Gists in Nigeria

So, Karen Igho finally won it. Again, a Nigerian has been recognised in this Big Brother Africa.
I've always seen this BBA as a waste of time, and the people involved, jobless. That might not be the truth, neither would it be the an opinion held by everyone. Therefore, watching it has been like chewing bitter kola for me. What they do might look interesting, but nonetheless worthless. However, when I managed to see it a few times, I made a conclusion on Karen. She is an ugly, lying, arrogant gossip. I don't know if she isn't, but it wouldn't change what I feel. But I also saw her as a daring, determined and confident lady, who never failed to recognise her ability. And these could win you prizes, like it has done now.
I therefore say a big congratulations to Karen. Nigeria's proud of you.

When APGA withdrew their petition against Governar T.A Orji at the tribunal, I wasn't impressed. I suspected a few 'papers' had changed hands. Afterall, Nigerian politics could safely be called 'money politics'. But then the gubernatorial flag bearer and closest challenger Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba went on with his petition. He even boasted how he would be declared governor of Abia state 'in a few months'.
Unfortunately, like it happened in Akwa-Ibom, he lost out. Governor Orji, in his usual 'Holier Holier Holier' style, said the judgement meant his hands were clean. Well, only God would conclude that.
With this, I have mixed feelings. While I am not Governor Orji's biggest fan, I also know he would now have to work, and let excuses of court distractions be. Even now, Abians still don't trust him. And if he jumps through PPA and probably LP hurdles, he would leave in 2015. If by then, he does nothing reasonable again, then posterity would judge him. In fact, he would forever be connected with innefficiency. Yet something in me believes he could do well this time...if not because my 'warped perception which shouldn't be reality'(apologies to OBJ) would spur him on, then because he genuinely wants to do it. Either way, Abians want to benefit...for once.

Could it be true? Maybe. Maybe not. If actress Nkiru Sylvanus is dating governor Rochas Okorocha, it surely wouldn't be new. After all, Ini Edo has been linked with Dimeji Bankole and Mercy Johnson with governor Adams Oshiomole. What would be unfair is when the news has no substance.
So far, the only proofs are Nkiru's appointment as Face of Hope for Rochas foundation, after beating off challenges from the likes of Bob-Manuel Udokwu, and her recent appointment as Special assistant to governor Rochas, despite being from Abia state; proofs without substance.
First, she is big and popular enough to beat other celebrities to a particular appointment. Then again, she mustn't date Rochas to be given a political post. A lot of movie practitioners have been involved in politics lately. Or, if we apply such logic, then Hilda Dokubo must have dated Peter Odili and those female nollywood glo ambassadors should be dating Mike Adenuga.
You could say I talk because I like Rochas, or because Nkiru and I are from same state. Maybe. But there are still no proofs. And if there were, they hold no water. And even if they were actually dating, what next?

For the first time, it seems, Manchester City have got a player because he genuinely deserves to be gotten, not because they desire to flex their financial muscle.
History has proved quantity without quality leads you nowhere far. Chelsea can attest to that.
Sergio Aguero, the Che Guevara of football (he is, he isn't) is arguably the best Manchester City signing so far, since those Dubai people bought them (okay, there's a whining Carlos Tevez). With all the qualities he possesses and with Tevez' insistence on leaving, Aguero would firmly ensure nobody would be missed. Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko and even Emmanuel Adebayor don't look like people to rely on, when Manchester United is to be toppled. But with Aguero's arrival, United would surely take their ''noisy neighbours'' serious. Aguero would bring them success on the pitch, and off it. Afterall, he is Maradona's son-in-law.

Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (or is it Lamido Sanusi Lamido), a very intelligent man, has got a lot of criticisms on his Islamic Banking proposition. But the worst of them all was being called a liar.
While explaining the need for the now much talked about Islamic banking to the House of Representatives, he reportedly revealed that Anambra was the first state to ask for loan from this Islamic development bank. However, a member representing Anambra, the pretty Uche Ekwunife, in a letter, denied this, and demanded an apology from Sanusi.
My question is, why would Oga Sanusi lie, and why would Anambra of all states, be his target? Why not Kano, or Borno, Bauchi or Zamfara? I get it. He's trying to say, "yes, even the christians who don't want it have already benefitted from it". Fantastic one, I must add.
From his explanation to the House, maybe the non-interest banking isn't a bad idea. But why use the 'Islamic' knowing some people wouldn't accept it? This is a nation divided violently by religion. So why tow that path?
Fair enough, the house has clarified itself. It never accepted Sanusi's presentation. It is still open for review.
Whether or not it would be accepted is not an issue. Maybe the name it bears is the problem. If they had used another tag that affects neither group negatively or positively, probably it wouldn't have generated much dust.
Call Obama Odinga, and it may not be news (even Jonathan, Ebele), but call Obama Osama and the whole world would shout!

