Thursday, 30 July 2015

Hephzibah's Commentary 30072015

1. Banks seized debtor states’ share of NLNG dividend – Yari
Hephzibah: The whole thing is messed up, please. Poor risk management from banks; states are taking on more they can realistically do (without getting additional sources of revenue) just to gain political advantage. The next time a politician promises to give every unemployed graduate monthly allocations; ask him/her about how the plans will be funded...

2. Oil worth $13.7bn stolen under NNPC, says NEITI
Hephzibah: Why is Hajiya Zainab frowning na? Is it because of the $13.7bn? Wait oooo, I'm joining her in that frown...:(
The bit about NNPC remitting subsidy payments to the Federation account is confusing to me. Where does NNPC get subsidy payments from? Why is NNPC remitting subsidy payments to the Federation account? Shouldn't NNPC be disbursing the subsidy payments to marketers?

3. New DSS DG is APC member – PDP
Hephzibah: PDP, you'll need to substantiate the allegation, please. PMB, the DSS should not be politicised, please. It doesn't augur well for a democracy.

4. Corruption: FG goes after ‘super rich’ civil servants
Hephzibah: Good move but please don't prioritize this over building the economy...

5. Yar’Adua shouldn’t have cancelled refineries’ sale to Dangote –Obasanjo
Hephzibah: *Yawn*

6. GSM operators add two million new subscribers
Hephzibah: Is that a good thing or a bad thing? *Yawn*

7. P’Harcourt, Warri refineries begin crude production – NNPC
Hephzibah: Yippeee. Will the price of crude from local refineries also be subsidized? If no, please correct subsidy payment estimates to reflect that some of the nation's demand will NOT be subsidized. Thank you.

8. El-Rufai appoints commissioners
Hephzibah: At least someone has started waking up. *stretches*

9. PDP broke, plans to reduce staff by 50%
Hephzibah: Eh yah! Blame the economy (let's not ask what the party's source of income is, lol).

10. Ooni’s death ’ll be announced in due course — Source
Hephzibah: Hmmmm. Time will tell if he is truly alive or truly dead.

11. Tompolo hails Buhari over new Amnesty boss
Hephzibah: I just want to say that I'm uncomfortable with all the amnesty business (though I believe it may have SOME value in the Niger Delta situation)

12. $6bn stolen by ex-minister worries Sanusi
Hephzibah: It worries me too BUT we can't encourage people, no matter how highly placed, to make unsubstantiated allegations.

13. Ogun pays N496m WAEC debt
Hephzibah: At least, we now know one of the 19 debtor states...Go, and "sin" no more, Governor Amosun...Waiting for the other 18 states to do the needful. #PayYourDebts

14. FG to borrow N195bn via Treasury bills
Hephzibah: Please what can we expect the FG to do with this 195 billion Naira? I hope it's not for a) bailing out debtor states b) "fighting corruption"  c) crushing insurgency or d) welfare. As important as any of these are, they are not worth borrowing for. Only capital investments that will give a return on investment that is HIGHER than the interest you have to pay on the principal are worth borrowing for...Hephzibah's national contribution of the day...

15. FG overrules JAMB on new admission policy
Hephzibah: I guess that's more revenue from the sale of Post-UTME forms for Universities. I am not proud of parents who were protesting and whose desires have prevailed. In my opinion, the message they've passed to their wards is that it is acceptable to perform below expectation and then agitate...I am actually with JAMB and UNILAG on this one...

16. Placeholder for sports news...To be filled once I find anything worth commenting on. I'm still watching Coach Oliseh, by the way...

I am praying for my nation. I hope you are doing the same?

Enjoy your day.

Monday, 27 July 2015

HCOTN - 270715

1. Senate rule forgery: Buhari won’t stop trial of suspects – Presidency
Hephzibah: I'm interested in the trial, Baba. It'll be interesting to hear why public officials will get involved in forgery. Meanwhile, please mark the register when the houses resume tomorrow...No one should get paid for doing nothing whilst we borrow to fund projects.

2. President’s US trip fruitless, says PDP
Hephzibah: I AGREE!

3. 10-year-old female suicide bomber kills 19 in Damaturu
Hephzibah: I would have passed by this piece (I have decided not to give terrorists under attention) but the use of children is APPALLING! May God help us all.

4. Soyinka, better wine connoisseur than political critic, Obasanjo insists
Hephzibah: *chuckles* I guess it's better to be in the news fighting than to be relegated to one's farm (I didn't call anybody's name ooo, lol)

5. Buhari meets APC Reps ahead of resumption
Hephzibah: Hmmm...Watching and waiting...

6. Dogara must cut ties with PDP —APC group
Hephzibah: Why? *yawns*

7. Osun, one of best states in Nigeria, says Aregbesola
Hephzibah: #ICantStopLaughing. I guess that's why the state is owing 7 months (now going to 8 months) worker salaries. Okay oooo

8. No governor got bailout for workers’ salaries – Oshiomhole
Hephzibah: Okay oooo. The convenient "sharing" of the NLNG funds cannot continue forever na.

9. PDP condemns Ambode’s N39bn loan
Hephzibah: I agree with the PDP. I hope they're asking the governors in the states ruled by PDP the same questions, though...

10. Ondo gov inaugurates N4bn water project
Hephzibah: Some cheering news. I wonder what percentage of this 4 billion Naira was borrowed and what the repayment plan is...

11. UTME crisis: JAMB defends UNILAG
Hephzibah: We really need to talk about our educational policy and the management of education in Nigeria. This issue is just a symptom of an underlying issue...

