HOW TO STAY YOUNG*1. *Throw out nonessential numbers. *This includes age, weight andheight. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'2. *Keep only cheerful friends. *The grouches pull you down.3. *Keep learning.* Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening,whatever.. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'And the* devil's *name is *Alzheimer's. *4. *Enjoy the simple things.*5.* Laugh *often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.6. *The tears happen.* Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, whois with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.7. *Surround yourself with what you love*, whether it's family, pets,keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. *Your home is your refuge.*8. *Cherish your health: *If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable,improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.9. *Don't take guilt trips.* Take a trip to the mall, even to the nextcounty; to a foreign country but NOT to where the *Guilt* is.. E.g.: in *Past!*10.* Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.*AND ALWAYS REMEMBER*:Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, *but* by themoments that take our breath away.*Worry about nothing, pray about everything*! !
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Teddy Pendergrass' soul has taken flight.The buttery smooth RnB singer died Wednesday at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Philadelphia. He was 59.Pendergrass, who was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident in 1982, underwent surgery for colon cancer eight months ago and had a "difficult recovery," according to his son, Teddy Jr.A Philly native, Pendergrass came to fame in the early 1970s as lead singer of the Blue Notes, responsible for hits such as "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "Wake Up Everybody."Let the Web Work 4 ! You Affordable Online Marketing and A.d.v.e.r.t.i.s.i.n.g onhttp://www.9jabook.com call or email:info@systemini.nettwitter:systeminilinkedin:systeminitel +234-0806 495 0565,234-07083793511,234-0705888839444-7894214683,He released his self-titled debut in 1977 and enjoyed a successful solo career, siring velvety singles like "Close the Door" and "Turn Off the Light."Pendergrass spent six months in the hospital after his 1982 crash, but perservered in the studio, going on to duet with Whitney Houston on "Hold Me," from her 1985 debut effort, appearing at Live Aid that year, and releasing a slew of new albums into the '00s.He founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to aid in the education, employment and overall life-style enhancement of people with spinal cord injuries.News from Philladelphia his hometownPHILADELPHIA — Teddy Pendergrass, who became R&B's reigning sex symbol in the 1970s and '80s with his forceful, masculine voice and passionate love ballads and later became an inspirational figure after suffering a devastating car accident that left him paralyzed, died Wednesday at age 59.The singer's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father died at a hospital in suburban Philadelphia. The singer underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had "a difficult recovery," his son said."To all his fans who loved his music, thank you," his son said. "He will live on through his music."Pendergrass suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the waist down in the 1982 car accident. He spent six months in a hospital but returned to recording the next year with the album "Love Language."He returned to the stage at the Live Aid concert in 1985, performing from his wheelchair.Pendergrass later founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, an organization whose mission is to encourage and help people with spinal cord injuries achieve their maximum potential in education, employment, housing, productivity and independence, according to its Web site.Pendergrass, who was born in Philadelphia on March 26, 1950, gained popularity first as a member of Harold Melvin&the Blue Notes.In 1971, the group signed a record deal with the legendary writer/producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The group released it first single, "I Miss You," in 1972 and then released "If You Don't Know Me by Now," which was nominated for a Grammy Award.Pendergrass quit the group in 1975 and embarked on a solo career in 1976. It was his solo hits that brought him his greatest fame. With songs such as "Love T.K.O.," "Close the Door" and "I Don't Love You Anymore," he came to define a new era of black male singers with his powerful, aggressive vocals that spoke to virility, not vulnerability.His lyrics were never coarse, as those of later male R&B stars would be, but they had a sensual nature that bordered on erotic without being explicit."Turn Off the Lights" was a tune that perhaps best represented the many moods of Pendergrass - tender and coaxing yet strong as the song reached its climax.Pendergrass, the first black male singer to record five consecutive multi-platinum albums, made women swoon with each note, and his concerts were a testament to that adulation, with infamous stories of women throwing their underwear on stage for his affection.Following the car accident, it was 19 years before Pendergrass resumed performing concerts. He made his return on Memorial Day weekend in 2001, with two sold-out shows in Atlantic City, N.J.Pendergrass is survived by his son, two daughters, his wife, his mother and nine grandchildren.
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Let the Web Work 4 ! You Affordable Online Marketing & A.d.v.e.r.t.i.s.i.n.g on http://www.9jabook.com callemail:info@systemini.nettwitter:systeminilinkedin:systeminitel +234-0806 495 0565,234-07083793511,234-0705888839444-7894214683,Acting appealed to Stella Damasus because it helps her pretend to be someone else. The youngest in a close knit family of five daughters born to retired bankers, the 31-year-old actress, singer and compere embraced stardom at a young age. Today, she is an award-winning A-list actress and was on the first-ever African panel for the Drama category of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Emmy Awards.Break from moviesI had a problem with the kind of scripts coming my way. They made me a type-cast in the industry such that in any film I had to be either a victim and just cry. I got tired of it because it did not show my versatility as an actress so I looked out for people with good scripts that was different and that will make me work.Another reason was because I set up a production company - SDA Productions - about two years ago, I had to give it a lot of my time and attention. As I grew older, I realised that I had to do something for myself and plan for the future because after a while, you will age and a new crop of actors will come up and you will be cast for 'mama roles' alone.First movie roleI found myself in Nollywood by accident. A friend of mine asked that I accompany her to a movie audition. When we got there, I saw a lot of young girls lined up to be auditioned. We stayed there until very late and as we were about to leave, the director, Mathias Obahiagbon asked if I had auditioned because he did not remember seeing me in there and I said I had come there because of my friend. He said, "Don't you want to act?" I said I was not interested and he asked me to come in and read a script. I was laughing all through because I did not take it seriously. At that time I was doing part time jobs at Klink Studios, Surulere, as a background vocalist and on jingles.Three weeks later, they came to the studio and told me I had gotten the part and I was to be paid N10, 000. I was shocked because my salary then was about N700. The movie was titled 'Abused' and was shot in 1995. I got the sub lead role; the lead female role was played by Omotola Jalade Ekeinde. After that, I got more movie roles and I have not looked back ever since.The thrill of the artIt's all about passion for me because I have never been a commercial artist doing it for money or fame. I love the fact that it gives me the power to know that I can be anything I want to be: a mad woman this minute, a drug peddler next time, maybe schizophrenic another time. That feeling alone drives me and makes my passion stronger. The plausibility thrills me; that I could do something and people think it was real. And when they see me in real life, they say how touching my role was or that they sympathised with me in a particular role.Career highpointsEvery point for me has been high because I see myself as privileged to be where I am. It's not about the amount of awards that I have had but the fact that I have managed to remain relevant in the industry till date.Most challenging movie roleMy most challenging would be 'Queen of the Rain Forest,' the other, is not yet out. In 'Queen of the Rain Forest,' it was the first time I was doing a traditional movie and I was a queen. It taught me a lot of things. I had to learn the tradition of the Calabar people: how they fought, their marriage ceremonies and it really opened my eyes to how other cultures lived their lives. I had to learn to fight with a real sword and run under the sun. It made me see the difference between just an actor and someone who is trained. The second film 'Widow' was shot two months before my husband died contrary to people's belief that it was my story. When I read the script in 2006 after Agatha Amata had told me that we were supposed to use the film for Sithengi Film and Television Festival in South Africa, I was touched. I told her that we couldn't do the movie because people will hate the actors. Shooting the film made a strong impact on me because I felt what the widow felt.Caring for widowsI partnered with Jemilat Ofogbu Ogbo to form the young Widows Association of Nigeria. We cater for the needs and welfare of young widows around the country because we have been in that situation before it becomes easier to identify with their experiences. We assist with welfare, vocational training and finance where necessary.Protecting privacyIt is intentional. There are different kinds of entertainers; some are in it for fame, others for money while some are in it for the love of acting. When I began acting, my family members were afraid if I would be able to handle all the fame and public attention because they know I am a very private person. I don't grant interviews anyhow so most times when they write stuff about me, it's all lies. I am first a human being before a star and I have a life. My children are young now so I have to protect them.When they grow up and want to be in the limelight it is up to them. I want them to grow up normally, I want them to be able to go to Shoprite like every other kid without anyone pointing or saying "Those are Stella's kids." Most times when they write things about me, it is not that I am pained but I think about its effects on other members of my family. I try as much as possible to be as private as possible. If I don't have things to do, you will not see me at a bar or club, rather I will be at home spending time with family.
