We stuck with political leaders who pretend to be Godly

We Are Stuck With Political Leaders Who Only Pretend To Be Godly Because Sycophants Always Refer To People In High Political Office As ‘God-Sent’, You Made No Preparations For The Impending Meningitis Outbreak, Now You Blame God, Emir Sanusi Blasts Governor Yari Again

APRIL 12, 2017

Abdul'aziz Yari and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi


The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has again blamed Governor Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara State, for the spread of meningitis in the state and attendant deaths.
Sanusi, on his official Instagram page on Tuesday, said many Muslim countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia were competing with other developed western countries, lamenting that Muslim-dominated states in northern Nigeria were only using their own knowledge to impoverish their people.
Sanusi stated, “Muslim countries are holding their own in the modern world, proving that Islam is not a religion of underdevelopment. However, the likes of Zamfara State Governor Yari only strengthen this prejudice.
“Abdulaziz Yari quite ludicrously said the deadly meningitis, rampaging his state, is divine punishment for fornication. He didn’t say how this was revealed to him because Zamfara certainly doesn’t have the highest number of fornicators in the nation.
“His preposterous statement fails to take into account the fact that meningitis isn’t a sexually transmitted ailment.
“The truth about the matter is that despite being warned of an impending outbreak, his government took no steps to prepare. Now he blames God! We are stuck with political leaders who only pretend to be godly because sycophants always refer to people in high political office as a ‘God-sent’.
“Paradoxically, despite being ruled by all these ‘God-sents’, we have spectacularly failed to progress as a nation. It’s no secret that many of our political leaders are inept and not well-educated. Nigerians have learnt from experience not to expect much from them.”
Sanusi said he would continue to fight for the progress of Nigeria since politicians had shown that they lacked vision and good intentions for the people.
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria noted that he chose to fight for the progress of Nigerians and suggest solutions to their problems
“It’s my duty to speak the truth about the ill-effects of conservative Muslims who are harming Islam rather than helping it.
“I still believe that conservative Muslims are still stuck in the 13th Century and their claim that children need no other knowledge than Islamic studies flies in the face of reality. All the poverty, under-development and immense suffering in the North are a result of uneducated masses refusing to learn work or trade.
“The majority of technicians in Kano are from the south while untrained indigenes beg. How does that make sense? Why is it that conservative Muslims, who claim to be against scientific progress, enter aeroplanes and fly to perform the Hajj in Mecca rather than using camels to cross the desert!
“Unless northern political leaders like Governor Yari pay attention to me, there will never be a day when anywhere in the North will be like the modern Muslim cities of Kuala Lumpar, Istanbul, Jakarta, Lahore, Greater Cairo, Dacca, Karachi, Dubai, Riyadh or Faisalabad.”

