I Will Conduct Credible Polls in 2015 ~President Jonathan to Obama

After throwing powerful jabs at those who continue to distract his administration with fake news and obnoxious conjectures by telling them to allow him concentrate on his job, President Jonathan again has emphasized on his main goal which is to transform Nigeria in all facets; politically, economically and diplomatically. The President resounded the position of Nigeria as the 'Big Brother of Africa' without which Africa may not really put its onus rightly.

President Goodluck Jonathan had earlier warned those bent on creating political pandemonium in the land to desist from doing so. He cleared one of such nefarious statuses Nigerians are quick to jump at by speaking through his media aid, Dr Reuben Abati to demystify the news making the round that he took 600 officials to New York as reported by Sahara Reporters. The whole Presidential team composed of just 30 officials. He warned the opposition and their attack 'voltrons' not to blow up the house they intend to occupy with dynamites.

President Goodluck Jonathan continues to reiterate the commitment of his administration to hold credible, free and fair elections in the country by 2015. He gave the assurance during his bilateral meeting with President Barack Obama in the Lyndon B. Johnson suite in the Waldorf-Astoria in New York on Monday. “I have conducted credible elections in 2011 and I am committed to do the same in 2015.”

Jonathan reminded the US President that as he continued to work towards a safe world, Nigeria, he said, should not be left out.  “For you to fix the world, you must fix Africa. For you to fix Africa, you must fix Nigeria.” He also called for a stronger global consensus and determination to end the scourge of terrorism as quickly as possible. President Jonathan said that unless the international community unite and deploy its enormous resources to eradicate terrorism, it would continue to be embarrassed by terrorist outrages such that occurred in Nairobi.

He expressed his appreciation of the support and assistance Nigeria had received from the U.S. in the fight against domestic terrorism. Jonathan said that Nigeria would welcome more bilateral collaboration to fight terrorism in the country. On his part, President Obama recalled his recent trip to Africa and since then he saw common interests in helping Nigeria improve its rural electrification, empowering young people through the Young African Leaders programme.

According to him, improving internal security is in a way consistent with human rights and making sure Nigerian elections in 2015 continue to improve the country’s democratic process. Obama said the attack at a Nairobi mall over the weekend “underscores” the level to which all countries "are connected” and the need to work together. “We stand with them against this terrible outrage that’s occurred, we will provide them with whatever law enforcement help that is necessary.”

“The United States will continue to work with the entire continent of Africa and around the world to make sure that we are dismantling these networks of destruction.” The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, and the National Security Adviser, Susan Rice, were also in attendance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jonathan was accompanied to the meeting by the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U. S, Prof. Ade Adefuye, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, and the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo.

The United States and its Hypocritical Democracy

The United States prides itself as the most democratic nation on earth today. It continues to tell the world that democracy entails freedom in its multidimensional facets, debates, the theory of 'we disagree to agree' with real and genuine understanding of the role of the majority in the polity. That is democracy.

The world cannot deny the influence of the United States politics and elections in the scheme of things. Almost the entire world usually stands still when the American election is the offing. We compare and analyse in line with out various local and indigenous politics and democracy.

If this act is not hypocritical, how come the number one democratic nation in the world finds it hard to debate on the floor of the United Nations Security Council? How come unilateral action like that of the DICTATORS whom America love to hate has become the exclusive preserve of Washington? How come Washington cannot provide evidences as demanded by Russia on the use of chemical weapons in Syria? How come Washington has always been so defiant on collective UNSC action and prefers to always do things alone like autocrats? Is democracy not a farce through all these?

Obama even refused to meet with Putin or really discuss Syria at the G20 summit when others were furious and want a real way out but was meeting one by one with his American puppets; Japan and company. Democracy also endorses the idea of the majority, in fact that is the most crucial factor in democracy; game of numbers. How come the United States believe so much in sidestepping the majority at the United Nations who have expressed concern over attacks or is the US mightier than majority of nations on the floor of the UN General Assembly?

Americans says they do not want their government to spend taxpayers cash irrelevantly nauseously based on some specious speculations. The government simply smiles at their ignorant foolery. They hardly control it; the corporations need to sell, test new weapons and get oil whenever and wherever necessary. Israel has a list of countries that must be off in the Middle East to ensure its full hegemony. After Syria, it will be a case of ratcheting up rhetoric on Iran and the ultimate will be best imagined. It is a planned agenda and everything seems to be falling in place.

If democracy recognises disagreement for agreement, how come Washington refused to accept Kremlin's stance that if the UN can confirm Assad used CW, it would support military action under the authority of the UNSC? Internal democracy of the United States suits the US. It is not different then from what is obtainable really elsewhere since its external track records have no iota of genuine democracy. America is a country where whoever the majority of the people want might not win at the end of the day or what is electoral college? The same US will always condemn Iran. The Ayatollahs of the US are the big corporations determining the outcome of elections.

What is the difference between an America that breeds a Snowden of massive worldwide cyber espionage and a China it loves to condemn about human rights abuses and limitation of freedom? The Occupy movements were brutally suppressed too just like in every other sphere. The only luck was that there was no Russia and China to penetrate and interfere, making some elements so recalcitrant to the extent of picking up arms because they know a Washington-like power will come to aid them. It hates their government, hence will do all to help them destroy their country in the name of humanitarian intervention.

Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya have lost all legitimacy. They are now at best abattoirs for humans and graveyards. One needs not talk about the deaths of millions in the wars from Kabul to Baghdad to Tripoli. Washington continues to violate international law and that needs to mention again too because it has become a norm and a tradition. It is constant and consistent. International law is meant for developing nations not the powerful ones. Africa should be pitied here. In fact, only two nations can successfully violate international law without the world winking but with noises from the United Nations; Israel and the United States. They are simply above all laws.

Thinking Egypt: Democracy, Military and the Muslim Brotherhood; The Ban, the Agendas and the Players

Discussing the horrific and saddening events in Egypt, beginning from the Rabaa Massacre would attract limited attention as the whole world is already aware and abreast of the developments. What is of note is the developing issue of banning the Muslim Brotherhood and the various monies fueling the crisis. In some quarters, Obama is perfectly supporting the Brotherhood against Egyptians who want a free society while some others believe it is a design because Morsi snubbed them; a way to secure Israel because Morsi is soft on Hamas. Apparently, the Egyptian military is 'gullible' compared to the Brotherhood. Most probably, Obama has to be in support of the Brotherhood on his own 'personal' part due to his analysis of the Tamarod 'Rebel' campaign movement.

