Occupy Nigeria..

As Nigeria's federal Government vows to go ahead with the fuel subsidy removal,  Nigerians who weren't part of the fight have now come out to join in the protest..those joining in are both pro and anti subsidy removal...
I read in one foreign media how that pro-fuel subsidy protesters were queuing to receive the stipend promised them..funny you might say, but corruption has not allowed us to see or even know the true pros and cons of governments actions.

In the last few days I have continued to remain mostly indoors, the noise of loud protesters and power bikes that fill my area are always a cue that its that time of day...
This just in.....

 "now the federal government has decided to be callous minded, we hereby direct all production platforms to be on red alert in preparation for total production shutdown. We reiterate that before the removal of fuel subsidy, some conditions must be met". - Babatunde Ogun, President PENGASSAN
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just reading this sends shock waves through me, if this happens the amount Nigeria looses every day this strike stalls will run into trillions of naira. It's been confirmed that PENGASSAN joins in the strike Sunday, January 15, 2012.
I read also that protesters were injured by stray bullets and some died in other places....I mean why are we having stray bullets when people are having a peaceful protest??

Nigerians watched as protests went on across the world several months ago, now it's come close and some are still in denial. I spoke to someone and their attitude was just discouraging. Government even came out with a no work no pay scare that still didn't stop Nigerians from ditching their offices and coming out in their thousands. For me the number was more a shock than anything else, Nigerians will usually just say let those who will protest go, but the feeling this time was different. A friend said he saw a pregnant woman struggle through the crowd with a placard (that would have been a sight), my point here is, the days of being laid back are gone.
I hear those who said what happened in to Arab and North African leaders last year could not happen in Nigeria are having a re-think.

As I speak, more negotiations are ongoing as labour unions and the presidency meet later today..it is hope that deliberations will yield good results, as I hear some say the strike has lingered long enough..
Now the waiting game begins and may say it is hoped the union leaders will go into the meeting with their conscience intact and come out with the same way..

mean while, the fight goes on and in the spirit of Aluta, protesters go home to rest their sore feet waiting for another break of dawn!!

Welcome to my 2012..

I know this is the year I have been waiting for.

This is one year like none other...
This is not a statement of optimism but a statement of Grace through Mercy.
With high expectations and out stretched faith garnished with a generous amount of Mercy, I know 2012 is sure to be the best year ever.
The year started and the question kept coming, "what is your new year resolution?
I had not given it any thought seeing that most resolutions are what we try to do with our our strengths.
My answer is to remain within the mercy covering and be the difference maker...

The year has been anticipated with several predictions, by scientists, astrologers and anyone who could talk. I chose to set a precedence of how the year will be for me not minding predictions based on data and feelings. You are a speaking being, speak what you want to see and watch it come alive, don't let the predictions of others determine what you see in 2012. Take over your life!!
What you choose to hear goes a long way in determining how you act.  My question to you is, "what have you heard God say to you about 2012?? if you weren't attentive it's not too late to ask He's mercy is available..

We are told that how the next day will look you know from the day before, I say not always true...when you judge the future by what you see, your progress is limited.
2011 was filled with new starts and injuries, laughters and joys, some pain and pleasure and in all this I am not unmindful of the open heavens I've had...grace and mercy even when my faith failed , ultimately I'm grateful for another chance.

I enter 2012 with every conciousness that my strength will do nothing. Speaking in unknown tongues my best bet for communication, showing mercy the best way to obtain mercy, God's ultimate power is displayed in His show of mercy, everything is in place line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little...

Welcome to my 2012!!! 

2012 : the year of oil subsidy removal

The year 2012 goes down in history as the year Nigeria started with a bang... 1st January saw the announcement of the removal of subsidy on all petroleum products, this is news many Nigerians are not comfortable with.
With Labour on one hand and Government on the other, its hard to tell what really the issues are. while many Nigerians want the subsidy continued government insists the removal speaks better for the economy.
In one fora, the president is reported to have said if the subsidy is not removed, the nations economy might not survive the next few years....Like some school of thought, I am of the opinion that if the economy is diversified and only a portion of it depends on oil revenue, then there'll be no cause for panic, (that's just me thinking).

I was travelling from Jos to Abuja the other day and the discussion that sustained the journey was the oil subsidy removal, I heard several theories and versions of what the subsidy was meant to do, however, one that caught my attention was; the man sitting in front, he had been silent like me but I think he was provoked by the unintelligent argument that ensued. His school of thought was thus: if government is asking the masses to give up the subsidy which is the only thing they enjoy have they (the national assembly,minister,governors etc) thought of forfeiting their mouth watering allowances to help stabilize the economy??? food for thought !
If really sacrifices have to be made for the economy, then everyone has to be  on board...simple!

With that, the loud chattering simmered leaving everyone to their thoughts...

Another thing that seemed  funny is the corner shop owner, Mama Tina who was quick to start announcing to everyone that came to make purchases that by the next day the price of items would change (even though they were from her old stock) the sachet of milk that sold for 35 naira December 31st was going to be 50 naira, I asked why she smiled and responded"na d subsidy oh!"...Nigerians!! I'm not sure she even understood what the subsidy removal was... Transportation fares had 100% review, everyone attributing their issues to the subsidy removal.

Like a slang, subsidy has become very prominent in every discussion as people even greet you and ask "hows the subsidy?" I wonder what the response should be??
Nigerians have always been known to wade any difficulty, will the oil subsidy removal be no different??