A Falling Out of Thieves or Old Men Behaving Badly?

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Read Time:10 Minute, 25 Second

‘When rogues fall out, truth is revealed, and honest men get justice.’ (1838 A. Jackson Letter 26 Mar. in Correspondence (1931) V. 545)
The rogues have fallen out, and honest men may come by their own. (1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake xv)
When thieves fall out, honest men come by their own (Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs)

While there is said to be honour among thieves, an inequality or a sharp deal in the distribution of booty has often cast the apple of discord into the midst of a band of formerly seemingly harmonious plunderers.  Of such a nature seems to be the present falling out of two owners of Nigeria, twice-leader, (military and democratic) Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ) and former military dictator and strongman, the self-styled “Evil genius”, also popularly known as “Maradona”, Ibrahim Babagida (IBB).

Actually they have never been the best of mutual admirers or friends, and this is not really the first time they’ve fallen out. In fact, they’ve fallen out since birth. What had actually bound them together were the military “esprit de corps” and their mutual plundering, raping and negligence of Nigeria in which they have, more than any other past and present rulers of Nigeria combined, plunged their people into despair, poverty, untold hardship and misery. They would do well to acknowledge and repent their culpability in this allegation.

Looks like all is not well between two members of the Axis of Evil, and like I opined, all has never been well between these two dinosaurs of Nigerian politics. I call them dinosaurs because, like these extinct animals, IBB and OBJ are excessively big and the next course in their lives will be to become extinct, because earth, and indeed, Nigeria, has no room for them. Is the world missing dinosaurs these days? No. An empathic No; all they are good for since they became extinct is to teach us lessons in survival.

Were dinosaurs ever any use to the world? Well, this is arguable; I suspect in those millions of years ago, with hardly any human around (so the archaeologists and scientists told us) dinosaurs were ruling the roost, brainless brutes rampaging all over the land without any defined purpose. However, I guess they must have served some purpose in the evolutionary development of Man and the Earth. So all their existence was not totally useless, if you ask me.

Have you seen the comparisons to these our two former leaders? While the exchange between IBB and OBJ should not be considered mainly for its puerile and repugnant conformation, it confirms to us the minds (or mindlessness) of the leaders we have, unfortunately, allowed us, willingly or unwillingly, ride roughshod over us for over 50 years. It is not a pretty sight.

Compatriots, it is not a laughing matter! It is very serious. We just don’t stand back and enjoy these two dinosaurs hammer each other. We have to look at this from another angle? Somebody told me they were putting up an act, and that we will soon see Babangida rush over to Otta to make up with Obasanjo, and say all kind of words to the effect that, “Obasanjo is my Oga, I mean no disrespect, and I was misquoted by the irresponsible Nigerian Press”.  Such miserable and shameless act in public? From two leaders recognised (or perhaps not?) all over the world, who ruled with iron-hands over 150 million people for a combined total of 18 years? I don’t think so!

Have the two descended so low? Like hell no; they have been descending low for a long time. Leaders who steal from their people have always descended into the lowest part of the human cesspool.

I say it is no laughing matter to us; the only people who will be laughing are the newspaper editors and owners, who are selling papers because of the reprehensible antics of two corrupt and unrepentant old foggies.

Can you imagine Bill Clinton and George Bush Jnr having a go at each other this way? It again shows the immaturity and senseless personality of our African leaders. These are not statesmen as they would like us to perceive them, but outright rogues, opportunists and charlatans, who found themselves in power because of our very own apathy and carelessness. Yes, we must share the blame.

A digression here: Admiral Augustus Aikomu, who was Babangida’ one time Vice President or Vice leader or whatever they called themselves in those days, died a couple of days ago. Like we always do, a lot of encomiums were heaped upon the man. Sorry, I am not one to dance over a dead man’s grave, but I suppose that whenever anybody dies in our society, we tend to be sentimental and totally ignore that person’s life and his works when he was alive. Apologies to my good people of Edo State, where Aikhomu hailed from, but what exactly did the man do for the progress and welfare of the people of Edo State, except perhaps his family and close friends? Incidentally he was part of the corrupt administration of the same IBB, wasn’t he? As far as I am concerned, people like him (and we have so many of them in our dear country) are not missed at all. The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones, so let it be with him, to paraphrase Shakespeare in Julius Caesar.

Back to my dinosaurs: This is again not just a matter of old men behaving badly and calling each other names. Apart from not respecting themselves and being shameless or not ashamed of the evil they perpetrated against their countrymen and women, as former Presidents, they obviously know a lot of secrets about each other.