John Kerry said the Egyptian military acted to preserve democracy and was lambasted by the Brotherhood that he would not accept a 'coup that was not a coup', to use Pepe Escobar's phrase, in Washington. Kerry's speech showed the official position of the White House but sometimes, a leader might somewhat deviate 'personally' from an official position guided by institutional traditions and laid down procedures. The White House is fighting to preserve the annual $1.3 billion aid to the military. On his part, Obama revealed that any future without the Muslim Brotherhood will lead to a divided society. That is just on point. Banning the Muslim Brotherhood would be a case of 'much ado about nothing'. In fact, were Egyptians not the ones who voted for it? Are Egyptians not the ones fighting now in support of Morsi?

If  the Muslim Brotherhood is banned, will its members be banished and exiled? Will its supporters not vote in elections? Will it be the case of Mubarak's era of fixed and pre-determined elections? If the Brotherhood is banned and free and fair elections are to be held, with its support base, its members will find a way back. It will remodel itself. Cutting of the head is not a panacea to a serious headache, maybe that is what President Obama had foreseen before 'mulling' support for the MB. According to the Tamarod group, Morsi was supporting Israel. How? Morsi by all standard was pro-Hamas, except if Hamas has turned a friend of Israel. Morsi balanced his acts, settled differences between Hamas and Israel to the applause and accolade of many but came back to commit a faux pas - promulgated a rule by decree. Although he later apologised but the people felt a Mubarak in democratic clothing was back. To err is human, to forgive is divine.

Tamarod utilised the dissatisfaction. While protesters were galvanised using the Tahrir Revolution of freedom and a 'secular' state, Tamarod group has its own agenda somehow. Mistakes are flying around in Egypt and it appears people are lost in support of one group against another without getting to know the latent intentions of the groups. Upon the ouster of Morsi, Israeli drones began work in Sinai in conjuction with Egyptian officials. Will Morsi have accepted such? Tamarod who sought his ouster and found Sisi as the 'devil' to accomplish the task definitely will not accept such but Sisi gave approval. Morsi's government is said to be against the tenets of democracy; women's rights and rights of minorities. Democracy alone does not specify these rights, Islam and Sharia'ah law do too but just as we have radical ones in every society, Egypt has too, hence the attacks on churches. Attacks on churches pre-dated Morsi but only became somehow worsen under him.

Morsi apologised and promised to make amends. His removal ought to be for calm, peace and dialogue. He can return once a real plan in a formidable third way out of military ideals already established by Mubarak and the 'fundamentalism' the MB is accused of trying to impose is worked out. Egyptians danced to the music of the power players; the music they know not its esoteric concoction. The only option to keep the MB off is to establish a Mubarak-style government because only such a style of governance can contain the resurgence of a body existing for over 30 years with well structured and articulated platform. Egyptians should then brace up for continued unrest. Too much of everything is bad. The most likely and plausible candidate for such a regime is General Abdel Fatah El Sisi, hence, the 'El Sisi' for President slogan is already gathering momentum. Egypt is back to pre-Morsi days; no doubt. Why then were elections held? Were Egyptians not the ones who voted?

El Sisi is soft on Israel though Israel is still in doubt of his actions. He does not appear like one who is ready to break the 1979 Camp David Accord with Israel or act detrimentally to the extent of severing Washington's cash; so, Tamarod still has much rebellious campaigns, unrest and civil disobediences to organise. The Gulf Monarchies are also bankrolling the military and El Sisi. Egypt is the heart of the Arab World truly. Egypt is now the testing ground of the divisive voices in the Arab World. Morsi is pro-Hamas, hence, must have a soft spot for Iran (Saudi Arabia's rival) though he had to go against al Assad to save himself from an impending danger.

Saudi Arabia is in full support of the military carnage going on in Egypt, so also is UAE and definitely Bahrain and Kuwait not excluding Hamas rival, the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). PLO is understandable, it is being paid by Washington like the Egyptian army. It just received $148 million to boost its budget. All of them have nothing to lose. Egyptians have all to lose. Iran sits and watch but rightly warned of a civil war in the offing earlier.

A simple suggestion would have been to continue dialogue, no matter how defiant the Muslim Brotherhood is. It has every right to be defiant. After all these years of being shortchanged and attacked under Mubarak, its LEGITIMATE mandate was again stolen and Sisi wants it to clap, fold its arms and smile? That would be the most debasing thought ever. Morsi can come back with serious negotiations for a real third way in Egypt where all parties will pledge to a free society that will guarantee women's rights and the rights of the minorities, most especially the Coptic Christians. They must be really, centrally and fully protected as in the days of Mubarak where attacks were very minimal. Sisi should shelve his pride and discuss with Morsi because he seems to be the only face that can calm the MB. Now, Mubarak is to  be released to show that Sisi really revenged. A soldier will always be for another soldier or so it looks now.

Muslims formed human shield to prevent the burning of the church

Egyptians should not allow the polarisation of their country. They are brothers; Muslims or Coptic Christians, Egypt is Egypt. Those pushing from the outside and from all sides will not suffer the consequences, Egyptians will. They are losing. The economy is battered, education is crippling. Egyptians should wake up. Egypt is Egypt and it must be saved.

Military, Democracy and the Muslim Brotherhood: Counting the Cost in Egypt

When Morsi was first ousted, many who supported his ouster thought it would be for  a period of time in which the Muslim Brotherhood will be made to dialogue and a real third way will be worked out for Egypt. Abdel Fattah El Sisi, as a good Field Marshal ought to know better that killing one's own citizens or allowing citizens to kill one another in a country where the military is reputed to be the most patriotic in the world is the hallmark of barbarism.

Continuous dialogue is the only panacea. Although Muslim Brotherhood was defiant, the interim government should and must know it has the right to. Its mandate was stolen. To the Brotherhood, Egypt has been taken back to where it was 18 months ago. It has every right to. El Sisi's act was to calm the tension many believed and as a good Egyptian, he should have avoided taken sides and encourage dialogue.

