome as long as they are meant to draw the attention of Nigerian clergymen and clergywomen to introspectively re-consider their individual or group profile before God, Whom they claim to serve, before their innocent adherents and before the larger society. Let me also state strongly that I am not passing judgment on the clerics but calling their attention to the unsavoury image the lifestyle of some within their fold has created for Nigerian Christians.
I am not unmindful of the fact that in recent times, Nigerian clergymen and clergywomen have done some positive work to expand the Kingdom of God and the Good News globally.
It is a fact that today, it is Nigerian priests on missionary exploits who are building large churches in the states of Europe, Asia and the United States of America. The Europeans and Americans, who in the 19th and 20th centuries came on missionary journeys to Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations, have virtually moved on to other pastimes, as their societies have conquered hunger, and achieved self-sufficiency in housing, clothing, efficient transportation, relatively quality education, medical care and care for the aged. These services that Western societies take for granted are still the aspirations of a continent, where about 70% citizenry remains pauperized and dehumanized by both military and civilian rulers who have appropriated the commonwealth to themselves and their fellow conspirators.
The current state of religion’s expansion in Nigeria without commensurate godliness is just part of the fulfilment of the prophecy contained in both the Old Testament and the New Testament as signs of the end times. These signs are illustrated particularly in Ezekiel 34:2-7 and 27, and Mathew 24:11-12, respectively. Ezekiel 34:7-10 and 27 states:
“Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds...”
Meanwhile, Matthew 24:11-12, predicts:
“And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
An American-based research group in 2010 reported that Nigeria was the most religious country in the world. Another organization, measuring citizens’ state of mind in 2008, reported that Nigerians happen to be the “happiest” of all people globally.
That is a paradox. How can the sixth largest exporter of crude oil, with about $400 billion gross oil earnings, have one of the most wretched people in the world, have unprecedented levels of poverty, have about 70% of its population living on about $1 per day, have about 40% of its work force unemployed, and yet be considered the “happiest” place in the world? It beats logic. It is an irony. To say it is a contradiction to reality is an understatement. As a Nigerian, are you happy with all that you see?
Confronted with an economy that defies all understanding, Nigerians sought refuge in He who promises peace that passes all understanding. The national economy witnessed an unprecedented down-turn, and many Nigerians resorted to patronizing the many one-man founder churches for promised succour, comfort and varieties of trumpeted “miracles.”
In looking up to the hills of religion for help, these Nigerians were just being human. Humanity is faced with the regular situation of a state of anomie, confusion and paranoia in attempting to deal with the fear of the unknown. But once laid vulnerable, human psyche quickly becomes susceptible to various manipulations by so-called men of God. We have had the likes of the “Jesus of Oyingbo,” the “Saviour of Agege,” various Gurus, and their likes in the early 70s. And their proliferation in recent times is indicative of the end times as forewarned in the Bible. Many now deceptively profess to be Pastors, Bishops, Founders and General Overseers, Popes, Prophets, Evangelists, Imams, Ustazs, Gurus, Grandmasters, etc. But as prophesised, they usually come in sheep’s clothing. But they are wolves through and through. One common thread in their activities is that rather than proclaim God’s supremacy and the Gospel of Christ, they engage in vain self-glorification and self-advertisement of their accomplishment of the “supernatural and miracles.”
Apostle Paul’s divinely inspired teachings on the acceptable characteristics of true servants of God as contained in 2 Corinthians 2:14-26 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7 are noteworthy, particularly where he instructed in 1 Timothy 3-2-3 that:
“A Bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach…. Not given to wine, no striker, NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.”
Furthermore, Paul’s admonition in Titus 7-9 is helpful enough as guide post to our clergy.
There are numerous advertorials in the media, signposting where these charlatans make ridiculous claims of general and specific miracles –making babies for the barren, matching-making spinsters with life partners, securing jobs for the unemployed, healing the sick of afflictions, overcoming worshippers’ enemies, prophesying and foretelling for the curious, etc.
A particularly worrisome dimension to the reported cases of the outrageous conduct of many clergymen and clergywomen in recent times is the incredible race by church proprietors and leaders to out-pace, out-manoeuvre, and out-class their colleagues. They have embarked on this inordinate acquisition of cheap popularity, dubious wealth and the endorsement of and collaboration with politically-exposed persons and business tycoons capable of financing them. Many Nigerian clerics today will take tithes, offerings and gifts from anyone without questioning the sources of such largesse. And sometimes, these gift-givers wear the reputation of corruption, with provable evidence and indictment for misappropriating public funds. Yet our clerics will accept offerings from these degenerate dogs. In fact, they have shown a preference to kick their God and kiss these dogs. But they have queries they must answer their Creator and the society.
(1)    How can our clergymen justify their penchant for contracting their personal security to armed professional outfits? Why are they afraid, to the extent of employing bouncers to keep commoners from coming in contact with them? Are they not now in unholy competition with our political jobbers who hedge themselves in with armed guards and convoys?
(2)    How can our clergymen justify their ostentatious lifestyle and opulence in the current circumstances of extreme poverty and misery ravaging their flocks?
(3)    How can our Christian religious leaders rationalise their usage of private jets when their flocks are being manipulated through sophistry to part with their hard-earned donations and tithes?
(4)    What biblical foundation justifies their playing “god” in their various advertorials, propagandas, signboards and banners, as opposed to promoting Jesus Christ?
No doubt, the global community has entered the JET AGE, concomitant with the development of IT and social media, and many church Ministers just want to “belong.” But should our clergymen and clergywomen not return to the divine injunction of soberness and tenderness of the spirit to prevent further ridicule of Christendom?
Nothing here indicates we demand that our priests must be superhuman and behave like angels. But as we find in Luke 12:48, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” meaning that, “Greater privileges demand greater responsibilities.” In essence, anyone who has volunteered to heed the divine call must accept the demands, the disciplines and the denials concomitant with such a high calling. Otherwise, clerics have kicked God out of religion.
FORMER SECRETARY OF AFENIFERE AND NADECO, MR. AYO OPADOKUN IS CURRENTLY CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL WORKING COMMITTEE, COALITION OF DEMOCRATS FOR ELECTORAL REFORMS (CODER)

