Obasanjo replies Buhari: Muslim-Muslim ticket dangerous for Nigeria

A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,   has warned political parties and their leaders against the idea of fielding either Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian as presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the February 14, 2014 election.

He said in a terse statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Sunday that such idea was dangerous given the current happenings in the polity.

Although he made no mention of any political party or politician in the statement, he appeared to have alluded to an All Progressive Congress presidential aspirant, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s comment   on Saturday that he was not opposed to a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Obasanjo’s statement read, “Sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust.

“It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim- muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.

“Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of Islamisation or Christianisation. The idea of proselytisation in any form is a grave danger that must not be contemplated by any serious-minded politician at this delicate situation in Nigeria, as this time is different from any other time.

“Therefore, disregarding the fact that there are fears that need to be allayed at this point will amount not only to insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad politics indeed.”

Buhari had in an interview published on Saturday by an online newspaper, TheCable, said he had an open mind on a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The presidential aspirant argued that he had shown in the past that he was not a religious fundamentalist   by picking Christians as his running mates. His former running mates   are a former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo (late); an ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Edwin Ume-Ezeoke (late) and Tunde Bakare.

He had said, “Nigerians will always uncover impossible room for manoeuvre for politicians. I had to face one of the governors during one of our party’s meetings [over the issue of religion].

“In 2003, I chose Okadigbo as my running mate. He was a Roman Catholic. He was an Igbo. In 2007, I picked   Ume-Ezeoke. He was a Roman Catholic. He was an Igbo. And in 2010, I chose even a pastor. Pastor Tunde Bakare.

“Honestly, what do Nigerians want me to do? If they don’t believe I’m not a fundamentalist, what else can I do?”

He added that the late MKO Abiola, a southern Muslim, picked Babagana Kingibe, a northern Muslim, as his running mate in the 1993 presidential election.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket won the election generally considered as the fairest and freest election in Nigeria.

Buhari is believed to be looking in the direction of   Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who is also a muslim, as his running mate.

Fashola had since distanced himself from reports that he might be Buhari’s running mate.

When contacted, the Director-General, Buhari Support Group, Alhaji Umaru Dembo, said, ‘‘I do know the context in which what was said was said. So many people have been trying to cast the APC in a religious garb. What I can say is that when the issue of the ticket is decided, the party will look at other issues. Right now, talking about the running mate is a distraction.’’

The APC National Publicity Secretary,   Lai Mohammed, however, told one of our correspondents that it had “noted” Obasanjo’s advice.

He said, “We appreciate the fact that the problem confronting our nation today is one that requires a patriotic Nigerian who has the capacity and competence to deal with. We however note the former President’s advice.”

Mohammed added that the party had always   pledged to be guided by the 1999 Constitution and its guidelines in taking decisions   on issues that affect the generality of Nigerians.

“What we’ve always said is that our party will be guided by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and will be guided also by our own guidelines and also will be guided by what we believe is in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said.

The APC had lost some of its prominent members who claimed that the party leadership was planning to field Muslim-Muslim candidates for the 2015 presidential election.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, said the party had decided to keep off religious issues and focus on politics.

“At this point in time, due to what is happening in the nation, the PDP has refrained from commenting on religious matters. We want to keep religion out of politics. We are focused on politics. We do not want to make comments on religion,” Metuh added.

The ruling PDP   has already endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian as its presidential candidate. Vice-President Namadi Sambo, a Muslim whom the PDP leadership described as a member of its winning team, may still run as Jonathan’s deputy.

APC, PDP legislators, others disagree

However, the caucuses of the PDP and APC in the House of Representatives differed on the issue.

The Minority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the character of the presidential candidates should be the focus and not the religion.

He explained that Nigeria could have “all-Muslim” candidates or “all-Christian candidates.”

Gbajabiamila added, “For us, it doesn’t matter whether it is a Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket.

“What people are looking out for is development and good governance.

“We should be looking at the character of the person and what he can offer, not his religion.”

