Video: Enugu 1st Lady Clara Chime recounts ordeal, says she never had mental problems

this exclusive interview with Channels Television, while recounting her experience, Enugu State First Lady Clara Chime debunked claims that she had mental problems and said she suffered from depression because of the treatment she got from her husband led to it. Must watch...

Justine Sacco apologizes for offensive AIDS tweet after being fired

Justine Sacco, the PR Exec at InterActiveCorp, who tweeted "Going to Africa, hope I don't get AIDS' has issued a statement, apologizing for making the racist Tweet. She issued the statement today to South African paper, The Star, a day after she was fired by IAC. The apology below...

“Words cannot express how sorry I am, and how necessary it is for me to apologize to the people of South Africa, who I have offended due to a needless and careless tweet. There is an AIDS crisis taking place in this country, that we read about in America, but do not live with or face on a continuous basis. Unfortunately, it is terribly easy to be cavalier about an epidemic that one has never witnessed firsthand.

"For being insensitive to this crisis — which does not discriminate by race, gender or sexual orientation, but which terrifies us all uniformly — and to the millions of people living with the virus, I am ashamed.

"This is my father’s country, and I was born here. I cherish my ties to South Africa and my frequent visits, but I am in anguish knowing that my remarks have caused pain to so many people here; my family, friends and fellow South Africans. I am very sorry for the pain I caused.”

POPE FRANCIS CONDEMNS RACISM AND DECLARES THAT “ALL RELIGIONS ARE TRUE” AT HISTORIC THIRD VATICAN COUNCIL

For the last six months, Catholic cardinals, bishops and theologians have been deliberating in Vatican City, discussing the future of the church and redefining long-held Catholic doctrines and dogmas. The Third Vatican Council, is undoubtedly the largest and most important since the Second Vatican Council was concluded in 1962. Pope Francis convened the new council to “finally finish the work of the Second Vatican Council.” While some traditionalists and conservative reactionaries on the far right have decried these efforts, they have delighted progressives around the world.

The Third Vatican Council concluded today with Pope Francis announcing that Catholicism is now a “modern and reasonable religion, which has undergone evolutionary changes. The time has come to abandon all intolerance. We must recognize that religious truth evolves and changes. Truth is not absolute or set in stone. Even atheists acknowledge the divine. Through acts of love and charity the atheist acknowledges God as well, and redeems his own soul, becoming an active participant in the redemption of humanity.”

“Through humility, soul searching, and prayerful contemplation we have gained a new understanding of certain dogmas. The church no longer believes in a literal hell where people suffer. This doctrine is incompatible with the infinite love of God. God is not a judge but a friend and a lover of humanity. God seeks not to condemn but only to embrace. Like the fable of Adam and Eve, we see hell as a literary device. Hell is merely a metaphor for the isolated soul, which like all souls ultimately will be united in love with God” Pope Francis declared.

In a speech that shocked many, the Pope claimed “All religions are true, because they are true in the hearts of all those who believe in them. What other kind of truth is there? In the past, the church has been harsh on those it deemed morally wrong or sinful. Today, we no longer judge. Like a loving father, we never condemn our children. Our church is big enough for heterosexuals and homosexuals, for the pro-life and the pro-choice! For conservatives and liberals, even communists are welcome and have joined us. We all love and worship the same God.”

One statement in the Pope’s speech has sent traditionalists into a fit of confusion and hysteria. “God is changing and evolving as we are, For God lives in us and in our hearts. When we spread love and kindness in the world, we touch our own divinity and recognize it. The Bible is a beautiful holy book, but like all great and ancient works, some passages are outdated. Some even call for intolerance or judgement. The time has come to see these verses as later interpolations, contrary to the message of love and truth, which otherwise radiates through scripture. In accordance with our new understanding, we will begin to ordain women as cardinals, bishops and priests. In the future, it is my hope that we will have a woman pope one day. Let no door be closed to women that is open to men!”

In addition to the Pope’s sweeping calls for tolerance and a new progressive understanding of Catholicism, he condemned racism, raising his voice and pounding the podium in front of him. Pope Francis spent over an hour castigating anti-immigrant politicians, parties and individuals. Wagging his finger sternly with righteous indignation, the Pope shouted “Racism today is the ultimate evil in the world. When Italians, Spanish or French turn back the boats of African migrants seeking a better life, are they not like the inn keeper who told Mary and Joseph that there was no room for them and the infant Christ? These migrants are children of God and we are commanded to love them!”

His voice loudly echoing through St. Peter’s basilica, the Pope stated “those who would dare to turn immigrants away, be they legal or undocumented, turn their backs on Christ himself! A racist is not a true Christian. A racist casts aside his humanity to become a beast, a demon! He is the embodiment and personification of evil, a Satan!”

To a chorus of thunderous applause, Pope Francis stated “because Muslims, Hindus and African Animists are also made in the very likeness and image of God, to hate them is to hate God! To reject them to is to reject God and the Gospel of Christ. Whether we worship at a church, a synagogue, a mosque or a mandir, it does not matter. Whether we call God, Jesus, Adonai, Allah or Krishna, we all worship the same God of love. This truth is self-evident to all who have love and humility in their hearts!”

In a announcement that shocked many people, Pope Francis warned that “those who seek to deny a home to the migrant, to the African and the Muslim, risk their membership in the church. We will consider excommunication for those whose souls willingly dwell in the darkness and evil of intolerance and racism. Satan himself is a metaphor or a personification, for the collective evils of mankind. Today, these evils manifest foremost as racism, intolerance, religious persecution and bigotries of all kinds.”

A couple of prominent Catholic cardinals have responded to Pope Francis’ declarations by leaving the church. Cardinal Arinze of Nigeria asked, “what do we stand for if we declare that truth is relative? On the contrary, truth exists independently of our personal feelings. All of this talk of love and tolerance is hollow if we have no identity of our own, if we stand for nothing. I charge that Francis has become a heretic, and that he is not a valid Pope. Indeed, Francis is no longer even a Catholic. The seat of Saint Peter is vacant. I am now a Sedevacantist. I should have become one long ago. The Vatican has embraced ecumenism in the past, but worse than that, it has now embraced moral relativism on abortion and homosexuality. At the same time it is embracing moral absolutism in favour of illegal immigration and cultural genocide against Europe.”

In his most controversial statement, Cardinal Arinze said “Islam has overrun my own country, and now it threatens to overrun Europe. Some parts of Nigeria now live under Islamic Sharia law. Catholics there are no longer free to practice their faith publicly. Francis is a fool if he thinks that his liberal immigration policy will end well. He has betrayed western civilization. Vatican City will one day become a giant mosque if things continue in Europe along their present course. Those in the West who ignore this truth, do so at their own peril.”

In an angry and vitriolic rant revealing deep self-hating tendencies, the African Cardinal Arinze stated “There is nothing wrong with Europeans who want to protect their borders. The problem is that there is not enough border control and the immigration policies are far too lenient in Europe. Is it racist to desire to preserve one’s own home? Why is it racist to want to preserve your own culture and a future for your people and your children? Have white people gone stupid today?”

This much is clear, the Catholic Church has made a decision to rejoin humanity and to reject intolerance and extremism. The church has lost a few narrow-minded bigots, with reports of some small parishes and a few cardinals and bishops defecting, but Pope Francis has gained the friendship of the world. Pope Francis deserves praise for taking a humane stand in defence of human rights and against bigotry. 

SOURCE

Jonathan unveils Nigeria’s first indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle

Kaduna – President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Kaduna unveiled the country’s first indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle, GULMA, designed and constructed by the Nigerian Air Force.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jonathan said that the unveiling of the vehicle marked another landmark moment in the nation’s history.
He said that besides its diverse military application, the vessel would provide a range of benefits in disaster management, power line surveys and law enforcement.
Jonathan said that the vehicle would also be useful in aerial imaging/mapping, telecommunications and weather monitoring.
“It is also rapidly becoming an important tool in news coverage, environmental monitoring, and oil and gas exploration.
“Considering the potential impact of its benefit and versatility, I cannot but say how proud I am of the men and women of our Armed Forces.
“Apart from their commitment to the protection of our sovereignty, they are helping to keep our nation ahead in military science and technology and to keep their civilian counterparts on their toes.
“Today, as we stand in appreciation of the gallant men and women of our Air Force, we are reminded that hard work and diligence can break many barriers,’’ he said.
Jonathan commended the Chief of Air Staff and all officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force for the achievement, noting that it would strengthen the country.
He said it would also enhance the nation’s role in peace keeping and conflict prevention.
The president said he was optimistic that this stride by the Nigerian Air Force would mark a turning point for indigenous technology in every sector of the nation’s life.
“Let me assure the Air Force of the Federal Government’s support for this and all other research projects.
“We will encourage and assist private sector concerns to key into mass production of the project to achieve the highest and best commercial use of this prototype Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