This left many with no doubt that he was indirectly responding to the Washington's cash oiling the engine of the Egyptian military. He is covertly protecting the interest of Tel Aviv which Washington is paying the military for not the interest of Egyptians unlike what many thought when Morsi was removed from the centre stage.

Four journalists died in violent clashes which swept the land of the Pharoahs. With a number of the press core suffering serious injuries in the clashes. At least 238 civilians died in total as security forces brutally broke up pro-Morsi rallies. The country has been swept by horrific street violence, showers of gunfire, blazing fires and tear gas as relentless clashes have shaken cities in government attempts to break up the demonstrations.

Among the 238 protesters killed were children, including the 17-year old daughter of a prominent Muslim Brotherhood official, Mohamed Al Beltagy. Police stations were torched or stormed by pro-Morsi groups amid the ruthless government suppression. The violence also took the lives of Sky News cameraman Mick Deane and Dubai-based XPRESS journalist Habeeba Abdelaziz.

Both had been covering the pro-Morsi protests in Egypt’s capital which security forces began to ‘disperse’ earlier in the day. Deane, 61, was shot as he was documenting the turmoil in Cairo. Despite receiving medical treatment for his injuries he died shortly afterwards, according to a statement from Sky. Habeeba Abdelaziz was a 26 year old Egyptian reporter from Dubai, who worked for XPRESS – a ‘sister’ publication to the country’s Gulf News.

“It’s hard to believe she’s gone. She was passionate about her work and had a promising career ahead,” XPRESS Deputy Editor Mazhar Farooqui told Gulf News, commenting that the entire team was in a state of shock. Abdelaziz had been covering protests near Cairo’s Rabaa al-Adawiya Mosque, which has been the site of one of the largest protests for over a month, and a subsequently heavy-handed crackdown by governmental security forces. Security forces later reclaimed the area.

The third journalist killed was Egyptian Ahmed Abdel Gawad of Al Akhbar newspaper. He died while covering the clashes  at Rabaah al-Adawiya. The Egyptian Press Syndicate, a journalist union, confirmed Gawad's death, but did not provide any details.

The fourth reporter to have been confirmed killed is photojournalist Mosab El-Shami Rassd of the news website (RNN), an alternative pro-Islamist media network, Ahram online reports. The agency wrote that he “was killed by the hand of betrayal while covering the Rabaa massacre at the hands of those who executed the coup,” wrote the network on its Facebook page.

Reuters photojournalist Asmaa Waguih also suffered serious injuries after being shot in the leg during protests. Shortly afterwards, she was moved to the international medical center to receive treatment. The Committee to Protect Journalists has released a statement on the issue, saying that the group condemned the killing of Sky News cameraman Mick Deane, prior to hearing of the second death.

“We call on Egyptian authorities to issue clear orders to security forces to respect the right of journalists to work freely and safely while covering events in Cairo and the rest of the country,” said CPJ Deputy Director Robert Mahoney. “The killing of Mick Deane underscores the urgent need for such action and for all sides to show restraint and allow the media to do their job. The authorities must investigate all attacks on journalists and hold those responsible to account,” he said.

Other journalist were also treated for wounds. An AP photographer was hit in the back of the neck by two birdshot pellets, while Al Jazeera claims its cameraman Mohammed al-Zaki was shot in the arm. In addition, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders says that Tarek Abbas — a reporter for local Al-Watan newspaper sustained gunshot wounds to his leg and eye; and photographer Ahmad Najjar was wounded in the arm.

Approximately a dozen other journalists were arrested or threatened as they tried to document the mayhem: Reuters’ Tom Finn tweeted his own arrest. Daily Beast reporter Mike Giglio also said on Twitter he was arrested alongside two photographers named Mahmoud Abou Zeid and Louis Jammes, stating they had been beaten too.

A month-long state of emergency has been declared after Egyptian security forces violently broke up the sit-in camps of Muslim Brotherhood supporters in Cairo. Health Ministry officials say that over 2000 were injured in the nationwide violence, alongside the 278 who were killed including policemen. “The dead are both from police and civilians,” said the ministry's spokesman, Hamdi Abdel Karim. However, Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Gehad El-Haddad claimed that as many as 2,000 people had been killed and 10,000 injured in the police operation.

Security forces succeeded in gaining control of the protest camps by the end of the day after turning the capital into what journalists called “a war zone”. A state of emergency has been declared and curfew imposed in major cities including Cairo, Alexandria and Suez. The curfew is set to last for the next month – or until further notice. @beltrew tweeted: "I've never seen such a bloody fight in Egypt.The security forces kept us ducking behind cars,under a barrage of bullets for 8 hours straight" as well as "If the massive bloodshed today wasn't bad enough, the Coptic Christians are under attack as well. Oh Egypt, Egypt, Egypt. Why?

On Snowden: United States has no Functioning Democracy ~Jimmy Carter

Former US President Jimmy Carter lambasted the whitewashed US intelligence methods as undemocratic and described Edward Snowden’s NSA leak as “beneficial” for the country. Jimmy Carter was President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.

After leaving office, he founded the Carter Centre, an NGO advocating human rights. The ex-president’s human rights credentials won him Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. The Carter Centre or Foundation was very instrumental and active in assisting South Sudan when still under the grip and oppression of Sudan.

Carter lashed out at the US political system when the issue of the previously top-secret NSA surveillance program was touched upon at the Atlantic Bridge meeting on Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia. "America has no functioning democracy at this moment," Carter said, according to Der Spiegel. Carter has also criticised America's use of drones heavily labelling it a notorious violation of rights.

He believes the spying-scandal is undermining democracy around the world, as people become increasingly suspicious of US internet platforms, such as Google and Facebook. While such mediums have normally been associated with freedom of speech and have recently become a major driving force behind emerging democratic movements, fallout from the NSA spying scandal has dented their credibility.

It’s not the first time Carter has criticized US intelligence policies. In a previous interview with CNN, he said the NSA leaks signified that “the invasion of human rights and American privacy has gone too far." He added that although Snowden violated US law, he may have ultimately done good for the country.  

"I think that the secrecy that has been surrounding this invasion of privacy has been excessive, so I think that the bringing of it to the public notice has probably been, in the long term, beneficial." Jimmy Carter also opined upon the election of Barack Obama that America's democratic standard is somehow intolerant. He said "the basic problem among whites in this country is that they can't just figure out why a black man should be President".

