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Finally Nigeria Pass Anti-terrorism Bill.

February 22nd 2011 09:56

After a lot of foot-dragging and several entreaties by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Senate on Thursday finally passed the anti-terrorism bill into law.

Senate president David Mark

Coming barely 24 hours after Jonathan wrote the lawmakers passionately pleading for its passage, the new law seeks to combat terrorism in all its ramifications.

The president on Wednesday again wrote to the leadership of the National Assembly soliciting the quick passage of the Money Laundering Prohibition Bill and the Anti-Terrorism Bill.

It was the third time in four months that the President would be appealing to the lawmakers' sense of urgency in passing the crucial bill that have been in the legislative works since 2009. He had earlier written two letters to the National Assembly on the issue in June and August last year.

The passage of the bill followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence that has been saddled with the task of fine-tuning the bill since it passed second reading last year.

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Presenting the committee's report, its Chairman, Senator Nuhu Aliyu (PDP, Kano) explained that the fight against terrorism has today become a global fight and Nigeria as a member of the international community seeks to play an important role.

He noted that with the event of September 11, 2001 in the US, various countries the world over have put measures in place to check the activities of terrorists, especially with the passage of the UN Security Council resolution 1373.

He said, "For those of us who were here during the fifth senate, you will recall that a bill to combat terrorist acts was read on this chamber in 2005 but it could not scale the second reading because it was the thinking of the Senate then, that the objective conditions for having an Anti-Terrorist Act were not extant in Nigeria".

Aliyu explained that the bill seeks to provide a legal framework for the prevention, prohibition and combating of acts terrorism in Nigeria as well as prescribe penalties for violating any of its provisions.

Under the new bill, many organized crimes such as oil bunkering, hostage taking and kidnappings will attract stiff penalties.

Aliyu maintained that when it becomes operational, the bill "will go a long way to lay the legal framework for measures for the prevention, prohibition and combating of acts of terrorism, the financing of terrorism in Nigeria and for the effective implementation of the Convention on the prevention and combating of terrorism and the convention on the suppression of the financing of terrorism.

It also seeks to prescribe penalties for violating any of its provisions."

Section 2(c) of the bill defines 'act of terrorism" as causing an attack upon a person's life which may cause serious bodily harm or death; kidnapping of a person; destruction to a government or public facility, transport system, an infrastructural facility including an information system, a fixed platform located on the continental shelf, public place or private property likely to endanger human life or result in major economic loss.

"The seizure of an aircraft, ship or other means of public or goods transport and the use of such means of transportation for any of the purposes..."

The bill also stipulates that a person who belongs or professes to belong to a proscribed organization has committed an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 20 years.

Nigeria Senate in Session

The bill however clarifies that "political parties should not be regarded as proscribed organizations and nobody should be treated as such because of his/her political beliefs."

This is a good development what do you think post your comments below.

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Posted By: Richard Michael - Category: No Category

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Nigeria @ 50: A Time for a Sober Reflection