Bill to prohibit tribal marks passes second readinging in senate

Bil to prohibit tribal marks passes second reading in Senate

A Bill for an Act to provide for the Prohibition of Facial Mutilation, Offences, Prosecution and Punishment of Offenders on Tuesday passed second reading in the Senate.
The Bill is also for the Protection of victims under threat of facial mutilation and other related Matters.
Sen. Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi), who sponsored the bill, said that there was no doubt that Africans of old used tribal marks as a means of proper identification.
Leading debate on the bill, Melaye said in those days, members of the same village, tribe or lineage had the same tribal marks.
Melaye said that the hometown and lineage of a child or anyone with tribal marks were immediately identified, while outsiders who did not have such marks were also spotted.
He further explained that parents also used tribal marks to lay credence to the legitimacy of their children.
However, the lawmaker said “all these reasons cannot be scientifically proven, and hence cannot enjoy the support for this harmful practice’’.
“The irony of these marks is that it makes victims subjects of mockery by friends. Imagine someone being called a tiger simply because of the thick cheeks resulting from facial marks.
“ These people have been subjected to different reactions. Some have lamented the marks that are bequeathed on them as generational inheritance.
“ Many have cursed the day which this dastardly act was performed on them.
“Many of the grown adults have confessed that the most terrific debacle of their lives is their tribal marks. Some have become eunuchs because of this stigma.
“Imagine a boy in the class of 25 pupils carrying a tribal mark. His mates will call him the boy with the railway line. They are emblems of disfiguration.
“Some of them have developed low self-esteem and most times treated with scorn and ridicule including rejection by the female folks.
“The reactions of people who interact with them say it dampens and lowers their spirit,’’ he said.
Melaye stated that besides the health implication of the practice, it was an infringement on the rights of children, adding that every Nigerian child deserved the right to live.
According to him, it is time a law is enacted to stop the dastardly act, as the popularity and acceptance of facial marks are waning.
“People now prefer that their identity cards remain in their pockets not faces anymore.
“Long before the awareness programme on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), many people, mostly children who were subjected to tribal marks had inadvertently been infected with infectious diseases.
“Sharp instruments used by locals were not sterilised leading to risk of AIDS, including Hepatitis B and C,” Malaye added.
Melaye said the bill, when passed into law would help to check the act, which was a sign of man’s inhumanity to man in a country as great as Nigeria.
He called on his colleagues to support the passage of the bill.
Contributing to the debate, the Chief Whip, Sen. Olusola Adeyeye commended Melaye for coming up with such an important bill.
According to him, many children have suffered stigmatisation as a result of the practice.
Adeyeye described the act as evil, adding that if it was for the purpose of identification, there was no way any parent would not identify their children without tribal marks.
“In the 21st century, there is no need to argue that either because of religion or custom someone would use sharp object on their children just for identification.
“The Constitution provides that the primary function of government is protection of lives.
“It is disheartening to note that children who have not been tested to know if they are short of blood are being made to lose blood.
“In the 21st century, not only this chamber but every chamber in Africa should rise up to this occasion to stop the pains being inflicted on our children,” he said.
The Chief Whip called for stiff penalty to deter others, adding “our generation must permanently stop that reproach’’.
“ I pray no child will have the kind of mark I have on my hands. This should be banned and we will proscribe severe penalties for both the parents and the so called surgeons,” he added.
The Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio equally supported the bill, saying it was a welcome development.
“In those days, people wanted it because they were from royal homes, but these days it is no longer in vogue.
“The international community will be happy we rose to this occasion, so I support this with all my heart.
“It is a violation of the rights of children. The child has no option and can’t fight back. Outside the infection, pain can generate something else and lead to insanity.
“If we have a law already in existence, we should merge the bill with that of female genital mutilation because they are similar,’’ he said.
He also called for stiff penalties for offenders to serve as deterrent to others.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, said the bill was commendable in view of what children from some parts of the country were being subjected to.
“I am aware that under our constitution, especially Section 34 (1) forbids torture in humans and degrading treatment.
“This is no doubt inhuman, and it is our responsibility as lawmakers to add flesh to the bones of our constitution.
“On a day like this, I am proud of the senate and I believe that when it goes through the second reading it will go to the committee and return as quickly as possible.
“This is so that we pass it and ensure that it is implemented as quickly as possible to save our children from this inhuman degrading treatment,’’ he said.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to be returned to senate in four weeks.


Sources: vanguard

Five cars I wish I never sold

The ones I shouldn’t have let get away
By: Marc Noordeloos
Am the type of person who looks forward, not back, in life. I don’t struggle with an attachment to material possessions. When I sell something, I usually have a “don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out” attitude and move on. But there are a handful of automobiles I’ve owned that I miss and I’d love to have back in my garage.
1986 Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro
An Audi 200 Turbo Quattro won the 1987 Safari rally outright, the first time an all-wheel-drive vehicle finished on the top step of the podium at the grueling African event. Being a rally nut, when a close friend’s father decided to sell his 1986 Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro (the U.S. version of the 200) in the early 1990s, I couldn’t say no to the opportunity.

I loved that big Audi. The off-beat five-cylinder engine had a glorious soundtrack and the addition of the optional factory Fuchs 15-by-7-inch forged wheels shod with sticky Yokohama AVS Intermediate tires meant summer dry and wet grip was enormous. For winter duty, I fitted a set of Pirelli winter tires to the stock 15-by-6-inch wheels. I felt like rally god Hannu Mikkola as I dominated the snow-covered roads of Michigan in the Audi sedan, tapping the ABS off button to fully disable the antilock brakes for maximum left-foot braking fun.
There was one particularly snowy day when a friend’s pickup couldn’t make it up a steep hill, but a flick of the rotary switch in the 5000 locked the center and rear differentials, allowing the seemingly feeble German sports sedan to claw its way effortlessly to the top. When the snow melted and the Fuchs were bolted back on, I saw nearly 140 mph on the speedometer more than once. The Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro was a jack of all trades sedan, and I loved it.