Egyptian prosecutors launch criminal investigation against Morsi

Egypt’s public prosecutor’s office has started investigating allegations and complaints against ousted president Mohammed Morsi accused of spying, inciting the killings of protesters, and damaging the economy. The country’s first freely elected leader has been held at an undisclosed location since the military, yielding to popular uprising and in a bid to 'save' the country, removed him from power on July 3. No charges have been pressed against him.

In the Egyptian legal system, complaints are to be investigated for days or months before formal charges are brought. Such complaints can be triggered by any member of the public or police. The announcement is an unusual step, as prosecutors typically wait until charges are filed before making any public statements. Eight other Muslim Brotherhood leaders are being investigated alongside Morsi not excluding the Supreme Guide; Mohamed Badie.

The accused are expected to be questioned in the coming days, according to the public prosecutor’s office. Details of those who made complaints were not revealed. It was announced earlier this week that Badie and several other Brotherhood officials already face charges of inciting violence, though most of them have avoided arrest.

Pressure to release Morsi from the international scene is increasing, with the US joining Germany’s call to “end to all restrictive measures” against the ousted president. The Muslim Brotherhood believes the military’s actions amounted to an undemocratic coup while the army claims that it carried out the will of millions of the people when it ousted Morsi . Morsi’s supporters say they will not stop calling for protests until the former leader is restored to power.

On Friday, tens of thousands of people turned out for what the Muslim Brotherhood called a "day of marching on,” which ended peacefully before dawn on Saturday. High-ranked Brotherhood figure Essam El-Erian, who is among those facing arrest, has called for more protests on Monday. "Egypt decides through the ballot box, through protests, mass marches and peaceful sit-ins," he wrote on his Facebook page.

The interim Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi is expected to swear in a new cabinet next week to enforce a military-backed “road map” to restoring civilian rule in Egypt. “The final composition of the new government will, possibly, be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday,” el-Beblawi said, as quoted by ITAR-TASS news agency. The interim PM said that he will have two advisers, with the future government consisting of 30 ministries.

African Leaders prefer United States to China - Obama

President Barack is in Johannnesburg for his second stop on his week-long African tour where he is expected to promote democracy and food security.

White House officials hope Obama's three-nation tour of Africa - his first substantial visit to the continent since taking office in 2009 - will compensate for what some view as years of neglect by America's first black president.

Obama has been conscious on the second country he is visiting which is South Africa because of the health condition of the man who is just like him; the first black president of South Africa - Nelson Mandela. Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, said his condition had improved in the past few days. The visit has not been all rosy and jaw-jaw.

Nearly 1,000 trade unionists, Muslim activists and South African Communist Party members marched through the capital to the US Embassy, where they burned an American flag and called Obama's foreign policy 'arrogant and oppressive'.

Muslim activists held prayers in a car park outside the embassy. Leader Imam Sayeed Mohammed told the group: "We hope that Mandela feels better and that Obama can learn from him."

New York Times reports that Obama sees Mandela, also known as Madiba, as a hero. Whether they are able to meet or not, officials said his trip would serve largely as a tribute to the anti-apartheid leader. Like Mandela, Obama has received the Nobel Peace Prize and both men were the first black presidents of their nations.

Madiba was enamoured by the young Illinois senator's charisma while Mandela enthralled Obama when they met in 2005. Obama is to visit Robben Island, where Mandela spent years in prison under South Africa's former white minority regime. He told reporters his message in South Africa would draw from the lessons of Mandela's life.

"If we focus on what Africa as a continent can do together and what these countries can do when they're unified, as opposed to when they're divided by tribe or race or religion, then Africa's rise will continue," Obama said.

White House officials said Obama would hold a "town hall" on Saturday with youth leaders in Soweto, the Johannesburg township known for 1976 student protests against apartheid.

He will discuss a new exchange programme for African students with US colleges and universities. The event will include youth in Uganda, Nigeria and Kenya participating through video conference, and will be televised in those countries, White House officials said. Obama's only previous visit to the African continent was a one-day stopover in Ghana at the beginning of his first term.

While acknowledging that Obama has not spent as much time in Africa as people hoped, the White House is eager to highlight what it has done, in part to end unflattering comparisons to accomplishments of predecessors George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

"Given the budget constraints, for us to try to get the kind of money that President Bush was able to get out of the Republican House for massively scaled new foreign aid programmes is very difficult," Obama said. Obama and the Republican-controlled House of Representatives have fought bitterly over government spending. US foreign aid is a perennial target for lawmakers who want more budget cuts.

Reuters report that before departing Senegal, Obama met farmers and local entrepreneurs to discuss new technologies helping to raise agricultural output in West Africa, one of the world's most under-developed and drought-prone regions. The technical aid in the US government's "Feed the Future" programme leverages money from the private sector and aid groups to help small farmers.

Obama said he would announce an initiative to use the same strategies for the power sector, a model he said makes the most of the shrinking US foreign aid budget. "I think everything we do is designed to make sure that Africa is not viewed as a dependent, as a charity case, but is instead viewed as a partner," he said.

Obama acknowledged that China, Brazil, India and other countries have been increasingly active in Africa and said the United States risks being left behind. But he said the US approach to development is preferred by African leaders.

"They recognise that China's primary interest is being able to obtain access for natural resources in Africa to feed the manufacturers in export-driven policies of the Chinese economy," Obama said. he stated that "Oftentimes that leaves Africa as simply an exporter of raw goods" as opposed to creating long-term jobs.

2015, APC and PDP: Likely Continuation of Sectional Headache than National Cure

The stage is gradually being set for 2015 amid tribal fire and sectional storm among players that mattered most. The illumination of politics and politricks combined; all to cajole and coax some stakeholders including the voting public to either board the train of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) or come on board the ship of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The drumbeat towards the election year has been that of 'mild war' than politics.

There is no gainsaying the fact that PDP has led Nigeria over the years, spanning a period of 14 good and solid years, yet as at now the nation is more divided and still like a stagnant water with dissatisfaction from the citizens. Many seek the demise of the party because of the stagnancy in the polity or to put it better, forward retardation; because we are moving forward in years but going back in national aspirations, dreams and realities.

