WHY MANDELA WAS NOT HAPPY WITH NIGERIAN LEADERS !

Mandela’s message to Nigerian leaders 

“YOU know I am not very happy with Nigeria. I have made that very clear on many occasions. Yes, Nigeria stood by us more than any nation, but you let yourselves down, and Africa and the black race very badly. Your leaders have no respect for their people. They believe that their personal interests are the interests of the people. They take people’s resources and turn it into personal wealth. There is a level of poverty in Nigeria that should be unacceptable. I cannot understand why Nigerians are not more angry than they are.

“What do young Nigerians think about your leaders and their country and Africa? Do you teach them history? Do you have lessons on how your past leaders stood by us and gave us large amounts of money? You know I hear from Angolans and Mozambicans and Zimbabweans how your people opened their hearts and their homes to them. I was in prison then, but we know how your leaders punished western companies who supported Apartheid.

“What about the corruption and the crimes? Your elections are like wars. Now we hear that you cannot be president in Nigeria unless you are Muslim or Christian. Some people tell me your country may break up. Please don’t let it happen.

“Let me tell you what I think you need to do. You should encourage leaders to emerge who will not confuse public office with sources of making personal wealth. Corrupt people do not make good leaders. Then you have to spend a lot of your resources for education.

Educate children of the poor, so that they can get out of poverty. Poverty does not breed confidence. Only confident people can bring changes. Poor, uneducated people can also bring change, but it will be hijacked by the educated and the wealthy...give young Nigerians good education. Teach them the value of hard work and sacrifice, and discourage them from crimes which are destroying your image as a good people.”

(Excerpts taken from a 2007 interview with Mandela conducted by Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed).

Let’s don’t mix confusion with Foolishness - Anambra

My good people of Anambra state. I am one of you and I am not a politician. Recent happenings in our beloved state has forced me to write this brief article just to juggle our conscience.

Tomorrow is the gubernatorial election of our dearly beloved state and the time to think deep is now. what exactly do we want? We have seen it all already so we are in a better position to make a desirable decision.

Since the return of democracy in Nigeria, Anambra state has witnessed 5 governors. They are Mbadinuju, Senator Chris Ngige, Gov. Peter Obi, Dame Virgy Etiaba and Senator Andy Uba. Yes, some of us might argue the inclusion of Dame Virgy Etiaba and Senator Andy Uba on this list but one cannot tell the history of our great state without including them. The question now is, who did us proud in them all? Putting aside relationship, locality, party etc., who sincerely gave Anambra hope of a better, brigther tomorrow?

We all know how Mbadinuju went with his godfathers, how he managed to use state fund to fight certain individuals just to retain power. We know how our current governor, even without godfathers or external pressure, with the best relationship ever with the federal government, with all the huge finance accrued in the state account in the past 7years, has little or nothing to show for it. Then we have Senator Chis Ngige, who had godfathers yet choose to fight them for our sake, who despite limited resources form the federal government built the roads, renovated schools, paid salaries as and at when due etc.

It might sound as if I am already rooting  for Ngige but let us think for a second, why won’t I root for him? From the candidates we have now, he is the only tested one. I am not saying he is the best candidate but tell me, who is better? Labour party candidate Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah might be a good candidate but let us take a brief look at his background. What is his source of wealth? How come his business is being managed my AMCON? How are we sure he is not going to use the state’s fund to clear his debt? Then we have Tony Nwoye. I personally met this guy in 2006. Senator Andy Ubah single handedly made this man the PDP state chairman in Anambra state. How are we sure it is not a calculated effort to smuggle Ubah into the government house? Remember, there is still a court case between the two PDP factions in Anambra state and if you ask me, on technical grounds, Andy Ubah will win his case in court because Tony Nwoye contested in the two PDP primaries held in the state. This means that he supported both factions of the party. Then we have Willie Obiano, the man who cannot make any campaign statement without telling us how he will continue form where Peter Obi stopped. He literary does not have any plan of his own. He is better off as an administrator than a politician. How are we sure he is not going there to hide Peter Obi’s loots? How are we sure he is not going there to make sure that Fidelity bank’s interest in Anambra state is protected?