12. Eagles won’t underrate Djibouti —Oliseh
Hephzibah: Yes, Coach!

13. Nigeria’s debt now N12.12tn –DMO
Hephzibah: Falling oil prices SHOULDN'T JUSTIFY borrowing to fund projects. That's mortgaging our future. People who have COMMON SENSE know that's where looking for alternative sources of income comes in. Borrowing is NOT the way out...Please, Nigeria!

14. CBN forex policy fuelling economic crisis – LCCI
Hephzibah: I concur!

I pray for those who lost loved ones in the gas explosion/chlorine gas release last weekend as well as those who have lost loved ones in other circumstances. May the Lord continue to comfort and uphold us all...

I am praying for my nation. I hope you are doing the same?

Enjoy your day.

Wednesday, 22 July 2015

HCOTN 220715

1. A. Ekweremadu’s removal will worsen N’Assembly crisis, says Sani
B. APC Reps sue Dogara
C. Delay in naming House committees stalls Reps’ duties
Hephzibah: Lawmakers, can we assume you're on strike? This one that you're not "entertaining" us in the National Assembly yet you want to get paid? It's not good ooo

2. Buhari treating our members as criminals –PDP
Hephzibah: Chief Metuh, please don't be annoyed ooo. Please help me answer my question - are your members guilty of the offence(s) or not? If they are not, please institute legal proceedings. If they are, mount pressure on the FG to institute legal proceedings.

3. I won’t spare any corrupt APC member –Buhari
Hephzibah: We don hear, Baba. One little bird said "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS". Please provide us the contact details of the ROBOT manning your "Direct Access" desk so we can report corrupt APC (or is it All Nigeria People Congress?) members.

4. President dumps National Conference report –Source
Hephzibah: Baba, is it true? The President must hear this! Oops, you are the president! One person says Nigeria is at 1% recovery after 2 months of "Change". If I know my Maths well, that means, we have 198 months (16.5 years) to go before we get to 100% recovery, if we continue at this pace...Baba, that one is not good ooo

5. Dasuki: DSS extends probe to botched B’Haram deals
Hephzibah: I'm beginning to lose interest in this Dasuki case. If he made deals with Boko Haram, please prosecute him with correct evidence. All these media "revelations" are offensive to me, please...

6. Absence of health minister compounds UCH crisis
Hephzibah: Baba, and you're asking us to wait till September? Ha! How can there be a circular directing hospitals to pay workers a certain amount yet it is not included in the budget...

7. Group asks court to stop Eko Atlantic City project
Hephzibah: Watching...

8. Radio Biafra still streams on the Internet – NBC
Hephzibah: See how NBC is just doing free advert for Radio Biafra...

9. NAFDAC denies corruption allegation against DG
Hephzibah: I'll expect the DG to deny, not NAFDAC please...The responsible thing is to investigate the allegation, not deny it @NAFDAC. ICPC/EFCC, your attention is required here...

10. Okpara advises NFF on U-23 team
Hephzibah: Willy Okpara is making sense...Ideally, the U-23 team should be a feeder team for the Super Eagles, the U-20 for the U-23, U-17 for U-20 etc. NFF, please put your house in order. Okpara, your head is there...

11. Buhari and the challenge of national reconciliation
Hephzibah: "Beyond the inauguration speech, very little has happened to define and deepen the priorities of Nigeria's ruling party and government"...I'm still trying to recover from the 1% loading photo comment! Baba, please gather momentum and start some brisk walking please. Don't be like the teams in all those sport movies that wait till the last minute to score the winning goals/shots. As "miraculous" as those goals/shots appear, they are indicative of poor preparation, most of the time. Baba, please spare us the difficult conversation in 2019; please make each day count POSITIVELY! Thanks.

12. Ebonyi appoints former gov to resolve salary crisis
Hephzibah: As annoying as the salary crisis is, it is nice to see that the Ebonyi state government has constituted a committee to come up with a way forward. I hope the committee will do a professional job as quickly as possible. Frankly, we need entrepreneurs in government. Why should a state be borrowing to pay salaries? That means they're not producing anything...

I am praying for my nation. I hope you are doing the same?

Enjoy your day.

Tuesday, 21 July 2015

HCOTN 210715

1. Obama okays Buhari’s agenda for defeating Boko Haram
Hephzibah: Yeah, and that wins the war against terror. An "okay" from a country that spent 10 years catching 1 terrorist with no "dead body" to show. Yeah, thanks. Baba, please stop the killings and don't tell us about "Amnesty" for the insurgents oooo...
How come "Buhari's election is the first democratic power transition in decades..."? Do these people realise that they're indirectly giving credit to President Jonathan and dissing Pa OBJ? Well...

2. DSS invasion of my house unlawful – Ex-Sultan
Hephzibah: Erm, Pa Dasuki, no vex. All these Dasukis sef. Mr. Sambo Dasuki, please go to court ooooo. I'm not feeling all these media trials oooo. Northern "elders", why didn't you tell the DSS not to invade Papa and Pikin's houses?

3. Wike visited twice but never met me –CJN
Hephzibah: We'll soon know if he truly met you or not... Meanwhile, I thought Chief Wike claimed to have met him the second time and discussed the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge for Rivers State? We are watching ooooo.

