Mbadiwe’s Campaign for Obasanjo: By. Valentine Obienyem

Mbadiwe’s Campaign for Obasanjo (Archives, first published in Thisday newspaper of 10th may, 2005))
Valentine Obienyem

I thought I would resist the temptation to write on Ambassador Greg. Mbadiwe. I have the feeling that upon reading this article and numerous articles on him, he may be pleased with himself. Indeed, history shows that some people come to limelight by holding or proposing views or measures some people may take as outlandish. This was how Alcibiades, who was the talk of the Athenian city many centuries ago cut the tail of his beautiful dog and said the reason was for people to talk about him.

Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe is now the talk of the town for championing that Chief Olusegun Obassanjo should stay forever. I am only surprised that Nigerians are paying so much attention to such distractions much as I would have been if we do not occasionally witness the dawn of such characters. For the record, Mbadiwe has not done something odd since to affirm the contrary is to pretend that we have forgotten the Abimbola Davies and the Daniel Kanus of Nigeria . He is still a good example if we seek to prove that man is a mosaic of contradictions that neverthless contribute in making life lively.

Why is Mbadiwe coming under the assault of sharply pointed, sometimes poisoned pens of Nigeria journalists? As far as I am concerned, he has not broken any law nor acted contrary to the law. Under General Ibrahim Babangida and General Sani Abacha, highly placed Nigerians proposed that life presidency should become part of our politics. Some Nigerians, even those old enough to be Abacha’s fathers marched to Abuja in what was called a “2-Million Man March”, all in the bid to persuade Abacha to continue as the President. I am not concerned whether their action was justified or not, legal or illegal, my concern was that even in an era when Nigerians were harassed by the army through novelties of tortures such that freedom of speech/expression were understood to depend on quiescence, some people still were free clamouring for the perpetuity of their governments. Now we have a democratic government, I detest people being hounded for expressing their right to freedom of speech/expression.

The question to ask is: Does Greg mean to achieve his aim by subverting the constitution? If yes, that is where one ought to be worried, but facts on ground show that he is determined to follow due process. In defending toleration, Voltaire said: “Do I propose, them, that every citizen shall be free to follow his own reason and propagate whatever his enlightened or deluded reason shall dictate to him? Certainly provided he does not disturb the public order.”

But the curious thing is that most Nigerians are ready to swear that Mbadiwe is not speaking out of conviction or professing what he sincerely believes in, but only seeking political appointment, by trying to deceive Obasanjo that he is one of those who are ready to die for him. Who made them censors of Mbadiwe’s inner thinking? But can a man gamble with his reputation because of a political appointment? Evidence abounds that Nigerians are not bothered and can actually do anything to gain power and retain it.

Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe is the scion of the famous Dr. K. O. Mbadiwe. In the reckoning of great Nigerians, Mbadiwe somewhat merits a space. If you look again at the sons and daughters of most great Nigerians, you notice that they are not particularly spectacular. I have come to believe that most of them suffer the handicap of having great/rich parents and assured and comfortable places. Thus, neither the fear of hunger nor the resentment of subordination stirs them to achievements.

Let us face it, where are the sons of the Ziks, the Awolowos, the Akintolas, etc of Nigeria . Some were on the verge of becoming useless, in no metaphorical sense, to themselves and to the country before Chief Olusegun Obasanjo decided to rehabilitate them. This is one of the suppositions on which we can venture an explanation for the appointment of the scions of the Ziks, the Mbadiwes, the Awolowos, the Akintolas, and the Adesanyas to “serve” the country in various capacities.

Nigeria is not alone in the general degeneration observable among some of the sons of influential people. I have noticed that most geniuses do not give birth to geniuses. I have often sought for the reason. Why? Is it that the genius spends most of his energy in doing great work that he reserves weak energy for procreation? Is it that the energy that goes into great work dilutes the vital forces that play part in reproduction? Is it that the gamble of genes that produces a genius is so complicated that it occurs successful once in many years? Why?

