The sight of about a battalion of Nigerian soldiers in jeeps, armoured tanks and on foot is making the people of Bonny Island jittery. The deployment of the troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the Bonny Kingdom began a week ago after the brutal murder of some military officers by an unidentified group of the dreaded Niger Delta militants. The security of lives and properties is the top priority of the Nigerian government and in particular the security of the Nigeria LNG Bonny Plant Complex.
The militants and allied gunmen have given an ultimatum to all foreigners and and non-indigènes to leave Bonny Island before July 16, 2008, for their own good. They have threatened to besiege
the kingdom and sack the multinational oil companies, banks and "saboteurs" they have accused of plundering the Niger Delta region for decades. After the daring attack on the Bonga field, the Nigerian government ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces to hunt and capture the Niger Delta militants responsible for the attack. The Nigerian military forces have been attacking the camps of the militants in the creeks and the Nigerian Army is building a garrison on Bonny Island for the maximum security of the Nigerian LNG Bonny Plant Complex and other oil companies.
The residents are sacred of being assaulted by unruly soldiers, because rumours are circulating that these soldiers will assault the defenceless young women as they have done when they were deployed to other troubled areas in the Niger Delta, such as in Ogoni and Odi where many cases of looting and rape were repoted.
Showing posts with label Nigeria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nigeria. Show all posts
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
World Publics Reject Criminal Penalties for Abortion in Nigeria and other Countries
The World Pubblics has rejected the criminal penalties for Abortion in Nigeria and other countries.
The following report has addressed the critical issues in the prosecution of those who commit Abortion where it is illegal.
18 Jun 2008 22:00 Africa/Lagos
World Publics Reject Criminal Penalties for Abortion
COLLEGE PARK, Md., June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WorldPublicOpinion.org finds that in 17 out of 18 nations polled around the world, majorities reject using criminal penalties, such as fines and imprisonment, as a means to prevent abortion.
Nations differ on whether the government should make any effort to discourage abortion. In nine nations majorities believe their government should simply leave these matters to individuals.
Seven nations favor government efforts to discourage abortions, but in only one--Indonesia--does a majority endorse their government using criminal penalties. The other six that favor government efforts are divided between minorities who favor criminal penalties and who favor only non-punitive government efforts to discourage abortion, such as education, counseling and adoption services.
In seven nations the public is at odds with their country's laws. Contrary to their public's preferences, there are criminal penalties for abortion in Egypt, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Poland and South Korea.
On average across all 18 countries, 52 percent favor leaving the matter of abortion to the individual, while 42 percent think their government should try to discourage abortions. Those who back government efforts include 18 percent who support criminal enforcement, while 23 percent favor education, counseling, and adoption services but not criminal enforcement.
"While it does appear that many people around the world are uncomfortable with abortion, few think that the government should use punitive means to try to prevent it," said Steven Kull, director of WorldPublicOpinion.org. "Clearly many governments around the world using criminal penalties to try to prevent abortions are out of step with their publics."
Interviews with 18,465 respondents were conducted in 18 countries representing 59 percent of the world's population. This includes most of the largest countries in the world--China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Russia--as well as Mexico, Britain, France, Poland, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, the Palestinian Territories, Thailand and South Korea. The survey was fielded between Jan. 10 and May 6. Margins of error range from +/-2 to 4 percent.
WorldPublicOpinion.org is a collaborative research project of research centers from around the world, managed by the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland.
More details can be found at www.WorldPublicOpinion.org.
Source: Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland
CONTACT: Steven Kull of Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA)
at the University of Maryland, +1-202-232-7500
Web Site: www.WorldPublicOpinion.org
The following report has addressed the critical issues in the prosecution of those who commit Abortion where it is illegal.
18 Jun 2008 22:00 Africa/Lagos
World Publics Reject Criminal Penalties for Abortion
COLLEGE PARK, Md., June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WorldPublicOpinion.org finds that in 17 out of 18 nations polled around the world, majorities reject using criminal penalties, such as fines and imprisonment, as a means to prevent abortion.
Nations differ on whether the government should make any effort to discourage abortion. In nine nations majorities believe their government should simply leave these matters to individuals.
Seven nations favor government efforts to discourage abortions, but in only one--Indonesia--does a majority endorse their government using criminal penalties. The other six that favor government efforts are divided between minorities who favor criminal penalties and who favor only non-punitive government efforts to discourage abortion, such as education, counseling and adoption services.
In seven nations the public is at odds with their country's laws. Contrary to their public's preferences, there are criminal penalties for abortion in Egypt, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Poland and South Korea.
On average across all 18 countries, 52 percent favor leaving the matter of abortion to the individual, while 42 percent think their government should try to discourage abortions. Those who back government efforts include 18 percent who support criminal enforcement, while 23 percent favor education, counseling, and adoption services but not criminal enforcement.
"While it does appear that many people around the world are uncomfortable with abortion, few think that the government should use punitive means to try to prevent it," said Steven Kull, director of WorldPublicOpinion.org. "Clearly many governments around the world using criminal penalties to try to prevent abortions are out of step with their publics."
Interviews with 18,465 respondents were conducted in 18 countries representing 59 percent of the world's population. This includes most of the largest countries in the world--China, India, the United States, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Russia--as well as Mexico, Britain, France, Poland, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, the Palestinian Territories, Thailand and South Korea. The survey was fielded between Jan. 10 and May 6. Margins of error range from +/-2 to 4 percent.
WorldPublicOpinion.org is a collaborative research project of research centers from around the world, managed by the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland.
More details can be found at www.WorldPublicOpinion.org.
Source: Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland
CONTACT: Steven Kull of Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA)
at the University of Maryland, +1-202-232-7500
Web Site: www.WorldPublicOpinion.org
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Niger Delta Palaver
THE NIGER DELTA PALAVER
The ruling People's Democratic Party(PDP)is wasting time setting up kangaroo Rivers State Truth and Reconciliation Commission where the former governor Dr. Peter Odili has been telling lies in defence of the PDP, the most corrupt and notorious political party in Africa. It has been a comedy of errors so far.
The rogue gallery is a mockery of democracy and the rule of law.
The Niger Delta Summit is going to be another opportunity for the misappropriation of our revenue allocations by the political contractors in power and cannot bring the chief perpetrators of the Niger Delta crisis to book.
The Niger Delta crisis can be solved within one month if we have a fearless revolutionary leader like Jerry Rawlings of Ghana to sack the PDP and commence the arrest and trial of all the top dogs and pigs who have acquired illegal oil blocks they shared among themselves since 1979 to date.
The plutocratic oligarchy has been in power since 1979 when the retired General Olusegun Obasanjo handed over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) controlled by the Northern Mafia and they engaged themselves in political power tussle with military coups until they murdered Chief M.K.O Abiola who had fallen out of favour with them and killed General Sani Abacha who was too mad for them to control. Then to compensate retired General Olusegun Obasanjo, they rigged the presidential election of 1999 to let him win and become the President on the agreement that he would hand over to them in 2007.
From 1979 to date, they have plundered the Niger Delta region and squandered our oil revenues on themselves, their families, cronies and shareholders. They used the ill-gotten wealth to open the new generation banks. Check the members of the board of directors of each of the new generation banks and probe their sources of wealth and they would be traced to illegal oil bunkering, illegal oil blocks, corruption in the allocations of tenders in public office and they invested the misappropriated public funds in the private sector.
The serving and retired Nigerian Army generals, Naval officers and political big wigs should all be arrested like Jerry Rawlings did in Ghana and then probe them on how civil servants on salary could become millionaires and billionaires in dollars and pounds while in office.
They are not more than 500 and we can identify them all.
Until they are arraigned to face the Law, there can never be peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta region and the rest of Nigeria.
No Justice, No Peace.
The ruling People's Democratic Party(PDP)is wasting time setting up kangaroo Rivers State Truth and Reconciliation Commission where the former governor Dr. Peter Odili has been telling lies in defence of the PDP, the most corrupt and notorious political party in Africa. It has been a comedy of errors so far.
The rogue gallery is a mockery of democracy and the rule of law.
The Niger Delta Summit is going to be another opportunity for the misappropriation of our revenue allocations by the political contractors in power and cannot bring the chief perpetrators of the Niger Delta crisis to book.
The Niger Delta crisis can be solved within one month if we have a fearless revolutionary leader like Jerry Rawlings of Ghana to sack the PDP and commence the arrest and trial of all the top dogs and pigs who have acquired illegal oil blocks they shared among themselves since 1979 to date.