Source; Sahara reporters

Draft Criminal Charges Detail How Gov. Peter Odili Plundered Rivers State's $500million To Set Up Arik Air And Buy Up Media At AIT, Thisday, Newswatch And ChannelsTV

Draft Criminal Charges Detail How Gov. Peter Odili Plundered Rivers State's $500million To Set Up Arik Air And Buy Up Media At AIT, Thisday, Newswatch And ChannelsTV

Peter Odili , Mary Odili and judges
By SaharaReporters, New York
SaharaReporters has obtained detailed draft charges that never made it to the courts regarding the brazen looting of Rivers State treasury by the state’s former governor, Peter Odili. The documents show how Mr. Odili used a combination of government officials and personal companies disguised as fronts to fleece Rivers State to the tune of N100 billion between 2004 and 2007.
Saharareporters’ analysis of the draft charges, which were prepared by well-known Nigerian lawyer Festus Keyamo, reveal that, between December 2004 and September 2006, Emmanuel Nkatah, a personal staff of the governor operating at the Rivers State liaison office in Abuja, alone withdrew over N4 billion naira from Zenith Bank account No. 6010916567 which belonged to Rivers State Government House.

The 220-count draft indictment targeted Mr. Odili and 24 others regarding allegations of theft, conspiracy to commit theft, money laundering and fraud.

The draft charges listed other accused persons and beneficiaries of Mr. Odili’s extensive looting. The list includes founder of Arik Airline, Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, former Minister of Aviation, Babalola Borisade, two former People's Democratic Party chairmen, Ahmadu Alli and Barnabas Gemade. Also listed as co-accused are Pauline K. Tallen, Mrs. Olufemi Agagu, Ike Nwachukwu, a retired general, and Ukandi Damanchi, a professor.

The businesses named in the charge sheet include Courage Communications Ltd, Attn Ltd, Ragolis Water Ltd, M/S Wetland Health Services Ltd, Transky Ltd, Foby Eng. Ltd, First Medical/Sterile Company Ltd, Habila Resources Ltd, Rockson Engineering Co. Ltd, Ojemai Farms Ltd, Ojemai Investments Ltd, and Godsonic Oil Company Ltd, an oil company owned by Peter Odili which also has business interests in the Nigeria/Sao Tome Joint Development Zone (JDZ) Block 4.
The documents reveal, for instance, that between January 2004 and December 2006, Mr. Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, the alter ego of Rockson Eng. Ltd, received over N60 billion from the accounts of the Rivers State government. Also between September 2005 and the year 2006, Mr. Borishade was the beneficiary of an illegal diversion of over N4 billion in the guise that it would be used to rehabilitate Port Harcourt International Airport. On March 3rd and March 10th 2006, then Governor Odili withdrew the sum of $2 million U.S. dollars for personal use but in the guise that the money would be used to sponsor senior government officials on a trip abroad. As his tenure as governor drew to a close, Mr. Odili intensified the questionable withdrawals. On March 16, 2007, he withdrew another $2 million for the same purpose of sponsoring senior government officials on a foreign trip. On April 20th 2007, he withdrew another $2 million for the same purpose. On May 23, 2007, days before he left office, he withdrew another $1 million.

Of particular interest in the indictments is Mr. Odili’s corrupt entanglement with several major media organs. The charge sheet listed some media companies that received huge sums of money from Mr. Odili’s loot. SaharaReporters learnt that the dole-outs to the media were designed to buy their silence.
The biggest chunk of the payoffs went to Nduka Obaigbena's Leaders and Company Ltd, the publishers of ThisDay newspapers, Raymond Dokpesi's Daar Communications PLC, owners of African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM, John Momoh's Channels Television Ltd, and Newswatch Communications Ltd, publishers of Newswatch magazine whose chief executive is Ray Ekpu.
In particular, the charge sheet stated that between 2004 and 2007, Gov. Odili channeled almost N2 billion to Daar Communication, over N300 million to Leaders and Company, N50 million to Channels Television Ltd and over N100 million to Newswatch Communications Ltd. all received part of the loot from Mr. Odili's slush fund.
In addition, Mr. Odili was notorious for doling out cash to numerous prominent editors, columnists and reporters. Thanks to his policy of bribing the media, he received little or no negative publicity during his eight-year rule. “Governor Odili presided over Rivers State at a time when a lot of revenue was rolling in here,” said a Port Harcourt-based politician. “Yet, the state capital, Port Harcourt, was in very bad condition and the state had no good roads or other infrastructure. Where did all the money go? Why did members of the press not ask questions?”
Sometimes, Mr. Odili splashed cash on party officials as well as other notable figures. Among those who received N20 million each were Mr. Ahmadu Ali, Mrs. Olufemi Agagu, Mr. Barnabas Gemade, and retired General Ike Nwachukwu. 

The documents indicate that the scale at which public funds were converted to private use was staggering. There was clear evidence of money laundering and blatant stealing of Rivers State funds for the personal use of the governor and his cronies.

Mr. Odili’s legal trouble started on October 31, 2006 when a petition came into the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commission launched investigations into various allegations of corruption and financial crimes leveled against Mr. Odili and other officials of the Rivers State Government. On December 12, 2006, the EFCC issued an interim investigative report and prepared a draft of 223 charges against the governor.

In a counter-move, the then Attorney-General of the state, and later Nigeria's Foreign Affairs minister, Odein Ajumogobia, on February 23, 2007 sued the EFCC, the then Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rotimi Amaechi, and other defendants in a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. In the suit, Mr. Ajumogobia asked Justice Ibrahim Nyaure Buba  of the federal High Court in port Harcourt to bar the EFCC from investigating, prosecuting or ever harassing Mr. Odili and officials of his administration. In the suit (number FHC/PH/CS/78/2007), the then Attorney-General claimed that the EFCC had no powers to investigate the state government and that such a move went contrary to provisions of Nigeria’s Constitution which gave such power to the State House of Assembly. The suit asked the court to bar the EFCC from sharing whatever information it had gathered with the media or coercing the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings on the governor.