4. EFCC set to probe Jonathan’s ministers, aides
Hephzibah: Finally, the well paid EFCC officials are TRYING to do their jobs. Let the revelations begin (I hope). And please, do YOUR JOB (that you've taken from the ICPC) in a professional manner. Don't let any case be thrown out due to technical hitches. When you're done with Jonathan's ministers/aides, please move on to Yar'Adua's ministers/aides. Then, move on to Obasanjo's ministers/aides. I'll have asked that you go back to 1960 but I know a good law is not retroactive (not that it mattered to General Buhari's retroactive law that executed young men for crimes that were committed before the law came into effect). Please, no media trials, EFCC. Except it can be proven to be the most cost effective route, NO PLEA BARGAINING. In fact, we should amend the ICPC Act to include the blacklisting of public officials who have been convicted for corruption. They should NEVER be allowed to participate in partisan/non-partisan politics and/or public enterprises ever and there should be no opportunity for being granted pardon by a public official!

5. New army chief warns troops against cowardice, indiscipline
Hephzibah: Oga sir, they've heard. We'll also like to warn you sir against embezzling their allowances and under-equipping them for their assignments. Thank you Chief!

6. Why I won’t form cabinet until September –Buhari
Hephzibah: So, the economy can continue on a downward spiral, ehn? What's special about September? We don't need NEW RULES of conduct and good governance, Baba; the EXISTING RULES are good enough! Why didn't you include this in your campaign promises, Baba? May God help us... Please someone should tell me how to get to the ROBOT at the desk Baba has purportedly created so Nigerians can reach him DIRECTLY...

7. A. NGF: APC to reject Fayose as deputy chair
B. Fayose attacks Obasanjo for criticising Jonathan
Hephzibah: Sigh! Pa OBJ, please can you and Governor Fayose submit yourselves for DNA tests? I suspect that Mr. Fayose may be your son...

8. Gbajabiamila faction rejects Dogara’s zoning of principal offices
Hephzibah: People, when are you going to resume at The National Assembly? Has the "stress" of Ramadan reduced? What a "Change"!

9. Fears over health of Jonathan’s Chief Security Officer
Hephzibah: DSS! Nothing must happen to Mr. Obua oooo. I heard the man is diabetic! It is in everyone's interest that the man remains alive and is present in court to defend himself...

10. Tribute to the LASTMA official who died on duty
Hephzibah: And the man died! I pray that God will comfort the loved ones he left behind.

11. NFF summons Siasia, Falcons coach
Hephzibah: Ah, wetin happen? NFF, we are watching you oooo.

12. Osun APC lacks economic ideas, says PDP
Hephzibah: I agree. I think it's time for Ogbeni to relieve himself of his duty lest his people give him the calabash...

I am praying for my nation. I hope you are doing the same?

Enjoy your day.

Monday, 20 July 2015

HCOTN 200715

1. US to trace Nigeria’s stolen funds
Hephzibah: And they need the physical presence of 34 "eminent" Nigerians to do the tracing, right? If President Obama has truly long seen Nigeria as the most important strategic country in sub-Saharan Africa (not the whole of Africa, mind you), why did he send for the president of this "most important strategic country" the way one will send for a subordinate? Why has he NEVER visited Nigeria? Why is Nigeria not part of the countries to visit in a few days time? (He is billed to travel to Kenya and Ethopia). We are watching and praying...

2. Wike visits CJN twice in one month
Hephzibah: Erm, Chief Wike, your explanation get comma ooo. Even if the first visit was unscheduled, won't you want to book an appointment the second time to ensure that you'll meet the CJN? How come you have to go in person to see the CJN personally to do a letter? Hmmmm

3. Petrol subsidy hits N1.69bn daily
Hephzibah: This "Expected Open Market Price" is abracadabra oooo. I wonder why the retail price is about 102.60 Naira when global oil prices are falling. The whole thing is smelling of corruption. Also, what percentage of the total consumption is covered by domestic refining? I thought refineries were being celebrated? The more you look...Hmmmm
Now, Mallam El-Rufai is asking us to unite AGAINST subsidy payments. Can someone remind me what #OccupyNigeria was about again?

4. Dasuki’s bank accounts may be frozen this week
Hephzibah: I guess he's had enough notice to move the money elsewhere. And someone claims this is Intelligence? Sigh!

5. Osun residents storm Winners Chapel for Oyedepo’s foodstuffs
Hephzibah: So, Ogbeni, your surveillance helicopters couldn't feed your people? Seriously?

6. Ignore US on same-sex proposal, cleric urges FG
Hephzibah: Okay oooo. We are definitely watching and praying...

7. Kano emir, Sanusi, weeps
Hephzibah: All hail the Weeping Emir...*yawn*. Meanwhile, The Punch, don't you think it would have made sense to tell us more about the new method of begging the Governor was mentioned? THAT is newsworthy...

8. Naira remains under pressure as MPC meets Thursday
Hephzibah: I hope this MPC meeting will also look at rising food and fuel costs. Baba, who do we talk to about the rising cost of living in the country? It is not a joking matter oooo...You and Yusuf have left Naija to gaan eat American food, we're here battling high food prices. Baba, have you heard that a hungry man is an angry man? Ehn ehn, I have said my own oooo
Imagine that CBN has asked Bureau De Change operators to request BVN before selling forex to prospective buyers YET the deadline for BVN registration has been extended to October 31. CBN, please put a hold on this requirement till November 1, 2015. Thanks

9. Rio 2016: Nigeria beat Congo 2-1
Hephzibah: Congrats to Coach Samson Siasia, the technical crew and the U-23 national team for their 2-1 victory in yesterday's match against the Congolese team. Well done...
Meanwhile, Shooting Stars won Elkanemi Warriors. Congrats.