Like I said before, Sen. Ngige might not be the best candidate but based on proven track record, he is the only candidate. The only fear is that he is running for governor in the wrong party. APC and PDP have the same ideology, “selfish interest of some certain individuals comes first before the nation can benefit”. But they are still the best for now in terms of good governance. With their record in Lagos, Osun, Edo states etc. which I am aware of, one can say for now, they are the better of the two.

My good people, let us not be foolish nor confused. Let us not deceive ourselves because of few kobos that they are willing to give us now and enslave us the rest of the way. For the sake of the teachers In those remote schools, for the sake of the students in our own state university, for the sake of the traders hustling daily in Onitsha, Nnewi etc., for the sake of the industrialists in Onitsha, Nnewi Umuoji etc., let us do what is right to safeguard our generation and the generation unborn.

Long live Anambra state!!!

Nwaorah Obi

08098910869

ANAMBRA ELECTIONS - by Uche Ifeanyi

 

The Stage is almost set for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for the 16th day of November 2013. All the parties have conducted their primaries and the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) had already released the names of the candidates for each party in the election.
The political gladiators in the state are already jostling around to make themselves relevant and the people conscious of their political ambition. Incidentally too, the lacuna created by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been filled up, as the body has come up with a programme for the election. Unless there is a change in the timetable, the election will take place on November 16, this year, while the handover to the elected Governor will be on March 17, 2014, thereby ending the eight years of Mr. Peter Obi’s rule in the state.

And as usual, in Anambra where everyone believes that he or she is not only qualified to contest, but even more qualified than any other person, a lot of people have declared their intention to contest, while many more are still likely to declare. Nobody will be surprised at the number of people already on the field of play, especially when one realizes that in the last gubernatorial election in the state as one party (PDP) during her primary had 40 contenders.
This time the list is less as only (23) candidates are eligible as released by INEC, the list includes: Okeke Chika Jerry (AA) Chukwuemeka Nwankwo (ACCORD) Dr Ifeatu Ekelem (ACD) Engr Anthony Anene (ACPN) Comrade Aaron Igweze (AD) Chief Anayo Arinze (ADC) Patrick Chukwuka Ibeziako (APA) Senator Chris Ngige (APC) Chief Willie Obiano (APGA) Chief Austin Nwangwu (CPP) Chijioke Geofrey Ndubuisi (DPP) Christian Ikechukwu Otti (ID) Chief Dennis Nwaforka Oguge (KOWA) Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (LP) Pastor Simon Okafor (MPPP) Okoknkwo Webster (NCP) Prince Leonard Uchendu (NNPP) Nicholas Ukachukwu (PDP) Godwin Ezeemo (PPA) Hon Basil Ijedinma (PPN) Onuarah Onyeachonam (SDP) Barr Okoye Godson (UDP) Prince Akaneebu Ogochukwu (UPP). The list for candidates could change between now and the 16th November, as some aspirants felt short changed during their party's primary elections and have gone to court to seek redress, of which INEC has said would dutifully amend the list in line with the decisions of courts.

Although the candidates are many, that not withstanding the battle is for two major candidates and parties; Senator Chris Ngige (APC) and Chief Willie Obiano (APGA). Though Nicholas Ukachukwu (PDP) could come into the battle considering federal might.

HOW THE VOTES MAY SWING
Willie Obiano of APGA is one of the major contender seen as already having one leg into the state house. This is because of known factors in respect to how politics is played here, incumbency power. As the favored candidate of a sitting governor, he will and has been enjoying all the state's apparatus. His publicity campaign has seen no hinderance. Again, the Ojukwu factor, though demised may still cause some votes to Obiano's. But there are also factors that may work against him. He is barely known by majority of the voters who are mostly market men and women. He is fresh and has no antecedent in Nigeria or Anambra politics and most conspicuously missing is mutual connection with the voters, which showed during the recent monthly adoration crusade that unfortunately took more than 20 lives. There are also his follow party men who are loyal to Maxi Okwu and may have felt shortchanged and also see him (Obiano) as been imposed on them.