UNVEILING OF 'GULMA' NIGERIA'S FIRST INDIGENOUS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE IN KADUNA
UNVEILING OF ‘GULMA’ NIGERIA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE IN KADUNA
“As I said in my Independence Day address, our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens.
“Indeed, indigenous initiatives remain indispensable in achieving national greatness.
“To retain the country’s importance on the global stage, we must continue to produce leaders in science, technology, and engineering, and invest more in ideas,’’ the president said.
In his remark, Supervising Minister of Defence Labaran Maku said the development of a surveillance aircraft by the Nigerian Air Force was a bold statement of government’s resolve to provide security for the Nigerian populace.
Maku, who is the Minister of Information, said that the GULMA UAV would potentially afford the armed forces a window of immense opportunities in its task of acquiring timely intelligence and combating criminality.
“Although the UAV was a brainchild of the Nigerian Air Force, it is important that other services and security agencies incorporate it into their operations, if its potential is to be fully harnessed.
“There is therefore, the need for a comprehensive policy on UAV acquisition and operation to optimise the employment of GULMA UAV by all services and security agencies,’’ he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, had said that the GULMA was designed to meet vast expectations and needs.
Badeh said that the GULMA could be employed by the armed forces and security agencies for the protection of the country.
He explained that the air force envisaged partnership with agencies such as NEMA and the Nigeria Air Space Management Agency for weather forecasting.
“Furthermore, the GULMA, as a qualitative, timely and reliable source of information could serve as a powerful tool for media practitioners.
“To sustain the current tempo of development, the NAF would require the assistance of government in infrastructure and human capacity development. (NAN) SOURCE

Fake South African sign language interpreter helped burn men to death in 2003

Details have emerged about the violent crime charges that Thamsanqa Jantjie, the fake sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela's funeral sevice faced a decade ago.

From NYpost.com

The bogus sign language interpreter at last week’s Nelson Mandela memorial service was among a group of people who accosted two men found with a stolen television and burned them to death by setting fire to tires placed around their necks, one of the interpreter’s cousins and three of his friends told The Associated Press Monday.

But Thamsanqa Jantjie never went to trial for the 2003 killings when other suspects did in 2006 because authorities determined he was not mentally fit to stand trial, said the four. They insisted on speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the fake signing fiasco, which has deeply embarrassed South Africa’s government and prompted a high-level investigation into how it happened.

Their account of the killings matched a description of the crime and the outcome for Jantjie that he himself described in an interview published on Sunday by the Sunday Times newspaper of Johannesburg.

“It was a community thing, what you call mob justice, and I was also there,” Jantjie told the newspaper.
Jantjie was not at his house Monday, and the cousin told AP Jantjie had been picked up by someone in a car Sunday and had not returned. His cellphone rang through to an automatic message saying Jantjie was not reachable.

Instead of standing trial, Jantjie was institutionalized for a period of longer than a year, the four said, and then returned to live in his poor township neighborhood on the outskirts of Soweto. At some point after that, they said, he started getting jobs doing sign language interpretation at events for the governing African National Congress Party.

Jantjie told the AP last week he has schizophrenia and hallucinated, seeing angels while gesturing incoherently just 3 feet away from President Barack Obama and other world leaders during the Tuesday ceremony at a Soweto stadium. Signing experts said his arm and hand movements were mere gibberish.

In the interview last Thursday, Jantjie said he had been violent in the past “a lot” but declined to provide more details and blamed his violence on his schizophrenia, for which he said he was institutionalized for 19 months in a period that included time during 2006. The cousin and the three friends said the “necklacing” killing of the suspected thieves occurred within a few hundred meters (yards) from Jantjie’s tidy concrete home near ramshackle dwellings.

The four spoke to the AP on Monday in Jantjie’s neighborhood, and one of the friends described himself as Jantjie’s best friend.

Necklacing was a method of killing that was fairly common during the struggle against apartheid by blacks on blacks suspected of aiding the white government or belonging to opposing factions. The method was also used in tribal disputes in the 1980s and 1990s. While people who encounter suspect thieves in South Africa have been known to beat or kill them to mete out punishment, necklacing them has been rare.

An investigation is under way by South African officials to determine who hired Jantjie as the onstage interpreter at the Mandela memorial service and if and how he received security clearance. The officials have not said how long their investigation will take place, and reaching them for updates was difficult Monday, a public holiday in South Africa.

Four government departments involved in organizing the historic memorial service have distanced themselves from the hiring of Jantjie, telling the AP they had no contact with him. A fifth government agency, the Department of Public Works, declined to comment and referred all inquiries about Jantjie to the office of South Africa’s top government spokeswoman, who has only said a “comprehensive report” will eventually be released.

Jantjie told the AP he was hired for the event by an interpretation company that has used him on a freelance basis for years, but government officials have said the owners of the company have disappeared. The address that Jantjie provided for the company was occupied by a different company that is not involved in interpreting for the deaf.

The AP was unable to verify the existence of the school where Jantjie said he studied signing for a year. An online search for the school, which Jantjie said was called Komani and located in Eastern Cape Province, turned up nothing. Advocates for the deaf said they have never heard of the school and said there are no known sign language institutes in the province.

The Star newspaper of Johannesburg reported Friday that Jantjie said he studied sign language interpretation in Britain at the “University of Tecturers.” A British charity that awards qualifications for deaf and deaf-blind communications techniques said it had never heard of the university.

Google adds Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa to its Google Translate

Google search engine has added the 3 major Nigerian languages, Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba to its Google Translate. Google Translate is a free automatic language translation service by Google. It works without the intervention of human translators, using state-of-the-art technology instead. Other African languages also included are South African Zulu and Somali Language. Google translate already has 71 languages on its platform.

Pastor used a cutlass to inflict a deep cut on his wife for not going to church..

ABEOKUTA – Men of Ogun State Police command have arrested a-45-year-old  man,  pastor  Daniel  Samuel for stabbing his wife over the later refusal to attend church activities.

Daniel , an  Apostolic Church pastor  was reported to have  used a cutlass to inflict a deep cut on his wife, Patient  Samuel in her neck  in Owode-Egba in Ibafemi Owode local government area of Ogun State.

Vanguard gathered that, the offence of the 42 -year -old wife of the Pastor was because she gave preference to  her work over the  church programmes.

It was further gathered that, shortly after the man attacked his wife with cutlass, he alerted the neighbours that his wife has been matcheted by some unknown men , urging the people to help him take his wife to  hospital.

More details soon... Vanguardngr

Bizzare! Naked bath in ‘Pool of Bethesda’

 

The news fly all around and the hitherto serene community becomes busy playing host to people from far and near seeking miracle healing to their ailments in a stream that sprang up suddenly.
The physically challenged, the aged, young, men and women including people with different kinds of sicknesses throng the pool in droves, dip themselves naked in the 3-4feet deep stagnated water, wash the ailing parts of their bodies believing they are healed.
Although the testimonies were not forth coming, the lame, blind still assisted with mixed feelings, believed that they will be healed.

The mysterious pool, called Orimiri located in a forest about 3km from the Nachi bus-stop along Onitsha/Enugu old road, allegedly heals all kinds of ailments after it was discovered by a Fulani herdsman recently.
Since the discovery, the community has become a pilgrimage center with no fewer than 3000 people thronging the place daily. From morning till 6pm daily, okada ply through that narrow and sandy path carrying passengers and their loads of jerry cans to the stream.
When Saturday Vanguard visited the stream, scores of people especially women were seen naked dipping their bodies in the already contaminated stream in the quest for healing. As those with tumor, sores and injuries wash their bodies without any reservation, the physically challenged were being assisted by their relatives for thorough bath. Others were busy scooping up water from different holes dug around the bank into their plastic containers of various sizes.
The people’s craze for healing was also seen as they collect sands from the stream into cellophane bags to their homes believing even the sands under the water was as effective as the stream itself.  The trees in the surroundings were also not spared as people chop trees into various sizes with a claim that it cures all kinds of sicknesses.
But none of these miracle seekers at the stream as at the time of visit could give a clear testimony of the healing he or she had received.  Most of them who spoke with us opined that they believe it will work.
A middle aged woman, who refused to give her real names who never suspected she was talking to the press, said: “I just came here for to exercise my faith. I have not seen any one though, but I believe it. I just had a bath in the water and I believe it.  I believe God that I will be okay.”
But Donatus Ike, who claims he has been coming to the stream on a daily basis since the news of the healing power broke said: “I always come here every day to work; I guide people in doing certain things here.  The water has healing power.  A lot of people came from far and near. Not too long ago, Rev. Mbaka came here, he prayed for people. The lame will work, the blind will see.  You can see a crutch over there; it was dropped by somebody who couldn’t work.”
Amobi Chukwu in his own view said: “I think it is all about faith.  What you call medicine is medicine for you.  I also believe the water has healing power. The water is dirty and it was because a lot of people come here and bath inside the water and you know this is not a flowing river.  That is why people dig the river bank to get better water to drink.  It is drinkable.”
But the controversies surrounding the healing power of the stream, began to unfold as Rev. Father  Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus, the Parish Priest, St. Michael Catholic Church, Oji, Enugu described those who seek healing from the stream are spiritual puppets. Cypril who is also the Chaplain of the Physically Challenged in the area said, said he has not heard from any of the physically challenged in his domain that one person had been healed from the water.  “I don’t believe it.
I am the chaplain of the physically challenged and none of them has come to me to give that testimony of healing; and this is happening in their area. I mean not even one person has come to confirm it.  I know that most of them have gone there and nothing is happening. So, you see, people tend to confuse you with certain things.  As I am speaking to you, no member of this community has shared a testimony about the water.”