If you look around you, you will notice that the rehabilitated sons of the famous men are not doing well in their posts. Nigeria has abundance of human resources, especially those who have proved their mettle unaided, those who have shown that by sheer hard work, one can rise from obscurity to popularity. It is unjust when such proven characters are neglected in preference to people whose only credential is being accidentally borne to great men. If that is the idea of governance, them one has every reason to be disappointed.

Mbadiwe has every right to what he is doing today. With saxophones and talking drums, he is dancing around Obasanjo. I suspect he is being grateful to the man who saw reason to rehabilitate him and his ilk. My suspicion, however, is only a surmise. I say this because Mbadiwe is neither deaf nor dumb; he tells us that he is being realistic for the greater glory of the country. In his calculation, since Obasanjo is the anointed one of God as evidently manifested in the good work he is doing, Nigerians should allow him to continue. Who will have the guts to carry out such far-reaching reforms as Baba is doing? On this logic he frequently rests his case.

If we debate about Mbadiwe’s antics just within the realm of logic and rationalization, I see a no-win situation. After studying the nature of man, I have noticed that nothing is beyond rationalization. I once told of a woman who knew, but failed to tell her husband that he had a disagreeable breath. The man was a tyrant and did not welcome any opinion that did not celebrate him. Eventually, a foreign woman who slept with him had the courage to tell him. Threateningly, he questioned his wife why he did not tell him even when she had a better opportunity of knowing. Rationalizing, the wife said she had not come near any man that he thought that was how all men smelt. The man was disarmed.

Talking about rationalization, the famous Emperor Caesar once sat down, contrary to traditions, to receive Roman Senators. Tongues wagged, the Senators felt humiliated. One of Caesar’s aides explained that he had a running stomach and was careful not to stand up to avoid the careless movement of his bowels at so unpropitious a moment. Rationalization!

Consider the story of a Frisian King, when they were just being converted to Christianity. They were however not pleased to be told that their unbaptised forebears were in hell. The King, having learned this as he stood on the brink of baptism, turned away saying that he preferred to spend eternity with his ancestors. It was also a Frisian who saw divine design in bedbugs, for they do us the service of preventing us from oversleeping.

But what have all these stories got to do with Mbadiwe. The man has been busy rationalizing on why Obasanjo should rule forever. Like his fellow “rationalists,” he can give us excellent reasons to support his thesis. Let Mbadiwe note the reasons given by the woman whose husband had disagreeable smell; it was a clever one, that of Caesar’s aide was an afterthought, while that of the Frisians sounded foolish. Let Mbadiwe be worried on how his own rationalization will be classified. Is he telling us that no other Nigeria is capable of ruling?

With Obasanjo’s pronouncement that he would not stay beyond 2007, we are persuaded to believe that he has realized that those wishing him to stay forever are actually not his friends. Once a leader has inner conviction, not even the clamour of a million Mbadiwes will make him take a path of dishonour. Let each man, as Voltaire said, be free to follow whatever his enlightened or deluded reason shall dictate to him? But please let it not be to the detriment of democracy, peace and fairness. The events in Togo , Republic of Congo , and some other countries are enough specimens in the laboratory of history.