Well, it is no more news that pretty Rivers State-born actress broke up with her husband Segun Dejo-Richards, in a union that produced an equally pretty girl. That was way back. It is also not news she's single and probably searching again. Again, even people living in the remotest part of Sokoto (with all due respect) know that Dejo-Richards has moved on, and is even married again. This never happened until he made sure Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji never saw eye-to-eye with Monalisa. That is in the past, anyway.
With the recent unfortunate and highly unwanted alleged murder of Titilayo Oyakhire by her husband Kolade Arowolo, however, the issue of domestic violence has come up again, and Monalisa has got the chance to delve on a topic she seems to love most (since her break-up, she has talked about it million times).
She would have been killed like Titi had she remained in her marriage. Her husband beat her non-stop for five years, even while on set I add, that she became a ''wounded lion". She is happy now, since nobody would beat her again. She is happy she has her kid Tamarlily (abi na Tarima or Tamariya ) to take care of.
Excellent for her, but why do I think she wants to blame only her husband for their divorce? Surely, she must have told Dejo one thing or the other sometimes, to warrant the slaps she usually got. That is never to say she can't be such a 'cute saint', but I just don't buy that.
Well, that is never my problem. Where I seem to have problem is that Mona hasn't realised the reading public are tired of her 'pathetic' story. In fact, she seems to create an image of all men being wife-beaters. Using the Arowolo incident to push her claim is unfortunate.
Make no mistakes, Mona is one actress I cherish, but she's beginning to bore me...us!

You might like this. Just read...

I am struck — if not particularly surprised — by the skewed use of language surrounding the attacks recently  in Norway. The Western press is largely avoiding the term “terrorist” when speaking of the blond, blue-eyed, Christian attacker, Anders Behring Breivik, who is now in custody after being picked up by the police. The term “terrorist attack” is also absent from the headlines of our country’s major media outlets. (See the lead articles on CNN, Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal.) Does anyone have a shred of doubt that these attacks — politically-motivated acts of violence against unarmed civilians — would be trumpeted as an “act of terrorism,” and its perpetrator as a “terrorist,” if Breivik was a Muslim?
As Glenn Greenwald writes, the reason for this glaring inconsistency is apparent: in the American press and in mainstream political discourse, “terrorism” simply means “violence committed by Muslims whom the West dislikes, no matter the cause or the target.” That someone who “looks like us” and who “believes in our god” (sarcasm) could commit an act of terrorism is, of course, to misuse the term. Christians do not engage in terrorism. It is a term reserved exclusively for Muslims, or at least that is the conclusion that one is forced to draw if one pays even a whit of attention to what our political and media elites are saying these days. Christians who engage in these types of acts are generally labeled “extremists,” not terrorists. And, indeed, that is the term that is now being deployed.
The way that our media and our political elites selectively use the label of “terrorist” — to galvanize fear of Muslim radicalism and build reliable support for our endless war on terrorism — is deplorable. The term has become so politicized and manipulated these days that it is now virtually meaningless in its present usage. Is it fair, for instance, to label (as is often done) Muslim militants launching attacks on an occupying military force as “terrorists?” Conversely, does it make sense to eschew the term “terrorist” when a blue-eyed, white-skinned, non-Muslim attacker with clear political grievances uses wanton violence to gun down nearly a hundred civilians, many of them children? I’m not sure that question really needs to be answered.

by Jeb Koogler
 

The Nation Newspaper reported tha about eight people were killed in a recent bomb explosion in Maiduguri yesterday. I ask, how do we stop these people? What do we say to pacify them? What else do the security operatives need to do, as it now looks obvious this matter is beyond them. Do we just stay and pity governor Kassim Shettima and people of Borno State?
After the Norway attack last week, the mayor of Oslo said, “I don’t think security can solve problems. We need to teach greater respect.”
He cannot be farther from the truth, and nothing emphasizes the solution in the north, in my opinion, than the mayor's idea. We need to teach greater respect. It is time these people started learning how to respect people's lives...enough said.

