The stage is set. If everything remains the same, Nigeria , within the next few hours, will be stepping into the crucible of a landmark election. Ideally, victories should be secured by the contenders to the various offices through the ballot box. But if the reports from parts of the country are anything to go by, then these elections will be won, not by votes, but by cruel means. Blood will play a major role in these elections.

Nobody could have been deceived into believing that President Olusegun Obasanjo was joking when he said that the elections would be a do-or-die affair. And while he has been using judicial and extra-judicial means to cow the opposition into submission, he could not be assumed to be merely trying to instil fear, either. The Obasanjo we all know means everything he says with his blood. You will remember that not even the weary outcry from an equally weary public would make him tender an apology for that unbecoming statement. And he has stated again and again that he does not owe anybody any apology for such a normal declaration.

Now that the elections are here, it is disheartening, though not surprising, that members of the ruling People’s Democratic Party are doing everything to execute the grand design of their master. They are working very hard to ensure that blood flows and lives are wasted to secure victory for their party. What is important to them is the victory, not the people. So it must be obtained at any cost.

Ordinarily, PDP should not be a threat to anybody. Everywhere one turns, one finds the abysmal failure of the party in the past eight years. Perpetual darkness stares you in the face at home. Fear and insecurity reign supreme on the road. Rising prices of goods and services are the order of the day. There is no guarantee that fuel stations will always get their supplies, in spite of the rising costs. So the only thing to do with PDP and its archaic officials is throw them into the waste bin of history through the ballot. But PDP is a drowning man – it will attempt to drag everybody, including the nation, along with it.

Already, willing youths in Edo State are getting guns and are being paid one hundred thousand naira each to cause confusion and wreck havoc at any polling booth where it is obvious PDP is not winning. If I had read or heard this in the media, I would have taken it with a pinch of salt. But it came straight from someone who said he turned down the offer. As a student, he needed the money, all right, but he could neither smoke nor drink. And these were part of the requirements for the deal. In other words, they needed and recruited only people who would be ruthless at the crucial moments of the elections.

And in Lagos , not a few people were shocked when Governor Bola Tinubu visited a troubled spot on the Island to campaign for his anointed candidate: area boys were openly asking him to give them a good supply of weapons. “Please give us guns,” they pleaded. Remember, if the election is a do-or-die affair for PDP, the opposition would certainly not want to be caught napping. So it has to be fire for fire. The opposition too seems to be stocking deadly weapons for the elections. And where two elephants fight, the grass will necessarily suffer. Only a few days ago, five people were reported to have been killed by gun-carrying party thugs at an Action Congress rally in Lagos . This morning, attacks in some parts of Lagos yesterday were said to have left at least four people dead.

I am sure it is for a time like this that Obasanjo has been courting Lamidi Adedibu. Without elections, parts of Ibadan have been as unsafe as hell. Certainly, the strongman of Ibadan politics who has enough guns in his arsenal must be praised by his party and masters in Abuja for having all it will take to wreck havoc in Oyo State and deliver the votes to PDP. In Lagos , Musiliu Obanikoro is not the PDP gubernatorial candidate, despite all odds, for nothing. Remember, he is the self-acclaimed political son of Obasanjo. He has already threatened that only he, and he alone, can and must emerge winner at the gubernatorial elections in the state. And he has the machinery to stir up a whirlwind, with the backing of Abuja , in trying to wrestle power from an equally formidable opposition.

The truth is, of the over 70 percent of Nigerians living below poverty line, I am yet to meet one who is not disgruntled with PDP. The internal turmoil in the party is another thing that can send it to the graves at the elections. Never mind that they will always try to present a united front when it comes to deceiving us all. This time around, the crack in their wall is extending to the foundation. So who is PDP counting on their votes to win the elections? That is why guns, more than anything else, will play a major role in these elections.

The real sad thing, though! The greatest challenge we may have, apart from the guns, is that there is no credible opposition that will emerge from the bloodbath at the elections as the people’s saviour. That really is what makes me sad. I am convinced that with all arms and ammunition at the disposal of PDP, it can still lose the elections. Did I hear somebody say impossible? This is a personal opinion, but I believe it is not impossible. My greatest fear is, after the battle has been fought and won, who takes over? That is what makes me really sad.