The plutocratic oligarchy has been in power since 1979 when the retired General Olusegun Obasanjo handed over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) controlled by the Northern Mafia and they engaged themselves in political power tussle with military coups until they murdered Chief M.K.O Abiola who had fallen out of favour with them and killed General Sani Abacha who was too mad for them to control. Then to compensate retired General Olusegun Obasanjo, they rigged the presidential election of 1999 to let him win and become the President on the agreement that he would hand over to them in 2007.
From 1979 to date, they have plundered the Niger Delta region and squandered our oil revenues on themselves, their families, cronies and shareholders. They used the ill-gotten wealth to open the new generation banks. Check the members of the board of directors of each of the new generation banks and probe their sources of wealth and they would be traced to illegal oil bunkering, illegal oil blocks, corruption in the allocations of tenders in public office and they invested the misappropriated public funds in the private sector.
The serving and retired Nigerian Army generals, Naval officers and political big wigs should all be arrested like Jerry Rawlings did in Ghana and then probe them on how civil servants on salary could become millionaires and billionaires in dollars and pounds while in office.
They are not more than 500 and we can identify them all.
Until they are arraigned to face the Law, there can never be peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta region and the rest of Nigeria.
No Justice, No Peace.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Nigeria, The Truth and the Hypocrisy of Humanity
The most brutish and foolish creatures on earth must be Africans, from Nigeria to Rwanda and from the Sudan to the Congo. Africans have committed more atrocities in Africa since the independence of African countries than the atrocities of the imperialists in two centuries.
The rest of the world said they were shocked by the Rwanda holocaust, but more people are being killed in the Congo and yet we have not done anything to stop it. The emergency in the Congo is worse than the Darfur crisis, but how many times have we seen the horrors making headlines online and offline?
I have decided to be distant from the hordes of hypocrites who claim to be citizen journalists and human rights activists in the blogosphere and claiming to be global voices or whatever tag they use for their hypocritical impressionism, but have not addressed the emergencies in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Others among them are busy looking for American and Western European endorsements for their gay rights and other Sexual perversions and feminist rights while thousands of fellow humans are being killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and women are being raped, murdered in honor killings and other violent crimes. The Muslims among them would prefer to cover up the Thousands of Women Killed for Family "Honor" in the falsehood of their satanic religion.
They are busy counting hits, unique visitors and contesting for Webby or other impressionistic awards, but how many of them are competing for the best reports on the 5,400,000 Dead in Congo?
Today is June 12 Day in Nigeria to mark the 15 years of the undemocratic annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, and remember the martyrdom of Chief M.K.O. Abiola. But from the news making headlines in Nigeria, from the Niger Delta crisis to the catastrophic pipeline explosions and from electoral malpractices to the perpetuation of corruption in the corridors of power, we can see that the majority of Nigerians have not learnt lessons from the terrible mistakes of the past as Nigeria has gone to the dogs. Almost everybody in Nigeria behaves like a dog. They are either the top dogs or the street dogs, but dogs are dogs. They are the most unscrupulous people on earth. Shameless liars, crooks, rogues, prostitutes, parasites, ingrates and opportunists living in in a state of infamy and ignominy.
I have addressed the corruption plaguing Nigeria and the solution in Dear Nigerians, Only The Best Is Good Enough For Us.
God bless those who speak the truth and damn the wrath of the earth.
Read "The Mandate of MKO Abiola"
by Adeleke O. Adeyemi
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Africa's Mobile Industry to Pay $71 Billion in Tax By 2012
29 May 2008 09:00 Africa/Lagos
Africa's Mobile Industry to Pay $71 Billion in Tax By 2012
JOHANNESBURG, May 29/PRNewswire/ --
- GSMA Says Cutting Mobile-Specific Taxes Would Boost Government Revenue
The mobile industry will generate $71 billion in tax revenues in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2012, but that figure would be higher still if governments removed taxes that treat mobile phones and services as luxury goods, according to research commissioned by the GSMA. The research by Frontier Economics found that uptake of mobile services in the region is being held back by mobile-specific taxes on handsets, airtime and telecom equipment, which increase costs for consumers and deter investment by mobile operators.
If all mobile specific-taxes in Sub-Saharan Africa had been removed in 2007, an additional 43 million people in the region would be connected by 2012 leading to an increase in overall tax receipts of $930 million between 2007 and 2012, according to the research.
"Mobile consumers in Africa face some of the highest tax rates in the world which hit poorer members of society hardest," said Gabriel Solomon, Senior Vice President at the GSMA, the global trade body for the mobile industry. "These taxes are holding back mobile adoption in Africa, curbing economic growth and, ironically, are actually lowering the total revenues collected by governments."
The research found that the mobile industry in Sub-Saharan Africa employs more than 3.5 million people directly or indirectly and, in 2006, contributed an average of 4% to African countries' Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GSMA announced in October that mobile operators plan to invest approximately $50 billion in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years. The report estimates that every dollar the mobile industry invests in Africa generates an average of US80 cents in taxes. Frontier Economics calculates that the mobile sector accounts for 7% of total government revenues in the region.
"We do not believe that taxation should be designed on the basis of short-term considerations - it should be designed on the basis of achieving the best long-term economic interests for the society and in a way that accelerates the extension of services to the poor," added Mohsen A. Khalil, Global Information and Communication Technologies Director at the World Bank. "The indirect benefits to the economy of having affordable access to telecommunications services far outweigh any short-term benefit to the budget."
Notes to Editors:
More information on the research is available at http://www.gsmworld.com/africatax
Key Findings
For the period 2000-2012, sub-Saharan governments will receive $71 billion in tax revenues from the mobile industry.
This amount could be greater if mobile-ownership specific taxes, i.e. all non-VAT taxes relating to handsets, subscription and connections, were removed. For example, for the five year period 2007-2012 we estimate that:
- Tax receipts would increase by $930 million, rising from $28.9 billion to $29.9 billion, if the governments of Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, Ghana, Zambia, DRC, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Chad and Malawi removed all non-VAT mobile ownership taxes in 2007;
- By 2012, Chad's tax receipts would be approximately 30% higher, Ghana's 20%, Cameroon and Nigeria's 15%, Republic of Congo's 11%, Malawi's 8% and Zambia's 7%;
- The average cost of owning and using a mobile phone would fall substantially, in Republic of Congo by -25%, in Cameroon by -24%, in Chad by -22%, in Malawi by -18%, in DRC by -16% and in Nigeria by -14%; and
- This would result in an additional 43.4 million mobile subscribers in those countries, increasing the 2012 projected weighted average penetration rate from 33% to 41%
For the 10 year period 2007 - 2017 we estimate that:
- In Ghana, if all non-VAT taxes were removed in 2007, by 2017 tax revenues would be 38% above the base case and penetration would be 28% higher; &
- In Cameroon, if non-VAT taxes were removed on handsets only in 2007, by 2017 tax revenues would be 24% above the base case and penetration would be 43% higher.
In sub-Saharan Africa, eight governments levy luxury taxes on air time, 24 governments levy luxury taxes on handsets and more than 25 governments levy luxury taxes on equipment.
In 2006, mobile tax contributions are broken down into the following categories:
- 35% net VAT on services and handsets;
- 34% corporate and employment taxes;
- 20% import duties on handsets and equipment; and
- 11% other mobile specific consumption taxes such as air time tax.
If non-VAT taxes removed, governments in the majority of countries would receive incrementally higher tax returns as industry growth boosts total VAT receipts along with corporate and employment tax receipts.
The average ratio of tax payments to mobile operator revenues is above 30%. The five countries with the highest ratios are Zambia 53%, Madagascar 45%, Tanzania 40%, Gabon 40% and Cameroon 39%.
The average mobile tax contribution to government total national tax revenue is 7%. The five countries with the highest contributions are Chad 11%, Republic of Congo 10%, Gabon 9%, Tanzania 8% and Cameroon 8%.
The mobile industry is a substantial generator of GDP, contributing around 4% on average in 2006. That year, the mobile industry contributed 5.3% GDP in Ghana, 4.3% GDP in South Africa, 4.1% GDP in Niger, 4% GDP in Nigeria, 4% GDP in Rwanda, 3.8% GDP in Uganda, 3.5% GDP in Tanzania and 3.4% GDP in Kenya.
For the period 2000-2012, GSMA estimate that between $85 billion to $98 billion will be invested by the mobile industry in sub-Saharan Africa. $13 billion more would be invested between 2008-2012 if government in sub-Saharan Africa lowered regulatory risk and removed mobile-specific taxes.(1)
In 2007, the mobile industry employed more than 3.5 million people directly or indirectly in sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2007, mobile networks covered more than 60% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa, providing around 434 million people with access. Of those covered, 162 million were connected, implying a 37% penetration rate among those covered by mobile networks in sub-Saharan Africa.
