Gists in Nigeria

It looks as if things are coming to a close in the Libyan Civil War. Although Gaddafi could still surprise the rebels, this is about as bad as it’s been for him. Much can still go wrong, however, including a bloody siege of Tripoli, a bloody battle for Tripoli, or a bloody rebel purge of Tripoli (or all three). Some quickish thoughts:

1. I’ll be glad to see Gaddafi go. Plenty of folks have correctly pointed out that we don’t have a good sense of who the rebels are, and that it’s possible they could pursue more repressive policies than the Gaddafi government. I’m a bit more concerned that we’ll simply move to phase two of the civil war after Gaddafi goes, but these concerns were genuine. However, it wasn’t easy to see a road to democratic reform in the Libyan state prior to the civil war, and such a road is (at least fleetingly) apparent now. This may not mean much if, in two years, Libya is still at war with itself or Gaddafi has been replaced by another strongman or authoritarian faction. But for now, I have some hope for the rebels.

2. The course of the war vindicates the “Afghan Model” as a military technique, if not as a political strategy. To review, the Afghan Model is based on the idea that airpower and special forces can help indigenous troops can win wars against numerically and organizationally stronger opponents. Special forces take on training, command, and liason roles, airpower conducts close air support, attrition, and interdiction missions, and the indigenous troops force the enemy to defend strongpoints from fixed locations. This model worked very well in the first several months of the Afghanistan war, but it worked rather less well at the start of the Libyan Civil War. Although airstrikes were able to freeze Gaddafi loyalist forces, rebel offensives initially failed.

With what looks like a rebel victory in the offing, the specifically military aspect of the Afghan Model seems to have been vindicated, if in slow motion. However, the Afghan Model is as much a political as a military concept. Politically, the AM is supposed to minimize domestic opposition in the intervening country, minimize nationalist reaction in the target country, and minimize international upheaval. In Libya, the grade is mixed on all three. Cameron, Sarkozy, and Obama probably received more flak than they had expected, mostly because the war stretched so long. The war likely stretched so long at least in part because of nationalist reaction within Libya. The international community remained relatively quiet, although the violence in Syria and the ongoing collapse of the global economy may have played some part.

The other political aspect of the Afghan Model involves post-conflict stability. If Libya crumbles back into civil war in the wake of Gaddafi’s fall, it won’t reflect well on a strategic concept that promises large returns at minimal risk.

3. Given this outcome, it really is better that the Libyan rebels finished the war than, for example, the French. Although the course of the conflict was sufficiently frustrating that you could, from time to time, half wish for a quick amphibious invasion to end it all, the victory of the rebels on the ground is probably positive for the chances for a peaceful, stable post-conflict situation. If nothing else, the length of the civil war has forced some coalition building, even if there have repeatedly been signs that the coalition is held together by spit and gum. Of course, the length of the Soviet-Afghan War didn’t prevent the anti-Soviet coalition from cracking. Still, the fact that so many of the major players in the opposition became familiar with each other and were forced to work through their differences prior to taking power is probably, on balance, a good thing.

4. I am still skeptical about the wisdom of the decision-making process that brought NATO intervention about. It’s obvious that none of the major players expected the war to last this long, and unclear if they would have intervened if they had believed Gaddafi would hold on until almost September. However, I certainly don’t believe that the Libya intervention precluded a similar intervention in Syria, or that such an intervention would have been wise on its own merits either way. It was also apparent that the decision-makers in Washington, Paris, and London didn’t have the faintest what to do in case of a failure of Gaddafi to collapse. ”Pound away until the bombs run out, the aircraft carriers have to go home, and the allies get bored” isn’t a strategy.

And yet, here we are. In all likelihood Gaddafi will be gone soon, and that’s a good thing. I do hope that one of the lessons learned is that even relatively weak states can survive for a while in the face of airpower campaigns. I also hope, as always, that policymakers will remember to take the utmost care with any decisions that involve dropping bombs in order to do “good.”

While the British government struggled to control the rioters in London and elsewhere, Iranian officials – including President Ahmadinejad – didn’t just sit back and watch. They scoffed, sneered, lectured and jeered at the British, threatening to cut diplomatic ties over the crackdown on the rioters and called for Prime Minister Cameron to be tried for war crimes.

And so as Britain and the rest of the world looked on in horror at the riots, Iran watchers found themselves somewhat amused at statements coming from Iran. And contrary to previous thought, it wasn’t just the Iranian diplomats having a summer of fun at British expense.