Speculation is rife that music icon, 9ice, is on his way to reconciling with estranged wife, Toni Payne. This, if true, is surely going to be the best news to come his angle.
In an industry of high rate divorce and marital disaster, reconciliation is a virgin concept. It was even said Toni spent nights with 9ice and even 9ice's parents were there.
But, I thought they said one of his songs suggested 9ice accused Ruggedman, whom they said introduced him to Toni, of sleeping with her. Well, whichever way things pan out, we would wait and see. But as a fan of this music icon, I can't wait to see him back with his wife. At least I can say, 'for every Frank Edoho, there is a 9ice.

What haven't the recent wanton bomb blasts done in this country? Nothing. Now, everything is going bad. People are running from the north, the press now have many things to write about, the country's image is in tatters, economic activities (in the north, at least) are in a near-standstill, politicians have seen a new means of scoring cheap points, nobody goes to a drinking joint anymore (for those who enjoy drinking), people even worship in churches (or mosques) with a foot outside.
If these are considered trivial, then suggestions that the recent visit of British Prime Minister, David Cameron, to Lagos, and not Abuja, was for fear of insecurity in the capital, cannot be considered bleak.
President Jonathan's aide, Reuben Abati, denied it as expected. But I feel that's the reason.
That the nation's capital could be ignored in favour of Lagos, and the president flew all the way to meet him, because it was an already scheduled ''working visit'', cannot be denied as mere business visit.
In positive terms, that is a fantastic diplomatic move by Nigeria, because we can't defend a bomb attack on someone like Cameron.
This shows how bad things have gone. Nigeria is in a rotten state, and we need to have a change of heart, to clean it up.

If what his tweets say are to be believed, then the funny 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' presenter isn't finding it funny, ironically. He was said to have tweeted, amongst other tweets, ''Hey ppl! just want u to know that I wld never do anything to hurt my family. But sadly, I am separated from wife & it’s irreconcilable!''
In fact, he was said to have suggested his beloved Katherine wasn't actually his type, or so it seems
''When I talk about what really went down, jaws will drop and then u’ll learn that if u want to get hitched, make sure it’s your soul mate!pls!''
In a world where the Social media, now known as the new media, especially twitter, has become an avenue where popular people say what they feel without even going on a press conference, or granting an interview, or releasing a press statement, Edoho knows so well what he was doing.
What a pity. Another fine couple with supposedly fine relationship have seen it hit the rocks.That is not to say their problem started today, but with this recent tweet, it seems...well, irreconiliable. What a pity!

Okay, call me partial. I would accept it this time, but never after this. Whenever Bayern Munich and a certain club in Manchester are involved, then say I'm not objective.
A footballer has just said it, "there is only one club in Manchester".
With Manchester City's purchase by those from Dubai, they now boast of everything, and with qualification to the champions' league, they can now rub shoulders with Manchester United. Well, thankfully, somebody does not think so.
United legend, David Beckham says there can never be a rival.
"They'll never be Manchester United," he says of City, "they might be a threat...but United have got the history..."
So those who wish to become fans of City should note that. Even players know.

"Gaddafi's departure is not being discussed...we must all work on the peaceful solution in which all Libyans would participate..."

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi just cannot let go. This wouldn't be the last time his foreign minister, Abdelati Obeidi, would make such comments, but surely the last hasn't been heared from the world. Remember French foreign minister, Alain Juppe, said last week that Gaddafi was "sending messangers everywhere, to Turkey, to New York, to Paris", to negotiate his exit.
I think Gaddafi has realised the end of the road has, or is about to, come. However, like a 'warrior' he is (or people like me say he is), the love for power, and pride, have actually stopped him every minute.
It would be in his best interest and that of Libyans, and he knows it, to leave now. The country needs fresh ideas and direction, no matter how good his own have been.
I wouldn't stop expressing my admiration for this man. His strength is what I wish for. His pride is what I learn from. His obduracy is what I crave. His 'matyrdom' stand defines me (what a coincidence. My middle name is Stephen, the Biblical first Christian matyr). His popularity gives me motivation to strive harder. What's more, his inner resignation while exuding outside defiance really takes the hat off my head. But in the face of all these, he has to retire. And like the Biblical Paul, declare "I have run a good race", just like I did years back...