                          2002 and 2003 Mini Cooper S

I put a $500 deposit down at two Mini dealerships in Chicago before there were even Mini dealerships in the U.S. Logic told me the two biggest BMW stores in the Windy City would get the Mini franchise, and I was right. As such, I secured one the first Mini Cooper S models to land in North America in the spring of 2002. What a fantastic car.
The characterful supercharged engine and slick, six-speed manual gearbox worked brilliantly together. Its large, 17-inch wheels with run-flat tires gave an extremely harsh ride, but the wonderful steering and overall grip compensated. I felt like a rock star around Grand Rapids, Michigan.
It’s easy to forget just what a crazy concept the Mini was for the U.S. some 15 years ago. It caused both enthusiasts and the car clueless to stop me for a chat about my British hatchback. I sold that first red with a white roof 2002 Mini Cooper S for a profit in the fall of 2002 and ordered a silver 2003 with a black roof to my exact OCD specs. I also binned the standard run-flat tires for more conventional performance rubber, improving the ride quality and overall handling tremendously. That second Mini stuck around for a year or so, until I decided it was time to return to my all-wheel-drive rally routes.

                2002 Subaru Impreza WRX

The WRX was my first Japanese car. I was a tried and true Euro snob until I began to realize that most Audi products had become too big, heavy, and expensive for proper winter thrashing duties. I found a lightly used, adult-owned WRX just before the snow arrived in late 2003: silver exterior, five-speed manual gearbox sans the tacky rear wing. A set of Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 performance winter tires quickly took their place on the stock 16-inch wheels, and the slippery-road fun quickly began.
The gearbox was positive, the seats fit me perfectly, and the engine made great power — well, as long as you kept at least 3,000 rpm on the tachometer. I’d jump railroad tracks and anything else I could find, but I couldn’t seem to exhaust the extensive suspension travel. A trick modification to the ratcheting mechanism on the handbrake made low-speed turns and general hooliganism easy and the all-wheel-drive system with a limited-slip center and rear differential helped WRX be far less understeer prone than my previous Audi models. The WRX was also the last car I’ve owned that lacked stability control. I’m a huge fan of the brilliant safety feature, but there is something to be said about the top-spec car control that’s needed to drive a car lacking ESP quickly in the snow.

                      2008 BMW 328i
When I departed my full-time duties at Automobile magazine in 2009, I needed a car. Rotating through various BMW press cars enlightened me to their overall dynamic brilliance. Yes, the German company has lost the plot to a certain degree as of late, but the E90 3 Series was a fantastic car in sedan form.
I picked up a slightly used 2008 BMW 328i to serve as my new daily driver. Of course, it had a six-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and the sport package. The combination of run-flat tires and stiff suspension wasn’t perfect for Michigan’s crumbling roads, but at least the 328i came with 17-inch wheels versus the larger and heavier 18-inch setup. BMW’s naturally aspirated inline-six made great power and was smooth, smooth, smooth. It was also frugal, returning more than 30 mpg on 80-mph highway runs. I loved the buttery, meaty steering and the overall chassis balance. The heated seats were quick to warm my bottom on a cold winter’s morning and a set of winter tires combined with nicely judged stability control made the 328i an excellent vehicle for the coldest season of the year.
I vividly remember driving along an empty stretch of arrow-straight highway in Northern Michigan one particularly gorgeous summer’s evening with my mother-in-law riding shotgun. Eager to get home to my wife — and away from my mother-in-law — I scooted the BMW sedan up to an indicated 150 mph. It was rock solid, and I recall my passenger only piping up to ask why the wind noise seemed to have grown louder during the high-speed dash. I spent extended time in a couple of facelifted E90s, but none had the pace or overall feel of the lightly optioned 328i. When the present F30 3 Series hit the market, I quickly secured some seat time. I was disappointed. Sure, it rode better, had more torque, and offered a nice bump in interior space, but something was lost. Let’s hope BMW remembers the E90 when the next 3 Series hits the market.

