Month: June 2013
Lucky Nigerian lady questions Obama at his Townhall meeting in South Africa.
Well, its no longer news that President Obama didn’t include Nigeria on his travel itenary to Africa, but at least Nigeria got to virtually participate in the town hall meeting the president held in Soweto, South Africa some hours ago.
It held on the campus of the University of Johannesburg where Obama addressed a select group of young leaders and entrepreneurs across the continent. After making his speech, Obama answered questions from the live audience as well as audiences from Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria who connected via satellite.
The Nigerian studio audience was led by Maope of Channels TV (I think she’s the same lady in the famous “My Oga at the Top” interview) and before she introduced the person to ask Obama the question, she created a funny scene by warning Obama that her studio audience was predominately female so he better be careful. Obama hilariously replied her that he lives with three women in his house (his wife and two daughters) and told her that he was used to it.
Aisha was the Nigerian lady who was privileged to ask Obama a question and trust Nigerians naaa, she asked two: One question on Nigerian Human capital resource and the second one was on ……you guessed it………Terrorism with reference to Boko haram.
Obama brilliantly answered both questions but what really struck me was when he said “Terrorism thrives in countries where the government has failed to deliver to its people”. I hope GEJ and all of the sycophants in government were listening, ‘cos for me, this was a swipe on our government. Who knows, that may just be the reason he didn’t bother visiting us sef.
Obama has only visited Africa twice as US president. The first time, he went to Ghana and now its Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania.
I watched the town hall meeting for a while up till when the studio audience from Uganda and Kenya connected via satellite and asked their questions without hitches but trust me, when it was time to connect to Nigeria’s studio audience in Lagos, I had one prayer point, “Oh Lord, abeg make NEPA no show their talent for the studio”. hehehehehehe. Thank God my prayers were answered.
Now however, i look back and ask myself, if I was privileged to be the one to ask Obama a question on behalf of almost 150 million Nigerians, what would I have asked him?…………….. What would you have asked him?…………what would he have asked him?
hehehehehehehehe…………….I can already hear Obama saying “abeg, abeg park well “………….
That’ll do it for now guys. Thanks for stopping by.
I am Johnson Madichie.
Many faces of Fashola (A Birthday Special)
I was driving around Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos state some years ago and noticed there was a motorcade coming close to me and a young man stood through the open roof of one of the cars. What was he doing there? well, he was throwing customized shirts to passers-by as his motorcade drove along. ” That’s Fashola!…….”, my colleague in the car quickly remarked. Apparently he was hot on his campaign for a second term then and he was in Festac to gather votes. That was probably my first encounter with the governor.
Fashola marked his 50th birthday yesterday June 28th, and while I don’t wanna bore you guys by running through all his achievements and short-comings, I just decided to let y’all see some sides of the governor you’ve probably never seen before….
First up, here’s the governor showing his soccer skills…..
The governor was specially invited by Kanu Nwankwo to play on his team to mark kanu’s retirement from football. Here are more pics…
And just in case you were wondering which football club he supports, see for yourself……………
Next up is our beloved governor as a……………..
He also taught this little girl a thing or two about arm wrestling………
After the match, our dear governor is hungry, so his aides decide to take him to an eatery but he refuses and showed them what he really wanted to eat…………………..
As a good citizen leading by example, the governor proceeds to tell the market folks and motor park officials about the importance of cleanliness of the environment……………………..
He went to his office from there but as a good citizen again, he made sure he paid his toll gate fee……….
Oh, and just in case you are wondering why his official car doesn’t have a governor’s seal, hear his reason, “I insist that I must have a licence plate number on my own car not a seal of governor so that the car can be identified if it did anything wrong”
Now for some serious business, Fashola has some office work to do. Don’t forget that he has a state to run…………..
…..but he just got a call that someone was breaking the law so he quickly rushed to the scene……………………..
Next up, the governor remembers that he has to attend to some international guests………….
It was getting late, so Fashola headed home but some Okada riders decided to escort him as a birthday gift…………..
………but he later banned them sha……choi!
