12 rules of being a better lover

1. THE GREATER YOUR FOCUS, THE HOTTER THE SEX

What's the best way to unlock a woman's wildest desires in bed? "Passion," said 42 per cent of the women we surveyed. "That means being in the moment and not being distracted," says US psychologist Dr Joel Block, the author of Secrets of Better Sex. "Sex is a conversation, and she doesn't want to feel like you wish you had your BlackBerry."

A woman takes attendance during sex in many ways, and the strongest signal you can send comes from your mouth. More than 90 per cent of women we surveyed said a man's primal panting turns them on. But use words over Tarzan grunts, if you can. "You want to reassure her: 'Do that more', 'That feels so good' or 'Oh, I love that'," says Dr Logan Levkoff, a US sexologist and the author of Third Base Ain't What It Used to Be. Beyond giving her a confidence boost, the extra sensory seduction intensifies the experience.

Nonverbal communication is important, too. Bursts of eye contact, lip nibbles and any other kind of physical or verbal communication shows her she's the one pushing your buttons, not some fantasy fembot in your head. If the soulful eye lock's not for you, bury your face in her neck, run the tip of your tongue from her collarbone to her earlobe and whisper why she's driving you crazy.

2. FOREPLAY CAN BE THE MAIN EVENT

"‘Foreplay' is a terrible word because it implies that it's leading to something more important," says sexuality counsellor Dr Beverly Whipple, a co-author of The G Spot and Other Discoveries About Human Sexuality. “You'll both have more fun if you think of it as sex play and make it about discovering and enjoying each other, not just reaching the finish line."

The women we surveyed agreed: two in five said their last orgasm occurred during foreplay itself, not intercourse. What's more, when asked to rank their partners' bedroom skills, the women's top two complaints were a lack of sexual creativity and sub-par manual sex skills, in that order. Ouch.

Your move? Tell her you want to go three sack sessions without penetration. Ditching the same old script – foreplay, sex, cuddling – will help your creative instincts spring to life. Bonus: sexual novelty recreates those early relationship, take-me-now hormones, says psychiatrist Dr Daniel Amen, the author of Sex on the Brain: 12 Lessons to Enhance Your Love Life.

3. PLEASURE DOESN'T ALWAYS EQUAL SATISFACTION

The good news is you can give a woman both. In a Kinsey Institute study in the US, women and men agreed that sex without condoms feels better – but women said using protection actually helps them feel more satisfied overall in the sack. Even those using hormonal birth-control methods felt the effect: when they used condoms, they reported a 17.5 per cent higher rate of overall satisfaction with their sex lives.

Why? This one's a no-brainer. When women worry less (say, about sexually transmitted infections), they enjoy themselves more.

Our pick for the condom that packs both pleasure and satisfaction: the Ansell Zero, which at just 0.05 millimetres thick is the thinnest on the Australian market.

4. "GENTLE" MEANS MORE THAN JUST "EASY, BUDDY"

“That word is a woman's code telling you to be more sensitive to her cues," says Block. The more nerve dense the hot spot is on a woman's body, the more careful your approach should be.

Clitoral contact in particular feels abrasive without a proper warm-up, says Lou Paget, a sex educator and the author of How to Be a Great Lover. If a woman yips or inhales suddenly when you go there – instead of purring or moaning – you've jumped the gun. Use indirect stimulation first, paying careful attention to her reactions as a guide.

The nerve-packed clitoris actually extends several inches under the skin on either side of her vagina (like a wishbone), which means you can massage it without direct pressure to the bud. Trace the extensions with flat, wide, extra-wet tongue strokes or slow finger zigzags (and don't forget to use a lubricant). Then rub a slow spiral around the top, drawing closer with each pass. The combo of anticipation and indirect contact will bring her pleasure centres to life. If she purrs, you've found her sweet spot. If she fidgets or gasps, take a step back.

5. CLIMATE IS CRUCIAL FOR CLIMAX

Egyptian cotton and dimmer switches can't hurt, but your love chamber's thermostat is just as important, according to Dutch sex researchers. “At the beginning of our trials, only 50 per cent of our female subjects were able to reach orgasm," says study author Dr Gert Holstege, chairman of the centre for uro-neurology at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. “But we learned they were uncomfortable because they had cold feet. We gave them socks and 80 per cent reached orgasm."

The socks aren't the secret, though. "The amygdala and prefrontal cortex – the brain areas responsible for anxiety, fear, and danger signals - strongly decrease their activation during orgasm." says Holstege. "A pleasant environment, which includes the room temperature, is an important part of making her feel safe, secure and comfortable."

"Imagine the ideal day at the beach," says Tristan Taormino, a director for adult movie company Vivid Entertainment in the US. "You want it just warm enough that she's happy to shed a layer or two, but not so hot that you'll end up drenched once you exert yourself."

6. POSITIONS ARE POINTLESS WITHOUT A PURPOSE

"There's no need to be overly fancy during sex – the very best positions are the ones that focus on the clitoris," says Levkoff. Want to amp up her pleasure without risking a hamstring cramp? Ditch the outrageous contortions for these modified standards. They're all designed to boost stimulation to her clitoris, which has even more nerve endings than the head of your penis.

A) MISSIONARY
Instead of in-and-out thrusting, "have her grind against you in circles", says sex expert Tracey Cox, the author of Secrets of a Supersexpert. "Keep as much of the base of your penis in contact with her outer lips as possible." Another option: place two or three pillows under her bum to lift it off the bed at an angle. You'll rub against her more when thrusting.

B) GIRL ON TOP
Make a V with two fingers and place it so the point of the V (just between the two knuckles) is directly over her clitoris. Your fingers should come down on either side of your penis as she rides you. "This will stimulate the clitoris, inner labia and urethra – as well as add intensity for you," says Cox.

C) DOGGY-STYLE
"Have her lift her bum up or spread out your legs to move down and touch the supersensitive vaginal wall," says Cox. Then reach around to play with her clitoris using your fingers. (Use a small vibrator for extra intensity.) For over-the-top stimulation of her most nerve-packed parts, "keep thrusting short and shallow, rather than deep and fast", advises Cox.

7. CLUB ORGASM ISN'T "MEMBERS ONLY"

Only one in five women we surveyed said their last orgasm came during penetration. "Most younger women want their partners to slow down and use their hands and mouths more," explains Australian sex researcher Dr Juliet Richters, who surveyed more than 19,000 people for her book Doing It Down Under.

In her survey, more than 90 per cent of women were able to reach orgasm when their partners used only oral and manual stimulation. Here's the rub: fifty-two per cent of the women we surveyed said they've made a guy stop because they were afraid of taking too long. So how can you be sure she's not letting you off easy? "Say, 'I love doing this, I could do this all day. Are you sure you want me to stop?'," says Whipple.