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Posted by Jane Okinedo on January 13, 2010 at 8:28pm
70-Year-old, 4 others nabbed with human skullA70-year-old man and four others are now in police net in Ilorin, Kwara state capital for allegedly being in possession of human skull.They are Hassan Ajala, Ibrahim Adamu, Afisat Raji , Umaru Kure and Samuel Kure .THISDAY checks revealed that the suspects were arrested by men of the state police detectives at Igbonna town in Oyun local government council area of the state last Sunday.It was learnt that, one of the suspects, one Ibrahim Adamu, was said to have brought the skull to the old man allegedly for money-making charms.Sources close to the police detectives in Ilorin told our correspondent that the skull was discovered at the shop of the old man where he sells local gin and other assorted drinks to the members of the public in the town.Sources added that, following a tip-off in the town, members of the police detectives led by ASP Alaku Asiagu went to the house of the old man where he was arrested with the skull.THISDAY further gathered that upon interrogation by men of the state Police Command, the old man’s confession led to the arrest of three other people, Ibrahim Adamu, Afisat Raji , Umaru Kure and Samuel Kure .In an interview with newsmen yesterday at the state police command, the principal suspect, Ibrahim Adamu, confessed that he got the skull from a dead body at a river in Gwagwalada area of Abuja.He said he brought the skull to the old man to make money charms.The 70 year-old-man, Mr. Hassan Ajala, who denied being an herbalist but a farmer, confessed that the skull was brought to his shop by Ibrahim Adamu so as to make charms money for him.Contacted yesterday, State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Ezekiel Daboh, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent said the five suspects would soon appear in court after the police authorities complete investigation into their alleged roles in the matter.
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Posted by 9jabook.com on January 13, 2010 at 8:12pm
ABUJA- FOR three hours and three minutes yesterday, thousands of aggrieved Nigerians led by the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, took to the streets in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to protest the French leave embarked upon by the ailing President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua since November 23, last year.Affordable A.d.ve.r.ti.sing LET THE WEB WORK 4 U ! http://www.9jabook.com call or email:
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They demanded, in unison, that he must either show up and live up to expectations, if indeed he is still alive and fit to continue in office as he is making Nigerians to believe or transfer powers without further delay to his Vice, Jonathan Goodluck, to avert total collapse of the Nigerian nation.
They also registered their displeasure with members of the National Assembly over their reluctance to act even as they dismissed the cabinet members of President Yar’Adua as a bunch of liars, pseudo-colonialists and terrorists. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, who came out to address the angry protesters, yesterday, was not only booed but also disallowed from making any statement either in support or against the subject-matter of protest.
Unlike what used to be the case during the dark days of the military, there was no single firing of gun or canister to disperse protesting Nigerians. In fact, dozens of mobile policemen carried in their lorries were seen dancing to the popular music of Idris Abdulkarim of ‘Nigeria jaga jaga, everything scatter scatter,’ and hailing the protesters.
All through the period that the protest lasted, a combined team of men of the Nigeria Civil Defence and the Nigeria Mobile Police maintained security without allowing the hoodlums to hijack it. Although a dozen of hired pro-Yar’Adua government protesters carried placards bearing “we support Yar’Adua government,” their voices were drowned in the din of the noisy call for the resignation of President Yar’Adua.
The mass rally which kicked off from the Unity Fountain opposite the popular Millenium Park close to Transcorp Hilton Hotels at about 9:45 a.m, had mobile security men taking their positions in and around the National Assembly and the road to NICON as early as 6:00 a.m. But they did not harass anyone.
They seemed confused
At exactly 9:45 am, the protesters had gathered in their thousands at the rendezvous waiting for a marching order from the convener of the rally. They did not move until Prof Wole Soyinka who was conceded to be the most important person addressed the aggrieved Nigerians on why the mass rally was holding.
The septuagenarian, Prof Wole Soyinka, trekked alongside other leaders of the mass rally while radical Lagos lawyer Femi Falana was seen addressing and singing. Although they got to the open ground of the National Assembly where lawmakers and their visitors park cars at exactly 11:53am, the proper address did not start until 12:04pm when they recited the old national anthem. Leaders of the mass rally took turns to address the rally for just 44 minutes during which Speaker Bankole was booed and disallowed from addressing the aggrieved Nigerians.
At 12:16 pm, Soyinka took to the podium. But there was so much noise that he threatened to walk out of the rally ground if they did not behave themselves. He said he expected them to be orderly and organized. The way he spoke angered some of the protesters who asked him to go if he wanted to go. When he eventually picked the microphone and blew air into it, there was a thunderous applause followed by graveyard silence.
He said: “It seems to me that we have finally woken up from our long harmattan sleep and you are now getting into the spring of rebirth. I have a little information I have been asked to pass on to you as one of you. This is what they told me.
I do not guarantee the veracity of it as it is supposed to have come from the Senate. And you all know what Senate is. The information I was given is that the Senate has now taken this matter to court.
The matter of the President’s absence
“I am passing that information to you so that we, here, are not accused of holding back information from those following us. That is the only reason why I am passing it on. You can weigh it for what it is worth. But if these people are caught in yet another lie, then the next demonstration will be bigger. The nation has been taken to ransom. The nation has been despised and treated with contempt.
We have been treated as colonials, colonized all over again. This is what we call internal colonialism. We are all dignified beings. We deserve to know the truth, at all times about our method of governance.
“We are also qualified to say when we believe that those ‘elected leaders’ of this nation are deliberately dragging their feet over critical issues that concern us. Then the people must stop and then take to the street.
This is normal in any democracy. A lot of you have followed some recent lectures of mine: one in Lagos; one in Abeokuta, and the third one here in Abuja on the occasion of the National Merit Award.
Each time, I have observed the ritual ending. And that ending was enough of talking, let us march. Now today, you have shown me that you have been listening. And your leaders here obviously have been listening and they themselves have been using exactly the same language over a long period. So we are not talking here about certain individual efforts but certain issues must be addressed urgently.
And if by miracle and believe me, I do pray and wish this might happen, if by miracle the missing president were to appear amongst us, hale and hearty, he will be confronted with the same charges that we are leveling against the government.”
Hon Farouk Aliyu Adamu
In his contribution, Adamu, said: “We are all Nigerians. Nobody should hoodwink you with where you come from. We are not ruled rightly. We are ruled by liars. We demand leadership that will come out and tell us the truth. In the last 50 days, one minister after the other will come out and lie.
They said President Yar’Adua spoke on BBC. Do you know why we do not believe them? It is because PDP government said we shall get 6000 megawatts of electricity by December but we didn’t. Now, who will believe them? We will only believe them when we see President Yar’Adua here live. If you do not want Jonathan to lead, do not take the fuel and petroleum from the Ijaw people. If my brothers want to continue using the fuel, the diesel from the South South, then Jonathan should take over governance,” to which they shouted another deafening yes.
Uche Onyegocha
“Few years ago, when Obasanjo tried to impose himself on this country using his third term agenda, we fought him and we won. Today we have a criminal cabal that is holding this country to ransom. I want to remind you that it was the same criminal cabal that supported third term. As we defeated them that time, we will defeat them again. They are saying we are not a terrorist nation and I agreed with them.
They have been holding us to ransom but that must end today and we must take a decision on the issue of a missing president. I thank you very much.”
Buba Galadima
“Today is christened a new birth for a new nation, that Nigerians of all works of life, that Nigerians of all tribes, that Nigerians of all religions have come together to discuss our country, this is how it should be and when we leave here, no body should wink you on the basis of religion or the basis of where you come from, the minimum we demand of those who said we voted them into power is transparency, constitutionalism, institutionalism and accountability.”
Najatu Muhammed
“The issue at stake is not that Yar’Adua has spoken on the BBC, the issue is that he has abdicated without leave, without permission, so this calls for his impeachment, the people at the National Assembly have no moral justification to be where they are today. Yar’Adua is paid by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is accountable to you and I, so he has no business staying for over fifty days without permission.
Nigerians will also want to get the kind of medical treatment that Yar’Adua is getting, this is their money, so Nigerians, come out and say no to this rubbish enough is enough.”
Pastor Tunde Bakare
“Every one, east, north and south of our country should take these words home. The Presidency is not a birth right. The presidency is not a hereditary stool. The presidency is a constitutional office. President Yar’Adua is not fit to occupy that office.
Therefore, Umaru Yar’Adua go home. Time has come for you to park your load, leave Nigeria alone and go home. This solemn assembly is not for the sake of Jonathan Goodluck, it is for the sake of good governance. The constitution that is imposed upon you stipulates in section 145 that if any one in the office of the president is leaving even for his leave not for sickness, he must transmit authority of that office to the vice president.
It is that we have come to demand this afternoon, that the imposed constitution must be obeyed. Power vacuum is the latest affliction they have imposed on this nation and the entirety of the rest of us say no to power vacuum. Enough is enough! We would not allow them to handle the affairs of this country in a lopsided manner or as they like. We demand accurate governance, good governance, and what do I mean by that?
Femi Falana
“This is the beginning of our struggle. By next week we are going to inform you of the date when we are going to march all over Nigeria. On Friday, Nigerians in America, Nigerians in the United Kingdom are marching. We understand that the Senate met this morning and took a decision; as usual because this is a leadership built on lies.
The Senate claimed that because some of us exercised our fundamental human rights, to go to court, they didn’t go to court, they said because some of us are in court because of their inaction, they are now exploiting our cases in court to abdicate their responsibility. Since they claim to be representing us in our different constituencies we must go and begin a process of making them to be accountable, of making them to be responsible, of making them to be responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
It was at this point that Speaker Bankole came. The Speaker had emerged from an executive session of the Reps around 12:30 pm, made his way to the platform on the porch of the dome of the National Assembly amidst tight security.