I am more interested in knowing what these secrets and the hold they hold over each other are. But, unfortunately, being Africans, these secrets will probably go with them to their graves, because to spill them out will hasten their demise. And as a matter of national interest and security, spilling those beans might well cause a disruption in the polity. So I don’t see them doing that. Their advisers and those who tremendously benefitted financially under them will call them to order. I can already envisage emissaries going to and fro from Otta to Minna, trying to patch things up. I am sure by now; the two dinosaurs are already regretting opening their mouths at each other.

That tells you another thing or two about the intellect and wisdom of our leaders. And why we have been unfortunate to have this ilk of people ruling us for so long.

Look at it: Obasanjo calling Babangida a “fool” – one thing Babangida is not, despite all his shortcomings, is that he’s a fool. However, it could be that in his old age, he’s becoming senile. Unrepentant, he is, of course. Then Babangida calling Obasanjo a “plunderer” – well, I have no defence for Obasanjo here, but he is not the only plunderer of our nation, Babangida is too.

Whatever, the plain truth is that both of them are not telling us the truth of the matter, and they probably never will. If Babangida is insinuating that Obasanjo wasted the petrodollars that came his way by not addressing the needs of the country, and Obasanjo said Babangida should bury his head in shame for not building a single power project plant during his eight years in power; let us ask both of them – what needs of the people were addressed by both of them when they were respectively in power for 8 years each; where is the $12 billion that Nigeria made as a result of the Kuwait War windfall that accrued to Babangida, and also where are the $16 billion power projects of Obasanjo?

Talk of the kettle calling the pot black! For me, it is okay for them to wash their dirty linens in public, but of course, they have also shamed Nigeria. According to football parlance, the two of them should be charged for putting the country into disrepute (but of course, they already have, anyway). These are leaders not trusted by other world leaders, who look upon them with contempt. I am not absolutely sure about this but the general rumour is that Babangida will not be issued any visa to enter the United States (He was only allowed to enter the US on compassionate grounds to see his dying wife, Mariam, just over a year and a half ago)

That Nigerians, their own people, hate them is not a fault of anybody, but theirs alone. And believe me, we do really have good and just cause to hate our leaders, past and present, be it Federal, State, Local, Lawmakers, and civil servants. We do have just cause. When you see our neglected and under-equipped hospitals, underfunded and neglected schools and universities, our death-traps called roads; our corrupt authorities; unnecessary deaths, hardship, poverty and misery on the streets; high unemployment, crime, insecurity of life and properties, overpaid and underworked lawmakers; arrogant, corrupt, brainless, visionless and thieving government officials and politicians; decayed infrastructures; who wouldn’t hate our leaders?

My opinion is that Obasanjo and Babangida are birds of the same bloody feathers. They are both rogues in power, or as the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti sang, Vagabonds In Power (VIP), and I am not mincing my words, though I know, according to our traditions and culture, we should respect our elders/leaders. But elders must also respect their juniors too. Leaders must also learn to follow too. Not these people. They don’t respect us; they don’t follow anybody except themselves. But they want to be followed always. On the total, they came, saw, looted and left their people counting the cost, the counting of which may be for a very long time.

On the human perspective of this shameful act, I suspect all this “bad belle” is because IBB is angry and that OBJ failed to hand over power to him as previously agreed amongst them. Remember, IBB “stepped aside” because of June 12. Stepping aside means he had the intention of coming back later, but OBJ checkmated him effectively. IBB had the misplaced confidence that Nigeria is there for him to take anytime. Wrong, boy!

For Obasanjo, he hated younger people to disrespect him. (Nobody is even sure of how old he is) He is senior to Babangida in the Army and in age, and that IBB could be so bold to disrespect him or go against him is anathema to his sense of tradition and culture.

Moreover, a very SHAME ON THEM; after visiting prolonged poverty and misery on their people, they now want to entertain us with more of their idiocy and irresponsibility. Nigerians do not need this kind of entertainment; we are already judged one of the happiest people in the world, despite the hardship and sufferings we undergo in our daily lives as a result of the irresponsibility, depravity, selfishness, greed, idiocy, arrogance and negligence of Obasanjo and Babangida and their ilk.

But, my people, it is not enough to call them names and be angry with them; it is not enough to chide them and slap them on the wrists like little children; it is not enough to laugh at their antics and say, waoo, let’s wait till they burn themselves out; we need to take them and others remaining of their ilk out permanently. These people are still breeding like-minded, corrupt, arrogant, despicable and brainless future leaders like themselves; we need to nip them in the bud before they grow.

How do we do this? We tell them we’ve had enough of them.