About the GSMA:
The GSM Association (GSMA) is the global trade association representing more than 750 GSM mobile phone operators across 218 countries and territories of the world. The Association's members represent more than 3 billion GSM and 3GSM connections - over 86% of the world's mobile phone connections. In addition, more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers support the Association's initiatives as key partners.
The primary goals of the GSMA are to ensure mobile phones and wireless services work globally and are easily accessible, enhancing their value to individual customers and national economies, while creating new business opportunities for operators and their suppliers.
---------------------------------
(1) For example, in the report "Regulation and the Digital Divide", PwC estimated that best practice regulatory conditions in sub-Saharan Africa would increase investment by 25% http://www.gsmworld.com/regulation
Source: The GSM Association (GSMA)
For further information contact: Mark Smith / David Pringle, GSM Association, Mobile: +44(0)7990-707-770, Email: press@gsm.org
Africa's Mobile Industry to Pay $71 Billion in Tax By 2012
JOHANNESBURG, May 29/PRNewswire/ --
- GSMA Says Cutting Mobile-Specific Taxes Would Boost Government Revenue
The mobile industry will generate $71 billion in tax revenues in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2012, but that figure would be higher still if governments removed taxes that treat mobile phones and services as luxury goods, according to research commissioned by the GSMA. The research by Frontier Economics found that uptake of mobile services in the region is being held back by mobile-specific taxes on handsets, airtime and telecom equipment, which increase costs for consumers and deter investment by mobile operators.
If all mobile specific-taxes in Sub-Saharan Africa had been removed in 2007, an additional 43 million people in the region would be connected by 2012 leading to an increase in overall tax receipts of $930 million between 2007 and 2012, according to the research.
"Mobile consumers in Africa face some of the highest tax rates in the world which hit poorer members of society hardest," said Gabriel Solomon, Senior Vice President at the GSMA, the global trade body for the mobile industry. "These taxes are holding back mobile adoption in Africa, curbing economic growth and, ironically, are actually lowering the total revenues collected by governments."
The research found that the mobile industry in Sub-Saharan Africa employs more than 3.5 million people directly or indirectly and, in 2006, contributed an average of 4% to African countries' Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GSMA announced in October that mobile operators plan to invest approximately $50 billion in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years. The report estimates that every dollar the mobile industry invests in Africa generates an average of US80 cents in taxes. Frontier Economics calculates that the mobile sector accounts for 7% of total government revenues in the region.
"We do not believe that taxation should be designed on the basis of short-term considerations - it should be designed on the basis of achieving the best long-term economic interests for the society and in a way that accelerates the extension of services to the poor," added Mohsen A. Khalil, Global Information and Communication Technologies Director at the World Bank. "The indirect benefits to the economy of having affordable access to telecommunications services far outweigh any short-term benefit to the budget."
Notes to Editors:
More information on the research is available at http://www.gsmworld.com/africatax
Key Findings
For the period 2000-2012, sub-Saharan governments will receive $71 billion in tax revenues from the mobile industry.
This amount could be greater if mobile-ownership specific taxes, i.e. all non-VAT taxes relating to handsets, subscription and connections, were removed. For example, for the five year period 2007-2012 we estimate that:
- Tax receipts would increase by $930 million, rising from $28.9 billion to $29.9 billion, if the governments of Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, Ghana, Zambia, DRC, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Chad and Malawi removed all non-VAT mobile ownership taxes in 2007;
- By 2012, Chad's tax receipts would be approximately 30% higher, Ghana's 20%, Cameroon and Nigeria's 15%, Republic of Congo's 11%, Malawi's 8% and Zambia's 7%;
- The average cost of owning and using a mobile phone would fall substantially, in Republic of Congo by -25%, in Cameroon by -24%, in Chad by -22%, in Malawi by -18%, in DRC by -16% and in Nigeria by -14%; and
- This would result in an additional 43.4 million mobile subscribers in those countries, increasing the 2012 projected weighted average penetration rate from 33% to 41%
For the 10 year period 2007 - 2017 we estimate that:
- In Ghana, if all non-VAT taxes were removed in 2007, by 2017 tax revenues would be 38% above the base case and penetration would be 28% higher; &
- In Cameroon, if non-VAT taxes were removed on handsets only in 2007, by 2017 tax revenues would be 24% above the base case and penetration would be 43% higher.
In sub-Saharan Africa, eight governments levy luxury taxes on air time, 24 governments levy luxury taxes on handsets and more than 25 governments levy luxury taxes on equipment.
In 2006, mobile tax contributions are broken down into the following categories:
- 35% net VAT on services and handsets;
- 34% corporate and employment taxes;
- 20% import duties on handsets and equipment; and
- 11% other mobile specific consumption taxes such as air time tax.
If non-VAT taxes removed, governments in the majority of countries would receive incrementally higher tax returns as industry growth boosts total VAT receipts along with corporate and employment tax receipts.
The average ratio of tax payments to mobile operator revenues is above 30%. The five countries with the highest ratios are Zambia 53%, Madagascar 45%, Tanzania 40%, Gabon 40% and Cameroon 39%.
The average mobile tax contribution to government total national tax revenue is 7%. The five countries with the highest contributions are Chad 11%, Republic of Congo 10%, Gabon 9%, Tanzania 8% and Cameroon 8%.
The mobile industry is a substantial generator of GDP, contributing around 4% on average in 2006. That year, the mobile industry contributed 5.3% GDP in Ghana, 4.3% GDP in South Africa, 4.1% GDP in Niger, 4% GDP in Nigeria, 4% GDP in Rwanda, 3.8% GDP in Uganda, 3.5% GDP in Tanzania and 3.4% GDP in Kenya.
For the period 2000-2012, GSMA estimate that between $85 billion to $98 billion will be invested by the mobile industry in sub-Saharan Africa. $13 billion more would be invested between 2008-2012 if government in sub-Saharan Africa lowered regulatory risk and removed mobile-specific taxes.(1)
In 2007, the mobile industry employed more than 3.5 million people directly or indirectly in sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2007, mobile networks covered more than 60% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa, providing around 434 million people with access. Of those covered, 162 million were connected, implying a 37% penetration rate among those covered by mobile networks in sub-Saharan Africa.
About the GSMA:
The GSM Association (GSMA) is the global trade association representing more than 750 GSM mobile phone operators across 218 countries and territories of the world. The Association's members represent more than 3 billion GSM and 3GSM connections - over 86% of the world's mobile phone connections. In addition, more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers support the Association's initiatives as key partners.
The primary goals of the GSMA are to ensure mobile phones and wireless services work globally and are easily accessible, enhancing their value to individual customers and national economies, while creating new business opportunities for operators and their suppliers.
---------------------------------
(1) For example, in the report "Regulation and the Digital Divide", PwC estimated that best practice regulatory conditions in sub-Saharan Africa would increase investment by 25% http://www.gsmworld.com/regulation
Source: The GSM Association (GSMA)
For further information contact: Mark Smith / David Pringle, GSM Association, Mobile: +44(0)7990-707-770, Email: press@gsm.org
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
From Peru to Nigeria, Entrepreneurs are Battling Poverty
28 May 2008 13:00 Africa/Lagos
From Peru to Nigeria, Entrepreneurs are Battling Poverty
Lessons from the Poor Examines Success Stories from Around the World
" . . . fascinating . . . profoundly hopeful . . . " -William R. Easterly Professor of Economics, New York University Former Research Economist, World Bank
" . . . important . . . informative . . . " -Mark C. Casson Professor of Economics, University of Reading
OAKLAND, Calif., May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Can the billions of people living below the poverty line teach the world a lesson about economics that most politicians and academics don't seem to understand? Internationally acclaimed political analyst and author Alvaro Vargas Llosa says they can.
In Lessons from the Poor: Triumph of the Entrepreneurial Spirit (May 30, 2008/The Independent Institute/ $16.95), Vargas Llosa and a team of economists examine a series of success stories from around the world. Their case studies show how entrepreneurialism drives economic development. Unfortunately, in societies dominated by political corruption, high taxes, and regulation, innovators must overcome enormous challenges. Wealth transfer, cronyism, and legal insecurity all conspire against progress. Lessons from the Poor features inspiring examples of entrepreneurship and urges countries to embrace policies that encourage individual initiative and wealth creation, instead of the zero-sum game of wealth redistribution.
"The book contains five entrepreneurial case studies which exemplify the creative powers of the human race when everything seems aligned against the individual," says Vargas Llosa, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute. "The researchers--men and women based in Latin American and Africa--conducted extensive fieldwork on location in order to understand and then effectively communicate these success stories to other aspiring entrepreneurs around the world."