On his part Chris Ngige of APC, as Obiano is also seen as one leg in. Based on his antecedent at the state house during his first stint, he was tasted and was proved not wanting, and that has facilitated the higher percentage of would be voters patronage he enjoys now. He is also on the platform of the second largest party in Nigeria that means he has the numbers, and as we say numbers win. Just as Obian, he also has factors that may mitigate against his sitting on that government seat come March 17, 2014. His party APC is been perceived as an anti-Igbo party. The deportation of some Igbos from Lagos by Governor Fashola has not been entirely erased from the people's memory.

The other contenders are merely completing numbers. Ifeanyi Ubah of Labour party showed he had no ideology, he runs from one party to another, all he cares about was the party's ticket, if he loses out he runs to another. He never bothered what the parties he's running to ideology says. No wonder he shied away from all the debate that was organized towards this election. Based on fact, it will be a big feats if he wins his ward. And off course the other people? PDP, a party one can never be sure if they will participate in the election. It has become a trade-mark for them in any state they are not in power. As always the party is immersed in court cases. The party's candidature is still in question, will it be Nwoye, Ubah or Ukachukwu? One thing is sure whoever finally clinches the party's ticket will be behind time to make any meaningful electioneering.

Finally, as I will always say, use your tongue to count your teeth and if you don't have tongue, try using your finger. So, Anambra people choose wisely!

Relaxing at Home - 20 things you can do

 

1. Use your breath.

We often forget to focus on the simplest, shortest (and one of the most restorative) activities available to us: our breath. Take five deep breaths. As you do, notice the natural pause between your inhale and exhale, and then between your exhale and your next inhale. Your body has a built-in break — how great is that?

2. Release the tension in your jaw.

Many of us carry tension in our jaw, often unknowingly. To loosen the tension, open your mouth wide for half a minute or so, breathing naturally through your nose. When you feel you’ve stretched a bit, allow your mouth to gently close.

3. Tend to yourself.

Tending is caring with intention. This can take many forms. You can tend to your home by cleaning the sheets, washing windows and getting rid of unused and unloved items. You can tend to your body with a hot bath, self-massage and a dab of perfume. You can also cook up delicious and nourishing meal. Other days you can tend to loved ones by strolling with them in the sun. Tending brings calm, order, and a deep reminder that I’m cared for and safe.

4. Journal.

Some people like to unwind by writing pages in their journal. You can take that notes of your achievements or write a poetry but be careful so it doesn’t turn to a “to-do” task because that will add stress to it.

5. Make a list of the day’s triumphs.

Other people like to write down what they’re grateful for, This is especially helpful for relaxing. When we’re stressed, we tend to focus on everything that is going wrong, which makes it even harder to unwind who

6. Get clear on what you need to do.

It’s hard to unwind when our thoughts keep returning to our endless to-do lists. Get clear by sitting down for a few moments, making a list of what can be done today and in what order and then let the rest go until the next day.

7. Identify what you can and can’t control.

Getting clear also includes focusing on what you can and can’t control.

8. Create a bedtime ritual.

The ritual process brings us renewed balance, empowerment, energy and comfort. This gives you a specific time to focus on nurturing yourself and your needs. The key in creating a daily ritual is repetition.

9. Play.

Play is a wonderful way to unwind, especially for grown-ups. Play is anything that’s purposeless and pleasurable. Everything from finger-painting to playing tag to watching cartoons to digging in the dirt to throwing a Frisbee to going to the zoo to swinging on the swings at a park.