Cameron called the looting and burning during the riots “criminality, pure and simple,” but Ahmadinejad recognized those on the streets as “the opposition” and called the police crackdown on the rioters “unacceptable.” (Syndigate.info)

“What kind of country treats its own people like that?” he asked. (BBC Monitoring)

The he answered his own question – Britain’s past colonialism and its present capitalism are to blame – and advised the British government:

“Finally, they should pay attention to the fact that the world has changed and it is no longer possible for some capitalist families through their names and titles to plunder other governments and nations and use other people as their slaves.” (BBC Monitoring)

He also sharply criticized the Western countries for being disingenuous and singled out the U.N. for failing to notice the “savageness” of the police crackdown during the riots. (Reuters)

“If one percent of the events that have happened in the West had happened in countries opposing the West, their [Westerners’] throats would have burst open [from screaming about it], but the question is: Why is the [U.N.] Security Council silent and not showing any reaction?” (BBC Monitoring)

Ahmadinejad was hinting in part at the widespread international condemnation of Iran’s crackdown on opposition protests in Tehran and elsewhere against fraud during the presidential elections of 2009.

I knew it would happen. Once Ibrahim Babangida dared to say a thing about Baba Iyabo, negative for that matter, on his own birthday, I knew he would get a horrible birthday gift from his former boss. And he did.
OBJ 'emplored' on Nigerians to pity Babangida, rather than condemn him. Haha. Baba at his best! He stopped short at calling IBB a fool at 70.
While, as expected, IBB replied, the damage had already been done.
In my opinion, none of them deserve being supported. They had their faults at their own times, the same way they were filled in glory when they were doing well. Let them sort out their differences. When elders fight, who would tell the children not to?

'Maradona' is at it again. He dribbles and dribbles...like a 'footballer' he is. Come on, you know I mean Nigeria's political 'Maradona', Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB). Listen to what he said about OBJ's administration,
"If I had been lucky (check) like those in the recent past, I would have done more than we did. In my eight years in office I was able to manage poverty and achieve success while somebody (we know who, don't we?) for eight years managed affluence and achieved failure."
Oh, really? Who is really saying this? IBB, or Nelson Mandela? Okay, we ain't in South Africa. Hear 'Maradona',
"Politics? Forget it. I will sit in Minna here and people will come and seek my advice."
Oh, dear! Advice? What a pity, then. We're set to have much more dribblers in Nigerian politics. Our patient wait for stability goes on then.

Mikel Obi has been crying for a long time. His father was recently 'kidnapped'. The police say he's missing, not kidnapped. Afterall, nobody has heard from him or his kidnappers.
Just when we thought everything had returned to normal, Jos boiled again. There is danger again, and the people can't wait to leave that place. Haba! Is this how it would always be?
I don't know exactly what the government have done to beef up security, or did they relax, feeling everything was okay? Well, hardly surprising. Nigeria don't plan ahead of time. Hasty, last minute decisions, make them happy...no matter how ineffective they turn out to be.
I feel for Governor Jonah Jang, who by the way made his son a special adviser controversially. But in Nigeria, pity is just a mere word. Actions are required. What exactly is wrong with those wrecking havoc?
Before innocent people get hacked further, we urge the government to take action. And fast!
As president GEJ, ironically, says: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

So former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel wants peace with OBJ. As a source revealed
''The ex-President is yet to understand why he has to hold peace talks with Daniel after what he did. There are subtle manoeuvres to persuade him to give Daniel a second chance but he has not made any commitment...''
I ask, what did Daniel do? Opposing OBJ, or is ther something we do not know? Hear the source
''...although some of our leaders are still embittered over how Daniel worked against the PDP at the last poll, we are determined to resolve all differences and keep the party united again...''
That's it, isn't it? Kai, I love this man Baba Iyabo. Whatever you do to him, you must come back and beg.
As for Otunba, I hope he isn't getting scared of EFCC's visit, hence the OBJ romance.

Gov. Ahmed

So another crude oil has been discovered in Nigeria. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State revealed that Aran Orin in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state accommodates oil. Daily Sun says the ministry officials not only confirmed the substance as crude oil but identified the blend as Bonny Light, a high-grade of crude oil preferred by European and American refineries due to its unique properties.
Good news, isn't it? In a country where blessing is misused and self-destruction is our second name, my feelings are mixed. I think politicians are surely the ones to benefit. It is hardly a surprise that crude oil could be discovered here. This country is very blessed. I pray this country changes, and realizes its potentials. I pray.