On March 20, 2007, Justice Buba granted the Rivers State government all that the state’s Attorney-General prayed for in what is now called a perpetual injunction. Upon leaving office, Mr. Peter Odili again went to court and asked that he should be made a beneficiary of the perpetual injunction granting him permanent immunity from prosecution. Again, Justice Buba’s court agreed. The judge imposed “a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC from arresting, detaining and arraigning Odili on the basis of his tenure as governor based on the purported investigation.”
In 2007, the Nuhu Ribadu led EFCC claimed they immediately file an appeal but the court of appeal never assigned the case as Mary Odili was a judge with enormous powers at the Court during the period.
Again in 2008, the EFCC filed an appeal against Justice Buba’s ruling. In the brief, the EFCC argued that the commission had the right under the statute that created it to investigate economic crimes allegedly committed by the state government and Mr. Odili. It also argued that the Buba Court was wrong in proceeding with an “Original Summons when it was obvious that the parties were in serious contentions on the facts.” The appeal described Justice Buba’s action as “at best incompetent,” insisting that the court “lacked jurisdiction” to hear the case. It concluded that “the judge was wrong to have issued the declaratory orders and injunctions against the Appellant (EFCC) which amount to prohibiting [the EFCC] from carrying out its statutory functions and setting aside its report when in fact the report was not even placed before him.”

Five years after, the EFCC’s appeal is still at the Appeal Court of Nigeria in the Port Harcourt judicial division waiting for the lower court’s verdict to be vacated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Odili also went to the same court and on January 27, 2011 won a ruling that he should be joined as an interested party in the substantial case.
However, no date has been set for the hearing. Sources close to Saharareporters said that the administrations of former President Umaru Yar’Adua and incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan have had no interest in seeing Mr. Odili tried. “Both President Yar’Adua and now President Jonathan subtly encouraged the no-action status quo,” a legal source in Abuja told SaharaReporters.
In fact, while Mr. Odili’s charges had been prepared and awaiting filing at the Federal High court, President Jonathan nominated his wife, Mary Odili, to the Supreme Court in May 2011. Several sources told SaharaReporters that Mrs. Odili played a key role in the plot to scuttle the wide-ranging indictment against her husband.

After governing the oil-rich Rivers State from 1999 to 2007, Mr. Odili ran for president in 2007. But he was forced to withdraw when some interests within his party confronted him with the numerous allegations of embezzlement of government funds during his governorship.
In his autobiography, Conscience and History, published last year, Mr. Odili acknowledged that he negotiated the charges against him with then President Olusegun Obasanjo. Mr. Odili offered to drop his presidential bid in exchange for a sort of soft landing that initially included being offered the Vice-Presidential slot. That slot was later given to Mr. Goodluck Jonathan.

Former Governor Odili is one of the nine governors whose corruption cases are in perpetual limbo in the courts. Others are James Ibori of Delta State, currently serving jail time in London for corruption, Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State, Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia state, Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State, Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State, Boni Haruna of Adamawa State, and Jolly Nyame of Taraba State.
In spite of the swirl of corruption around Mr. Odili, he had no difficulty persuading Lincoln University, one of America’s most prestigious historically Black colleges, to accept donations from him, a fact noted by Human Rights Watch. By the end of 2006, Mr. Odili had become one of the school’s largest donors, with at least $1.64 million in donations. During that year, the university bestowed a controversial honorary degree on Mr. Odili. Lincoln held a luncheon in his honor, and named a building after him, actions that drew outrage from Nigerian groups as well as Human Rights Watch.
Political sources in Abuja told SaharaReporters that several factors have helped Mr. Odili evade prosecution so far. One factor is his wife, whose position as a justice of the Supreme Court makes her an insider who is able to ensure that her husband will not face a no-nonsense judge. Another factor is that Mr. Odili was very close to former President Obasanjo, and was an early and enthusiastic supporter of Mr. Obasanjo’s failed plan to change the Nigerian constitution in order to continue as president. Besides, since the end of his tenure as governor, Mr. Odili has moved to Abuja where he maintains a quiet profile, making as little political noise as possible. After years of feuding with his successor, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Mr. Odili and the Rivers State governor had a kind of reconciliation in 2011, just as Mrs. Odili was elevated to Nigeria’s apex court. In a country where political considerations are often paramount, Mr. Odili has ensured that he is not perceived as a political threat to President Jonathan and other powerful political interests while his businesses which are proceeds of corruption booms.

SOURCE;SAHARA REPORTERS

First Lady Patience Jonathan In Rent-A-Crowd Protest Against Prof. Wole Soyinka Over N4 Billion Mission Building Scandal

PHOTONEWS: First Lady Patience Jonathan In Rent-A-Crowd Protest Against Prof. Wole Soyinka Over N4 Billion Mission Building Scandal

Some "Nigerian Women" rented by Nigeria's first lady and the minister of the FCT Bala Muhmammed  were out early yesterday morning on the streets of Abuja for a "staged demonstration"  in  support of the minister's plan to build a N4 billion mission building for the first lady's pet project.
The women, youths and physically challenged protesters were all carrying placards supposedly written for them abusing Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka.
Some of the placards read:  "Educated illiterate", "Soyinka: Grammar King without sense", "Abuja has come to stay ".

Thursday 21 February 2013

NJC sack judge who gave lite sentence on pension fraudster and two others.

NJC sack judge who gave lite sentence on pension fraudster and two others.

Nigeria’s controversial pension plea bargain judge, Talba, Naron of Osun, and Archibong were disciplined on ethical grounds.
The National Judicial Council in a late night meeting on Wednesday recommended the immediate compulsory retirement of three controversial judges. They are Abubakar Talba, Thomas Naron, and Charles Archibong.
In a meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mariam Mukhtar, at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, the NJC called for the immediate compulsory retirement of the judges on ethical grounds. The recommendations will go to President Goodluck Jonathan who has the power of final approval.
Mr. Talba was the judge who sentenced a self confessed pension thief, Yakubu Yusufu, to two years in prison each on a three-count charge with an option of fine of N250, 000 on each charge.
Mr. Yusufu had pleaded guilty to stealing N2 billion of about N30 billion he was charged with by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. He promptly paid the fine and was set free though later arrested and tried on another charge by the commission.
The commission said Mr. Talba reneged on a verbal agreement it had with the accused and the judge that the convict be jailed without an option of fine.
Oyinlola’s judge
The second judge, Mr. Naron, was investigated by the NJC for the scandalous ruling he led three other judges to give as the first election petition tribunal in Osun State after the controversial 2007 elections.
Mr. Naron and the other judges are believed to have been compromised by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, government of the then governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Call records later showed that Mr. Naron and Mr. Oyinlola’s lawyer, Kunle Kaleijaye, were having secret discussions prior to the controversial ruling.
Mr. Oyinlola was to later be sacked by the Court of Appeal and replaced with the authentic winner of the election, Rauf Aregbesola.
The NJC also recommended Mr. Kalejaiye, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to the Nigeria Bar Association for punishment for his role in the scandal.
The third judge disciplined by the NJC is Justice Archibong who presided over the case of alleged rogue banker, Erastus Akingbola.

