Jonathan adivsed to hold talks

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan was on Monday urged to hold talks on the future of Nigeria, as the country prepared to mark the centenary of the unification of north and south.

The Movement for New Nigeria (MNN), a civil society group made up of a number of different ethnic groups, said a national dialogue was the only way of resolving contentious issues gripping the country.

Jonathan is facing a political crisis after the defection of a number of high-profile state governors from his ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the loss of his parliamentary majority.
MNN leader Timi Ogoriba told a news conference in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos that it would be a "monumental disaster" if the president walked away from the promised talks.

Nigeria is facing a range of problems from endemic corruption to the sharing of its vast oil wealth and a bloody Islamist insurgency, as well as long-standing ethnic, sectarian and religious differences.
Jonathan set up a committee in October to look at how to take representations and promised that the process of hearing grievances would begin early in the New Year.

The move comes on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the amalgamation of northern and southern Nigeria by the country's British former colonial masters.

The primarily commercial move, which led to full independence in 1960, remains contentious because of historical divisions in Africa's most populous country.
Ogoriba said a national dialogue, dismissed by critics of the president as a pointless distraction, was vital for Jonathan to "reset the compromised foundations of the fallen house of Nigeria".

He laid the blame for the country's woes on the original 1914 agreement and that of the military regime before the return to civilian rule in 1999.
Copyright AFP

Jonathan adivsed to hold talks

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan was on Monday urged to hold talks on the future of Nigeria, as the country prepared to mark the centenary of the unification of north and south.

The Movement for New Nigeria (MNN), a civil society group made up of a number of different ethnic groups, said a national dialogue was the only way of resolving contentious issues gripping the country.

Jonathan is facing a political crisis after the defection of a number of high-profile state governors from his ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the loss of his parliamentary majority.
MNN leader Timi Ogoriba told a news conference in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos that it would be a "monumental disaster" if the president walked away from the promised talks.

Nigeria is facing a range of problems from endemic corruption to the sharing of its vast oil wealth and a bloody Islamist insurgency, as well as long-standing ethnic, sectarian and religious differences.
Jonathan set up a committee in October to look at how to take representations and promised that the process of hearing grievances would begin early in the New Year.

The move comes on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the amalgamation of northern and southern Nigeria by the country's British former colonial masters.

The primarily commercial move, which led to full independence in 1960, remains contentious because of historical divisions in Africa's most populous country.
Ogoriba said a national dialogue, dismissed by critics of the president as a pointless distraction, was vital for Jonathan to "reset the compromised foundations of the fallen house of Nigeria".

He laid the blame for the country's woes on the original 1914 agreement and that of the military regime before the return to civilian rule in 1999.
Copyright AFP

New Year message: Believe in Nigerian project, Fashola tells citizens

The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola on Tuesday urged Nigerians to believe in Nigeria and the Nigerian project.

``That hope, dreams and expectations must not be lost, we must resolve this New Year to return to ourselves and give impetus to them.  ``To do this successfully, we must begin to believe in Nigeria and the Nigerian Project once more,’’ he said in a New Year message made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

``We must start by defining for ourselves the kind of future that we want. It is only when we agree on this that we can unite towards recreating the Nigeria of our collective dreams.’’Fashola expressed the optimism that the nation's challenges were surmountable.

According to the governor, most of Nigeria's problems are man-made that require conscious efforts by citizens to resolve them.``Nigerians should shun religious and ethnic intolerance which is the cause of the nation's woes. ``Looking back at all that we went through in the past year, perhaps, the time has come for us to take an introspective look at ourselves in an attempt to get to the root of our problems and challenges.
``The truth of the matter is that, whether it is the downturn in the economy or our security situation, the challenges are traceable to ourselves,” Fashola added.

BRF urged Nigerians to re-invent the unity of purpose which existed in the sixties and seventies, saying they should draw strength from the nation's diversity.

He said:``In the sixties, the citizens saw themselves as just Nigerians irrespective of tribe, tongue or religion.``We have, as a result of myopic self and group interests, created an octopus that is threatening to devour our collective heritage.``That octopus is embedded in the twin evils of ethnic and religious intolerance.’’

Fashola, however, restated the commitment of the administration to programmes and policies that would make life better for the people in the New Year. (NAN)

New Year message: Believe in Nigerian project, Fashola tells citizens

The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola on Tuesday urged Nigerians to believe in Nigeria and the Nigerian project.

``That hope, dreams and expectations must not be lost, we must resolve this New Year to return to ourselves and give impetus to them.  ``To do this successfully, we must begin to believe in Nigeria and the Nigerian Project once more,’’ he said in a New Year message made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

``We must start by defining for ourselves the kind of future that we want. It is only when we agree on this that we can unite towards recreating the Nigeria of our collective dreams.’’Fashola expressed the optimism that the nation's challenges were surmountable.

According to the governor, most of Nigeria's problems are man-made that require conscious efforts by citizens to resolve them.``Nigerians should shun religious and ethnic intolerance which is the cause of the nation's woes. ``Looking back at all that we went through in the past year, perhaps, the time has come for us to take an introspective look at ourselves in an attempt to get to the root of our problems and challenges.
``The truth of the matter is that, whether it is the downturn in the economy or our security situation, the challenges are traceable to ourselves,” Fashola added.