But his presence was not acknowledged, as the protesters who arrived the venue at 12.05 kept booing him as soon as they sighted him until Professor Soyinka took the microphone from Mrs. Naja’atu Mohammed – a foremost female activist from Kano State – who was addressing them, and announced that, “fellow compatriots, I understand that we have some visitors here among us We want to give him some few minutes to address us, fellow compatriots.” But the protesters in one chorus, thundered “Nooooooo!!!!!!”
Again Soyinka asked that the Speaker be allowed to speak and he was visited with the same response. He now said, “We are democrats here. I am going to ask for the last time after which I will take a voice count”, he said. “Do we allow the Speaker to address us?” he asked and the answer was reverberating “Noooooooo!!!!!” “The ‘Nos’ (nays) have it” he said.
Yar’Adua supporters hold counter-rally in Abuja
Also yesterday, groups comprising mostly youths, converged at the Eagle Square, Abuja, with banners and posters of President Umaru Yar’Adua, chanting solidarity to his administration despite the mounting agitation from some quarters for his immediate resignation. Besides adorning the major roads along the federal secretariat with posters that read, “We support Yar’Adua” the group further strapped large banners in various strategic places, denouncing those that are calling for his removal and subsequent replacement as “anarchists.”
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Posted by Jane Okinedo on January 13, 2010 at 8:00pm
Rabbits are monogastric animals. They are medium-sized hopping mammals with long legs, long ears and short tails. A marked rise in rabbit projects in developing countries has been observed within the past 15 years.Let the Web Work 4 ! You Affordable Online Marketing & A.d.v.e.r.t.i.s.i.n.g on http://www.9jabook.com call oremail:info@systemini.nettwitter:systeminilinkedin:systeminitel +234-0806 495 0565,234-07083793511,234-0705888839444-7894214683,The expansion may be attributable to an increased awareness of the potential of small scale rabbit production for the majority of the world's subsistence rural and semi urban inhabitants. Rabbits were first introduced into many developing countries such as Tanzania, Nigeria, Egypt, China and Mexico by their colonial settlers and missionaries. The common breeds of rabbit are Angora, chinchilla, Flemish giant and white New Zealand.Benefits of rearing rabbitsThe main reason rabbits are now being preferred by some farmers for rearing purposes is because it is easy to house. They have a short gestation period of 30 to 31 days and they are very prolific animal, that is they can produce many litters. In this category, they are next to pigs. Other advantages are that they are efficient converters of a wide range of vegetables matters into meat, they have a rearing period of six to eight weeks and they have a high rate of disease resistance. Rabbits are reared for their meat and the meat is generally regarded as white meat. They make good quality meat, which is averagely more delicious and more nutritious than that of the chicken. They also readily adapt to any environment.Rabbit meat is a good source of protein. The meat quality is good and it is a white meat that is tender, palatable and not fatty. This type of meat is presently being recommended for patients with cardiac problems, diabetes and high blood pressure. Apart from the meat, the rabbit skin can be used for making jackets, head gear, carpets and rugs and other decorative household ornaments. High graded furs have a place in the international market. Already several importers in some countries in Africa, are known to patronise the Nigeria rabbit market, as it is of high demand in such countries.Protecting rabbitsLike other livestock specie, rabbits need protection from adverse environmental conditions, including protection against predators, while ample sunlight and ventilation are important, either conditions may limit production.Air quality is also of major concern in the control of respiratory diseases, such as pasteurellosis and pneumonia. Ambient temperature and humidity levels likewise are particularly relevant to tropical and arid environment. It is well established that high ambient temperature can cause infertility in breeding rabbits. Hence, breeders are expected to take basic measures to ensure greater comfort for their breed. Rabbit needs basic shelter to sustain modest production. It is fortuitous that the building materials required for construction of simple sheds, hutches, nest boxes, and watering equipment are generally in the tropical countries.The following measures must be adopted in the rabbitry, by cleaning the floor of the rabbitry daily, disinfect the rabbitry at regular intervals to keep it free from germs, clean the feed and water troughs to prevent contamination, isolate any sick animal for treatment, de-worm the rabbits at regular intervals, keep the rabbitry weed free, and provide a disinfectant bath or foot dip at the entrance to prevent the introduction of germs into the rabbitry. Precautions must be taken against predators, though some look friendly or harmless yet they can attack terribly. No matter where you live, predators are a potential problem to your rabbitry, so you must embark on preventive measures before the predators strike, rats, snakes, cats, dogs are examples of such predators.Next week we shall look at the economic significance of rabbit in Nigeria.
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Posted by 9jabook.com on January 12, 2010 at 11:41pm
A man claiming to be Yar' Adua speaks to the BBC
Exactly 50 days after Umaru Yar'Adua disappeared from public view on a trip to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment, the BBC has reported that it spoke to a man purporting to be Nigeria's President.
The clip, which has been used in various programmes and can be accessed via the BBC website, has the voice of a man who presented himself as the President, saying:
"At the moment, I am undergoing treatment and I'm getting better from the treatment I'm getting.I hope that very soon there will be tremendous progress, which will allow me to get back home." The voice thanked Nigerians for praying for his health and for the nation:
"I wish at this stage to thank all Nigerians for their prayers for my good health and their prayers for the nation." When asked when he is likely to return to Nigeria, the person, in a weak voice, responded.
Other News:
igeria's president, not seen in public since going into hospital in Saudi Arabia for heart treatment in November, has told the BBC he is recovering.
YAR'ADUA ILLNESS TIMELINE
23 November 2009: Goes to hospital in Saudi Arabia
26 November 2009: Presidential doctors say he has pericarditis - inflammation of the heart lining
23 December 2009: First court case filed called him to step down
30 December 2009: Chief justice sworn in. Lawyers say this is illegal in president's absence
5 January 2010: Two more court cases filed and a human rights group wants president declared "missing"
12 January 2010: President gives first interview since going to Saudi Arabia
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In his first interview since then, by telephone, Umaru Yar'Adua, 58, said he hoped to make "tremendous progress" and return home to resume his duties.
His long absence and speculation over his health have led to calls for him to hand over power to his vice-president.
A protest in the capital, Abuja, has urged an end to the political limbo.
The opposition has been demanding details of Mr Yar'Adua's health amid swirling rumours that he was critically ill - or even dead - and unable to return to power.
His adviser Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi told the BBC the president's enemies were behind the rumours.
Doctors said in December that President Yar'Adua was suffering from acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the lining of the heart. He is also known to have kidney problems.
Constitutional worries
Speaking to the BBC in a three-minute telephone interview organised by the president's office, Mr Yar'Adua said he was making a good recovery.
"At the moment I am undergoing treatment, and I'm getting better from the treatment. I hope that very soon there will be tremendous progress, which will allow me to get back home," he told Mansur Liman from the BBC Hausa service, speaking in both Hausa and English.
BBC Hausa has a large audience in northern Nigeria, where Hausa is the main language.
He gave no indication of when he might return to Nigeria.
"I wish, at this stage, to thank all Nigerians for their prayers for my good health, and for their prayers for the nation."
He also wished the Nigerian national football team success in the Africa Cup of Nations currently under way in Angola.
The BBC's correspondent in Nigeria's capital said the president's voice had sounded weak.
President Yar'Adua's silence until now and the fact he did not appoint Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan to serve in his absence have led to fears of a constitutional crisis.
There is a perceived danger of a power vacuum in a country that only saw the end of military rule just over 10 years ago, the BBC's Will Ross reports from the capital, Abuja.
There have also been complaints that important government business has been left hanging in the president's absence.
'Enough Is Enough'
The interview with President Yar'Adua was recorded late on Monday and first broadcast at 0530 GMT on Tuesday. It has been widely rebroadcast by Nigerian TV and radio stations.
Many Nigerians will be relieved to hear the president's voice, says our correspondent, but the calls to hand over power to the vice-president will continue.
There are three different court cases under way calling for power to be transferred to Mr Jonathan, including one from the National Bar Association.
Several hundred people have marched through the streets of Abuja to the national assembly to press for the demand.
The national assembly was due to discuss the president's health on Tuesday as it reconvenes after the Christmas and New Year break.
Dozens of police, including riot police, were deployed ahead of the rally.
Prominent opposition politicians and lawyers, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and the Biafran secessionist leader, Chief Emeka Ojukwu, were planning to be among the demonstrators.
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By Antony Sguazzin
Jan. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Nigeria’s President Umaru Yar’Adua, who has been receiving treatment for a heart ailment in Saudi Arabia since November, said he is “getting better,” the British Broadcasting Corp. reported.
“I am undergoing treatment and I’m getting better,” Yar’Adua said in an interview with the BBC. “I hope very soon there will be tremendous progress, which will allow me to get back home.”
Yar’Adua, 58, gave the interview as Nigerian opposition figures and rights activists planned a protest march in the capital, Abuja, today over the power vacuum they say has been created by the president’s absence from the country. Nigeria, which vies with Angola to be Africa’s top oil producer, has been under civilian rule since 1999, the longest period since it became independent of the U.K. in 1960.