I just have to say the Truth as I see it always.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Faulting CBN’s Rationale for Daily Cash Withdrawal Limits

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Read Time:7 Minute, 30 Second
Faulting CBN’s Rationale
for Daily Cash Withdrawal Limits.

By Ikechukwu A. Ogu
It is very unfortunate that, without much reflection, the House of Representatives, on Thursday 21st July 2011, reportedly swallowed hook, line and sinker all that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, fed it as the rationales for the introduction in Nigeria of Islamic banking and daily cash withdrawal limits. Yet, the House has denied approving Islamic banking and summoned Sanusi to re-appear before it to give further clarifications on same. Although I have my grouse with the introduction of Islamic banking in Nigeria, I leave that for now, and face the daily cash withdrawal limits.
According to the CBN, effective June 1, 2012, the maximum amount of cash withdrawable daily across the counter shall be N150,000 for an individual customer, and N1,000,000 for a corporate customer. Any cash withdrawals above the stated limits shall attract a penalty of N100 per every N1,000 and N200 per every N1,000 for
individual and corporate customers, respectively.
One expected Sanusi to humbly enlighten Nigerians on whatever informed the policy. Sadly, however, he arrogantly and combatively challenged any aggrieved Nigerian(s) to go to court!  Such a high horse is unacceptable from a public officer whose office is a public trust. Should a public officer feel justified in deliberately initiating an unpopular policy only to dare aggrieved persons to go to court? Notwithstanding his credentials and awards, Sanusi owes Nigerians a duty to respectfully explain and justify his official pronouncements and CBN’s policies while he is in charge.  He has no right to force his views down our throats; such intellectual arrogance is insulting to the sensibilities of average Nigerians. Let us watch it, for haughty postures by public officers would constitute stumbling blocks to the realization of the spirit of the hard-won Freedom of Information Act.
Among the reasons glibly advanced by the CBN for this policy include reducing the cost of cash management, making the Nigerian economy cashless, checking money
laundering and the insecurity of cash in transit. I intend, in the next paragraphs, to join many Nigerians to fault these rationalisations and condemn
the daily cash withdrawal limits.
First, the elementary role of banks is to take deposits and make same available to depositors on demand, and intermediate between economic sectors having excess
funds and those lacking enough funds by mobilizing funds for the latter. Where a bank fails to pay depositors on demand, it is a sign that it has liquidity problems and calls for the intervention of the regulators. Thus, the obligation of a bank to honour a depositor’s demand for payment is legally binding, provided the depositor has enough credit balance in his account and the cheque/withdrawal slip is in order.
Again, banks traditionally charge commissions on transactions (COTs) on lodgements into and withdrawals from current accounts. And Nigerian banks have, with CBN’s
tacit approval, been imposing on their customers similar COTs for withdrawals from savings accounts, “cash handling charges” for withdrawals of N1m and above, and other inexplicable and unjust charges. So, what “cost of cash management” does the CBN refer to? Nigerian banks, arbitrarily and amidst regulatory inertia, do handsomely reward themselves for cash management and “cash handling”. It is even outlandish that a bank whose core duty is to handle cash imposes “cash handling charges” on its customers. But this is Nigeria. Thus, the reason of “cost of cash management” offered by the CBN is not convincing.
The CBN’s rhetoric of making the Nigerian economy cashless may be melodious. But that is placing the cart before the horse, an undue haste to run without first crawling. What foundations exist in Nigeria for the take-off of a cashless economy? What is the level of literacy and acquaintance with information communication technology (ICT) among Nigerians? How many Nigerians can use electronic banking services? How many Igbo traders, Fulani herdsmen, market women, farmers, etc are knowledgeable in ICT? What infrastructures are there to support electronic banking, assuming most Nigerians are educated and ICT-compliant? Is it enough to flood nooks and crannies with ATMs, with their vulnerability to fraud unresolved?
Why do our public officials waste so much energy, scarce public resources and time theorizing on how an unprepared Nigeria can outstrip the advanced economies overnight? Why do we always transplant policies and programmes from other climes unto an unripe Nigerian environment?  Is the World Bank’s approval of the policy enough reason for us to jump on the bandwagon? Tell me, how did Nigeria fare under the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) prescribed by the World Bank and IMF?
Very importantly, beyond platitudes, how will the hyped “cashless economy”, in real terms, benefit poor Nigerians or transform Nigeria into an El Dorado? Will Nigeria actualize its Vision 20-20-20 and join the league of First World countries by merely operating a “cashless economy”? For God’s sake, Nigerians are in dire need of basic amenities, and not rhetorics on the vague“international best practices”.
The issue of reducing the incidence of insecurity of cash in transit sounds good, but is equally unconvincing. Is it not the same CBN which earlier disapproved of banks opening ATM machines outside their branches for security reasons that suddenly did a volte-face on that? What directives has it given to banks on how to ensure security at their ATMs sites? Has the CBN solved the persistent fraudassociated with ATM transactions? Nigerians have been taking care of the security challenges regarding cash in transit, and should be allowed to deposit and withdraw cash as they deem fit.
I consider as very improper the use of regulatory or legislative fiat to limit daily cash withdrawals by bank customers. Whose money are depositors withdrawing? Worse still, it is unpardonable to penalize them for withdrawing above a particular limit. By that, the CBN has given a fillip to our banks’ predatory charges against which Nigerians have complained on end without any regulatory action. Perhaps, the CBN may soon limit the daily amount to be deposited in banks owing to “cost of cash management”.
I do not see the connection between the amount of cash withdrawn from banks by customers and the incidence of money laundering. As much as I know, much of
money laundering is done electronically through banks. Let somebody tell me how our corrupt politicians transfer looted funds to overseas bank accounts.
It is doubtful that the CBN weighed the implications of this policy before resolving to impose it on Nigerians. People patronize banks to avoid theft and other risks when money is hoarded at home and offices, as happened to the gold coins of the protagonist in George Elliot’s novel Silas Marner. However, by this new policy, the CBN is throwing many Nigerians back to the ugly practice of hoarding money.
There are so many transactions involving huge sums of money whereof the average Nigerian cannot accept deferred payment, either by cheque or lodgement into his
account. The recurring incidence of dishonoured cheques has made the average Nigerian very suspicious of payment by negotiable instruments. Again, the high
level of illiteracy among Nigerians makes the use of cheques and electronic payments unsuitable in some cases. Tell me, how else does one pay an illiterate Fulani herdsman for cow(s) bought except in cash? How would Nigerians in the rural areas handle cash payments involving huge sums of money? How convenient is it for one to spread his withdrawals in order to meet a transaction whereof time is of the essence? What of the cost of visiting the bank/ATM daily to withdraw N150,000 for such transaction? Why should one be penalized for making a huge withdrawal to attend to one’s needs? Depositors withdrawing huge sums should not be forced to incur additional cost by using cash-in-transit (CIT) companies.
I am unable to see any benefits this policy portends for the Nigerian economy and citizenry. If any, they are outweighed by its demerits. The reported plan by some Nigerian banks to lay off bulk tellers – and boost the unemployment market – may not be unconnected with this condemnable policy. The CBN should rather tackle the recurring incidence of unjust, inexplicable charges and sharp practices for which Nigerian banks are now notorious. It should equally solve the seemingly intractable fraud associated with ATMs and other electronic banking transactions. The government should direct the CBN to urgently retrace its steps and reverse this objectionable policy.
Ikechukwu A. Ogu, a legal practitioner, writes from Central Business District, Abuja (ikechukwuogu@yahoo.com).