10. Troops clear Maiduguri-Biu Road of landmines
Hephzibah: Well done, Nigerian Army and their collaborators. We pray for victory over insurgents. May the Lord continue to disappoint the devices of the crafty so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. May God bless and keep the Federal Republic of Nigeria!


I am praying for my nation. I hope you are doing the same?

Enjoy your day.

Friday, 17 July 2015

HCOTN 170715

1. Buhari sacks agencies’ boards, NIMASA boss
Hephzibah: I agree with this comment - "I believe anybody can be appointed from any part of the country, as long as he/she will perform – that is what we want! However Buhari must also take into account the ethno-religious peculiarities of a plural society like Nigeria." Also, please remove silly agencies that have not justified their existence since inception. I wonder why boards established by the 1999 Constitution were exempted while boards established by Acts (which are also Laws of the Federation) are not...Why dissolve a board when there is no replacement? Hmmmm
Meanwhile, The Punch, why is it that funny picture of PMB where he has the "Oya, slap yourself for that nonsense you just said" look that you used? That picture is soooo amusing...

2. DSS operatives invade Ex-NSA’s residences
Hephzibah: This comment captures my EXACT sentiment - "Really? So Nigeria now recovers looted funds by Invading the homes of the suspects? So what happened to inviting this people or charging them to court if Government has any evidence against them? This approach leaves a sour taste in the mouth."
Meanwhile, I tried but couldn't help laughing as I read that the text message sent to Ms. Marilyn Ogar (to confirm the incident) FAILED TO DELIVER. Please let me know if you succeeded in keeping a straight face after reading that. Lol.

3. Ambode okays prosecution of Synagogue, engineers.
Hephzibah: Watching to see how this goes...

4. Caller Tunes: Glo, MTN pay musicians N9bn royalties
Hephzibah: So, you people are charging me for caller tunes (by force) to pay your brand ambassadors...

5. Osun assembly sets up panel to probe Aregbesola
Hephzibah: Why is PDP not represented in the probe panel? I don't wanna be hearing no #FamilyAffair story ooo

6. We won't accept election results under Zakari - PDP
Hephzibah: Erm, PDP, no vex but this one no enter...Keep pointing out that the INEC chairperson's independence MAY be compromised due to her relationship with the president but rejecting election results without evidence of foul play isn't wise...

7. Marketers resume petrol imports
Hephzibah: Please let's increase our refining capacity and eliminate the need for importation...These marketers aren't loyal...

8. Ogun teachers threaten legal action against First Bank
Hephzibah: After the EFCC cleared the teachers, I hope they gave them transport fare back home...FirstBank, please apologise to the teachers and carry out proper investigations, please...

9. Poll scores Buhari 70 percent in first month
Hephzibah: Erm, The Punch, what was the second question the poll asked? The first one sef, I wonder what the respondents were thinking...Maybe food and fuel prices are low in their own areas ooo. I'm still waiting for the day when a basket of tomatoes for 200 Naira (forget about 20 Naira, I've lowered my expectations).

10. Psychiatrists desert hospital over recurrent attacks from lunatics
Hephzibah: Why are there no trained security personnel to douse violent situations? This situation is quite worrisome...

11. Sallah: Police ban social gatherings in Kaduna
Hephzibah: I understand the security concerns but I think it's somehow that the Commissioner of Police will rather expend energy arresting people going about their lawful business than focus on doing their job of protecting lives and livelihoods...Misplaced priorities!

12. Lekki robbery suspect sues police for N1m
Hephzibah: Seriously, why has the police not charged the dude to court since April 5? Hmmm

13. It'll be difficult to reproduce the '94 squad - Oliseh
Hephzibah: Bros, if it is part of your "campaign promises" to reproduce the '94 squad, please do. I don't think that's necessary, though. Just put together a great team, deal with the "entitled mentality" of some of the players, manage NFF influence properly and please ADDRESS INDISCIPLINE. And please, win as many matches as possible, lol.

14. Cabinet delay worries investors
Hephzibah: "Investigations revealed that a lot of investment pacts that ought to have been sealed have been left pending owing to the absence of a cabinet". Baba, this delay is worrisome.

I know this sounds like #Aproko but why didn't Madam Aisha not go to the same praying ground with PMB for Ramadan prayers? Barka da Sallah to my friends who are Muslim faithfuls.

Please continue to contribute your quota to nation-building and to lift your country up in prayers.

Sunday, 12 July 2015

HCOTN 120715

1. NDLEA set to probe Davido over video
Hephzibah: "...When our attention was drawn to it, we viewed it and we discovered that it was improper. There is no moral lesson in it and he was just advertising drug trafficking...But the way he portrayed drug trafficking in the video was a means to an end, which the end is a life of affluence which we disagree with". Well said, NDLEA.

2. Beggars to sue El-Rufai over ban on street begging
Hephzibah: Erm, please will the beggars BEG lawyers to represent them PRO BONO? This Naija sef....

3. Buhari refuses to meet with Saraki
Hephzibah: Don't worry, Saraki, there will come a time when he will HAVE to meet with you...patience...

4. Oliseh wants 60 Million Naira per annum
Hephzibah: Erm, this National Coach job ehn, how can I apply?

5. LASTMA official slumps while controlling traffic
Hephzibah: I pray he is okay. His identity is yet to be ascertained. May God heal him ooo.

