14 Ways We are Worse-Off Since Buhari.

Since the president of the good people of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in on May 29, 2015, we are still waiting to enjoy the dividends of democracy. By and large, our lives are worse off. Majority of the over 170 million Nigerians are in more pains than they were. Only liars, boot lickers and those near the corridors of power and apologists disagree. Things can get better, no doubt. But right now, things are far worse than contemplated. 

Here are the 14 ways the lives of the masses have been affected…

Income dwindling and devalued

If you earned N18,000 in 2015, at an average exchange rate of N180 to a dollar, your income is actually $100. Today, your N18,000 can only buy $52 ( at N345 to a dollar ).

Apart from this simple arithmetic, your $52 today cannot buy the same items it did last year. Prices have skyrocketed!

Effectively, your income has dwindled and practically devalued. This scenario is extended to all groups, no matter the income and status.

Stock market collapsing

The collapsing stock market is evident. Today (Friday, May 13), market capitalization stood at N9.098 trillion. In April 2015, capitalization rose to N11.990 trillion, after Buhari was declared the winner of the presidential elections. That is a difference of N2.9 trillion.

Investors are scared, the market is not doing too well because businesses are troubled. A lot of the quoted companies are facing difficulties because of the unfriendly operating environment.

Dollar plummeting

The dollar at the black market fell to N190 in the euphoria of Buhari’s victory. Shortly after, it jumped over the N200 mark … and it has been rising ever since. Today, it is about N345, even as government mentioned a spurious N285 figure.

Factories quieter, businesses struggling

With foreign exchange difficult to come back, and raw materials unavailable, many factories are quieter, production scaled down, as some close down. Even enterprises are as troubled as cost of production rise. Many traders and supplies are hiding under scarcity of dollars to jerk up price, hammering entrepreneurs who are out of breath and panting. Artisans are moaning as machines cease their thud and whimper.

Rent higher 

Land lords are also using scarcity of dollars and rising cost of living to increase rent, further reducing the available income of the Nigerians. With shelter on top of everyone’s scale, there is no escape. From rooms to self contained, shops to flats and duplexes, rent is up.

Food more expensive 

Even those selling tomato and fish, pepper and groceries are blaming the dollar and hiking prices of their produce. People are skipping meals and reducing quality and quantity. There is more hunger in the land.

More people out of job

As factories and businesses struggle to produce, with some scaling down, others closing shop, unemployment is rife. Many more people are under employed or out of job. This sad scenario is evident.

Petrol scarcer and more expensive

For the better part of this administration we have been at filling stations, in kilometer Lon queues, sleeping there and paying far above the N86.50 per litre for petrol. Across the nation, we have not had this long palaver with petrol. Now, a litre has been fixed at not more than N145, but we are still buying it far more than that price and it is scarcer.

On account of the scarcity, smaller businesses are coughing and collapsing as they struggle to power their generators. People are late for work as they queue at stations or wait for buses. Homes have become unbearable as darkness, with power outages, has become our companions.

Power outages punishing

On one occasion at least, the whole of Nigeria was in darkness as megawatts slipped to zero! Total darkness!! And for the better part of the last one year, ordinary talk with no action has dominated the public space concerning electricity. Households have become inhabitable; sleep has been murdered as heat conspired with lack of electricity and fuel to punish Nigerians. Companies are becoming cemeteries.

Nigerians sadder, more aggressive, depressed and fall ill easily 

Many more people than ever are sadder, forlorn and confused. They are at a loss on what steps to take, they are losing their humanity. Legions are more aggressive, easily angered and quick to quarrel at little slights. Some are transferring aggression, from their lack of financial stamina. Depression, serious depression in the league of mental issues, is commonplace. And it is easy to fall ill as immunity plummets as a result of lack of hope and confusion.

Insecurity and rise in opportunistic crime

There is a general feeling of insecurity as trouble spots multiply and hoodlums take advantage of financial difficulties. More dangerous crime of rituals and kidnapping are coming into our lexicon. Petty crimes are frquent. And terrorists, Boko Haram and Niger Delta Avengers have not been conquered. Now we have herdsmen who are raping, maiming and killing.

Future looks bleaker, especially for youths

The army of unemployed youths, graduates and the uneducated are frustrated. They have lost hope as millions join the labour market that is far more than saturated. New companies are not springing up as expected, jobs are hardly created. Those in school are jittery and worried about the future.

Economic migration

Many are taking dangerous routes and migrating as economic refugees. They believe anywhere is better than Nigeria. And those in Nigeria are flooding the cities, putting pressure on infrastructure and resources. They are abandoning agriculture, and some there may be serious scarcity of produce hitherto widely available.