Source; premium times

Wednesday 20 February 2013

NFF struggles with huge debt after AFCON success

NFF struggles with huge debt after AFCON success

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari
It has been learnt on authority that huge debt profile of the Nigeria Football Federation has largely contributed to the issues of delayed salaries and match-win bonuses owed the Super Eagles. The PUNCH gathered that the failure of the Government to grant the NFF a special grant for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament has largely contributed to the state of affairs with the football house.
Contrary to widely-held assumption that the N750m the NFF used to execute the competition which Nigeria won in South Africa was a special budget for the event, it has been explained that the said amount was actually 50 per cent of their total budget for 2013.
A member of the administration who pleaded anonymity, because he was not empowered to speak on the matter publicly, told our correspondent that the NFF members are hoping that the victory in South Africa could help change the tide for them by way of donations and sponsorships.
He said, “The truth is that the team (Super Eagles) were not really counted on to go all the way and win the cup. Under that circumstance, it was utterly difficult pressing for special grant for them to execute the competition. In the past, they got such concession but it was not available on the road to 2013.
“What was done for them was to get them half of their total approved budget for 2013 even while it was still being finalised by the government. The approved budget for NFF is N1.5bn for the year and so they were able to get half and that was the reason the money could not be released until January. Perhaps they should have reduced the bonuses they paid the Eagles over there (in South Africa) except they were looking for every opportunity to get the best out of the players.
“So the big question now is how to execute the age-grade competitions; the World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup.”
The Eagles are still owed the bonus for the final they won 1-0 over Burkina Faso.
On Monday the junior national team, the Flying Eagles, left the country for a playing tour of Egypt without their coach John Obuh. The coach was left behind following a mild drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja as he protested the non-payment of his salary allegedly totalling 13 months. Obuh, who later spoke to reporters, said he was owed three months and not 13.
We could not verify how much is owed their major marketer Pamodzi whom we learnt bailed out the FA on more than one occasion in South Africa.

Via Punch

It Is Now Illegal For Jonathan To Sign 2013 Budget – Fred Agbaje

It Is Now Illegal For Jonathan To Sign 2013 Budget – Fred Agbaje


With the lapsed deadline of 30 days which President Goodluck Jonathan had as dictated by the Constitution to sign the 2013 Budget into the law, it has now become illegal for the President to do so.
This was the view of legal practitioner; Fred Agbaje, who made this known on our breakfast programme Sunrise Daily while discussing the lingering controversy over the passage of the 2013 Appropriation Bill.
Reacting to reported claim by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance that the President will this week sign the 2013 Budget, Mr Agbaje stated that “any attempt or purported attempt by the President to sign that budget will be an exercise in constitutional futility which lacks legitimacy. ”
Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution dictates that if a 30 day period is passed after sending the budget to the President and the president fails to sign it, the budget must be returned to the National Assembly where a 2/3 votes of the national Assembly is required to pass the budget into law thereby, vetoing the President’s signature.
The lawyer decried the controversy that has trailed the budget which was passed and submitted to the executive since December 2012, blaming it on the lack of consultation and lobbying in the Nigerian democratic structure.
According to him, all the seeming misunderstanding would have been averted if the Presidency has adequately lobbied members of the National Assembly over its planned polices ahead over time.
This he claims is what obtains in other democratic structure across the world but rather, Nigerian politicians still paraded the military psyche of enforcing the desires on others, the disappointed lawyer explained.

Jonathan personally promised not to run in 2015

Jonathan personally promised not to run in 2015


Premium Times EDITORIAL

It was Dalhatu Tafida, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, who first let the world into the working of the president’s mind.

At a press conference in Abuja in late 2010, a day ahead of President Goodluck Jonathan’s formal declaration to run in the 2011 presidential election, Mr. Tafida, then Director General of the Jonathan/Sambo campaign organisation, said the president won’t seek another term in 2015.

The president, he said, would be available for only a single term if elected.

“The President wants to run for one term…Let us give him the four years and see how he performs,” Mr. Tafida implored, in what now seems a campaign gimmick.

That explanation sounded logical at the time following the subsisting power rotation formula between the North and the South of Nigeria. Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, a southerner of Yoruba extraction, was in office for eight years. The late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s, a northerner, was therefore expected to take the north’s eight-year turn.
But death suddenly struck, foisting Mr. Jonathan, who was Mr. Yar’Adua’s deputy, on the nation.

So, when Mr. Talfida spoke, the president didn’t deny or fault his arguments. Rather he reinforced them in his actions and speeches.

Although he denied knowledge of the power rotation arrangement, he was unambiguous about his future.

Addressing Nigerians in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he attended an African Union Summit, the president regretted they would not vote on April 9, 2011, in a poll that was to return him for a fresh term.

“I would have loved that Nigerians in the Diaspora vote this year. But to be frank with you that is going to be difficult now,” he said on January 31, 2011,before striking home his point.

“Nigerians in the Diaspora will not vote, but I will work towards it by 2015, even though I will not be running for election.”

The presidency’s denial on Sunday that he has made no commitment to anyone not to run again has shocked many watchers of Nigerian politics with some describing Mr. Jonathan as a shameless liar.

The denial has also triggered debate on whether Mr. Jonathan’s tenure will, or not transcend 2015.

In a reaction to Niger state governor, Babangida Aliyu’s claim that the president endorsed a pact with the governors to exit in 2015, presidential adviser on political matters, Ahmed Gulak, said the claim was “frivolous” and a figment of the governor’s imagination.

“The alleged agreement only exists in the figment of the imagination of somebody with presidential ambition,” Mr. Gulak said, referring to Mr. Aliyu’s own ambition to succeed the president in 2015.

The president himself has yet to personally speak on the subject. But that is not surprising as that is a well known Aso Rock’s tactic where the president pushes aides to express his position on issues. At times, when a sentiment expressed by an aide gets controversial, the president pushes back, disowning such a remark.