6. Jonathan caused our 2015 poll loss - PDP Vice Chair
Hephzibah: I wonder how former President Jonathan did not allow a northerner to be the party's candidate. I thought every member of PDP was permitted to buy the nomination form and contest the primaries...The #Blamegame continues while I watch food prices...

7. Buhari recalls ambassadors
Hephzibah: I wonder why? I also hope they won't be "unrecalled" Marilyn Ogar style. #ChangeIsHere

8. BoT Chair: Stormy battle ahead of APC titans
Hephzibah: Let's keep watching...

9. Keshi lied about Ivory Coast job - Green
Hephzibah: This contract that SILENTLY does not permit a coach to be SEEN to apply for a job elsewhere...If this isn't witchcraft, I wonder what is...Wickedness in high and low places. I think I agree with Chief Onigbinde that NFF has sinister motives for removing Keshi. I hope Sunday Oliseh realises that he will be dealing with sharks...All the best...

10. Subsidy removal: To be or not to be
Hephzibah: "It is not as if the sustenance of subsidy at all cost is being advocated here, it is just that certain things ought to be done by the government first, which will then prepare an objective and rational ground for the elimination of subsidy" ... Well said, The Punch.

Please continue to contribute your quota to nation-building and to lift your country up in prayers.

Friday, 10 July 2015

HCOTN 100715

1. Keyamo fails to get SAN rank, Banire, others successful
Hephzibah: Punch, this is not exactly "Breaking News" material but well...Sorry, Mr. Keyamo...Congrats Mr. Banire & others

2. Tribunal dismisses Mega party’s petition against Amosun
Hephzibah: I'm still stuck on the name of the party. Why would anyone name a party "Mega party"? Well...

3. B’Haram attacks: Desperate pangs of dying monster, says APC
Hephzibah: I pray you're right, APC...I just pray you're right...

4. Bauchi pays January 2014 salary arrears
Hephzibah: I'm still undecided on whether striking persons should be paid for the period of the strike...Afterall, they didn't provide their services during the strike...
Imagine workers commending the governor for paying salaries on time..

5. Ambode targets hospitality sector to boost job creation
Hephzibah: Really, we need to diversify the economy. I hope Governor Ambode backs his words with actions...That's what we're praying for...

6. Senator attacks Ekweremadu over comments on Boko Haram
Hephzibah: Senator Ekweremadu spoke the unadulterated truth! Mr. Senator Adeola, please, please and please, don't offend me...

7. Ebola: Tanzanian nurse in self-quarantine after serving in Liberia
Hephzibah: I hope you're still observing the "hand washing" precaution...I also hope the authorities will resume checks at the Airport...

8. Cameroon troops repel Boko Haram attack, kill three militants
Hephzibah: I pray for victory over national enemies.

9. Buhari rejects N400m armoured cars
Hephzibah: ""I don’t need any new cars. The ones I am using now are just fine,” the source quoted the President as saying." I AGREE, says Hephzibah!
Note that President Jonathan could have approved the purchase of the new cars but he was COURTEOUS enough to leave the decision to PMB...

10. Nyako, son, others granted N1.4bn bail
Hephzibah: Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

11. Gas to power projects not attractive – Experts
Hephzibah: Why? This "poor pricing" reason doesn't make much sense to me. Are the power companies fixing the price for gas or is it market forces that determine the price? I just get the impression that someone isn't giving the full picture.

12. ‘FG has moved B’Haram prisoners out of S’East’
Hephzibah: I hope so.

Please continue to contribute your quota to nation-building and to lift your country up in prayers.

Wednesday, 8 July 2015

HCOTN 080715

1. FG: Excess Crude Account Intact
Hephzibah: Apparently, it's $1.7bn from NLNG that was SHARED. Is that the best use of the money?
Why did the new Accountant-General make the 'costly' mistake of claiming that the money would come from the ECA? Let me not say more...

2. Buhari Advised to Increase Debt, Appoint ‘Reform Czar’ by Transition C’ttee
Hephzibah: There is no justification for increasing debt. If we are earning $1.7 billion tax from NLNG and a yet-to-be-accounted-for amount from agriculture, we shouldn't be eating our future.
Meanwhile what is "Reform Czar"?

3. The Battles Within APC
Hephzibah: Yawn, letter from a #Change agent who is coming to grips that only Jesus Christ is the Messiah...Please vex for your party leadership and stop taking out your frustration on those not fooled by the packaging they called #Change joor.

4. Calling on Kogi Election Petition Tribunal
Hephzibah: We all know whose senatorial position you're talking about but let's all keep dancing around the issue...

5. FG orders IG to hand over Saraki money laundering case file
Hephzibah: Please why is the office of the Attorney General interfering with the court case the office of the IG was about to start. Let the matter get to court and let the court decide if the Senate President truly has a case to answer. I thought the fight against corruption was this government's theme song?

6. Get ready to sell your private jets, Oshiomhole tell(s) owners
Hephzibah: Vanguard, it should be "TELLS", not "TELL" please. Governor Oshiomhole, if they don't, what's going to happen? I hope the so-called probe will also look into the source of wealth of #Change politicians too. Otherwise, it'll be a #WitchHunt.
I hope the NLC will head the governor's advice and also focus on the pay package of governors along with other politicians. #JustSaying

7. Ambode orders enforcement of law prohibiting street trading, begging
Hephzibah: Okay ooo. I hope there is a safety net for traders and beggars. Otherwise, we might be creating a new problem in the quest to solve a problem. May God help us.