After reading about the founding of family-run Kola Real in Peru in the 1980s and the success of the informal clothing industry in Nigeria, it is hard to deny the invaluable role of entrepreneurship in the lives of even the poorest people. Without it, the supermarket Nakumatt would not have revolutionized the Kenyan shopping experience beyond the open-air market, and the Argentine barter system would never have become a "parallel economy," helping thousands of unemployed citizens battle poverty.
Past scholarship has often focused on the perniciousness of excessive regulation and bureaucracy in poor nations, suggesting that business ventures that were free of suffocating state intervention might have thrived. Some of it has examined the illegal enterprises--the informal economy--emerging from efforts to circumvent the hostile legal system in order to survive. "But very few have concentrated on those entrepreneurs who, starting from a condition of extreme poverty, were able to overcome a mountain of obstacles successfully and, operating within the oppressive constraints of the law, create considerable wealth," says Vargas Llosa.
And yet many still struggle to survive. "Clearly our past solutions and foreign aid policies have not worked and new ideas and directions are needed," concludes Vargas Llosa. "The industrialized and developed countries must find ways to support this drive to innovate and create new products and markets." In Lessons from the Poor, the lessons on entrepreneurialism are clear and learned from the lives of the poorest among us.
Lessons from the Poor:
Triumph of the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Edited By Alvaro Vargas Llosa
The Independent Institute | May 30, 2008
$16.95 | 304 pages | ISBN 978-1-59813-020-1
Source: Independent Institute
CONTACT: Wendy Honett of Independent Institute, +1-510-632-1366 x 116
Web Site: http://www.independent.org/
From Peru to Nigeria, Entrepreneurs are Battling Poverty
Lessons from the Poor Examines Success Stories from Around the World
" . . . fascinating . . . profoundly hopeful . . . " -William R. Easterly Professor of Economics, New York University Former Research Economist, World Bank
" . . . important . . . informative . . . " -Mark C. Casson Professor of Economics, University of Reading
OAKLAND, Calif., May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Can the billions of people living below the poverty line teach the world a lesson about economics that most politicians and academics don't seem to understand? Internationally acclaimed political analyst and author Alvaro Vargas Llosa says they can.
In Lessons from the Poor: Triumph of the Entrepreneurial Spirit (May 30, 2008/The Independent Institute/ $16.95), Vargas Llosa and a team of economists examine a series of success stories from around the world. Their case studies show how entrepreneurialism drives economic development. Unfortunately, in societies dominated by political corruption, high taxes, and regulation, innovators must overcome enormous challenges. Wealth transfer, cronyism, and legal insecurity all conspire against progress. Lessons from the Poor features inspiring examples of entrepreneurship and urges countries to embrace policies that encourage individual initiative and wealth creation, instead of the zero-sum game of wealth redistribution.
"The book contains five entrepreneurial case studies which exemplify the creative powers of the human race when everything seems aligned against the individual," says Vargas Llosa, Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute. "The researchers--men and women based in Latin American and Africa--conducted extensive fieldwork on location in order to understand and then effectively communicate these success stories to other aspiring entrepreneurs around the world."
After reading about the founding of family-run Kola Real in Peru in the 1980s and the success of the informal clothing industry in Nigeria, it is hard to deny the invaluable role of entrepreneurship in the lives of even the poorest people. Without it, the supermarket Nakumatt would not have revolutionized the Kenyan shopping experience beyond the open-air market, and the Argentine barter system would never have become a "parallel economy," helping thousands of unemployed citizens battle poverty.
Past scholarship has often focused on the perniciousness of excessive regulation and bureaucracy in poor nations, suggesting that business ventures that were free of suffocating state intervention might have thrived. Some of it has examined the illegal enterprises--the informal economy--emerging from efforts to circumvent the hostile legal system in order to survive. "But very few have concentrated on those entrepreneurs who, starting from a condition of extreme poverty, were able to overcome a mountain of obstacles successfully and, operating within the oppressive constraints of the law, create considerable wealth," says Vargas Llosa.
And yet many still struggle to survive. "Clearly our past solutions and foreign aid policies have not worked and new ideas and directions are needed," concludes Vargas Llosa. "The industrialized and developed countries must find ways to support this drive to innovate and create new products and markets." In Lessons from the Poor, the lessons on entrepreneurialism are clear and learned from the lives of the poorest among us.
Lessons from the Poor:
Triumph of the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Edited By Alvaro Vargas Llosa
The Independent Institute | May 30, 2008
$16.95 | 304 pages | ISBN 978-1-59813-020-1
Source: Independent Institute
CONTACT: Wendy Honett of Independent Institute, +1-510-632-1366 x 116
Web Site: http://www.independent.org/
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Our Children Are Our Future
In memory of the children of Ijegun Comprehensive High School, Ijegun Nursery and Primary Schools who lost their precious lives in the Pipeline Explosion on Thursday May 15, 2008, in Ijegun, Lagos, Nigeria.
This is for all the children in Nigeria as I join them to celebrate the Children’s Day.
The nostalgia of my childhood is overwhelming, because the unforgettable memories of growing up in the loving care of my parents are now flooding back to me.
I love my childhood. I had a happy childhood after the Nigerian civil war. I grew up in a happy home at #28 Obalende Road, Obalende, Lagos.
I love children, because as Whitney Houston sang in The Greatest Love of All, they are indeed our future.
Nigerian School Children in class. Photo Credit:Khaled Hassounah
85% of the children in Nigeria are from poor families who are mostly in the rural areas. When I travel to different states in Nigeria and I see the children in their dilapidated houses and bad roads, I feel sad and disappointed, because Nigeria is one of the richest countries in natural resources and Nigerians should be among the most comfortable people in the world. But the corrupt and ruthless public officials have wrecked the administration of our beloved nation and left the majority of the people miserable.
Parents must do their best for the health, success and welfare of their children.
If you do not have the wherewithal to raise children, please do not conceive and bring innocent children into the world only to let them suffer in abject poverty.
I have seen better parenting among sheep and goats than I have seen among many parents in Nigeria.
I have seen Nigerian parents who have children, but do not know how to raise them.
Every child deserves good education. Photo Credit:Khaled Hassounah
The only way to secure the future of Nigeria is to make sure that Nigerian children have the most important things in life; regular food supply (including safe water) safe and comfortable accommodation, universal basic education, universal healthcare and security at home and outdoors.
Khaled Hassounah, the director of Nicholas Negroponte’s One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project has toured Nigeria and knows that education is the key that will open doors to breathroughs for the children of the poor in Nigeria and other poor countries in the world.
Nigerian School Children display their OX Laptops from the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Program. Photo Credit:Khaled Hassounah
Let me remind you of what the beautiful and wonderful teacher, Yvonne Terry has written on Our Children Are Our Future, you can read it on ChickenBones.
Let us join Whitney Houston in singing the all time classic The Greatest Love of All to all the Children in Nigeria and the rest of the world.
I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone who fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me
Chorus:
I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I'll live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all
I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
Chorus:
And if by chance, that special place
That you've been dreaming of
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love.
Whitney Houston's The Greatest Love of All was written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed, and was first perfromed and recorded by George Benson for the 1977 Muhammad Ali film The Greatest..
Photo Credit: Khaled Hassounah
This is for all the children in Nigeria as I join them to celebrate the Children’s Day.
The nostalgia of my childhood is overwhelming, because the unforgettable memories of growing up in the loving care of my parents are now flooding back to me.
I love my childhood. I had a happy childhood after the Nigerian civil war. I grew up in a happy home at #28 Obalende Road, Obalende, Lagos.
I love children, because as Whitney Houston sang in The Greatest Love of All, they are indeed our future.
Nigerian School Children in class. Photo Credit:Khaled Hassounah
85% of the children in Nigeria are from poor families who are mostly in the rural areas. When I travel to different states in Nigeria and I see the children in their dilapidated houses and bad roads, I feel sad and disappointed, because Nigeria is one of the richest countries in natural resources and Nigerians should be among the most comfortable people in the world. But the corrupt and ruthless public officials have wrecked the administration of our beloved nation and left the majority of the people miserable.
Parents must do their best for the health, success and welfare of their children.
If you do not have the wherewithal to raise children, please do not conceive and bring innocent children into the world only to let them suffer in abject poverty.
I have seen better parenting among sheep and goats than I have seen among many parents in Nigeria.
I have seen Nigerian parents who have children, but do not know how to raise them.
Every child deserves good education. Photo Credit:Khaled Hassounah
The only way to secure the future of Nigeria is to make sure that Nigerian children have the most important things in life; regular food supply (including safe water) safe and comfortable accommodation, universal basic education, universal healthcare and security at home and outdoors.
Khaled Hassounah, the director of Nicholas Negroponte’s One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project has toured Nigeria and knows that education is the key that will open doors to breathroughs for the children of the poor in Nigeria and other poor countries in the world.