Mercy Johnson must be wishing she weren't a celebrity at thd moment. Or she could be wondering how she got herself involved with the word 'marriage'. What was meant to be her happiest day on earth, is fast turning to a nightmare. The latest? Well, 'prince''s legitimate wife ,Lovely, has produced their marriage certificate. That never meant the pictures she produced weren't enough evidence.
I hope the certificate you're seeing is the right one. If it isn't, well...
All the same, this drama isn't about to end. Watch this space.

In 2007/2008, when Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo state came into office, the atmosphere looked so promising. Imo was supposed to be 'Clean and Green'. Toes were stepped on, and a lot of people were aggrieved. But then, to make things right, such wasn't unexpected. That is Owerri, the self-acclaimed relaxation city in Eastern Nigeria.
A few kilometres away, governor T.A Orji was doing the same. The difference was in business, rather than pleasure.
Aba, the self-acclaimed business hub of the Eastern Nigeria was to 'benefit' from the same favour. The governor had everything good in mind. But he made a grave error of comparing 'making money' with 'spending money'. He compared Aba, where the money is made, with Owerri, where it is spent. The result was disastrous. Electronics and phone dealers were kept hungry for days. They were told to move to an obscure location. Movie marketers lost more than they gained. Before they ever entered their shops at Pound Road, the pockets of the very cash-loving 'Mopol' must be filled, afterall the governor didn't want them there. Logic met reason, and they were left alone. The world seemed a better place. Did it end there?
They were welcome to the 2nd half or 2011 with a shocker. Without warning, they have been pushed away again. Their shops have been destroyed by touts who are always ready to cause havoc. Why? The governor wants them out. They must go to another location.
I ask, what has prompted this U-turn, after four years?
"He hates we in Aba", says one.
"Lies. He wants the best", I replied.
Yes, he does. He wants to do the right thing, but in a wrong way. A note of warning: Turning Aba to Calabar is impossible. But we can try make it look like the new Oshodi...but not the way you're going, sir.
Sorry, if I sound confusing, guys. But those who know Enyimba city, and understand what 'York' means, would get me.
S.O.S!

Ran into the funny pictures. Surely, everything goes in the game of football. lol.
Probably a John Terry, or Steven Gerrard, or Carlos Tevez, or Robin Van Persie in there...but never a Ryan Giggs.lol.

The grander the stage, the greater the scope for embarrassment. Wembley has hosted humiliation after humiliation for Dimitar Berbatov, with almost every trip there a chance for fresh indignities. The lame penalty in the shootout against Everton and the glaring misses against Manchester City formed twin disappointments in FA Cup semi-finals.
At least, however, the Bulgarian was selected then. Come May's Champions League final, Manchester United's record signing failed to make the bench, demoted behind Michael Owen in the pecking order. For Sunday's Charity Shield, Javier Hernandez's absence seemed to offer an opportunity. Instead, he was limited to a brief cameo as Danny Welbeck, a veteran of two Premier League starts for United, was preferred.
It was a symbolic choice by Sir Alex Ferguson. Berbatov has rarely been the man for the big occasion, starting only 25 of 55 major matches in his three years at Old Trafford. At £30.75 million, he has been an expensive ornament, glumly decorating various benches and offering television directors the chance to capture images of him looking nonplussed. For this most idiosyncratic of enigmas, public snubs have become an occupational hazard, and for students of Ferguson's sometimes brutal management, the surprise may be that he lingers at United. Then again, Berbatov rarely did move quickly.
Cheap jibes aside, that may be part of the problem. Berbatov, as he said during United's pre-season tour, will not change his style of play, but the team is evolving. Welbeck's display in the Community Shield was encouraging rather than extraordinary, but it hinted at the direction United will take. Alongside a similarly lively Wayne Rooney and flanked by Nani and Ashley Young, both willing to swap flanks, this was a mobile front four, very capable of interchanging positions. Substitute the quicksilver Hernandez for Welbeck, or the energetic Park Ji-Sung and Antonio Valencia on the wings and the system remains, the shared emphasis on pace and verve being intact.
Sunday's scheme sparked memories of the relationship between Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney in the 2007-8 season when fluidity reigned. That, too, was a forward line without a fixed point, before Berbatov arrived as the supposed fulcrum.
Instead, a full stop beckons. Should Paris St Germain firm up their interest with a bid, it is hard to see United rebuffing it. Berbatov has long been reluctant to leave Old Trafford for lesser destinations, but he has a Parisian's froideur (his Francophile lookalike Kristin Scott Thomas also specialises in haughty aloofness).
More to the point, Ferguson has a habit of getting his way; his discards tend to depart quickly. There is a sense that Berbatov's Champions League final downgrading had been planned: when the underused Owen was granted a year's extension, it appeared he was preparing to dispose of the Bulgarian and buying time in the search for a long-term alternative.
Should PSG sign him, it will heighten comparisons with Juan Sebastian Veron, who also moved on to join the nouveau riche (Chelsea in his case). The Argentine was another hugely costly signing who, rather than adding another dimension to United, merely slowed them down. Neither shared the urgency that has been imbued in Ferguson's other charges.
They are paradoxes, players of such evident class who proved an imperfect fit when surrounded by footballers of ample gifts. Few, Paul Scholes apart, could spray passes around with such authority as Veron; none, perhaps, has plucked a fast-travelling ball out of mid air with such languid ease as Berbatov. Both have become a lightning rod for criticism.
Both, too, have been defended defiantly by their manager. Yet it is not what Ferguson says as much as what he does. Besides revealing his many agendas, his public utterances tend to be notable for a reluctance to admit he was wrong. Signing Veron was a mistake and if Berbatov, the Golden Boot winner last season, does not quite belong in the same category, it is hard to brand him a success.
That makes the 30-year-old a rarity among Premier League top scorers. Yet the statistics lend a flattering look to his contribution. Apart from last September's breathtaking hat-trick against Liverpool and 87th and 90th minute goals against Chelsea, altering the scoreline but not the result, he has never scored in a marquee match for United (strikes against Tottenham, his former employers, come closest). His drought in Europe dates back to 2008. And of the 20 goals that enabled him, along with Tevez, to top the scoring charts last season, 16 came at Old Trafford.
Logic dictates that most players will score the majority of their goals at home, but not 80 percent of them; there are few less violent and more delicate footballers than Berbatov, but the accusation is that he is a flat-track bully.
Because while youngsters are granted more leeway, Manchester United players are judged in the defining games of their season. And having first failed to determine them, Berbatov is rarely even involved in them. A sublime talent is transformed into a sullen spectator.