Yar’Adua flew to a Saudi Arabian hospital on Nov. 23 for treatment of a heart condition. He hasn’t been seen in public since then, prompting media speculation on his medical condition and calls for a transfer of power to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan.
Save Nigeria, which includes opposition parties, pro- democracy groups and human-rights campaigners, is organizing the march, Bamidele Aturu, a supporter of the group, said on Jan. 8 by phone from his law office in Lagos, the commercial hub.
Critics of the government say Yar’Adua’s delayed return to Nigeria is affecting the implementation of the budget, efforts to entrench peace in the oil-producing Niger River delta and attempts to reform the electoral system before general elections next year.
A group of politicians, former military officers and rights activists signed a document calling for the president to resign because his ill health has made it difficult for him to lead the country, Lagos-based ThisDay reported on Dec. 2. The signatories include Ken Nnamani, a former president of the Senate, and Aminu Masari, a former speaker of the House of Representatives, it said.
Government officials have dismissed the demands, insisting that the administration is carrying on smoothly.
To contact the reporter on this story: Paul Okolo in Abuja pokolo@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: January 12, 2010 01:50 EST
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Posted by 9jabook.com on January 11, 2010 at 7:30pm
"DEAD" MAN TALKING ,SIGNING BUDGETS etc ..
by now we really dont care ..
Nigeria's president, not seen since going into hospital in Saudi Arabia for heart treatment in November, has told the BBC he hopes to resume his duties.
In his first interview since then, Umaru Yar'Adua said he was recovering and hoped to make "tremendous progress" which would enable him to return home.
Nigerian opposition parties have been demanding evidence about the true state of Mr Yar'Adua's health.
A rally has been called for Tuesday, mainly to protest over his absence.
There are three different court cases under way calling for power to be transferred to the Vice-President, Goodluck Jonathan.
Mr Yar'Adua is also known to have kidney problems.
'Save Nigeria'
Speaking by telephone, Mr Yar'Adua said he was making a good recovery.
"At the moment I am undergoing treatment, and I'm getting better from the treatment. I hope that very soon there will be tremendous progress, which will allow me to get back home," he said.
"I wish, at this stage, to thank all Nigerians for their prayers for my good health, and for their prayers for the nation."
Rumours had been rife that he was critically ill and unable to return to the presidency.
Under the banner Enough Is Enough, an organisation called the Save Nigeria Group called people on to the streets of the capital, Abuja.
There is a perceived danger of a power vacuum in a country which only saw the back of military rule just over 10 years ago, the BBC's Will Ross reports from the city.
The opposition plan is to march to the national assembly where senators are expected to be discussing the president's health.
Prominent opposition politicians and lawyers, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and the Biafran secessionist leader, Chief Emeka Ojukwu, will be among the demonstrators.
It is not clear if the demonstration will be well attended, our correspondent says.
Nigerians may be worried about their absent president but whether they will take time off to demonstrate is another matter, he adds.
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There are 20 more al-Qaeda-trained bombers like me, Abdulmutallab confesses - Releases more information on accomplices to security agents - Judge postpones trial indefinitely
By Seyi Gesinde with Agency Reports
Saturday, January 9, 2010
After his arraignment on Friday, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a 23-year-old Nigerian, charged with trying to blow up a United States (US) airliner, has confessed to security agents that 20 others were being trained to carry out similar attacks.
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According to CBS reports, British intelligence officials said while being interrogated, Abdulmutallab had “boasted that close to 20 other young Muslim men were being prepared in Yemen to use the same technique to blow up airliners.”
During his first public appearance at a US court sitting in Detroit on Friday, none of Abdulmutallab’s family members showed up, but “in the front rows sat a delegation from the Nigerian embassy in Washington,” BBC reported.
He pleaded not guilty to the six-count federal charges filed against him, arising from his botched Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit.
Officials from the two US top security agencies, the CIA and FBI, leading the investigation, said Abdulmutallab has since offered useful information which will help in his trial.
In one of the charges, Abdulmutallab allegedly stitched two highly explosive substances into his clothes, and tried to detonate them as the plane carrying 290 people approached Detroit.
But the device failed, and instead, Abdulmutallab was arrested after being overpowered by passengers and crew. Five minutes before the case was due to start, BBC reported that Abdulmutallab had hobbled into the court, “perhaps because of the injuries sustained or the leg irons he was wearing.
“Considering the violence of the attempted crime, Room 100 of the US district court in Detroit was surprisingly calm, just an hour ahead of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s first appearance.
“Seating was limited to those who had queued outside on the frosty pavement for a pass several hours earlier.” Abdulmutallab reportedly wore leg shackles and walked slowly into the court room, after which he sat in a chair and for several moments, listened and nodded to his lawyers.
“He looked up slowly, his eyes staring with a slightly vacant look at the court. His shoulders were hunched,” BBC reported. The court appearance lasted less than three minutes, after which the presiding judge said there would be further proceedings at a later date, BBC reported.
The six-count federal charges:
*Attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction
*Attempted murder within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the US
*Wilful attempt to destroy and wreck an aircraft
*Wilfully placing a destructive device in or near an aircraft which was likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft
*Two counts of possession of a firearm, that is, the bomb, in furtherance of violent crime.
During court session
Abdulmutallab declined to enter a plea during his first court appearance to all the charges filed against him after which the judge entered him for a “not guilty” plea.
“He confirmed his name and its spelling, as well as his age in a soft voice, prompting the judge to ask him to speak up.
“Asked if he had had time to read the indictment, he answered “yes.” He also confirmed he understood the charges.
“Asked if he had taken any drugs in the previous 24 hours, he said he had taken some pain killers,” BBC reported.
Abdulmutallab was treated for burns after his arrest at Detroit Airport.
Penalty
If found guilty, AbdulMutallab faces life imprisonment.
Little emotion
“Abdulmutallab stayed standing, neither aggressive, nor cowed.
“It was hard to read his thoughts, hard to tell what he has been thinking in the 14 days since the attempted bombing.
“His lawyer told the court he would not be applying for bail.
“The judge said there would be further proceedings at a later date, and after a little more procedure, that was it. Less than three minutes in all.
“As the court rose, and the judge left the chamber, Abdulmutallab turned to his left to walk out of the court.
“Then - in the first display of any real interest on his part - he craned his neck to take a look at the front row of the public gallery.
“It was hard to read any emotion on his face as he looked for anyone he knew, a family member perhaps.
“And then he walked slowly out.” BBC reported
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For years, frail – looking favour held the forte in the Eastern part of the country. She and her gang terrorized and successfully ran the crime scene in Enugu, Awka, Onitsha, Aba Owerri, Abakaliki and Port Harcourt.http://www.9jabook.com your a.d.v.e.r.t.i.s.e.m.e.nt here call or email:info@systemini.net
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Dimunitive, comely Mavis and her gang held sway at Benin city Asaba Warri and Sapele. As though on cue, the two dangerous dames came to a church, Synagogue in a Lagos suburb, Ikotun, and openly confessed. They publicly begged for forgiveness. Listen to Favour as she gushed like an unstoppable water tap: “My name is Favour (surname withheld). I’m from Enugu State. My father died when I was a small girl. I saw my mother suffering to raise us. So, being the first child, I decided to go out and hustle.
My boyfriend in secondary school helped me. I left my mother and four of my younger ones and ran away with him. I didn’t know the type of job, he was doing but there was money at home. He was always going out and bringing money.
Sometimes, he and his friends would come home and drink and smoke heavily. From the smell of the cigarratte, I knew it was Indian hemp. One night, I smoked it with them. I wasn’t myself for two days. Later I started smoking again and nothing happened to me. Each time I smoked it, I felt strong and powerful.
I started following the boys out at night. We used to rob buses, and houses with big, high walls. Any where there is a big fence, there’s money people are hiding there.
Shoot out
Atimes we ran into police road blocks. That was always not good, we always wanted to bypass such a place but the police used to get tipped off and come after us. When that happened, our boys died. We atimes got them too. One day, we even overpowered them. We collected their guns and moved.
Stolen money, cursed money
We make money but we don’t even use it well. I think stolen money is cursed. Yes, it’s blood money. Once we shared it, everyone went his way. We give it to friends, buy more drinks, Indian hemp, Chinese tablets, good clothes that’s all. Nobody cared about going to bank and saving some. We were even afraid of everyone.
Ballooned
I later became pregnant. When I noticed it, I stopped going out for operations. I stayed at home until I delivered a baby boy. He’s four years old now. I know something will go wrong one day. I was always afraid. After so many years away from home, I decided to go and look for my mother. I found her but I didn’t tell her what I was doing. I lied to her that I was working and schooling.
Tragic end
Two months after reconciling with my mother, my boyfriend died. I was told he died in a shootout with the police. I took my son home to my mother. I dropped him there and continued. I started leading the gang. We went to places. We got charms for protection. I avoided my mother. She sells food-stuff. When she goes to market, I go into the house to see my son. I’ll leave money for them and run.
U-Turn
I came here because I saw what he (Prophet T. B. Joshua) has done for other people like me on Emmanuel Television. Please I beg God and all of you to forgive me. I know I’ve lived a useless life. I want to start a new life and be good person. If not for God, I would have died like my boyfriend and others.