If you're the one worried about 20-plus minutes of exhausting oral sex, though, "don't go faster - it won't make her reach orgasm sooner", says Cox. "If anything, slow down. The gentler, slower and more consistent you are, the quicker she'll arrive."

Another option: enlist help. A small vibrator on her clitoris and your moist lips everywhere else should do the job.

8. A QUICKIE SHOULDN'T END WITH "THANKS!"

Only half of all women can reach orgasm when sex lasts 10 minutes or less, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. "That means during a quickie, you'll probably finish and she won't," says Levkoff.

If she doesn't orgasm, make sure you'll have access to future rapid-fire sessions by saying, "Later tonight, it's going to be all about you." Then follow through on that promise. Leave her hanging too many times and she won't stick around for long.

9. THE G-SPOT HAS FRIENDS. GET TO KNOW THEM

You're goal-oriented. Good. But the G-spot and the clitoris aren't the only bull's-eyes. "The most recent anatomical research suggests that the clitoris is perhaps better described as the 'clitoral complex', where the vagina, urethra and clitoris all function as a unit rather than as individual parts," explains Kinsey Institute researcher Dr Debby Herbenick.

Try working that clitoral complex by hitting multiple hot spots at once. Some researchers believe there's something called an A-spot, located far inside the vagina on the side closest to her belly button. "Stroke this spot and she'll lubricate almost instantly," says Cox. "Put one lubed finger into her vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Use the whole length of your finger to explore the front wall of her vagina." Now triple the sensation: stick both index and middle finger inside her, and stick out your thumb like you're hitchhiking. It'll pull your fingers more snugly against her vaginal walls, stimulating A-spot and G-spot simultaneously. Then use your thumb to also stimulate her clitoris, and gently twist your hand.

10."READY" IS ALL RELATIVE

"Just because a woman is lubricated doesn't mean she's ready for sex," says Richters. Your woman's real prime time comes once she reaches a phase of arousal called "uterine tenting". It's just like it sounds: the uterus backs out of the way and the vagina grows in length by as much as three centimetres.

"You'll experience deeper penetration and the vagina will provide an intense grip to the head of your penis," says Dr Barbara Keesling, a lecturer on human sexuality at California State University at Fullerton and the author of Men in Bed. "The orgasms are incredible."

Keesling says the best position is the butterfly. "Have her lie on her back and pull her knees up to her shoulders, tilting her pelvis so her vagina points up almost to the ceiling," she advises.

Since tenting can take anywhere from 30 seconds to, well, forever, focus on synchronising the stimulation between your penis and her outer lips before entering her. Lie pressed against each other with your penis snug between her legs, allowing her to slide and rub against you while you use your hands and mouth elsewhere. The warm, slick and firm contact will bring her to a boil in no time.

11. WANT TO HAVE SEX? THEN DO THE DISHES

"If a woman is distracted by anything – work, lack of sleep, chores, a fight she had with a friend - it can interfere with her arousal," says Whipple. Seven in 10 women we surveyed said helping around the home was a turn-on, but Australian women spend an average of two hours and 52 minutes a day on domestic activities, compared with the one hour and 37 minutes of Australian men, according to a 2006 Australian Bureau of Statistics survey.

The women we surveyed said they'd be most grateful if you did the dishes, cooked dinner and did the laundry, in that order. Score bonus points: don't brag about it.

12. DON'T MAKE ORGASM YOUR ONLY GOAL

Desperation sinks her sex drive: a 2008 study by the University of Texas at Austin published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that stress about sexual performance significantly decreases female arousal. "Whatever you do, don't look up and ask, 'Are you close?' or 'Did you come?'," says Whipple. "It's distracting and it adds unnecessary pressure."

See if you're on the right track by asking questions such as: "Do you like that?" and "Should I keep doing that?" instead. And if you're waiting for her to reach orgasm during penetration, it's sometimes better to finish first rather than holding out for half an hour. "Women don't have orgasms every time, and they know it's not necessarily their partner's fault," says Whipple. So take turns, advises Levkoff. "You can always go back and use your hands and fingers to please her, if she's still turned on."


Photo by Rodale

Underage girls 'Used as prostitutes in Sydney

Police fear more young girls may have been victims of a child prostitution ring in Sydney and are too frightened to come forward.

One of the girls who was enticed into having sex in cars and motels with male clients was 13, police will allege.

Officers of Strike Force Woodvale arrested a 22-year-old woman at Warwick Farm, in the city's southwest, at about 8.30am (AEDT) on Friday and charged her with armed robbery and child prostitution offences.

Liverpool crime manager Danny Doherty said the woman preyed on girls living on the street and in refuges for the homeless.

"These girls may be too scared to come forward or may be traumatised by the acts, but I urge them to contact police so they can get the necessary support they need," Detective Inspector Doherty said.

Police suspect the woman lured at least three girls into the prostitution ring that operated for about three months.

She allegedly contacted her clients by phone and arranged for them to meet the girls in cars and motels.

"It's a sad reflection on society when you've got a 22-year-old woman soliciting and making money out of kids as young as 13," Det Insp Doherty said.

Detectives are yet to determine how she advertised, but they believe she offered the sexual services of young girls.

"It's obviously very unusual for a young woman to be arranging other young women to engage in acts of prostitution," Det Insp Doherty said.

Police also allege the woman was involved in an armed robbery of a person in February.

She was charged on Friday with promoting child prostitution, obtaining benefit from child prostitution and armed robbery.

The woman was refused police bail and is to appear in Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday.

Anyone who may have been a victim of the alleged prostitution ring or anyone who has information about the matter is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


By Vincent Morello, Police Reporter, AAP

10 Tips On How To Get Rich Fast

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could get rich tomorrow? What would you do with all that money? Well believe it or not it can be done. Now I didn’t say it would be easy I just said you could do it. Here are 10 tips on how to get rich fast.

1. Invest - Start young. In fact start while you are in elementary school, kindergarten is even better. It’s the beauty of compound interest and over time your money will grow into a nice nest egg. Okay if you are reading this you are probably too old to start in elementary school but you can get your kids hooked. As for you the best plan of defense is to invest 50% of your salary in a high risk market fund or the penny stock market. You’ve got a 50-50 chance. You’ll either make a million or be broke in 90 days.

2. Marry Rich - Now how difficult can this be? All you need to do is find someone who has loads of money and marry them. Okay I didn’t say you’d be happy just rich. Perhaps not a solution for most of us but it apparently works for a few.

3. Win The Lottery - Ya ya I know the odds of getting struck by lightening are better than the odds of winning the lottery but you can’t win if you don’t try and it’s one of the few ways I know of that you can get rich fast.