*from espn*

A woman who underwent a full face transplant in May after being mauled by a chimpanzee in 2009 revealed her new face in a photo released on Thursday.
Charla Nash, 57, who was photographed in her hospital bed at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, appears dramatically different with a new nose, lips and facial skin.
"I will now be able to do things I once took for granted," Nash said in a statement.
"I will be able to smell. I will be able to eat normally. I will no longer be disfigured. I will have lips and will speak clearly once again. I will be able to kiss and hug loved ones."
Nash was hurt after a friend's 200-pound (91 kg) pet chimpanzee went on a rampage two years ago. She lost her hands, lips, nose and eyes, leaving her blind and disfigured after the attack. The animal was eventually shot and killed by police.
After undergoing a grueling 20-hour full face transplant at the hospital in May, Nash in the photo now has a fair, almost blushing, complexion.
Prior to the surgery, Nash was often photographed wearing a veil to hide her disfigurement.
Nash's full face transplant was the third surgery of its kind performed in the United States, all at the same hospital.
An anonymous female donor provided face, hands and other tissue material that made the surgery possible. The hand transplant was deemed successful but the hands did not thrive after complications from pneumonia and were removed.
Another hand transplant could be attempted if a suitable donor is identified, doctors have said.
Nash's face was rebuilt by a medical team of more than 30 physicians, nurses, anesthesiologists and residents in a challenging surgery made more complex by the double hand transplant.
The world's first full face transplant was completed in Spain in 2010.

*culled from Yahoo!*

Christina Aguilera is lending her voice to a Michael Jackson tribute concert planned for October in Wales.
Organizers of "Michael Forever — The Tribute Concert" announced Thursday that Aguilera would be joined by members of the Jackson family, Cee Lo Green, Leona Lewis and the band Alien Ant Farm, which is known for its cover of Jackson's song "Smooth Criminal."
The announcement came after more than two weeks of silence about performers for the Oct. 8 show at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
While the event is endorsed by the singer's mother and some of his siblings, brothers Randy and Jermaine Jackson have protested its timing. The concert is scheduled during the trial of a doctor charged in Jackson's death.
The singer's estate is also not affiliated with the concert.
Stars can never be forgotten, can they?