Still, Mr. Gulak’s response on the president’s behalf seems deliberate.

For a potentially stormy subject, the president, through his political mouthpiece, Mr. Gulak, needed to have made it clear he signed no agreement if indeed he didn’t. But he should also have explained if he had changed his mind about running again. He said it himself he won’t run in 2015.

At a time the presidency is being criticised over the disgraceful admittance of lying to the public about the health of the First Lady, it faces even greater condemnation should it continue to deny that the President didn’t tell the world he won’t run in 2015.

Nigerians seem to respect the president’s right to seek re-election. The concerns have been more about whether Mr. Jonathan once pledged to run for only a single term ending 2015.

The president’s remarks in Ethiopia, probably alongside others, provides a response to that concern. The president indeed said so. A denial today would be ungentlemanly and unpresidential.

Ahead of that famous Ethiopian speech, the resolution of a meeting of 18 governors and two deputy governors provided a much-needed weight at the time for the president’s ambition, with a statement backing Mr. Jonathan for one term.

Governor Aliyu’s claim probably derived from the outcome of that meeting.

Also, after the president’s declaration in Addis Ababa, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, warmed up to that position on March 26, 2011.

Speaking in Abuja during the grand finale of the Jonathan/ Sambo ticket, Mr. Obasanjo praised the president for agreeing to stand for only a term and urged Nigerians to give him that one chance. Mr. Jonathan was in the audience the ex-President addressed and he nodded in agreement to Mr. Obasanjo’s remark.

Mr. Jonathan should resist the temptation to be blinded by ambition. He should be a man of his words. He should not run again.

Monday 18 February 2013

Road To Genocide;National Health Bill Will Kill 10 Million Nigeria Women Via Egg Donation- Dr Njemanze

Road To Genocide;National Health Bill Will Kill 10 Million Nigeria Women Via Egg Donation- Dr Njemanze

The Chairman; Institute of Advanced Research and Training, Dr Phillip Njemanze has revealed that the on-going debate on the National Health Bill will encourage the killing of about 10 million poor Nigerian women who will be willing donate their ovaries for a stipend as encouraged by the bill.
According to Dr Njemanze, Nigeria will be the only country in the world to legalise such an anomaly as every developed country and even developing countries in Asia have criminalised the trade in eggs.
He explained that laws in the debated National Health Bill will enhance the donation of eggs and tissues, considering the high level of poverty, the medical doctor claims that women will be willing to donate their eggs for survival at a token fee.
Such donation which will be unlimited further exposes the women to more complicated medical condition such as cancer due to the explosion they will be exposed to while conducting the egg donation procedures. This will eventually claim their lives.
The doctor who was on Channels Television breakfast programme; Sunrise, described this development as a “biological warfare” which Nigerian lawmakers are encouraging.
Dr Njemanze also explained that Section 51 of the bill dictates that with the consent of the Minister, it will be legal to kill an embryo and there is no nation in the world that has passed such a law.
According to him, the bill is enmeshed with euphemisms that do not clearly state its intent. He cited an example as ‘splitting the embryo’ as contained in Section 51 of the bill. This he argues is as good as killing the embryo.
“Once you split an embryo, it is dead so you can use the cells for research”, these he described as biological slave trade because this is invariably the killing of one human being for the development of another.
“This means it will be legal for the first time in human history to kill a full citizen of a country.”
Dr Njemanze claims that the scheme is being sponsored by the West and donor agencies due to new laws in India which forbids the trade in organs and its donation. He claims India use to be organ market capital of the world and the west are now focusing on Africa and thereby financing the enactment of laws to institutionalise the trade.

New Islamic group, Ansaru, claims responsibility for kidnap of seven foreign workers

New Islamic group, Ansaru, claims responsibility for kidnap of seven foreign workers

The group had claimed responsibility for previous attacks in Northern Nigeria.
A group known as Jama’atu Ansarul Musilimina Fi Biladis Sudan, popularly referred to Ansaru, has claimed responsibility for Sunday’s kidnap of seven foreign workers in Jama’are Town of Bauchi State
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the group said “By Allah’s grace, we have the custody of seven persons, which include Lebanese and their European counterparts working with Setraco,”.
They said the men were kidnapped because of the “transgressions done to the religion of Allah by European nations in many places such as Afghanistan and Mali.”
Gunmen in the early hours of Sunday stormed a compound housing Setraco expatriate staff in Jama’are where they killed a security guard and abducted one Briton, an Italian, a Greek and four Lebanese workers.
The Ansaru, helpers in Arabic, group emerged in June last year; and in a video message posted to Youtube by their leader, Abu Usamatul Ansar, pledged to defend the interest of Islam and Muslims in Africa.
They had already claimed responsibility for the November 2012 attack on the office of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS Abuja where one person was reportedly killed and several prisoners freed.
The group also claimed responsibility for the bomb explosion that claimed the lives of two Mali bound soldiers on January 19, 2013 at Itape, Ekehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Source; Premium times

Letter Bomb kills one in Lagos

 Letter Bomb kills one in Lagos

Twenty-seven years after the death of Publisher of Newswatch, Dele Giwa, through a letter bomb, a similar incident occurred Monday under the Festac link bridge in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos, which left  chairman of the local Dredgers  Association dead.
Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command, Mr. Umar Manko in a statement said that the explosion was not a letter bomb.
The Police bomb disposal unit and security personnel at the scene of the explosion, under the Festac link bridge along Amuwo Odofin in Lagos Photo:  Biodun Ogunleye
The Police bomb disposal unit and security personnel at the scene of the explosion, under the Festac link bridge along Amuwo Odofin in Lagos Photo: Biodun Ogunleye
Although there were different versions as to how the late Chief Oladele Pius was killed, but it was gathered that he was handed a letter by an unknown persons at about 11am, shortly after he resumed for work.
letter-bomb1
One of the injured victim of crying for help at the scene Photo Biodun Ogunleye
As the unknown visitor left,  Chief Oladele attempted to open the letter, only for an explosion which rocked the entire area killing him on the spot.

Source; Vanguard

Tuesday 12 February 2013

SEAL who shot Osama bin Laden Abandoned By The US Govt.

 SEAL who shot Osama bin Laden Abandoned By The US Govt.