It was getting late and Mrs Fashola was getting worried…………………..
so she picks her phone and calls birthday boy . Fashola soon arrived home to spend some quality time with his family and some close friends too……………
Later in the evening, Fashola decided to entertain questions from the press….
When asked what he would want as a birthday gift from the Igbo community in Lagos, Fashola thought for a long while…………..
…”I can afford a car, I can afford houses, I can afford land…………hmmmmm……..lets see…………….How about a CHIEFTENCY TITLE !” Fashola’s birthday wish was granted. Behold, Igwe Fashola!
As the day finally came to an end, I had the privilege of asking him who has been the source of strength and hope and where does he draw his wisdom and inspiration from? He simply smiled and said “Johnson, it all comes from …………..
……”My Oga at the Top”
Happy birthday Governor Fashola !
That’s all for now guys. Hope y’all enjoyed it as much as I did and be sure to leave your comments below.
Thanks once again for visiting my blog and be sure to come back and see what I’ve been up to. Until then, please remember, “Everyman will have his day”.
I am Johnson Madichie
One man is ill and the whole world is worried.
Image Posted on Updated on
I was in my classroom in St. Louis Primary School, kano one fateful day back in 1990 when all off a sudden, the school authorities called for an emergency assembly. Our classes were ended abruptly and we all reported to the assembly ground. “What could be the announcement” I wondered in my teenage mind……..what could have been so important for the primary school to call for an “emergency” assembly?
Shortly, a school official made an announcement and put us out of our curiosity …. “Mandela has been released from prison after 27 years”. Immediately, jubilation broke up every where, although looking back now, i’m not really sure what really made us to jubilate, whether it was the announcement of Mandela’s freedom or the fact that we were asked to go home and celebrate. lol
Well its no longer news that Former South African President Nelson Mandela is critically ill.
In the past few months, he has been in and out of hospital with a lung infection but that’s not why i’m writing this post. Guys, what’s really “tripping” me is the fact that the world has literarily stood still since he became hospitalized. Governments are calling for prayers, countries are concerned, people are perturbed, so much so that journalists no longer sleep. They have literarily set-up a media village around the hospital where he is.
For me, this exemplifies one thing :THE POWER OF A GOOD NAME. Mandela stood up for a cause – Freedom, and he defended it inspite of all odds. Not even a 27 year jail term could stop him. He remained resolute for a good cause and today, he’s got the world seriously worried because he’s hospitalized.
Newspapers across the world now have one major headline in common “MANDELA!. MANDELA!!, MANDELA!!!”
Even the South African government has had to consistently address the media about his health condition………
The world is practically on stand-still…….not because of a nuclear war or a global catastrophe but because of the health of one man!. My goodness! . He made so much impact that his current health status is a universal concern.
At this point I ponder and ask myself, would the world have been this worried and scared if the following former world leaders were critically ill like him ;
Your answer is as good as mine. Mandela is 94 years old and has defied several rumours of his death in the past. As he lays critically ill in Mediclinic Heart hospital in Pretoria, South Africa , we can only pray and say, “Get well soon Madiba”
That’s all for now guys. Thanks for visiting and remember to check back for more.
Johnson Madichie is a social blogger based in Lagos, Nigeria and affects the world from there.
Contact me E-mail – johnsonmadichie@yahoo.co.uk
Twiiter – @johnsonmadichie
Facebook – Johnson Ifeanyi Madichie
Mobile – +2348055940573
BB Pin – 333526F7
PITA live in Concert! Join Timi Dakolo, Cobhams, Lara George, Olufunmi, Infinity, Sammie Okposo, BOUQUI, Kore, others for PITA’s Mega gospel concert in Lagos.
I listen to inspiration FM a lot because they play nice gospel songs, so there I was this sunday afternoon listening as usual and suddenly this song comes on air “No Evil”. I listened to the song and I loved every bit of it. It was rap, it was rock and best of all, it was gospel. I didn’t even know it was done by a Nigerian artiste at the time.