4. Rich Parents - If you come from a wealthy family then you are half way there. All you have to do is stay in their good books and convince mom and dad to not spend their money and leave it to you when they pass. After all why should your parents get to enjoy the wealth they reaped?

5. Get An Education - Go to school for lots of years, accumulate plenty of debt, and choose a career that pays big bucks. After about 10 years in your profession you should be rolling in the dough and you might even be filthy rich before you get old

6. Become A Star - Heck if Jennifer Aniston or Nicolas Cage can do it why can’t you. A couple of acting lessons and you should be set. All you need to do is head to Hollywood and strike it big. One good movie and you’ll be set for life.

7. Invest In Real Estate - Buy high sell low – whoops I think I got that backwards. Buy low, wait 10 years, 20 years, maybe even 30 years but inflation will have your investment growing by leaps and bounds and you could be filthy rich especially if you bought in an up and coming city while house prices were still low. Now if you bought in Hicksville USA you may have a problem. It might take more than your lifetime to see any dramatic increases. Oh well you can leave it to your kids who can leave it to their kids and in another 100 years or so someone’s going to be sitting pretty.

8. The Internet Way - Heck where have you been. A quick search on the Web will reveal plenty of sites that will teach you how to make $50,000 a day. Now I think most of us could live quite comfortably on that don’t you? All you need to do is part with about $500 and they’ll tell you the secrets of wealth in one page or less. If the first one doesn’t do it for you perhaps you might want to try a few more. Oh wait a minute. Perhaps what you need to do is set up one of these sights, then you’ll be the one getting rich off the other poor fools that part with their $500.

9. Bank Robbery - Okay highly illegal and could land you a lifetime in the slammer but desperate needs require desperate measures. After all if you get caught you might not be rich but you’ll have free room and board for the rest of your life and then you could write a book about what not to do when robbing a bank and well see you could get rich from your book. And even better, you’ll stay rich because there is really no place to spend it while in jail.

10. High Risk Work - Take on those high risk jobs no one else wants. You know counselor in Iraq, bean counter in Afghanistan, Oil tycoon in Iran. But hey if you live through it you’ll be rolling in the dough. What does it matter that 99% never live through it. You’ve got a 1% chance and when it comes to getting rich those are pretty good odds.

Sure most of these ideas are pretty off the wall but if getting rich fast was easy wouldn’t we all be rich? Then what fun would there be in that? We’d all have too much money and probably be bored to tears. So why not aim for better life with good friends, love, happiness, and enough money to live comfortably but not so much that you stop dreaming about what you would do if you were rich.

Jude Minar 

Men can inherit a form of heart disease from father via Y chromosome

                                            The Y chromosome determines that a baby will be a boy


Men can inherit heart disease from their father say scientists who have tracked the condition to the Y chromosome that dads pass to sons.

By studying the DNA of over 3,000 men they found a particular version of the sex chromosome increases the risk of coronary artery disease by 50%.

As many as one in five British men carry this version of Y.

And the risk it confers is in addition to other heart risk factors like cholesterol, The Lancet reports.

Experts already know that men develop heart disease a decade earlier than women, on average. By the age of 40, the lifetime risk of heart disease is one in two for men and one in three for women.

Lifestyle factors like smoking and blood pressure are important contributors. This latest work suggests the male Y chromosome can also play a role in coronary artery disease - a common form of heart disease that kills thousands each year in the UK.

Passed down

Dr Maciej Tomaszewski, from the University of Leicester, and colleagues studied 3,233 biologically unrelated British men who were already enrolled in other medical studies investigating heart disease risk.

When they carried out genetic tests on the men they found that 90% possessed one of two common versions of Y chromosome - named haplogroup I and haplogroup R1b1b2.

And the risk of coronary artery disease among the men carrying the haplogroup I version was 50% higher than in other men.

The scientists say they now need to pinpoint precisely which genes on the Y chromosome are responsible.

But they believe they already know how they exert their effect - by upsetting a man's immune system.

Dr Maciej Tomaszewski, a clinical senior lecturer at the University's Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, said: "We are very excited about these findings as they put the Y chromosome on the map of genetic susceptibility to coronary artery disease.

"Doctors usually associated the Y chromosome with maleness and fertility but this shows it is also implicated in heart disease."

He said, ultimately, the discovery could lead to new ways to treat and prevent heart disease in men, as well as a genetic test to spot those greatest risk.

In the meantime, he said men should focus on risk factors that they already have the power to modify themselves, such as getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet to keep their blood pressure and cholesterol down.

Dr Hélène Wilson of the British Heart Foundation, which part-funded the work, said: "Coronary heart disease is the cause of heart attacks, which claim the lives of around 50,000 UK men every year.

"Lifestyle choices such as poor diet and smoking are major causes, but inherited factors carried in DNA are also part of the picture. The next step is to identify specifically which genes are responsible and how they might increase heart attack risk."

Seven Tips Guaranteed to Improve Your Dating Life!!!

                                    How to Improve Your Dating Life



1. Nurture a sincere curiosity about people.

Dating is an exercise in getting to know the other person, and for this reason it’s important that you’re able to communicate your interest. Sometimes two people are just right for each other, but they never get to realize it because both are holding back or too focused on themselves to show true interest in their mate. Do your best to shift your attention off yourself and onto your date. So do ask questions; be curious about the person sitting in front of you. Disclose a little about yourself, something that can pique and intrigue your date. Sometimes even if a date doesn’t lead to romance, the good conversation can be worth the evening’s entertainment. At least this way, if you two don’t work out you could gain a friend for life.



2. Make yourself more attractive.

Yes, you have to go there. While at first blush it seems shallow, the reality is you lessen your chances of getting a good date by going out of your house hair uncombed, dress dowdy and eyes revealing you haven’t been sleeping well. Most of the time it’s the physical that sparks interest in the opposite sex; make sure you’re taking pains to be attractive. Do yourself a favour—visit your nearest salon and buy yourself a nice dating outfit or two --- you’ll feel more confident when you know for certain you’re a sexy beast.



3. Expand your social network.

It’s a simple case of probability. The more people you know, the greater your chances of finding someone you can connect with.

So don’t be a shy wallflower. Get yourself out socializing! Sign up for conferences and workshops, join professional organizations, get yourself to the gym. Be open to dating sites if you have the courage. If you want to be strategic, you could even connect yourself to clubs where your type is likely to hang out. The internet is a feast for finding groups of people who love the same things, so do a search of local meet-ups or social events in your area of interest.



4. Date outside your type.

If you feel bored with your dating life, chances are you’re going out with the same type all the time. Monotony is the root of dissatisfaction, so dare yourself and ask someone that in the past you wouldn’t in your wildest dreams imagine dating. Our types often reveal where we’re comfortable and sometimes it takes some shaking up to get the excitement back. You’ll never know: when you open yourself to all the possibilities, you just might find the one.