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nollywood: Veteran Actor, Sam Loco Efe Dies At 66

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Read Time:32 Second

While Nigeria’s entertainment industry is still trying to recover from the shocking news of the demise of the Lady of Songs, Christy Essien Igbokwe, it has again been jolted by saddening news. The death of popular actor and comedian Sam Loco Efe was announced today.

Street Journal gathered that he passed on while in his hotel room on location for the shooting of a film in Owerri, Imo State.
The veteran actor shocked many people about two years ago when he announced he was quitting smoking and drinking, two habits he confessed having been engaged in for four decades.
He was aged 66.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Sam Loco is dead

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Read Time:58 Second

News filtering in through the wires is that another veteran Nollywood actor, Sam Loco Efe is dead.

Unconfirmed reports has it that the actor died Sunday morning in his hotel room after returning from location at Owerri in Imo State in Nigeria.

Details on the cause of death are sketchy as some reports have it that he might have collapsed on set.

The 66-year old actor and comedian’s death is coming after the Nigerian movie industry laid to rest another veteran, Ashely Nwosu on June 11 after he died on April 21.

Sam will be remembered as Nollywood’s finest. His skills and dexterity on and off camera is unmatched as many see him as a true gem of the ever growing Nigerian movie industry.

The Enugu-born actor has been in the Nigerian film industry since 1960 and has starred and appeared in several movies including Games Fools Play, German Wahala, Old Cargos, Across the River, A Fool at 40, Brain Box, Magic Cup and Men on the Run.

Before his death, Sam Loco was the interim chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

More soon.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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THE NIGERIAN RULING ELITES AND THE MUTILATION OF THE NIGER DELTA

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Read Time:4 Minute, 1 Second

“UNEP believes that oil contamination in Ogoniland has created an environmental crisis of unprecedented proportions,” Joseph Alcamo the chief scientist of UN Environment Programme, told journalists in London at the weekend.