Seeking healing at the pool
In the same vein, Chief Ignatius Ene Chikeluba who claimed he was born in the farmland gave an insight into the beginning of the whole parody. He stated that it was the Fulani herdsmen who concocted and spread the story of healing power without any clear evidence. “Throughout the period I stayed in the farmland, we have never heard about the healing power being ascribed to the water. It is a concoction of the Fulani herdsmen.  I know that revelation from God can come through any body but my advice to them is that whatever they are saying should be the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” Chikeluba stated.
See More photos Here
The traditional ruler of Nachi community, His Royal Highness, Igwe F. O. Onuigbo, Obi II of Nachi, in his own submission said the water has been there for a very long time, adding that the healing power ascribed to it was only a recent phenomenon which he did not confirm.
“River Nachi is natural water which has been there for a very long time which people use for their cooking, drinking and washing. The healing power is something new and I have not visited the place. But the water has been there before. People said it is healing; I can’t stop anybody from going there to seek cure and healing. I have no right to do that.”
On the pattern surge, Igwe Onuigbo said he didn’t know about the coming and occasional surge of the water. “I do no know of that”
He confirmed that the land where the water is situated has been in dispute between Ameke and Umuaga for a very long time, adding that efforts are on-going to resolve the issue between the two communities amicably.
History of the water
Chief Ignatius Chikeluba, a Chief in Umuaga-Nachi, who claimed the farm land belongs to his father, gave historical perspective of the stream. “According to my own father, Ogbonnaya Ene Chikeluba, there was a man called Aniene, a native of Umuaga, he was the first man who saw the water.  He used to be a farmer in the area.  He came out one morning to discover the sudden surge of the water.  He ran out to call others that were farming in the area to witness it.  At that point, the water was named Miri Aniene.
This happened long time before I was born, it was never known as having healing powers.  We used it to wash cloths, cassava and other culinary activities. It used to surge after every seven years.  After the war, it came in 1972, 1979, 1986, 1994, 2000, 2005 and now 2013. When it comes, it is usually there until the next raining season. It is deterred by the rain or sun shine, it comes at any season of the year.  We have never worshipped the water before.”
“Before it came this year, there were Fulani herdsmen who live in that farm; they always take their cattle there to drink from the water.  So, recently, a group of people came to my house, I recognised one of them who had lived there before, and I asked curiously whether he wanted to return to the farm again and he said no.  But he said that the water which used to spring up had sprung up again and that it has healing power – curing all kinds of ailments.  I told him that we don’t know about that.  He said they discovered the healing power of the water the last time it came and they asked the herdsmen to be monitoring it.  So, the Fulani herdsmen who have been monitoring it informed immediately it came out.  After a while, another group of herdsmen came and said the same thing. But I pointed it out to them that their cattle had damaged my farm and they should do something about it and they moved away from the area.  But surprisingly, after some time, another group of people came this time, with some Igbos. I was the one who cleared the way to the river.  I have palm tree in that place, banana plantation, cola-nut trees, orange among others.  It is a farm settlement of Umuaga.  At this junction, I want to state that the Nachi people have been trying to encroach on the land claiming it belongs to them, but it belongs to the people of Umuaga.  The water is from God. And whoever says the water has not been there is trying to pull the wool over our faces.  My house is there, and the water has been there.  The king who does not know Joseph will not know Joseph was buried. I was born there and my father’s house is still there now.  To, me it is the Fulani herdsmen that are responsible for this misinformation.  Throughout the period I stayed in the farmland, we have never heard about the story of healing power being ascribed to the water. It is a concoction of the Fulani herdsmen.  I know that the revelation of God can come through any body but my advice to them is that whatever they are saying, should be the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
I don’t believe it — Rev Fr Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus
Rev Father Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus is the Parish Priest, St. Michael Catholic Church, Oji, Enugu and also the Chaplain of the Care for the Physically Challenged in the area. He spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the healing power of Pool of Bethesda.
The mystery river that is said to be healing is happening in your parish, what can you say about it?
I am privileged that this is taking place in my parish, but unfortunately, I have not gone there to see what is happening there, but I have seen a lot of people going there for healing. For the fact that I have not been there does not mean I wouldn’t know whether what is going on there is good or bad. My opinion is that it is better to seek God than seeking the blessing of God.  This is because if you seek God, the blessing of God will come your way. If you seek the face of God, you will get the hand of God.  Unfortunately people think that God is not alive to their problem. Most people who go there are those who have little or no time for the word of God and they spend a lot of time there waiting for their turn.  If only they can spend their time for God, healing will come their way. That is why I will not find the time to go there because there is nothing better than seeking God.
But we heard that Rev. Mbaka was there and he prayed at the river?
Maybe he went there to know what is happening, but also remember that Mbaka is not God. It does not matter whether the Bishop or the Pope was there or not, what matters is that people should seek God.  What about those who don’t have the opportunity to go there, do you mean they will not be healed?   I see it as a kind of madness when people go there and take bath while they also take the same water and drink.
But one funny thing about it is that, I don’t believe it.  I am the chaplain of the physically challenged   and none of them has come to me that they are healed and this is happening in their area. I mean not even one person has come to confirm it.  I know that most of them have gone there and nothing is happening. So, you see, people tend to confuse you with certain things.  As I am speaking to you, no member of this my community has come to me to share a testimony about the water.  I know if it is real as people tend to portray it, one or two persons in the community must have been noticed and if we see it, we will be the promoter.
You see, one has to be very sensible about it; a lot of people are making money on this situation.  For example, if you tell the Okada riders who are making money from the situation that it is not real, they will say you don’t know what you are talking about.  But let us trust God, power belongs to God.  It is when we commune with God that we see the power of God in our lives. I see those who go there as spiritual puppets.

The news fly all around and the hitherto serene community becomes busy playing host to people from far and near seeking miracle healing to their ailments in a stream that sprang up suddenly.
The physically challenged, the aged, young, men and women including people with different kinds of sicknesses throng the pool in droves, dip themselves naked in the 3-4feet deep stagnated water, wash the ailing parts of their bodies believing they are healed.
Although the testimonies were not forth coming, the lame, blind still assisted with mixed feelings, believed that they will be healed.

‘Pool of Bethesda’

The mysterious pool, called Orimiri located in a forest about 3km from the Nachi bus-stop along Onitsha/Enugu old road, allegedly heals all kinds of ailments after it was discovered by a Fulani herdsman recently.
Since the discovery, the community has become a pilgrimage center with no fewer than 3000 people thronging the place daily. From morning till 6pm daily, okada ply through that narrow and sandy path carrying passengers and their loads of jerry cans to the stream.
When Saturday Vanguard visited the stream, scores of people especially women were seen naked dipping their bodies in the already contaminated stream in the quest for healing. As those with tumor, sores and injuries wash their bodies without any reservation, the physically challenged were being assisted by their relatives for thorough bath. Others were busy scooping up water from different holes dug around the bank into their plastic containers of various sizes.
The people’s craze for healing was also seen as they collect sands from the stream into cellophane bags to their homes believing even the sands under the water was as effective as the stream itself.  The trees in the surroundings were also not spared as people chop trees into various sizes with a claim that it cures all kinds of sicknesses.
But none of these miracle seekers at the stream as at the time of visit could give a clear testimony of the healing he or she had received.  Most of them who spoke with us opined that they believe it will work.
A middle aged woman, who refused to give her real names who never suspected she was talking to the press, said: “I just came here for to exercise my faith. I have not seen any one though, but I believe it. I just had a bath in the water and I believe it.  I believe God that I will be okay.”
But Donatus Ike, who claims he has been coming to the stream on a daily basis since the news of the healing power broke said: “I always come here every day to work; I guide people in doing certain things here.  The water has healing power.  A lot of people came from far and near. Not too long ago, Rev. Mbaka came here, he prayed for people. The lame will work, the blind will see.  You can see a crutch over there; it was dropped by somebody who couldn’t work.”
Amobi Chukwu in his own view said: “I think it is all about faith.  What you call medicine is medicine for you.  I also believe the water has healing power. The water is dirty and it was because a lot of people come here and bath inside the water and you know this is not a flowing river.  That is why people dig the river bank to get better water to drink.  It is drinkable.”
But the controversies surrounding the healing power of the stream, began to unfold as Rev. Father  Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus, the Parish Priest, St. Michael Catholic Church, Oji, Enugu described those who seek healing from the stream are spiritual puppets. Cypril who is also the Chaplain of the Physically Challenged in the area said, said he has not heard from any of the physically challenged in his domain that one person had been healed from the water.  “I don’t believe it.
I am the chaplain of the physically challenged and none of them has come to me to give that testimony of healing; and this is happening in their area. I mean not even one person has come to confirm it.  I know that most of them have gone there and nothing is happening. So, you see, people tend to confuse you with certain things.  As I am speaking to you, no member of this community has shared a testimony about the water.”