5. Get mentoring on how to flirt well.

Unfortunately, not all of us were born with the flirting gene and it’s easy to get signals mixed when you’re a newbie at it. So find someone you know who’s successful at the craft or attend a workshop, and get yourself learning. Ask for feedback on how you come across and what message you send with your body language. Know the subtleties of touching and complimenting someone you like. Test --- yes, test! --- your skills on friends and co-workers you find attractive. The more you do it, the more confident you’ll be. And even if at first it all seems unnatural, after a few dates, you’ll find your style in no time.



6. Make sure that you’re ready for a relationship.

Very important question for you: if things work out between you and your date, are you ready to take things to the next level? Because if you’re afraid of commitment, then you might be unconsciously rejecting every suitable candidate for you just so you won’t be vulnerable. Or if you’re simply afraid of being alone, you might be approaching the whole process with some kind of desperation. Date because you’re ready to be in a relationship. If not, give it some time or get some help from a coach or therapist.



7. And lastly, have the certainty that you are a person worthy of being loved.

This is probably the best advice of all. All people have insecurities and doubt, but at your core you should know that you are deserving of the very best, and therefore will strive to look for the very best. Knowing your worthy means you don’t allow yourself to be abused, or you won’t simply take the first person that comes along.

Woman banned for being 'too old' for skimpy clothing

A woman in the UK has been banned from every nightclub in her home town after being told she is too old to wear skimpy clothing.

Lisa Woodman, a 28-year-old mother of four from Worcester in the West Midlands, was refused entry to three separate venues because of her short skirts, knee-high boots and low-cut tops, the Daily Mail reports.

All three clubs are owned by the same company and have stated the ban will stay in place until the medical secretary moderates her style of clothing.

Ms Woodman, a "petite" blonde with a size-six figure, said she was furious with her treatment.

"What's wrong with what I wear? I'm not hurting anyone, am I? I am covering everything, and I just want to have a good time," she was quoted as saying.

Ms Woodman freely admits to flaunting her figure but says her clothes are conservative compared to younger females who are allowed "straight in" to the clubs.

She says she was reduced to tears on New Year's Eve when she was turned away by a doorman and told she was "too old" for the clothes she was wearing.

"When I asked the bouncers why me and my sister weren't allowed in, they just said 'You're too old to wear that get-up'," she was quoted as saying.

Ms Woodman recently split from her long-term partner, the father of her four children.

Following the split Ms Woodman underwent a breast enhancement and started attending the gym regularly.

"I split up from my partner last year and I was really upset so I had a boob job in April and got into shape going to the gym and now I just want to flaunt what I've got," she told the Daily Mail.

Ms Woodman said at age 28, she does not consider herself "old".

She has also complained of humiliating treatment at the hands of club staff.
"One doorman even made me walk up and down and turn around in front of people laughing at what I was wearing. I was totally in shock and really humiliated. I look after myself and I'm only 28. I just want to be treated with a bit of respect," she said.

Why we suspended the strike – Labour

President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC),Abdulwaheed Omar , President Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele and other officials at a press conference to call off strike action in Abuja yesterday. Gbemiga Olamikan

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG & OKECHUKWU NDIRIBE
ABUJA—LEADERS of organized labour in the country have given reasons why the indefinite strike and street protests declared to force the Federal Government revert the pump price of Petrol from N141 per litre to pre-January1, 2012 price of N65 per litre, was suspended after eight days.

Announcing the suspension of the strike at a joint press briefing in Abuja yesterday, leaders of NLC and TUC explained that the strike action forced the government to announce price reduction from N140 to N97 per litre after it had earlier said the price hike was irreversible, while the government has also adopted the policy to reduce cost of governance.

The labour leaders also said following the protests across the country, the government has now made up its mind to move decisively against massive and crippling corruption in the oil sector even as government now saw the need to prosecute economic saboteurs and accelerate the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill

They also explained that street protests and mass rallies were earlier suspended by labour, to save lives and in the interest of national survival.

In a joint statement by Comrades Abdulwaheed Omar and Peter Esele, President of NLC and TUC respectively, labour, said in the past eight days through strikes, mass rallies, shutdown, debates and street protests, Nigerians demonstrated clearly that they could no longer be taken for granted and that sovereignty belonged to them.

The statement said: “In the last twenty four hours, the Labour Movement and its allies who had the historic responsibility of coordinating these mass actions have had cause to review the various actions and decided that in order to save lives and in the interest of national survival, these mass actions be suspended. We note the major successes Nigerians scored in these past days in which they rose courageously as a people to take their destiny in their hands.”

Giving reasons why the strike was suspended, Labour said: “First, the Federal Government that chorused continuously that its decision to increase petrol (PMS) price to N141 is irreversible and irreducible, was forced to announce a price reduction to N97. We, however, state categorically that this new price was a unilateral one by the Government. Secondly, Government has been made to adopt the policy to drastically reduce the cost of governance.

“A third major success Nigerians recorded is to get the Federal Government to decisively move against the massive and crippling corruption in the oil sector. While until now Government has seemed helpless to tackle corruption, the mass action of the people has compelled it to address accountability issues in the Sector. In this wise, President Goodluck Jonathan has told the nation that the forensic audit report on the NNPC will be studied and proven acts of corruption will be sanctioned.”

According to the statement, President Jonathan “also promised that accountability issues and current lapses in the oil sector will be speedily addressed including the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). A related success of the mass action by Nigerians is the vow of Government to bring to justice all those who have contributed in one way or another to the economic adversity of the country.

“The Labour Movement commends Nigerians for their resolve to change the country for the better and we shall take advantage of the Government’s invitation to further engage on these issues. This is in line with Labour’s resolve that the oil industry is too important to be left in the hands of bureaucrats, and that we have the patriotic duty to ensure that Nigerians get the best from this natural resource. The least we owe our compatriots who have become martyrs in the patriotic struggle to reassert our sovereignty and ensure good governance is to remain steadfast and unbowed. Labour reiterates its demand that those who perpetuated violence against unarmed protests should be brought to justice.”

Leaders of NLC and TUC added that “with the experiences of the past eight days, we are sure that no government or institution will take Nigerians for granted again,” and demanded for “the release of all those detained in the course of the strikes, rallies and street protests.”

Boko Haram: Jonathan tasked on security

AWKA – THE Federal Government has been urged not to allow strike against fuel subsidy removal divert its attention from curbing menace of Boko Haram.

A London–based Nigerian security expert and an award winner of United Kingdom Binary Memorial Award for 2007, Chief Vincent Ikechukwu Oligbo, who spoke in Onitsha, Anambra State, said the level of insecurity in the country was far from being satisfactory, adding that poor infrastructural development contributed to the situation.