This followed a recent revelation but the United Nations on the decades of environmental mutilation of the Niger delta by the multinational oil companies, under the watchful eyes of the Nigerian government.

With a clean up exercise to cost about a billion dollars in some 30 years, the Nigerian ruling elites and their international business partners have definitely made a name for themselves.

This is the Niger delta – business vs the respect for land.

“By the time Nigeria became politically independent in October 1960, agriculture was the dominant sector of the economy, contributing about 70% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employing about the same percentage of the working population… The early period of post-independence up until mid-1970s saw a rapid growth of industrial capacity and output, as the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP rose from 4.8% to 8.2%,” The Impact of Oil on Nigeria’s Economic Policy Formulation, Biodun Adedipe, Lagos Nigeria.

It is important to note that the gigantic infrastructures that are now decaying in places like Lagos, Ibadan or Benin were all built outside the oil revenue.

Names like NIFOR (Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research) in Benin and other equivalent agricultural research institutes were of no small relevance to the Nigerian people, because they were rightly aimed at helping the local population to feed themselves through their own labour and earn income by exporting their agricultural proceeds abroad.

With the beginning of petroleum exploration in Nigeria, meaning that the Nigerian farmers would now have access to petrol chemical products – (from fertilizer to increase their agricultural yields to diverse insecticides to control pests), it was natural to hope that the Nigerian state would not only better feed its population but also contribute in feeding the starving people of the world.

The irony, however, is that not only did oil not increase agricultural productivity in Nigeria, but that the oil activities have grossly ruined a great percentage of the Nigerian farmland, especially in the Niger delta, so that many years after oil would have dried up in Nigerian, the local people would no longer be able to cultivate their land and feed their children.

Thanks to both many Nigerian politicians and some local chiefs who have chosen to pursue their personal interest and ignored the continues survival of their own people, the European and American multinational oil companies have been  able to mutilate the Niger delta for more than 50 years. They have turned the Niger delta and its more than 30 million people into a big cow that needs to be milked with all cruelty, and to be abandoned to its fate, if it ever gets dry.

Quite unkindly, it should have been understood that it is not the duty of Shell or Chevron Oil Company to fight for the ecological right of the Niger delta; it is equally not the fight of Amnesty International or the United Nations. It is more of the duty of the Nigerian government and the people of the Niger delta to save their own land.

This is better understood, calling to mind the peaceful campaign of Ken Saro-wiwa. He both played his role as an indigene of the land (in ruin), and he equally reminded the Nigerian state that there will be consequences for the loose oil exploration in the Niger delta.

As if those who managed the Nigerian system would be rewarded with another land, they decided to silent the voice of reason. On the 10th of November 1995, Ken and his eight colleagues were executed by the Nigerian state.

If the recent finding by the United Nations is anything to be taken seriously, it means that, after all, Ken and every other Nigerian who have paid the ultimate price to save the Niger delta never really died in vain.

It means that all conscious Nigerians should accept the reality that one day, Shell and the billions of dollars it has made in Nigeria will return to Europe and Chevron will return to America, leaving both the Nigerian ruling elites and the ordinary people to stay in their land. It is their only land; the only part of the world they can freely stay without been called foreigners.

Also because, the respect for land is not a philosophy.

With a minimum of maturity, we all do know that our lives depends on our land, so if we do not know that we need to treat our land with respect, it means that we do not know anything.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Christians 0 – 1 Muslims On Islamic Banking

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Read Time:7 Minute, 27 Second

Nigeria didn’t only import Jesus Christ and Christianity from abroad. She also borrowed our modern conventional banking system from the same Christian-Caucasian source. We already have Islam in Nigeria; also imported! So, what’s the heck if we name bank after Islam? Haba Oritsejafor!

The heated debates, threats, shouting-matches and bad blood between Christians and Muslims over Islamic banking are pure clashes of religions. Those of us who tell government to separate religion from politics or Statehood have been vindicated. That religion is one of our biggest problems in recent times.

It’s only until Pastor Oritsejafor and his Christian brothers  have been able to convince president Jonathan to stop using our collective monies to sending Christians and Muslims to holy pilgrimages could Oritsejafor criticise Mr. Lamido Sanusi for using government funds to sponsor Islamic banking. Otherwise, pastor Oritsejafor and co. would be one big pot calling a small kettle black. Oritsejafor is guiltier than Sanusi in using government money to further religious issues or grandstanding.