BRF urged Nigerians to re-invent the unity of purpose which existed in the sixties and seventies, saying they should draw strength from the nation's diversity.

He said:``In the sixties, the citizens saw themselves as just Nigerians irrespective of tribe, tongue or religion.``We have, as a result of myopic self and group interests, created an octopus that is threatening to devour our collective heritage.``That octopus is embedded in the twin evils of ethnic and religious intolerance.’’

Fashola, however, restated the commitment of the administration to programmes and policies that would make life better for the people in the New Year. (NAN)

Mass defection of PDP Members to APC in Lagos.

Over the weekend in  Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, no fewer than 1000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The defectors were led by former chairman of the PDP in the LCDA.

This act is a boost to All Progressives Congress, APC,  the Nigeria main opposition party. The defectors were led by former chairman of the PDP in the LCDA.

 Former State Commissioner of Health in the state, Mr. Leke Pitan; former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Joko Pelumi; and APC Chairman in the LCDA, Mr. Lateef Sangosanya received the defectors.

One of the defectors, Segun Ogunsanya who was the PDP flag bearer in the Council during the 2011 election, described their decision to leave the PDP as “the best thing to do following the developmental strides” embarked upon by the incumbent chairman.

 All Progressives Congress, APC. is the dominant party in Lagos State.

Mass defection of PDP Members to APC in Lagos.

Over the weekend in  Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, no fewer than 1000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The defectors were led by former chairman of the PDP in the LCDA.

This act is a boost to All Progressives Congress, APC,  the Nigeria main opposition party. The defectors were led by former chairman of the PDP in the LCDA.

 Former State Commissioner of Health in the state, Mr. Leke Pitan; former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Joko Pelumi; and APC Chairman in the LCDA, Mr. Lateef Sangosanya received the defectors.

One of the defectors, Segun Ogunsanya who was the PDP flag bearer in the Council during the 2011 election, described their decision to leave the PDP as “the best thing to do following the developmental strides” embarked upon by the incumbent chairman.

 All Progressives Congress, APC. is the dominant party in Lagos State.

Nigerian Army kill 56 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army with the support of the Nigerian Air force recorded a successful operation when they killed about 56 Boko Haram terrorists in the latest attack launched on the Boko Haram camp in Alafa general area of Baba local government, Borno state.

However, two soldiers were reportedly wounded during the attack with the Islamist group. It will be recalled that the US government has declared Boko Haram as terrorist group.

Acting Deputy Director, Army public relations, Capt. Aliyu Ibrahim Danja, said the operations which took place on Saturday, 28 December led to the destruction of the terrorist’s weapons, equipment and vehicles.

The statement said “ the troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, supportedby the Nigerian Air force launched an intense attack on Boko Haram elements in Alfa general area of Bama local government, killing 56 insurgents while 2 soldier were wounded in the operations”.

The Army stated that the attack was part of the on going operations conducted by the military to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations in Borno state.

The General officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Obidah Ethan,  advised the good people of Borno state, urging them to assist the military with useful information as to tackle the sect group.

He said security is everybody’s business and useful information will in no small measure assist the military in its operations in the quest to secure lives and property in the state

Nigerian Army kill 56 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army with the support of the Nigerian Air force recorded a successful operation when they killed about 56 Boko Haram terrorists in the latest attack launched on the Boko Haram camp in Alafa general area of Baba local government, Borno state.

However, two soldiers were reportedly wounded during the attack with the Islamist group. It will be recalled that the US government has declared Boko Haram as terrorist group.

Acting Deputy Director, Army public relations, Capt. Aliyu Ibrahim Danja, said the operations which took place on Saturday, 28 December led to the destruction of the terrorist’s weapons, equipment and vehicles.

The statement said “ the troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, supportedby the Nigerian Air force launched an intense attack on Boko Haram elements in Alfa general area of Bama local government, killing 56 insurgents while 2 soldier were wounded in the operations”.

The Army stated that the attack was part of the on going operations conducted by the military to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations in Borno state.

The General officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Obidah Ethan,  advised the good people of Borno state, urging them to assist the military with useful information as to tackle the sect group.

He said security is everybody’s business and useful information will in no small measure assist the military in its operations in the quest to secure lives and property in the state

Islamists kill eight at bachelor party in Borno State.

(Reuters) - Suspected fighters from Islamist group Boko Haram opened fire on a bachelor party in northeast Nigeria, killing eight people and wounding several others, witnesses said on Sunday.

"Three Boko Haram members came on motorcycles at about 11 yesterday night," Abdul Usman told Reuters in the main north eastern city of Maiduguri, where he fled after escaping the attack on Tashan Alade village. "They were shooting indiscriminately."

Boko Haram is fighting to impose strict Sharia or Islamic law in mostly Muslim northern Nigeria, and has become a serious threat to Africa's top oil producer, although its insurgency is far from the oil fields of the southern Niger Delta.

 President Goodluck Jonathan ordered an all out offensive military actions against the rebels in  north eastern states. Though they retreated into a hilly area around the Cameroon border, the rebels have since stepped up attacks on both soldiers and civilians.