8. Oliseh to take-over Super Eagles next week — NFF
Hephzibah: Gist has it that he has already been confirmed. Latest news says they're still working out details..Anyhow, congrats, Sunday Oliseh; some are actually rooting for you. Me, I'm watching food prices...Lol.

9. #GejWhileYouWereAway: Nigerians update Jonathan on Buhari, Tinubu, NASS, others
Hephzibah: I feel your pain, #GEJites. However, the earliest you can do anything about it is 2019. Like I said before, my focus now is food prices. Meanwhile, welcome back GEJ. How was your break?
Funny one from @Nigeriaschools - #GEJWhileYouWereAway, 1) we now understand that fuel scarcity belongs to EVERYBODY 2) Zahra's Twitter account belongs to NOBODY.
You these pipu, kontiniu...

10. Britain slashes spending by £12bn in new austerity drive
Hephzibah: How come the savings were "found" in welfare? I wish you the best sha.

I deliberately avoided news about bombings. I believe these terrorists enjoy the attention they get when they take human lives. I pray for those who have lost loved ones and have been displaced. May the Lord help us win the war against terrorism, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Please continue to contribute your quota to nation-building and to lift your country up in prayers.

Tuesday, 7 July 2015

HCOTN 070715

1. Emmanuel warns commissioners against poor performance in office

Hephzibah: And the man is a fine man ooo. Okay, good warning, I hope they listen...

2. US oil prices sink nearly 8% on Greece, China worries

Hephzibah: Lord, these oil prices...Baba, what's the status of the agricultural reforms that were ongoing at the time GEJ handed over? Remember the reforms the whole world was talking about? The idea was/is to diversify the economy to cushion the effects of falling oil prices...I hope and pray that you'll sustain the tempo? I hope you understand the importance of appointing competent people...Hmmmm

 

3. Forum applauds Buharis choice for acting INEC chairman

Hephzibah: I feel the "Women Empowerment" cause is hurt when women are seen to have been appointed just to "balance the equation" and not because they are competent. I suspect Madam Zakari is competent but all I'm hearing is "gender inclusiveness"...This gender inclusiveness thing is complex; I've seen manipulative women use it to corner positions that they have no business vying for. I also understand the need for affirmative action...I pray Madam Zakari will deliver and give us more reasons to push for affirmative action towards gender inclusiveness.

Meanwhile, how come all the pictures of Baba I see have him frowning? Journalists, why are you people like this na? Tell him to smile before taking pictures na...Tenkiu

 

4. FIFA bans head of World Cup committee for seven years

Hephzibah: The Guardian, why did you omit(?) "Former" in the headline na...These newspeople sef... What does "breaches of confidentiality" mean? I hope FIFA is not using big grammar to punish a whistleblower ooo. Otherwise, the dude should have respected whatever confidentiality agreement he signed with FIFA...

 

5. Two pilots killed in Russian military jet crash

Hephzibah: Why is Russia still using Soviet era military planes na? I pray that the Lord comforts the loved ones the pilots left behind...

 

6. Worlds oldest person celebrates 116th birthday in NY

Hephzibah: Happy birthday, Mama Susannah but I'm sure there's an older person in Ikere Ekiti that can't tell when exactly he/she was born...

 

7. Greater investment in workforce crucial to improved productivity

Hephzibah: Employers, I hope you're listening? Employees, I think you should also take some initiative in investing in courses/seminars etc that boost YOUR productivity...

The placard one of the guys is holding in the picture ehn... "Increase workers' pay, not increased prayers"...Choi...Employers, I hope you're listening...kikikiki

 

8. A gene for better rice

Hephzibah: Tell me something! I hope it doesn't have funny side-effects ooo and I hope it will help bring down the cost of rice (and hopefully tomatoes too) somehow. Na dat wan concern me pass ooo...

 

9. 3,634 tourists visit Point-of-No-Return Island in 6 months Official

Hephzibah: If people visit the "Point-of-No-Return" island and return, why is it still called the "Point-of-No-Return"? Can the returnees ask for their money back? Lol. The place is in Badagry, if you're looking for somewhere to visit...

 

10. Bomb Blast: JUTH resident doctors suspend strike

Hephzibah: May God bless the JUTH resident doctors. It's heartwarming to hear about people keeping their vows (Doctors swear an oath to put saving lives above pecuniary interests). I pray for the speedy recovery of the victims. I pray that the government quickly get their acts together and defeat these terrorists. God will help us.

 

11. Man in court for allegedly beating up and removing a womans teeth

Hephzibah: What's the matter with all these violent people na? He is alleged to have  dragged the woman on the floor, beat her up and given her a fist blow which pulled out three out of her teeth. The victim was badly injured. Now, he says he's not guilty...I guess we'll hear that it's the woman that dragged herself on the ground, beat herself up and gave herself a fist blow that pulled her three teeth out...I wonder what the onlookers were doing as this woman was being brutalised...This one wasn't even a case of not interfering because it's "husband and wife" matter...It was a case of people arguing...Anyway, the matter is in court now...The Magistrate, granted the accused a bail of N50,000, with one surety in like sum...The bail is too small, in my opinion but then...

 

12. 23-year-old housekeeper bolts with employers N4.6m jewellery

Hephzibah: I personally cannot keep N4.6m "jewellery" (correct spelling is Jewelry please @TheGuardian) in my house uninsured. If you're keeping stuff like that, please get insurance...