Seeking healing at the pool

In the same vein, Chief Ignatius Ene Chikeluba who claimed he was born in the farmland gave an insight into the beginning of the whole parody. He stated that it was the Fulani herdsmen who concocted and spread the story of healing power without any clear evidence. “Throughout the period I stayed in the farmland, we have never heard about the healing power being ascribed to the water. It is a concoction of the Fulani herdsmen.  I know that revelation from God can come through any body but my advice to them is that whatever they are saying should be the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” Chikeluba stated.
See more photos here
The traditional ruler of Nachi community, His Royal Highness, Igwe F. O. Onuigbo, Obi II of Nachi, in his own submission said the water has been there for a very long time, adding that the healing power ascribed to it was only a recent phenomenon which he did not confirm.
“River Nachi is natural water which has been there for a very long time which people use for their cooking, drinking and washing. The healing power is something new and I have not visited the place. But the water has been there before. People said it is healing; I can’t stop anybody from going there to seek cure and healing. I have no right to do that.”
On the pattern surge, Igwe Onuigbo said he didn’t know about the coming and occasional surge of the water. “I do no know of that”
He confirmed that the land where the water is situated has been in dispute between Ameke and Umuaga for a very long time, adding that efforts are on-going to resolve the issue between the two communities amicably.
History of the water
Chief Ignatius Chikeluba, a Chief in Umuaga-Nachi, who claimed the farm land belongs to his father, gave historical perspective of the stream. “According to my own father, Ogbonnaya Ene Chikeluba, there was a man called Aniene, a native of Umuaga, he was the first man who saw the water.  He used to be a farmer in the area.  He came out one morning to discover the sudden surge of the water.  He ran out to call others that were farming in the area to witness it.  At that point, the water was named Miri Aniene.
This happened long time before I was born, it was never known as having healing powers.  We used it to wash cloths, cassava and other culinary activities. It used to surge after every seven years.  After the war, it came in 1972, 1979, 1986, 1994, 2000, 2005 and now 2013. When it comes, it is usually there until the next raining season. It is deterred by the rain or sun shine, it comes at any season of the year.  We have never worshipped the water before.”
“Before it came this year, there were Fulani herdsmen who live in that farm; they always take their cattle there to drink from the water.  So, recently, a group of people came to my house, I recognised one of them who had lived there before, and I asked curiously whether he wanted to return to the farm again and he said no.  But he said that the water which used to spring up had sprung up again and that it has healing power – curing all kinds of ailments.  I told him that we don’t know about that.  He said they discovered the healing power of the water the last time it came and they asked the herdsmen to be monitoring it.  So, the Fulani herdsmen who have been monitoring it informed immediately it came out.  After a while, another group of herdsmen came and said the same thing. But I pointed it out to them that their cattle had damaged my farm and they should do something about it and they moved away from the area.  But surprisingly, after some time, another group of people came this time, with some Igbos. I was the one who cleared the way to the river.  I have palm tree in that place, banana plantation, cola-nut trees, orange among others.  It is a farm settlement of Umuaga.  At this junction, I want to state that the Nachi people have been trying to encroach on the land claiming it belongs to them, but it belongs to the people of Umuaga.  The water is from God. And whoever says the water has not been there is trying to pull the wool over our faces.  My house is there, and the water has been there.  The king who does not know Joseph will not know Joseph was buried. I was born there and my father’s house is still there now.  To, me it is the Fulani herdsmen that are responsible for this misinformation.  Throughout the period I stayed in the farmland, we have never heard about the story of healing power being ascribed to the water. It is a concoction of the Fulani herdsmen.  I know that the revelation of God can come through any body but my advice to them is that whatever they are saying, should be the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
I don’t believe it — Rev Fr Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus
Rev Father Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus is the Parish Priest, St. Michael Catholic Church, Oji, Enugu and also the Chaplain of the Care for the Physically Challenged in the area. He spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the healing power of Pool of Bethesda.
The mystery river that is said to be healing is happening in your parish, what can you say about it?
I am privileged that this is taking place in my parish, but unfortunately, I have not gone there to see what is happening there, but I have seen a lot of people going there for healing. For the fact that I have not been there does not mean I wouldn’t know whether what is going on there is good or bad. My opinion is that it is better to seek God than seeking the blessing of God.  This is because if you seek God, the blessing of God will come your way. If you seek the face of God, you will get the hand of God.  Unfortunately people think that God is not alive to their problem. Most people who go there are those who have little or no time for the word of God and they spend a lot of time there waiting for their turn.  If only they can spend their time for God, healing will come their way. That is why I will not find the time to go there because there is nothing better than seeking God.
But we heard that Rev. Mbaka was there and he prayed at the river?
Maybe he went there to know what is happening, but also remember that Mbaka is not God. It does not matter whether the Bishop or the Pope was there or not, what matters is that people should seek God.  What about those who don’t have the opportunity to go there, do you mean they will not be healed?   I see it as a kind of madness when people go there and take bath while they also take the same water and drink.
But one funny thing about it is that, I don’t believe it.  I am the chaplain of the physically challenged   and none of them has come to me that they are healed and this is happening in their area. I mean not even one person has come to confirm it.  I know that most of them have gone there and nothing is happening. So, you see, people tend to confuse you with certain things.  As I am speaking to you, no member of this my community has come to me to share a testimony about the water.  I know if it is real as people tend to portray it, one or two persons in the community must have been noticed and if we see it, we will be the promoter.
You see, one has to be very sensible about it; a lot of people are making money on this situation.  For example, if you tell the Okada riders who are making money from the situation that it is not real, they will say you don’t know what you are talking about.  But let us trust God, power belongs to God.  It is when we commune with God that we see the power of God in our lives. I see those who go there as spiritual puppets.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/bizzare-naked-bath-pool-bethesda/#sthash.jGA4t1v7.oDUtY3U5.dpuf

OBJ’s letter to Jonathan

BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

I am constrained to make this an open letter to you for a number of reasons.    One,  the  current  situation  and  consequent  possible  outcome dictate that I should,  before the door  closes on reason  and promotion of national  interest,  alert  you  to  the  danger  that  may  be  lurking  in  the corner.    Two, none of  the  four  or more  letters  that I  have  written to  you in  the  past  two  years  or  so  has  elicited  an  acknowledgment  or  any response.    Three,  people  close  to  you,  if  not  yourself,  have  been asking,  what  does  Obasanjo  want?    Four,  I  could  sense  a  semblance between  the situation that  we are  gradually getting into and the situation we fell into as a nation during the Abacha era.    Five, everything must be done  to  guard,  protect  and  defend  our  fledgling  democracy,  nourish  it and  prevent  bloodshed.    Six,  we  must  move  away  from  advertently  or inadvertently  dividing  the country along  weak seams  of North-South and Christian-Moslem.    Seven,  nothing  should be  done to  allow  the  country to  degenerate  into  economic  dormancy,  stagnation  or  retrogression.

Eight,  some  of  our  international  friends  and  development  partners  are genuinely  worried  about  signs  and  signals  that  are  coming  out  of Nigeria.    Nine,  Nigeria  should  be in a  position to  take  advantage  of  the present  favourable  international  interest  to  invest  in  Africa  -  an opportunity  that  will  not  be  open  for  too  long.    Ten,  I  am  concerned about your legacy and your climb-down which you alone can best be the manager of, whenever you so decide.

Mr. President, you have on  a  number of  occasions  acknowledged the  role God  enabled  me  to  play  in  your  ascension  to  power.  You  put me  third  after  God  and  your  parents  among  those  that  have  impacted  most  on  your  life.    I  have  always  retorted  that  God  only put  you  where you are and  those  that  could be regarded  as having  played  a  role were only instruments of God to achieve God’s purpose in your life.    For me, I believe  that  politically,  it  was  in  the  best  interest  of  Nigeria  that  you,  a Nigerian  from  minority  group  in  the  South, could  rise  to  the  highest pinnacle  of  political  leadership. If  Obasanjo  could  get  there,  Yar’Adua could get there and Jonathan can get there, any Nigerian can. It is now not a matter  of the  turn  of any section or  geographical area  but the best interest of Nigeria and all  Nigerians.    It has been  proved that no group – ethnic,  linguistic,  religious  or  geographical  location  –  has  monopoly  of materials  for  leadership  of  our  country.  And  no  group  solely  by  itself can crown any  of its members the  Nigerian CEO.    It is  good for  Nigeria.