But, the PDP caucus praised Obasanjo for bringing the issue to the fore.

The Deputy Leader of the House,   Leo Ogor, said members were in support of Obasanjo.

“The former President spoke well. We are totally in support of what he has said.”

A former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Shuaib Oyedokun, also commended Obasanjo for the statement.

Oyedokun said,   “This statement from him is commendable. We must however be reminded that Nigerian had done this in the last by fielding Muslim/Muslim ticket.

“We must know that there are some states in both the South and the North that are either predominately Christians or Muslims and because of this, it would be difficult to do balancing.”

In the Senate, Kabiru Marafa said it was “left for the parties to design their permutations for winning elections and for Nigerians to say yes or no to them during the polls.”

Marafa recalled that the late Abiola and   Kingibe, both Muslims, contested for election on the same platform.

“They ran together and their election is still a point of reference in Nigeria. There was no crisis. In fact, people voted overwhelmingly for them across the country,” he said.

The lawmaker argued that it would “have been better if the former   President had advised his own party not to do so because of the fear of losing an election.”

Also, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, said that Obasanjo “should avoid such advice now especially when a political party is already being accused of bringing about a religious agenda.”

A Lagos-based lawyer, Fred Agbaje, said while he agreed that   “Obasanjo’s pronouncement on any major nation issue cannot be ignored,” he (Obasanjo) “should not arrogate to himself, the title of Mr. Know-it-all.”

Agbaje said, “What is Obasanjo saying? Haven’t Nigerians voted Muslim-Muslim ticket before even though the power-that-be did not allow it to stand? What Nigerians need are competent leaders, and they could be Muslim-Muslim, Christian-Christian, female-female, male-male, male-female or female-male.

“Nigerians need leaders that will solve many of the nation’s socio-economic woes, unemployment, corruption, armed robbery, kidnapping and the general state of insecurity in the country.

“Obasanjo should not see himself as the only person having the panacea to the nation’s problems.”

However, the Trade Union Congress advised   the political class to avoid any controversial issue such as a Muslim/Muslim 

Source : punch

Man cut stealing mobile phones and money. See Photo

A northern man was cut stealing phones and money yesterday at sky memorial shopping complex wuse zone 5  around 4pm

Abuja's Famous Blogger Receives NYSC Certificate Today See Pix

Olayinka Adeleke (center) popularly known as Olabluetooth is set to Attend his last Community Development Service Today in Abuja. He granted an exclusive interview to the correspondents of NigeriaInfo 95.1 FM in Abuja. Gina, one of the presenters of NigeriaInfo asked about his experience in the past year of his National Youth Service. He replied by saying, It was a wonderful experience. I have learnt so many things in life, people, business, service, discipline and devotion to my fatherland. In my service year, i have acquired many skills, among whom are Cupcakes baking, Chinchin, Ankara palm slippers, bags, Project Management skills, Advertisements, etc. i also learnt how to better relate with people, both civilians and military. As the Former Head of ManOwar Special Squad and Coach of Platoon 1, i ve learnt how to stay focus in time of distractions and under distress. As a former Special guard commander who did the salute of the ManOwar to the Hon. Minister FCT on the day of swearing-in. All glory  to Almighty God who made me to see this day. This experience and training gave me a boost in confidence and physical stamina to carryout my duties without fear or favour. My regards goes to the Camp Commandant Capt. Ijakpa for his discipline and humility. This spirit of hardwork and  discipline was taken to my place of primary assignment CAC Maitama Abuja. In order to actualise the objective of the commission as a world class registration company, my contributions as a corp member/staff deploymed to the department of ICT Corporate Affairs Commission is one of the best experiences i ve ever had in my service year. As a team member of Enterprise Software Solution Development (ESSD) under the supervision of my Able Head of Section Mr. Solomon M Odole and Under the past head of department Mr. Danyaro and Acting HOD Mr Ambrose Obeta. And Also the SA. and finally RG Mr Mamoud Bello is a priviledge to have worked with all these wonderful Men. As a team member of project code-named Activity Report Management System (AGMS). Its a wonderful experience where i learnt how to develop a web-application and actively participate in a team project. My team Namely Moses and Hassan both Corp Members serving in ICT of the above mentioned commission. They re wonderful and it shows that NYSC is a unifying Factor in this New Project Called NEW NIGERIA.