Double life
Born in Delta State, Mavis like a Favour was raised by a single parent – her mother. According to her, her parents divorced when she was still a toddler. She became a teenage mother. She claims her boyfriend also introduced her to prostitution, armed robbery and other vices. Hear her: I became pregnant and went to live with the boy responsible for it. After delivering a baby boy – he’s now six years old, life became tough - no money, no food, nothing at all. So, I began doing all types of things to survive.
At night, I’ll dress and pose at street corners. Because I’m yellow (fair in complexion), car owners would see me and stop. They would carry me and pay me N2,000 for short time. If it’s all night, I got up to N4,0000. If the man is rich I will go to the toilet and phone the boys. I’ll tell them the house number and every thing. When they come. They will tie us up and beat all of us. After the robbery, I’ll get my own cut. It depends on the amount, they always gave me a good portion because I arranged every thing.
Drugged
The man may not suspect, I atimes put sleeping pills in his drink and he would sleep. While the man was sleeping, I’d take his money, phones and valuables and go away. When I did that, nobody would see me around for weeks. I usually went away to another town.
Roaming large
Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt used to be good until cult and militant boys drove away oil workers and businessmen. The Oyibo boys were easy to rob. When they take you to night club, you’ll phone the boys and they will come and waylay (ambush) us.
Warri was also a good place. The oil workers used to give us money. I’ve also carried gun and went with the boys for operations. One company wanted to pay their workers. Someone inside told us and we attacked. We got the money that day. As we were going, and saw crowd, we threw bundles of money at them.
Now I’m tired of that type of life. I don’t want to go back to that life again. Please help me.
A pastor who wanted anonymisty told Sunday Sun the two women would undergo a rigorous prayer session before being rehabilitated. “We wont leave them alone. We’ll monitor and mentor them” the pastor said.
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Posted by 9jabook.com on January 10, 2010 at 8:54pm
Kudos must be given to Next Newspapers for thier Exclusive Explosion on the "vegetative" state of The President.This had been predicted by medical practitioners as far back as a week after his departure
Read Post by Medical Director posted on the internet in December a few days after the President jetted off to Saudi Never to be seen or heard from until now.With a comment by Prof Bolaji Aluko
It has turned out to be one of the biggest cover-ups in the history of Nigeria. And some of the most powerful persons in the country are responsible for it.
An uncoordinated combination of silence, half-truths, and outright lies peddled by these men and women have formed an inscrutable web around President Umaru Yar'Adua, who, forty nine days ago, left Nigeria for Saudi Arabia in search of medical attention, for what his spokesperson described, in a press statement, as "pericarditis", an inflammation of the lining of the heart.
Since then, the days have turned into weeks, and the bogus claims from the corridors of power have grown even more ambitious.
The loquacious
Leading the pack is the country's attorney general and minister for justice, Michael Aondoakaa. His outrageous comments have attracted wide condemnation from public commentators.
Defending the president's decision to travel abroad without handing over to his vice, he said: "There is no evidence that he is not exercising his powers as president. He has his vice-president and his ministers whom he delegates power and functions to. He does not have to be in the country before he can exercise his power. He can do that anywhere. The president can delegate his power to anyone and he can even give instruction anywhere in the world, even on his sick bed."
Speaking through a spokesperson days after the president travelled, he referred to the trip as a "medical check-up and short vacation."
The chief economic adviser to the president, touted to be a leading member of the president's kitchen cabinet, was also quoted by a Nigerian daily as saying that the president had placed calls to the vice president, Goodluck Jonathan; the senate president, David Mark; and the speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, on the night of Tuesday January 5, 2010.
"The president's health condition has substantially improved. In the last week, I have spoken to him on telephone countless number of times," Mr. Yakubu is reported to have said. "Our conversations every time lasted more than five minutes."
The accomplices
The vice president has appeared particularly eager to convince Nigerians of his relevance, against a backdrop of rumours that he has effectively been sidelined in the affairs of the country. This desperation has made him an accomplice in the perpetuation of falsehoods regarding communication with the president.
Days after the president's departure, Vice President Jonathan, while receiving Sallah visitors on behalf of his principal, said: "This morning, I personally conveyed Mr. President's personal greetings. We spoke yesterday and even this morning. After this, I will even speak with him again. He asked me to convey his personal greetings to all Nigerians."
On January 6, at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, the minister for information and communication, Dora Akunyili, told journalists that the vice president had confirmed to the council that he indeed spoke with the president, as disclosed by Mr. Yakubu.
Also deeply implicated in the charade is Bukola Saraki, the chairman of the Governor's Forum, which comprises all the 36 state governors. He has been one of the most vocal defenders of the president. In early December, newspapers widely reported that Mr. Saraki led a delegation to Saudi Arabia, ostensibly to visit Mr. Yar'Adua in hospital. It is highly unlikely that they even sighted him, as NEXT's investigations reveal that the president was already brain-dead at the time they were supposed to have met with him.
Castigating the "anti-democratic individuals" behind the reports of the president's dismal state of health, Mr. Saraki told reporters, at the end of a meeting of the Governor's Forum last Wednesday, that the president "has now spoken with some people. We are happy to say that he is improving very well."
On his own part, the senate president, David Mark, has stuck to a religious theme since the president's disappearance. On the 30th of November, 2009, he asked Nigerians to embark on a Novena prayer for the President. The Novena prayer is a nine hour or nine-day Catholic prayer. Two weeks later, speaking at a thanksgiving service at the St. Mulumba Catholic Chapel in Abuja, he repeated his calls for prayers. Under his watch, the senate has also been unambiguous about its unwillingness to do anything to resolve the constitutional crisis caused by the president's absence.
The speaker of the House of Representatives has also clearly been helpless in the face of the president's refusal to hand over to his deputy. On 15 December, 2009 he overruled an attempt by a member of the House to raise a debate regarding the impropriety of the president's refusal to hand over, and then announced a January 12 date for the resumption of the House.
Also, through his spokesperson, he, like the vice president, also affirmed that he received a call from the president on the night of January 5.
The silent
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who, in 2006, in the wake of a failed third term bid, chose President Yar'Adua as his successor, and, despite being aware of his health challenges, vigorously campaigned for him, falls into the class of those conspicuous by their silence. He has severally declined comments on his successor's health.
Ditto former military president Ibrahim Babangida, whose name has consistently come up in the series of permutations regarding the identity of the person who will succeed Vice President Jonathan, if or when Jonathan is sworn in as President.
A number of the leading contenders for the position are deeply linked to Mr. Babangida. Muhammed Gusau and Murtala Nyako, both former military officers, served in the Babangida administration as Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff respectively. A third candidate, Jubril Aminu, served Mr. Babangida first as minister of education and later as minister of petroleum and mineral resources.
Messrs Obasanjo and Babangida, apart from being retired military men and former rulers of Nigeria, are both influential members of the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP). Mr. Obasanjo currently heads the PDP's Board of Trustees, which is the highest decision-making organ of the party.
‘Umaru, are you dead?'
The dubious resort to claims of telephone conversations with the president recalls the phone call placed publicly (and televised) by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, on March 7, 2007, to Mr. Yar'Adua, who was conspicuously absent from the PDP residential campaign rally in Abeokuta. At the time, Mr. Yar'Adua was receiving treatment in Germany.
With the line in speakerphone mode, President Obasanjo famously asked the then presidential aspirant, "Umaru, are you dead?", to which he replied "I am alive."
This time around, the country waits desperately to hear the president himself dispel the news (exclusively reported by NEXT, in its Sunday, January 10, 2010 edition) that he is in a vegetative state and thus permanently unable to function as the president.
Until then, the rulership of the country appears to lie in the hands of the un-elected Federal Executive Council, supervised by the vice president.
Later this week (Friday, January 14), an Abuja High Court will resume hearing in a suit filed by constitutional lawyer, Femi Falana, seeking a declaration by the court "that the meetings of the Federal Executive Council held since November 23 2009 till date and the decisions taken there at are illegal and unconstitutional as they violate Section 148(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999."
Additional reporting by Ifedayo Adebayo, Elor Nkereuwem and Nicholas Ibekwe
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Posted by 9jabook.com on January 10, 2010 at 7:18pm
In Dale Carnegie's popular 1936 book How to Win Friends and Influence People, he gives some good advice for basic statecraft, such as giving an "honest and sincere appreciation" and "arouse in the other person an eager want."
Clearly the U.S. government is reading from a different script in its reaction to the Christmas bomber over Detroit. This week Washington enacted a new policy which will treat travelers arriving from Nigeria the same those from the state-sponsors of terrorism list. It's not only outrageous and ineffective, it's also the quickest way to lose Nigeria and alienate Africa's largest country.
Consider what we know about the 23-year-old Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. He is far from a typical Nigerian, and comes from an elite and prestigious family (his own father responsibly reported his concerns to the authorities). He studied engineering at the privileged and expensive University College of London, where many believe he was recruited, while he apparently obtained the relatively rare PETN explosive from Yemen.