10. Use visualization.

The brain can’t distinguish between reality and imagination, so visualization can be a powerful tool to help you unwind in a snap. Be as specific as you can. Note what’s around you. Are you by the ocean? Is it a calm current or are the waves crashing? Are there kids playing? Are they making sand castles or playing in the water? Is the sand white and smooth? Or is it a sparkling black like the Muriwai Beach in New Zealand?

11. Participate in gentle movement.

According to Guest-Jelley, gentle movement can help to “release any pent-up energy we may be carrying.”. “People tend to think that unwinding means being sedentary but actual unwinding often comes from doing something active and releasing the stress and anxiety that we may have built up over the week.” Taking a 15-minute walk can help.

12. Brush your teeth, and wash your face.

People usually start their days with these two activities. By connecting to something that is part of your ‘start the day’ routine, you give your brain signals that you’re starting fresh.

13. Support someone else.

Sometimes the quickest way to unwind is to focus on someone other than ourselves. For instance, you can call a friend and talk about how they’re doing. Listen intently to their concerns. “What emotions are they communicating?”

14. Be in nature.

Head outside and “sit on a bench or a blanket and let your mind get quiet” while you engage all your senses,”. Engaging your senses is a powerful way to relax,. What do you see, hear and smell?

15. Focus on the present moment.

It’s not only natural environments that engage our senses. “Take the time to listen to the little sounds,” such as a car passing, your computer and someone cooking. If you’re walking by a building, what’s going on inside? What do the window treatments look like?

16. Take a 20-minute catnap.

A short nap can feel like a mini-vacation. But anything over 30 minutes takes you into deep sleep, and makes you groggy.

17. Savor scents.

Engage your sense of smell at home. Showering with lavender or peppermint body wash, applying rose hand gel or burning a scented candle is more like it.

18. Treat yourself like you would a loved one.

Think of one thing you’d do for someone really important to you in your life and take the time to do it for yourself. For instance, this might be anything from enjoying breakfast in bed to going out for lunch. Remember that when you treat yourself well, you’ll be that much better for everyone else in your life.

19. Take a bathroom break.

When you’re feeling stressed at work or when you’re out and about, just escape to the bathroom, close your eyes, breathe in for a count of 3, breathe out for a count of 3. Repeat this three or four times. Breathe normally for several minutes and tell yourself, I am relaxed and energized.

20. Figure out what works for you.

The best way to truly unwind is to really understand what works for you. Some people unwind with a vigorous run and others by sitting on the couch and watching a TV show. Simple trial and error will help you find the best strategies for you. Just remember not to judge yourself for whatever you choose. “Own it, use it, and unwind.”

 - curled from http://psychcentral.com

NCAA HAS NOT SPENT ANY MONEY NOT APPROPRIATED BY THE NASS_ ODUAH

This just goes to show the looting of our collective wealth by those either by commission or appointment we allowed to run our national affairs. All they do is come to a sort of agreement on how to loot the treasury, legalizing it without the public knowledge. Because they know it is immoral, inappropriate and it is thievery, and there will be an equal measure of public condemnation. No wonder, the first action the FG should took on this matter was to go after looking for who leaked the information, where they looking for the informant to congratulate him/her? Obviously no.

Once again, Nigerians has been raped and disheartened without no hope of justice. Another saga we have watched haplessly. Someone has scandalously squandered our collective resources, but she is as free as the birds of the air. Oh yes, she is very very free legally. As admitted by the committee when Ms Odauh, stated her ministry has not done anything wrong. Relying her claim on the approval of her ministry's monetary allocation by the national assembly.

According to the minister and what she is making Nigerians to understand is that the $1.6m used for the purchase of the two cars were appropriated by the national assembly, the only problem was that the Nigerian people are not suppose to know that their whooping $1.6m will be used to purchase just two armoured cars for their aviation minister and her dignified visitors? And the national assembly knows this, that's why during the hearing they (NASS committee on the scandal) tactically avoided questions that would have indicted the minister neck deep into the scandal. Why would a minister just said her name was not mentioned in the deal and the committee just conclude? Who authorize the operation? Is the committee expecting to believe the DG can do that without her approval? Who defended the ministry's budget before the National assembly?