In light of the bombshell that pastor Oritsejafor and his CAN brothers have been shelling on Mr Sanusi and Islamic banking. One is tempted to ask this question: ‘why have pastors in the top brass of Christendom in Nigeria not said a thing about President Jonathan Goodluck’s tenure prolongation gamble?

The simple reason is that, pastors in Nigeria work hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder with corrupt politicians in racing Nigeria to the bottom. It seems that every morning, when flashy money hustling pastors wake up, they pray to their God to cause confusion and desperation in Nigeria. In these situations of dire chaos made possible by pastors and politicians, there’s mass flocking of citizens to their churches. Thereby, swelling the amount of customers that pastors reap on daily basis in such organised confusions. It is the nature of human beings to look for reasons and meanings to why their lives and world have hit the rock bottom.

There’re truckloads of money to be made as well when people who’re down-and-out in society move in mass exodus to the churches whilst seeking meanings to their battered existence. The last thing pastors have in the menu is the salvation of their converts let alone the betterment of society. The only one exception that I know is Pastor Tunde Bakare who’s seriously down with the poor masses. Mr Bakare wants the corrupt system to change for good while Adeboye, Oyedepo, Oritsejafor and co. prefer that the Sodom and Gomorrah rulership and political system continue to hold sway. Such system help to devastate citizens, and hopeless people are more attuned to looking for God and miracles. Unlike in Europe where leaders are upright, the system is clean and people are hopefully contended and not looking for God or miracles.

What’s uppermost in their minds of lowlife pastors are lust after moneymaking, playing around with expensive playthings as private jets plus much more and political contractual racketeering. Preachers serving as wayward fronts to godforsaken politicians as if monies tricked away from their followers aren’t enough to live a Jesus life. These are the reasons amid plenty others why ace pastors in Nigeria would never complain about Jonathan’s tenure elongation but will make so much noise on Islamic bank and other trivial.

Pastors profit from the ills and rots which result from misrule hence they feel un-concerned about misgovernance by politicians. So, pastors continue to build more churches in churns in anticipation to take up Nigerians who’ve been made hopeless by the same system pastors co-authored with ill politicians. And the next assignment for ‘men-of-God’ would be to raise fear-mongering and scare tactics of hellfire and damnation to the next level. Thereby, employing fear to subdue their followers into brainwash, blindfold and dull passivity as per exploiting converts!  And that’s by the way!

Meanwhile, Mr Oritsejefor hypocrisies have been showing in the big pictures and living colour. Since Islamic banking palavers started hovering over our heads in the negative. Pastor Oritsejafor and his Christian brothers have been blowing the notorieties of Islamic banking out of allowable proportion. In attempt to shoot down Islamic banking and its co-author Lamido Sanusi – Christians in Nigeria have done more damages to their reputation. It has also brought to the fore the hyper-condescending narcissism of Christian faithists in Nigeria. There’s this attempt by Jesus people to push the rest of us in society to the category of insignificant others. And forward Christianity to superimpose upon other faiths and freethinking people.

There’s this wisecrack that: ‘those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.’ But that notwithstanding, Oritsejafor and his comrades-in-Christ have been throwing plenty on stones on anything that walk, talk and quack like Islam. But alas! Most of the missiles aimed and fired at Sanusi and all things Islamic – have boomeranged sometimes on Oritsejafor and his CAN bothers. And other times, their attacks have exposed the hypocrisy of Christendom and Islamism as practised in Nigeria.

It’ll take Oritsejafor a long time coming, to regain his reputation on how rascally, immature and unprofessional he has been conducting himself over this matter. Most times, he seems to have forgotten that he’s in the business of pastoring when lashing out. He cuts the image of a roughneck in his approaches in public matters as if he’s the most guttersnipes of them all. A man who preaches tuning the other cheek for more slaps would’ve acted with plenty modesty devoid of area-boy shenanigans. He had once replied a bunch of troublemaking Muslims that Christians would return fire-for-fire should the case be. Very, very not Jesus-like of Oritsejafor to have gone fanatically out of control. Nearly all the comments coming from both Muslims and Christians are about whose religion takes prominence.

In the process, they’ve undermined the benefit that non-profit cum non-corrupt Islamic banking could bring to bear on our polity and lives. The ordinary conventional banking system in Nigeria which arouse from European-Christian civilisation is fraught and bedevilled with corruption. Islamic banking, when fully operational, might be corruption-free and become a win-win across the Nigeria board. Who knows? If Islamic banking is incorruptible, it mightn’t be long before it takes over the conventional one which is full of rottenness. Islamic banking should be given a chance side by side convention banking which has its influence from Christian Europe.