Violence and rigging are twin problems that have proved to be the Achilles heels of elections in Nigeria.

This violence is about to play out again in some states of the federation.


ONDO STATE
The case in Ondo State was so violent that mobs patrolled the streets, setting ablaze the building of perceived opponents and killing those found at home. Akin Omoboriowo of the NPN had been returned as the winner of the governorship election, leaving the incumbent, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, as the loser.

The angry people of Ondo State saw this as daylight robbery and reacted in a like manner. Asked about what he thought accounted for the 1983 violent protests, Awolowo, the UPN presidential candidate, had said: “Violence is not the cause of something but the effect of something.” Since then, we have had the 1993 election which conduct was not violent but was nonetheless trailed by violent protests after the poll was annulled by the Babangida administration.

Today in Ondo State, the situation is even more volatile. Not only have the police ordered adequate security of lives and property before, during and after the polls, competent police commissioners have been deployed to some of the states to oversee security while the elections last. For instance, the redeployment has seen Delta Police Commissioner, Prince Udom Ekpoudom, being moved to Lagos while the Lagos outgoing commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Adebayo, was redeployed to Nasarawa State. The fear that the state is prone to electoral violence appears not to be misplaced.


OYO STATE
The battle for the soul of the Oyo State has been between Governor Rashidi Ladoja and his estranged godfather, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, since 2003 when, against all expectations, Ladoja refused to do the biddings of Adedibu after the godfather had assisted him to become governor. The battle peaked last year when Adedibu, using lawmakers in the state House of Assembly, masterminded the impeachment of Ladoja. Before the governor’s reinstatement in December, Adedibu had perfected arrangements to give Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, the deputy governor, who held the forte while Ladoja’s impeachment subsisted, the state PDP governorship ticket ahead of the April polls.


To the consternation of Ladoja who appears interested in re-election on the platform of the PDP, the governorship ticket went to Alao-Akala. The governor has since done so many things to deny his estranged deputy the ticket. Mayhem was unleashed when, against the expectations of Ladoja, Alao-Akala was presented with PDP’s flag as Oyo State governorship candidate at the party’s zonal rally in Akure, Ondo State capital. The governor also got a Panel of Inquiry to indict the deputy, citing allegations of corruption when the deputy acted as governor. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) called it an afterthought and Akala is still the governorship candidate. The squabble over the PDP governorship ticket between Ladoja and Alao-Akala, and by extention, Adedibu, is a source of tension in the state.


The fear is that the lingering squabble may snowball into a violence of unimaginable proportion before, during and after the elections


OGUN STATE
Ogun State appears latently volatile. The battle is between Governor Gbenga Daniel, seeking re-election, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who ditched the PDP to grab the ANPP governorship ticket in the state, on one hand, and between Daniel and the Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate, Chief Dipo Dina, on the other hand.

Both Amosun and Dina have been thorns in Daniel’s flesh and the friction that resulted therefrom has been a source of political violence in the state. In the political violence that rocked the state a few weeks ago, many supporters of Daniel and Amosun were injured.
The clash between PDP and ANPP members saw troops being deployed in Abeokuta, the state capital. The desperation of the PDP to win the elections in the state, being the president’s home state, and the opposition’s bid to prevent this, may trigger violence during the elections.


LAGOS STATE
Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial nerve-centre, has not been left out of the ugly incidence of violent clashes. Mid-last month in Ajah, an AC rally was disrupted when some gunmen started shooting, causing Governor Bola Tinubu and others, including the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to run for their dear lives.


Weeks earlier, hoodlums had attacked the convoy of Jimi Agabje, governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA). His Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) counterpart, Chief (Mrs.) Oluremi Adiukwu-Bakare and the PDP candidate, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. And, at the weekend, supporters of the AC and PDP clashed in the state, leaving scores of people wounded. Both parties are trading blames over the incident. Obanikoro said his vehicle was shot at during the clash while AC said only its members were wounded underscoring its claim that PDP members were the aggressors.


Analysts attributed the attacks to politicians who believe that they must win the elections at all costs using whatever they can including intimidation of the opposition in a state where there are so many idle hands (area boys) that can be employed to cause violence. The state attracts many parties which want to govern it at all cost. This has inevitably increased the apprehension that the elections may not hold without violence in the state.