Well-meaning Nigerians are ready to support any opposition party that can oust the PDP on the proviso that it will forge the sense of oneness and positive advancement which is currently under disguised murdering mission. Despite the visibly naked quagmire, the opposition is somewhat or somehow trying to commit a faux pas in semblance with the moribund politics of the PDP.

The opposition has known today takes delight in condemning, castigating and insulting the snail-like President rather than cause national debates on our morass which had begun since 1960, roll out programmes and manifestoes for untoward discussion among the populace and start reaching out to disenchanted and disillusioned ones who are hell-bent on chaos and divisive missions.

Prominent figures of the opposition rather than stretch forth the hand of unity have assumed a notoriously precarious position, fanning the ember of tribalism and religious bigotry, almost at par with the regime that is becoming extremely directionless because of 2015. Muhammadu Buhari is almost a leading figure or maybe the most pronounced figure in the opposition with his 'untainted image' as his power base yet he remains the most nauseously controversial.

He is even not ready to learn that the nation is too divided and needs someone who can cause it to start thinking as one gradually than make it inebriated more on tribal-inclined speeches enclosed in religious dungeon. Muhammadu Buhari himself has also been associated with corrupt practices which are yet to be denied.

Whenever tweets are seen from El Rufai, they are mostly antagonising President Jonathan than discuss issues of national importance. One begins to wonder what Nigerians will be voting for in 2015? Antagonists of a personality? OR a political party who by now ought to have read the handwriting on the wall that we need radical discussions on unity. One expects them to start using the power of the media and social media positively to foster unity than sectionalism.

No matter how credible the candidate from APC is, it is most probable that Niger-Delta militants will not let it rest if he or she wins because of the ghost of Boko Haram. Nigeria needs those who will understand that the menace has gone beyond unemployment and breakdown of social facilities, the northern reactions to the Jonathan-led administration are creating a domino effect.

Nigeria needs no sectional statements and tribal-inclined speeches. The system is hot enough. Issues of national security is the business of all; either an opposition or in appurtenance with the regime. It is sacred; you do not politicise it. How can Buhari castigate the regime so much after the state of emergency which was long overdue was declared? Northern Elders Forum said he declared war on them. That is way too far.

If anyone has been to the northern part, he or she would have known how powerful these speeches are to those who are ready to do the violence. The almajiris and host of others. They respect the views of the elders and clerics and take them as certificate to act. The south-south elders too are not exempted. The 'our son' syndrome has blindfolded them on reality.

They find it hard to condemn Jonathan, even when his actions are despicable. I stand to be corrected, during Obasanjo's era, the people from the south, mostly the south-westerners were foremost in criticising him. The renowned lawyers and human rights activists, Femi Falana (SAN) and Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAM, SAN) were always at alert. Adams Oshiomole was not exempted. Olu Falae was there too.

How about Pastor Tunde Bakare? The fiery and fearless Man of God did wonderfully well. Tunde Bakare and his Save Nigeria Group were pertinently instrumental for the emergence of President Jonathan as President during the Yar'Adua debacle. Upon winning the election, the President suddenly forgot as a real ingrate would just the way he forgot Nigerians risked all to get him into office including the lives of corps members and gave subsidy removal as the new year's gift in 2012.

For a better Nigeria, the opposition will do well to start massive discussions on how to be a united entity first. We need to start seeing each other first as Nigerians. The youths are really disunited. They are the potential stakeholders who could make the cycle of sectional division continuous. Some Igbo youths stated that if Jonathan does not contest and get a second term in 2015, Nigeria is gone. This statement was the same as that of Dokubo.

The origin of this was the tripartite statements of Atiku Abubakar who said 'He who makes peaceful change impossible, makes violent change inevitable' all because of PDP zoning. Modu Sherrif also vowed that the regime of Jonathan will know no peace all because a northerner did not win. Buhari said 'If the election was not free and fair, monkeys and baboons will bath in blood'.

Though that of Buhari was and is understandable because you cannot continue to rig election and still stand to tell the people that you will rule for 50 years when it is glaring you are stealing their mandates, but the mere fact that he never accepted the election as free and fair spontaneously geared those who are always ready to do the violence to swiftly respond by displaying their cannibalistic acts.

Nigeria's problems are from 1960. Boko Haram is not an isolated event or occurrence; it had begun far back as the first crisis in 1956 which emanated after Enahoro and his colleagues sought independence and was opposed by Ahmadu Bello and his people. In other words, Boko Haram is the transfer of tribal and religious wars as always witnessed in Nigeria and which are always enshrouded in political agitations.

For as long as there are politicians who see their tribes as superiors and clerics who are always preaching hatred and are averse to peace, Boko Haram insurgency might not be decisively stamped out. Nigeria needs people who will bring the unity gradually not those who will advertise the already known downward spiral of the PDP and leave real, genuine and valid issues unattended to. No more beating around the bush.

Nigeria is a wonderful project worth salvaging. The break-up of Nigeria should not be anyone's interest. Nigeria is needed in Africa. It remains a veritable hope for the black race. 2015 is the year that could make or... Nigeria.

South Africa: Nightfall or Morning Rise in Soweto?

South Africa is witnessing the dawn of a new era with the formation of a new political party. The party surfaces at a time when Nelson Mandela is battling lung infection in hospital. Some analysts have postulated that South Africa after Nelson Mandela will not be same again. Are we already seeing the handwriting on the wall?

The penultimate party to be formed in South Africa before this new one was in 2008 when former ANC members launched the Congress of the People (COPE).

A leading apartheid-era activist launched South Africa's first new political party in five years, saying the ruling African National Congress (ANC) was destroying the continent's biggest economy. Although, despite widening schisms in the ANC and allegations of graft and poor leadership, it remains a formidable political machine, commanding a nearly two-thirds majority in parliament.

'Agang', Sesotho for "let us build", which is the new political 'baby' will contest 2014 elections, party leader Mamphela Ramphele said. An anti-apartheid campaigner and partner of Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko, Ramphele said millions were still living like forgotten citizens and that the country had not come far enough, fast enough.

She referred to the optimism that prevailed at South Africa's first all-race elections in 1994, "We remember the outpouring of hope and joy at the release of Nelson Mandela, fist raised in defiance." Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu - a strong anti-apartheid voice and champion of the "Free Mandela" campaign globally - has backed Ramphele, 65, saying she is a principled leader ready to take costly stands for social justice.