In other words, Abdulmutallab couldn't be more different than most of his compatriots, yet the U.S. is punishing 150 million innocent Nigerians with this ill-considered policy. If the U.S. insists upon treating so many people like terrorists, perhaps in the future their wish might be granted. Besides, if anybody should be made to stand in a special line at customs, it should be those folks from the TSA, FBI, and CIA who failed to connect the dots with so much information to prevent this.
As someone who has worked in Nigeria on-and-off for more than 30 years and traveled there many times, I can tell you that the country may have problems, but it is not the world's next hotbed of extremism. Nigerian Muslims and Christians have forged a mostly harmonious co-existence that is rare and desirable, and culturally there exists the type of moderate Islam that is a beacon for the future. On a personal level, I have known many peaceful, honest, and hard working Nigerians, and it is disappointing to see them discriminated against because of this one errant individual.
We often hear critics bemoan the absence of moral voices in the responsible Muslim community denouncing terrorism, but in Nigeria, there is widespread outrage, abhorrence, and rejection of the Abdulmutallab attack and terrorism in general.
It's not hard to understand why President Barack Obama put Nigeria on the list. It's pure political expediency, as the assailed Democrats have to prove that they are "tough on terrorism" (although I would point out the previous government did not put Saudi Arabia on the list after 11 nationals brought down the Twin Towers). Additionally, there is also the problem that Washington has no trustworthy partner in Nigeria given the country's current constitutional crisis.
For those unfamiliar with Nigeria, it may seem strange that no media outlet has published a single comment or interview from President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. The fact is that nobody has heard one word from him since he disappeared almost two months ago to receive medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. With the president out of the country, his entourage has refused to give up power. There are even unconfirmed rumors and hearsay circulating that the president suffered irreversible brain damage during the flight, and that control of the government has fallen into the hands of opportunists in the palace circles.
Though unable to communicate, the president mysteriously signed a supplementary budget order from his sick bed, releasing $2.4 billion dollars to the government caretakers, which naturally caused these rumors of state capture to accelerate.
There are numerous legal challenges, petitions, and protests calling for his resignation. Next week the courts will hold the first hearings on a major lawsuit launched by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) against the president demanding that he comply with the constitution and hand over power to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. Richard Joseph, a Nigeria expert associated with the Brookings Institution, has argued that "Nigeria is experiencing a crisis of performance in virtually every area of public policy," and that the president's disappearance has "heightened the dismay and anxiety."
The costs associated with this vacuum of leadership have been high. Deficiencies in security, electricity generation, transportation infrastructure, health, and education have all soared under President Yar'Adua. Oil, the life blood of the nation's economy, has also suffered, with production falling from 2.6 million barrels per day in 2006 to around 1.2 million today.
Meanwhile, the corruption of the judicial system has become more and more flagrant. James Ibori, the infamous Delta State governor who has had more than $35 million frozen in the United Kingdom on corruption charges, recently had 170 corruption charges against him dropped by Nigeria's federal high court. Allegedly one of the most fabulously corrupt men in the country walked away from court free as a bird, while the rumors that he substantially funded Yar'Adua's presidential campaign gained traction among the skeptics.
Instead of tackling the country's worst problem, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been transformed into a political weapon, mounting cases and show trials against many of Nigeria's leading reformers. Nasir El-Rufai, the highly respected former minister of Abuja and a client of mine, has been the victim of one of these campaigns of persecution, and Nuhu Ribadu, the former head of the EFCC, has also had false cases brought against him.
In summary, we have here the largest African state with the largest youth population and the most Muslim citizens, governed by a severely ill and president who hasn't been in office for months, where the corrupt walk free and the reformers are persecuted. I strongly maintain my conviction that Nigerians are peaceful people who do not deserve the insult of being included any watch list, but urgent changes are required from the government to insure against the emergence of extremism.
Terrorism is not the problem with Nigeria, it is corruption and poor governance which pose the greatest security threat - and that's where diplomatic efforts should focus, not these kinds of insulting lists which just further punish the victim. The 2011 elections represent a critical moment in Nigerian history, presenting the opportunity for the second consecutive civilian transfer of power. The international community should have a considerable interest in helping guarantee a safe, equal, and legitimate vote. Cooperation around the time of the elections could be considerably more difficult if this terrorism watchlist still exists.
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Posted by 9jabook.com on January 10, 2010 at 7:00pm
This post has been allegedly written by a US based Medical practitioner and originally posted online on various blogs around the 15th of December 2009 .Google the first line in bold to see. Quite an interesting read .
I just woke up to read this idiotic piece dished out to Nigerians.
First, let me say, that beyond all reasonable doubt that if the diagnosis
and the muddled up information dished out by the demons in PDP are true,
then Mr. Yar'dua is not coming back to Nigeria, at least NOT on his feet.
Please do not get me wrong, do not mistake my take as being cold hearted
or see me as a woman without African compassion in her. In fact I feel all
these because I was once in the shoes of Mrs Yar'dua. Not that my own man
had his kind of influence or money, but I loved him with all my heart all
the same.
OK, look at this, the man is not able to speak or he is inaudible if he
does. No mam/sir, the man cannot speak at all. The man is on a ventilator,
he is intubated to secure the airway because someone did not have the
presence of mind to intubate him, secure his airway, hyperventilate him en
route to Saudi Arabia, so he SUFFERED ANOXIC NEURO DAMAGE. It takes only
3mins and at best 5 mins for any one to suffer irreversible brain damage
without oxygen. So, his fool of a doctor putting him on oxygen via nasal
cannula will only give the man nose bleed without making much difference.
. Doctors flown in from Germany and America will not make a difference.
The man had a cascade of chemical activities when his heart failed or
should I say when he suffered vascular collapse in Abuja. These chemical
reactions will open the gates for toxic reactions hence his systemic
collapse. It takes only a couple of minutes, 8 mins precisely or may be a
little longer in some strange people for the chemical to bring down the
whole system. In that case, he will be in a vegetative state .
What is happening now is that they have put him on life support, he can
neither talk or blink, he is in what we call CATATONIC STATE, with only the
severely compromised brain ticking away. In that case , his algorithm will
be very erratic on the monitor.. They can give him all the epi. in the
world and it will not make a difference.
I am almost sure the man is on life support. I want to assume he also has a
trach. They will do that to access his lungs to see if miracle can happen as
soon as he arrived in the hospital because his airway would have been
compromised by the time he got to the hospital. Where we cannot get a line
into a patient, we go for O/S, and that is we go through the the trachea to
get the lungs filled with oxygen. Sometime, the man will be artificially
kept alive as long as his heart is still registering on the monitor, no
matter how poor his algorithm may be. In that case, he will be dead and
alive at the same time. However, we do keep them on to see if they will make
a miraculous come back. There are some things, indeed a lot of things
medicine cannot explain. One of which is the phenomenon of the COME BACK
KIDS. as we call them. We keep them on as long as per family request until
the register a PEA on the monitor and then they go away forever. Those
moments are so surreal. So, what is Madam President is doing now is hoping
that the man will make a miraculous come back. I am surprised Gov saraki is
part of this caper because he is before anything else a medical professional
who from all indications does not know what is on in our world anymore.
The man will speak to the nation? common guys, this guy ain't speaking to no
one but his creator. He cannot speak because he has tubes in his throat or
though his nasal septum. Actually he has more than that. let me tell you
guys what he has:
1. FOLEY CATH: That is a tube going through his penis to his bladder
to drain urine into a urine bag for measurement. The essence of it is to see
his urine osmolality and to measure the kidney function. We want to see at
least 30 ml of urine per hour. In his case, it is not likely because the
reports say his kidneys are gone. Poor guy. besides, we do not want him to
void on himself so that we do not have issues of skin break down from the
ammonia in the urine.
2. RECTAL TUBE: that is the one that will collect all the feces if at all.
That is to maintain hygiene. We also want to see the color, size, viscosity
of the feces. It tells a lot. That is besides the fact that he is in ICU or
IMU, nurses on those wards are not known to tolerate an incontinent
patient. Besides, you do not want to accidentally dislodge a tube because
all the alarms will go off at the same time. I once rotated to IMCU and the
noise from the monitors almost drove me to drink. I do not drink at all.
3. TRACHEOSTOMY: That is meant to be part of his breathing tubes which
will be connected to a ventilator. because the lungs are crappy now, am sure
his secretions will be suctioned for him so that he does not drown in his
own fluids.
4. G or J TUBe: That is to maintain nutrition for him and to see his if he
can make a miraculous come back.
5. OROPHARYNGEAL TUBES: connected to the ventilator. helps him to breathe.
6. NASO GASTRIC TUBE: Not likely because the oro is already in, but may be
they were not able to get in the oro tube and since he did not have a facial
or cranial wound, he may be a candidate for the naso tube. If his his oral
airway had been compromised before he got to Saudi Arabia. The dumb doctor
did not intubate him, his airway would have become occluded and so we go
through the nasal septum.