ANAMBRA STATE
The state has had its share of violence since 2003. It has not kwown peace since that year’s election which ushered in Dr. Chris Ngige. Before Ngige’s election was nullified, it was a cat and mouse game between Ngige and his godfather, Chief Chris Uba, who tried to remove him forcefully following an intractable feud between the duo. For most part of Ngige’s administration, the state was on edge as a result of the governor and the so-called godson.


As it were, the disqualification of Ngige and Governor Peter Obi from the governorship race by INEC to allegedly pave the way for the PDP governorship candidate, Andy Uba, to emerge governor is believed to be a factor that may turn the state into a flashpoint during the elections.


PLATEAU STATE
The problem of the impeached but re-instated governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye, has lingered for some time in the state right from 2004 when he was suspended by the president and emergency rule imposed on the state after violence erupted in some local governments.

Despite his impeachment, Dariye is said to remain a potent factor in Saturday’s election. The bid by the opposition, led by Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu of the PDP, to consign Dariye to the dustbin of history, via AC defeat in the April polls, may turn the state into a battlefield. This notwithstanding, the police have said that they have the capacity to contain whatever situation that may arise in the state.
Gombe state

The state is witnessing increase in political violence as the polls draw closer. Recently, in a commando-like operation, party thugs whisked away the former governor of the state. Just last week, Vice President Atiku Abubakar was not granted permit to campaign in the state because of fear of violence. The state is a flash point well known to security agencies.

The Killings in lagos in the past 14 days would be a child's play on the day of the elction if security measures are not put in place.The Nigerian Police has a huge task to comabt Koro's Armed Forces and Tinubu's Soldiers.

Nigerians are praying that the police are able to match their words with action to prevent Nigeria from turning into a boiling cauldron.

But the Super Eagles' German coach can count himself fortunate after Uganda's Cranes had a goal disallowed in the last minute. Forward Nwankwo Kanu scored the all-important goal after 73 minutes in a tight affair between the group leaders and the team in second place. Nigeria have now won all three of their Nations Cup qualifiers, and their nine points are five more than second-placed Uganda.

The match is a clear indication that all is not well with the Eagles yet.
There are some Eagle that are not fit to be part of the team.
Here is a critique analysis of the play to player performance.

1.Austin Ejide- Definitely not better than Vincent Enyeama.He showed some naivety with crosses.The goal that was disallowed was caused by him, he committed himselfby running out of his box but indecision to go after the ball made the roving ugandan striker nod ahead of our defender.He was not really tested. 4/10

2.Isaac Okoronkwo.The worst player on the Pitch from both sides.
He made school boys mistakes and caused a lot of errors that almost caused us the match.
His Performance is dreadful for a professioal player who has played at the highest level in Ukraine.
My personal opinion is that that shaould be his last game for the Eagles. 2/10

3.Taye Taiwo. His shot on goal that hit the cross bar was the only moment Taye creditably played.His other moments were dreadful. his tackles, timing, passes, defensive agility and technical acumen.Taye is not the best left back in the country.4/10

4.Rabiu Afolabi. Good performance can still improve. 6/10
5.Joseph Yobo. The man in the Middle should know that as of date he's is the most experienced eagle defender so he should act like one.He needs to work on his control,concentartion and aerial battles.Performance 5/10

5.Seyi Olofinjana. His job is to win and distrubute balls, he failed in that category. He's not the best in that position. 3/10

6.Chris Obodo. Lacked confidence in the match, should work on his game for big matches. Failed in the midfiled to distrubute balls for the attack. 4/10

7.Osaze Odemwingie. Best eagle on the pitch. would performed better if allowed to operate with Marins in front.Best eagle now 8/10

8.Kanu Nwankwo. For his goal , he clearly showed his experience and predatory instinct in the box.
Should started from the bench. 7/10

9.Obafemi Marins. Didn't get quality services from the Mid field.Good figthing abilities.6/10

10.John Utaka. Came in alte in the game. would done better from the start.4/10
11.Obinna Nwaneri. Did well to cover for Okoronkwo 5/10

Over all the Eagles played below par, some has said the Pitch was a factor but i think the players lacked co-ordination and strength.