October 25th 2010 19:09

On the wee hours of Oct. 1st 2010 I saw a new message on my blackberry and I have to grab the pc. the story was on Nigeria at 50, after reading through the message soberly I decide to blog with it. He is the excerpt:
… as we must BEGIN to Walk and Work our Talk … individually and Collectively.
“When this Nation has attained its true height in the near future, let it be our known that as true citizens of this great nation we ensured that by conscious effort, might, will power and strength of character, we ensured that after all is said and done more is done than said”.
- Obozuwa Enike Dominic AKA (Deo Avante)
INTRODUCTION
“ARISE O COMPATRIOT, NIGERIA’S CALL OBEY. TO SERVE OUR FATHER LAND WITH LOVE, STRENGTH AND FAITH. THE LABOUR OF OUR HEROES PAST SHALL NEVER BE IN VAIN. TO SERVE WITH HEART AND MIGHT … ONE NATION BOUND IN FREEDOM, PEACE AND UNITY”. AMEN.
As you recite the words … let every word make a significant meaning to you … Rest on each word and think about it … and then your contribution to make it happen … This is our collective destiny.
Last year as I wrote a piece on Nigeria @ 49 … Greatness lies Ahead, I began with the second stanza of our national anthem. This year … I think it is time to ARISE! Nigeria, Nigerians, ARISE! Arise and take back that which is yours by doing that which is needful. It is time to serve our fatherland, truly, diligently, wholeheartedly and with all our might.
This is a call to work and service. True, committed and dedicated service.
Let us reflect on the past, and we will see that selfishness, avarice, self aggrandizement, ineptitudinal leadership, inordinate ambition, voracity and rotational leadership and enslavement by the leaders of the past has kept this Nation at a standstill.
I have come to declare the mandate of a generation that works, and is restless with the state of affairs in our Nation presently … we have been stagnated for too long … we have stayed on this mountain for too long … IT IS TIME TO MOVE FORWARD. As we mark 50 years of Independence, we must indeed think, talk, walk and work free … we must work by the tenets of sustained and enduring values.
We must begin to think less of ourselves and what we can get but rather to think of what we can give, contribute, invest and let go to the next man. We must make up our minds to Walk our Talk; and ensure that after all is said and done, there is MUCH MORE DONE THAN SAID.
It is not enough to just think and talk … we must DO WHAT WE BELIEVE, CLAIM OR PRESUME TO BE RIGHT, JUST, EQUITABLE, REQUIRED, NECESSARY AND FAIR. This is the true CAN DO Nigerian spirit.
In this piece, as I speak to Our leaders, the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, the Nigerian and everyone who has gotten a citizenship of this great nation one way or another, I will discuss Three things viz:
1. Why we must Celebrate
2. Why we must reflect on the past and what we want for the future, and
3. Nigerians and the Leadership Conundrum with a mild emphasis on the young people of our nation.
WHY WE MUST CELEBRATE
A lot of people have said we should not be celebrating, but i will give you a few things to celebrate about; and i will be brief about it.
1. For once we have a leadership that is people oriented and not self serving.
2. We have a vibrant media (Press, TV, Radio, Internet) and freedom of the press, through which the public outcry has being enhanced.
3. We are still bound in nationhood after the civil wars of the past, tribal and religious killings and sectional rivalries. The numerous ethno-religious conflagrations and unending mutual suspicions and hatred are enough to set many a country apart. More than one million people died in the three-year war that followed Biafra’s declaration of independence on 30 May 1967, yet Nigeria is still one indivisible nation under God decades later. Our collective triumph over forces of disintegration and huge cultural differences is worth celebrating.
4. Some of the countries we like to compare ourselves with had hundreds and thousands of years of conflict before they settled down, somewhat. The last major inter-tribal clashes of Europe took place before our eyes in the Balkans in the 90s. Asia is perennially unstable – the Japanese eying the Chinese; the Indians and Pakistanis rattling their sabers; Thailand and Vietnam quarreling over shrines; on and on. In all, it could have been worse here, but it is not.
5. Great Icons have emerged from our great nation and are doing great things globally: Philip Emeagwali, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Adebayo Ogunlesi, Sade Adu, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Aliko Dangote, Kanu Nwankwo, John Fashanu, Osaze Odewmingie, Fela Durotoye, Tara Durotoye, to mention a few. Our enormous excellent human capital base is worth celebrating.
6. Global Brands have evolved from this nation, and these were created by individuals born and bred in Nigeria – Citizens of this great and gallant nation: Globacom, GTBank, Alder Consulting, FBN Plc, UBA Plc, Dangote Group of Companies, to mention a few.
7. Over the years, there was a sharp difference between the rich and the poor, however today, we have an emerging middle class that is growing in leaps and bounds and in the last five to six years has become the rich class of the upper echelon.
8. In this country, you find the parvenu becoming greater than his forbears. The ‘NEVER SAY DIE’ spirit of the average Nigerian takes them from the street to the palace and from the slum to the top. Their peers in other ‘supposed developed nations’ are on welfare and receiving stipends from the government. Ask yourself if anyone killed themselves during the recession here in Nigeria … whereas, Globally there were suicides and near misses…
Look at you … You wake up everyday and you have something to look forward to … Be it your job, your business, your wife, a loved one, your children … your plans, etc … you wake up and take a leap to the UK, Dubai, America, etc … You wake up to freshness … and everyday …It is clearer to you that we will get to the promised land … Our own Canaan …
1. As unexciting as it can be, we are proud as a nation and patriotic in our nationhood. Nigerians care for their country and still believe that one day its much talked about potential will be realised. You need look no further than sports competitions – especially football – for evidence of our patriotism. It is there that you will find Nigerians, irrespective of age, tribe or creed, enthusiastically cheering on the national team.
2. Our Entertainment sector is rising like a meteor, and Nollywood is a big surprise and the Third largest movie industry globally. Look around you … amidst the relative want, lack and deprivation, Wande Coal went from Mushin to Mohits; DBanj went from Oyebanji to Kokomaster; Our Music industry is Out of this world, our professionals are locally schooled and internationally recognised; the mechanic, shoemaker, bean cake seller, etc are doing the best they can, and have children in the tertiary institutions and also who work in Blue chip companies … this they are doing by generating income right from where they are … selling akara balls or fixing a car.
3. Our national environment is garrisoned by relative calm and peace and devoid of the natural disasters that rock some other countries on a frequent basis. Ever heard of Hurricane Kathrina or Mildred in Nigeria? Earthquake … and the sorts in Nigeria …?
Broken down simply, What should we celebrate?
We should celebrate our relative progress as enumerated above and more, Our Patriotism and commitment for 50 years … and running, Our Patience, Resilience and Never say Die spirit, Our Optimism, Our Collective Focus, Our Relative Peace, Our Stability, Our Courage and Fortitude. We sure have something to Celebrate …
I say to you my friend, my brother, my comrade at arms, please do three things … in this 50th Independence Day Anniversary, and do them proudly;
1. Stand Proud to be a Nigerian and congratulate yourself on our 50th Independence Anniversary;
2. Speak Positively concerning Nigeria ALWAYS … regardless of what you see; Bless ALWAYS …
3. Pray for Nigeria, … and expect answers to your prayers …
I know that everything may not look like you want it now … but as we continue to pray for our GREAT Country and take practical steps towards Glory … individually and collectively, … We will reach our Promised Land … sooner than we think.
BUT, as we Celebrate, we must Reflect on where we came from and where we are going as a Nation.