"Nearly 20 years into our democracy the graciousness and magnanimity that characterised our political firmament have to a great extent been surrendered at the altar of power and wealth," Tutu said in a letter in support of Ramphele released. Archbishop Desmond Tutu had earlier stated categorically that he will never cast his ballot in support or favour of ANC again.

Ramphele is a medical doctor and was a former World Bank managing director. She was also placed under house arrest for seven years by the apartheid government because of her political work. She has regularly challenged authority and the ANC on its failings.

"Our country has reached a crossroads and I for one do not want to think about where we will be in five years time unless we change course," she said in her launch speech in Pretoria. 

Others are also looking to revive the dream of the "Rainbow Nation" 19 years after the end of white-minority rule. Even Julius Malema, the erstwhile youth leader, kicked out of ANC, is looking to build a future in politics by starting his own political party. This definitely could be a messy fragmentation for the African economic giant.

Nigeria: The bombshell on General Muhammadu Buhari

Larry Chukwuma Chime wrote:

I have now completely given up on the sanity of Muhammadu Buhari AND HIS SUPPORTERS. It is only in Nigeria that a man who embezzled N2.8 billion NNPC money while he was Federal Commissioner of Petroleum in 1978 will be cited as being better than others and have the effrontery to criticise other leaders. It is only in Nigeria that a man who led the criminal overthrow of a democratically elected government in 1984 would later wish to benefit from the same democracy. 

It is only in Nigeria that the man who, as Head of State, allowed 56 illegal suitcases of currency notes into the country through his ADC unchecked when there was currency change by his own government in the country at the time would be 'better than 100 Jonathans'. It is only in Nigeria that the man who enacted RETROACTIVE DECREES and used them to murder Lawal Ojuolape, Bartholomew Owoh and Bernard Ogedegbe would open his tribalistic mouth to criticise others. 

It is only in Nigeria that the man who enacted vindictive decrees which prescribed long jail terms for journalists for publishing stories which embarrassed government officials even if the stories were true resulting in the illegal jailing of Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor now wants to rule the country. It is only in Nigeria that the man who was overthrown in 1985 by Babangida and spontaneous jubilations erupted all over the country would have the guts to seek to replace people who are far better than he. 

It is only in Nigeria that the man who later accepted appointment as PTF Chairman under the MOST CORRUPT government ever in Nigeria's history and then commandeered more than 200 PTF vehicles for private use in his home in Kaduna would not be in jail today and would be described as being better than others. It is only in Nigeria that the man who embezzled billions of Naira of PTF funds through overinvoicing of contracts and the supply of fake drugs to hospitals, as sworn to in an affidavit by Group Captain Usman Jibrin, a board member of PTF, would be described as better than the man who is actually trying to clean up the rot that he and his other military despots created. 

Remember, he later said that Abacha did not loot anything from Nigeria! It is only in Nigeria that the man who lost election to only one Jonathan (not 100) and incited his supporters to violence which claimed the lives of innocent people including NYSC members has the nerve to still open his bigoted mouth and criticise actions designed to stop continued madness. It is only in Nigeria that a former Head of State would ask Muslims not to vote for Christians and, when he is criticised, would later lie on Radio Nigeria, Kaduna, that what he meant was that Muslims should vote for only those who can protect their religion. 

It is only in Nigeria that a former Head of State would refuse to condemn Boko Haram murderers in their evil activities including bombing innocent Christian worshippers in churches but is quick to support amnesty for the same murderers. It is only in Nigeria that a former Head of State will speak bitterly against a State of Emergency designed to root out monstrous criminals but turns around to advocate finishing off Ombatse cult members who have done exactly the same thing as Boko Haram. 

It is only in Nigeria that a former Head of State CANNOT speak or write simple and correct English and prefers to speak vernacular most of the time and then his supporters would insist that his meaning was lost in translation and he is better than a hundred Jonathans!. When this mad bigot overthrew Shagari in January 1984, he, out of crude tribalism, put President Shagari (who, according to late Saraki, presided over most of the shady NPN deals under his watch) under mere house arrest but clamped Vice President Ekwueme (who the tribunals later said was squeaky clean) into Kirikiri like a common criminal. 

Not done with this naked tribalism, Muhammadu Buhari sent soldiers to ransack Awolowo's residence in Ikenne and harass his household even though Awolowo was not a member of the government that was toppled. Believe me, any objective, dispassionate analysis of Buhari's activities must surely come to one conclusion and one conclusion only, namely: The only set of people whose IQ is lower than that of Muhammadu Buhari are his supporters.

'West fighting al Qaeda in Mali and Supporting same in Syria. Syria needs Reforms’ ~Putin

Speaking about the conflict in Syria, President Vladimir Putin said it was possible to avoid the civilian war by conducting reforms in due time.

“Syria as a country was rife for some kind of change. And the government of Syria should have felt that in due time and should have undertaken some reform,” Putin said. “Had they done that, what we’re seeing in Syria today would have never happened.”

However, he added, one should take into account that the entire Middle East is currently finding itself in a state of uncertainty and conflict – and it’s wrong to try and interfere from outside.

"From the outside some people think that if you bring the entire region in compliance with someone’s specific idea of democracy, things will settle down, and everything will be all right in that region. But that’s not true. Considering that region’s background history, culture, religion – you cannot interfere with it from the outside.”

Putin pointed out that the West is supporting some certain organizations that are fighting Assad in Syria, and they are countering "those very same groups" in Mali.


“Where is the logic in that?” he said. “Our Western counterparts often tell us that the Al-Nusra is one of the key organizations in the Syrian military opposition. But it has been dubbed terrorist by the US Department of State, and it doesn’t even hide its links to Al-Qaeda. So will you let this organization join the future government of Syria? Our Western counterparts say no. Are you going to just make them go away once you have victory in Syria? They don’t know. It’s totally unclear.”

Putin reminded that the quality of life in Libya was one of the highest in the region before the regime change.

“What do you have there now? There is a war of everybody against everybody among various tribes, there is war for resources, and, I’m afraid, if we go the same way in Syria, there will be same havoc in Syria that we’re now witnessing in Libya,” he concluded. “Isn’t that enough from what we’re seeing in Pakistan and Afghanistan right now, where there’re terrorists that are not controlled by anyone, except for terrorists?”