Nigerian forces have stepped up the offensive against the rebels in the past few days after Boko Haram fighters armed with grenade launchers and anti-aircraft guns attacked an army barracks in the town of Bama.

Islamists kill eight at bachelor party in Borno State.

(Reuters) - Suspected fighters from Islamist group Boko Haram opened fire on a bachelor party in northeast Nigeria, killing eight people and wounding several others, witnesses said on Sunday.

"Three Boko Haram members came on motorcycles at about 11 yesterday night," Abdul Usman told Reuters in the main north eastern city of Maiduguri, where he fled after escaping the attack on Tashan Alade village. "They were shooting indiscriminately."

Boko Haram is fighting to impose strict Sharia or Islamic law in mostly Muslim northern Nigeria, and has become a serious threat to Africa's top oil producer, although its insurgency is far from the oil fields of the southern Niger Delta.

 President Goodluck Jonathan ordered an all out offensive military actions against the rebels in  north eastern states. Though they retreated into a hilly area around the Cameroon border, the rebels have since stepped up attacks on both soldiers and civilians.

Nigerian forces have stepped up the offensive against the rebels in the past few days after Boko Haram fighters armed with grenade launchers and anti-aircraft guns attacked an army barracks in the town of Bama.

APC claim that PDP will lose presidential elections in 2015 is wishful thinking – Presidency

The Presidency has further dismissed the statements by Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso that the PDP would lose the presidential election in 2015, saying that the effort of the opposition will remain futile.

In an interview with the Punch, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, had dismissed any of such thinking.

Speaking on its transparent operation, Gulak said that the PDP was not known for rigging, and that Jonathan would come out clean without any form of manipulation. He said that the internal crisis the APC is currently facing in some states clearly shows that it’s divided against itself and will fail in 2015. He said,  “I can assure you that the PDP will win the next general elections and form the government at the federal level.“The PDP is the only organised national party in the country. It is the party to beat.

“The APC is a bed of strange fellows. You know that they have started experiencing crisis. Go to Sokoto State, they have two offices already. That is happening in some other states too.”
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, however said it was unfortunate that Amaechi and Kwankwaso whose political careers were made in PDP have now turned against the party, denying that it ever rigged an election, contrary to the governors’ assertion.

APC claim that PDP will lose presidential elections in 2015 is wishful thinking – Presidency

The Presidency has further dismissed the statements by Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso that the PDP would lose the presidential election in 2015, saying that the effort of the opposition will remain futile.

In an interview with the Punch, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak, had dismissed any of such thinking.

Speaking on its transparent operation, Gulak said that the PDP was not known for rigging, and that Jonathan would come out clean without any form of manipulation. He said that the internal crisis the APC is currently facing in some states clearly shows that it’s divided against itself and will fail in 2015. He said,  “I can assure you that the PDP will win the next general elections and form the government at the federal level.“The PDP is the only organised national party in the country. It is the party to beat.

“The APC is a bed of strange fellows. You know that they have started experiencing crisis. Go to Sokoto State, they have two offices already. That is happening in some other states too.”
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, however said it was unfortunate that Amaechi and Kwankwaso whose political careers were made in PDP have now turned against the party, denying that it ever rigged an election, contrary to the governors’ assertion.

Prof. Wole Soyinka loses daughter.

Nigeria foremost Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka loses daughter. Soyinka Iyetade died at the age of 48.

A statement signed on behalf of the family by a former Editor of the Guardian on Sunday, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo and a close aide to Soyinka,  disclosed that Iyetade, a mother of two, died while  receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan,  the Oyo State capital.

The deceased was born on June 6, 1965, She  attended Staff School and Queens School, Ibadan before reading Medicine at the University of Ibadan.

Burial plan for the deceased is yet to be announced.

Prof. Wole Soyinka loses daughter.

Nigeria foremost Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka loses daughter. Soyinka Iyetade died at the age of 48.

A statement signed on behalf of the family by a former Editor of the Guardian on Sunday, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo and a close aide to Soyinka,  disclosed that Iyetade, a mother of two, died while  receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan,  the Oyo State capital.

The deceased was born on June 6, 1965, She  attended Staff School and Queens School, Ibadan before reading Medicine at the University of Ibadan.

Burial plan for the deceased is yet to be announced.

APC wins Yobe LG polls

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria's  second largest political party has won all 17 chairmanship seats contested for in the Yobe local government elections.

The  Chairman of the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YBSIEC),  Alhaji Mohammed Jauro, said APC secured 999,700 of the 1.2 million votes cast during Saturday’s elections. He also stated that the APC won all the councillorship seats contested for.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 political parties participated in the elections, with the main opposition party in the state, the PDP, boycotting the polls. It also reported that there had been fears due to  poor security situation in the state, following insurgents’ activities.

A total of  Ten political parties contested for the just concluded LG election.

The Yobe State Government has fixed Monday, December 30,  2013 for the swearing in ceremony of the elected chairmen.

APC wins Yobe LG polls

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria's  second largest political party has won all 17 chairmanship seats contested for in the Yobe local government elections.