                    2013 Scion FR-S
I sold the Scion FR-S to get a new Ford Focus RS in the spring of 2016. Now I want the FR-S back. Yes, the 350 hp, all-wheel-drive hatchback affixed with Blue Oval badges is faster and more practical, but I miss the purity and simplicity of the rear-wheel drive Japanese coupe.
I don’t do a ton of road trips in my personal car. Those are usually left for my wife’s car or various press cars. My drive to the office is short and not super exciting. The FR-S made each and every journey a pleasure. It’s not a fast car, but the lack of outright pace allows you to more regularly wring-out the engine and drive the FR-S hard without attracting the attention of Johnny Law. The low-grip Michelin summer tires and approachable chassis dynamics add to the entertaining package. A set of 16-inch steel wheels and winter tires along with aftermarket seat heaters made the Scion an impressive companion in the snow — and huge fun.
I also loved the seats, something that can’t be said for the overly bolstered Recaro setup in the Focus RS. The FR-S was also frugal on fuel. Again, not the case with the Ford. Sure, the Japanese 2+2 coupe is loud on the highway and rather basic inside, but I can live with that considering all the positives that come along with the under-$30K package. Plus, it rides better than the ultra-stiff Focus RS.
I don’t think automotive enthusiasts fully realize just how diluted modern cars have become. As more buttons and switches for various drive modes are added, something is lost. Spending time in a car like the FR-S (called the
Toyota 86 for 2017) or its twin, the Subaru BRZ , clearly reminds you of this fact. Porsche seems to understand this with cars like the Cayman GT4 and 911 R, but they are expensive. My hope is that more car companies get on board offering simplistic automobiles, preferably at a reasonable price. In the meantime, I’ve missed the FR-S so much that I recently placed an order for a 2017 Toyota 86. I can’t wait for its arrival, and I hope the subtle improvements translate to an even better car for my needs in the real world.

Source: automobile magazine

Buhari tasks graduates to utilise energy for entrepreneurial development

 

President Muhammad Buhari

Awka – President Muhammadu Buhari has urged university graduates in the country to utilise their energy for entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity.
Buhari gave the advice in his address at the 11th Convocation ceremony of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on Friday.
President Buhari presides over the Federal Executive Council Meeting
He said government was striving hard to put in place enabling environment for the sustenance of the entrepreneurial spirit of the people and challenged the graduands to key into the engaging opportunities.
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof.Anthony Anwukah, the president described education as the “fulcrum through which the socio- economic development of any society could be leveraged”.
He said world economies were not sustained by public sector jobs alone but by entrepreneurial-driven small and medium scale enterprises.
The president assured that the Federal Government would continue to give priority to education, particularly the university education.
“University education and other tiers of education should indeed go beyond the transition of knowledge and skills.
“Universities should also strive to inculcate values, tolerance, respect for the rights of others, respect for constituted authority and the rule of law and order.
“Patriotism and the need not only for competition but also for collaboration and team work, among others,” he said.
Buhari called on the graduands to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired for the advancement of the country.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, said 6, 550 graduands were conferred with first degrees, 288 with post graduate diplomas, 846 with masters degrees and 203 with Ph.d.
The vice-chancellor said that 7, 887 graduands were conferred at the ceremony with various degrees.
He said the institution had taken steps to enhance the employability of the graduates of the institution, either in self-employment or paid employment.
“The University, through its Chike Okoli Centre for Entreprenueral Studies, has entered into collaboration with the ABInBev Hero’s Foundation on the kick start programme of the Foundation.
“The intent of the programme is to instil a culture of entrepreneurship among youths in South-East by encouraging them to develop and nurture ideas into sustainable business or expanding existing businesses”.
Ahaneku said the institution was furthering its linkages with universities and other relevant organisations to enrich the academic content of its programmes.
He congratulated the former Senate President, Sen. Ken Nnamani, former Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Alhaji Shehu Malami and Managing Director, Mp Infrastructure, Mr Clem Nwogbo who were decorated with honorary doctorate degrees.
He said the awardees had distinguished themselves through their unwavering commitment to selfless service to the country.
Also speaking, the University Chancellor and Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the Federal Government for the financial assistance and other support given to the institution.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nnamani was conferred with honorary degree of Doctor of Public Administration (DPA); Malami, Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) and Nwogbo, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
Responding on behalf of the honorary awardees, Nnamani commended the institution for the award and promised that they would continue to contribute their quota to all facets of the economy, especially the education sector.
He expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure development of the institution and urged its management to maintain the tempo.

Source: vanguard