Nigerian School Children display their OX Laptops from the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Program. Photo Credit:Khaled Hassounah
Let me remind you of what the beautiful and wonderful teacher, Yvonne Terry has written on Our Children Are Our Future, you can read it on ChickenBones.
Let us join Whitney Houston in singing the all time classic The Greatest Love of All to all the Children in Nigeria and the rest of the world.
I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone who fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me
Chorus:
I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I'll live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all
I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
Chorus:
And if by chance, that special place
That you've been dreaming of
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love.
Whitney Houston's The Greatest Love of All was written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed, and was first perfromed and recorded by George Benson for the 1977 Muhammad Ali film The Greatest..
Photo Credit: Khaled Hassounah
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Nigeria: 100 People Killed in Pipeline Blast in Lagos!
Over 100 people have been killed in a pipeline blast Thursday afternoon, in the Ijegun suburb on the outskirts of Lagos. The fire started when the oil pipeline was ruptured by a road construction bulldozer. Several people, houses and schools nearby were engulfed by the flames and fumes of the pipeline fire as it spread. Many residents have fled the location and the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals in Lagos.
More than 200 people were killed in a similar pipeline fire on Friday May 12, 2006, and they were given a mass burial.
Pipeline explosions are common in the world's eighth-largest oil exporter where over 2, 000 people have been killed in previous oil pipeline explosions often caused by ruptured pipelines vandalized by illegal oil bunkerers.
The oil pipelines run through the swamps and creeks from the Niger Delta and crisscrossing villages and towns to reach other parts of the most populous country in Africa where the majority of the people are poor and cut off from modern civilization.
Violent disputes over oil revenues and kidnappings of foreign and local oil workers have cut oil supplies from Africa's leading oil producer by 25 percent.
PREVIOUS PIPELINE EXPLOSIONS IN NIGERIA:
December 2007: At least 40 people killed in Lagos
December 2006: At least 250 killed in Lagos
May 2006: At least 150 killed in Lagos
Dec 2004: At least 20 killed in Lagos
Sept 2004: At least 60 killed in Lagos
June 2003: At least 105 killed in Abia State
Jul 2000: At least 300 killed in Warri
Mar 2000: At least 50 killed in Abia State
Oct 1998: At least 1,000 killed in Jesse
More than 200 people were killed in a similar pipeline fire on Friday May 12, 2006, and they were given a mass burial.
Pipeline explosions are common in the world's eighth-largest oil exporter where over 2, 000 people have been killed in previous oil pipeline explosions often caused by ruptured pipelines vandalized by illegal oil bunkerers.
The oil pipelines run through the swamps and creeks from the Niger Delta and crisscrossing villages and towns to reach other parts of the most populous country in Africa where the majority of the people are poor and cut off from modern civilization.
Violent disputes over oil revenues and kidnappings of foreign and local oil workers have cut oil supplies from Africa's leading oil producer by 25 percent.
PREVIOUS PIPELINE EXPLOSIONS IN NIGERIA:
December 2007: At least 40 people killed in Lagos
December 2006: At least 250 killed in Lagos
May 2006: At least 150 killed in Lagos
Dec 2004: At least 20 killed in Lagos
Sept 2004: At least 60 killed in Lagos
June 2003: At least 105 killed in Abia State
Jul 2000: At least 300 killed in Warri
Mar 2000: At least 50 killed in Abia State
Oct 1998: At least 1,000 killed in Jesse
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pelosi: President Should Push OPEC for Increased Production, Abandon His 'Drill and Veto' Policies
13 May 2008 17:45 Africa/Lagos
Pelosi: President Should Push OPEC for Increased Production, Abandon His 'Drill and Veto' Policies
WASHINGTON, May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement prior to President Bush departing today on a five-day trip to the Middle East, including a stop in Saudi Arabia on Friday:
"The White House has indicated that President Bush will push Saudi officials for OPEC to increase production in an effort to bring down prices for American consumers. As the largest oil producer and exporter, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to influence the price at the pump and the President must use his close ties to help consumers who are in desperate need of relief.
"While I hope the President will return with concrete assurances that OPEC will take swift action to bring down prices, in the past the Administration's calls have been ineffective, making it all the more necessary for Congress to step in to help American consumers.
"Today, the House and Senate will take action to temporarily suspend filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, directing the Administration to take action that the President has refused to do. By Memorial Day, the House will act on a new bill that will crack down on possible price fixing by OPEC-controlled entities.
"Two years ago, the President declared in his State of the Union that the United States was 'addicted to oil.' In his seven years in office, the President's energy policies have left us more dependent on foreign sources of oil, and, as costs skyrocket, the President continues to call for increased domestic drilling while threatening to veto any legislation that would provide relief to consumers.
"The President and Congressional Republicans have spent the last seven years doling out billions of dollars in subsidies to the Big Oil companies, instead of working toward energy independence. As gas prices have hit new records all spring, the President has repeatedly rejected Democratic proposals to invest in renewable energy sources, hold OPEC accountable for its cartel-pricing activities, investigate and punish price gougers, temporarily halt filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and repeal the unnecessary subsidies to Big Oil in a time of record profits.
"The President should reverse his 'drill and veto' policies and return from his Middle East trip with firm guarantees from OPEC for increased production levels that will decrease the price at the pump for American consumers."
Source: Office of the Speaker of the House
CONTACT: Brendan Daly or Drew Hammill, +1-202-226-7616, both of the
Office of the Speaker of the House
Web Site: http://www.speaker.gov/
Pelosi: President Should Push OPEC for Increased Production, Abandon His 'Drill and Veto' Policies
WASHINGTON, May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement prior to President Bush departing today on a five-day trip to the Middle East, including a stop in Saudi Arabia on Friday:
"The White House has indicated that President Bush will push Saudi officials for OPEC to increase production in an effort to bring down prices for American consumers. As the largest oil producer and exporter, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to influence the price at the pump and the President must use his close ties to help consumers who are in desperate need of relief.
"While I hope the President will return with concrete assurances that OPEC will take swift action to bring down prices, in the past the Administration's calls have been ineffective, making it all the more necessary for Congress to step in to help American consumers.
"Today, the House and Senate will take action to temporarily suspend filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, directing the Administration to take action that the President has refused to do. By Memorial Day, the House will act on a new bill that will crack down on possible price fixing by OPEC-controlled entities.
"Two years ago, the President declared in his State of the Union that the United States was 'addicted to oil.' In his seven years in office, the President's energy policies have left us more dependent on foreign sources of oil, and, as costs skyrocket, the President continues to call for increased domestic drilling while threatening to veto any legislation that would provide relief to consumers.
"The President and Congressional Republicans have spent the last seven years doling out billions of dollars in subsidies to the Big Oil companies, instead of working toward energy independence. As gas prices have hit new records all spring, the President has repeatedly rejected Democratic proposals to invest in renewable energy sources, hold OPEC accountable for its cartel-pricing activities, investigate and punish price gougers, temporarily halt filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and repeal the unnecessary subsidies to Big Oil in a time of record profits.
"The President should reverse his 'drill and veto' policies and return from his Middle East trip with firm guarantees from OPEC for increased production levels that will decrease the price at the pump for American consumers."
Source: Office of the Speaker of the House
CONTACT: Brendan Daly or Drew Hammill, +1-202-226-7616, both of the
Office of the Speaker of the House
Web Site: http://www.speaker.gov/
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Nigerian Legal Defence Group Wins MacArthur Foundation's Grant
A Nigerian legal defence group is among the eight winners of the 2008 MacArthur Foundation Awards for humanitarian services. The details of the winners are in the following press release.
10 Apr 2008 15:00 Africa/Lagos
MacArthur Foundation Announces 2008 Winners of Award for Creative and Effective Nonprofits
Eight Organizations Receive up to $500,000 to Advance Innovative Work
CHICAGO, April 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced today that eight organizations in six countries will receive the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.
Each organization will receive up to $500,000, a large sum considering their annual budgets are under $2.5 million. The organizations will use their new funding for a range of purposes, including purchasing new office space, developing training and research facilities, upgrading technology, and undertaking new research.
"From its founding, the MacArthur Foundation has sought out people and organizations that have the creativity, energy and breadth of vision to change the world for the better," said MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton. "These imaginative and influential small organizations have an impact altogether disproportionate to their size. They are addressing problems and injustices, finding fresh solutions, and proving themselves as leaders and innovators."
The 2008 recipients of the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions are:
-- Centro de Derechos Humanos de la Montana, Tlachinollan - Guerrero State, Mexico: By defending minority communities and bringing violators of human rights to justice, Tlachinollan is strengthening Mexico's civil society and building a stronger system of justice.