The  Chairman of the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YBSIEC),  Alhaji Mohammed Jauro, said APC secured 999,700 of the 1.2 million votes cast during Saturday’s elections. He also stated that the APC won all the councillorship seats contested for.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 political parties participated in the elections, with the main opposition party in the state, the PDP, boycotting the polls. It also reported that there had been fears due to  poor security situation in the state, following insurgents’ activities.

A total of  Ten political parties contested for the just concluded LG election.

The Yobe State Government has fixed Monday, December 30,  2013 for the swearing in ceremony of the elected chairmen.

Another Air Mishap averted as Aero plane lost tyre on Landing.

An Aero Contractors aircraft,  Boeing 737-500 aircraft marked 5N-BLC, lost pressure in one of its tyres which led to an abrupt halt of the plane at a suitable position by the pilot while landing at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
The Plane  was conveying 104 passengers from Abuja to Lagos. Notable personality on board the plane  is Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nasir El-rufai, who narrated the ordeal on his twitter handle.

He said that there was shout of Jesus and Allah Akbar while the Pilot dutiful captain was trying to land the plane safely.

Of recent, there has been many Air Mishaps involving loss of life and property in Nigeria

Another Air Mishap averted as Aero plane lost tyre on Landing.

An Aero Contractors aircraft,  Boeing 737-500 aircraft marked 5N-BLC, lost pressure in one of its tyres which led to an abrupt halt of the plane at a suitable position by the pilot while landing at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
The Plane  was conveying 104 passengers from Abuja to Lagos. Notable personality on board the plane  is Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nasir El-rufai, who narrated the ordeal on his twitter handle.

He said that there was shout of Jesus and Allah Akbar while the Pilot dutiful captain was trying to land the plane safely.

Of recent, there has been many Air Mishaps involving loss of life and property in Nigeria

5 ways to stay ahead in 2014

2014 Image | Google Image

 As new year approaches, it comes with his challenges and opportunities. Our attitudes and decisions can either make or mar the new year. Here are the 5 steps to stay ahead in the new year.

1. Be grateful

If we learn to show gratitude towards what make us or made us happy, life would be much more easier to live and the 2014 would be an outstanding year. Feeling grateful makes people feel good.
Gratitude is what gets poured into the glass to make it half full. Studies show that gratitude not only can be deliberately cultivated but can increase levels of well-being and happiness among those who  do cultivate it.  In addition, grateful thinking—and especially expression of it to others—is associated with increased levels of energy, optimism, and empathy.

2. Get rid  of  Negativity and Surround yourself with good  People

Choose to associate closely with people who Value You and want to see you succeed. They are there for you because they believe in your character and support who you are. Many worries in our lives come from self-doubt. But the doubt is often triggered from others. It’s human nature to seek acceptance. When the people you associate with do not provide support, it can make us doubt ourselves. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people. Be kind to all, but choose to associate closely with Caring, Supportive people.

3. Keep Learning and Focus on how you can Grow Stronger

No matter what is taking place in our lives, there is always something to learn and always a reason to smile. We can continuously improve who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Personal Growth is Continuous. The more we experience, the more we grow. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to face a challenge. Be Confident in Who You Are. Every challenge can be viewed as an opportunity to become even Stronger.

4.  Take Action and Make a Plan and Change Your Situation

Many of us get so caught up in a problem or challenge, that we don’t focus our energy upon solutions. Worrying can be one of the most toxic roadblocks in our lives. It’s very easy to allow your mind to worry. But aim to train your mind to focus on conquering your problems, instead of letting worry consume you. The number one tool is putting your thoughts on paper. Write down your challenge and possible solutions. Write down everything that comes to mind: What is bothering you, Why it’s bothering you, etc. Brainstorm a list of ideas that can help you overcome this challenge.

5. Take a risk

The Odds are better than you think. Life itself is a risk. Without risk, one cannot make progress in life. 

People in their forties and beyond,  usually regret not taking more risk.Many tell  that if they could do their career over again, they’d have taken more risks, settled less and spoken up more often. In short, they wished they’d been more courageous in the risks they’d taken. The bigger the rist

, the more the result. But while doing this one must take calculated risk and not just any wild adventures.

5 ways to stay ahead in 2014

2014 Image | Google Image

 As new year approaches, it comes with his challenges and opportunities. Our attitudes and decisions can either make or mar the new year. Here are the 5 steps to stay ahead in the new year.

1. Be grateful

If we learn to show gratitude towards what make us or made us happy, life would be much more easier to live and the 2014 would be an outstanding year. Feeling grateful makes people feel good.
Gratitude is what gets poured into the glass to make it half full. Studies show that gratitude not only can be deliberately cultivated but can increase levels of well-being and happiness among those who  do cultivate it.  In addition, grateful thinking—and especially expression of it to others—is associated with increased levels of energy, optimism, and empathy.

2. Get rid  of  Negativity and Surround yourself with good  People

Choose to associate closely with people who Value You and want to see you succeed. They are there for you because they believe in your character and support who you are. Many worries in our lives come from self-doubt. But the doubt is often triggered from others. It’s human nature to seek acceptance. When the people you associate with do not provide support, it can make us doubt ourselves. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people. Be kind to all, but choose to associate closely with Caring, Supportive people.