We are less compassionate and willing to help others financially

Those you run to for help, big men and women, are also complaining. Spiritual places of solace and refuge have fewer donations and are helping less. It appears compassion is dying. The average family is abandoned, on their own…

News Credit: Encomium

Ungrateful Country, Late President Yar'adua's Wives Cry Out

Hajiya Turai and Hajiya Hauwa Yar’Adua are unhappy women. This is because Nigeria has forgotten the late former president, like the dust and silence of the upper shelf. Turai’s heart bleeds like a freshly bruised vein as you read. And the reason is not farfetched. Six years after her beloved husband, former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, died after a protracted ailment, Nigerians seem to have forgotten him. As the two women in his life mark the sixth anniversary of their husband’s death, they wonder if memories of Yar’Adua and his legacies as a former president and governor of Katsina State have eroded with the passage of time.Sources close to Hajia Turai revealed that it was heartrending for her to note that memories of her husband have faded fromthe hearts of even his trusted aides and political associates while he was Head of State. It was even more heartbreaking to note that no newspaper or broadcast station remembered the milestone in the life of the Yar’Aduas. There was no paid advertorial in remembrance of the late president who was widely regarded as a gentleman and unpretentious statesman.It was only the immediate family membersof the former president who died on May 5,2010, that were in London last week to hold special prayers to mark the sixth anniversary of his demise. A source in the family said they were led by Yar’Adua’s widow, Hajiya Turai and offered special prayers for the repose of the former Nigerian leader’s soul. Yar’Adua’s former wife, Hajiya Hauwa, who is also in London, said they also converged to remember the former president as part of activities marking the anniversary of his death.Simply Herbert! The Perfection of a brilliant banker, Herbert WigweAngels fly because they take themselves lightly. They do not think too much of themselves, so does Herbert Wigwe, the MD of Access Bank. Like an angel, Herberttakes himself very lightly despite his socio-economic weight. He wears his badge of temperance and humility in the shape of a bow of ribbon; thus affirming that he isn’t what many of his disparagers make him out to be. Contrary to misconceptions about his character, Herbert, according to sources close to him, is actually a modest, compassionate, accommodating and understanding man.His only shortcoming if at all it could be considered ‘shortcoming,’ is his lack of tolerance for sycophancy, bribery or any form of corruption. The miracle-working banker is more of polished diamond among the rough, tarnished czars of Nigeria’s banking industry. It is often said that he who rides the tides of industry influences the thought of his times. Eventually, he commands the epochs that follow and impresses his name on eternity.Such an individual no doubt sways the applause of listening Senates. If he is cut of the rare stock that Wigwe hails from, he effortlessly attracts the patronage of leaders of men.Herbert like most great men, did not attain his current height by sudden flight. While most of his rivals and other peers slept, he was toiling upward day and night. As head honcho of Access Bank, Wigwe understands the need to abide by the company’s corporate philosophy which is to become the world’s most respected African bank, thus he would never engage in any act or association that would be inimical to the progress and good image ofhis organisation.Rich, spoilt, dead! The pain of a fatherChildren are meant to be bearers of joy and everlasting bliss to their parents. But Ibrahim Uwais became a harbinger of painand misery to his parents thus stifling theirjoy and harming their reputation. The late son of former Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais unfurled like a blemish on his father’s reputation when he turned radical and joined deadly terrorist sect, ISIS, in 2015. Recently, Ibrahim suffered excruciating death on his deadly campaignwith ISIS mates. Consequently, his father is heartbroken. There is no gainsaying sadness invaded the household of the retired legal luminary when news of his son’s enlistment with ISIS broke out but at his death, Justice Uwais and the entire family are devastated.Late Ibrahim Uwais left Nigeria in 2015, telling close family members he was travelling to Turkey to explore business opportunities. He took along his two wives and five kids. However, he slipped from Turkey into Syria with his entire family and joined the burgeoning army of volunteer fighters who travel from different parts of the world to enlist with ISIS, a group whoseagenda is to carve out an Islamist caliphate.Just like Alhaji Abdulmutallab whose son, Umar Farouk, attempted to blow up an American plane in flight, Justice Uwais cared and loved his son dearly. He gave him the best education and treated him to the finest luxury money could buy. However, after spending lavishly on Ibrahim, the latter chose the path of dishonour to the consternation of his father and other loved ones.

News Credit: Thisday

Photo:Actress, Jennifer Lawrence Spotted Braless

25 Years Old Oscar winner and actress, Jennifer Lawrence spotted wearing a see-through top under a black jacket in Manhattan for her appearance at the GLAAD Media Awards yesterday

9ice Signs new artist Mikol

9ice Signs new artist Mikol to his record label. The New star Mikol releases the visuals to his single ‘Asiko Laye’

The video shows a man who persevered through life’s challenges and with patience, he finally made it at the right time.