Watch this video
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Navy SEAL who shot Osama bin Laden has no military pension or health care, report says
  • Journalist Phil Bronstein profiles man he calls the Shooter in the March issue of Esquire
  • Bronstein: "He has nightmares about how he's going to support his family"
(CNN) -- He's the man who rolled into a bedroom in Abbottabad, Pakistan, raised his gun and shot Osama bin Laden three times in the forehead.
Nearly two years later, the SEAL Team Six member is a secret celebrity with nothing to show for the deed; no job, no pension, no recognition outside a small circle of colleagues.
Journalist Phil Bronstein profiled the man in the March issue of Esquire, calling him only the Shooter -- a husband, father and SEAL Team Six member who says he happened to pull the trigger on the notorious terrorist. It's a detailed account of how the raid unfolded, and what comes after for those involved. The headline splashed across the cover reads, "The man who killed Osama bin Laden ... is screwed."
In a statement the Navy responded: "We have no information to corroborate these new assertions. We take seriously the safety and security of our people, as well as our responsibility to assist sailors making a transition to civilian life. Without more information about this particular case, it would be difficult to determine the degree to which our transition programs succeeded."
"They spent, in the case of the shooter, 16 years doing exactly what they're trained to do, which is going out on these missions, deployment after deployment, killing people on a regular basis, " said Bronstein, executive chairman of the Center for Investigative Reporting. "They finally get to the point where they don't want to do that anymore."
Bronstein reported that the man left SEAL Team Six in September. His family's health care coverage ceased. Because he retired before the 20-year mark, he gets no pension.
The Shooter is judicious about the details of his story and hasn't been involved in dramatic books, movies or video games that will make millions for some. It's out of loyalty to his work and concern about his family's safety, Bronstein said. The shooter worries what could happen if his name went public, like Matt Bissonnette, the SEAL whose identity was revealed after he published the book "No Easy Day" using a pseudonym. CNN can't verify the account in Esquire, or the one in Bissonnette's book.
Bronstein reported that the Shooter was offered some witness protection, but no such program exists yet.
Home life is a struggle, too. The Shooter and his wife are separated, Bronstein wrote, although they live in the same house -- "on very friendly, even loving terms" -- to save money. He has done consulting work, Bronstein told CNN's Wolf Blitzer, but it's not clear how long it will last.
"They suddenly find themselves trying to translate into a civilian world that they're not used, and they haven't been used to for decades," Bronstein said. "I think he has nightmares about how he's going to support his family, and how he's going to feed his family."

Source;CNN

Monday 11 February 2013

Keeping It Real;CNN To Verify President Jonathan Claim On Stable Electricity

Is it possible that Nigerian president would tell a white lie in an interview? This week on Keeping it real, CNN goes on the streets of Lagos to find out if President Jonathan's claims of stable electricity was true or false.

Source; saharareport.com

Money Laundering: EFCC Re-arraigns Fani-Kayode

Money Laundering: EFCC Re-arraigns Fani-Kayode


A Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, was Monday morning re-arraigned before a Federal High court in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, for alleged money laundering offences.

The re-arraignment became necessary because the judge who was initially trying the case, Justice Binta Murtala Nyako has been transferred to Makurdi Division of the Federal High court.
Consequently, the new judge, Justice Ofili Ajumoghobia, has taken over the case.
In the 47-count charge, Mr Fani-Kayode, between November 2006 and January 2007, while serving as minister of Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was alleged to have made some financial transactions exceeding N500,000 which was not done through a financial institution by accepting tax payment of N10 million, which sum was further carried in cash to First Inland Bank, Apapa branch, through one Mark Saviour Ndifreke, his own associate now at large, and put it in an investment account in his favour for 90 days.
Other various sums of money amounting to about N180 million was also allegedly paid into his account in cash through two other people, Supo Agbaje, his administrative staff, and his wife, Regina Fani-Kayode (now at large).
The accused former minister, pleaded not guilty to all the 47-count charge.
Consequently, his lawyer, Ladi Williams, leading three other lawyers and Senor Advocates of Nigeria, Wale Babalakin, Wale Akoni and Ifedapo Adedipe urged the court to allow Mr Fani-Kayode continue on his former bail granted to him.
The EFCC prosecuting counsel, Nelson Okedinachi, did not oppose, but asked for a trial date.
Consequently, with the agreement of both parties, the matter was adjourned till 11 March for trial.

Tuesday 5 February 2013

Need a Bank Loan? 5 Things You Need to Know First

Need a Bank Loan? 5 Things You Need to Know First

Here are five tips to help you figure out if you're a good candidate for financing.
money money
Tim Robberts/Getty
 
When it comes to starting a business, there is an incredible amount of folklore about whether or not it’s possible without bank financing.
Of course, you can go either route. If you end up not being able to bootstrap, here's what you need to know before sitting down with the bank.
Go with the (cash) flow.
If you want to get a loan, you have to prove consistency of cash flow. Ask yourself: Is my business cash flow positive? Am I profitable every month? Have I been profitable for one or two years, minimum? Most banks are comfortable lending at a debt-service ratio of about 3:1. For example, $150 each month of positive cash flow will get you about $50 of financing. The most important thing is that your cash flow be consistent. If your sales or profits change or go down, you could land in the deep end pretty quickly. Sales projections and hype won’t help you here. You need hard facts from tax returns, income statements, and balance sheets to prove that your business is stable and profitable from month to month.
Face the monster: Get a credit report.
Pull your credit report before you apply for a loan. Many people think of credit reports as being mysterious and ominous, but they’re usually not as bad as you imagine. The two areas that are typically shown are loans from banks, and credit card bills that are 30 days past due. Make sure you know what is on yours. Equifax is a great place to start. The process is quick, thorough, and transparent.
Talk it out with an expert.
If you’re going to borrow money, find a business counselor that can provide good advice. Counselors will help you figure out what rates are available and how much you want to borrow. There are numerous resources in the United States for entrepreneurs to get personalized information on lending, face-to-face. In North Carolina alone there are more than 50 state-funded small business centers and close to 10 business development centers funded by the Federal government. Another great organization is SCORE, where business executives offer counseling for free.
Be willing to give something up.
Collateral is a common source of secondary repayment. It isn’t always necessary in borrowing money, but it can help as a personal guarantee. Banks aren’t in business to sell your possessions and make a profit. They don’t want to have to foreclose on your home to collect. But if your primary source of repayment is cash flow, providing collateral can be like icing on the cake.
Get alternative.
The fact is, you may be close to being “safe,” but not close enough for a bank. If you’re not the right candidate for bank financing but are still well-qualified for a loan, try what I like to call quasi-banking institutions. The Self Help Credit Union is a good place to try, as are SBA guaranteed programs. Important tip: if you do go the route of obtaining an SBA guaranteed loan, make sure that your lender has dealt with the SBA before. Don’t be afraid to try multiple places. The more shots you attempt, the more you may land.
Finally, if you are rejected, try to understand why and don’t let that stop you. If you hang all of your hopes on something daunting like financing, you’ll never get out of the gate. It’s important to dream big, but start small. Go back to square one when all else fails.