Speaking about mass demonstrations, the president stressed that the government should control protesters, “put them put them in the legislative field,” if they “violate the law.”

“This is what happening both in the US and in Russia,” Putin said.

“Russia doesn’t try to influence Occupy activists, yet foreign agents try to do this in Russia,” he said, referring to the Occupy movement that initially started from protests in New York and then spread worldwide.

PATIENCE AND JUNE 12: If we had been patient (meaning: if IBB had been honest):

PATIENCE AND JUNE 12: If we had been patient (meaning: if IBB had been honest):

* MKO Abiola would have served his two terms out in 2001.

* Another president would have finished another 8 years in 2009.

* A 3rd president would by now be rounding off his 1st term and we would be in elections.

* Niger Delta militancy might not have occurred.

* There might have been no Boko Haram.

* Yar'Adua, Ige, Kudirat or even Abacha would still be alive while MKO would today be a wise 'owly' elder statesman and OBJ would not have gone to prison.

* Of course, all those innocent people whom Abacha mowed down on the streets or through Sgt Rogers might still be alive to pursue their dreams.

We must fix an eye behind our heads, like Janus, to behold a plethora of wasted opportunities as we gallop forward in anger, hopefully towards a better day in our leadership recruitment process.

That way we shall be doing MKO's memory a lot of good.

May God bless a united, egalitarian and truly Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Courtesy: Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola JP (Former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly)

Macky Sall, Senegalese President says 'It's easy to condemn Africa'

Senegal has long been revered as one of Africa’s model democracies, one of the very few West African states with a tradition of civilian rule.

'It's easy when you are far away to condemn Africa. Africa is a continent that suffered injustices for ages. We can go back to slavery, colonisation.... All this led to a situation of neo-colonialism ... This is a complex phenomenon and we, heads of states, are aware of it. Today this is our responsibility. Believe me when I say we will sort out this situation'. ~Macky Sall, the President of Senegal

The country gained independence from France in 1960, and has suffered no serious upheavals since. It has an established multi-party system and boasts one of the region’s most stable economies despite high unemployment and poverty. The relative stability in Senegal is now threatened by the conflict in  neighbouring Mali.

The presence of Senegalese soldiers together with the West African and French troops in the fight against Islamists in the north has raised fears of reprisal attacks.

This stability record is also threatened by is its long running separatist war in the southern Casamance region [since the 1980s] that has claimed hundreds of lives.

The government’s refusal to extradite former Chadian dictator Hissene Habre, accused of crimes against humanity, has also led to widespread criticism. However, Senegal’s president strongly defends his country’s actions.

Elected in April 2012, over one year ago, Macky Sall, who describes himself as the “best-elected president in Africa”, has placed significant emphasis on the fight against corruption and bolstering Senegal’s position in Africa and the global stage.

After coming to power, Sall stated his intention of making peace with rebels in Casamance, as did his predecessor Abdoulaye Wade when he came to power in 2000.

Will he deliver on his promises or is it all just a political facade?

Courtesy: Aljazeera

Russia concerned over instability in Libya – Foreign Ministry

The Libyan debacle is still 'haunting' Moscow which automatically is making Moscow unyielding and extremely defiant on Syria. Russia, after abstaining from the UN vote that endorsed the no-fly zone in Libya, was appalled at the sudden turn of events which favoured NATO and its regime change music.

It tried to retrace its step, calling for diplomatic solution but hard due to the UN approval the no-fly zone turned NATO-agenda received.

Since the demise of Gaddafi, Libya has been embroiled in one form of violence or the other. The latest being the death of about 30 people when protesters demanding a regular and national army is formed and militias wielding of arms be stopped clashed with militias. The  militias are not ready to lay down their weapons, using them instead to hold the government to ransom at will.

The protest near the headquarters of the first brigade of the Libya Shield militia in the second-largest Libyan city, Benghazi, on June 8 devolved into clashes between local residents, Libya Shield members and the police.

Moscow revealed it is concerned by an armed incident in Benghazi, Libya, in which about 30 people died and 100 were injured, according to a comment from the Russian Foreign Ministry’s information and press department.

“Supporting the country's progress along the path of democratic renovations, we urge the Libyan sides to show self-control and good sense and step up efforts towards broad national consent on the future state model of post-conflict Libya,” Interfax said, citing the Monday statement.

Beyond the Invasion: Western Designs for Mali

The United States is likely to eventually resume direct support for Mali's military, but only after full restoration of democracy through elections, the head of a visiting US Congress delegation said.

Senator Christopher Coons, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on Africa, led the first American congressional visit to the West African nation since France sent a military force there last month to halt the advance of al Qaeda-allied islamists.

The United States and United Kingdom have been providing airlift and refueling support for the French-led operation involving hundreds of French and African troops that has driven the Islamist rebels from a string of northern Malian towns in the last five weeks.

Washington has also been sharing intelligence to back the operation, but ruled out sending its own ground troops mainly because of Afghanistan and Iraq's experiences as well as its battered image in the Islamic world.

Coons, heading a four-member delegation from the US Senate and House of Representatives, said both French and African military commanders were happy with the support that Washington was providing, but he indicated they might welcome more.

Asked if increased US support for the military intervention could materialize, Coons said US law prohibited direct assistance to Mali's armed forces because of the military coup there last year that toppled the elected government.

"After there is a full restoration of democracy, I would think it is likely that we will renew our direct support for the Malian military," Coon said.

French and African forces are hunting the Islamist insurgents who have retreated to Mali's remote Northeast, and Malian interim President Dioncounda Traore has said presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in July.

Coons said al Qaeda's North African wing AQIM and its allies in Mali and elsewhere posed a "very real threat" to Africa, the United States and the wider world and he said the United States wanted to be part of the response to this security challenge.

Before last year's coup in Mali - led by a US-trained Malian army captain - the American military had been providing combat training to several Malian army battalions.

But this was quickly suspended after the coup, which plunged Mali into chaos and led to the occupation of its Saharan north by jihadists who hijacked a rebellion by Tuareg separatists.

Although the French-led offensive has driven the bulk of the Islamist forces northwards back up to the Algerian border, there are fears their fighters and sympathizers could strike back with reprisal attacks in Africa and elsewhere.

