Elections 2011!

Election 2011 commence today 02/04/2011!

All over the Nation, Nigerians would go out to cast their VOTES in favour of their chosen candidates.

During the past few weeks, particularly during campaigns and political rallies, there had been various degrees of violence recorded as a result of clashes between rival political parties. Some major party stalwarts have decamped to rival political parties. I wonder why they had to wait till the last minute to make this move.

The candidates made SEVERAL promises. One common promise made by all candidates is that they would revamp the power sector! We have to hold them up to their promises! We have to leave a better Nigeria for our children and their generation.

Nigerians, please go to your polling center with your Voters Registration card and vote for the candidate of your choice! No matter how long it take to get accredited, please be patient and vote.

Today, Saturday 2 April, 2011 we shall be electing people to represent us in the Senate and House of Representatives. Please vote for credible representatives. Not fighters!

On Saturday 9 April, 2011, Nigerians would go out to elect a President for our great Nation. Finally, the  Governorship and State Assembly Elections would be held on Saturday 16 April, 2011.

I heard in the News that between the hours of 8am to 12pm, eligible voters are expected to be at the Polling Centers for accreditation on each election day. The voting exercise would commence by 12.30pm.

Contrary to what the Inspector General of Police purportedly said, the Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC) announced that voters are allowed to take their cell phones to the Polls for the purpose sending text messages to report any fraud, violence or election tampering.

Please do not engage in any form of violence at the polling centers. However, if you notice any foul play send your text messages to any of the following numbers:
0816-666-2222
0812-000-6622
0809-666-2221

Vote Right! Vote Wisely!

God bless Nigeria!

I am the Diokpa!

My hubby is from the Ibo speaking part of Delta State, Nigeria. In that part of the Country, every first male child in any family is referred to as the "Diokpa". In the simple terms, the Diopka is the head of the Family.

Recently, Tee was in one of his whining moods and I was just NOT in the mood to pet him. Instead, I chose to have a "chat" with him. In the course of the chat, I explained to him that he is almost 6 years old, and therefore, he is a big boy. I added that as a "big boy" he is not permitted to whine any more! I added that as the first son, he is the Diokpa of the family, and Diokpas don't whine or cry! That was it o! Now, he tries to comport himself as a "Diokpa". Whenever I notice he is about to change gear into one of his whining moods, I just simply say "It's a shame that the Diopka is about to whine!" Immediately, he'll switch to a better and acceptable mood!

One day, he was trying to assert his Diokpa right on Gee. He said to her "since I am the Diokpa, I am in charge of the house . . ." Gee immediately, retorted saying, "well, I am the FIRST child of this family and I AM in charge, so you must respect my views." When he asked me to say something on the issue, I said, "Gee is right. You have to respect her as the Ada of the family" I explained that an "Ada" is the first daughter of every family! At least, that settled it.

Too much TV!

I am seriously contemplating placing a ban on television watching in my house! My children are getting too addicted to the television and I am getting worried!

Back in the days, as a child, I did not have all that luxury. In fact, the first television we had was that type that looked like a cupboard with a fitted lock! Those days we were at the mercy of NTA! Only NTA! The television programs commenced at 4pm and terminates by mid night! Out of that eight hours, children watch their programs for 2 hours, and after that no more till the next day!

I remember that some days we'll sit in front of the television just before 4pm and start counting down. As soon as it's 4pm, the National Anthem is played and thereafter the presenter starts to read out the progammes scheduled for the day. We had some quality programmes back then! Although the quality of the programmes back then can not be compared to what is obtainable now! I must say, there is a great difference. Now, there are a thousand and one children programmes on various television channels to watch, thanks to DSTV and other cable networks. The language used in most of these so called cartoons are not appropriate for children (my views).

I remember when I asked Gee not to watch a particular programme on TV. She asked to know why and I told her that programme is for teenagers only. Then she said, "I can't wait to be a teenager". I looked at her with this surprise look and I said "well my dear you have to wait till you are a teenager. Even at that, I'll suggest you watch what you watch!"

My people, na so I see am o!

Heavy Security!

The picture below was taken some months ago. I went to one of the major fast food joints to buy some snacks. As soon as I parked, I notice that the fuel tank cover of the vehicle beside mine was heavily padlocked.

My first reaction was WHAT?! People would go to any length to protect their property!

My people have a blessed weekend!