"Have you seen the Arowolo murder 'pics'?...surely, you must have. What is the latest?...do you think he actually did it?...what must have led to this?...bla bla bla"

Quite a lot of questions have come my way from people who need my opinion on the alleged murder of Titilayo Oyakhire by her husband Kolade Arowolo. Not one, not two, and not even three people have asked me what I felt.
First, I apologise for having gone off for a while. A few unfortunate events made it so. However, I feel gutted. The murder picture is probably one of the worst I have seen so far. Probably just one ranks higher. Two, there seems to be no 'latest' on this saga, as every minute throws up a new twist. Three, whether Kolade actually did it is what I can't answer. I wasn't there. The court, however, have that unenviable puzzle to solve. Four, what has led to this, we can only guess...or just imagine.
Lately, Kolade's parents confirmed the couple used to fight, and they were both hot-tempered. Titi, she said, once threatened to poison Kolade. Really? In fact, his mother even said Kolade once suffered madness (or mental illness, mildly put). That is a new twist.
Whether his parents are being sincere, or simply acting up a script written by his lawyers, we would know soon...and on this page.

We hear there's good news from Borno State, or anywhere Boko Haram find themselves. A group they call Yusufiyya Islamic Movement (or is it Movement of Islam) has been created (or has been around) and they are against the incessant release of bombs. Nice one. Therefore, the end of Boko Haram is at hand, isn't it? As a positive-minded Nigerian, I say thank goodness. As a realist, I ask 'how?'.
Also, with Ramadan almost upon us, I couldn't help wondering what they would do. Keep bombing on a holy period? Stop bombing and be defeated? Well, I hear they would stop. Okay then, that means the job of the military is over, isn't it? Or would they come back with the bombs once the holy period ends?
I just don't get it. I expect the military to strive harder and harder to stop these guys. They shouldn't depend on 'Yusufiyya' or 'Ramadan'.

Carlos Tevez wants to leave Manchester City. That is no news. He is a trouble maker. That is no news. He sulks a lot, talks a lot, but also is very committed. These, also, aren't news.
Probably it wouldn't come as a surprise to see his transfer to Corinthians hit a brickwall. Let's wait and see. But I expect this to go the way he is. It is going to be a heck of a long and boring transfer saga, just as Tevez is. So boring...

Holding signs that read “This street belongs to me too”; “We won’t tolerate insults anymore”; and a banner with a verse from the Koran emphasizing the wrongness of abusing women, around 30 young Afghan women and men marched in the sweltering afternoon heat to protest the rampant and often violent sexual harassment of women and girls on Kabul’s streets.
The demonstration was the first of its kind in Afghanistan. Though small in size, its message was clear and, in Afghanistan’s extremely conservative public space, incendiary: street harassment is an attack on women’s right to coexist in society with men, and it must end.
Composed mainly of members of two local youth organizations and including several men, the demonstrators marched from the gates of Kabul University, a notorious hangout for harassers, to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission about half a mile away.
Passing through bustling streets full of food vendors and shoppers, they handed out leaflets urging their fellow Afghans to recognize the cruelty of harassing women and take action in their everyday lives to counter the abuse around them.
Keenly aware of their country’s history of peaceful demonstrations turning bloody, the organizers had initially feared violence from male opponents and hostile members of law enforcement.
Police officers stayed close to the column of demonstrators throughout the march and, in a welcome departure from recent public protests, the demonstration proceeded without interruption and concluded peacefully.
In the days leading up to the march, organizers from the newly-formed feminist group Young Women for Change received online messages of solidarity from fellow anti-harassment activists as far away as Slovenia and Yemen, as well as an outpouring of encouragement from women elsewhere in Afghanistan and in the Afghan diaspora.
Flanked by members of the Afghan and international press, the marchers knew their message would be carried to a far wider audience than the thousands who witnessed their protest firsthand.
The organizers hoped the deluge of media coverage would ignite a public discussion of the problem of sexual harassment and encourage more young Afghans, including men, to join the nascent movement to make their country’s streets safe for women.
“This is only the beginning,” one participant said afterward. “We have more actions planned.”