Unfortunately, I tuned in when the song had already started so I didn’t get the name of the artiste. I loved the song so much that I would practically tune in on sundays just hoping that Dan Foster or Wana Wana would play it again. A few months later, my church David’s Christian Centre, organized a gospel concert which featured BOUQUI, Rooftop MCs, De Witnesses and PITA. After the concert, I bought PITA’s CD , looked at the back and there it was “No Evil”……the song I had been looking for.
Of course I played all three tracks on the album and enjoyed every bit of them and that’s how I got to know PITA and his soul-touching gospel music.
Guys, there are artistes and there are artistes but If you are in love with contemporary gospel music, then look no further than Peter “PITA” Linus. His lyrical delivery is awesome and his music is just on point. Believe me when I say the dude can sing.
His last Album titled “As I am” is just sensational. The 13 track album has great gospel songs back to back. You know how it is when you buy an album and you just like two or three songs…..nah, not this album. Every single track was just on point, from “Imela” to “So amazing” to “Best of Me”, “One man” and “You no dey sleep”. At a point, I practically had his album on auto-replay in my car ‘cos each song had its own unique message. Click here to listen to PITA’s songs. http://www.reverbnation.com/pitasings
One thing I love about PITA is the fact that he loves being real. No pretending and above all, he just loves the Lord. So much so that he has had to turn down monetary offers to covert from gospel to secular music. A few months ago, PITA miraculously survived a ghastly auto crash which left his arm in a cast for a while but that didn’t dampen his spirit nor deter his determination as he still ministered with the cast on his arm till he fully recovered.
His music has received massive air play from radio and TV stations across the country. He recently also launched his own mobile application PITapp. Download it here http://www.buildanapp.com/dld/86_da7UWskw/PITA.jad
On April 27, 2013, PITA hinted about his upcoming gospel concert “Today makes it 12weeks God saved me (from an accident) and started something New in me. I’m getting ready for the 30th of June Where I’ll share my story n music… `AS I AM… The Journey so Far’. Featuring 4 AWESOME gospel ministers. Mark the date, Pray along, Tell someone n feel free to reach out”
Well, its finally here! PITA is set to take Lagos by storm on June 30, 2013 as he presents the much awaited “PITA live in concert”. As I am…..the journey so far”. 
His very first major concert will feature ace gospel artistes like Cobhams Asuquo, Timi Dakolo, Lara George, Olufunmi, In His Image, Alien nation and Palmira with special guest appearances by Infinity, Sammie Okposo, Bougui and Kore. Hosts are Nollywood’s O.C Ukeje and Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM.
The New Album which includes LIGHT UP MY WORLD, will also be available @ the Venue.
The venue is the magnificient Victory Dome of David’s Christian Centre, behind PHCN office, by Fatgbems bus stop (close to Mile 2), Amuwo, Lagos by 4pm.
So, mark the date guys. June 30th, 2013. This is one gospel concert i’m personally looking forward to.
Get your tickets now:
Tickets: N1,000 regular, N5,000 Vip and N50,000 table of 8.
*Gbagada- Layo 08033895504
*Vi/ikoyi- bunmi 07035497631
*Ilupeju/papa ajao- Kenny 07011301070
*Ikotun- Patrick 08032573385
*Lekki- Melody 07031388753
*Okota- Ife 08060836711
*Festac- SLOT 512 road
*Satellite- Jojo 08134993002
*Ikeja/magodo- Sandy 08106792279
*Unilag- Seyi 08075827155
Surulere- Ife 07036935508
You can also visit Jumia.com n naijaticketshop.com to buy tickets online or
http://www.naijaticketshop.com/details.php?id=891
For more info: follow PITA on twitter @pitasings or
e-mail pitaenquiries@gmail.com or call 08095913399
Download PITapp: http://www.buildanapp.com/dld/86_da7UWskw/PITA.jad
About PITA
(Praise in this Age) is the buzzing new contemporary Gospel Artist from Lagos,Nigeria. Pita is an Independent recording Artist who has to date captured the hearts of many with his deeply inspired lyrics and captivating fresh vocals. It is not hard to tell that this new kid on the block is going places with his talents and passion for God.