House of Assembly speaker Bankole with The President.

WHY WE MUST REFLECT ON THE PAST AND WHAT WE WANT FOR THE FUTURE
The mother of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates was a midwife. So Socrates grew up observing that she assisted women in bringing new life into the world. This experience later influenced his teaching method. Socrates said, “My art of midwifery is in general like theirs; the only difference is that my patients are men, not women, and my concern is not with the body but with the soul that is in travail of birth.”Instead of just passing information on to his students, Socrates used the sometimes painful process of giving statistical data and asking probing questions to help them arrive at their own conclusions. Teaching them to think seemed at times like the travail of childbirth. In delivery – which is akin to providing the answers required or analyzing the data provided – they achieve desired results.
To birth the Greatness Inherent in Nigeria …we must reflect on the past and drive towards the future with a sense of urgency. Let the next 50 years come as quickly as light into a dark world and let the pain of the past become a vague story. We must therefore think on the following, viz:
Our Past and prevailing present:
1. In the 1960s/70s education in Nigeria was prime. Undergraduates then looked on in pity, mixed with scorn, at those who had to go abroad for their undergraduate degree programme. They were simply unable to make the grade here, so high were the standards and resultant excellence then. Today the opposite is the case.
2. Travelling abroad, you flashed your green passport proudly, condescendingly even, at Immigration counters and swept past as you deigned to visit their countries. Oh, they were lucky to have you visit! Today the opposite is the case.
3. With the coming of the military, our law and order regime broke down and has never quite recovered, even 11 years into our present democratic experience.
4. All the indices for development has retrogressed from 1960 to date e.g. Infrastructure, Education, Transport, Health, Power, Value System, etc.
5. After the Second World War, the advanced nations and well informed international communities asserted that the next set of nations to join the advanced industrialised nations are China, India, Brazil and Nigeria. Of those, only Nigeria has failed that expectation despite our enormous market and huge Natural Resources. But, why? The answer is in one word: HUMAN. What makes a modern Nation is not the quantity of its natural resources but the quality of the Nation’s human resources. In Nigeria human contribution to our developments is only four per cent but those four per cent are unable to beneficially make use of our ninety-six (96) per cent Natural Resources. Corruption is glorified with reckless abandon. In U.S.A., Europe and Japan, it is the human contributions that are dominant, about ninety-eight (98) per cent. Power and Railway do not function in Nigeria not because there are no financial resources but because of human failures and reckless irresponsibility in governance. No infrastructure works.
6. Most Nigerian Children are robbed of their future and they are meant to be the future of this great nation. The boy child in the eastern part of Nigeria and the girl child in the north. They begun to have dysfunctional behaviours even before they can understand what life is all about, and resultantly, they become societal anomalies only with time instead of growing up to become the leaders that they were born to become. Nigeria holds the record as Africa’s top energy producer and most populous nation, but it also holds less enviable records – like being one of the worse places in the world to be a schoolchild.
Many teenage girls in the North find themselves divorced with children to support at very early stages in life. More than 30 students at a certain (name withheld) single school are teenagers who are now divorced. Not to mention that in other schools, in other localities, and other states. The stigma and total violation of their childhood has left them without one to recall in the future.
According to the BBC The educational statistics as given by certified data reveal the following:
• Children out of school: 8.2m
• Primary school attendance in the north: less than 50%
• School graduates unemployed: 1/3
• • Nigerians under 18: 75m
• Mass National Educational failure in two years: 89%
Total population: 154m
Really Long Link
1. With the incessant abuse against Children, the Child Rights Act of 2003 still remains an illusion in some states, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria and a debate in our supposed hallowed legislature. Nigeria’s children are being robbed.
2. Our untapped youthful potential is dizzying. Currently, one-third of school graduates are unemployed and analysts warn that the economy must dramatically expand to keep pace with the demand for jobs.