3. Keep Learning and Focus on how you can Grow Stronger

No matter what is taking place in our lives, there is always something to learn and always a reason to smile. We can continuously improve who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Personal Growth is Continuous. The more we experience, the more we grow. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to face a challenge. Be Confident in Who You Are. Every challenge can be viewed as an opportunity to become even Stronger.

4.  Take Action and Make a Plan and Change Your Situation

Many of us get so caught up in a problem or challenge, that we don’t focus our energy upon solutions. Worrying can be one of the most toxic roadblocks in our lives. It’s very easy to allow your mind to worry. But aim to train your mind to focus on conquering your problems, instead of letting worry consume you. The number one tool is putting your thoughts on paper. Write down your challenge and possible solutions. Write down everything that comes to mind: What is bothering you, Why it’s bothering you, etc. Brainstorm a list of ideas that can help you overcome this challenge.

5. Take a risk

The Odds are better than you think. Life itself is a risk. Without risk, one cannot make progress in life. 

People in their forties and beyond,  usually regret not taking more risk.Many tell  that if they could do their career over again, they’d have taken more risks, settled less and spoken up more often. In short, they wished they’d been more courageous in the risks they’d taken. The bigger the rist

, the more the result. But while doing this one must take calculated risk and not just any wild adventures.

Presidency, APC at war over Obasanjo-Jonathan letters

The All Progressives Congress  and the Presidency returned to a  familiar turf  on Thursday  as they engaged each other in a war of words over the exchange of letters between President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

While the APC accused Jonathan of   desecrating  his  Presidency by responding in an indecent manner to Obasanjo’s letter, the Presidency said it was the opposition party that was doing a damage to the Presidency.

The APC , in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,  said the    President   crossed the threshold of decency and brought the Presidency – and indeed the country -into disrepute by not exercising caution in its response to the letter  written to Jonathan by Obasanjo.

It added that Jonathan  had further diminished  the  Presidency with the way he replied   Obasanjo’s letter.

It  argued that in other climes, the President would have simply issued a terse response to such a letter denying the allegations that border on national security, if any; as well as saying the former President’s observations had been noted.

According to the APC , Jonathan should have  said  the government would study the issues raised by Obasanjo  and then engage  him  in private.

A part of the  statement   reads, ‘’Instead, the President’s response read like the stuff of gossip magazines, and the exchange of words felt like what one would have expected in a beer parlour.

“At the end of the day, the Presidency allowed Obasanjo to take the higher moral ground by simply insisting on the allegations he made in his letter and saying he would not respond to the Presidency’s reply.”

 The APC said   the President, who accused Obasanjo of doing him a great injustice, had equally  done a great injustice to the Presidency, which it described as an institution in which he (Jonathan) is only a tenant.

It added that in the end,  “President of Africa’s most populous nation, the leader of the foremost black nation on earth and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria simply desecrated his own Presidency and allowed those who can only be likened to gravy train passengers, rascals and knaves to seize the initiative from him.”

 The APC said this was what would  happen when a President was surrounded by those it described as self-serving, bootlicking and dishonest people, at the expense of seasoned technocrats and veteran policymakers.

 The party said the President was not unaware of this because he struggled in his letter to maintain some minimum level of decorum, and then quickly lost control and engaged in a bare-knuckle fight.

 The opposition party said  the President himself knew that he ought not to have engaged in such exchange when he wrote early on in his letter: ‘It is with the greatest possible reluctance that I now write this reply. I am most uneasy about embarking on this unprecedented and unconventional form of open communication between me and a former leader of our country because I know that there are more acceptable and dignified means of doing so.’

 However, the APC said the President quickly jettisoned such reluctance and, in an “unfortunate debasement of the tone and quality of statecraft, went full blast, calling the former President a liar, a conflict instigator and an unreliable ally, among other inferred derogatory labels that may have now shut the window of  reconciliation between him and his political godfather, in addition to portraying Nigerian leaders as delinquents.”

It added, ‘’To worsen matters, President Jonathan could not restrain himself from using even the revered and ecclesial platform provided by his appearance at a Church service on Christmas Day to further lambast his critics and spew out hot words.”

 This method,  according to the APC, is   not what is   expected of a President, a leader and anyone who wants to be a nation builder.

But the  Presidency  did not take the APC statement lightly as it  said   it was  the opposition party and its cohorts that  were desecrating the Presidency.

 It  said   Jonathan did no wrong by responding to  the  letter  by  Obasanjo.

 The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak,  said because the former President raised germane issues in his 18-page letter, Nigerians   were waiting for the President to respond.

 He said a letter that emanated from Obasanjo could not be described as an ordinary one because he had written to  ex-Presidents in the past.

 He said, “A letter from Obasanjo is not an ordinary letter and the former President is not an ordinary person. You know he has been writing former Presidents before now.

 “He raised issues that were germane and Nigerians were expecting the President’s  response. The President has therefore responded.

 “There is nothing like desecration of the Presidency in this matter. It is the APC and its cohorts who do not see any difference between politics and national issues that are desecrating the Presidency. Nigerians are wiser.”

When contacted, the  leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party   said the APC should not use the Christmas period to engage in politics.

The  PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, who spoke with our correspondent on the opposition party’s  claim that Jonathan  had  desecrated   his Presidency, also   urged politicians not to politicise every issue.