For many years PITA has been working behind the scenes as a songwriter/composer/producer and even training and teaching other musicians and vocalists.
Based in Lagos, Nigeria the singer/Songwriter has released the much awaited debut album ‘As I am’ in November 2012, this versatile masterpiece has something for everyone, with the fresh international sounds of ‘last of me’ to the moving African/rock rhythms of his radio hit single Imela and not forgetting the soft rock sounds of ‘you light up my world’
The message of Gods abundant Love and grace remain the foundation of this vibrant new comer and he is not about to let that change.
Pita fell in love with music at the seven when he joined the children’s choir at the Upper Mission Church, Lagos where he sang lead roles in the choir and even led worship, In his teenage years Pita joined a six man accepella group by the name Babysheart, the group toured various cities across, Nigeria resonating mainly with the youth of the nation, bringing alive the message of redemption through the gripping sounds of accapella worship. The group is still active today and tours occasionally.
Since then Pita has collaborated with prominent Afro-Gospel across Nigeria,Artists such as Tosin Martins, Olufunmi, B.O.U.Q.I and many more.
Pita’s vision is to take the world stage with the message of the cross and the desire to connect people, especially campus aged,to the heart of worship through his music.
Thats all for now guys. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stay tuned for more. Remember, “Every man will have his day”
Johnson Madichie is a social blogger based in Lagos, Nigeria and affects the world from there.
Contact me
E-mail – johnsonmadichie@yahoo.co.uk
Twiiter – @johnsonmadichie
Facebook – Johnson Ifeanyi Madichie
Mobile – +2348055940573
BB Pin – 333526F7
Pictures : God delivers Keke marwa from deadly trailer accident in festac
Crushed
I got up a bit late today and as I rushed out, I discovered a very unusual traffic in festac this morning. After being in the traffic for a while, I decided to complete the journey on foot and then I couldn’t believe what I saw.
The driver of a commercial tricycle popularly called Keke Marwa was blessed to still be alive as a trailer crushed the vehicle on the popular Festac-Amuwo link bridge in lagos.
When I got there and saw the remains of the Keke under the weight of iron rods which slided off the trailer, I quickly remembered how 2 people had died in the same manner along airport road barely a few weeks ago and I prayed that there wouldn’t be any casualty, and thank God no one died.
Witnesses at the scene told me that the trailer couldn’t fully cross the bridge and then started rolling backwards under the weight of the iron rods but fortunately the occupants of the Keke were able to quickly jump out for their lives before it was crushed.
Scene of the accident
While I’m grateful to God for sparing their lives, I also question why the heavy – laden trailer was allowed to cross the bridge in the first place. Usually such truck would have been turned back depending on its size and weight but its not uncommon for Local govt officials to collect bribes for such trailer drivers and allow them to pass.
I also recall a fatal incident of a similar nature which occurred on the same spot of the bridge about 2 years ago. The blood of the victim was still fresh on the floor when I got there.
Guys, as we go out each morning, let’s not forget to ask God to go ahead of us and deliver us from any danger ahead. God really speaks, we don’t just listen. Let me share an experience I had yesterday June 17, 2013. I was on my way out when I heard the Holy Spirit alerting me to say this prayer “Dear Lord, may I never be in the wrong place at the wrong time”. Well, I just said the prayer in a hurry and I quickly boarded a commercial vehicle ‘cos I left my car at home.
As soon as I boarded the vehicle, the heavens came down with a serious downpour and so I was delivered. When I got to my destination, I thanked God for alerting me to say that prayer. Believe me, I could have been drenched in the rain.
Who knows, maybe, just maybe the occupants of that keke Marwa said that prayer this morning too and they were delivered from that accident.
Have you said that prayer today?
Thats all for now guys. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stay tuned for more. Remember, “Every man will have his day”
Johnson Madichie is a social blogger based in Lagos, Nigeria and affects the world from there.
Contact me
E-mail – johnsonmadichie@yahoo.co.uk
Twiiter – @johnsonmadichie
Facebook – Johnson Ifeanyi Madichie
Mobile – +2348055940573
God is in control. Tribute to my father
It was a very sunny day on June 10, 2012 and as my ritual was under that kind of hot weather, I went swimming.