According to him, the Federal Government should seek the assistance of Nigerians in the Diaspora who are security experts to curb the insurgence of Boko Haram whose activities had been terrorizing the country.

Commending President Goodluck Jonathan for his efforts in tackling the security problems in the country, Oligbo observed that there was need to do more to gain the confidence of Nigerians and the international community.

He also commended Governor Peter Obi for his effort in fighting insecurity in Anambra State, with the recent inauguration of Anambra State Security Trust Fund expected to gulp N4 billion.

His words: “It is regrettable that the deterioration of security in certain parts of the country where kidnapping, armed robbery and bombing seem to be the order of the day had dwarfed the effort of the government in crime fighting.

“I urge the President to come down hard on corrupt government officials, law breakers and violent criminals who are making the lives of ordinary and law abiding citizens in the country a nightmare.

“For quite some time, Nigerians had endured a tough existence and lived less than flattery lifestyle due to insecurity, deplorable lack of infrastructure, but I believe that the President Jonathan is on top of the situation now.

“It must be noted that the president alone cannot do everything for the country and therefore there is need for every Nigerian to shun indiscipline, corruption, violent crime and strive collectively to make the country a better and habitable place.

“Politician should equally show some restraint in their activities as the attraction of corrupt and ill- gotten wealth pushes some youths and political actors to make their survival a matter of life and death or door or die affair”.

Removal of Fuel Subsidy will strenghten the economy – Amb. Fidel Ayogu

Before being nominated by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador Fidel Ayogu served in the House of Representatives as the Minority Whip and even contested for the governorship position of Enugu state during the 2003 elections. In this interview, Ambassador Ayogu whose tour of duty ends in February speaks on the benefits Nigerians stand to derive from the removal of fuel subsidy. He also speaks on his experience in Uganda and the in roads Nigerian companies are making in the east African country. Excerpts:

By BEN AGANDE, Abuja

What has been the experience transiting from the legislature in Nigeria to being a diplomat at ambassadorial level?

It has been both challenging and fruitful. When I went to Uganda with concurrent accreditation to Rwanda, I realised that Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with Uganda was okay but there were more openings for Nigerians to come to the country and help contribute in areas of investment. With my presence, United Bank for Africa, UBA, Bank PHB, Access Bank and Global Trust Bank came into the country. With the discovery of oil in Uganda, many Nigerian firms are trooping into Uganda to look for oil blocks and licenses and by the grace of God, Nigerians might be successful because a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Nigeria and Uganda to pave way for Nigerian Investment in Uganda. By and large, it has been a very successful tour of duty for me. During my stay, the President of Nigeria visited Uganda twice and the Ugandan President also visited Nigeria twice.

The experience in other African and even western countries is that Nigerian communities are known more for negative things than positive things. What is the situation in Uganda?

This is why I feel I am a very lucky man because since I went to Uganda hardly can you find any Nigerian in Ugandan prison. As I am talking now, there is no Nigerian in Ugandan and Rwandan prison and we have sizeable Nigerians in the two countries. I have a very strong Nigerian community in Uganda and the High Commission is liaising with the Nigerian community in Uganda for everything that requires the intervention of the High Commission. What I tell the Nigerian community is that we are all ambassadors of our country so the image of our country should remain a priority for each and every one of us. I made it known that anybody who comes to me and is not a member of the Nigerian community may not get the required attention. The idea is that if you are a member of the community you will live within a particular standard of behavior. We try to ensure that Nigerians are not unnecessarily harassed by the security agencies in Uganda. Nigerians for now are doing very well in Uganda.

Having lived in Uganda for four years, what in your opinion would Nigeria learn from the Ugandan experience?

It is a wrong assumption to think that because a country is not as endowed as your country, you can dismiss such countries. They are better in terms of certain areas than Nigeria like tourism, wildlife and the management of these resources. Their weather and land is very conducive for agriculture. They have specie of cattle that produce huge quantity of milk. Their real estate is booming. There are many things that Nigeria can learn from them. We have similar culture with Uganda and the Nigerian Nollywood is making in roads into Uganda by teaching them how to make quality films. Nigerian films are hugely popular in Uganda and these are areas of cooperation. We have a lot of Nigerian producers living in Uganda and making impacts on the film industry there. There are many things we can benefit from each other. While they have just discovered oil in that country, we have over 50 years of experience in the oil industry. We can tap in and provide our expertise in this area.

Sometime ago, there was a bomb blast in Uganda that caught world attention. Now, bomb blasts are common features in some parts of our country. What lessons can Nigeria learn from their experience and the way the incident was handled?

The circumstances are not the same in the sense that the incident in Uganda came from outside the country because Uganda is taking part in a peace keeping operations in Somalia. The militant group in Somalia decided to strike in Uganda in order to force the country to withdraw its military men in Somalia. What happened in Uganda was that they were very fierce in handling the matter. All the routes the terrorists used were scoured and secured. Ugandans seem to be more ready to combat terrorism than Nigeria. Though the security would handle the challenge, the willingness of the people to divulge what is happening in their neighbourhood will give room for a clean job as it was done in Uganda. Even the people who were privy to the discussion of the matter were arrested.

This is because the people were ready to cooperate with the security agencies. Because the Ugandans have fought wars they are more security conscious and are more meticulous on security matters. Even on ordinary days, everybody is subjected to serious search before being allowed into hotels. The circumstance in Uganda and Nigeria cannot be compared.

The removal of fuel subsidy by government has provoked huge outcry in the country. As an investor in that sector and somebody who has lived in other countries where there is not subsidy, what is your reaction to government’s decision?

I know that the removal of fuel subsidy is critical and a bit harsh but I align myself with the government 100%. For many countries that I have traversed where they don’t have fuel subsidy, the goods there are cheaper than what we have in Nigeria. In Uganda for instance, it takes three times the money we use to fill the tanks of our cars hereto fill the tank of the car of same make and capacity in Uganda. But shockingly, a bag of cement for instance is equivalent of N1,400 and a loaf of the best bread is about N150. A full chicken for instance goes for N600. The cost of fuel there is determined by market cost and not by government regulation.

Secondly in Nigeria, fuel subsidy is paid on the quantity of fuel that comes into Nigeria, brought by the dealers. When the subsidy money is paid to the dealers after taking the stock at the ports, the fuel is now emptied into the storage facilities from where Nigerians are expected to pick the fuel at subsidized rate to the outlets. But in most cases, a sizeable percentage of this fuel that come into Nigeria do not go to our filling stations but go into neighbouring countries. Government is trying to ensure that there is no fuel scarcity as we used to have in the past and the cartel in charge of this subsidy and the dealers are taking the fuel to our neighbouring countries. If you go to Cameroun, Niger Republic, Chad and Benin Republics, it is the subsidized Nigerian fuel that they use. Who is now paying for this? It is the Nigerian masses.