3. Both Indonesia and Nigeria are the giants of their region, home to tens of millions of people. Both were formed as one nation by Europeans around 1900. Both were governed by the colonial system of “indirect rule”. Both once made money from palm oil, and later discovered oil and gas. At independence, the standards of living in the two countries were comparable on most measures. And since independence, both have suffered three decades of military misrule and corruption.
And today, Indonesia lies almost 50 places above Nigeria on the United Nation’s Human Development Index. Adult literacy stands at 92%, 20 points better than Nigeria. Per capita income, at close to $4,000, is almost twice that of Nigeria. Basic healthcare is strikingly better in Indonesia, and the same is true for education. Access to clean water and a good balanced diet are better too. The nation has experienced 50 years of growth, but no development.
Again from BBC the Comparable statistical data of Indonesia and Nigeria are viz:
Life expectancy
• Nigeria: Men, 47 – Women, 48
• Indonesia: Men, 69 – Women, 73
Gross national income, per capita
• Nigeria: $1,160
• Indonesia: $2,010
Gross domestic product
• Nigeria: $207.12 billion
• Indonesia: $510.73 billion
Population below poverty line
• Nigeria: 70%
• Indonesia: 17.8%
Sources: Really Long Link
1. In 1960, Nigeria produced almost half the world’s palm oil, now it covers just 7%. It is largely dependent on crude Oil, which it still imports in its refined state; because its refineries are comatose.
2. Corruption, Bribery, Tribalism and Nepotism is endemic. These are the killers of the very fabric of our nation.
3. We have age long men who should be retired and acting as elder statesmen are fighting to usurp governing power again. Most of these same men were in their thirties when they “governed” the nation. Why do these seeming elders lack a sense of self respect, discipline and integrity?
4. A lot of Nigerians do not know what it means to be a Nigerian. No sense of purpose, identity, focus, strength of character or integrity. We are black and must be proud to relive our cultural and moral values. That is what makes us Nigerians and nay Africans. We have allowed ourselves to be corrupted by the definitions of Hollywood, Television and World affairs. We must understand What it means to be Nigerian. To be Nigerian is to be RESPONSIBLE! To be RESPONSIBLE is to be responsible for yourself, your fellow Nigerian and for your Nation.
Upon reflecting on the above, we must take a stand, as Government, President, Law maker, Labour worker, Leader in the public or private sector, stakeholder, power broker, MD/CEO, Noble Nigerian, whoever you may be … realise that Nigeria is an INVESTMENT. We must tend it, focus on it, grow it, protect it, strengthen it, cultivate it, consciously, selfless, with string will and might to excel. Only then will we reap the benefit of a fruitful investment, in the future. We must reflect not to become sober, but to take action in the right direction.
Look into the mirror, every change starts with you. Say to yourself: “IF ITS GOT TO BE, THEN ITS UP TO ME”. Think well, Talk Well, Act well and Nigeria will go well.
NIGERIANS AND THE LEADERSHIP CONUNDRUM WITH A MILD EMPHASIS ON THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF OUR NATION
A lot has been said about leadership in Nigeria. The bain of our Nation’s developmental process has been rotational, corrupt and ineptitudinal leadership. We have had a recurrent rotation of the same selfish .I concur that we the YOUTH OF NIGERIA MUST ARISE & take the future into our hands.governors and presidents over the years, hence the Nations stunted growth.
The fundamental issue we are dealing with in Nigeria is that we do not have quality, moral, disciplined and principle centred leadership. That is why there is corruption and lack of development. Corruption is a MINDSET that is focused on SELF and SELF AGGRANDIZEMENT, a mindset that lacks vision and a sense of posterity, integrity and dignity. As we enter the next 50 years of Greatness in our Nation, we must know why and how we got here. If not, we will not understand how to avoid it and go forward.
What is our Role as Nigerians and then young people?
Service! We must continue to Serve wherever we may find ourselves in the public or private sector of our economy; BUT but with a VISION for a preferred future for our great nation. This will guide our attitudes, character and contribution to nation building.
Service is the platform for leadership. Service is leadership. Because Service gives you influence and influence gives you leadership. Leadership is not a position. It is not a role you play; it is a LIFE YOU LEAD – a pattern of BEHAVIOUR. True Leadership is an ATTITUDE that naturally MOTIVATES, INSPIRES AND INFLUENCES others; and it comes from an internalized DISCOVERY OF YOURSELF – Your personal and National Identity, and your NATION. You cannot learn an attitude. You have to KNOW who you were created to be – KNOW YOURSELF!
Then know your Nation! Do you know Nigeria? Do you have a sense of our History, our Heritage, our culture, our collective destiny? Your personal contribution to that Goal? Do you know?