The stone that broke the camel’s back as they say, is the continuing accusation made by Pastor Oritsejafor against Mr Lamido Sanusi for using government money to further Islamic banking project. And each time he makes that accusation, the pastors’ hypocrisy, intolerance and self-aggrandisement are shown in living colour.

A good Pastor Oritsejafor should tell Federal government to stop using our collective commonwealth to sending only Muslims and Christians to their holy places of pilgrimage first. Before he could curse and chastise Sanusi for the same sin of which the pastor, his Christian brothers, Muslims and Federal government are guilty of. Nigeria isn’t made of Christians and Muslims alone that only the duo should benefit from government-sponsored religious bonanzas.

Each time government uses our monies to sponsor them on pilgrimages, the rest of us who’re not Christians and Muslims are seriously cheated and marginalised. I hereon, suggest that government must henceforth stop using our collective monies to sponsor religious matters. If President Jonathan continues the practice of using scare money to sponsor Christians and Muslims pilgrimages; he should as a matter of fairness more so send Senator Chris Ngigi and his Orkija worshippers to their Holy Land to attune to their Orkija God as well.  That said, government must in this regard take differing worshippers across the Nigeria board and freethinkers to holy pilgrimages of their choices to give all Nigerians a sense of belonging. Or, otherwise, President Jonathan should send a bill to National Assembly restraining government from sending anyone on, or to pilgrimage. And more so, on the bill, should be a total divorcing of government from whatsoever is religious. No more swearing of official oaths with only the Bible and Koran.

If tenure prolongation bill could be so hurrying for Jonathan, I don’t know why the abolishment of government from all religious matters shouldn’t superimpose on such trifle as elongation of office.

Sunday Njokede writes from The European Union

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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BIANCA OJUKWU IN SIZZLING ROMANCE WITH COMMISSIONER UJU OKONKWO

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Read Time:29 Second

Sources reveal that Bianca the wife of Biafran Warlord, Odumegwu Ojukwu is currently in a sizzling romance with Uju Robert Okonkwo.
According to source, the two have been in the guarded relationship for some time now, but only few people close to Bianca were aware of the relationship.

Source reveals that in short while they kick started their relationship, Uju Robert Okonkwo has moved into her husband’s home in Enugu.

Further findings reveals that Mr.Okonkwo is a Commissioner in Governor Obi’s government and Bianca reportedly nominated him for the job.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Big Brother Amplified: Karen’s day of glory

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Read Time:4 Minute, 16 Second

At home she is not the quiet type, her siblings need not argue with her because she will always stand her ground, her mother may not be too comfortable with that kind of attitude yet she but she sees the potentials in it. In spite of this, her friends like her for being always herself.

Welcome to the world of Karen Igho, one of the winners of this year’s edition of the Big Brother Africa reality TV show, ‘Big Brother Amplified’.

During the 13 weeks (91 days) she spent in the Big Brother House in Johannesburg, South Africa, she lived her life as though she was home with her siblings and friends. That probably was her winning strategy as African viewers only cast their votes to save those who live up to the reality of the show-by just being herself without  living in pretence. Her naughtiness in the house posed the biggest contest for other 25 housemates from 14 African countries for the whopping Big Brother $200,000 prize money each for two winners.

If you followed the show from the day one on May 1, 2011 when it was launched, till the 90th day when the hearts of the Top Seven housemates were beating uncontrollably because of the tension pilling up for the grand finals, Karen was still her old self. She refused to change. She was the naughty Nigerian housemate that almost bares her body, that kept involving in many romantic escapades in the houses, she was also jealous when other female housemates went after her  male spec, quarreled, disagreed, argued, openly expressed her displeasure, contested, and what have you.

In all these she still has a heart of gold. She loved, laughed, cried, apologised for her wrong doings, showed affection and most importantly, sacrificed her chances of winning the prize money when she nominated herself instead of a fellow housemate when she was the house leader.

Probably that was why Africa saved her. “I can’t be you. I am Karen and everybody who comes across me knows that. Why live like you as if my life is inferior”, Karen queries during an interview shortly after her victory in South Africa.
While African viewers may be far from this reality, her fellow housemate especially the likes of South African Luclay, Zeus, Weza, Millicent and Lomwe will attest to her strong and real personality.

While making her way to the venue that on that Sunday final show, her grace and confidence that were raved up by the cheering crowd confirm her acceptance. Even the confidence with which she greeted the audience, the joy and jumping at seeing her mother and her usual naughty looks and cheers at evicted housemate who congregate to crown the winner all set her aside as the chosen one.

When ask by IK, the anchor of the show since its launch this year on how she was feeling, the confidence in her voice and her very settled mind were evident of her strong and real character.