I  have  also  always  told  you  that  God  has  graciously  been  kind, generous,  merciful  and  compassionate  to  me  and  He  has  done  more than  I  could  have  ever  hoped  for.    I  want  nothing  from  you  personally except that you should run the affairs of Nigeria not only to make Nigeria good,  but  to  make  Nigeria  great  for  which  I  have  always  pleaded  with you and I will  always do so.    And it is  yet to  be  done for  most Nigerians to see.

For five capacities in which you find yourself, you must hold yourself most significantly responsible for what happens or fails to happen in Nigeria and in any case, most others will hold you responsible and God who put you there  will  surely  hold  you  responsible  and  accountable.    I  have  had opportunity, in recent times, to interact closely with you and I have come to the conclusion painfully  or happily that  if  you can shun yourself to a great extent  of  personal  and  political  interests  and  dwell  more  on  the  national interest  and  also  draw  the  line  between  advice  from  selfish  and self-centered aides and advice from those who in the interest of the nation may  not  tell  you  what  you  will  want  to  hear,  it  will  be  well.    The  five positions  which  you  share  with nobody  except  with  God  and  which  place great  and  grave  responsibility  on  you  are  leadership  of  the  ruling  party, headship  of  the  Federal  Government  or  national  government, Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Military,  Chief  Security  Officer  of  the  nation, and  the  political leader  of the country.    Those positions go with being  the President of our country and while depending  on your  disposition, you can delegate  or  devolve  responsibility,  but  the  buck  must  stop  on  your  table  whether you like it or not.

Let me start with the leadership of the ruling party.    Many of us were puzzled over what was going on in the party.    Most party members blamed the  National Chairman.    I understand  that some in  the presidency tried to create the impression that some of us were to blame. The situation became clear  only  when  the  National  Chairman  spoke  out  that  he  never  did anything  or  acted  in  any  way  without  the  approval  or  concurrence  of  the Party  Leader  and  that  where  the  Party  Leader  disapproved,  he  made correction  or amendment, that we realised most actions were  those of the Chairman  but  the  motivation  and  direction  were  those  of  the  Leader.    It would be unfair to continue to level full blames on the Chairman for all that goes wrong with the Party.    The Chairman is playing the tune dictated by the  Paymaster.    But  the  Paymaster  is  acting  for  a  definitive  purpose  for  which deceit  and deception seem to be the major ingredients.    Up till two months ago, Mr. President, you told me that you have not told anybody that you would contest in 2015.    I quickly pointed out to you that the signs and the measures on the ground do not tally with your statement.  You said the same to one other person who shared his observation with me.    And only a  fool  would  believe  that  statement  you  made  to  me  judging  by  what  is going  on.    I  must say that it is not ingenious.    You may wish to pursue a more credible and more honourable path.    Although you have not formally informed  me  one  way  or  the  other,  it  will  be  necessary  to  refresh  your    memory  of  what  transpired  in  2011.    I  had  gone  to  Benue  State  for  the marriage  of  one  of  my  staff,  Vitalis  Ortese,  in  the  State.    Governor Suswam  was  my  hospitable  host.  He  told  me  that  you  had  accepted  a one-term presidency to allow for  ease of getting support across  the board in the  North.    I decided  to cross-check with  you.    You  did  not  hesitate to confirm to me that you are a strong believer in a one-term of six  years for the  President  and  that  by  the  time  you  have  used  the  unexpired  time  of your  predecessor  and  the  four  years  of  your  first  term,  you  would  have almost used up to six years and you would not need any more term or time.

Later, I  heard from  other sources  including  sources  close to  you  that  you made  the  same  commitment  elsewhere,  hence,  my  inclusion  of  it  in  my  address at the finale of your campaign in 2011 as follows:

“…PDP  should  be  praised  for  being  the  only  party  that  enshrines  federal character,  zoning  and  rotation  in  its  Constitution  and practises  it.  PDP  has brought  stability and substantial predictability to the polity and  to the system.    I do not know who will be President of Nigeria after Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.  That is in the hand of God.    But with PDP policy and practice, I can reasonably guess from  where,  in  term  of  section  of  the  country,  the  successor  to  President Jonathan  will come.    And no  internal democracy or competition will  thereby  be destroyed.  The  recent  resort  to  sentiments  and  emotions  of  religion  and regionalism  is  self-serving,  unpatriotic  and  mischievous,  to  say  the  least.    It  is also preying on dangerous emotive issues that can ignite uncontrollable passion and  can  distabilise  if  not  destroy  our  country.   This  is  being  oblivious  to  the sacrifices  others  have  made  in  the  past  for  unity,  stability  and  democracy  in Nigeria  in  giving  up  their  lives,  shedding their blood,  and  in  going to prison.    I personally have done two out of those three sacrifices and I am ready to do the third if it will  serve the best interest  of Nigerian dream.    Let me appeal to those who have embarked on this dangerous road to reflect and desist from taking us on a perishable journey.

With common identity as Nigerians, there is more that binds  us  than  separates  us.    I  am  a  Nigerian,  born  a  Yoruba  man,  and  I  am proud  of  both  identities  as  they  are  for  me  complementary.  Our  duties, responsibilities and obligations to our country as citizens and, indeed, as leaders must  go  side  by  side  with  our  rights  and  demands. There  must  be  certain values and virtues  that  must go  concomitantly with our  dream.  Thomas  Paine said “my country is the world”; for me, my country I hold dear.

On  two  occasions,  I  have  had  opportunity  to  work  for  my  successors  to  the government  of  Nigeria. On  both  occasions,  I  never  took  the  easy  and distabilising route of  ethnic,  regional or religious  consideration,  rather I  took  the enduring  route  of  national,  uniting  and  stabilising  route.    I  worked  for  both President Shagari and President Yar’Adua to succeed me not just because they are  Moslems, Northerners  or  Hausa-Fulani, but  because  they could strengthen the  unity,  stability  and  democracy  in  Nigeria. We  incurred  the  displeasure  of ethnic chauvinists for doing what was right for the country.  That is in the nature of burden of leadership.  A leader must lead, no matter whose ox is gored.

In  the  present  circumstance,  let  me  reiterate  what I have  said  on a  number  of occasions.    Electing Dr. Goodluck Jonathan,  in  his own  right  and on his own  merit,  as  the  President  of  Nigeria  will  enhance  and  strengthen  our  unity, stability  and  democracy.    And  it  will  lead  us  towards  the  achievement  of  our Nigerian dream.

There is a press report that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has already taken a unique and unprecedented  step  of  declaring  that  he  would  only  want  to  be  a  one-term President.    If  so,  whether  we  know  it  or  not,  that  is  a  sacrifice  and  it  is statesmanly.  Rather than  vilify him  and pull  him down,  we, as a  Party,  should applaud and commend him and Nigerians should reward and venerate him.    He has taken the first good step.

Let  us encourage  him  to  take  more good  steps by voting him  in  with  landslide victory  as  the  fourth  elected  President  of  Nigeria  on  the  basis  of  our  common Nigerian identity and for the purpose of actualising Nigerian dream…”

When you won the election, one of the issues you very early pursued was that of one term of six years.    That convinced me that you meant what you  told me before my Speech at the campaign.    Mr. President, whatever may be your intention or plan, I cannot comment much on the constitutional aspect  of  your  second term  or  what  some  people call  third term.    That is for  both  legal  and  judicial  attention.    But  if  constitutionally  you  are  on  a strong wicket if you so decide, it will be fatally and morally flawed.    As a leader, two  things  you  must  cherish  and  hold  dear  among  others  are  trust  and honour both of which are important ingredients of character.    I will want to see anyone in the Office of the Presidency of Nigeria as a man or woman who can be trusted, a person of honour in his words and character.    I will respect  you  for  upholding  these  attributes  and  for  dignifying  that  Office.

Chinua Achebe said, “One of the truest test of integrity is its blunt refusal to be  compromised.”    It  is  a  lesson  for  all  leaders  including  you  and  me.

However, Mr. President, let me hope that as you claimed that you have not told anybody that you are contesting and that what we see  and hear  is a rumbling  of  overzealous  aides,  you  will  remain  a  leader  that  can  be believed and trusted without unduly passing the buck or engaging in game of denials.

Maybe  you  also  need  to  know  that  many  party  members  feel disappointed  in  the  double  game  you  were  alleged  to  play  in  support  of party  gubernatorial  candidates  in  some  States  where  you  surreptitiously supported  non-PDP  candidates  against  PDP  candidates  in  exchange  for promise  or  act  of  those  non-PDP  Governors  supporting  you  for  your election  in  the  past  or  for  the  one  that  you  are  yet  to  formally  declare.  It happened  in Lagos in  2011 when  Bola Tinubu was  nocturnally  brought to Abuja to strike a  deal for support for your  personal  election  at  great  price materially  and  in  the  fortune  of  PDP  gubernatorial  candidate.