Nigeria is such a blessed country - no wars, no natural disaster, no oddity(if you know what I mean), no forceful actions - that she sometimes forgets when she falls into trouble. If not, the crazy bomb blasts and events in Borno state, where Boko Haram now terrorize each day, would have been seen as a very big deal(yes, it isn't seen as so, at least by the government) and treated as such. If not, the recent unfortunate flooding in Lagos would have been treated as a natural disaster, and not an event for scoring political points. That is by the way.
It is not the fault of Lagos state, or Fashola, or the people, that Lagos is where it is. Natural disasters, which the recent flooding is one, are sometimes unavoidable. Therefore, for PDP to demand for Governor Fashola's resignation is as ludicrous as they come. That political point may have been cheaply scored, but not in the net of those who aren't gullible. That is also by the way.
I remember once saying president Goodluck Jonathan didn't need the Government of National Unity(GNU), because he needed the opposition to tell him where he goes wrong. Well, ACN, the main opposition gave him a knock for failing to visit Lagos, and commiserate with those who were affected in the recent flooding. The criticism was spot on. And if what I hear is true, GEJ is already in Lagos. What does this signify? The opposition has indirectly shown the enemy the right way. That is what the opposition is for, isn't it?

Frank, we never planned it this way. We always had fun anytime you were around. Everything I did in ABSU revolved around you. Wherever I go, whatever I do, whenever I think, whoever I see, however I act, you always come to my mind. If only things never happened the way they did. If only you were here for us. If only I saw you one last time, to ask you for forgiveness if I ever offended you, to give you reasons to live, to remind you what you told your friends about marriage, about kids, about everything. It still rings in my ear everytime, "Udensi,nwa oga Udensi,hope you would be around when I enter Aba. Would you be in Awka?...ah,don't mind that boy,he's a small boy..." What do you want me to say, and what do you want me not to? If only it never happened, if only that car didn't crash, if only...I could just go on and on.
One thing is sure,however. All my life, I will never forget the times we shared together.I will never forget your jokes, your laughter, your anger, your smiles, your love for water, your penchant for feeling cold (smile), and your love for things we love.
Frank,I would NEVER forget you in life.Thanks for making impact in my life. I may not have said it before, but now I will. I love you. Adieu my brother.

This is wishing former Biafran warlord, the Ikemba of Nnewi, father of Igboland, husband to the prettiest lady in Nigeria, the bravest man in the land, the most-feared and listened-to man, he who exudes fear and confidence, the father of those who need strength, the most handsome soldier, the man who says what he means, the man who would soon be the 'Nelson Mandela' of the South, all the best as he recovers.
When I heared of his second stroke, I almost wept...well, I wept. We wish him all the best as he recovers. The country still needs him. He still has a role to play.

You just have to trust Togolese forward Emmanuel Adebayor. Alongside Cameroun's Samuel Eto'o, he is the most outspoken African sportsman. He says what he wants to say the way he feels it has to be said. Whether or not you like it or him, that is for you to decide. Arsenal fans may claim they love to hate him, but secretly they would have wished he were still with them. He used to at least be their only way of getting to the news. Without titles, at least, they could be heard.
While at Manchester City, he was dumped by manager Roberto Mancini. In a bid to disgrace him, Mancini decided to always play him after 92nd minute. What did Ade say?
"Listen, do not ever disgrace me again. If you don't want to play me, no problem. But don't try that again..."
That is how confident he is. But I like him for another reason. As a Public Relation expert, I know when it is used. While on loan at Madrid last season, he knew he had to do a lot on the pitch to make them sign him. He however resorted to politics off it.
When he knew he might not do much, he immediately got close to Jose Mourinho, and also made friends with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo, the most important players on the pitch and dressing room respectively. Now, they sing his praise and want him back.
Adebayor represents Africa well. At least, they know we have the diplomatic power to do and undo. Well done Ade. Madrid beckons, and Africa is proud of you. They may not say it, but they do. Your generousity towards the less-privileged can never be forgotten.