When president Ebele Jonathan proposed a six-year, one term tenure for president and governors, rather than the popular (or unpopular) eight-year two term tenure, I almost smelt a rat. Why I finally did not, was when I remembered he promised not to contest in 2015. So, he wasn't really going to benefit, was he? I think the proposition was one borne out of innocence, and expectation for the best. Probably, he wanted to make things easier for those waiting in the wings to contest after a tenure (did I hear you say Buhari?). But he forgot something.
One, whoever wins such election would become a demi-god (this is Naija, isn't it?). He would probably feel, "heck, what next would I aim for? I have nothing to contest after this. I could as well not work. I could steal as much money as I want".
Then again, how boring wouldn't it look? We would have just a governor for six years? That's heck of a long time. Even a performing governor could err by then. So, even as God took Moses away so he doesn't sin again, four year term remains the best...well, in Nigeria.

Those who dream of seeing their screen idol, Frank Edoho, patch up his failed marriage would have to wait further. The reason is quite unfortunate, in the perspective of the fans. He is in a new relationship, and is said to be happy about it. The new lady, Sandra, is also happy.
As Linda put it, they are serious. So what happens to Katerine? She is also said to be in a relationship.

It wasn't up to three months when the who-is-who in Nollywood honoured actor Ashley Nwosu, who died. Just last month, actress Christy Essien-Igbokwe died. Now, another actor has gone.
Sam Loco Efe was not just an ordinary actor. He was brilliant, he was professional, he was funny, he was candid. He was everything, even if he never left the green bottles.
It is hard to accept he was never Igbo. As one who grew up in Abakaliki, he spoke the language fluently. He was always smiling. Nollywood would surely miss him. That is sure.

The much talked about August wedding of arguably Africa's most controversial actress, Mercy Johnson, is in great danger of collapsing. This is as a result of information that her 'prince charming' is actually a married man, with kids.
A certain lady wrote a blogger, who published her letter and wedding picture, and also their two kids. She actually appealed to Mercy to leave her husband. Alleging to have gotten married to the man in Italy, she sounded bitter.
Mercy therefore tows the path of Ini Edo and Oge Okoye, both alleged to have married other people's husbands.
One thing is striking. When this came out, I expected Mercy to deny it outrightly. I was left disappointed. From her response, it was clear something was amiss. She promised to go on with the marriage, despite ''forces'' against her.
I don't get it with some of these girls called Nigerian actresses. Why eat with both hands, when you can use just one?

The late Joe Layode, a nollywood veteran, shortly before his death, accused nollywood of rejecting and forgetting their past heroes, and celebrating their new 'stars'. While it is open to debate, the case of another 'old generation' practitioner supports Layode's claims.
A lot of us may have forgotten New Masquerade, that comedy that made waves in the early days, but I'm sure every Nigerian born before the year 2000, remembers the name James Iroha. If not, then surely they know Gringori Akabogu. He it was that created New Masquerade, and acted as a servant alongside the now blind Davies Offor (Clarius).
While he may not accept to join nollywood, as most professionals do, it would be a shame seeing 'dee James' ,as my mother calls him, moving around the streets of Umuahia, not looking like a star he is.
What do you suggest entertainment industry should do to, and for, the likes of 'dee James'? 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' has been doing okay, but then what else?

When I got the news, I was shocked to the marrows! Here were people travelling to the north on Chisco bus, stopped by thieves, told to lie down, and were subsequently crushed in gory fashion by some moving vehicles while lying down. Horrible!
It's that bad. What a sad story! Very sad story.

This is wishing the family of Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, who died on monday at 75, the fortitude to bear the loss.While he lived, the former ANPP chairman and Vice-presidential aspirant, touched the lives of many. Therefore, I urge the family to take heart in what is surely a trying period. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Rabi Ismail's mother has pleaded with president Jonathanto come to her daughter's aid. The lady they said drowned her boyfriend after drugging him?
''I am appealing to the Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan to come to my aid and help me. They should please look at my condition and revisit the case of my daughter…''
Unfortunate for this actress...unfortunate.  But if she actually did commit the crime, as the court ruled, then she has to face the music. No question about that.

Please do not tell me Manchester United have signed Phil Jones. I don't even want to hear Ashley Young has come. David DeGea is not signing that sets the heart racing.
As a matter of fact, Fergie is yet to sign any world class player for the past five years. Yes, quote me. This season is set to go same way. Phil Jones? We have Vidic, Ferdinand and Smalling already. Ashley Young? Nani, Valencia and Park still reign supreme. DeGea? Okay, we could do with that.
The fact is simple. United have to show they remain the best in attracting players. How do they achieve that? Wesley Sjneider is practically begging for a move. Which better player could get close to replacing Paul Scholes, than Sjneider? The central defence begs to be filled. Sjneider can fill it. So Fergie, what sayeth thou?