As Chairman of BOT, I spoke to you at that time.  It happened in Ondo State where  there was  in addition  evidence of  cover-up  and  non-prosecution of fraud  of  fake  security  report  against  the  non-PDP  candidate  and  his collaborators for the purpose of extracting personal electoral advantage for you.    In fact, I have raised with you the story of those in other States in the South-West  where  some disgruntled PDP members  were going  around to recruit people into the Labour Party for you, because, for electoral purpose at the national  level, Labour Party  will have no candidate but you. It also happened  in  Edo  State  and  those  who  know  the  detail  never  stopped talking  about it.    And you know it.    Ditto in Anambra State with the  fiasco coming  from undue  interference.    If you  as leader  of  the  Party  cannot  be seen  to  be loyal to the PDP in support of  the candidates of the Party  and the interests of such Party candidates have to be sacrificed on the altar of your  personal and political  interest,  then  good  luck to  the  Party  and  I  will also say as I have had occasions to say in the past, good luck to Goodluck.

If  on  the  altar  of  the  Party  you  go  for  broke,  the  Party  may  be  broken beyond  repairs.    And  when  in  a  dispute  between  two  sides,  they  both stubbornly  decide to  fight  to the  last  drop  of  blood,  no one knows  whose blood  would  be  the  last to  drop.    In such  a  situation,  Nigeria  as a  nation may  also  be adversely affected, not just the  PDP. I wish to see  no more bloodshed  occasioned  by  politics  in  Nigeria.  Please,  Mr.  President,  be mindful of that.  You were exemplary in words when during the campaign and the 2011 elections, you said, “My election is not worth spilling the blood of  any  Nigerian.”  From  you,  it  should  not  be  if  it  has  to  be,  let  it  be.  It should  be  from  you,  let  peace,  security,  harmony,  good  governance, development  and  progress be  for  Nigeria.  That  is  also  your  responsibility and mandate.    You can do it and I plead that you do it. We all have to be mindful  of  not  securing  pyrrhic  victory  on  the  ashes  of  great  values, attributes  and  issues  that  matter  as  it  would  amount  to  hollow  victory without honour and integrity.

Whatever  may  be  the  feud  in PDP  and  no  matter what  you  or  your aides  may  feel,  you,  as  the  Party  Leader,  have  the  responsibility  to  find solution,  resolve  and  fix  it.    Your  legacy  is  involved.  If  PDP  as  a  ruling Party  collapses,  it  will  be  the  first  time  in  an  independent  Nigeria  that  a ruling political party would collapse not as a result of a military coup.    It is food  for  thought. At  the  prompting  of  Governors  on  both  sides of the divide, and on encouragement from you, I spent two nights to intervene in the dispute of the PDP Governors.    I kept you fully briefed at every stage.

I deliberately chose Banquet Hall at the Villa to ensure transparency.    Your aides studied all the recordings of the two nights.    But I told you at the end of  the  exercise  that  I  observed  five  reactions  among  the  Governors  that required your immediate attention as you are the only one from the vantage point of your five positions that could deal effectively with the five reactions which  were  bitterness,  anger,  mistrust,  fear  and  deep  suspicion.    I  could only  hope  that  you  made  efforts  to  deal  with  these  unpleasant  reactions.

The feud leading to the factionalisation of the Party made me to invite some select  elders  of  the  Party  to  mediate  again.  Since I  was  engaged  in assignment outside the country, I was not able to join the three members of the elders group that presented the report of  our mediation  to you. I was briefed  that  you  agreed  to  work  on  the  report.  It  would  appear  that  for now, the  ball  is in your court  as  the Leader of the Party.  I can only wish you  every  success  in  your  handling  of  the  issue.  But  time  is  not  your friend or that of the Party in this respect. With leadership come  not just power  and  authority  to  do  and  to  undo,  but  also  responsibility  and accountability  to  do  and  to  undo  rightly,  well  and  justly.    Time  and  opportunity  are treasure that  must be appreciated  and shared to enhance their value and utilitarianism.

It is instructive that after half a dozen African Presidents have spoken to me  to  help you  with  unifying  the  Party  based  on  your  request  to  them and  I came in company of  Senator Amadu Ali to discuss the whole issue with  you  again,  strangely,  you  denied  ever  requesting  or  authorising  any President to talk to me.    I was not surprised because I am used to such a situation of denial coming from you.    Of course, I was not deterred.    I have done  and I will continue to do and  say  what is first,  in the best interest of Nigeria and second, what is in the best interest of the Party.    I stand for the aims, objectives, mission and vision of the founding fathers of the Party, to use it as a wholesome instrument of unity, good governance, development, prosperity and progress of Nigeria and all Nigerians.    I have contributed to this  goal  in  the  past  and  no  one  who  has  been raised  to  position  on  the platform  of  the  Party  should  shy  away  from  further  contribution  to  avoid division and destruction of the Party on any altar whatsoever.

Debates  and  dialogues  are  necessary  to  promote  the  interest  and work for  the progress of any  human institution or organisation.    In such a situation, agreements and disagreements will occur but in the final analysis, leadership  will  pursue  the  course  of  action  that  benefit  the  majority  and serve the purpose of the organisation, not the purpose of an individual or a minority.    In  that  process,  unity  is  sustained  and  everybody  becomes  a winner.    The so-called crisis in the PDP can be turned to an opportunity of unity,  mutual  understanding  and  respect  with  the  Party  emerging  with enhanced strength and victory.    It will be a win-win for all members of the Party and for the  country.    By  that,  PDP  would have  proved  that  it  could have  internal disagreement and emerge stronger.    The calamity  of  failure can still be avoided.    Please, move away from fringes or the extremes and move to the centre and carry ALL along.    Time is running out.

I  will  only  state  that  as  far  as  your  responsibility  as  Chief  Security Officer  of  the  nation  is  concerned  for  Nigerians,  a  lot  more  needs  to  be done to enhance the feeling of security amongst them.    Whether one talks of the issue of militancy in the Niger Delta, the underlying causes of which have  not  been  adequately  addressed,  if  addressed  at  all,  kidnapping, piracy, abductions and armed robberies which rather than abate are on the increase and  Boko  Haram which requires carrot and stick approach to lay its  ghost  to  rest,  the  general  security  situation  cannot  be  described  as comforting.    Knowing  the  genesis  of  Boko  Haram  and  the  reasons  for escalation of violence from that sector with the widespread and ramification of  the  menace    of  Boko  Haram  within  and  outside  the  Nigerian  borders, conventional  military  actions  based  on  standard  phases  of  military operations alone will not permanently and effectively deal with the issue of Boko  Haram.    There  are  many  strands  or  layers  of  causes  that  require different  solutions,  approaches  or  antidotes.    Drug,  indoctrination, fundamentalism,  gun  trafficking,  hate  culture,  human  trafficking,  money laundering,  religion, poverty, unemployment, poor  education,  revenge  and  international terrorism are among factors that have effect on Boko Haram.

One single prescription cannot cure all these ailments that combine in Boko Haram.    Should we pursue war against violence without understanding the root  causes  of  the  violence  and  applying  solutions  to  deal  with  all underlying factors – root, stem and branches?  Nigeria is bleeding and the hemorrhage  must  be  stopped.  I  am  convinced  that  you  can  initiate measures that will bring all hands on deck to deal effectively with this great  menace.

Mr.  President,  the  most  important  qualification  for  your  present position  is  your  being  a  Nigerian. Whatever  else  you  may  be  besides being  a  Nigerian  is  only  secondary  for  this  purpose.  And  if  majority  of Nigerians  who  voted  had  not cast their votes for you,  you  could  not  have been there.    For you to allow yourself to be “possessed”, so to say, to the exclusion of most of the rest of Nigerians as an ‘Ijaw man’ is a mistake that should never  have been allowed to  happen.    Yes,  you have  to be born in one  part  of  Nigeria  to  be  a  Nigerian  if  not  naturalised, but  the  Nigerian President must be above ethnic factionalism.    And those who prop you up as  of,  and  for  ‘Ijaw  nation’  are  not  your  friends  genuinely,  not  friends  of Nigeria  nor  friends  of  ‘Ijaw  nation’,  they  tout  about.    To  allow  or  tacitly encourage  people of ‘Ijaw nation’ to throw insults  on  other  Nigerians from other  parts of  the  country  and threaten fire and brimstone to  protect  your interest  as  an  Ijaw  man  is  myopic  and  your  not  openly  quieting  them  is even  more  unfortunate.    You  know  that  I  have  expressed  my  views  and feelings  to  you  on  this  issue  in  the  past  but  I  have  come  to  realise  that many others feel the way I have earlier expressed to you. It is not the best way  of  making  friendship  among  all  sections  of  Nigeria.    You  don’t  have shared  and  wholesome  society  without  inclusive  political,  economic  and social  sustainable  development  and  good  governance. Also  declaring that  one section of  the  country voted for  you  as if  you  got  no  votes  from other sections can  only  be  an  unnecessary  talk, to  put it  mildly.    After  all and at the end of the day, democracy is a game of numbers.  Even, if you would not need people’s vote across the country again, your political Party will.