The election in Mali will be largely determined by Western whims and caprices. France, UK and America's energy interest will determine who wins or not and this will likely contribute to more insurgencies which has always characterised Western interference in nations. This could ruin France's international accolade though they do not care  for as long as the uranium keeps coming.

Cuba and the United States: Who is tired of Who?

                               

                                 Cuban President: Raul Castro

A seven-member delegation of US lawmakers arrived in Cuba in an effort to improve political relations that have been frozen since US government contractor Alan Gross was imprisoned there in 2009.

Democratic senator Patrick Leahy, who saw Gross and met with Cuban president Raul Castro and other high-ranking officials a year ago, led the group of five senators and two members of the House of Representatives on a three-day visit to communist Cuba.

"There are obvious problems between our two countries, but we are not here to negotiate. We are here to listen and then go home and talk about what we see," according to Patrick Leahy.

"We all want to see relations improve and both sides take steps in that direction," US Senator Patrick Leahy said.

The lawmakers, all Democrats except for Arizona senator Jeff Flake, include congressmen Chris Van Hollen, who represents Gross's district in Maryland, and Jim McGovern of Massachusetts; and senators Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island.

Members of the group said they planned to meet with Gross, parliament president Ricardo Alarcon, foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez and perhaps Raul Castro.

Leahy said the delegation would like to take Gross with them when it leaves for Haiti on Wednesday, an occurrence that might not see the light of day.

"There are obvious problems between our two countries, but we are not here to negotiate. We are here to listen and then go back home and talk about what we see," he said.

Despite the tension between the US and Cuba, more people travelled between the two countries in 2012, cash remittances sent to the island also increased, as did food-for-cash sales under a 2000 amendment to US trade embargo.

President Castro has lifted most travel restrictions and freed Cubans to buy and sell homes and cars over the past year, even as he accelerates efforts to reform the Soviety-style economy in a more market-friendly direction. The Obama administration has said relations will not improve while Gross remains in custody.

In addition, under the 1996 'Helms-Burton' law, sanctions cannot be lifted until Cuba's one-party communist political system is changed, a demand rejected by the Cuban government. Gross, 63, was arrested in Havana in December 2009 and sentenced to 15 years in prison for installing Internet networks under a secretive US program the Cuban government considers subversive.

The case put the brakes on a brief warming in long-hostile US-Cuba relations during the first 11 months of Obama's first term in office. Raul Castro's mild reforms have helped in reducing tensions between Havana and Washington.

Cuba has linked Gross' fate to that of five agents imprisoned in the late 1990s for infiltrating Miami exile organisations and US military bases. The agents, known as the Cuban Five, were sentenced to long terms ranging from 15 years to life and are considered heroes in Cub.

When Fidel castro became ill, Obama extended an 'olive branch' to Cuba and Raul Castro to help bring about democratic change, a move many Cubans rejected. Now, it seems Cuba struck the US where it matters.

APC of Nigeria: Theory of the Armoured Personnel Carrier

The battle began, for the survival of a nation at war with itself. Cloudburst sounds all over the sky. Citizens wail. At the battlefield, victory is being announced. A party in the war wins. Yes! Victory. Years gone, the war never ends, the opposing sides are fragmented. With maximum chutzpah, the victorious says it will stay on for 50 years. 50 what?! The citizens cry. Agonies and pains. All expect transformation, though not miraculous but in deed and in truth they wait to see. Disappointment speaks. The homeland of tears.

The divided oppositions try yearly to offset the balance and strength of the massive firepower employed by the victor. Though seemingly poorly trained in the art of statecraft, soldiers in the victorious wing understands the esoteric undertone of stirring the water to catch fishes. Divide and Rule; victory is assured. It sets up different tiny and minute groups within the opposition, funds them and deploy them as a veritable too of distraction.

The only alternative is the voice. The united voice of the oppositions. Though all animals are equal in crime and the anomalies combating the homeland but some are more reasonable than others. Soldiers trapped in the trench call out loud. They clamour for change over the loss on the battlefield. They echo the cries of the homeland. They are all culpable though for the destruction but some soldiers are better of. They have their Armoured Personnel Carrier packed in the thick jungle of war but cannot get there because they lack the voice.

Selfish and vainglorious interests impede change and charge. The only way to counter the trenches and 'formidable' fortress of the winning and victorious side is the deployment of the APC and its monumental missiles. The missiles of the people. The undaunting voice. The commanders of the different units have never agreed on any single line of action but the APC smiles from afar in wait of usage. Covered with dust, it seems the last option otherwise the entire homeland will blow up beyond repair. Critics and foreign rapists already pray for that.

Here comes the armoured personnel carrier, a dancing golden weapon of war. The stealth of fear and perplexity for the victorious party. A drone with a political mission. The soldiers are the same but the mission is of the people only if the people will look at the years of pains and inhumanity. They have to rise. The APC must shield all from the bullets of the ruling party. It must break the trenches of warfare already planned. All must be able to queue at its back for utmost protection. All the landmines of poverty must be uprooted.

The nation the APC is about to lead to battle is the trigger of Africa. Africa waits for Nigeria. If Nigeria divides, Africa falls. Neo-colonialism will assume an unprecedented dimension. The launchpad of the APC should not be personality attacks. The warheads should not be abuse and senseless unethical views. Arguments are for advancements. Arguments must occur but it must be for developments not who gets what, when and how. Arguments must be about Nigeria not Hausa, Igbo, Niger Delta or Yoruba.

The APC must be a guardian angel. Internal Democracy must be the prism through which all arguments and discussions shall be viewed. The people not only cry of the battle but also because their homeland lacks any concrete ideology. Programmes and course of actions must be explicit in the new theatre of political war. Being tired of the ruling and winning party is not the main headache, the main morass is being led without focus. The people are led blindly. We have indigenous acts before Europe, the dynamism of the APC on the battlefield will be the marriage of history and modernism.

The principle of soldiers in an APC is always 'All for One, One for All.' Soldiers in an APC fight together as one for surviaval and victory. None looks for personal glory. If one falls, others weep. Need and aspirations must be based on societal demands not personal aggrandizement. Soldiers in the APC must learn to SACRIFICE for the people not SACRIFICE the people like the Boko Haram and various unknown gunmen as well as militant events. The people must SPEAK through the APC.