-- Juvenile Law Center - Philadelphia, PA: One of America's oldest and most respected public interest law firms, the Center advances the welfare and needs of society's most vulnerable citizens: youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. The Center advocates for the rule of law to provide a voice for children, ensuring fair, developmentally appropriate solutions through legal advocacy, policy change and public education.
-- Kazan Human Rights Center - Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation: Employing a strategy of targeted litigation, it has brought widespread attention to the issue of police abuse. The Center calls on Russia's legal system to observe the spirit of the law and defend the vulnerable.
-- Legal Defence and Assistance Project - Lagos, Nigeria: The Project offers support and legal assistance to indigent prisoners and defends human rights for all. By reforming the administration of criminal justice, and training government officials, it is instilling respect for the law as a key element of a healthy democracy.
-- Project Match - Chicago, Illinois: Project Match's workforce development research has provided a more complete understanding of the challenges faced by those trying to find work, helping to make individuals and families more self-reliant and secure.
-- Public Radio Exchange (PRX)/Station Resource Group - Cambridge, Massachusetts: By gathering and distributing new programming and using technological innovation to expand content choices, PRX is leading public radio to become more interactive, diverse, and democratic.
-- Sangath - Goa, India: Sangath is a leader in child development, adolescent and family guidance, and behavioral and mental health services, providing direct services to benefit Goa's 1.4 million people and conducting research to generate evidence to influence policies to promote the health of over 400 million children and adolescents in India.
-- Tany Meva Foundation - Antananarivo, Madagascar: One of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, Madagascar is also home to more than 20 million people, the bulk of whom live in poverty. Tany Meva, the nation's first environmental foundation, seeks to increase sustainable use of the environment, to educate and empower communities and to save the threatened forests.
In making these Creative and Effective Institutions awards, the Foundation does not seek or accept nominations. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness; have reached a critical or strategic point in their development; have budgets of less than $2.5 million per year; show strong leadership and stable financial management; have previously received MacArthur support; and engage in work central to one of MacArthur's core programs. Approximately 1,000 organizations worldwide are eligible for the Award.
On June 12, winners will be honored at an awards ceremony at MacArthur's headquarters in Chicago. The Foundation will also host seminars to highlight the work of these organizations. The sessions will be open to other nonprofit institutions, providing an important opportunity for mutual learning.
The MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking institution dedicated to building a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. With assets of $6.8 billion, the Foundation makes grants of approximately $260 million each year.
Source: MacArthur Foundation
CONTACT: Brian Wesolowski, +1-202-457-8100, for the MacArthur
Foundation; or Andy Solomon of the MacArthur Foundation, +1-312-726-8000
10 Apr 2008 15:00 Africa/Lagos
MacArthur Foundation Announces 2008 Winners of Award for Creative and Effective Nonprofits
Eight Organizations Receive up to $500,000 to Advance Innovative Work
CHICAGO, April 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced today that eight organizations in six countries will receive the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.
Each organization will receive up to $500,000, a large sum considering their annual budgets are under $2.5 million. The organizations will use their new funding for a range of purposes, including purchasing new office space, developing training and research facilities, upgrading technology, and undertaking new research.
"From its founding, the MacArthur Foundation has sought out people and organizations that have the creativity, energy and breadth of vision to change the world for the better," said MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton. "These imaginative and influential small organizations have an impact altogether disproportionate to their size. They are addressing problems and injustices, finding fresh solutions, and proving themselves as leaders and innovators."
The 2008 recipients of the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions are:
-- Centro de Derechos Humanos de la Montana, Tlachinollan - Guerrero State, Mexico: By defending minority communities and bringing violators of human rights to justice, Tlachinollan is strengthening Mexico's civil society and building a stronger system of justice.
-- Juvenile Law Center - Philadelphia, PA: One of America's oldest and most respected public interest law firms, the Center advances the welfare and needs of society's most vulnerable citizens: youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. The Center advocates for the rule of law to provide a voice for children, ensuring fair, developmentally appropriate solutions through legal advocacy, policy change and public education.
-- Kazan Human Rights Center - Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation: Employing a strategy of targeted litigation, it has brought widespread attention to the issue of police abuse. The Center calls on Russia's legal system to observe the spirit of the law and defend the vulnerable.
-- Legal Defence and Assistance Project - Lagos, Nigeria: The Project offers support and legal assistance to indigent prisoners and defends human rights for all. By reforming the administration of criminal justice, and training government officials, it is instilling respect for the law as a key element of a healthy democracy.
-- Project Match - Chicago, Illinois: Project Match's workforce development research has provided a more complete understanding of the challenges faced by those trying to find work, helping to make individuals and families more self-reliant and secure.
-- Public Radio Exchange (PRX)/Station Resource Group - Cambridge, Massachusetts: By gathering and distributing new programming and using technological innovation to expand content choices, PRX is leading public radio to become more interactive, diverse, and democratic.
-- Sangath - Goa, India: Sangath is a leader in child development, adolescent and family guidance, and behavioral and mental health services, providing direct services to benefit Goa's 1.4 million people and conducting research to generate evidence to influence policies to promote the health of over 400 million children and adolescents in India.
-- Tany Meva Foundation - Antananarivo, Madagascar: One of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, Madagascar is also home to more than 20 million people, the bulk of whom live in poverty. Tany Meva, the nation's first environmental foundation, seeks to increase sustainable use of the environment, to educate and empower communities and to save the threatened forests.
In making these Creative and Effective Institutions awards, the Foundation does not seek or accept nominations. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness; have reached a critical or strategic point in their development; have budgets of less than $2.5 million per year; show strong leadership and stable financial management; have previously received MacArthur support; and engage in work central to one of MacArthur's core programs. Approximately 1,000 organizations worldwide are eligible for the Award.
On June 12, winners will be honored at an awards ceremony at MacArthur's headquarters in Chicago. The Foundation will also host seminars to highlight the work of these organizations. The sessions will be open to other nonprofit institutions, providing an important opportunity for mutual learning.
The MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking institution dedicated to building a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. With assets of $6.8 billion, the Foundation makes grants of approximately $260 million each year.
Source: MacArthur Foundation
CONTACT: Brian Wesolowski, +1-202-457-8100, for the MacArthur
Foundation; or Andy Solomon of the MacArthur Foundation, +1-312-726-8000
Monday, March 24, 2008
The American Newspaper Can Conquer the Internet
Arthur Miller once described a good newspaper as “a nation talking to itself.” If only in this respect, the Huffington Post is a great newspaper. It is not unusual for a short blog post to inspire a thousand posts from readers—posts that go off in their own directions and lead to arguments and conversations unrelated to the topic that inspired them. Occasionally, these comments present original perspectives and arguments, but many resemble the graffiti on a bathroom wall.
The notion that the Huffington Post is somehow going to compete with, much less displace, the best traditional newspapers is arguable on other grounds as well. The site’s original-reporting resources are minuscule. The site has no regular sports or book coverage, and its entertainment section is a trashy grab bag of unverified Internet gossip. And, while the Huffington Post has successfully positioned itself as the place where progressive politicians and Hollywood liberal luminaries post their anti-Bush Administration sentiments, many of the original blog posts that it publishes do not merit the effort of even a mouse click.
~ Out of Print: The death and life of the American newspaper, by Eric Alterman
As I have said before, the future of the American newspaper is on the Internet.
The Internet will not exterminate the newspaper, because most of what is posted on the Internet are often lifted from the newspaper.
The worst thing that can happen to the newspaper would be the transition from print to digital. But a newspaper will always be a newspaper, no matter the media of communication.
News will always be news no matter how you report it, online or offline.
Just report it to the target audience.
In Nigeria, where over 76 million of the population are non-literates, and over 100 million are Internet-illiterates, the daily newspapers, television and radio dictate the news and not the Internet. The frequent power outages have made most of them to rely on the daily newspapers for news and information. The most popular Nigerian website is not even a news website, but a free for all online forum where about a million people visit weekly to gossip and rant over incidents, events and other interesting issues in Nigeria and other parts of the global village. The website only depends on Google AdSense for revenue. Millions of literate Nigerians read newspapers daily. Millions of homes in Nigeria cannot watch the TV, because of frequent power outages and the nearest source of news and information are the daily newspapers. The Nigerian press dictates the news in Nigeria and most of the advertisers prefer the newspapers, magazines, radio and television to the Internet. So, the Internet is not yet a threat to the print media in Nigeria.
The Huffington Post actually helps many of the traditional newspapers such as the New York Times, Washington Post and LA Times by linking to their news reports.
What I do on my website and blog is to preview the latest print edition of the Newsweek and prompt readers to buy the copies.