KNOWING comes from REVELATION, and you do not really change until you know. Knowing changes your MINDSET, which transforms your attitude, which I turn , informs, directs and regulates your BEHAVIOUR. As you THINK, so shall you BE; and because you understand WHO you are, you influence your environment – your NATION – the WORLD – more than your environment influences you.
We must take the lessons from our past and present experiences as nuggets of wisdom for the next phase of our life and National existence as individuals and as a Nation under God and use them to influence this Nation for the better. This is service – LEADERSHIP. We have gone through a lot as a Nation, but truth be told, great Nations as True leaders STRIVE to overcome crisis and they become creative and better in difficulty.
In closing, LEADERSHIP is the CAPACITY to INFLUENCE others through IINSPIRATION MOTIVATED by a PASSION, generated by a VISION, produced by a CONVICTION, ignited by a PURPOSE. As Nigerians, especially as young people, we must be ignited by the fire to see our Nation reach its maximum potential, think it always, say it always, resist the temptation to say the wrong things about our Nation, and take massive action steps to bring this National Dream and heritage to pass. And with true influence, we can turn the tides against any negative experience presently bedeviling our Nation.
We must not abdicate the responsibility to grow this Nation to the Government alone. We are all partners together in this Investment Climate. Let us join hands to work, and walk our Talk.
CONCLUSION
Human ingenuity has not been able to establish any perfect system of government, but the truth is that no human has been able to invent any system of government better than the true democratic system of governance. The decline and rot of a nation are like a forest fire, you fight to put it out, not watch it. The future belongs to us and we must deliver the future to our generation and unborn Children. It is our responsibility.
We are the Fix-It generation and we must find our spheres to accomplish this. Our Generation is a generation of Leaders … We must Wake up to our responsibility to drive this Nation right. Are you fully committed to boldly take Nigeria to her next stage of development?
In midwifing Nigeria to Greatness … as we celebrate our 50th Year Anniversary, let us all do three things …
1. Ask ourselves probing questions that will enable us travail like we are birthing a new nation.
2. Prepare to take our Nation forward by the appropriate THOUGHTS, WORDS, and ACTIONS by a careful mind re-engineering process … , and
3. Take Action, where we are, with what we have and however we can … individually and collectively.
Also, as the 2011 elections approach, this may well be our last chance to effect positive change in the country. So that our children and generations unborn do not curse us and wonder why we did nothing as things unravelled. Enough of complaining and muttering under our breaths! Even if we can’t all be politicians or all seek elective office or take up political appointments, we have a say and a stake in determining who our leaders will be. Your vote is your power, use it! You must come out to register, Vote, Monitor and Guard your Vote. So as our Golden Jubilee approaches, tomorrow Friday let us each resolve to give our nation a most befitting birthday present: determine to Serve with all your might, and vote and encourage everyone else around you to do the same. In doing this, we enforce our true liberty as a Nation and the labour of our heroes past.
Our generation has a rendezvous with Destiny … and we need to be ready for it … NOW! The good news is … We are closer than we thought … than we know … I need you and together we can take this Nation to the next level – TRANSFORMATION. Lets start with One Step at a Time. We can do this, we will do this, with God on our side, we shall not fail.
Please say the following Prayer with me:
” Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for this Nation, that you will cause Peace, Progress, Development, and Prosperity to reign in our land; and that we as citizens and others like us of this great country will do what is required of us, serve with our might, contribute positively to the development of this nation and prosper in all our endeavours. Grant our leaders wisdom to make the right decisions and the political will to act in order to lead us to the destiny you have earmarked for this great nation – One Solid and Great Nation where everything works. Amen”.
Happy 50th Anniversary, Nigeria!
This message was brought to me courtesy of nigerianaces.com, I felt so sadden bye what I read as a true Nigerian. What you give comes back to you, please pass Nigerian Aces website on to your friends and family, they’ll be glad you did.
Before you leave, please kindly write some good prayers for Nigeria in the comment box below, even if you are not a Nigerian. Because Nigeria’s Problems is beyond the ordinary we need Divine help.