It's not like gossip journalists don't have anything else to write, but they have so much been on Ini Edo's case that she would be wondering what she did wrong. Even in marriage, they haven't let her be. Either they think she uses juju, or they think she fought and stripped naked with her 'best friend' Oge Okoye, or she expresses her sexuality with her own gender, and lots and lots and lots.
It however seems her alleged affair with ex-speaker House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole has hit her hard. She has also denied it.
She has never dated the man. She is a married woman. The only time she ever saw him was on TV. Only Bankole's wife (and probably girlfriend{s}) has seen him 'there'. Any journalist that started such rumour is careless. If Bankole lavished the money so quoted on her, then she should be elsewhere not Nigeria, probably the Bahamas, having fun. She wouldn't even recognise the man if she ever saw him. She is married, for emphasis, and wouldn't cheat on oga Philip Ehiagwina, bla bla bla.
I do not know whether I believe her or not. I wouldn't have, since I am not her fan. But if I were to face it, then I believe her. I entirely buy into her explanation (whether or not I'm wrong).
She's a celebrity, isn't she? Let her face it.

Did I hear actress Kate Henshaw is preparing for he 40th birthday? 40? Unbelievable! I sincerely felt she was like 32 or 35. Did I say 35? No way.
The issue is obvious. Just like Shan George, who looks 20 but is well into her 40s, Kate is taking proper care of herself. She even looks younger than the likes of Ini Edo. She even looks younger face-to-face, than she appears on screen.
This is wishing her all the best in everything. She is an enbodiment of beauty and nice attitude. All the best to her.

While the clubs expected to be in next premier league season's title race are making impacts in the market (well, except Arsenal...heck, impact is impact. Arsenal sure have made some. No matter how boring, we discuss Nasri and Fabregas daily), Chelsea have made one considered the best for them, and their fans.
Andre Villas-Boas comes with a huge reputation. His appointment has met excitement at its peak. But that has hidden one fact. Chelsea, like Arsenal, have not strengthened their squad. Even the worst football follower knows they need to. They have lots of dead wood to either replace or provide competition for. That isn't happening. Add that to Michael Essien's unfortunate, but customary, long term injury, then you understand the mess Villas-Boas is set to be in. Yes, they've been linked with a few players, but where are they? Villas-Boas knows honeymoon periods don't last in football.
Coming to a big club with a big reputation could be either productive or counter-productive. Nothing suggests Villas-Boas cannot avoid Roman Abramovich's gun.
There are many ways Villas-Boas can live peacefully with Roman the Russian. One of them is making a predictable, one-dimensional team his own...oh, and beating a certain Alex Ferguson 'the old fox' and his Manchester United side.
We can guess which would be more difficult of the two. Welcome to England.

South Sudan got what they always wanted - Independence. Now, they have become their own country and fights should be over...or so it seems. Despite Amanda Hsiao's fears that the problems may not be over, I still feel the right thing was done. justice has prevailed.
In early June, violence broke out between Sudanese government forces and fighters in South Kordofan, a region that sits atop the North-South Sudan border. Reports trickling out from the ground describe government forces targeting civilians based on political sympathies and ethnic affiliations, searching house-to-house for opposition, and indiscriminately bombing large areas. “These acts could constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity,” said U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice in remarks at a Security Council briefing. All these are a thing of the past.
While expressing her fears, Hsiao insinuated that Hostilities between North and South Sudan may not be over either. In May, the Sudanese government sent its troops to forcibly take over Abyei, a border area claimed by constituencies on both sides, even though negotiations over its status were ongoing. Peacekeepers are arriving to secure the area, but how the South Sudanese government will respond once it has acquired sovereignty, is unclear. The two governments have not agreed on how they will split oil revenues after separation. Most of the oil lies in the South, but the infrastructure for exporting the oil lies in the North, an interdependence that should demand cooperation and peace between the two states. 
Despite all these talks by 'those who claim to know, I think Sudan has done what should be done. Should Nigeria follow suit? Wikileak predicted 2015 as the time it would happen? Would everyone feel happy? With the series of killings and ethnic and religious violence going on here, thge answer has to be yes. Sudan has started. Let Nigeria follow.