The Cosmopolitan, Vogue and other trendy magazines are still selling in millions and the Internet can never replace the perfumed copes of the Cosmopolitan or Vogue. Being seen with the latest copy of Vogue is a social status symbol and I have seen where visitors rushed to grab the only copy of Vogue on the table at the reception of an office in Lagos, Nigeria.
The New York Times, Washington Post and other popular American newspapers can actually sell millions of copies daily in English speaking African countries by printing in these anglophone countries where most Africans still read daily newspapers, because power outages interrupt the regular TV news report. They read the newspapers first before turning on the TV to confirm whatever they have read in print.
The New York Times can actually sell over two million copies daily in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya combined, because Africans believe that American newspapers are the best reporters of facts and accurate details of news. They would rather accept what an American journalist has reported than what a local African journalist reported. A book review of an African writer in the New York Times is a big deal in Africa. Many local newspapers will link to it and even boast about it. A New York Times book review of an African novel is like an endorsement by the Oprah Winfrey Book Club. In fact, if the New York Times makes an ordinary reference to Robert Mugabe, millions of Zimbabweans will be anxious and curious to read it.
American newspapers should not be afraid of the Internet, but to capture it and use it to increase the mileage and patronage of their newspapers.
Rupert Murdoch should tempt the Huffington Post with $1 billion and see if Arianna and company can resist his billion dollar temptation.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Addax Petroleum Announces Successful Oil Appraisal Offshore Nigeria
Addax Petroleum Announces Successful Oil Appraisal Offshore Nigeria
CALGARY, Canada, March 11/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
- Successful Appraisal at OML123 Expands Kita Marine Area
Addax Petroleum Corporation ("Addax Petroleum" or the "Corporation") (TSX:AXC and LSE:AXC) announced today the successful appraisal of and addition to the Kita Marine discovery. The recently completed KTM-6 well encountered an aggregate gross oil column of 173 feet over four zones. The Kita Marine discoveries lie in the northern part of the prolific OML123 block offshore Nigeria in an area which has not previously had production.
Commenting, Jean Claude Gandur, President and Chief Executive Officer of Addax Petroleum said: "I am very pleased to report an encouraging start to 2008 with these promising appraisal well results from OML123. The expansion the Kita Marine area opens up the very real possibility to initiate development and production for the first time in the northern part of OML123. Our track record of production and reserves growth in Nigeria and on OML123 in particular has been reliable and first rate. I believe that Kita Marine, along with the considerable remaining potential on OML123, will continue to underpin our strong and consistent operational performance."
The KTM-6 appraisal well was drilled two kilometres to the southwest of the successful KTM-2ST1 exploration well. Both wells penetrated separate but adjacent fault blocks. The KTM-6 well encountered an aggregate gross oil column of 173 feet including individual gross oil columns of 94 feet and 52 feet at depths of between 5,350 and 6,300 feet subsea. Flow tests were not performed but pressure and fluid sample data indicate medium gravity oil to be present, consistent with the approximately 30 degrees API Antan blend produced from OML123. The KTM-2ST1 well was drilled in late 2005 and encountered an aggregate gross oil column of 100 feet over three main zones and flow tested at 1,000 bbl/day of 28 degrees API oil.
The Kita Marine area lies in a water depth of approximately 10 metres and is approximately 10 kilometres northeast of the North Oron / Oron West producing facility. OML123 is Addax Petroleum's largest license area, currently producing approximately 60,000 bbl/day.
About Addax Petroleum
Addax Petroleum is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a strategic focus on West Africa and the Middle East. Addax Petroleum is one of the largest independent oil producers in West Africa and has increased its crude oil production from an average of 8,800 bbl/d for 1998 to an average of approximately 126,000 bbl/d for 2007. Further information about Addax Petroleum is available at http://www.addaxpetroleum.com or at http://www.sedar.com.
Legal Notice - Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities legislation. Such statements are generally identifiable by the terminology used, such as "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "expect", "plan", "estimate", "budget", "outlook", "may", "will", "should", "could", "would" or other similar wording. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, reference to business strategy and goals, future capital and other expenditures, reserves and resources estimates, drilling plans, construction and repair activities, the submission of development plans, seismic activity, production levels and the sources of growth thereof, project development schedules and results, results of exploration activities and dates by which certain areas may be developed or may come on-stream, royalties payable, financing and capital activities, contingent liabilities, environmental matters and government approvals. By its very nature, such forward-looking information requires Addax Petroleum to make assumptions that may not materialize or that may not be accurate. This forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: imprecision of reserves and resources estimates; ultimate recovery of reserves; prices of oil and natural gas; general economic, market and business conditions; industry capacity; competitive action by other companies; fluctuations in oil prices; refining and marketing margins; the ability to produce and transport crude oil and natural gas to markets; the ability to market and sell natural gas under its production sharing contracts; the effects of weather and climate conditions; the results of exploration and development drilling and related activities; fluctuation in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; the ability of suppliers to meet commitments; actions by governmental authorities, including increases in taxes; decisions or approvals of administrative tribunals; changes in environmental and other regulations; risks attendant with oil and gas operations, both domestic and international; international political events; expected rates of return; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Addax Petroleum. More specifically, production may be affected by such factors as exploration success, start-up timing and success, facility reliability, reservoir performance and natural decline rates, water handling, and drilling progress. Capital expenditures may be affected by cost pressures associated with new capital projects, including labour and material supply, project management, drilling rig rates and availability, and seismic costs. These factors are discussed in greater detail in filings made by Addax Petroleum with the Canadian provincial securities commissions.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors affecting forward-looking information is not exhaustive. Furthermore, the forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, Addax Petroleum does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Source: Addax Petroleum Corporation
For further information: Mr. Patrick Spollen, Investor Relations, Tel.: +41(0)22-702-95-47, patrick.spollen@addaxpetroleum.com; Mr. Craig Kelly, Investor Relations, Tel.: +41(0)22-702-95-68, craig.Kelly@addaxpetroleum.com; Ms. Marie-Gabrielle, Cajoly Press Relations, Tel.: +41(0)22-702-94-44, marie-gabrielle.cajoly@addaxpetroleum.com; Mr. Nick Cowling, Press Relations, Tel.: +1-416-934-8011, nick.cowling@cossette.com; Mr. James Henderson, Press Relations, Tel.: +44(0)20-7743-6673, james.Henderson@pelhampr.com; Mr. Alisdair Haythornthwaite, Press Relations, Tel.:+44(0)20-7743-6676, alisdair.haythornthwaite@pelhampr.com
CALGARY, Canada, March 11/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
- Successful Appraisal at OML123 Expands Kita Marine Area
Addax Petroleum Corporation ("Addax Petroleum" or the "Corporation") (TSX:AXC and LSE:AXC) announced today the successful appraisal of and addition to the Kita Marine discovery. The recently completed KTM-6 well encountered an aggregate gross oil column of 173 feet over four zones. The Kita Marine discoveries lie in the northern part of the prolific OML123 block offshore Nigeria in an area which has not previously had production.
Commenting, Jean Claude Gandur, President and Chief Executive Officer of Addax Petroleum said: "I am very pleased to report an encouraging start to 2008 with these promising appraisal well results from OML123. The expansion the Kita Marine area opens up the very real possibility to initiate development and production for the first time in the northern part of OML123. Our track record of production and reserves growth in Nigeria and on OML123 in particular has been reliable and first rate. I believe that Kita Marine, along with the considerable remaining potential on OML123, will continue to underpin our strong and consistent operational performance."
The KTM-6 appraisal well was drilled two kilometres to the southwest of the successful KTM-2ST1 exploration well. Both wells penetrated separate but adjacent fault blocks. The KTM-6 well encountered an aggregate gross oil column of 173 feet including individual gross oil columns of 94 feet and 52 feet at depths of between 5,350 and 6,300 feet subsea. Flow tests were not performed but pressure and fluid sample data indicate medium gravity oil to be present, consistent with the approximately 30 degrees API Antan blend produced from OML123. The KTM-2ST1 well was drilled in late 2005 and encountered an aggregate gross oil column of 100 feet over three main zones and flow tested at 1,000 bbl/day of 28 degrees API oil.
The Kita Marine area lies in a water depth of approximately 10 metres and is approximately 10 kilometres northeast of the North Oron / Oron West producing facility. OML123 is Addax Petroleum's largest license area, currently producing approximately 60,000 bbl/day.
About Addax Petroleum
Addax Petroleum is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a strategic focus on West Africa and the Middle East. Addax Petroleum is one of the largest independent oil producers in West Africa and has increased its crude oil production from an average of 8,800 bbl/d for 1998 to an average of approximately 126,000 bbl/d for 2007. Further information about Addax Petroleum is available at http://www.addaxpetroleum.com or at http://www.sedar.com.