Allegation of keeping over 1,000 people on political watch  list  rather than  criminal  or  security  watch  list  and  training  snipers  and  other  armed personnel  secretly  and  clandestinely  acquiring  weapons  to  match  for political purposes like Abacha, and training them where Abacha trained his own killers, if it is true, cannot augur well for the initiator, the government and  the  people  of  Nigeria.    Here  again,  there  is  the  lesson  of  history  to learn  from  for  anybody  who  cares  to  learn  from  history.    Mr.  President would  always  remember  that  he  was  elected  to  maintain  security  for  all Nigerians  and  protect  them.    And  no  one  should  prepare  to  kill  or  maim Nigerians  for  personal  or  political  ambition  or  interest  of  anyone.    The Yoruba adage says, “The man with whose head the coconut is broken may not live to savour the taste of the succulent fruit.”    Those who advise you to go hard  on  those  who  oppose  you  are  your  worst  enemies.    Democratic politics admits and is  permissive of supporters and opponents.  When the consequences come, those who have wrongly advised you will not be there to help carry the can.  Egypt must teach some lesson.

Presidential  assistance  for  a  murderer  to  evade  justice  and presidential  delegation  to  welcome  him  home  can  only  be  in  bad  taste generally but  particularly to the family  of  his victim.  Assisting criminals to evade  justice  cannot  be  part  of  the  job  of  the Presidency.    Or,  as  it  is viewed  in some  quarters, is he being recruited to do for you  what  he  had done  for  Abacha  in  the  past?    Hopefully,  he  should  have  learned  his lesson.    Let us continue to watch.

As  Head  of  Government,  the  buck  of  the  performance  and non-performance  stops  on  your  table  and  let  nobody  tell  you  anything  to the  contrary. Most  of  our  friends  and  development  partners  are  worried and they see what we pretend to cover up.  They are worried about issue of  security  internally  and  on  our  coastal  waters,  including  heavy  oil  theft, alias  bunkering  and  piracy.  They  are  worried  about  corruption  and  what we  are  doing  or  not  doing  about  it.    Corruption  has  reached  the  level  of impunity.    It  is  also  necessary  to  be  mindful  that  corruption  and  injustice are fertile breeding ground for terrorism and political instability.    And if you are  not  ready  to  name,  shame,  prosecute  and  stoutly  fight  against corruption,  whatever  you  do  will  be  hollow.    It  will  be  a  laughing  matter.

They  are worried  about how we  play  our  role in  our  region  and,  indeed, in the  world.  In  a  way,  I  share  some  of  their  concerns  because  there  are notable  areas we can do more  or  do  better than  we  are  doing. Some of our  development  partners  were  politically  frustrated  to  withdraw  from  the Olokola  LNG  project,  which  happily  was  not  yet  the  same  with  the Brass.  I initiated  them  both.  They  were viable  and  would  have taken us  close to  Qatar as LNG producing country.  Please do not frustrate Brass LNG and in  the  interest  of  what  is best  for  Nigerian  economy,  bring  back the OK LNG into  active  implementation. The  major  international  oil  companies  have withheld  investment  in  projects  in  Nigeria.  If  they  have  not  completely moved out, they are divesting.  Nigeria, which is the Saudi of Africa in oil and  gas  terms,  is  being  overtaken  by  Angola  only  because  necessary decisions  are  not  made  timely  and  appropriately.    Mr.  President,  let  me again plead with you to be decisive on the oil and gas sector so that Nigeria may not lag behind.    Oil with gas is being discovered all over Africa. New technology  is  producing  oil  from  shale  elsewhere.  We  should  make  hay while the sun shines.  I hope we can still save the OK and Brass LNG projects.

Three  things  are  imperative  in  the  oil  and  gas  sector  –  stop  oil  stealing, encourage  investment, especially  by  the  IOCs  and  improve  the  present poor management of the industry.  On the economy generally, it suffices to say that we  could  do  better than  we are doing. The signs  are there  and the  expectations  are  high. The  most  dangerous  ticking  bomb  is  youth unemployment, particularly in the face of unbridled corruption and obscene rulers’ opulence.

Let  me  repeat that as far as the  issue  of corruption, security  and oil stealing is concerned, it is only apt to say that when the guard becomes the  thief,  nothing  is  safe,  secure  nor  protected  in  the  house.    We  must  all remember  that  corruption,  inequity  and  injustice  breed  poverty, unemployment,  conflict,  violence  and  wittingly  or  unwittingly  create terrorists  because  the  opulence  of  the  governor  can  only  lead  to  the leanness of the governed.    But God never sleeps, He is watching, waiting and bidding His time to dispense justice.

The serious and strong allegation of non-remittance of about $7bn from the NNPC to central bank occurring from export of some 300,000 barrels per day, amounting to $900 million a month, to be refined and with refined products  of  only  $400m   returned  and  Atlantic  Oil  loading  about 130,000  barrels  sold  by  Shell  and  managed  on  behalf  of  NPDC  with  no sale  proceeds  paid  into NPDC  account  is incredible. The allegation  was buttressed  by the  letter of the Governor of  Central  Bank  of Nigeria to you on non-remittance  to the central bank.  This  allegation  will  not  fly  away  by non-action, cover-up, denial or bribing possible investigators.    Please deal with this allegation transparently and let the truth be known.

The dramatis personae in this allegation and who they are working for will  one  day  be  public knowledge.    Those  who  know  are  watching  if  the National  Assembly will not be accomplice in the heinous crime  and naked grand corruption.    May God grant  you  the grace  for at least one effective corrective  action  against  high  corruption,  which  seems  to  stink  all  around you in your government.

The  international  community  knows  us  as  we  are  and  maybe  more than we claim to know ourselves. And a good friend will tell you the truth no  matter  how bitter. Denials and  cover-up  of  what  is  obvious,  true  and factual  can  detract  from  honour,  dignity  and  respect.  Truth  and transparency  dignify  and  earn  respect.  And  life  without  passion  for something  can  only  achieve  little.    I  was  taken  aback  when  an  African Development  Bank  Director  informed  me  that  the  water  project  for Port Harcourt, originally initiated by the Federal Government and to be financed  by the bank, is being put in the cooler by the Federal Government because of the Amaechi-Jonathan face-off.  Amaechi, whether he likes it or not, will cease to be governor over Rivers State, which Port Harcourt is part by the end of May 2015, but residents of Port Harcourt will continue to need improvement of  their  water  supply. President  Jonathan  should  rise  above  such pettiness and unpresidential act, if it is coming from him.    But if not, and it is  the  action  of overzealous  officials  reading the situation, he  should  give appropriate instruction for the project to be pursued. And there are other projects  anywhere  suffering  the  same  coolness  as  a  result  of  similar situation,  let  national interest supercede personal or political feud  and  the machinations of satanic officials.

Mr.  President,  let  me  plead  with  you for a  few  things  that  will  stand you in good stead for the rest of your life.    Don’t always consider critics on national  issues  as  enemies.    Some  of  them  may  be  as  patriotic  and nationalistic  as  you  and  I  who  have  been  in  government. Some  of  them have  as  much  passion  for  Nigeria  as  we  have.  I  saw  that  among Nigerians  living  abroad,  hence, I initiated Nigerians  in  Diaspora Organisation,  NIDO.  You  must  also  differentiate  between  malevolent, mischievous  and  objective  criticism.    Analyses,  criticisms  and commentaries on government actions and policies are sinew of democracy.

Please, Mr. President,  be very  wary of assistants,  aides and collaborators who look for enemies for you.    I have seen them with you and some were around  me  when  I  was  in  your  position.  I  knew  how  not  to  allow  them create  enemies for  me.  If  you allow  them,  everybody  except  them  will be your enemy.  They are more dangerous than identified adversaries.  May God  save  leaders  from  sycophants.    They  know  what  you  want  to  hear and they feed you with it essentially for their own selfish interest. As far as you  and  Nigeria  are  concerned,  they  are  wreckers.    Where  were  they when  God  used  others  to  achieve  His  will  in  your  life.    They  possess you now for their interest. No interest should be higher or more important than the Nigerian interest to you.    You have already made history and please do nothing to mar history.    I supported you as I supported Yar’Adua.    For me, there is neither North-South divide nor Christian-Moslem divide but one Nigeria.

Let  me  put  it,  that  talks,  loose  and  serious,  abound  about  possible abuse and misuse of the military and the legitimate security apparatus for unwholesome personal and political interest to the detriment of the honour, dignity, oath and professionalism  of these  honourable and patriotic forces.