Water is a fundamental part of our lives. It is easy to forget how completely we depend on it. Human survival is dependent on water -- water has been ranked by experts as second only to oxygen as essential for life. The average adult body is 55 to 75% water. 2/3 of your body weight is water (40 to 50 quarts). A human embryo is more than 80% water. A newborn baby is 74% water. Everyday your body must replace 2 1/2 quarts of water.The Water you drink literally becomes you! Since such a large percentage of our bodies is water, water must obviously figure heavily in how our bodies function. We need lots of fresh water to stay healthy. Aside from aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature and blood circulation, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. This "body water" also cushions joints and protects tissues and organs, including the spinal cord, from shock and damage

Every process in our body occurs in a water medium. We can exist without food for 2 months or more, but we can only survive for a few days without water.
Most people don't drink enough water. The body responds to this water deficiency in a variety of ways, which we frequently see as illnesses. When, many symptoms decrease. Ongoing dehydration may cause actual disease as the body struggles to maintain itself with insufficient water

Although water covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface, only 1% of the Earth's water is available as a source of drinking water

Water is the world's greatest life source. Yet, in many parts of the world, water resources are scarce. Over a billion people live without access to safe drinking water, and droughts caused by water scarcity threatens the livelihoods of many more. Furthermore, water scarcity causes environmental damage, such as the loss of rare and beautiful habitats.

World Day of Water is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. This year's theme of the Day is "Coping with water scarcity".
Water is the world's most useful natural resources.Water is used for cooking, washing, bathing and other household activities.

The scarcity of water in Lagos state as been a trying experience for its Settlers.In suburb Communities there is no good water for the residents to drink from.
Water scarcity has been an endemic problem with government administartion in Nigeria,as we celebrate nature's freest gift i implore the relevant authorities to look into the supply of good quality water for people to drink from. I wonder how life would be like if there are no good water for us to drink from.
The responsibility to provide good water and end scarcity is an obligation that must be achieved by all responsible governments.
This is a message to all aspiring office seekers in the next elections.Water should be a tool for a good campaign for you to secure your votes.

There is a surprising connection between the quality of our water and healthful longevity. There are many health benefits of increasing the amount and quality of the water we drink. All over the world and throughout time, wherever you find the most contaminant-free water... you find the healthiest, most vibrant civilizations.

Nigerians are today the happiest people on earth even without quality water to drink.There is scarcity of water from rural community in lagos, to another suburb comminity in Kano,Calabar, Ibadan and other major cities.The deveasting effect of oil spillages in the Niger Delta areas has made it impossible for residents to hace access to good water.
How long shall we continue to suffer from a gift freely given by nature to us all.
As we celebrate the World's water day,the Nigerian Government must provide quality water for us all.
The need to end scarcity of water is a responsibility to be embarked on by concerned Nigerians.Water must be Free.Water must be avaialble in every homes.

Three oil drilling companies accused of bribing Nigerian Customs officials for fast clearance will pay the United States government $26 million in the largest criminal settlement of foreign corruption charges, the US Justice Department said yesterday.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that the companies are subsidiaries of British-based Vetco International Limited, and at least one of them settled similar bribery charges in 2004. A US Justice Department official said the companies , Vetco Gray UK Limited, Vetco Gray Controls Inc., and Vetco Gray Controls Limited , paid customs officers $2.1 million to speed equipment and employees into the United States .

The payments, 378 in all, were largely processed through Vetco Gray Controls, Inc., which is based in Houston.

The three companies were expected to sign off on the settlement in US District Court in Houston later yesterday, said the Justice official spoke on condition of anonymity because the hearing had not yet occurred.

The US Justice Department explained further that the payments which went to employees of the Nigerian Customs Service were coordinated largely through Vetco Gray Controls Inc.'s offices in Houston, the Justice Department said.

The case marked the second time since 2004 that Vetco Gray UK has pleaded guilty to violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the department said.

It said Vetco Gray UK and an affiliated company pleaded guilty in July of 2004 to violating the anti-bribery provision of the law over the payment of more than $1 million in bribes to officials of a Nigerian government agency.

In addition to the criminal fines, the plea agreements also require the defendants to hire an independent monitor to make sure they comply with the law, the department said.