BUHARI: To whom shall you go?

War-tested Generals and mighty men of valour in our country; the likes of Obasanjo, Babangida, Theophilus Danjuma, Abdulsami Abubakar by their words and body languages have rejected you. Gowon, until before you unilaterally suspended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, was undecided. I'm sure like every right thinking Nigerian, his body, soul and spirit have departed from the dictator and dictatorship rule.
The Nigerian Bar Association and the National Judicial Council have been so hounded and humiliated like never before in the history of this nation. Surely, they will treat your fumbling when the time is ripe. Who needs to be told this? Who has ever been smarter than Lawyers and Judges?
Journalists gestures can be read in the dailies and news stories over the airwaves. Did you read
today's editorial of the powerful "Punch" newspaper? There,  you will know that the pen profession is more powerful than any sword. Have you bothered to ask for copies of "Daily Trust" newspaper in recent times? "Vanguard" newspaper,finish work!
University Teachers and students would never forgive you for keeping them at home in vain. Their parents, friends, and concerned stakeholders in the education sector share in their plight and will
pay back. You will hear from the millions in this regard through the ballot.
The Christian Community still mourns the death of clerics, men, women and children whom for no fault of theirs were brutally murdered by alleged herdsmen in different parts of the country under your watch. Rather, than condole with the family of the deceased and rise up to the challenge of providing adequate security you kept mum.
According to Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom who left your party and with drew support for you with thousands of his supporters, he did so because: "Buhari does not care about the security of lives and properties of his people."
That is a rounded thinking fellow and responsible leader.
Several times, he accused members of the "Myetti Allah" for the killings of innocent souls in that state and even told the world of instances where the group claimed responsibilities for such murderous and dastardly acts against humanity. Yet, such a group in broad daylight, visited you and endorsed you for a second term in office. Calculate the distance from the villa to Daura.
The youths, some of whom appear at your campaign grounds do so because the "peanut" they get at the end of it buy them food to survive the day. While their bodies are for you, their hearts and souls as well as their PVCs belong elsewhere. Even in a T-shirt that had your face, one told me to my face that he can never vote you. "I dey craze?" There are millions of them in same school of thought.
Traders whom your Deputy share unapproved monies to only collect those monies because they need them. Never a time in the history of this country that prices of goods and services have so skyrocketed than in your reign and rule.
Civil servants cry daily that their "take home" pay have never taken them home since your assumption of office. And so like every other sane Nigerian, they want this change, changed.
Farmers have never been so murdered in almost countless numbers in their farms until in this era of change. The few who have survived attacks have not only been sacked from their farms but have been starved of their farm produce they laboured so hard to sow.
To whom shall you go for a reelection for second term? Forget those crowds your keymen hire to welcome and wave at you at campaign grounds. Were they not there in the days of Jonathan?
The insecurity, corruption, poor economy, bad roads and all the ills we complained of before you came with your 'change mantra' are still with us.
Only animals have had it so good. While humans have been killed for cows to live, snakes and monkeys swallow millions of naira and live better lives.
Buhari, to whom shall you go?

BUHARI'S SUSPENSION OF CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA: A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY

Is this the democracy many struggled for and paid the supreme sacrifices with their lives? Is this the democracy many got wounded for and some imprisoned? Where are the spirits of Gani Fawehinmi, Fela Kuti, Beko-Ransome Kuti, Chima Ubani and the likes? Can they speak for us from the graves since the living have chosen silence as an option to this threat to the survival of democracy?

What does this mean? What does the President rely on to take such a critical decision? Admitted, no one is above the law. But whoever is a suspect should remain innocent until found guilty. What precedent is he setting?

The action of the President is unknown to democracy. So alien! This is so unprecedented. How can you dismiss a Chief Justice of a country with just a wave of the hand? This is worrisome.

The National Assembly should converge. Past heads of state and Presidents should meet over this issue of urgent national importance. The removal of a Chief Justice of Nigeria has procedures. Whether it is termed "suspension" or "step aside" this action may have implications over the coming elections.

This decision of the President was foretold from his body language. His reluctance of swearing-in the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen after the expiration of the tenure of the former, pointed at this sad future. But not for his failed health which took him out for his habitual medical tourism and paved way for his Deputy, Osinbajo to swear in Onnoghen, probably, Walter Onnoghen might not have ascended to that position.