He was also asked about what his he going to miss most during the service year?
To be continue in part 2

Day Komolafe made first book public

It was a dream come true for Isaac Komolafe as dignitaries both from the literati and other endeavors converged on International Conference Centre, Abuja to witness the public presentation of his debut work, Speak: (20 success promises and stories). The book presented in 20 chapters and 145 pages is a motivational, packed with lots of quotable quotes from great personalities both past and present. It also contains the life-style and achievements of great and prominent men and women who have conquered in their different areas of life; notably amongst them include; Prof. Dora Akunyili, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chioma Ajunwa, Buchi Emecheta, Enoch Adeboye, Wole Soyinka, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kanu Nwankwo, Sunny Ade and a host of others. According to the author, these people were able to succeed and achieve greatness due to their determination. Reviewing the book, Mrs. Bunmi Fingesi, explained that thework is good and instrumental for young people who are desirous to make a mark in life and recommended it for everybody, especially young ones. The author of the book, Mr. Isaac Komolafe, a teacher who specializes in children’s writing has written several articles on the opinion pages of Nigerian Pilot Newspaper including some magazines in Abuja. The book presentation was graced by some talented musicians and comedians who made the occasion lively. source;http://nigerianpilot.com/day-komolafe-made-first-book-public/#sthash.AoctHRCM.gbpl

‘Jonathan, 6th richest African president’

Richest Lifestyle, a US-based website, has listed President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria as the 6th Richest African president. In an article titled, ‘Richest African Presidents 2014′ , the US website compiled a list of the nine richest presidents and kings in Africa. According to the article, President Jonathan is worth $100million. Other African presidents and kings on the list include; 1. Jose Eduardo dos Santos of Angola – Net Worth: $20 Billion 2. Mohammed VI of Morocco – Net Worth: $2.5 Billion 3. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea – $600 Million 4. Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya – Net Worth: $500 Million 5. Paul Biya of Cameroon – Net Worth: $200 Million 6. King Mswati III of Swaziland – Net Worth: $100 Million (The monarch shares the number 6 spot with President Jonathan) 7. Idriss Deby of Chad – Net Worth: $50 Million 8. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe – Net Worth: $10 Million

2014 Independence Day Broadcast by President Jonathan

2014 Independence Day Broadcast by

His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

Wednesday 1^st October, 2014

Fellow Nigerians:

1.             Today marks the 54th anniversary of our country’s independence as a sovereign nation.  This is also the tenth month of our journey into a new century, having marked the centenary of our nation in January this year. 

2.             The first one hundred years were marked by triumphs and tribulations, benefits and burdens, opportunities and challenges.  We made some far reaching advances in building a strong, united and prosperous nation.  We also overcame the forces of disunity that culminated in a debilitating civil war.  We have also renewed our faith in one another, and in our country. We have proven that we are truly a resilient nation.

3.             In my address to the nation last year, I did emphasize that we were in a sober moment in our country. We are still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments of our administration. Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people. 

4.             On an occasion like this, it is important that we remember all the precious souls that have been lost in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on some parts of our country by these individuals who want to compel us to live our lives their way. They will not succeed!

5.             In their mission, they have maimed and raped. They have killed men, women and children, rendering many children orphans and several women widows.

6.             They have made violence their ideology and are bent on destroying our country. Dear countrymen and women, we will not allow them. 

7.             Night after night, day after day, our security forces continue to engage the terrorists in battle. My gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will has been greatly challenged by this insurgency more than any other time, since the civil war.