NIGERIA'S MONEY STOLEN AND KEPT IN ABROAD EQUALS NIGERIA'S REVENUE FOR TWO DECADES.

NIGERIA'S MONEY STOLEN AND KEPT IN ABROAD EQUALS NIGERIA'S REVENUE FOR TWO DECADES.

NIGERIA'S  MONEY STOLEN AND KEPT IN ABROAD EQUALS NIGERIA'S REVENUE FOR TWO DECADES.
-The questions the Europe and America must answer



  • Banks in New York say 115 Nigerian Billionaires in US dollars exist!
  • Why does the Western world feed Africa with one hand while taking from it with the other?
  • The West is culpable in that it often looks the other way when the dirty money embezzled by Africa politicians is channeled into bank accounts in Europe and the US.
  • Nigeria’s money stolen and kept abroad equals Nigeria’s total revenue for two decades, 80′s and 90′s
  • The West provides the getaway vehicles for the theft, in the shape of anonymous off-shore companies and investment entities, whose disguised ownership makes it too easy for the corrupt and dishonest to squirrel away stolen funds in bank accounts overseas.
  • Africa’s wealth goes to line the pockets of corrupt officials who then often smuggle it out to be deposited in secret offshore bank accounts in the developed world. Who facilitates these transactions? And how and why does the developed world make it so easy to launder this dirty cash?

The world’s wealthy countries often criticise African nations for corruption – especially that perpetrated by those among the continent’s government and business leaders who abuse their positions by looting tens of billions of dollars in national assets or the profits from state-owned enterprises that could otherwise be used to relieve the plight of some of the world’s poorest peoples.
Yet the West is culpable too in that it often looks the other way when that same dirty money is channeled into bank accounts in Europe and the US.
International money laundering regulations are supposed to stop the proceeds of corruption being moved around the world in this way, but it seems the developed world’s financial system is far more tempted by the prospect of large cash injections than it should be.
Indeed the West even provides the getaway vehicles for this theft, in the shape of anonymous off-shore companies and investment entities, whose disguised ownership makes it too easy for the corrupt and dishonest to squirrel away stolen funds in bank accounts overseas.
This makes them nigh on impossible for investigators to trace, let alone recover.
It is something that has long bothered Zimbabwean journalist Stanley Kwenda - who cites the troubling case of the Marange diamond fields in the east of his country.
A few years ago rich deposits were discovered there which held out the promise of billions of dollars of revenue that could have filled the public purse and from there have been spent on much needed improvements to roads, schools and hospitals.
The surrounding region is one of the most impoverished in the country, desperate for the development that the profits from mining could bring. But as Kwenda found out from local community leader Malvern Mudiwa, this much anticipated bounty never appeared.
“When these diamonds came, they came as a God-given gift. So we thought now we are going to benefit from jobs, infrastructure, we thought maybe our roads were going to improve, so that generations and generations will benefit from this, not one individual. But what is happening, honestly, honestly it’s a shame!”
What is happening is actually something of a mystery because though the mines are clearly in operation and producing billions of dollars worth of gems every year, little if any of it has ever been put into Zimbabwe’s state coffers.
Local and international non-governmental organisations say they believe this is because the money is actually being used to maintain President Robert Mugabe’s ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) in power.
True or not, it is clear that the country’s finance minister, Tendai Biti, has seen none of it. A representative of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, which sits in uneasy coalition with ZANU-PF, he says he has no idea where it is going.
“We have got evidence of the quantities that are being mined, the quantities that are being exported but nothing is coming to the fiscus …. All I know is that it’s not coming to the treasury. So that is a self-evident question. It is not coming to us. That means someone is getting it. The person who is getting it is not getting it legally. Therefore, he’s a thief, therefore she’s a thief.”
Sadly, as Stanley Kwenda has realised, it is typical of a problem found all over Africa.
The continent is rich is natural resources that are being exploited for big profits, but the money is rarely used for the benefit of the people. Instead it goes to line the pockets of corrupt officials who then often smuggle it out to be deposited in secret offshore bank accounts in the developed world.
So who facilitates these transactions? And how and why does the developed world make it so easy to launder this dirty cash?
In this revealing investigation for People & Power, Kwenda and the Ghanaian undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, set off to find out. Posing as a corrupt Zimbabwean official and his lawyer, their probe takes them deep into the murky world of ‘corporate service providers’ - experts in the formation of company structures that allow the corrupt to circumvent lax international money laundering rules.
It just so happens that the pair’s enquiries take place in the Seychelles but, as they discover to their horror, they could just as easily be in any one of a number of offshore locations (or even in the major cities of Europe and the US) where anonymous companies can be set up for the express purpose of secretly moving money and keeping its origins hidden from prying eyes.