Let  me urge the authorities not to embark on such  destructive  path for  an important  element of our national  make-up. The roles  of the military and the security agencies should be held sacrosanct in the best interest of the nation.    Again, let not history repeat itself here.

I  believe  that  with  what  Nigeria  went  through  in  the  past,  the worst should have already happened. It must be your responsibility as the captain  of  the  ship  to  prevent  the  ship  from  going  aground  or  from  a shipwreck.    For anybody close to you saying that if the worst happens, he or she would not be involved is idle and loose talk.    If we leave God to do His will and  we don’t  rely  only  on our own  efforts, plans  and  wisdom, God will always  do  His  best.    And the  power  of  money and  belief  in it  is satanically tempting.    As I go around Nigeria and the world, I always come across Nigerians who are first-class citizens of the world and who are doing well  where  they  are  and  who  are  passionate  to  do  well  for  Nigeria.    My hope for our country lies in these people.    They abound and I hope that all of us will realise that they are the jewels of Nigeria wherever they may be and not those who arrogate to themselves eternal for ephemeral.

Also,  to  my  embarrassment  at  times,  I  learned  more  about  what  is going on in the public and private sectors of Nigeria from our development partners, international institutions and those transacting business in Nigeria most times I was abroad.    On returning home to verify the veracity of these stories,  I  found some  of  them not  only  to  be true but  more horrifying  than they  were  presented  abroad.    Other  countries  look  up  to  Nigeria  for regional leadership.    Failure on the part of Nigeria will create a schism that will be bad for the region.

Knowing what happens  around  you,  most  of  which you know of  and condone or deny, this letter will provoke cacophony from hired and unhired attackers but I will maintain my serenity because by this letter, I have done my duty to  you  as  I have always done,  to your  government, to  the  Party, PDP, and to our country, Nigeria.    If I stuck out my neck and God used me and others as instrument to work hard for you to reach where you are today in  what  I  considered  the  best  political  interest  of  Nigeria,  tagging  me  as your  enemy or  the  enemy  of  your administration by you,  your kin  or  your aides can  only be regarded as ridiculous to extreme.    If I see any danger to your life, I will point it out to you or ward it off as I have done in the past.

But I will not support what I believe is not in the best interest of Nigeria, no matter who  is putting it forward  or who is behind it.    Mr. President, I have passed  the  stage  of  being  flattered,  intimidated,  threatened,  frightened, induced or bought.   I am never afraid to agree or disagree but it will always 13 be on principles, and if on politics, in the national interest. After my prison experience in the close proximity of and sharing facilities with an asylum in Yola, there is nothing worse for anyone alive and well.    And that was for a military  dictator  to  perpetuate  himself  in  power.    Death  is  the  end  of  all human  beings  and  may  it  come  when  God  wills  it  to  come.  The harassment of my relations and friends and innuendo that are coming from the Government security apparatus on whether they belong to new PDP or supporters of defected Governors and which are possibly authorised or are  the  work  of  overzealous  aides  and  those  reading  your  lips  to  act  in  your interest will be counter-productive.  It is abuse of security apparatus. Such abuse took place  last  in  the time of  Abacha.

Lies and untruths  about me emanating from the presidency is too absurd to contemplate. Saying that I recommended a wanted criminal by UK and USA authorities to you or your aides to supplant legitimately elected PDP leader in South-West is not only unwise  and  crude  but  also  disingenuous.    Nobody  in  his  or  her  right senses  will  believe  such  a  story  and  surely  nobody  in  Ogun  State  or South-West zone will believe such nonsense. It is a clear indication of how unscrupulous and unethical the presidency can go to pursue your personal and political interest.    Nothing else matters.    What a pity!  Nothing at this stage of my life would prevent me from standing for whatever I consider to be in the best interest of Nigeria – all Nigeria, Africa and  the  world in  that order. I believe strongly that a united and strong PDP at all costs is in the best  interest  of  Nigeria. In  these  respects,  if  our  interests  and  views coincide,  together  we  will  march.  Putting  a  certified  unashamed  criminal wanted abroad to face justice and who has greatly contributed to corruption within the judiciary on a high profile of politics as you and your aides have done with the man you enthrone as PDP Zonal leader in the South-West is the height of disservice to this country politically and height of insult to the people  of  South-West  in  general  and  members  of  PDP  in  that  zone  in particular.

For me, my politics goes with principles and morality and I will not be a party to highly  profiling criminals in politics, not to say one  would be  my  zonal  leader.    It  destroys  what  PDP  stands  for  from  its  inception…

God is never a supporter of evil and will surely save PDP and Nigeria from the hands of destroyers.    If everything fails and the Party cannot    be retrieved  from  the  hands  of  criminals  and  commercial  jobbers  and discredited  touts,  men  and  women  of  honour,  principles,  morality  and integrity must step aside to rethink.

Let me also appeal to and urge defected, dissatisfied, disgruntled and in any way displeased PDP Governors, legislators, party officials and party members to respond positively if the President seriously takes the initiative to  find  mutually  agreeable  solution  to  the  current  problems  for  which  he alone has the key and the initiative.    I have heard it said particularly within the presidency circle that the disaffected  Governors and members of PDP are  my  children.    I  begin  to  wonder  if,  from  top  to  bottom,  any  PDP  15    member  in  elective  office  today  is  not  directly  or  indirectly  a  beneficiary  and, so to say, my political child.    Anyone who may claim otherwise will be like a river that has forgotten its source.    But like a good father, all I seek is peaceful  and amicable solution  that  will  re-unite  the  family  for  victory  and progress of the family and the nation and nothing else.

In  a  democracy,  leaders  are  elected  to  lighten  the  burden  of  the people,  give  them  freedom,  choice  and  equity  and  ensure  good governance  and not to deceive  them, burden them, oppress them,  render them  hopeless  and  helpless.    Nothing  should  be  done  to  undermine  the tenets, and values of democratic principles and practice.    Tyranny in all its manifestation may be appealing to a leader in trying times of political feud or  disagreement.    Democracy  must,  however,  prevail  and  be  held  as sacrosanct.    Today,  you  are  the  President  of Nigeria, I  acknowledge  you and respect you as such.

The  act of  an  individual  has  a  way  of  rubbing  off  on  the  generality.

May it never be the wish of majority of Nigerians that Goodluck Jonathan, by  his  acts  of  omission  or  commission,  would  be  the  first  and  the  last Nigerian  President  ever  to  come  from  Ijaw  tribe.    The  idea  and  the possibility  must  give  all  of  us  food  for  thought.    That  was  never  what  I worked  for  and  that  would  never  be  what  I  will  work  for.    But  legacy  is made of such or the opposite.

My  last  piece  of  advice,  Mr.  President,  is  that  you  should  learn  the lesson of history and please do not take Nigeria and Nigerians for granted.

Move  away  from  culture  of  denials,  cover-ups  and  proxies  and  deal honesty, sincerely and transparently with Nigerians to regain their trust and confidence.    Nigerians are no fools, they can see, they can hear, they can talk among themselves, they can think, they can compare and they can act  in the interest  of  their country  and in  their  own  self-interest.    They  keenly watch  all  actions  and  deeds  that  are  associated  with  you  if  they  cannot believe  your  words.  I  know  you  have  the  power  to  save  PDP  and  the country.    I beg you to have the courage and the will with patriotism to use the  power  for  the  good  of  the  country.    Please  uphold  some  form  of national core values.  I will appeal to all Nigerians particularly all members of  PDP  to  respect  and  dignify  the  Office  of  the  President.  We  must  all know that individuals will come and go but the Office will remain.

Once again, time is of the essence.    Investors are already retreating 16    from  Nigeria,  adopting  ‘wait  and  see  attitude’  and  knowing  what  we  are deficient  of,  it  will  take time  to  reverse  the  trend  and  we  may  miss  some golden opportunities.

Finally, your later-day conversion into National Conference is fraught with danger of disunity, confusion and chaos if not well handled.    I believe in  debate  and  dialogue  but  it  must  be  purposeful,  directed  and  managed well without ulterior motives.    The ovation has not died out yet and there is always life after a decent descent.

Accept, Dear  Mr.  President,  the  assurances  of  my  highest consideration.

Olusegun Obasanjo

PS

I  crave  your  indulgence  to  share  the  contents  of  this  letter,  in  the  first instance,  with  General  Ibrahim  Babangida  and  General  Abdulsalami  Abubakar, who,  on  a  number  of  occasions  in  recent  times,  have  shared  with  me  their agonising  thoughts,  concerns  and  expressions  on  most  of  the  issues  I  have raised  in  this  letter  concerning  the  situation  and  future  of  our  country.  I also crave your indulgence  to  share the contents with General Yakubu  Danjuma and Dr.  Alex Ekwueme, whose  concerns  for and commitments to the  good of Nigeria have  been  known  to  be  strong.

The limit  of  sharing  of  the  contents  may  be extended as time goes on.

Olusegun Obasanjo  : Source: Vanguardngr