Of course my phones were locked away in my bag so I didn’t know that I had several missed calls. When I was through from the pool, I perused my phone and saw missed calls from my mum.
She called much later in the afternoon and was furious that I didn’t pick or return her calls. I could sense the frustration in her voice……it really wasn’t frustration, I’d rather say tension. As she spoke, I knew that her tone wasn’t because I didn’t pick her calls. I just knew something else was wrong and something was indeed wrong. “Ifeanyi, Your father is in the hospital”. The moment she said those words, I could now relate to her anxiety.
“Hospital ké ?” I asked. I was shocked because that was the very first time in my life that I knew my father to visit a hospital, talk-less of being hospitalized.
The next day, I got another call from my mum. Dad was still in the hospital. This was getting strange. I even teased him on the phone about being in the hospital ‘cos he wasn’t used to it. Mum was getting worried so I tried to calm her down on the phone but distance didn’t help ‘cos I was in Lagos and they were in Anambra. Again I asked to speak with my dad and when I asked him how he was feeling, he simply replied “Ifeanyi, God is in control”.
At that moment, his pastor from living faith Awka, Pastor Isaiah came into the hospital so I spoke with him on the phone too and he told me not to bother because he was about to pray for him and anoint him for healing.
I felt much relieved. Dropped the call and went about my work in the office. About an hour later, my younger sister chats me up on bb. Apparently my mum was calling her but she could pick because she was attending lectures in school so she was pinging me to call mum.
I picked up my phone and called my dad’s phone instead because I wanted to know how he was doing before talking with my mum, but an unfamiliar voice picked the call.
“Is this Anyi?”…I answered yes because from where I come from, calling me “Anyi” which is short for “Ifeanyi” strikes a chord of familiarity. He then asked “are you alone or with people?”. I answered “I’m alone”. Again he asked “I hope you are not driving or handling something fragile”. I answered “No”. Of course you can guess that I was already sensing something. The voice then went on “Anyi, you see, there comes a time in every man’s life when…..”. I quickly cut in “please I am an adult. If you want to tell me anything, just go ahead. I can handle it”. I couldn’t stand the suspense anymore. Then he finally broke the news to me “Ifeanyi I’m sorry but your father passed on a few minutes ago”.
I froze. No movement. Everywhere was quiet. “Did I hear right?”…then the thoughts came rushing in. Dear God, what happened? What did I just hear? My father is dead! Just like that? No record or history of illness. I really wished it was all a dream. In my heart-broken state, I quickly remembered how I spoke with my father about a week ago when the Dana air crash of June 3rd happened and how he re-assured me in faith that my uncle whose name was on the flight manifest couldn’t have died. “That’s impossible” he said, and he was right , my uncle actually missed the flight.
Little did I know that my father was preparing to board his own heavenly flight about a week later. The next day, I took my own flight from lagos to Enugu and connected Awka from there. Flight tickets were scarce because of the tension in the aviation industry then so the Aero ticket lady was making big bucks by selling tickets for higher prices under the guise that flights were fully booked. It was really raining when I got to Awka. My mum was still crying, being consoled by church members and neighbors. She was happy to see me but she was also saddened as to why she was seeing me. I tried my bit to console her then shortly afterwards I left for the mortuary.
It was really my first time in a mortuary. The attendant took me in and right before my eyes was my loving father. Calm, rested and asleep. I almost wanted to tap him to wake up. I remembered the last time I saw my father. I had come to awka for easter and he escorted me to the bus stop to charter a tri-cycle to the motor park to head back to lagos. It was raining but he didn’t mind. Now I was back to Awka to see his corpse and again, it was raining. It was still like a dream. I also quickly went to the hospital where he passed on and spoke with the doctor who assured me that my father was ok until his death.
As a matter of fact, I learnt that he was about to be discharged when he told my mum to go and get him some new clothes to change. It was while mum was away and the doctor and nurses left the room that he slept in the lord like a true saint that he was. Obviously he didn’t want my mum to witness his departure. It would have been too much for her.