GOVERNOR OKOROCHA ROASTS CORN BY THE ROADSIDE

Owelle Rochas Okorocha has lived a life of populism but his latest stunt “has no part two” – to use a popular Nigerian phrase.
In the accompanying photo, the multimillionaire Governor of Imo State is seen roasting corn – a favourite seasonal Nigerian snack – by the roadside. He is driving through a street and sees a woman, her little child on her laps, roasting corn for sale to eke out a living.
To everyone’s surprise, Governor Okorocha orders his driver to stop, hops down, walks briskly to the woman’s business spot and takes over the roasting of the corn. What is more, he also carries the woman’s son as he roasts the corn – just as the woman had been doing – to the admiration of the gathering crowd.
News Express could not immediately confirm in which part of the state the incident took place and when – although it appears to have happened very recently. News Express repeatedly called the governor’s spokesman, Mr. Ebere Uzoukwa, but he did not pick. The photo has gone viral on the social networks.
 A wealthy businessman who habours presidential ambition, Okorocha is well known for populist acts. Long before he became governor, he built well-equipped boarding schools where brilliant children of indigent parents were offered full scholarship and enjoyed the best of facilities.
While campaigning for governor ahead of the April 2011 elections, Okorocha freely mixed with the masses, riding in tricycles known locally as Keke NAPEP during his street campaigns. It proved to be a masterstroke in the face of the then government’s refusal to allow him to use the state’s electronic media or public venues to campaign.
The 50 years old Okorocha came to power on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) but has joined the emergent mega oppostion party, All progressives Congress (APC), as a founding member.
Source News Express

Gaddafi millions heading back to Tripoli

 


Cape Town – The South African Treasury has confirmed that an agreement, to repatriate the millions of dollars held in South Africa by the Muammar Gaddafi regime, has been reached with the Libyan Government.
Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, said the transfer of “what is thought to be about one billion dollars”, would be done under the terms of the UN Protocol.
The assets are in the form of funds held by local banks as well as gold bullion stored at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
Gordan met with a high-level Libyan Government delegation tasked with locating all assets taken out of Libya by Gaddafi and his aides.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Gaddafi’s former Chief of Staff, Bashir Saleh, who is on Interpol’s most-wanted list, had surfaced in South Africa.
It appeared he assisted the deposed Libyan leader and his family to stash the money in South Africa.
The official opposition Democratic Alliance said Saleh was spotted at the 5th BRICS summit in Durban earlier this year.
It expressed concern at claims that he is able to fly regularly – without being detained – between South Africa, Swaziland and Niger.
It called for Saleh to be arrested and a full investigation conducted “so that the world knows that South Africa will not allow itself to become a safe haven for international criminals’’. (PANA/NAN)

Fally Ipupa, Olamide, 2face to join D'banj for DKM 5-star concert

African superstar entertainer; D’banj is set to paint the city of Lagos red with a five-star DKM concert to celebrate his recent achievements in the entertainment industry with his fans here in Nigeria and to herald the launching of his DKM album which is set to be released later in the year.

The concert which is set to take place at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites on the 23rd of June, 2013 will feature appearances from some of the finest stars from the African continent and beyond.

Fans are set to witness electrifying performances from D’banj and his friends, including Fally Ipupa (DRC), 2face Idibia (Nigeria), Olamide (Nigeria) and , 2Chainz (USA) and many other big names.

In the words of the MOBO and BET award winning hit-maker in our exclusive interview with him, he says: “My fans should get ready to see the best of ‘Eja Nla’ because that is what they deserve. This DKM concert in collaboration with Ndani TV will be the best Nigeria has ever seen. Oooooossshhheee!!!”

The big-budget concert will also feature DB Records acts KaySwitch, JSol, JSleek and others.

'It'll be my first time in Nigeria and I can't wait', 2Chainz says in a video drop released by D'Banj. 'My birthday is in September but I’ll act like it's my birthday', he adds jokingly. The rapper is mostly known worldwide for his mega hit 'Birthday Song'

D'banj is an ardent supporter of Arts and Entertainment as it helps build the spirit of camaraderie among the teeming populace of Nigeria. The concert is a part of his resolute efforts, to contribute to the development of Nigeria through the organization of relevant initiatives to promote the Entertainment Industry.

"Once purity is a year old, labour room here I come again' - says Mercy Johnson

When asked if she had any plans for more babies in the future, the mother of one told African Magic: "Yes of course, once Purity is a year old, labour room here I come again."

Spot the difference

A model before and after retouching. Can you spot the difference?

Canadian model backtracks on Kanye West cheating claims

The Canadian model who claimed earlier this week that Kanye cheated on Kim with her, is now claiming that the affair happened before Kanye started dating Kim.