Legal Notice - Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities legislation. Such statements are generally identifiable by the terminology used, such as "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "expect", "plan", "estimate", "budget", "outlook", "may", "will", "should", "could", "would" or other similar wording. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, reference to business strategy and goals, future capital and other expenditures, reserves and resources estimates, drilling plans, construction and repair activities, the submission of development plans, seismic activity, production levels and the sources of growth thereof, project development schedules and results, results of exploration activities and dates by which certain areas may be developed or may come on-stream, royalties payable, financing and capital activities, contingent liabilities, environmental matters and government approvals. By its very nature, such forward-looking information requires Addax Petroleum to make assumptions that may not materialize or that may not be accurate. This forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: imprecision of reserves and resources estimates; ultimate recovery of reserves; prices of oil and natural gas; general economic, market and business conditions; industry capacity; competitive action by other companies; fluctuations in oil prices; refining and marketing margins; the ability to produce and transport crude oil and natural gas to markets; the ability to market and sell natural gas under its production sharing contracts; the effects of weather and climate conditions; the results of exploration and development drilling and related activities; fluctuation in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; the ability of suppliers to meet commitments; actions by governmental authorities, including increases in taxes; decisions or approvals of administrative tribunals; changes in environmental and other regulations; risks attendant with oil and gas operations, both domestic and international; international political events; expected rates of return; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Addax Petroleum. More specifically, production may be affected by such factors as exploration success, start-up timing and success, facility reliability, reservoir performance and natural decline rates, water handling, and drilling progress. Capital expenditures may be affected by cost pressures associated with new capital projects, including labour and material supply, project management, drilling rig rates and availability, and seismic costs. These factors are discussed in greater detail in filings made by Addax Petroleum with the Canadian provincial securities commissions.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors affecting forward-looking information is not exhaustive. Furthermore, the forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, Addax Petroleum does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Source: Addax Petroleum Corporation
For further information: Mr. Patrick Spollen, Investor Relations, Tel.: +41(0)22-702-95-47, patrick.spollen@addaxpetroleum.com; Mr. Craig Kelly, Investor Relations, Tel.: +41(0)22-702-95-68, craig.Kelly@addaxpetroleum.com; Ms. Marie-Gabrielle, Cajoly Press Relations, Tel.: +41(0)22-702-94-44, marie-gabrielle.cajoly@addaxpetroleum.com; Mr. Nick Cowling, Press Relations, Tel.: +1-416-934-8011, nick.cowling@cossette.com; Mr. James Henderson, Press Relations, Tel.: +44(0)20-7743-6673, james.Henderson@pelhampr.com; Mr. Alisdair Haythornthwaite, Press Relations, Tel.:+44(0)20-7743-6676, alisdair.haythornthwaite@pelhampr.com
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Attention To All New and Old Members of Nigerian Times International Forum!
I do not want what Nigerians are doing on Nairaland to be repeated on Nigerian Times International Forum.
I am developing the largest Nigerian news media on the Internet and Nigerian Times International Forum is a cosmopolitan news, current affairs, and general features forum with discussion boards on all the subjects and aspects of life and it is for the general benefit of the international community in the global village.
Members creating double memberships will not help you and I.
I am not desperate for more members.
Nigerian Times International Forum has no competition.
The language of the content and the context are above what you see in other Nigerian forums.
I respect the dignity and integrity of the highly educated members of Nigerian Times International Forum, who are among the most educated intellectuals and professionals online and offline.
Please, respect them as well by obeying the rules and regulations of Nigerian Times International Forum.
We must be honest and transparent.
419 Internet scammers have also joined Nairaland to tarnish the good image of the most popular Nigerian website. I have already notified the owner and administrator, Mr. Seun Osewa to remove all the links to my e-mails and contact adressess on his website, because Internet romance scammers were harassing me and claiming that they saw my profile on Nairaland.
It is malicious and vicious to abuse and misuse the goodwill of hardworking Nigerians who are committed and dedicated to the promotion of the best practices of professionalism on the Internet and to redeem the bad image of Nigerians online and offline.
I am going to introduce subscription and registration fees for the membership of Nigerian Times International Forum with formal subscription and registration forms in selected Nigerian Banks and online, where the password will be given to only registered subscribers with full details of their real names, addresses and offices.
This is the only way to protect and safeguard the honest and transparent members of Nigerian Times International Forum from criminals and lunatic fringe elements roaming the Internet in search of innocent and ignorant victims to rob and swindle.
~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Publisher/President
Nigerian Times International Online Media Network
I am developing the largest Nigerian news media on the Internet and Nigerian Times International Forum is a cosmopolitan news, current affairs, and general features forum with discussion boards on all the subjects and aspects of life and it is for the general benefit of the international community in the global village.
Members creating double memberships will not help you and I.
I am not desperate for more members.
Nigerian Times International Forum has no competition.
The language of the content and the context are above what you see in other Nigerian forums.
I respect the dignity and integrity of the highly educated members of Nigerian Times International Forum, who are among the most educated intellectuals and professionals online and offline.
Please, respect them as well by obeying the rules and regulations of Nigerian Times International Forum.
We must be honest and transparent.
419 Internet scammers have also joined Nairaland to tarnish the good image of the most popular Nigerian website. I have already notified the owner and administrator, Mr. Seun Osewa to remove all the links to my e-mails and contact adressess on his website, because Internet romance scammers were harassing me and claiming that they saw my profile on Nairaland.
It is malicious and vicious to abuse and misuse the goodwill of hardworking Nigerians who are committed and dedicated to the promotion of the best practices of professionalism on the Internet and to redeem the bad image of Nigerians online and offline.
I am going to introduce subscription and registration fees for the membership of Nigerian Times International Forum with formal subscription and registration forms in selected Nigerian Banks and online, where the password will be given to only registered subscribers with full details of their real names, addresses and offices.
This is the only way to protect and safeguard the honest and transparent members of Nigerian Times International Forum from criminals and lunatic fringe elements roaming the Internet in search of innocent and ignorant victims to rob and swindle.
~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Publisher/President
Nigerian Times International Online Media Network
Monday, March 10, 2008
Nigerian Times News, Current Affairs and Features By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
More news reports and features on Nigeria and the rest of the world by Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Many visitors to the Nigerian Times are not aware of my coverage of the most notable events, incidents and other matters on Nigeria. I reported the news, current affairs and features on the 2007 April polls in Nigeria as I have been reporting on the American presidential campaigns since 2007 to date. The following is the long list of my previous news articles and features already published on Google News and many of them were breaking news reports on Nigeria.
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Many visitors to the Nigerian Times are not aware of my coverage of the most notable events, incidents and other matters on Nigeria. I reported the news, current affairs and features on the 2007 April polls in Nigeria as I have been reporting on the American presidential campaigns since 2007 to date. The following is the long list of my previous news articles and features already published on Google News and many of them were breaking news reports on Nigeria.
Article
Nigeria: Tinapa, Africa's Premier Business-Tourism Resort Opens Monday April 2
MichaelChima
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3 days 14 hours ago
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Nigeria: Who Killed Sheikh Jafar Adam Before The Elections?
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US: The Bald Eagle Blog Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
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Nigeria: The Guardian Shut Over Workers Strike
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0
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Nigeria: Muslim Man Attacks Christian Woman in Abuja
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2
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Nigerian Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal Fails To Annul the Fraudulent Election of "President" Umaru Yar' Adua
Alhaji Umaru Yar' Adua
Gen. Muhammadu Buhari
The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja, Tuesday, dismissed the petition of former military ruler, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, because he could not prove his case against the election of "President" Umaru Yar'Adua in the April 2007 presidential poll in Nigeria. Observers expect the same tribual to pass a similar judgment on the petition of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who has already vowed to accept the ruling of the tribunal.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal may have the brains to pass judgment on the petitions against the disputed election of "President" Umaru Yar’Adua, but will not have the balls to annul the election.
The fact cannot be denied, that the April polls in 2007 were not free and fair. Therefore, the electios should be nullified.
If the local election petitions tribunals, because of electoral irregularities and fraud, have annulled the gubernatorial elections of seven state governors from the notorious ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the presidential election of Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua should also be annulled, because the gubernatorial and presidential elections were held on the same day and they were all rigged.
The incumbent People's Democratic Party (PDP) violated the electoral procedures and caused the premature death of over 700 people who were killed during the marred 2007 April polls in Nigeria. It would be unfair and unlawful for the election petitions tribunals to validate the fraudulent elections of all the legislators, governors and the President from the notorious PDP.
Nigerians must reject the incumbent government of this notorious political party of shameless kleptomaniacs, because the PDP is the vehicle of corruption and destruction.
My final verdict is, the PDP should be sacked from the administration of the Nigerian government by all means possible.