Not Sleeping...

Its been more than 10 days since the last post.  Hope you are not wondering whether dovearena has gone to sleep.  Absolutely not!  Its a vision that we have vowed to pursue to the very end....

This short break is just to give us some time to put finishing touches to a bumper package that will be dropped soon...so keep your fingers crossed and watch out...

Thanks for staying with DOVEARENA!

Running into the Script of Ruins

Today, Dove Arena is presenting something from a guest writer (thought the idea should also be introduced).  These are thoughts of a concerned Nigerian who through the wonderful piece you are about to read explains the intricacies around Nigerian democracy with special focus on the forthcoming elections.  He has put together this write-up playing upon words and I couldn't help but share it with you.  Enjoy the piece straight from Joseph Amenaghawon....

Here we go again

This ravaging politics of opportunism hits us

Fellows with no visions on the way forward

Assailing our sensibilities with the choruses

Sycophants championing the cause of a Jonathan

Zoning merchants threaten fire and brimstone

Ventilations that the gentleman agreement must stand

Events rapidly painting the scenarios ahead

Ordinary folks walk about their lives in oblivion

A register to be authenticated with sacks of billions

An oversight body approving with no thoroughness

Into time they rush as time fades against the timeline

Choirs from other climes sing the regular tunes

Credible and accountable elections they benchmark

An agenda fostered by this demonstration of craze

A scheming circumstanced President waits in the wings

Clandestine scheming and "open mouth" pronouncements rent the air

Claiming the 2011 mandate lifted above all state matters

Electioneering propelled by the incumbency of power

A people with no say await the curtaining of the script of ruins

Running into the Scripts of Ruins

(Written by Joseph Amenaghawon)

Splendid right?  To conclude this piece I have this little song for all those in the "politicking" world....

"Long throat no good o...

Wayo na sabotage

If you no go helep Nigeria

Na your shame be that...."

Show of Shame

As if one is watching the what seems like an home video, some officers of the Nigerian police force displayed the height of indecency on Friday, July 30, 2010 at the Ilepo-Oja area of Lagos State.

Trapped in an artificial traffic caused by these officers through an illegal check point, commercial bus drivers and conductors were targets of this disgraceful act.  To think they chased after moving buses especially those whose drivers attempt to avoid the compulsory check was enough to make one burst out in laughter. As if that were not enough, those targeted were trucks carrying goods especially food items.

The worst part of the show of shame was at a point where a female officer "arrested" a commercial bus. In an attempt to stop the driver by force, she opened the from door (even when there was a passenger obviously occupying the front seat) She insisted that the passenger should come down to enable her secure a sit on the bus. As a Nigerian who knows his right, the passenger bluntly refused to alight from the bus (which has now come to a halt)

Did you see the hand on the police officer's butts? That was the hand of one of her colleague who was trying very hard to "push her into the bus and get off the road" to harass more bus drivers.

Eko for show!!!

Egunje spoil Lagos...

As early as 6.15am that lovely morning a police officer was already harassing an helpless public bus driver.  To think it was a Monday morning when everyone was trying to start a new week on a clean plate without hassles.

While I moved close to the bus stop, I over heard the conversation that ensued between the officer and the bus driver.

Police Officer:  Make I see your vehicle particulars?
Bus Driver:  Na im be this.
Police Officer:  (After what seem to the bus driver like ages) Ok, why your bus no come get fire extinguisher?
Bus Driver: (now looking worried)  Officer, the thing finish not too long ago and I never buy another one.
Police Officer:  Then we must go to the station and report this case. (jumping into the front seat of the bus)

In a twinkle of an eye, the Police Officer was in the bus.  The driver who did not have much of a choice had to follow her to the drivers side.  What happened thereafter marveled me as they were both in the bus for few minutes speaking in low tones.  All of a sudden...the officer said, make sure you don't do that again after which there was a "very warm handshake" with the bus driver.

She alighted and walked happily to pick on the next helpless victim....

Egunje spoil Lagos...

All in the bid to "KICK" away indiscipline

As promised...I come back to you with "Discovery".  

While dressing up in preparation for a family function last weekend, something told me to take my identity card  along with me to the event.  Clamped with my camera, I got some shots I thought would be great to share with you all.  I saw some Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade Officers busy "stealing" wares and goods all in the name of kicking away indiscipline.

What baffles me was the brutality with which they ransacked wares..., beating and pushing whoever dares to stop them from taking away the items.  As if that were not enough, most of what was taken from the road side traders were food items. All items that  was successfully loaded onto their truck (see pictures below) were bags of rice, fruits, provisions etc.

Amidst tears, helpless traders who had been deprived of their source of livelihood,  sort for help from no one in particular as passersby had a field day watching the callousness of the KAI officers.

            (KAI Officials loading foodstuffs to their truck)

In my bid to get a clearer snapshot of the truck, (I really wanted to get the plate number) some of the officials  sighted me and in the rush to avoid being captured by  "paparazzi" I was harassed and they tried very hard to get hold of my camera.  They were unsuccessful though, as I asked firmly under whose directive they were operating.  My queries however did not stop them from "stealing more"...

(Front of the truck - No so clear)

Head of the KAI crew -  "I must  carry this one home" (Guess that was what he had on his mind)

The question is - Were they under instruction to "attack" those traders?  Whose directive?  I wonder...

Welcome note...

Through this medium am hoping I will be able to keep up the promise I made to myself.  This  platform will be used to say a lot of things happening in our dear country with the use of pictures. 

Basically, it's more pictures and less words.  Hopefully too, the very first post will get to you tomorrow.  It's what I call "Discovery".  Watch out... and welcome aboard "The Dove's Arena"!