Madam Housekeeper, your story is somehow...How come you and the "jewellery" disappeared at the same time? Anyway, the matter is in court. The Magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N2.5 million with two sureties in like sum.

I'm just wondering why the bail conditions for the people that allegedly stole "jewellery" are more stringent than the conditions for a person that allegedly inflicted bodily harm on another human being...Incidentally, it is the same magistrate that is handling both cases and she is a woman...Hmmm...

 

It's another beautiful day and a golden opportunity to contribute your own quota. Please make the day count and don't forget to pray for the peace and prosperity of your country.

 

Enjoy the day.

Monday, 6 July 2015

HCOTN 060715

1. Ikorodu bank robbers arrested

Hephzibah: Congrats, I hope it's the real bank robbers that were arrested ooo. Baba Ibeji, bhet why na? I pray we'll hear more of this. I also support the move to fire the lead policeman who was accused of "tactical porosity" (chai, see grammar). That is quite impressive. More arrests please (Just make sure it's the true robbers that are being arrested...)

 

2. EFCC summons 120 Ogun teachers over N200m loan

Hephzibah: Ha! Come and see Nigerian wonder...How can one get a loan from a financial institution that one does not have an account with? Meanwhile, who bears the cost of transportation for a summon by EFCC? The commission or the person/people being summoned? Erm, EFCC, please summon the bank officials too...They need to provide incontrovertible evidence that the teachers took the said loan...There are enough bank frauds to make me believe the teachers but let's see how it goes...

 

3. Obey partys directive, Gbajabiamila tells Dogara

Hephzibah: And this is breaking news? Sigh! Punch, Punch, Punch, how many times did I call your name sakes? Breaking news is anything on the same scale of importance as a basket of tomatoes selling at 20 Naira or having all national refineries at full capacity at the same time...I'm going to protest by not reading or commenting on the article...

 

4. Police to quiz Ekweremadu over forged Senate rules

Hephzibah: It appears to me that Chief Olisa Metuh is fast learning how propaganda works from the chief propagandist himself, Chief Lai Mohammed. In an ironic twist, it appears Chief Lai Mohammed is also fast learning how to respond to propaganda from Chief Olisa Metuh. I'm wondering why police would choose to quiz only Senator Ekweremadu but let's just watch how this unfolds...

 

5. Siasia to contest Bayelsa gov

Hephzibah: Why are these news people like this na? They even put Samson Siasia's picture, only to confess that it's his brother that is contesting...Una well done oooo

 

He wants to contest on the platform of PDP and claims he'll create 20,000 jobs. (I think I heard something like that in the build-up to the March/April general elections but no one seems to be saying anything about it again...Chai). One of the commenters is asking for the N30,000 June salary for unemployed graduates and the N5,000 June allowance for others. Baba, any response to that?

 

6. APC tasks new INEC boss on electoral reforms

Hephzibah: Madam INEC, please get busy with the electoral reforms. The monumental fraud that brought in this administration should not be allowed to repeat itself, please. Introducing measures that disenfranchise registered voters and remaining uncompromising is not an improvement, it is a setback...I am still stunned that GEJ looked on and allowed that to happen. Please let's see #Change there. I'm still stunned that Bauchi had as many accredited registered voters as Lagos, inspite of the insurgency...There are abacradabras here and there, with some Returning Officers writing results under "special circumstances"...There are a lot of gaps before the next set of elections, ma'am.

 

7. AIbom elders ask gov to curb cultism

Hephzibah: Why can't these Punch people write "Akwa-Ibom" or "Government" in full? See how 'textspeak' is eroding the quality of journalism? Sigh! Anyway, Government has heard you, dear Akwa-Ibom elders. I'll also like to ask what YOU are doing to curb cultism...

 

8. SCourt affirms ex-employees life sentence for attempted murder

Hephzibah: Me, I don't understand the technicalities of this case ooo. I suspect that it was the actions of these people that triggered the medical condition that led to the death of the victim na. Bhet, who am I to challenge the Justices of the Supreme Court? And why can't these people write Supreme Court in full?

May the Lord comfort the family that the victim left behind...Wicked people everywhere...May the Lord guide us in our dealings with other human beings...

 

9. Tribunal: Melaye accuses Tinubu of backing Adeyemi at ACourt

Hephzibah: Senator Melaye, please face your lane and deliver dividends of democracy to your constituency. Please let Chief Tinubu lick his wounds in peace. Punch, these your abbreviations are distracting me...

 

10. SSANU rejects NUC moves to stop staff schools funding

Hephzibah: I think those Staff Schools should be run like other primary and secondary schools. The Dons should pay for their kids' education like the rest of us...Maybe a bit subsidized, though...

 

11. Save Ijaw language from extinction

Hephzibah: Why? I believe languages should evolve as people evolve. If the Old English was not saved from extinction, why should the Ijaw (or Yoruba or Igbo or Hausa or Bachama) language be saved from extinction? If no one wants to speak the language anymore, I think we should let it go...

 

It's another beautiful day and a golden opportunity to contribute your own quota. Please make the day count and don't forget to pray for the peace and prosperity of your country.

 

Enjoy the day.

Sunday, 5 July 2015

HCOTN 050715

1. Corruption: Buhari may probe CBN

Hephzibah: I think this statement from a comment on the Punch article says it as I see it - "Well, if Buhari nor like Emefiele face again, he can simply Ita-Ekpenyong him away and may be Emir Munammad Sanusi II can come back and become Sanusi Lamido Sanusi one more time! Them still dey sell bow tiejust in case!"