Off course, the outcome would have boomerang on the committee had it been they asked those vital question, just as the case of Oteh and Hembe. Madam Odauh wouldn't want go down alone, she would reminded the committee members how some of the money they are questioning her of also got its way into their pockets, and none of them wants to remember the face of Hembe when Oteh threw him the sledge hammer.

This is another probe that has shown in every direct or indirect looting of our national treasury from public office holders, the national assembly are all involved. The Oteh, Madueke, Farouk and now Odauh saga, have all come to nothing, none lost their job less being jailed, but money were recorded misappropriated (stolen).

We are fighting CORRUPTION.

Article by  Ifeanyi Uche  (http://anyi8837.blogspot.com)

15 STRANGE SEXUAL CUSTOMS AROUND THE WORLD - really wierd

 

1. Widow inheritance

When a family man dies in the Lou community, in Kenya, there is something called a widow inheritance. This is when a widow must sleep with another man to cleanse the death of her husband and bring ritual renewal and regeneration.

2. Premarital sex allowed after parents approval

The inhabitants of Tonga (South Pacific) allow premarital intercourse with permission of the girl’s parents and the provision that conception won’t occur. If pregnancy occurs, the offending couple must walk around the village unclad for several days and apply a magic potion to the fence surrounding the community to prevent disease from infecting people.

3. Six-year-old girls allowed having sex

In Trobrianders tribe, Papua New Guinea, girls begin to have sex at the age of 6-8 and boys at the age of 10-12. However, having a meal together before marriage is forbidden.

4. Boys to stay away from girls for 10 years:

To become a man, boys from Sambia tribe in New Guinea are removed from all the females at the age of seven for 10 years. Among other traditions, they are required to ingest the semen of their elders.

5. Unnatural sex abstinence in Romania

Decent and upright women in Romania do not perform unnatural sex other than the classic missionary positions. Even if they wanted to, their lovers probably wouldn’t let them as it is believed it is something that only prostitutes do.

6. Adolescents allowed having sex

In Polynesia, adolescents of are instructed in sexual techniques by an older experienced person, and during this period, it is permissible to have numerous sexual liaisons before settling down. Special “pleasure houses” are built to provide young people with their own place to socialize and have intercourse.

7. Temporary Marriage:

In certain Muslim countries, a young couple who would like to have sex before they’re ready to marry can request a “temporary marriage”. They are allowed to pay for a short ceremony, with a written contract.

 8. Egypt strange sexual practices:

The ancient Egyptians were so inspired by the act of self-stimulation that at the festival of the god Min, who represented Pharaoh’s sexual potency, men seeking pleasure in public.

9. Polyandrous Society;

In Nepal, when families have more than one son, they simply marry all of their sons to one wife.

10. Pon:

In Indonesia, they celebrate a holiday called Pon. To receive such blessings, participants must spend the night with someone other than their husband or wife.

11. Sex with donkey:

In Northern Colombia, it is common practice for adolescent boys to have sex with donkeys. It is like a rite of passage that a boy has to pass to become a man.

12. Paid to break virginity:

In Guam, there’s a full time job for a man to break the woman’s virginity, and they’ve paid to do that, because in Guam law’s a virgin woman isn’t allowed to get married.

13.0Making love to animals:

In Lebanon, people are allowed to make love with a female animal, if one is caught having sex with a male animal; he will be punished to death.

14. Intimate cutting rituals to achieve manhood

The first portion of this Mardudjara Aboriginal rite in Australia, involves a barbaric circumcision. After he heals up, the male’s sex organ is cut lengthwise on the underside. Blood is then dripped over a fire in order to purify it.

15. Sex Haven

In Cambodia, the Kreung people encourage the sexual independence of their daughters by building separate huts for them to sleep in.