About three weeks before his death, he boldly climbed on the Altar of Living faith Church Awka where he served as an ordained Elder and he gave testimony on the celebration of 37 years wedding anniversary. This was strange because he had never done such before.
Remember the unknown man who broke the news of my fathers death to me on the phone? Well I got to meet him too. His name is Prince Emeka and he is the only proof I have till today that angels exist.
I remember talking about him sometime ago on this blog. Apparently he was in the hospital on his own business when my dad passed on and my mum’s crying and wailing attracted him. Immediately he took everything upon himself. He calmed her down, asked her who to contact, he paid for my dad’s medical bill. He contacted me and my dad’s step-brother in Onitsha. He organized an ambulance to convey my dad to the mortuary. He made sure my mum got home and stayed with her till late into the night. He…like I said, he took everything upon himself even upto the burial. He printed the burial programme and gave me sound advice as to how to go about the burial. He even offered me his car free for all the logistics I needed. Even when he was robbed, he still continued his angelic ministry to me.
Guys, I never knew him from Adam but we’ve remained great friends since then till now.
That’s the beauty about God. Even in times of despair, he will never leave you helpless.
About a month later on July 27, 2012, my father, Elder Johnson A. Madichie was majestically buried and his 77 year legacy on earth came to an end. As his coffin approached the grave side for burial, I made up my mind that I wouldn’t shed tears but I had a major challenge : I was to perform the ” ashes to ashes and dust to dust ” rites.
As pastor C.J asked me to pour the first sand into the grave, I held the shovel and looked upward to heaven. “So this is real” “I’m actually burying my father” .I was still holding back the tears. Pastor C.J continued the prayer…..and when he said “ashes to ashes” I pushed the shovel into the sand, raised it up and let the sand into the grave. I was still composed up till this point but the moment the sand hit the casket and made a loud thump, I broke down emotionally. That was it. Its really the contact between the sand from the shovel and the casket in the grave that makes people really weep.
The burial went on successfully despite all the hurdles, (especially the tradition of cooking for the whole village for 4 consecutive days during the burial…phew. That tradition must be re-visited oooo). I could imagine my father giving me and my siblings thumbs up from heaven when it was all over.
Today, June 11, 2013 makes it exactly one year since he went to be with the Lord and his last words “God is in control” still remain strong in my spirit.
I love you dad, and I really miss you. Its still hard to accept that you are gone but perhaps God needed your company in heaven. Thanks for being the best father anyone could ask for here on earth.
Rest in peace till we meet again.
PS…….em…i know this aint the usual funny posts you guys are used to. Hehehehehe. Just bear with me and be sure not to miss my next post on Blackberry Bondage. Get ready to Laughhhhh…..
Thats all for now guys. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stay tuned for more. Remember, “Every man will have his day”
Johnson Madichie is a social blogger based in Lagos, Nigeria and affects the world from there.
Contact me
E-mail – johnsonmadichie@yahoo.co.uk
Twiiter – @johnsonmadichie
Facebook – Johnson Ifeanyi Madichie
Mobile – +2348055940573
The fear of LASTMA
If you are a regular driver in lagos, there are several prayers to pray as you
leave home. “Oh lord, deliver me from robbers on the road today”. “Baba in
heaven, may I not hit anyone and may no one hit me” . “Oluwa o , may pot-holes
not remove my car bumper”. ” I rebuke the spirit of traffic and hold-up
on the road in Jesus name”…..Some of you have even prayed all the four prayers
together. Hehehehe, but brothers and sisters, if you have not prayed for
deliverance from LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority), then it simply means you haven’t had a nasty encounter
with them.
Don’t get me wrong o. I agree that lagos state should have
some sort of system to ensure smooth flow of traffic and also to punish
offenders, going by the nature of the state and its numerous road network but I
do have a problem with the “modus operandi” of Lastma.
I’ve heard people
say that lastma is nothing more than a recruiting agency for “agbero’s” and area
boys working for the state government and while this sounds somewhat harsh and demeaning,
some lastma officials have proven time and time again that it just might
be true.