Buhari's refusal to sign the electoral bill into law and his removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria under the veiled guise of "suspension" suggest that he is not a democrat.

The haste in swearing in his brother does not underline our creed of: "Though tongue and tribe differ, in brotherhood we stand."


A step taken too far...

Buhari suspends Onnoghen: Swears in new CJN

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in a new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed from Bauchi state.

This action of the President which is unprecedented in the Nations history calls for query if the President has  such powers to suspend the Chief Justice of the country.

Meanwhile, the new CJN was sworn in this afternoon inside  the Council chamber of the State House Presidential villa, Abuja.

Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Endorses Atiku

The apex sociocultural organization that works for the interest of the Igbo in and outside the country
has endorsed the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

Announcing the decision yesterday, the President General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo,John Nwodo said the "Ime Obi" which is the highest decision making council of the group took the decision in Enugu after its meeting.

According to the Ohaneze, the nomination of their son, Peter Obi as the Vice Presidential candidate has given Ndigbo an opportunity for inclusitivity and urged Ndigbo to seize the moment.

Court of Appeal declares Donald Duke as SDP Presidential Candidate

 The court of Appeal(Abuja Division) has declared former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke as the rightful presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party

The appellate court yesterday set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court which had declared former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana as the party's presidential candidate.

The 3 man panel led by Justice Abdul Aboki held that the election of Duke as the party's candidate was in line with section 222 of the electoral act.

Politicians: Singing the song you want to hear.

As the campaigns get fierce and fiery, politicians
from different political parties are dishing out abuses
to their opponents and singing love songs to their supporters.
This seems to be crazy as well as comic relief moments.

While one from a certain state claims he flew in a chartered
plane to assume the governorship position he now occupies.
He derides his predecessor, former godfather, though, now of another party that he came into the state through night bus. The ex-godfather has not denied it. Rather, he is busy with his restless schemes and strategies on how to overthrow his ex godson to install the emergency one by all means possible.

In my state, Cross River, our Governor who is seeking for a second term in office, is no longer talking about 'spaghetti flyover' One song of his, I so enjoyed. Now we hear tracks of: Industrialization, deep seaport,  etc.

At the top, the two major contenders; Buhari and Atiku of APC & PDP respectively; are the award winning singers of this time.

Both have promised heaven on earth. In their reign, they will be no poverty. No unemployment. No hunger. No job losses. Rather, there will be abundant food. There will be steady power supply. There will be free education. In sum, there will be all Nigerians have always yearn for overtime. That is the content of their songs.

What else did you expect? They sing that which will tickle your ears.

Indicentally, both men are Septuagenarians. They have been different things at different times. They have enjoyed all the wealth and worldly treasures.

At 70, if God spares my life, I cannot imagine scrambling and struggling for positions that should be the reserves of those young enough to be my children and grandchildren. At that age, one is expected to have retired from active life.

For crying out loud, at seventy, one should be at home counting God's blessings and distributing them to the young ones. At this departing lounge of life, one should be preparing to meet his creator.

What will take me out to stand and shout, travel through the turbulent air & torturous roads almost always, mounting stages and rostrums with microphone in my hands to dish out abuses, reel out lies all because I want a position?

We live in a clime and time where
people care less about how they would be remembered.

Hey you youth! Did you buy your stupidity or you got it for free?

If I must campaign for any Politician in this present Nigeria, I tell you most solemnly, his children and I  MUST share the stage together. His children and I will
have to do the business of selling the father to the electorate. We will stress our heads and bodies together to market your bad product-father.

Why will they not call you "lazy youths" when you close your
shops, stay away from work to be in the sun? What are you listening
to? What do they have to say? What do they offer? If there's anything they part with, if at all they do, paltry sum.

If they meant well for you & I, nomination forms would not have been sold for as high an amount as #22,000,000( twenty-two million) naira.

If they meant well, they would not obtain loans in billions and trillions
of dollars and pounds and mortgage your future as well as that of your children yet hand you over a meagre sum of 10,000, 30,000 in the name of social investment scheme.