Metuh said, “Our reaction is that this is a solemn period for the country and the  Nigerian Christians. We must know that this is a period we must be solemn with the homeless, the orphans and the less privileged in the society.

“We are not therefore ready to engage in fight with anyone at this period. We must learn to respect each other.”

Meanwhile, Obasanjo has been urged by South-South leaders and stakeholders to stop harassing, intimidating, stampeding  and blackmailing  Jonathan.

Rising from their  meeting in Abuja on Thursday, they  reminded Obasanjo  that they  were not the ones that aborted his third term bid.

Their spokesperson, Chief Bello Premier,  condemned the   Obasanjo letter as doom and false alarm.

Premier said, “Obasanjo is only shouting wolf  when there is none in  sight. The letter is full of premeditated ideas geared towards undermining the integrity of the South-South people and intended to keep them perpetually as minority in the political scheme of Nigeria as  a nation.”

   “There is no way where one man (Obasanjo) would want the entire country Nigeria to breath through his nose.”

He accused  Obasanjo of trying to foist Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido and his Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, on Nigerians   as Presidential  and Vice- Presidential candidates of the PDP.

Presidency, APC at war over Obasanjo-Jonathan letters

The All Progressives Congress  and the Presidency returned to a  familiar turf  on Thursday  as they engaged each other in a war of words over the exchange of letters between President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

While the APC accused Jonathan of   desecrating  his  Presidency by responding in an indecent manner to Obasanjo’s letter, the Presidency said it was the opposition party that was doing a damage to the Presidency.

The APC , in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,  said the    President   crossed the threshold of decency and brought the Presidency – and indeed the country -into disrepute by not exercising caution in its response to the letter  written to Jonathan by Obasanjo.

It added that Jonathan  had further diminished  the  Presidency with the way he replied   Obasanjo’s letter.

It  argued that in other climes, the President would have simply issued a terse response to such a letter denying the allegations that border on national security, if any; as well as saying the former President’s observations had been noted.

According to the APC , Jonathan should have  said  the government would study the issues raised by Obasanjo  and then engage  him  in private.

A part of the  statement   reads, ‘’Instead, the President’s response read like the stuff of gossip magazines, and the exchange of words felt like what one would have expected in a beer parlour.

“At the end of the day, the Presidency allowed Obasanjo to take the higher moral ground by simply insisting on the allegations he made in his letter and saying he would not respond to the Presidency’s reply.”

 The APC said   the President, who accused Obasanjo of doing him a great injustice, had equally  done a great injustice to the Presidency, which it described as an institution in which he (Jonathan) is only a tenant.

It added that in the end,  “President of Africa’s most populous nation, the leader of the foremost black nation on earth and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria simply desecrated his own Presidency and allowed those who can only be likened to gravy train passengers, rascals and knaves to seize the initiative from him.”

 The APC said this was what would  happen when a President was surrounded by those it described as self-serving, bootlicking and dishonest people, at the expense of seasoned technocrats and veteran policymakers.

 The party said the President was not unaware of this because he struggled in his letter to maintain some minimum level of decorum, and then quickly lost control and engaged in a bare-knuckle fight.

 The opposition party said  the President himself knew that he ought not to have engaged in such exchange when he wrote early on in his letter: ‘It is with the greatest possible reluctance that I now write this reply. I am most uneasy about embarking on this unprecedented and unconventional form of open communication between me and a former leader of our country because I know that there are more acceptable and dignified means of doing so.’

 However, the APC said the President quickly jettisoned such reluctance and, in an “unfortunate debasement of the tone and quality of statecraft, went full blast, calling the former President a liar, a conflict instigator and an unreliable ally, among other inferred derogatory labels that may have now shut the window of  reconciliation between him and his political godfather, in addition to portraying Nigerian leaders as delinquents.”

It added, ‘’To worsen matters, President Jonathan could not restrain himself from using even the revered and ecclesial platform provided by his appearance at a Church service on Christmas Day to further lambast his critics and spew out hot words.”

 This method,  according to the APC, is   not what is   expected of a President, a leader and anyone who wants to be a nation builder.

But the  Presidency  did not take the APC statement lightly as it  said   it was  the opposition party and its cohorts that  were desecrating the Presidency.

 It  said   Jonathan did no wrong by responding to  the  letter  by  Obasanjo.

 The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak,  said because the former President raised germane issues in his 18-page letter, Nigerians   were waiting for the President to respond.

 He said a letter that emanated from Obasanjo could not be described as an ordinary one because he had written to  ex-Presidents in the past.

 He said, “A letter from Obasanjo is not an ordinary letter and the former President is not an ordinary person. You know he has been writing former Presidents before now.

 “He raised issues that were germane and Nigerians were expecting the President’s  response. The President has therefore responded.

 “There is nothing like desecration of the Presidency in this matter. It is the APC and its cohorts who do not see any difference between politics and national issues that are desecrating the Presidency. Nigerians are wiser.”

When contacted, the  leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party   said the APC should not use the Christmas period to engage in politics.

The  PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, who spoke with our correspondent on the opposition party’s  claim that Jonathan  had  desecrated   his Presidency, also   urged politicians not to politicise every issue.