8.             Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their prowess and determination. As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror. Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective duty as patriots to avail our men and women in uniform of all the support they need to fight and win this war.

9.             This Administration is committed to making Nigeria safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of our places of birth, how we worship God and our political persuasion. To all those waging war against our country, I ask that you lay down your arms and embrace peace.

10.       To those who have genuine grievances, I affirm that Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring your grievances to the table of dialogue. To the good people of Nigeria, let me restate that our task of building a better and greater country must not waver.

11.       While we continue to deploy our resources in the fight against the terrorists, we do recognize the great toll the conflict is taking on our people.

12.       This is why, to assist the afflicted, we have launched the Victims Support Fund, an independent multi-sectoral charity, which will aggressively solicit resources to augment Government’s statutory intervention, in bringing succour to the injured, the displaced and the bereaved. 

13.       In partnership with Nigerian business leaders and international partners, we have also introduced the Safe Schools Initiative which is aimed at promoting safe environments for education nationwide, starting with the North East region. 

14.        The Presidential Initiative for the North East, a comprehensive programme to fast-track the economic restoration of this region, which has been the epicentre of terrorist activity, has been set up. 

15.        Our overall objective is to do all we possibly can, to sustain in the North-East, the momentum of economic advancement, which is on-going in other parts of the country, despite the machinations of the terrorists and their sponsors.

16.       It should now be clear to anyone who was ever in doubt that these terrorists do not mean well for anyone, of whatever religion or dispensation. Their persistent choice of the weakest and most vulnerable in society, for gruesome attack, provides an insight into their abnormal mind-set.

17.        I urge every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional or other parochial considerations, and support whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and the military, in checking this evil. 

18.        We are grateful to the international community, and especially our neighbours who are working closely with us in confronting this challenge, for their increased partnership and solidarity. Our steady progress in weakening the insurgency has certainly justified our cooperation. 

19.       Fellow Nigerians, in my independence anniversary address last year, I informed you that we had taken cognizance of the suggestion over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to focus attention on rebuilding and strengthening the ligaments of our union. It was in that regard that we announced the convening of a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country.

20.       We have successfully delivered on that promise as we established the 2014 National Conference headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi. After months of deliberations, which did not come without its challenges, the conference concluded its assignment and has handed its Report to me.

21.       I have made a firm commitment that we would act on the recommendations of the conference. This, I have started by setting up the Ministerial Committee headed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to work out the modalities for implementing the Report. Every promise I make, God willing, I will see to its fulfilment. I assure you, we shall implement the report.

22.       One major lesson which the 2014 National Conference has taught us as a country is that, a multi-ethnic country like ours, must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue until consensus is established.

23.       To me, the National Conference is the greatest centenary gift to our country that we must cherish and sustain.

24.       Fellow Nigerians, our 54 year-journey as a nation has not been easy. There have been tough periods, but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of our people have seen us through. We will continue to march forward to greater heights. 

25.       We have been able to sustain a big, strong and influential country with a robust economy. We are currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted democratic rule, daily improving on the consolidation of our democratic process.

26.       Our Administration has made a commitment to ensure that we build and sustain a democratic infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections. International and local observers have attested to the positive evolution of electoral credibility and we cannot afford to relent.

27.       We will continue to ensure that the will of the electorate prevails so that political leaders would be reminded at all times that there is a day of reckoning when they have to go back to the people at the polls. Election days must not be days of violence and death. We must remain vigilant to ensure that our electoral process is characterised by peace, security and transparency.

28.       I enjoin the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies, politicians and the electorate to work conscientiously and peacefully, together, to consolidate on the gains of the recent elections.Free and fair elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our people.

29.       My dear countrymen and women, occasions such as this present an opportunity to thank God for our country and to report to you, on our journey so far.

30.       Our power sector reform is on course with the ultimate objective of generating enough electricity to power our homes, industries and businesses. We are making giant strides in the Agricultural Sector which we are re-positioning to diversify our economy. We will continue to upgrade our infrastructure to make life easier for all and create an enabling environment for enterprise to flourish.