It is not these people who have the money. The fear that the removal of fuel subsidy will lead to an increase in the prices of food stuff is unnecessary. When the government brings out a road map on the improvement in power supply; and the rail starts working and the inland water ways start operating, Nigerians will now realize that the removal of fuel subsidy is the best thing for the country. The removal of the subsidy will really benefit the masses. Those creating fears in the minds of the people are those who are benefiting from the subsidy.

Most of them have filling stations around the boundaries of neighbouring countries. Once the fuel is discharged, they move them under the cover of darkness to these neighbouring countries. Government should educate the people on the benefit of the removal of fuel subsidy rather than be intimidated by the few people who are benefiting from the subsidy.

There is no way we can sustain the economy with the subsidy in place. We must think beyond where we are. No country spends 70% of its budget on recurrent expenditure and moves forward.

Expect mother of all strikes from Monday –– Labour

Nigerians should brace up, from Monday, for what the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday called the “Mother of all strikes”.

The President of the NLC, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, said yesterday that Nigerians should prepare for a prolonged strike from Monday if the government does not reverse the pump price to N65 per litre.

The NLC boss did not elaborate on what he meant by “Mother of all strikes”.

However, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Thursday threatened to shut down operations in the upstream and downstream sectors, including export terminals, if by Sunday the Federal Government refuses to revert the pump price of petrol to N65 per litre.

At a briefing in Lagos, PENGASSAN President, Babatunde Ogun, said, among other implications, Nigeria would default in its contractual obligations to the international community as there would be no crude and gas supplies.

According to him, it would cripple telecommunications, power and healthcare delivery to Nigerians and the country will not meet its crude production quota for the next six months.

His words: “PENGASSAN remains committed to the ongoing popular and nationwide protests, and will continue to work with all concerned groups to sustain the struggle, until the Federal Government respects the will of Nigerians.

“The resolution of the House of Representatives and the Senate has said it all.

“All branches of PENGASSAN in the downstream, refineries and upstream sectors have been and shall remain fully mobilised in the actualisation of NLC/TUC directives on the on-going strike.”

The Federal Government on Thursday night at a meeting with Labour insisted on full deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry.

But the Labour insisted on the mandate from workers that government must reverse the pump price to N65 per litre.

Apart from the reversal to N65 per litre, Labour is also asking for a 90-day moratorium to allow a window for discussion between the government and stakeholders. The stakeholders will look at the challenges of subsidy withdrawal, pump price and ways for appropriate pricing for the PMS.

Both the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC), led by Comrade Peter Esele, are scheduled to take a final decision today on whether to continue with the ongoing nationwide strike action or suspend it.

A labour leader, who spoke with our correspondents, said: "Saturday's session will define the next stage of the strike. The NECs of the NLC and the TUC will meet to take a final decision on the negotiation offers from the government.

"After the NEC session, the labour leaders will also meet with the government on the same day. So, the strike might either be called off or continue."

The General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Owei Lakemfa, said: "Labour is giving Nigerians an opportunity on Saturday and Sunday to refresh and stock their homes with foodstuffs in readiness for a prolonged strike action from Monday."

Notwithstanding, the Labour yesterday held a three-hour rally at Julius Berger Roundabout in Abuja.

At the rally, the NLC President insisted that the people's will must prevail and "there is no retreat, no surrender on the demand for N65 pump price."

He also asked Nigerians to prepare for the “Mother of all strikes” from Monday should government fail to reverse the pump price to N65 per litre.

Omar said: "They say in the definition of democracy, there are three sides. They say it is government of the people for the people and by the people. This word is true, no be so? Na so! But do you know the largest group of the people? No! That is the people. This means if you run government, it is people who will run government that is by the people. But if it is run for the people, therefore it is among the people that you choose another small number of people to go and do government.

"But when the large number says this is how it will be, is it justifiable for the small group that is working for this large number to say No? No! Therefore, the people’s will must prevail. I want to talk today very briefly but let me start, comrades, by telling you about where we are today.

"We have a committee that plans everything we do everyday. That is why we take different routes everyday. Today, in consideration of so many factors, our planners said the only way we can get relaxed is during the weekend so that by Monday, if government is yet to change the cost of fuel from N145 per litre to N65, we are going to come out on Monday very strong.

"Please, those who have never come here before, inform them, maybe they are your brothers, sisters or your friends or even your parents because in Lagos , all ladies came out to the streets and protested. So, tell everybody that we should start coming in such a way that we must be noticed. If Nigerian government will not notice us, we would be so large that the international communities will notice us and they will begin to talk to them”.

Omar added: "We want to make sure that people will get refreshed by the weekend, but Monday morning, it is going to be the ‘mother of all crowds’. Do we agree? Yes, do you agree? Yes. I must say again on behalf of my colleagues that we are grateful.

"Several agencies of government attempted hired crowds, where they will say they will give them N5, 000 each and get 1, 000 people. The 1, 000 would disappear in less than 1, 000 seconds. As soon as they have taken the money, they will go away. Nobody is giving you anything but you are here because you are patriotic, because you love Nigeria and you want your welfare to improve.

"Therefore, this is something we must continue to do. I want to assure you to relax tomorrow and Sunday. We will get ready for a greater struggle beginning from Monday."

The NLC President debunked the insinuations that labour leaders have compromised.

The NLC President said: "Yesterday or day before yesterday, I swore to you that we are people of honour and integrity. I swore to you that we will do that which we are asked to do by the people.

"If anybody is practising true democracy, we are the people practising true democracy. We are saying that because people put us here, they have given us mandate. We must have to carry out the mandate of the people and do you remember the mandate people gave us? What is the mandate? N65 or nothing! I tell you comrades, this is exactly the message we have sent across to the government.

"We are aware that there are a lot of rumours going round. Some people will say labour has compromised. They have given them money, given them this and that. I don't know, comrades, who will have the courage after taking somebody's food, you will still look at him in the face and abuse him, is it possible? No!

"We went and told them that the mandate we have from Nigerian people is that you have to revert back to N65. And when government insisted and they keep saying they are not ready to come down and reduce the price, we told them that we have principals but because we have a system, it is just by calling the people who gave us the mandate. We said the highest thing we can do is to go back to our principals.

"We will give them the message and it is up to them to give us either a new message or say what are you talking? Go back and maintain our position. By the night, we could not agree yesterday with the government. Despite all their pleas and what they told us that our economy will collapse, we told them we have a mandate and our standing mandate is: reverse back to N65.