7. CENTRAL LINE: that is to medicate him, draw labs which will be done
round the clock at least B. I.D to see his chemistry. I hope they gave him
the triple lumen so that if he cannot tolerate a g-tube, he will be getting
parentral nutrition. His eyes may be wide open which is kind of creepy or it
may be shut. If it is my facility, we will close the eyes so that there is
no corneal damage. If the eyes are left open, his people will ignorantly
think he is looking at them and some times families think they see the man
blinking. yeah right..The rise and fall of the chest may look even tot he
uninitiated, they may think his respiration is even and unlabored, but it is
the ventilator working. The man may no longer be taking spontaneous
respiration. it is the machines breathing for him. The family may think
other wise.
Is there something am missing? please remind me in your reply. The point is
Mrs Yar'dua might be going through the stages of grief which is
understandable. Look, when mine was in the throes of death, I walked in the
icy rain of Washington, DC and I did not feel it. I went into denial.
I almost gambled away my license. I went to Dr Yamamoto, my daughter's
instructor when she rotated to Cardiology. He is the 5th cardiologist in
the USA. I asked him to do a miracle. I wept like a baby because I saw him
slipping into death.
Stages of grief are 4:
1. DENIAL : no it is not happening. He will come back. Lightening will
strike and all of you will be shamed. I feel her pain.
2. ANGER: You feel betrayed by the patient. You blame him for being sick.
You cuss at him and at every one who tells you anything contrary to what you
want to hear.
3. BARGAINING; you attempt to bargain with God and get all the prayer
warriors to pray to God to give you a second chance.
4. ACCEPTANCE: You accept the party is over and allow the man to go. I feel
her pain. She will get there. I went through it. I cussed at mine on some
occasions, I cried and rocked him like a baby in the next minute. I dropped
5. dress sizes. I went into deep sadness. I blamed every body, lashed at him
while he was sick. Tried all the hospitals all over the world. Got through
to a friend practicing in South Africa for a heart transplant and blew all
my savings including my childrens' money hoping for a miracle. he eventually
expired and I almost suffered a melt down. Now, guys, having said that, I
have zero respect to all those fools in Nigeria who have what we call the
FOOT MOUTH DISEASE. Seriously, there is a disease like that, but IT IS FOUND
IN COWS. Those folks in the national assembly are mentally below cows in the
realm of things.
May God help us, and am genuinely praying, but it is not likely the man will
come back. That is however, based on the premise that all what we have read
is true.
ANONYMOUS for good reason
___________________________________________________________________________
*Prof Bolaji Aluko Commentary*
The sentiments of the above compelling communication by a qualified medico
with a personal story to tell to boot can be indepedently verified as
hitting some of the medical marks with respect to this important health
matter of President Yar'Adua.
The President is apparently in no position to sign anything under such
physico-medical distress/duress that would be legally acceptable. It is
left to the National Assembly and/or FEC to act - or to wait on Fate.
One hopes that we are not in a Death Watch.....
Bolaji Aluko
Saddened
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Posted by Jane Okinedo on January 10, 2010 at 7:09am
The question that has had South Africa's media all of a twitter is: "Who amongst Jacob Zuma's three wives will be the country's next first lady?"Mr Zuma, a Zulu, has married at least five women since 1973 and has 19 children.Mr Zuma has remained close to his ex-wife, who will also be at the ceremonyThe 67-year-old is still married to his first wife Sizakele Khumalo, to Nompumelelo Ntuli, 34, whom he married in 2007, and to his most recent wife Thobeka Mabhija, described by the South African media as a 35-year-old "Durban socialite".Another wife, Kate Mantsho Zuma, committed suicide in 2000, and he divorced Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in 1998, but she remains a close political adviser and has served as a minister in government.Saturday's inauguration ceremony - the first for a polygamous president in South Africa - may have provided a hint.While Mr Zuma's three wives were all said to be present, only first wife Sizakele Khumalo accompanied him on stage.He introduced her to the crowd but then added: "You will see other wives some other time."HonestyPolygamy is still common in rural KwaZulu Natal, where Mr Zuma is from.According to political analyst Protas Madlala, many Zulus who are Christian have turned away from the practice, but it persists in rural areas because of the low standard of education and enduring poverty there.Traditionally, the whole family would live in the same compound, with each wife maintaining her own round house, or rondavel.People who stick to the traditions say that they may have more than one wife, but Christians maintain strings of mistresses, hidden awayPolitical analyst Protas MadlalaThe first wife is usually expected to have some say in choosing the subsequent wives, to make sure the husband does not choose someone she will quarrel with."The man is expected to rotate his nightly visits," says Mr Madlala."I am a Westernised African, with an education, so I wouldn't go for a polygamous marriage," Mr Madlala says."But rural poverty definitely plays a part in keeping the tradition alive. Parents may depend on the bride prices that are paid, and may ask their children to go into it."He says that although polygamy is not as common as it once was, traditions are associated with openness and honesty."People who stick to the traditions say that they may have more than one wife, but Christians maintain strings of mistresses, hidden away."Sexual politicsBy being closely associated with traditional practices, including polygamy, Mr Zuma has managed to create an image of himself as a straight-talking honest man among rural supporters across South Africa's ethnic lines, Mr Madlala says.Nompumelelo Ntuli cast her ballot alongside Mr Zuma in AprilThis despite a well-publicised rape trial where Mr Zuma admitted having unprotected sex with a family friend who was HIV positive.Mr Zuma was acquitted of the charge.But the furore did not seem to matter to Zulus, who voted for Mr Zuma in their droves, abandoning the traditional Zulu-based Inkatha Freedom Party."Many people I spoke to said they voted for Mr Zuma, not the African National Congress," Mr Madlala said.He suspects that support came through amongst rural Xhosas too.But should sexual politics have an influence over voters' choices?Steven Friedman at the University of Johannesburg says not."If as a politician you believe it is OK to rape or treat people with violence then that will have an effect on the way you deal with public challenges.""But if you think it's OK to marry five women I don't think it would."Mr Zuma is deeply committed to traditional beliefs, he says."But I'm sceptical if the electorate cares much about it."TraditionSo why has there been such a flurry of media articles about who will be the "first wife"?A lot of the media speculation has been driven by American news values, something that doesn't really have much to do with South African political cultureSteven FriedmanUniversity of JohannesburgThe ANC has said the matter is a personal one and there is no protocol to dictate who Mr Zuma should choose to be his "first wife".It has also been suggested that one of Mr Zuma's daughters could take on the role.But Mr Friedman says there is nothing in the constitution about any role for the president's spouse."A lot of the media speculation has been driven by American news values, something that doesn't really have much to do with South African political culture."So does Zulu culture indicate who will get to shake Barack Obama's hand or take tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace?Mr Madlala says it is likely that Mr Zuma will not have to choose one woman to be his official companion at state occasions or visits.The Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu frequently takes more than one of his five wives with him on visits, he says."It may be that to avoid antagonising some of them he takes them all to state occasions."Or he may rotate among them, like the nightly visits."
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Are You Feeding Your Soul?
Are you happy with what you see when you look in the mirror? And I’m not talking about your physical body when I ask this question — I’m talking about your spiritual body. Has your soul been getting the nourishment it needs to grow in health and strength, or have you deprived it from the Word it so desperately needs?
If what you see in the mirror doesn’t even begin to reflect what you know you can be, it’s time to make a change, time to dive into God’s Word and receive all the love and forgiveness He has been waiting to give you . . . a time to release your life into God’s hands.
The Word tells us, But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT).
You may not like what you see now, but just wait. Rely on God’s faithfulness and perfect timing and begin to make changes when God shows you it is necessary. And soon, you’ll be able to look back and say, “Look where God moved me from. Look what He saved me from. I stand blessed where I am all because of the transforming grace of God.”
An Evangelistic Tool
The following is an evangelistic tool. Feel free to use this tool to lead someone to the Savior. It can also be used in your church. Tony lead the members of our church through this process, and then commissioned them to offer the good news to those they come in contact with in the course of their day. This is one of our outreach programs for this year.
OPENING QUESTION:
Has anyone ever shown you from the Bible how you can be sure you are on your way to heaven? Would you allow me to show you?
I. First the Bad News
a. The Problem: Every person is a sinner before a Holy God and unable to save themselves (Romans 3:10, 23).
b. The Penalty: Every person is under the sentence of death and will be forever separated from God because of their sin (Romans 5:12; 6:23).
I. Now the Good News
a. The Provision: Through the substitutionary sacrificial death of Christ, God has addressed the sin problem for us (Romans 5:8, 17-21).
b. The Pardon: God offers a free pardon and eternal life to all who place faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation (Romans 10:9-10; 4:4-5).
CLOSING QUESTION:
Would you like to trust the Lord Jesus Christ right now as your personal Savior?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus thank You for dying on the cross for my sins and rising from the dead to save me. By transferring my total trust to You alone as my Savior, I now receive the forgiveness for my sins and the free gift of eternal life that You offered me.
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Bigwigs grace wedding of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya to S’African RCCG Overseer Adeboye in attendance
Article Excerpts:
Pastor Itua Ighodalo who recently re-married amidst controversy and presumed depastoring was the one who supervised the cake-cutting session and also got the audience reeling with laughter and Pastor Odukoya squirming, as he made some obliquely risqué jokes allowed in a setting of that nature.