Film maker’s view
By Anas Aremeyaw Anas
Despite the abundance of resources on the continent, success has been very elusive for many Africans. The narrative is one many are too familiar with: corrupt leaders force themselves into political office, then they work to undermine the progress of their people.
That is what leaves many African countries poor – corrupt leadership. It hinders progress.
What has kept this diagnosis of Africa from a cure is not immediately clear. Foreign aid, debt relief and the many notes of economic salvation have been applied. Not much has changed. Dreams fail for many young Africans. The trouble with Africa still looms large.
The need for Africa’s troubled state has inspired my career as an undercover investigative journalist.
Over the past decade, I have tried to focus on human rights violations, corruption and the many ills that plague society. Through many anti-human trafficking and anti-corruption stories, I have come close to answers.
Exposing bribe-taking police officers, public officials and other corrupt individuals has brought some change. This has been on the ground, yet many of the problems still persist.
This film, How to Rob Africa, takes this further by focusing on what many leaders in high office do that leaves the continent in a bad shape.
Decades into political independence, many African governments remain reliant on foreign aid, yet often as soon as this aid arrives it is spirited away into the personal accounts of the leaders who are supposed to be looking after the interests of their people - and ironically many of those accounts are back in the West.
It is no surprise that many Africans are left asking the developed world: “Why do you frown publicly about corruption, yet turn a blind eye to its fruits?”
What we sought to do in our investigation was to point in the direction of money laundering as a substantial contributor to Africa’s corruption - or at least one of the most important enabling factors - and the role played by corporate service providers in setting up structures to allow it to take place.
In the Seychelles, we found how easy it is to rob Africa. We learned about the clever but brazen tricks and scams that can be used (for a fee) to disguise the origins of money and the identities of those who are moving it around.
We do not say that all of Africa’s woes are the fault of others outside the continent. Nor do we assume that criminality is the only reason why Africa, despite its many natural riches, has been kept in poverty.
But we did come away wondering why the outside world feeds Africa with one hand and takes from it with another. Why cannot the resources for aid be directed into fighting this obvious problem? Is it not about time that something was done to stop those stealing our wealth, and those helping them steal it, from evading responsibility prosecution for their crimes?
Source; newsrescue.com

Monday 4 February 2013

Eagles Will Win AFCON- Drogba

  Eagles Will Win AFCON- Drogba


Cote D’Ivoire’s Captain Didier Drogba has hailed the Super Eagles for their inspiring outing at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium and said the team could win the tournament if they perform against others like they did against them.

The Eagles beat the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire 2-1 in the ongoing 2013 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
“I was very impressed with the Super Eagles’ performance against us (Ivory Coast). It’s proof of hard work, relentlessness and the sign of a world-class team in preparation,” he said, after the game that shattered the Afcon dream of the highly-rated Ivorian side.
“I don’t really see any team that can withstand Nigeria for the rest of the tournament. They keep improving by each game and level of the competition. That shows it’s a hardworking and resilient outfit. If they must take the trophy home they have to keep working, be creative and challenge any side like they engaged us.
“Wishing for and seeing victory is not enough. I feel this is Nigeria time but they must deserve it by proving it more on the pitch. The fact that the team arrived with a number of home-based players means we have to give them praise because that tells us there is football even within the continent,” he said.
The former Chelsea striker also sent comforting words to his home fans, a number of whom are holding him responsible for the team’s debacle at the tournament.
“Fans ought to know that football is sometimes funny and bizarre. Sometimes you play well and you lose and others time you don’t put up a good game but you win. We did our best, it didn’t work out. We’re taking responsibility and also thanking fans and asking them to bear with the team that better days are definitely ahead.”

source;channelstv

Revealed!Jonathan spends $60,000 to arrange CNN interview

Revealed!Jonathan spends $60,000 to arrange CNN interview

President Goodluck Jonathan’s penchant for foreign media has fetched him criticism, with citizens often bashing him for what they consider his unpresidential poise and bad grammar.
As the dust over President Goodluck Jonathan’s embarrassing outing in a recent CNN interview is yet to settle, PREMIUM TIMES can report that the presidency actually spends thousands of dollars in public funds to arrange interviews with foreign media outlets.
Mr. Jonathan’s penchant for foreign media has fetched him criticism, with citizens often bashing him for what they consider his unpresidential poise and bad grammar on camera.
Commentators on social media ranked his performance in the interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour two weeks ago amongst the president’s worst yet.
While this newspaper is unable to determine how much was spent in procuring the late January  CNN and Aljazeera interviews with Mr. Jonathan, we are in possession of documents suggesting that the presidency has retained the services of an American lobbying firm, Fleshman-Hillard Inc. to help arrange these interviews.
The firm, which reports to the presidency through Enyi Odigbo, Chairman of Lagos-based advertising and public relations company, Caser’s Group, was hired in 2010, without any formal agreement and budget.
The lobbying firm submits bills to the presidency as it pleases.
In at least one of its bills seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the company requested $59, 200 from the Nigerian government for arranging an interview for President Jonathan with the CNN Nigerian affiliate in late 2010.
The interview, anchored by Isha Sesay, held in Aso Rock in Abuja on September 30, 2010, in preparation for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Nigeria Independence.
Fleshman-Hillard was also to contact other foreign media outlets such as Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Reuters as Mr. Jonathan planned at the time to announce his intention to run for president in the 2011 presidential election.
But the firm was only able to deliver on the CNN interview. It was unable to get interviews for the president on the other platforms.
It is not known why the President needed to hire a lobbyist to procure interviews for him even when he has a Reuben Abati, a Doyin Okupe, and a Reno Omokri among his numerous media aides.
Since taking office in early 2010, some of the president’s key decisions and pronouncements have been made public via foreign outlets, mainly the CNN.
Mr. Jonathan delivered his first public comments on late President Umaru Yar’ Adua’s health, in an interview with Ms. Amanpour in 2010, where he spoke of how the ailing president’s family blocked him from seeing Mr. Yar’adua.
He would not force himself to see Mr. Yar’adua, he said at the time.
Regardless of the channel through which he opened up, the interview was well-received as the president also spoke on governance, promising improved electricity supply (which he enjoys calling POWER) and security.
Mr. Jonathan has yet to grant exclusive interviews to Nigerian channels. The closest to that is the occasional presidential media chat on the state-run Nigerian Television Authority.
But the president’s preference for the foreign networks has not gone without knocks, with critics often rebuking him for his unassertive demeanor before the camera, and poor quality responses to questions.
Critics say the last interview was even worse.
Fleshman-Hillard was also mandated to hire a trainer to work on the president, to help improve his delivery. The firm was yet to deliver on that as at the time the document seen by this newspaper was filed.
A presidency source said the presidency has continued to retain the company for the foreign interview arrangement.
But Fleshman-Hillard could not be reached for comments Friday. Sarah Vellozi, who was the company’s contact for the project was not available on her desk the two times PREMIUM TIMES called her New York office. She is yet to return the calls.
Presidential spokesperson could not also be reached for comments.

source; PREMIUM TIMES