President Goodluck Jonathan & Vice Sambo

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Posted By: Richard Michael - Category: No Category

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Jonathan says MEND not responsible for Abuja attacks

October 9th 2010 12:35

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that terrorists were responsible for the bomb blasts that rocked Abuja yesterday contrary to claims that the act was perpetrated by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Mr. Jonathan made the claim in his opening address at the colloquium, organised today in Abuja by the ECOWAS Parliament, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of some African countries.

``What happened yesterday was a terrorist act and MEND was just used as a straw; MEND is not a terrorist group," the President said.

``The Niger Delta people are aware of the government's noble efforts to assuage the suffering and deprivation in that region.

``I am from the Niger Delta, my father's house is few metres from an oil-well, so nobody can claimto be a Niger Deltan than myself."

MEND, yesterday, claimed responsibility for the attacks. A few minutes before the blasts, the group sent an email to journalists and media companies warning of the impending violence.

"With due respect to all invited guests, dignitaries and attendees of the 50th independence anniversary of Nigeria being held today, Friday, October 1, 2010 at the Eagle Square Abuja, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is asking everyone to begin immediate evacuation of the entire area within the next 30 minutes. This warning expires after 10.30Hrs," MEND spokesperson Jomo Gbomo said in the mail.

However, Mr. Jonathan has said this was a diversionary tact by the real perpetrators of the crime. He argued that no Niger Delta group would carry out such an act as it would affect the region's chance for development.

``It is erroneous to think that my people who have been agitating for good living will deliberately blow up the opportunity they have now,'' Mr. Jonathan said.

He also said the country's security agencies will be restructured to become proactive to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

``I pray for the souls of those who died to attain peace and fervently pray for those who sustain injuries in the blast to be healed,'' he said.

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Reader Comments (260)

Posted by blaster on Oct 02 2010

Oh My God!!!

Posted by Tutu on Oct 02 2010

So Mr. Presidend now MEND spoke's man. MEND is nt even a militia group. Why is GEJ calling White, Black 4 us?

Posted by K A A on Oct 02 2010

The perpetrator shld be looked for and face justice,its not MEND the Presidency shld seek for International assistance in search of the cabals,

Posted by yaz on Oct 02 2010

Mr president you r out of u mind. What kind of judge tells some1 he is not guilty when he had already confessed to committing the crime. Naija we r in trouble if this guy becomes a president.

Posted by Clem on Oct 02 2010

If you are Intelligent, you will know that all these noise about MEND are all camourflag. The president is from Niger Delta, they want ppl to believe that his ppl are against him. Atiku and Ibb should be questioned!

Posted by Ma'aji Caleb Zonkwa on Oct 02 2010

“unnatural deeds bread unnatural troubles" William Shakespeare. Therefore, do not be driven into unnatural deeds. Gods' ways are better than Man's and Women. Definetly there is a coward by the door steps. We belive you MEND are not envolve on this BAD act.

Posted by Oke Fola on Oct 02 2010

Mr president is being selfish, your brothers said they are responsible and you said they are not. You dont have any developmental plan to y

Posted by Abi on Oct 02 2010

Mend says: "I did it" Mr. President says: "No you did not, its a group of masqurades parading as you." Ngwanu, time will tell.

Posted by El Komo on Oct 02 2010

The 5th columnists will not rest until Jonathan is removed from the Presidential race. Don't we all remember the king of bombers? That person who gets rid of his opponents by bombing in Naija. Let it be told, some people want Jonathan's vote split at the primaries or the general elections must have planted those bombs. Those bombs were not amateur like, they were professional. The first was a warning, the second bomb was so powerful, it set off a series of explosions and burned other cards nearby. Take a look again, when Funsho Williams was killed, it was done with military style, same for Dele Giwa, and now this. There's a military and professional angle to what was perpertrated at Abuja yesterday. He who has ears, let him hear.

Posted by IBEKA.E.IBEKA on Oct 02 2010

Mr. President, oh my God, i can see that you are protecting your people Niger Delta (MEND). Thus, you are planning to finger am innocent person. International news stated that they sent email before this incident. Oh stupid country I can the nature of this country.... Hence you will begin think political opposition like IBB etc..... I am disappointed Mr. President. In fact, South Africa government complained about this before this happened yesterday due to foolishness of you people ignored it..... Bullshit, I understand MEND accepted this wicked act through BBC London and SKY NEWS....... God have mercy upon me and others whom believe in me……..

Posted by Abubakar Sakkwato on Oct 02 2010

This is most unfortunate. A commander-in-chief speaking on behalf of terrorists. Referring to them as "my people"..... My fellow Nigerians, I see storm clouds in the horizon.

Posted by Biggerbang on Oct 02 2010

Problems have just started in Nigeria O. Dis is going to be a movie to stand in line for tickets, for sure. As it is always difficult to understand Mr. President, I can only wonder what this riddle is. GEJ, please make it plain to us what you are saying

Posted by bossman on Oct 02 2010

the GEJ is just a joke

Posted by true on Oct 02 2010

i agreed with MR president.

