Jonathan’s re-election remains unassailable — Akin Osuntokun - Vanguard News

Jonathan’s re-election remains unassailable — Akin Osuntokun - Vanguard News

"I will issue an ultimatum of one month for them to disarm. I will relocate all the far flung villages in the affected axis to fortified central locations. I will declare that Nigeria is formally at war and put the country on a war footing. I will make the neighbouring countries alive to their responsibility – with substantial covert pressure if need be. I will hire foreign mercenaries and seek military support from where ever I can get it to supplement the Nigeria Army. I will make it clear that careless and subversive talks impugning the credibility of the Nigerian military are answerable under the War Powers Act. I think the insurgents have so far been defiant for a number of reasons."  

"The day APC resolves to pick Adams Oshiomhole, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Audu Ogbeh or even Dangiwa Umar, Nuhu Ribadu as presidential candidate, then you can persuade me to see some merit in replacing the incumbent president. Otherwise, those who are pushing the logic of power politics should please themselves. Nigerians should learn to purge themselves of the politics of arrogance and intimidation." - Akin Osuntokun

Osaze Came, He Played, He Scored, and Nigeria Defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina

Few days ago, I made a case for Odemwingie's inclusion in the coming match between Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Surprisingly, and in fact, unlike before, Odemwingie was featured for the full ninety minutes as I argued. And at the end, he delivered - he scored the winning goal. It is official; Mr. Osaze Peterr Odemwingie, representing the Nigerian national team (The Green Eagle), scored the winning and only goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina's national team. 

On my part, it was not a prediction per se - far from it -  but knowing what works and the ability to visualize the make up of the team and identify the player or players that will make the most immediate  impact when push comes to shove. I am glad that Mr. Stephen Keshi, the National Chief Coach, did the right thing. 

Most people dwell on the problem, while only very few focus on the solution - the way out of the problem. And I am glad of being part of the latter category. As we have proven over and over again on this Blog, it's all about the solution and moving forward - knowing what works, and the ability to articulate it succinctly, without fear or favor. Know it, publish it and be damned.  See  Of Osaze Odemwingie and the Nigeria vs Iran Lackluster Opening Match.

Of Osaze's absence, and the Nigeria vs Iran Lackluster Opening Match

When I Googled the Nigerian team in the opening match against Iran at the on-going World Cup Soccer event yesterday, Osaze Odemwingie's name was listed as one of the eleven players. However, when the real game started, Odemwingie was benched. From the very first minute of the game I started asking: where is Odemwingie. Where is the light skin dude? I asked and asked and asked throughout the first 45 minutes of the first half, without an answer. When Mr. Keshi eventually brought him in towards the mid-section of the second half, there was a noticeable change – there was a real hunger for goals. And the guys who were watching the match with me saw why I asked about Odemwingie repeatedly throughout the first half.

Right now the damage has been done and Nigeria exhibited a second-eleven or aptly put, a lackluster performance. I want to ask the question again: Why was Osaze Odemwingie not featured for the full 90 minutes? I am feeling disappointed, not necessarily because we did not win, but for the fact that a trusted striker, a quality player was undeservedly benched and prevented from doing what he knows how to do: score goals. If Mr. Keshi is reading this: Please do not equivocate on featuring ODEMWINGIE for the full ninety minutes in your next match. A word is enough for the wise. He is a STAR PLAYER you cannot afford to trade for other players. His disallowed goal speaks volumes. If allowed, that goal would have been classified as one of the best goals in the tournament. He has energy. He has drive. He has rhythm. He has confidence. He is creative. Above all, he can read the game like a real pro. He is a natural leader - a guy you cannot push around. I saw that in him long ago. Give him a chance. Fifteen minutes of play is not good enough. This is no time for affirmative action or trial and error. 

The National Conference And The Explosive Words of Dr. Junaid Mohammed, By Femi Fani-Kayode

The National Conference And The Explosive Words of Dr. Junaid Mohammed, By Femi Fani-Kayode

FFK vs. Junaid the Terrible (Round One)

Blogger's Comment: It's all about the Dr. Junaids and the Professor Yadudus.

I am not for war, and I am not for disintegration. Nevertheless, given the fact that other regions do not have an Enfant Terrible Dr. Junaid Mohammed and the highly educated smooth operator Professor Yadudu at the ongoing Confab, I do not consider Mr. Femi Fani Kayode's rebuttal divisive. A rebuttal is always necessary. Therefore, taking the fight to the Junaids' face is the right approach. That is where southern academics and intellectuals have failed the nation woefully. The only two southerners they respect or dread are dead: Pa Awo and Dr. Akinola Aguda.  

I am not against the northern region - I have no need to - but I do in my heart abhor the Junaids of the geographical north and their retrogressive antics. My reason for that is not that obvious. Do your research; it is the few Dr. Junaids and the Professor Yadudus of the northern region, operating undercover or directly with successive military governments headed by northerners who determine what to make of Nigeria - the June 12 debacle, creation of States and Local Governments, the 1999 Constitution, just to name a few.

You don't watch and allow ethnic chauvinists to go unchallenged. Because at the end of the day, it is their views that most often carry the day - defining the evolution of the Nigerian project. Not the views of the progressive northerners that are in love with their colleagues from the south. They are highly educated, very vocal, and authoritative. And there are always one or two of them in every Government. These Junaids and the Yadudus of the north do not belong to any political party. They belong to the northern region of their imagination. In their actions and utterances, Nigeria is a British invention.

You cannot succeed in your quest for fiscal restructuring or for true federalism, without a corresponding narrative for restructuring and for true federalism. Just don't say it in a sentence. Make it a project. Therefore, you must be willing to rumble with the vocal Junaids and the smooth operator Yadudus, if you want and end to the status quo. Yes, a rebuttal is very necessary.

In spite of everything, it is not yet time - and the time may never come - for Dr. Junaid Mohammed to start popping champagne for decimating the advocates of true federalism and resource control at the ongoing National Conference. His adversaries are not yet in the known. For now, FFK is starting a process - a voice of one crying in the wilderness - that will mushroom in a very short time.