31.       Over the last four years, the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act in the Oil and Gas Sector has ensured major increase in the participation of indigenous Oil and Gas companies in the industry. Several critical infrastructure projects have been commissioned and commenced. The level of indigenous asset ownership has greatly increased and utilisation of Nigerian-owned and built assets such as marine vessels and rigs is being progressively enforced.  

32.       There has been maximised local value addition by encouraging the manufacture of equipment components and parts within the country.  There has also been massive growth in indigenous participation in the provision of goods and services to the upstream sector from 10% to 60% within the last four years.

33.       Today, following the rebasing of our economy, every international monitoring and ratings agency now acknowledges Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with a Gross Domestic Product of five hundred and ten billion dollars ($510 billion) which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world. This is progress.

34.       Earlier in the year, we launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) with the stated objective of fast tracking inclusive growth, job creation, enterprise development and industrialisation. 

35.       The success of these policies is already evident in the increased value addition in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.  

36.       In line with our objective of encouraging the production of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and making Nigeria a regional hub for the automobile industry, a number of foreign auto manufacturers have established plants in Nigeria, complementing the laudable efforts of our local vehicle manufacturers who have also demonstrated great innovation and competitiveness.

37.       We have also launched a special support programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with an initial intervention fund of two hundred and twenty billion naira (N220 b).  This is in addition to the Presidential Job Creation Boardwhich I inaugurated recently with the charge to create three million jobs annually.

38.       In demonstration of our Administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, we have commenced the new mortgage re-finance programme with the establishment of theNigerian Mortgage Re-finance Company. It is expected that, in addition to creating additional housing units across the country, this initiative also represents a huge job creation opportunity. 

39.       We have recorded notable success in the social sector. Nigeria has been globally acknowledged for reducing extreme hunger by more than half, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) formally presenting the country with an award for achieving the Millennium Development Goal on Hunger three years ahead of the 2015 target date set for the Millennium Development Goals.

  

40.       This progress is as a result of the deliberate policy of government to increase capacity in our agricultural sector of which the first step was to address and eliminate the graft in our fertilizer procurement system and ensure that the product gets directly to the farmer.  We are expanding our irrigation infrastructure to ensure that our farmers have sufficient water supply for dry season farming.

41.       A benefit of these combined actions is that our national food import bill has declined from 1.1 trillion naira (6.9 billion dollars) in 2009 to 684.7 billion naira (4.35 billion dollars) by December 2013, and continues to decline.

42.       Modern hybrid schools are being provided for less privileged children across the country, resulting in significant increase in the national school enrolment figure.

43.       In order to further enhance access to education at the tertiary level, fourteen new Federal Universities have been established; and, to encourage persons of exceptional abilities, our Administration has also introduced a Presidential Scholarship Scheme based strictly on excellence and merit.

44.       On infrastructure, we are building roads, bridges, and new rail lines to make it easier to traverse Nigeria and increase the integration of our people and our ability to do business with each other. In this regard, we have commenced the process of building the Second Niger Bridge. The Loko-Oweto Bridge over River Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States, will significantly reduce travel time by road between Northern and Southern Nigeria. The on-going dredging of the River Niger up to Baro in Niger State is opening up large parts of the Nigerian hinterland to maritime activity.

45.       The Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro-electric power projects are on course, and the Kashimbilla dam which we started a few years ago, is nearing completion. The successful privatisation of our power sector will in the long run enhance industrial growth. Policies such as this and others have raised Nigeria to the enviable status of being the number one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment in Africa in the past year. 

46.       The result of this infrastructure drive is that two and a half million jobs have been created over the past two years. This is a record, which we are committed to improve upon to continue to provide jobs for our youth. 

47.       An unprecedented number of Airports across the country, are not only being reconstructed at the same time, but being re-equipped and reassessed with emphasis on maintaining global standards.