On the announcement that declared her first winner, she simply broke down in tears, while white Zimbabwean Wendell Parson, the second winner of the $200,000, did not show much enthusiasm over his victory.  “I am grateful to you Africa for seeing me through this far”, she said while still surprised at her new status as a millionaire.  If care to know, her father died of HIV/AIDS, and she is dedicating part of the money to healthcare delivery starting with her immediate community in Nigeria and hopefully Africa at large.

Truly, Wendell’s announcement dried the cheerfulness and enthusiasm of the audience who thought that Luclay, the South African housemate was robbed of his victory by the 23-year old white Zimbabwean commercial pilot.

However, a little protest followed shortly at the venue by Luclay’s home fans whose action almost marred the show but for the tight security provided by South African Police and other security outfits.  But Biola Alabi, managing director, M-Net Africa, cleared the air on the controversy and replayed to the African media how the entire continent voted. Kazren won with six countries votes, Wendell won with four while Luclay has two-South Africa and Botswana.    Yet, the aggrieved South African fans still smelt foul play with the winning of Wendell. Some thought Big Brother used that to compensate Zimbabwe for the loss of Munya, the Zimbabwean housemate, in last year’s edition to Nigerian Uti Nwachukwu, the eventual winner.

The success of 27-year-old Karen is the third consecutive time Nigeria is winning in the highly competitive show, while South Africa, the host country is yet to win since six years the show commenced. That probably explained why the South African fans were angry at the turn of the event, but the reality is that they did not vote as much to keep their countryman flying to a victorious finish.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Celebration As Karen Igho Wins BBA For Nigeria Again

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Read Time:2 Minute, 21 Second

Finally, Africa’s most watched television reality show, Big Brother Africa Amplified has thrown up its latest millionaires; Karen Igho of Nigeria and Wendall Parson of Zimbabwe. Both contestants have gone home with $200,000 each and massive name recognition across the continent. Karen Igho was known for her strong and highly entertaining personality, courting controversy and spicing up the show from day one.

The voting pattern shows that Karen, with six country votes and Wendall with four country votes won the Amplified season while Vina received zero country votes and was evicted first. Hanni, Lomwe and Sharon O received one country vote each and were also evicted, as was Luclay who received 2 country votes.

Born in Jos, Karen lists her mother as her role model. She likes people who are similar to her: funny and happy, and dislikes people who are boring, fake and dishonest. These claims, some have decided to doubt as Karen herself carries what they refer to as “fake” boobs.

Karen relaxes by “chilling with friends” and would love to visit Spain because “it is sunny, beautiful and exotic.” Background checks however confirm that Karen is actually from Delta State. She studied Theatre Arts in Southwark College, London, from where she went into modeling and acting.

Before you begin to wonder the real nature of her ‘milk industry’ asking whether they are natural or adjusted artificially, we can authoritatively confirm to you that Karen’s busty endowments are not natural.

She paid £4,000 for a breast implant and a further £250 each night for 5 nights; the surgery got her from a BB cup to a DD cup in 2007. And in case you are lost thinking what kind of cups I am talking about, the lady next to you might be of help.
Karen has a total of 10 tattoos on her body with the most obvious staring at you on the upper part of her boobs. She promised to give a greater chunk of the money she has won to the community. We wish to use this medium to bring this promise to her remembrance and now to ask how much that chunk will amount to.

Will it be fair to judge a book by its cover? Are we sure that Karen who splashed a whopping £5,500 to re-condition her breast would be willing to support charity. Time will surely be the Judge.

If you have guys sitting with you reading this piece, be sure that they are all staring at her silicon boobs. We celebrate with this new star on the block in the spirit of the real Naija.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Malaysia: 26 YEAR OLD NIGERIAN DRUG COURIER DIES IN THE AIR

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Read Time:51 Second

A 26 year old man of Nigerian origin, Chika Imaneal has died after vomiting and falling unconscious on a flight.

Chika was on a  Doha-Kuala Lumpur flight when an emergency landing was requested after he took ill. Medical personnel at the airport declared Chika dead on arrival. The airport authority informed the police about the death, who have registered a case of “accidental death”.

Commissioner of police, Vishwas Nagre-Patil, said:  Ã¢â‚¬Å“Doctors have sent the recovered capsules for forensic examination to ascertain the contents. The police suspect that Chika was trying to smuggle the capsules. “

 

 

The police sent the body for the post-mortem at Cooper Hospital where the doctors recovered the plastic capsules from the stomach.It is believed that Chika could have been dead due to poisoning.

“In most such cases, capsules burst inside the stomach and the person dies because of poisoning,” a medical expert explained

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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