Posted by Zekus on Oct 02 2010

God is in control and in the side of GJ there is nothing any one or power can do God has decided to take over the country this time around and he is able.

Posted by Victor Emmanuel on Oct 02 2010

Mr President is suffering from a bad delusional disorder or maybe some form of amnesia. MEND not a terrorist organisation? Haba, Ebele, how far now! When did your name change to Jomo Gbomo or is it just case of solidarity with your murderous, criminaly inclined, "the whole world owe us something" cousins? Much as you may try to convince yourself otherwise, the panacea to this cancer called MEND is to use the Sri Lankan solution. Amnesty has failed, the time of talking is over; if MEND and their ilk in Niger Delta get away with this then you've shown to other adventurists that they've got the chance to hold the nation to ransom a la Abia State.

Posted by Private Eye on Oct 02 2010

MEND, he who lives in a glass house should not throw bomb!!!

Posted by Nnaendi Nwokoma on Oct 02 2010

My people,this is very disturbing to read from our man at the helm of affairs in Nigeria, and who will likelybe the prsident for the next several years. It is way too early to assign or not assign blame. MEND says they did it and the good GEJ says they did not. GEJ can only absolve MEND if he names another group at the same time. For now and for all Nigerians, GEJ, like it or not; MEND did this. Period. Looking to blame your political enemies is insincere and retrogressive to put it mildly. GEJ is now talking like the oaf who calls himself the governor of Abia State, who is blaming his political opponents for the Abayi 15 Children who were recently released. The stupid governor, who wanted to give amnesty to these same kidnappers had the audacity to take a picture with children he cannot protect! Shame on MEND; and GEJ stay out of this one. You cannot defend these cowards in MEND.

Posted by James.O on Oct 02 2010

Please ask Mr. President how many times MEND explode near they government house in Niger Delta (MEN)? But you are proclaiming that MEND is an innocent due to you are Niger Delta. God have mercy on you. Mr. President i am absolutely disappointed me now. I am weeping due to what you stated now.. Please don’t finger IBB in this matter yet because your mind is moving towards him……

Posted by Omo Alhaja on Oct 02 2010

Mr. President, the view from here is not flattering...your head is buried in the send.

Posted by waxy on Oct 02 2010

Did anyone watch him on CNN yesterday defending corrupt Nigerian. He was blaming foreigners for corruption in Nigeria.

Posted by Sawale on Oct 02 2010

Mr. President, you shouldn't have said that.

Posted by mahal on Oct 02 2010

This is troubling...

Posted by johnson on Oct 02 2010

Why do u people fail to understand that people can do anything to get into power,there is no reason MEND will attack on our independent day.I am from nger delta and i know what am talking about.Make them find the real people wen do am...wetin dey happen self

Posted by Gen Rommel on Oct 02 2010

This statement in my own opinion is rather premature & quick to conclusions. Someone in a position of C-in-C should know better that situations like this one can be very fluid, you don't commit yourself to a conclusive statement like this one except investigations are completed & a conviction is secured in Court of Law. This kind of statement comming from a C-in-C can even hinder investigations & tie the hands of the Judicial process on the long run. Mr. President needs to appreciate the strength of ambiguity in Security thinking for distabilizing his enemies.

Posted by henry on Oct 02 2010

let mend speak for themselves and let the president for nigerians ,infact am suprice the president is doing the opposite

Posted by Chuks on Oct 02 2010

GEJ please hasten up and bring the sponsors of this bombing to book. IBB and his cohorts are not above the law. They want to Rule Nigeria by force but it won't work.

Posted by Dave on Oct 02 2010

Dear Mr President, I believe U R not speaking out of order. A lot of wisdom & Diplomacy must come 2 play here.At this point,ur Godly silence would truly be helpful.As ur nation cries 4 attention,listen carefully and tend 2 its needs.We need,power,roads,infrastructu re,agricultural funding & dev of the Niger Delta.All these money U people R sharing in Abuja is not doing us any good.WAKE UP GEJ

Posted by Mgbechikanma Ejimonu on Oct 02 2010

Those in the know knows that MEND was just used as a camourflage to get this done........THE REAL ACTORS WILL SOON SHOW THIER FACE......I TOTALLY AGREE WITH Mr President

Posted by saama on Oct 02 2010

i quite agree with Mr Presido. The perpetrators are not Mend, infact they are the ones fighting at all costs to get the top job

Posted by IykeK on Oct 02 2010

In my opinion, in as much as i believe MEND may not be responsible for the terrorism act, i can't seem to understand why this guy called JEG is speaking on behalf of MEND and defending their innocence. If MEND was truly not responsible they should officially deny it, but instead we are yet to hear anything from them.