Metuh said, “Our reaction is that this is a solemn period for the country and the  Nigerian Christians. We must know that this is a period we must be solemn with the homeless, the orphans and the less privileged in the society.

“We are not therefore ready to engage in fight with anyone at this period. We must learn to respect each other.”

Meanwhile, Obasanjo has been urged by South-South leaders and stakeholders to stop harassing, intimidating, stampeding  and blackmailing  Jonathan.

Rising from their  meeting in Abuja on Thursday, they  reminded Obasanjo  that they  were not the ones that aborted his third term bid.

Their spokesperson, Chief Bello Premier,  condemned the   Obasanjo letter as doom and false alarm.

Premier said, “Obasanjo is only shouting wolf  when there is none in  sight. The letter is full of premeditated ideas geared towards undermining the integrity of the South-South people and intended to keep them perpetually as minority in the political scheme of Nigeria as  a nation.”

   “There is no way where one man (Obasanjo) would want the entire country Nigeria to breath through his nose.”

He accused  Obasanjo of trying to foist Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido and his Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, on Nigerians   as Presidential  and Vice- Presidential candidates of the PDP.

20 of Nelson Mandela Best Quotes and Words

Nelson Mandela, popularly called Madiba by South Africans, former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner died at the ripe age of  95.  His struggle to overturn apartheid was an inspiration to many around the world having spent over twenty-seven years in prison to liberate the black community in
South African.

 Here are his 20 inspring words and quotes:

1. “If I had my time over I would do the same again, so would any man who dares call himself a man.” (After being convicted to five years hard labor,
November 1962)

2. "I was made, by the law, a criminal, not because of what I had done, but because of what I stood for, because of what I thought, because of my conscience.” (Statement during trial, 1962)

3. “Social equality is the only basis of human happiness.”  (A letter written on August 1, 1970)

4. "Great anger and violence can never build a nation. We are striving to proceed in a manner and towards a result, which will ensure that all our people, both black and white, emerge as victors.” (Speech to European Parliament, 1990)

5. “Without democracy there cannot be peace.” (South Africa, May 9, 1992)

6. “We are fighting for a society where people will cease thinking in terms of colour.” (March 8, 1993)

7. "Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice.”  (December 16, 1995)

8. "I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended." (From Long Walk to
Freedom, 1995)

9. "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." (From Long Walk to
Freedom, 1995)

10."If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner." (From Long Walk to Freedom, 1995)

11. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that
fear."

12. "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

13. "Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies."

14 "Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front."

15. "Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

16. "I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the  end of my days."

17. "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."

18. "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."

19. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

20. "Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."

20 of Nelson Mandela Best Quotes and Words

Nelson Mandela, popularly called Madiba by South Africans, former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner died at the ripe age of  95.  His struggle to overturn apartheid was an inspiration to many around the world having spent over twenty-seven years in prison to liberate the black community in
South African.

 Here are his 20 inspring words and quotes:

1. “If I had my time over I would do the same again, so would any man who dares call himself a man.” (After being convicted to five years hard labor,
November 1962)

2. "I was made, by the law, a criminal, not because of what I had done, but because of what I stood for, because of what I thought, because of my conscience.” (Statement during trial, 1962)

3. “Social equality is the only basis of human happiness.”  (A letter written on August 1, 1970)

4. "Great anger and violence can never build a nation. We are striving to proceed in a manner and towards a result, which will ensure that all our people, both black and white, emerge as victors.” (Speech to European Parliament, 1990)

5. “Without democracy there cannot be peace.” (South Africa, May 9, 1992)

6. “We are fighting for a society where people will cease thinking in terms of colour.” (March 8, 1993)

7. "Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice.”  (December 16, 1995)

8. "I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended." (From Long Walk to
Freedom, 1995)

9. "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." (From Long Walk to
Freedom, 1995)

10."If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner." (From Long Walk to Freedom, 1995)

11. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that
fear."

12. "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

13. "Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies."

14 "Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front."

15. "Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

16. "I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the  end of my days."

17. "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."

18. "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."

19. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

20. "Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."

10 Outstanding Qualities That Make A Great Leader

Having a great idea, and assembling a team to bring that concept to life is the first step in creating a successful business venture. While finding a new and unique idea is rare enough; the ability to successfully execute this idea is what separates the dreamers from the entrepreneurs. However you see yourself, whatever your age may be, as soon as you make that exciting first hire, you have taken the first steps in becoming a powerful leader. When money is tight, stress levels are high, and the visions of instant success don’t happen like you thought, it’s easy to let those emotions get to you, and thereby your team. Take a breath, calm yourself down, and remind yourself of the leader you are and would like to become. Here are some key qualities that every good leader should possess, and learn to emphasize.

Honesty
Whatever ethical plane you hold yourself to, when you are responsible for a team of people, its important to raise the bar even higher. Your business and its employees are a reflection of yourself, and if you make honest and ethical behavior a key value, your team will follow suit. Promote a healthy interoffice lifestyle, and encourage your team to live up to these standards. By emphasizing these standards, and displaying them yourself, you will hopefully influence the office environment into a friendly and helpful workspace.