Pastor Paul Adefarasin who proposed the toast also riveted the audience with his account of how Pastor Odukoya agonized over how to chase his new wife.
FOUR years after the death of Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, her widower, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, has picked another spouse.
Odukoya, the founding pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, wedded a South African, Simangele Zulu, at a subtly-elaborate ceremony that held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday.
This was against a backdrop of longstanding speculations that bordered on his decision to walk down the aisle again.
Amidst heightening anxiety, Odukoya had announced to an astounded congregation last Dec. 27 about his readiness to give marriage a second shot.
He kept the identity of the bride under wraps until Jan. 3 when she was formally introduced to the congregation, who welcomed her with a stimulating applause.
Before unmasking Zulu, there had been widespread talks that purportedly had it that Odukoya was in a relationship with a divorcee and mother of two, who incidentally is a columnist in one of the national dailies.
In her 30s, the path of Zulu, who is a United Kingdom-based music director, and that of Odukoya first crossed over a year ago during one of his many trips overseas.
The wedding, held under tight security, was graced by prominent men of God, including the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
Pastor Bimbo, as she was affectionately addressed, lost her life in the ill-fated Sosoliso airliner that crashed at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Dec. 10, 2005.
A writer, popular televangelist, highly-sought conference speaker, youth mentor and marriage counsellor, she was one of several individuals chosen by Samsung to represent Nigeria in carrying the Torch for the 2004 Olympic Games.
At the time of her death, she was the associate senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church and the president of Discovery for Women.
She was the host of Single and Married, a TV programme broadcast locally and internationally that dealt with practical issues people face in marriages and relationships guided with biblical principles.
The couple, who were married for over two decades, had three children – Toluwani, Jimi and Tobi.
More Gist
It was a blend of glamour, fun and spirituality as the senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya exchanged vows with his new wife, the former Miss Rosemary Simangele Zulu, a South African.
The event, incorporating the wedding service and reception, took place at the classy Grand Banquet Hall of the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event was graced by a retinue of who is who in what is known in Christendom as the vineyard of the Lord.
The occasion also had in attendance the deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Sosan as well as the first lady of the state, Mrs. Fashola. Some of the very top ministers officiated at the wedding service. The London-based Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo of KICC announced the proceedings of the service. Bishop Mike Okokwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission Church (TREM), whom Pastor Odukoya always professes to be his father-in-the-Lord, conducted the exchange of vows by the new couple.
An exhortation which was thought-provoking was delivered by Bishop David Oyedepo of the Winners Chapel. The General Overseer of the Redeemed Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye pronounced the final blessings on the couple.
The service was marked by a medley of musical renditions climaxing with the classical Hallelujah Chorus by a selected group of members of the choir of The Fountain of Life Church.
The bridal train was a nuclear family affair. The two daughters of Pastor Odukoya, Tolu and Tobi were the bridesmaids with the elderly one serving as the chief bridesmaid. Jimi, Pastor Odukoya’s only son so far, was the best man.
The reception ceremony was pervaded by an air of conviviality as the ministers of God who waited for it let down airs, cracking jokes and bantering. The groom, Pastor Odukya was assiduously grilled by the master of ceremony, Akin Oshibajo who is the attorney-general of Ogun State and a pastor in The Fountain of Life Church. He insisted that Pastor Odukoya should repeat the kissing session which he said was done rather perfunctorily during the wedding service.Pastor Itua Ighodalo who recently re-married amidst controversy and presumed depastoring was the one who supervised the cake-cutting session and also got the audience reeling with laughter and Pastor Odukoya squirming, as he made some obliquely risqué jokes allowed in a setting of that nature.
Pastor Paul Adefarasin who proposed the toast also riveted the audience with his account of how Pastor Odukoya agonized over how to chase his new wife.
Pastor Odukoya in a fuller measure thrilled the gathering with an account of the courtship period.
Other guests at the ceremony included some members of the church, friends and family members including relations of Pastor Odukya’s late wife, Bimbo.
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Posted by Jane Okinedo on January 9, 2010 at 7:34pm
Victim set to sue Arik AirlineA Nigerian resident in the United States, who was beaten by soldiers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja on Sunday has concluded arrangement to sue Jacob Olajide, a retired Brigadier General, who ordered his maltreatment.Advertisement ! http://www.9jabook.com advertise here call or email:info@systemini.nettwitter:systeminilinkedin:systeminitel +234-0806 495 0565,234-07083793511,234-0705888839444-7894214683,He also plans to sue Arik Airline for complicity.Uche Onyeanusi, brother in-law to the Inspector General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo, was beaten into coma by two soldiers on alighting from Arik flight W3161 which he boarded in Lagos.Onyeanusi told Daily Independent that disagreement broke out between him and Olajide where they queued along with other intending passengers to buy flight tickets at the Arik counter in Lagos.Onyeanusi said he came to Nigeria to spend the holidays with his relatives and attend to other issues.He narrated that he incurred the wrath of Olajide when he prevented him from jumping the queue, a challenge which led to an exchange of words between them, during which Olajide threatened to deal with him severely on their arrival in Abuja.Onyeanusi said Olajide’s aides descended on him and gave him the beating of his life immediately he disembarked from the plane. Other passengers looked on in awe as he was being pummelled.An eyewitness who was on the flight, Michael Ihemaguba, a medical practitioner also based in the U.S. (and an American citizen like Onyeanusi), said he was surprised that a policeman at the scene prevented him (Ihemaguba) and others from rescuing the victim.He recounted that Onyeanusi ran into the office of the State Security Service (SSS) when he was pursued by the soldiers, but the door of the office was forced open by the soldiers as the lone female SSS operative in the office attempted shutting the door against them.Ihemaguba said he and other passengers had to risk their lives to save him from being beaten to death, as they rushed and held the two soldiers when one of them took a bottle and was about to smash it on the head of Onyeanusi who lay on the ground bloodied and unconscious.The soldiers took Olajide’s luggage and left the airport without anybody arresting them after Olajide had identified himself as a Brigadier General to airport security personnel.The incident was caught on tape by the airport security, and was reported to the airport police.Onyeanusi was revived by Ihemaguba and the airport medical team.Arik employees who witnessed the incident made statements to the SSS before proceeding to the police station.However, efforts by the police to unravel the true identity of the soldiers for prosecution are being impeded by Arik and the airport security, both of which refused to co-operate with the police officer investigating the case.Arik reportedly told the officer that it is not bound by law to release its passenger manifest through which the name of Olajide could be ascertained.The airport security also allegedly refused to release the video tape of the incident.It was learnt that the military Commandant at the airport has been shown the tape and has identified the culprit but refused to disclose the true identity of Olajide.After watching the tape, he told Onyeanusi and the police that the name of the General was wrong, but confirmed that the man is no longer in service .Calls made to the commandant’s mobile telephone line were picked by his aide who said his boss was not available for comment.It was learnt that the policeman investigating the case made an official application to the airport security to release the tape, but the request was denied.Pressure is being mounted on Onyeanusi to drop the case as he was told to see some serving senior Army officers who are prepared to settle the matter amicably.But he has refused to bulge, and stated his readiness to pursue the matter to a logical conclusion by getting a lawyer to sue Arik for failing to release the passenger manifest to the police.He said he will also report the incident to the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.However, Arik Spokesman, Banji Ola, argued that the airline should not be blamed because it did not have control over what happened on the tarmac.He also said for security reasons, Arik cannot be compelled by individuals to release its passenger manifest.In line with international standards, only the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) or the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) can compel an airline to release its passenger manifest, Ola explained.
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Posted by 9jabook.com on January 9, 2010 at 7:15pm
Nigeria has effectively entered a post-Yar'Adua administration era, according to impeccable NEXT sources. Contrary to the much reported news of President Umaru Yar'Adua's improved health, he is, in reality, seriously brain-damaged and unable to recognise anyone including his wife, Turai.
NEXT investigations reveal that people in government, including the president's principal private secretary, ministers, and governors, have not been allowed to see the president since he was rushed out of the country for medical attention in Saudi Arabia 48 days ago. Mrs. Yar'Adua and a specially selected team, made up of two security and two civilian aides, and some government officials, have orchestrated a series of disinformation to the Nigerian people in an effort to shroud the true state of the president's health.
This, our sources tell us is to buy time to manipulate the selection of a successor to Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan. The cabal apparently wants a friendly Vice President who will protect Mr. Yar'Adua's interests. The preferred candidate appears to be Adamu Aliero, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. But other interest groups have their own candidates. These include Aliyu Gusau, a former army and security chief and Sule Lamido, the governor of Jigawa State.
Reader Comments:
I cannot believe these people think they could get away with such blatant dishonesty. If the President was indeed "sound and fit" as previously claimed, would it have killed him to send a message assuring the citizens that he's alright? Now that they realize they couldn't possibly continue with such falsehood, they say he's brain-damaged? Since when? Crap! These people make me sick, especially his closest aides, yes, including his wife. It has become obvious that they are more interested in "saving face" than being open with fellow citizens.
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