48.       Fellow Nigerians, the goals we set to achieve for our country involve expanding the frontiers of economic freedom. Let us therefore unite with one heart and one mind. All our people must have access to the good things of life. All our people must be empowered to pursue the gift of life with happiness. This is our country; we must build it for our common posterity.

49.       As we move into an election year, desperate moves to overheat the polity are becoming a regular occurrence.  Our political leaders in particular must know that the contest for power should not translate to the destruction of the polity.

50.       The contest for the leadership of our country must yield good governance, and not ungovernable spaces. The love of country should rank higher than our individual ambitions.

51.       We must remain committed to a united and indivisible Nigeria within democratic parameters. The protection of individual rights, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of thought, and a progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be our goal.

52.       I cannot end this address without commenting on the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which was sadly brought into our country recently. My directives to the Federal Ministry of Health saw the ministry leading the charge in curtailing the spread of this deadly scourge and managing its impact. This is how it should be:swift, effective and comprehensive action in defence of citizens. 

53.       It must be pointed out that the Ebola battle is still raging elsewhere in our sub-region. I therefore enjoin all our citizens to continue to adhere strictly to all the guidelines that have been given by our health officials to keep Ebola out of our country.

54.       I appreciate and welcome the spirit of collaboration, unity and partnership with which we confronted the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease.  I thank all Nigerians for working together to prevent what could have become a major epidemic.  I particularly thank the medical personnel, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.    

55.       This is the spirit which we must demonstrate at all times as we face up to our challenges as a nation: one people, united by a common resolve, in the pursuit of one common national interest.

56.       As we look forward to another year in our national life, I am more than confident that our tomorrow will be better than our yesterday and today. Nigeria has got the human and material resources to excel and we shall lead the way in that journey to our manifest destiny. 

57.       Fellow countrymen, brothers and sisters, in all our plans, and in all our words and our actions, we must stand together in love and unity, as one people under God.

58.       We are one people from the womb of one Nigeria. We are brothers and sisters. We are one family. We are Nigerians.

59.       God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Microsoft unveils Windows 10 with Start Menu

Microsoft has disclosed the first details of Windows 10 – its next operating system (OS).

The name is a surprise bearing in mind it represents a jump from the last version – Windows 8.
The software will run on a wide range of devices from smartphones and tablets to PCs and Xbox games consoles, with applications sold from a single store.
It also marks the return of the Start Menu, which had been removed from Windows 8.
In addition to offering a list of the user’s favourite applications, the menu also brings up resizable tiles – similar to those featured in Windows 8’s touch-centric interface – on PCs and tablets.
These provide a quick view of notifications from relevant applications, such as details of new emails, Facebook messages and weather forecast updates.
The company said the facility was intended to make the software seem familiar to both users of Windows 8 and Windows 7.
The behaviour of the OS will depend on the type of device it is being used on. Unlike its predecessor, users will not need to switch between Desktop Mode and the touch-focused alternative.
However, they can still spread a number of “live tiles” across the screens of two-in-one laptop-tablet hybrids to make them easier to use with both a mouse and finger presses.
Windows 8 had been criticised for being too different to the previous version, which deterred some organisations from introducing it.
It initially lacked a Start button altogether, and when one was introduced it only switched to the touch-centric tiled interface or – if a long mouse press was used – provided access to the system’s control panel and other functions.
Businesses typically wait about a year after a new operating system’s release before offering it to workers to give IT staff a chance to get to grips with the new technologies involved.
But it has been nearly two years since Windows 8 first went on sale and adoption is still low.
“It’s extremely important for Microsoft to get Windows 10 right,” said David Johnson, who covers Microsoft for the consultancy Forrester.
“Windows 8 is only being offered to employees by about one in five organisations right now. Windows 7 is still the de facto standard for enterprise in the desktop environment.
“For Microsoft to continue to be able to get the best and latest technology in the hands of the enterprise workforce all over the world, it has to have a vehicle to do that – and Windows 9 is its best shot.”

source; punch