Posted by Dammmpp on Oct 02 2010

Look @ Nigeria's president saying MEND isnt iresponsible..lol...this guy is a big joke. By the way..GEJ or whatever...why did you have to remove ur security chiefs b4 this kind of event! You know what? youre advisers are full of shit and they are leading you astray! Better wake up and smell the coffee

Posted by Ade Aditu on Oct 02 2010

Whether you like it or not, the blast is beyond MEND. They could have done it but believe me this is more than them.Does the ideals of MEND includes taking innocent's lives? Wot exactly do they stand to gain or loose by killing innocent ppl? Please be objective. Think, Nigerians Think!!!

Posted by www.vapourgrafix.com on Oct 02 2010

I knew instantly that it wasn't the "MEND" as soon as I heard that the bomb blast was done by the "MEND"...the only thing i could do was to shout FILEE!!! at the newspaper vendor. thanks for the reassurance

Posted by akans on Oct 02 2010

i strongly believe mr president. they are just used. very soon they will confuse does dat gave them de contract.

Posted by M. Adamu on Oct 02 2010

Unwise move, Mr. President. This shouldn't be a presidents reaction a day after a major terrorist act. God save Nigeria!

Posted by Rev. on Oct 02 2010

Anyway is possible that Niger delta people may be innocent of the action by looking at and evaluating Nigeria present politics. whether they are innocent or not jonathan should carry out serious investgations otherwise his life is astake. but if Niger delta are innocent of the bomba blast they should be mindful of their utterances b/c i could remember the story of Totis and a pregenant woman at last totis was held responsible because another person's action simply because Totis said it before-it happened

Posted by IGBO MAN on Oct 02 2010

I am very much disappointed with the president, he shows weakness, this is not time for ethnic politic, it calls for action because Nigeria was wounded, firstly he has to declare MEND a terrorist organization and deal with them as such for claming the bombing, before looking elsewhere. This will surely help Nigerians to access the president well before voting him in or out of office.

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Nigeria @ 50: Time for sober reflection.

October 7th 2010 11:53

e[IMAGE="http://www.shoutpolitics.com/images/nigeria1.jpeg" width="200" link="http://www.shoutpolitics.com/images/nigeria1.jpeg" align="CENTER" thumb="http://www.shoutpolitics.com/images/nigeria11.jpeg" border="1" caption="" wrap="0" title="nigeria" margin="5"

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Nigeria @ 50: Time for sober reflection.

October 7th 2010 11:53

[IMAGE="http://www.shoutpolitics.com/images/nigeria1.jpeg" width="200" link="http://www.shoutpolitics.com/images/nigeria1.jpeg" align="CENTER" thumb="http://www.shoutpolitics.com/images/nigeria11.jpeg" border="1" caption="" wrap="0" title="nigeria" margin="5"

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Nigeria @ 50

October 5th 2010 11:54

When this Nation has attained its true height in the near future, let it be our known that as true citizens of this great nation we ensured that by conscious effort, might, will power and strength of character, we ensured that after all is said and done more is done than said”.

- Obozuwa Enike Dominic AKA (Deo Avante

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Now that President Jonathan has declared.

September 20th 2010 12:23

FINALLY, the much-speculated ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 presi
dential election became a reality, following the declaration of intent by the president, on Saturday at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
Prior to Jonathan’s declaration, the nation’s political temperature had been on the rise, with heated debates on whether the president was qualified to contest or not, in view of the zoning arrangement of his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The heat was generated in the polity despite the tactical ploy by Jonathan not to raise the bar through what could have been viewed as a premature declaration

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Nigeria's Election questioned.

September 20th 2010 12:08

Nigeria's governing party has said holding elections in January, as planned, will be difficult.
PDP spokesman Rufai Ahmed Alkali, however, declined to formally call for a delay, saying this could be "misunderstood".
On Sunday, election officials said they were looking at ways to delay the poll so they could work on a credible voters' roll

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Liberia hails $1.2bn debt pardon by Paris Club

September 17th 2010 11:08

Liberia's government says the decision by a group of creditor nations to write off its debt will allow the country to write a "new Liberian story".
The 19-nation Paris Club pardoned $1.2bn (£764m) worth of debt owed by the West African country.
Liberia's Finance Minister, Augustine Ngafuan, told the BBC's Network Africa that debt servicing took up large amounts of its national budget

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Peace In Nigeria's Niger-delta

September 16th 2010 13:25

Talk to taxi-drivers and hotel clerks in Nigeria's Delta region, and you hear the same words again and again: "We must give peace a chance."
Shopkeepers smile with delight, chattering with customers about decommissioning and peace talks in the country's oil-producing area.
For the past three months, people have watched militant warlords hold disarmament ceremonies, bringing out thousands of their followers, and stacking guns high in public

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