Ability to Delegate
Finessing your brand vision is essential to creating an organized and efficient business, but if you don’t learn to trust your team with that vision, you might never progress to the next stage. Its important to remember that trusting your team with your idea is a sign of strength, not weakness. Delegating tasks to the appropriate departments is one of the most important skills you can develop as your business grows. The emails and tasks will begin to pile up, and the more you stretch yourself thin, the lower the quality of your work will become, and the less you will produce.The key to delegation is identifying the strengths of your team, and capitalizing on them. Find out what each team member enjoys doing most. Chances are if they find that task more enjoyable, they will likely put more thought and effort behind it. This will not only prove to your team that you trust and believe in them, but will also free up your time to focus on the higher level tasks, that should not be delegated. It’s a fine balance, but one that will have a huge impact on the productivity of your business.

Communication
Knowing what you want accomplished may seem clear in your head, but if you try to explain it to someone else and are met with a blank expression, you know there is a problem. If this has been your experience, then you may want to focus on honing your communication skills. Being able to clearly and succinctly describe what you want done is extremely important. If you can’t relate your vision to your team, you won’t all be working towards the same goal. Training new members and creating a productive work environment all depend on healthy lines of communication. Whether that stems from an open door policy to your office, or making it a point to talk to your staff on a daily basis, making yourself available to discuss interoffice issues is vital. Your team will learn to trust and depend on you, and will be less hesitant to work harder.

Sense of Humor
If your website crashes, you lose that major client, or your funding dries up, guiding your team through the process without panicking is as challenging as it is important. Morale is linked to productivity, and it’s your job as the team leader to instill a positive energy. That’s where your sense of humor will finally pay off. Encourage your team to laugh at the mistakes instead of crying. If you are constantly learning to find the humor in the struggles, your work environment will become a happy and healthy space, where your employees look forward to working in, rather than dreading it. Make it a point to crack jokes with your team and encourage personal discussions of weekend plans and trips. It’s these short breaks from the task at hand that help keep productivity levels high and morale even higher.

Confidence
There may be days where the future of your brand is worrisome and things aren’t going according to plan. This is true with any business, large or small, and the most important thing is not to panic. Part of your job as a leader is to put out fires and maintain the team morale. Keep up your confidence level, and assure everyone that setbacks are natural and the important thing is to focus on the larger goal. As the leader, by staying calm and confident, you will help keep the team feeling the same. Remember, your team will take cues from you, so if you exude a level of calm damage control, your team will pick up on that feeling. The key objective is to keep everyone working and moving ahead.

Commitment
If you expect your team to work hard and produce quality content, you’re going to need to lead by example. There is no greater motivation than seeing the boss down in the trenches working alongside everyone else, showing that hard work is being done on every level. By proving your commitment to the brand and your role, you will not only earn the respect of your team, but will also instill that same hardworking energy among your staff. It’s important to show your commitment not only to the work at hand, but also to your promises. If you pledged to host a holiday party, or uphold summer Fridays, keep your word. You want to create a reputation for not just working hard, but also be known as a fair leader. Once you have gained the respect of your team, they are more likely to deliver the peak amount of quality work possible.

Positive Attitude
You want to keep your team motivated towards the continued success of the company, and keep the energy levels up. Whether that means providing snacks, coffee, relationship advice, or even just an occasional beer in the office, remember that everyone on your team is a person. Keep the office mood a fine balance between productivity and playfulness. If your team is feeling happy and upbeat, chances are they won’t mind staying that extra hour to finish a report, or devoting their best work to the brand.

Creativity
Some decisions will not always be so clear-cut. You may be forced at times to deviate from your set course and make an on the fly decision. This is where your creativity will prove to be vital. It is during these critical situations that your team will look to you for guidance and you may be forced to make a quick decision. As a leader, its important to learn to think outside the box and to choose which of two bad choices is the best option. Don’t immediately choose the first or easiest possibility; sometimes its best to give these issues some thought, and even turn to your team for guidance. By utilizing all possible options before making a rash decision, you can typically reach the end conclusion you were aiming for.

Intuition
When leading a team through uncharted waters, there is no roadmap on what to do. Everything is uncertain, and the higher the risk, the higher the pressure. That is where your natural intuition has to kick in. Guiding your team through the process of your day-to-day tasks can be honed down to a science. But when something unexpected occurs, or you are thrown into a new scenario, your team will look to you for guidance. Drawing on past experience is a good reflex, as is reaching out to your mentors for support. Eventually though, the tough decisions will be up to you to decide and you will need to depend on your gut instinct for answers. Learning to trust yourself is as important as your team learning to trust you.

Ability to Inspire
Creating a business often involves a bit of forecasting. Especially in the beginning stages of a startup, inspiring your team to see the vision of the successes to come is vital. Make your team feel invested in the accomplishments of the company. Whether everyone owns a piece of equity, or you operate on a bonus system, generating enthusiasm for the hard work you are all putting in is so important. Being able to inspire your team is great for focusing on the future goals, but it is also important for the current issues. When you are all mired deep in work, morale is low, and energy levels are fading, recognize that everyone needs a break now and then. Acknowledge the work that everyone has dedicated and commend the team on each of their efforts. It is your job to keep spirits up, and that begins with an appreciation for the hard work.

culled from www.forbes.com