Fellow link to watch video

https://youtu.be/kra-FA3lmy8

Aircraft Pilots and Engineers Stand in Support of Fuel Subsidy

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) said on Saturday itwould stand strongly in support of the federal government’s resolve to fully deregulate the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.The declaration of support by the aircraft pilots and engineers came barely few hours after the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; Trade Union Congress, TUC and their affiliates and allies in the civil society issued a 96-hour ultimatum to government to rescind the decision or face the wrath of their members.NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, told reporters in Abuja that the policy, which resulted in the hike in petrol price from N86.50 per litre to N145, was rejected because it was “unrealistic, unaffordable, and unacceptable.”But, NAAPE, in a contrasting opinion, described the deregulation policy as a stepin the right direction, pointing out that although it was long overdue, it was better late than never.National President, Isaac Balami, who commended the government for the bold decision, said the subsidy scheme was extremely fraud-prone, adding that trying to reform the process was like “attemptingto reform Satan (devil) – an impossibility task”.“Our advice to the government is to use the money that will be saved to put in place infrastructures that will create jobs for Nigerians; ensuring that our refineries are working optimally, and encouraging local production to ameliorate the temporary hardship the citizen are going through,” Mr. Balami said.He said the operators in the aviation industry, government must begin the refining of the aviation fuel, popularly called Jet A1 from the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries, to help reduce the costs of operation and flight tickets, since fuel alone constituted about 30 to 40 per cent of operational cost.Mr. Balami said government should also look into the issue of establishing a national carrier as promised or strengthen the local domestic carriers as soon as possible, as the industry was currently at astandstill.“We need more jobs to be created for our pilots and engineers, while reiterating our unalloyed support for this novel and bold decision the Federal Government has taken to secure the future of Nigeria,” the NAAPE said.Despite the threat by the NLC to call workers out on strike if the federal government fail to accede to their demands, the NAAPE president said the association would not allow pilots and aircraft engineers to join in any strike.“As far as we are concern, Nigerians should go ahead with their travel plans. The truth is that the industry itself is already being affected by the current challenges in the country and any move to short down the aviation Sector will lead to a total collapse of the Sector,” Mr. Balami said.In what appears a division in the rank of labour, the two influential oil workers unions, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and its counterparts in the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, had on Friday at the end of its emergency National Executive Council meeting in Calabar also opted to support government.The groups said in a joint communique that they would want the government to intensify consultations with various interest groups to work out ways the proceeds from the removal of fuel subsidywould be utilized to the benefits of the people.Although the President of PENGASSAN, Francis Johnson, was present at the briefing by the NLC on Saturday, he said the decision of the two oil workers unions to support the government policy was not to suggest they would not abide by whatever final resolution would be arrived at at the end of ongoing consultations.

News Credit: Premium Times

Fuel Subsidy: Buhari, APC Owe Jonathan Apology

Reported By Damilola Oyedele

For inciting protests against the removal of fuel subsidy in 2012 on the grounds that it was an anti-people policy, and now turning around to remove the same subsidy, President Muhammadu Buhari and the members of the All Progressives Congress have been told that they owe former President Goodluck Jonathan an apology.

This is the position of the lawmaker representing Ukwa Federal Constituency of Abia state in the House of Representatives, Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta (PDP), who accused Buhari of having taken a destructive position in 2012 without reasoning and economic analysis.

Abonta however expressed his support for the removal, but called for a total deregulation of the sector, passage and implementation of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

Several members of the opposition party have already berated the Buhari administration for campaigning with promises that he would not increase the price of fuel, and not keeping the promise.

Speaking with THISDAY, Abonta also accused the seventh House of Representatives of playing the script of those who wanted Jonathan to fail with the resolution against the removal in 2012.

“They occupied Nigeria in 2012. What changed between 2012 and now causing the increase? That means they were ignorant and lacked political reasoning. The criticized Jonathan out of trying to condemn him. Those who surround him (Buhari) misled Nigerians using the Labour movement. Lai Mohammed was one of those who occupied Nigeria. What would he say now?” Abonta said.

“I hope the eighth assembly would do the right thing and let the removal stay, although those at the helm now all canvassed against it, now they should tell Nigerians sorry,” he added.

Abonta, who is also the Chairman of the Committee on Public Petitions, advised that the money saved from the removal of subsidy should be invested through a clear economic agenda, which he noted the current government lacks.

He urged Buhari to consult those who ran the economy under President Jonathan, particularly Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose polices managed to keep the dollar at N160 for several years.

News Credit:Thisday

Nairalander Opinion on Solving Tomatoes Scarcity

Necessity they say is the mother of invention,two topics have grace the FP we all share problems but solution hence I wish we could hv a shift of paradigm, without much ado let's get to Biz
1. leaders of pepper and tomato sellers association be summoned by national assembly
2. is north the only source of this product? if No let our land borders b open;Togo,Benin, et al will cushion the scarcity effect
3.let our security men stop collecting "kickback" from market women

more ideas are welcome...

Osufia Spotted in Timaya ft Flavour "Money" Music Video Shooting

Nkem Owoh as been spotted at the music video  shooting of Flavour ft Timaya's music video "Money" so to say, the veteran actor will be seen in the video that is soon to be out