If they loved you that much, they would have made you stay in school to learn and not to rub your teachers of their benefits so that they have both you and
your teachers in number and to add to numbers at their campaign grounds.

If they cared that much, they would have built hospitals to cater for your medical needs. Have they? Yet they fly abroad almost as often as the eye blinks
for medical tourism only for themselves & immediate family members.

If they meant well, they would have constructed roads and bridges for easy movement of goods and services and to add economic value to the lives of
the people.

If only they want you alive, they would provide adequate security for your lives and properties. No one cares when herdsmen invade your communities to kill
and destroy. Yesterday, they went for your brothers uphill. Who knows tomorrow?

How can you drum support for Governors who don't pay salaries? How can you dance
on the street for someone who keeps pensioners hungry?

Can you compare the cost of living in the immediate past to now? With so much hunger, job losses, unemployment and economic decline? Lets not deny....

After, the elections, you and I will suffer our decisions.

You lack shame. "Dignity" I was told "is in labour" and not in psycophancy and bootlicking. Lazy you!

Again I ask, did you buy your stupidity or you got it for free?

Members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association Endorses President Muhammadu Buhari for a second Term in office.

Members of the Cattle Breeders Association have endorsed Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of
the All Progressive Congress in the 2019 Presidential election for a second term in office claiming that he has done
well and so deserves the endorsement and full support of the group for a return to office.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom has on many occasions accused members of the state branch of the Association for the killings and destruction of properties in Benue state pointing at claims by its members after each attack that occurred in Benue state for the most part of last year.

During the endorsement visit to Buhari in Abuja, The President promised to put in place measures to end the clashes between farmers and pastoralists.

DISCUSSING THE STATE OF THE NATION WITH DONALD DUKE, FORMER GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE

TIPS ON HOW TO OVERCOME STAGE FRIGHT IN ANY PUBLIC SPEAKING EVENT

TIPS ON HOW TO OVERCOME STAGE FRIGHT IN ANY PUBLIC SPEAKING EVENT

1. Arrive the venue before the scheduled time of the event and familiarise yourself with

the environment and possibly, exchange pleasantries with at least, a few members of your audience. Do you get shy when you talk with people you are familiar with?

2. Look above the sea of heads. If you must look into the eyes or faces of your audience, begin with one person at a time. Preferably, someone sitting in front or close to where you're standing or sitting. From one, you can graduate to two, three, four....Before the end of your presentation, you can boldly stare at numerous faces as you score your points. 

3. Start with a joke. Get your audience to laugh at something. As they do, you do too. This will establish a cord of friendship that will provide the needed ease for you to flow. If it's a funeral or pathetic event, do not apply this. Rather, you can start with a sigh, groan or an exclamation. By doing any of that, you have established a "common ground" with your 

audience. 

When you exercise this point, you get your audience nodding their heads, applauding and 

could even give you a standing ovation. Who gets shy at this point? This will also build your confidence.

4. Get them to do something. You can ask them to stand, clap, wave, or just do anything.

Their compliance will boost your confidence and assures you that you are in charge. Who ever gets timid over someone or thing under his control?

5. No matter the haste, observe at least 5-10 seconds of silence after you mount the rostrum or handle the microphone before you begin your speech. This will help you coordinate your thoughts and keep you in control over the eventual flow of your words.

ENROLL NOW FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING TRAINING, SPEECH & CREATIVE WRITING @ BK LIBRARY, MURTALA MUHAMMED HIGHYWAY BY SPC JUNCTION, CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE.

Anthony Ekpo Bassey,(B.A, M.sc)

Public Speaking Trainer

FREEZING OF CJN'S ACCOUNT: SIGN OF A FAILED STATE

Where else in the world can this kind of despicable, despotic and dastardly act be carried out except in Nigeria? If for real, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit has acted on the letter of the Attorney General of the Federation, then we have returned to the dictorial,  draconian and dark days of the military rule.

"I am directed by Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to request that you, pursuant to the Presidential Executive Order No. 6 of 2018, forthwith restrict normal banking operations on certain accounts belonging to Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen pending final determination of the case against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT/ABJ/1/19,” a letter signed by Abiodun Aikomo on behalf of Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation read.

Five bank accounts are to be frozen: four of them were opened with Standard Chartered Bank, one each for Pound Sterling, dollar Euro and Naira.