As bombs continue to be released in Bauchi and Borno states especially, one cannot understand where the country is actually headed. About 41 people were killed in a clash between Boko Haram and JTF.
Even in Suleja, Niger State, last weekend, there was bomb blast in a church. Where is this country moving to?Destruction, seperation or what?
“We want to declare our stand that government would not be cajoled or intimidated by reactionary forces and agents of darkness; government will do everything to fish out the perpetrators,”, Niger state government said. This is not a new song. I have noticed that the more Boko Haram is chased about, the more they get dangerous. This is worrisome, really. These Northerners are yet to remember or know the great saying, “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man''

Last weekend would perhaps be one to forget for a lot of people. Everywhere in the country, there was intense rainfall and flooding. Lagos was most affected, as flooding took a heavy dimension. In fact, governor Fashola has advised kids to stay at home. In Ibadan, it was almost the same. In Katsina of all places, it was bad on Friday. And in the Eastern part of the country...well, you could imagine. Non-stop rainfall.
This is real blessing in abundance, isn't it? Seriously, I pray this sort of rainfall, as intense as it was, would never be witnessed any longer...a lot of people were rendered homeless...and carless...lol.

I had resisted the urge to talk about Mr Kolade Arowolo, the man who allegedly murdered his wife. First, because I do not know exactly what to make out of it and how to excuse such attitude. Second, I am bereaved and didn't want to write. However, I condemn the actions of Kolade in its entirety. No matter how bad things are, taking the life of anyone, let alone your wife, ranks up there among the worst of attitudes.
He recently revealed he was trying to defend himself, as his wife stabbed him. That could be true, but does that amount to retaliation? If he could stop Titilayo Oyakhire, his wife, from inflicting injuries on him, why go on to stab her? That is not an excuse at all. But I look at it from an angle.
An unemployed man, as Kolade is, is an unhappy man. And what could be worse than a lady being the breadwinner of a home? Make no mistakes, some ladies could annoy and insult husbands who don't have financial ingredients. We fail to consider that. That is not to say Titilayo was one of those ladies, but if you consider Kolade's attack claims and his friend's admission that he was "a gentleman who couldn't hurt a fly", then you need to look deeper.
Titilayo, on the other hand, was said to be cool-headed while another friend of Kolade said he used to beat up his girlfriends while in school. This makes things much more confusing. What is however not confusing is the fact Kolade has done a lot of bad by killing his wife. Were Titi related to me, only God knows what I would do to Kolade. He has to be punished.
But while women fight against domestic violence, they should also try let their ladies know how much it means to remain respectful to husbands, no matter the situation.

A musician once said some friends are much more important than brothers. I never knew the meaning of this. Now, I know.
Frank and I had come a long way. From our days in ABSU, we were like brothers. With Ethel and Chimezie, I had people I could call family. They helped me change certain aspects of my life people might have frowned at. We always looked to the future. We always dreamt of being successful, happily married with kids, and living life like brothers we were. Everything changed on saturday, 2nd July.
Frank left us, just 12 days to his birthday.
I cannot contain my grief. Ethel can't contain his. Chimezie can't contain his. Frank's family and friends can't contain theirs. The shock can never be explained.
If only we saw him one last time, to tell him how much we love him, to beg him not to leave us.
Never in our lives would we forget you, Frank. We love you. Rest In Peace my brother and friend. We miss you.
Oh God, why me?

Events so far in this country are beginning to surprise me. I couldn't believe it when it was revealed Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Central Bank of NIGERIA chairman, is proposing to introduce Islamic Banking.
For whatever reasons available in the world to justify this, I am yet to make anything out of it. I clearly agree with the views of Rev.Dr Cosmos Ilechukwu, the Christian Association of Nigeria chairman, Imo State chapter
"The idea of Islamic banking...is an impossible construct and an unmitigated effrontery to our constitutionally guaranteed secularity."
The idea is purely bias in its entirety, and leads nowhere. As Rev .Ilechukwu pointed out, "to allow Islamic banking in Nigeria is an invitation to chaos as other religious groups can also call for their preferred banking system."
Without a shadow of doubt, the Christians would never want it. So does that mean they should propose 'Christian banking'? All my life, I've never seen a thing like this.
With the country's religious problems, even people 'who should know' are adding petrol to fire. Sanusi's proposal should be rejected. God, what is he? A religious leader? An Imam? Or a professional banker?
Okay, let him go ahead. Next, we would not just hear of Christian banking...probably Yoruba banking, Igbo banking, Tiv banking, Fulani banking, Isoko banking, Jaba banking, Bajju banking, or even Abia banking, Benue banking or Kaduna banking.
That's division, isn't it?