 

2. Buhari fires CSO over supremacy battle with ADC

Hephzibah: Another comment captures my thoughts succinctly - "I just wish say my dear president go soon do one serious, correct, beta achievement wey go wow all Nigerians and get them give him a rousing ovation rather than all these hire and fire things that doesnt directly touch the lives of Nigerians other than generate more tribal isshes." Well said. If Baba wanted to do it well, he should have fired both the ADC and the CSO...Shi ke nan!

 

3. PDP chiefs clash over new INEC boss

Hephzibah: So, who should we believe and why? Chief Olisa Metuh, where is the minutes of meeting Mr Ibrahim Jalo is asking for? Mr Ibrahim Jalo, I hope there is no hanky panky from your end o? Chief Olisa Metuh raised some valid points, even if he is not truly speaking on behalf of the party. I genuinely hope Mrs Zakari is independent enough to head INEC...What are they doing to close the gaps identified during the March/April elections ahead of the governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states?

 

4. APC crisis: Warring groups may call Buharis bluff

Hephzibah: After wasting about 5 minutes reading an annoyingly lengthy article, I arrived at the same conclusion as this Punch commenter - "Heeeeeeey eh! These people are busy fighting over positions and the masses are suffering at the fuel stations, naira is now 230 to a dollar!!!. From the look of things, nothing has really CHANGED!!!"

 

5. NFF fires Keshi, Amodu takes over

Hephzibah: So, is that #Change, #Recycling or #SameOfTheSame? No time/interest to read the article...:D

 

6. Buhari to reopen cases of political killings, others

Hephzibah: Okay oo, Baba; we don hear...Again another Punch comment to the rescue - "Buhari wants to do this, Buhari will do that; yet nothing seems to be happening. Given the calibre of people he is appointing into his government; his chances of accomplishing nothing is really high. Some of the appointees have not been known to be innovative or to have given good accounts of themselves in their previous appointments."

 

We pray that the Lord will intervene and use them for good, inspite of their track records.

 

7. Why I revoked contracts awarded by my predecessor Badaru

Hephzibah: Hmmm...I'm interested in how the 1 billion Naira will be recovered. I hope the new contractor is truly more competent and trusted sha...Anyway, time will tell.

 

8. Policeman brutalises Lagos driver

Hephzibah: The policeman's name is [Read the article in The Punch newspaper to find out]. Police, why na? Why can't you embrace #Change? Isn't the police our friend again? Breaking someone's head because he dented your car then asking for forgiveness...Why?

 

9. Military take over security in Anambra prison

Hephzibah: It's about time. And please, no "accidental" jailbreaks. Some are already claiming that this is a tactical way to import BH terrorists to Southern Nigeria. Please, prove them wrong. Thanks.

 

10. Were closing in on Boko Haram FG/FG open to negotiations with Boko Haram

Hephzibah: Please can someone explain to me why the FG is negotiating with Boko Haram if they are closing in on them. I pray that God will help Nigeria win this war against terrorism. Let me end it here before I start ranting again...God will help us.

 

11. Nigerians buy fuel for N120 per litre

Hephzibah: That's 33 Naira (37.93%) above the pump price. Baba, what's the FG going to do about it?

 

12. Herdsmen kill two students in Jos school

Hephzibah: This Punch sef...Headline says two students killed, article says one student killed, another injured and farmer killed. Please, hire me as your editor and let the current editor be my deputy joor, lol.

Anyway, this is a comment I wish I could like a million times - "The excuse given by the security spokesperson for not providing security to the people is reckless, irresponsible and unacceptable. Would they have accepted it if they people had opted to cede?"

 

13. Kano Christians not barred from churches

Hephzibah: But they are not permitted to buy food from food sellers during Ramadan, right? Seriously, we need to talk about the adoption of Sharia law by some Northern states...The application is inconsistent with many sections of the Nigerian Constitution...

 

Meanwhile, this "Breaking News" is annoying me...Why is it "breaking news" that Chile beat Argentina to win Copa America? By my definition, breaking news is when I hear that a basket of tomatoes now sells at 20 Naira, lol.

 

Enjoy your day.

Thursday, 2 July 2015

HCOTN 020715

1. Boko Haram kills about 100 people

Hephzibah: Hmmmm...Can we ask Baba now "what's up?" or should we wait till July 31, 2015 per the campaign promise? My heart still bleeds when I remember how APC politicized terrorism in order to win elections...The blood of the innocent is crying for justice ooo. I wonder why there is no more outrage at the carnage...I'll ask again, is the blood of those that have been killed by Boko Haram after May 29, 2015 not as thick as the blood of those that they killed before May 29, 2015. 

 

2. El-Rufai sues The Union newspaper for publishing false assets.  

Hephzibah: So, how much do you really have sir? Did they under-report? Lol.

 

3. Crisis in PDP over the choice of Minority Leaders

Hephzibah: Same of the same, what's next?

 

4. Rain is falling in Lagos State

Hephzibah: Seriously? I could have sworn it was money that was falling, lol. Seriously, the flooding, traffic jam, accidents etc are not a child's play. May the Lord help and keep us...

 

5. Police at Shasha police station have a boy named Mark Friday Endurance, who must have lost his way, in their station.

Hephzibah: Police, seriously? They know the boy's school and it's interesting that they don't seem to have gone to the school to find out more. SERIOUSLY? Are you for real? Sigh! Well, if you know anyone looking for Mark Friday Endurance, please ask them to look for him at Shasha police station.