 From The Sun

Canadian beauty Leyla Ghobadi, 26, made global headlines after she was accused of sleeping with the rapper while his reality-star lover was pregnant.

Last night she broke her silence and told The Sun she did romp with the hip-hop star three times — but before he dated Kim.

She said she met Kanye, 36, when she went backstage at his concert on 22 November 2011 in her hometown Montreal.

At least she's had her fifteen minutes of fame.

Leyla revealed: “I was introduced to him at the Montreal concert. We met backstage as I knew members of his band. We ended up having sex at the Thompson Hotel.

“He then flew some friends and I out to Toronto for his two concerts in the next two days. We had sex again there. This was all before Kim Kardashian and he never spoke about her. But what I do know is that Kanye is a Romeo — he can never be trusted.

“He will never be faithful to one girl and has women falling at his feet all the time.” A US magazine claimed on Wednesday the Gold Digger star — who releases his new album Yeezus next week — cheated on pregnant Kim, 32, in October.

The mag also reckoned Kanye was trying to contact Leyla as recently as last week, which she denies. But she said: “I can’t believe all this publicity — I’m having anxiety attacks. I’ve been out with other singers and never kissed and told. I’m not starting now.

“I’m not the type to talk about such things — I’ve got family and friends to consider.” Kanye has denied the cheating claims. His spokesman said: “This attack on Kanye and his family is totally without merit.”

Who agrees with this tweet from Kelly Handsome...?

What do you guys think?

How Fatai Rolling Dollar was buried

By BENJAMIN NJOKU, ANOZIE EGOLE & IYABO AINA
The quiet community of Millennium Estate, Oko-Oba, in Agege, wore a gloomy outlook yesterday  as top musicians, friends and other entertainers stormed the place to bid farewell to the veteran juju musician, Fatai Olagunju popularly known as Fatai Rolling Dollar who died last  Wednesday at Marritol Hospital, following a brief illness.
The musician’s  remains were committed to mother earth yesterday afternoon at his uncompleted building site in Ikorodu area of Lagos.  He was buried without a casket according to muslim custom.
The Fidau (Muslims prayer for the dead) was conducted earlier in the day at his Millennium Estate, Oko-Oba residence, where well-wishers and friends had the final glimpse of the octogenarian musician before the body was moved to Ikorodu for interment.

*Late Fatai

Top musicians at the Fidau include, former PMAN President, Admiral Dele Abiodun, Segun Adewale, Dayo Kujore, Champion Kunle Opio, Islamic scholars, music industry titans, fans and family members.
Meanwhile, veteran musicians, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Prince Adekunle and others were in the deceased’s Oko-Oba Millennium Estate residence on Wednesday evening to receive the corpse from the hospital alongside family members.
In his condolence message, King Sunny Ade sounded emotional, saying that “We are going to miss Pa Rolling Dollars greatly.” He said, “Pa please come to life to make us happy again if God permits.”
For Stella Monye, Rolling Dollar lived and rocked  well as a veteran musician.
Also, paying tribute to the deceased, the Secretary of the neighbourhood Association, Mr Shola Adebayo described, Rolling Dollar, as  “  a loving and caring father who always concerned himself about other people’s problems  within the neighbourhood.”
Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman Copyright Society of Nigeria who is presently on official duty outside the country also paid a glowing tribute to the late highlife maestro. “Just before leaving the country, I had been given a hint by a mutual friend, Mr. Niyi Ojemakinde, the radio personality, that Pa Fatai Rolling Dollar was in hospital.
I had so badly wanted to go and see him but there was just no time. He was a legend, a fantastic person with a very positive attitude to life who treated everyone with courtesy. I believe that his attitude to life was responsible for the long life he lived and that should be a lesson for all us. He was committed to the unity of the Nigerian music industry and never missed any meeting of COSON. He will be missed by a lot of people whom he inspired. COSON will ensure that Fatai Rolling Dollar is immortalized’