Recently, Lagos state government decided to do something about
this……..
The publication says the personnel were dismissed for various
offences ranging from bribery, certificate forgery and dereliction of
duty.
The government said it followed due process in the exercise because
those affected were given opportunities to prove their innocence before a
disciplinary panel but could not convincingly defend themselves.
No fewer than 250 LASTMA officials were also dismissed in 2012 over corrupt acts and other
forms of gross misconduct.
Well asides gross misconduct and massive
corruption, there might just be other reasons why lastma officials were sacked
too…….
Driver: “No”
Quite humiliating abi? These are actually law enforcement
agents embarrassing the nation.
I’ve actually seen worse. I remember a particular
incident on my way home about two years ago. There was a commotion on the road
and when I looked further, I saw two lastma officials brandishing cutlasses with
blood stained shirts. Your guess as to what happened is as good as mine.
Here’s another one……..
Like I said earlier, while I applaud the legitimate role of lastma, I
utterly detest their mode of operation. They’ve been known to hide in street
corners only to swoop or pounce on any suspected traffic offender. Its a common
sight to see lastma officials “lying in wait” as it were, just hoping and
praying that one innocent car will make a U-turn where there’s no “no U-turn”
sign.
I personally believe that the law ought to be more “preventive” than “punitive”. The right thing to do would be to disallow drivers from making the turn in the first place
instead of waiting for innocent drivers and pouncing on them at the slightest
opportunity.
I’ve had my own fair share of Lastma rendezvous. It never
really is a pleasant experience. I just concluded a training on this fateful
Saturday and I decided to drive to a couple of cinema’s on the island and see
what’s hot.
I also went to pick up my wristwatch from repairs. When I got to
silverbird galleria, a voice ( the Holy Spirit I believe) told me to park my car
at the galleria and take a bike to Saka Tinubu street to pick my watch ‘cos it was
close-by, but I just waved off the thought and drove straight to Saka Tinubu street.
After I picked my watch, I drove straight back to the galleria via
Adeola Odeku street and the roads were so free that I decided to compensate myself for
all the hours I have spent previously in lagos traffic by zooming at full speed.
Unfortunately I didn’t see that the traffic light had gone red …….
and poor me, I was already on full speed. I managed to stop quite alright but before I knew it, lastma officials quickly swooped on me.
What was my offence? Well, although I stopped in obedience to the traffic
light but my front tyres slightly crossed the “finish line”. Then the voice came back to me, “You should have parked your car at Silverbird Galleria like I told you” . Don’t you just hate it when that happens.
Well for me it was too late now. I was already in trouble and to make matters worse, this was the period when Governor Fashola just introduced the new Lagos Traffic law…with all the punishments.
While I was still taking it cool with the lastma folks, trying to sweet-talk my way out of their hands, they immediately blocked my tyres with spikes
and eventually forced their way into my car. What happened next?
Gehn gehn…….Watch out for part two. Hehehehe. Me sef dey watch Nigerian home
video.
Having said that, I do commend diligent lastma officials who are
on top of their game. As a matter of fact, as I blog about this, I just
witnessed about three different accidents around lagos and I applaud the lastma
officials who I saw on ground controlling traffic. Thumbs up guys.
Some even risk their lives just to get the job done……..
…others receive regular slaps especially from female drivers………..
…while others……….well…..others just need to sit up….
Well, I guess all what I’ve been trying to say is that a little professionalism on the part of Lastma wouldn’t hurt.
Photo of the day.
If you think the “Oga at the top” finger started with this guy…..
well, guess again. See who he copied it from…….
and believe me, he’s the real Oga at the top!!!
Thats all for now guys. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stay tuned for more. Remember, “Every man will have his day”
Johnson Madichie is a social blogger based in Lagos, Nigeria and affects the world from there.
Contact me
E-mail – johnsonmadichie@yahoo.co.uk
Twiiter – @johnsonmadichie
Facebook – Johnson Ifeanyi Madichie
Mobile – +2348055940573.
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