"If anybody is sending a text message to you, saying whatever, I want to assure you that as far as we are concerned, it is just blatant lies and nobody will intimidate us with those text messages. If anybody has given any money to anybody, let that person come us and say I have given a particular sum of money and we shall pray with everybody to say that whoever has done this, Holy Ghost fire!”

He added: "And to our Muslim brothers, we will also ask them to do Alqunut. That is to tell you that, as far as we are concerned, it is not about money. If it is about money, I tell you by now, we would have been exceedingly rich and we would also become part of the cabal but that is not our will. We have undertaken for ourselves that we must always stand by the masses and by the grace of the Almighty, so shall it be.


"Comrades, we have discussed here and I told you time without number that some government agencies have been trying all they could to destabilise us in Abuja . And the only way they think they can do that is by sending people to create certain problem, then government will now make a broadcast that because of the security threat in Abuja, there is going to be 24 hours’ curfew from dusk to dawn so that they will not allow us to come out to meet again.

"But we believe our strength always lies in our unity and collectivity. We must continue to come out. We are very grateful to you that you are not getting tired. In fact, more and more people are coming and we will continue to come but, comrades please, you must also bear with us. As your leaders, we will never lead you astray by the grace of God but please, take it that all plans to create problem, we must avoid them."

On his part, the President of the TUC, Comrade Peter Esele, said: "I want to say a very big thank you for all your support. The other people give them money. Did we give you any money? If they give you money, collect it because that money is your money that they have stolen. That money means the education of your children. That money means good roads, that money is your healthcare.

"One thing you must know, it is time for change. We must always seek good governance. What do we want? Good governance. It is only good governance that will change this country. The reason we are here is that we love Nigeria. If we love Nigeria we must love one another. It is for the love we have for Nigeria that is why we are here."

The Vice-President of the NLC, Comrade Issa Aremu, said: "As the President of NLC has said, without your struggle, without your sacrifice, the Federal Government of Nigeria could not have met with the NLC and TUC yesterday.

"And for the first time in recent times, our President, the Vice President, the Senate Government and ministers have to meet to address the plights of Nigerians. It is due to the struggle, which you have put up in Abuja , Lagos , in Kano , in Port-Harcourt and virtually in all the 36 states of the Ffederation. Let's give them a hand of applause.

"We should not give up in this struggle. The struggle is not over until it is over. As Comrade Omar has said, please don't let us lose our focus. We have to be organised, we have to be focused and we have to be purposeful. And we should not forget what is our demand. We don't want other forces to add other agenda that are not our own. "Government itself is also spreading propaganda so that they can divide our ranks. This propaganda is what the NLC president has said that your leaders are being compromised. And I am happy he has addressed that”.

He added: "There are also some forces who are not in government, who have different professions and they want to have a different agenda. I don't want to mention names because now we have emergency comrades. Don't you know what we call emergency comrades? Those who used to be in government and even oppressed workers. They are now identifying with us. I don't want to mention names but you know them.

"So we must be focused about our agenda. Now the second thing I want to raise is that there are those that are against the masses. Please, let us give one special Gbosa! to the House of Representatives Speaker for being with the masses and convening a meeting on a Sunday to address the plights of Nigeria and they passed a resolution to revert to N65. And they also called on Labour so that we can suspend the strike. I think we need to commend them on that.

"So, let also give the Senate President applause. That is Senator David Mark. I also want to say that there are some of the governors but there are some terrible governors. And I want to say the governor of Enugu State, we need to give a special boo to the Governor of Enugu State, Governor Sullivan Chime. He was not just pushing for the removal of subsidy but he was also attacking those that are protesting. He has a mobile court. This is a governor we will not only take to the judicial process in Nigeria.

"So today we want to reaffirm solidarity to the people of Enugu State . I want to declare that we are fully in solidarity with them. And we call on President Jonathan that what he cannot do to Nigeria is that we have our right of freedom of assembly. This is because no governor has the power of a president. Yet, we are peacefully protesting in Abuja .

"So I want to say, comrades, forward ever and backward never. Stay with your leaders and your leaders will stay with you. Together with you, we are going to achieve victory. We have decided to save Nigeria and there is no going back."

Abuja Property Firm Denies Selling Mansion To Okonjo-Iweala

MINISTER OF FINANCE, DR. (MRS.) NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA

SAN FRANCISCO, January 12, (THEWILL) – The real estate company that allegedly sold a property in the Maitama District of Abuja to the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has denied selling neither the property nor any other property to the Minister.

Online news portal, Pointblanknews had recently published a report that Okonjo-Iweala bought a N1.2B mansion in Abuja.

Chief Fabian Nworah, the Chairman of EFAB Properties Limited in a statement dated January 11, 2011, said though it has properties at No. 3, Nwaora Close, Off gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, none has been sold.

“It is a fact that we have properties for sale at the above address but none has been sold as at today – January 11, 2012. We are still looking for buyers and we want to say categorically that we did not sell any house to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo –Iweala...

“At no point in time did pointbllanknews.com interview me or any of my staff on the sale of property,” the Chairman wrote.

Meanwhile, the Minister has said she would sue the online medium for the report after it insisted that it has “overwhelming evidence to prove that she owns the mansion”... adding, “but if she insists we are wrong she knows where to seek redress.”

In a Thursday statement emailed to THEWILL, the Minister said she has briefed her lawyers and the owners of the website face will face legal proceedings shortly.

Nigeria loses N500bn to strike – Sanusi Lamido

Nigeria’s nation wide strikes against the government’s removal of fuel subsidies is costing Africa’s second largest economy around N100 billion (403 million pounds) a day, the central bank governor has said.

Lamido Sanusi said he expected inflation to rise to around 14-15 percent by the middle of this year, up from 10.5 percent now as the impact of subsidy removal is felt on prices.

“Clearly inflation was always going to go up with the removal of subsidy. I think what we’ve seen is the immediate shock impact of a sudden removal and things will settle down,” Sanusi went on.

“It took us 21/2 years from 2009 to come down to single-digit from 15.6 pct. I think a realistic target if we actually hit 15 percent, I think we will be looking at end of 2013 before we come back to single-digits.”

Sanusi said it was positive that negotiations were ongoing but he urged government to agree a deadline with unions for removing fuel subsidies altogether, rather than leaving it open ended, which could lead to public demonstrations in the future.

“I think it’s time to make a deal … any kind of compromise should have a final deadline for removal of subsidy,” he said, adding that options could include capping prices at 100 naira a litre and phasing out subsidies, although he said details would have to be left to the government and workers.

Don challenges Okonjo-Iweala on subsidy debate

A former English lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University’s Institute of Education Centre for Distance Learning, Badagry Study Centre, Mr. Wole Oyenusi, has challenged the Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and President Goodluck Jonathan to an open television debate to be moderated by the Nigerian Press on the state of the Nigerian economy in general and the dynamics of fuel subsidy in particular.