The late Juju/highlife music maestro who reportedly died of cancer related disease left behind sixteen children and wives. Some of the children are Jamiu, Funmi, Mojeed, Nimota and Adewumi.
Rolling Dollar was one of the highlife musicians who made the genre popular in the 60s and 70s. He was famous for his evergreen classic, ‘Won Kere Si Number Wa’.
Before his death, Rolling Dollar  reportedly told his family members not to weep for him.
Meanwhile, the promoter who took Rolling Dollar to a musical tour of the United States of America (USA), Sampson Raji disclosed that the late musician actually died of cancer of the lungs.
According to the Maryland, USA-based music promoter, the veteran musician fell sick during the tour and he was taken to a hospital and it was at the hospital that he was diagnosed to have lung cancer.
Raji said Rolling Dollar went through series of tests for four days while he was admitted in the hospital for 12 days.
“After 12 days, he was discharged because his health had improved considerably due to the treatment and the drugs administered on him,” the promoter narrated.
He stated further that the late musician insisted on coming back home, saying he would prefer traditional treatment for his health.
“I had to change the ticket when he insisted on coming back home but I want to tell you that as at the time he was coming back home, his health had improved. He was even distributing his CDs to fans at the airport,” Raji said.
Rolling Dollar started his musical career in 1953 and had mentored other great musicians like Evangelist Ebenezer Obey and the late Orlando Owoh, among others. Known for his dexterity at playing the guitar, Rolling Dollar’s last major hit was “Won Kere Si Number Wa”. The late musician was given a house in one of the low cost housing estates in New Oko Oba, Lagos.
Juju music legend, Ebenezer Obey was among those trained by the late musician.
Rolling Dollar, who had three wives and 16 children, died as the oldest surviving music artiste in Nigeria.

Wizkid & girlfriend show love as she celebrates birthday & graduation

Tania Omotayo celebrated her birthday and graduation in Atlanta recently, and her boo congratulated her on Twitter, telling her he loves her. Best part - she loves him more! Awwww, young love!...:-)

Pictures from Yvonne Nelson's wedding with Banky W click here to view pictures

Yvonne Nelson and Banky W Did their secret wedding yesterday, she posted the picture by herself not long ago, Praiz, waje Lynxxx and more were present at the wedding, check out the pictures from the wedding and her tweet to confirm after the cut..



This is actually a scene where Yvonne Nelson Plays Banky W's Wife At Mai Atafo's ‘The Grandeur Collection - Dream Wedding' Launch. -

FG uncovers N58bn unremitted revenue

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief
ABUJA—Ministry of Finance has traced N58 billion unremitted revenue of the Federal Government to various bank accounts. It said the funds were ‘hidden’ by unscrupulous bank managers and collaborators in ministries, departments and agencies.
The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday in Abuja, threatened heavy sanctions, including closure of such accounts, against the culprits if by Monday next week all such monies were not paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government.
She said, in a statement, that the practice through which government officials place government revenue in illegal accounts to earn interests for their pockets was unacceptable and must be stopped immediately.
The statement
It said: “It has come to the attention of the Federal Ministry of Finance that some Federal Government agencies that generate independent revenue, in collusion with some banks, have refused to remit monies to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, CRF, of the Federal Government which they are obliged by law to do.
“We have identified about N58 billion of such monies, which rightfully belongs in the CRF.
“This unwholesome practice has persisted despite the efforts of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to encourage the agencies and the affected banks to do the right thing.
“Rather than comply, the agencies and banks, through their lawyers have engaged in all manner of legal subterfuges to ensure that monies, which are due to the Federal Government are not remitted.
“The objective of this conspiracy against the national interest is clear: to keep government monies indefinitely in accounts earning interest for individuals at the expense of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people.
“This is totally unacceptable and the Federal Ministry of Finance is determined that this practice must end forthwith.
“Starting Monday, June 17, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, in exercise of its powers under the extant laws and rules, will close the accounts of agencies involved in this practice in all banks.
“This process of systematic closure will continue until all monies that should be in the Consolidated Revenue Fund are retrieved.