The letter did not state where the fifth account, a Naira account, is domiciled.


The restriction order was contained in a letter with reference number HAGF/2019/E06/Vol.01, by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), dated January 14, 2019 and addressed to the Director, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.

Has a court order been obtained? Has the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen be arraigned? Does our judicial system no longer assumes a person innocent except otherwise proven guilty by a competent court of justice? Where are we heading?

Admitted! Nobody is above the law. Let the proper processes or procedures be followed in the trial of any citizen of this country.

Freezing the CJN'S financial accounts is a clear case of victimisation and contamination of the judicial system of our country.

If same energy & haste were applied in eliminating the Boko haram menance, extinguishing hunger & unemployment which currently plague our country land, the Buhari led federal government would have recorded much successes.

Again, the current strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, rescuing of Leah Sharibu, other Chibok and Dapchi school girls as well  as signing of the electoral bill are matters that should kidnap the attention of any well meaning government and not chasing perceived enemies.

If the CJN's account has been frozen has reported in many quarters, this singular action sign posts this nation as a failed state.

BUHARI Vs Onnoghen: Is the world not watching?

 Is it only when Lawmakers boo & woo the President of Nigeria that the world watches? If yes, the world is made up of audience of SELECTIVE ATTENTION. What a biased world, if so!
Back to Nigeria!
We seem to live in a lawless country. Anything goes and nothing comes.
But here is Buhari- An apology, sorry, an apostle of the rule of law. A fake, sorry, firm believer in the supremacy of the law. An Evangelist of the gospel of equality before the law only in my dream world.
The Buhari led federal government had summoned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal over false declaration of asset.
At the set time today, the CJN did not appear. But the Chairman of the Tribunal was there, then. A pleasant sight!
Our earthly sojourn is brief. Yet, a lot of people enjoy playing the roles of Judas, Herod, Barrabas, et al, in the lives of others. Why not choose to be the Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus Christ carried his cross? Why not be the Veronica, who wiped the face of Jesus? Is there any wrong in joining a group that mimicks the women of Jerusalem who accompanied Jesus Christ all through the passion of his most sorrowful journey? What of Joseph of Arimethea who bought a tomb and laid Jesus Christ to rest? Must history always remember you for the wrong you did or the good you failed to do?
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen has been accused of false declaration of assets. A certain Dennis Aghanya, FORMER AIDE to your President Muhammadu Buhari and member of the ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS, had forwarded a petition to the Code of Conduct Bureau on January 9, 2019. Here, we feel the hand of Esau but hear the voice of Jacob.
Again, the haste, unrepentant & untiring urge in arraigning the CJN stirs a sneeze. When a former Secretary to the Federal Government and Buhari's key man, Babachir Lawal still walks around freely inspite of the 'Grass cutting scandal' & allegations hanging round his neck... There is also a certain MAINA, the Pension smart man who was reinstated into the system under Buhari's nose by ghosts.
No doubt, everyone is and should be equal before the law. If the Chief Justice of Nigeria or any serving Judge errs, there is the National Judicial Council where such a Judge can be disciplined or sanctioned. This goes a long way to check undue interference & refrain serving Judges from subverting their judicial independence.
If the current CJN has a case to answer, why now? We have not forgotten the reluctance of the President in swearing in Onnoghen. Thank heavens, Osinbajo was the acting President at the time. Who knows...?
Buhari, is the world not watching us? What a world that watches a game only if the tables turn against Nigeria's President.
Sai Baba! You have to thread with caution. It's just few weeks to the election. You and I understand what you want but lets be careful lest, we expose our wounds to flies.
Do not fuel the fire that you cannot quench. Babangida had tried something similar though in a different style. The brunts and bad burnts of the fire he ignited will follow him to his eternal home. Sometime ago, a Journalist asked Babangida: " Why haven't you authored a book?" His reply: "...because nobody will read." Who is interested in a reading about a man history tags: "devilish and dictatorial."
Buhari, the office of the CJN is not a low hanging fruit that can easily be plucked. Don't stretch your neck to where your hands cannot reach.
In my brief sojourn on earth, I have seen the most powerful rendered powerless without a lift of a finger.
The world is watching...