Oyenusi, a Ph.D English student from both Ondo and Ogun States and presidential candidate of a new socio-capitalist party, Radical Intellectuals Group (R.I.G.) dropped this bombshell in a release to newsmen at his Lagos base recently.

Oyenusi accused the Minister and the President of spouting what he described as “irredeemably exploitative neo-imperialist demagoguery, capable of precipitating a spinal dislocation of the Nigerian socio-psychological framework.”

“He affirmed that by swallowing the bait of the world’s financial sharks, the International Monetary Fund (I.M.F.) and the World Bank, hook line and sinker the duo have sold the well-being of the masses of this country for the proverbial mass of porridge of these Western financial behemoths, which disguises itself as grants and loans attracting punitive conditionalities that Nigeria could well do without if the nation’s abundant resources were imaginatively developed and managed.

This Ganiesque gadfly demanded that the two meet him on the plane of logic and dialectics in an open national intellectual colloquy if they are sure of their facts and the auspiciousness of their neo-insperialist rhetoric for the nation.

In a related development Oyenusi, who was one of the Professor Wole Soyinka’s outstanding students at Ife has started making plans to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the presidential polls, with regard to the festering corpulent corruption it has immured the nation in, initiating a party of radicals rooting for a paradigm shift and a total overhauling of the nation’s political, economic and social structures.

Nigeria's unhappy new year : "Fuel Subsidy Removal"

In our series of viewpoints from African journalists, writer Sola Odunfa considers why Nigeria's poor especially feel so angry and exploited by the government's removal of a fuel subsidy.

An economic and political theory is playing out in Nigeria over the entrenched corruption in the country's petroleum sector as workers begin a nationwide indefinite general strike against the government's total deregulation of the pump price of petrol.

Labour and civil organisations say they will shut down all public services, including air and sea ports, to demonstrate popular opposition and anger at the new policy which has more than doubled the price of fuel - a policy they say is insensitive to the impoverished state of most Nigerians.

Hardly anyone faults the government's argument that the national treasury cannot afford the estimated $8bn (£5bn) being paid each year to faceless importers to subside the pump price of petrol, but everyone counters that the government should first find out how legitimate is the amount being paid.

The government's position today seems to be that if it is losing huge legitimate revenue to an untouchable cartel, that government should tax Nigerians to the extent of the amount being stolen by the barons.

That theory is believed to have been sold to President Goodluck Jonathan shortly after his election early last year by his Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala because she came directly from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the proponent of subsidy removal from everything in the developing world.
'Defenceless masses'

The consequence of his conversion to the theory was the president's New Year gift to Nigerians in the form of the sudden withdrawal of the government subsidy and immediate doubling of the pump price of petrol across the country.

Nigerians had for long demanded information on the volume of petrol being imported, from where and by whom, but the information remained an official secret - like seemingly everything else in the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Only in December did the government raise an alarm that the subsidy on petrol price had quadrupled in the preceding 10 months without evidence of a commensurate increase in the petrol imported and distributed.

The conclusion was that a cartel was fraudulently collecting the subsidy - and billions of dollars - for petrol not imported.

Labour unions and social activists launched a campaign for government to investigate the scam and prosecute those involved. Nothing was done.

Instead, government countered with the scare campaign that the national economy was on the verge of total collapse and the only way out was to stop paying the subsidy immediately.

The popularity of President Jonathan dropped dramatically nationally, except in his home, oil-rich state.

Sadly, this is the time Nigerians need solidarity to confront the enormous security challenge posed by terrorism.

Central Bank of Nigeria governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi replied to the popularity question at a Town Hall Meeting in Lagos by saying: "Governance is not a popularity contest."

If the government decided to do anything which it believed would be in the interest of the people despite inflicting initial hardship on them, he said, it should go ahead and do it, not minding its unpopularity.

I ask, how much more hardship can Nigerians bear when already there is no electricity, no potable water, no security, no roads, no employment, no efficient medical establishments, no good public schools and food prices are rising almost daily?

Radical lawyer Festus Keyamo said last week in a public comment that the government had finally admitted by the subsidy removal that it could not confront the individuals responsible for the corruption in the oil sector, "instead it was pouring its venom on the defenceless masses".

Last week, big rallies were staged against the subsidy removal in several cities across the country.

Although peaceful, the rallies were forcibly dispersed by armed policemen with tear gas. One person was killed.

The killing has further fuelled public anger against the president, whom they voted overwhelmingly into office nine months ago but now denounce in strong language in talk shows on independent radio and television stations in nearly all cities.

Strangely, it is the government ministers and the Central Bank governor who have been campaigning across the country for the new government policy.

President Jonathan himself has cocooned himself in State House. Two days before the strike, he defended his move in an address on national television, saying "the pain" was "in the best interest of all Nigerians".

But so far, it has not been a happy new year for the Nigerian people.

Nigerian leader Goodluck Jonathan defends fuel cut

The President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has gone on TV to defend his removal of fuel subsidies in Africa's largest oil-producing nation.

"I have no intention to inflict pains on Nigerians," he said on Saturday evening, arguing that the cut was in the "best interest of all Nigerians".

He also promised to cut top government salaries and ban all but essential international travel.

Unions have called an indefinite general strike, to start on Monday.

Mr Jonathan removed the subsidies on 1 January as part of a government austerity drive and a push to end corruption in the domestic fuel sector.

Petrol prices more than doubled in response and there have been angry street protests.
'Deregulate and survive'

"If I were in your shoes at this moment, I probably would have reacted in the same manner as some of our compatriots, or hold the same critical views about government," Mr Jonathan said in his TV address.

But, he told Nigerians: "We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow."

The deregulation of the petroleum sector was, he insisted, the best way to curb corruption and ensure the survival and growth of the economy.

"The truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices... either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences."

He said that top government officials would, from this year, take a 25% pay cut, and foreign trips would also be reduced.

Although Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil exporter it has not invested in the infrastructure to produce refined fuel, so has to import much of its petrol.

Many Nigerians regarded the government fuel subsidy - in place until the start of 2012 - as the only benefit they received from the country's vast oil wealth.

Most of Nigeria's 160 million people live on less than $2 (£1.30) a day, so the sharp price increases have hit them hard.

The government says it will spend the money it saves on improving health, education and the electricity supply.

The strike planned to begin on Monday has echoes of a nationwide action in 2003 that saw Nigeria almost entirely shut down.

"The government does not have credibility," said Adeola Adenikinju, an economics professor at the University of Ibadan who has long supported ending the fuel subsidy.

While the strike is expected to affect oil workers too, industry sources do not expect the industrial action to significantly affect crude exports, Reuters news agency reports.