Jonathan, Buhari are ‘problematic’ candidates, says Soyinka

Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, has criticised the two frontline candidates in the March 28 presidential election, President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party and Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) of the All Progressives Congress.

Soyinka, in an interview with the BBC on Monday, insisted that the political parties should have come up with far better options than the two leading candidates.

He described President Jonathan, who is running for a second term and the opposition leader, Buhari, as “problematic candidates.”

“There is a huge albatross hanging [around] the necks of the two main candidates. I can understand the dilemma which many voters have,” Soyinka said.

He added that “one contender is troubled by the present, the other by the past.”

Soyinka also decried the lack of fair play in the election, saying the spirit of “let’s have a fair war” was not yet deep enough.

He faulted Jonathan for the failure to rescue the more than 200 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok in April 2014.

“What happened was a clear failure of leadership – a slow reaction, an inadequate reaction and response,” Soyinka told the BBC. He stressed that while responsibility for the Boko Haram crisis rested with President Jonathan, the government could not be held solely responsible for the entire jihadist problem as it began under previous governments.

“Buhari and his partner, the late Gen. Tunde Idiagbon, after (former military head of state) Sani Abacha, I think they represented the most brutal face of military dictatorship. There is no question about that,” Soyinka said.

“But the environment changes, circumstances change and… I look at the possibility of a genuine internal transformation in some individuals. I’ve been disappointed before and we must always be ready to be disappointed again,” he added.

Soyinka, however, said Nigerians should be ready to “go back to the trenches stand up against misrule from whoever wins the election.

“Nigerians should be prepared to deal with any new betrayal by any ruler with the same passion and commitment…. as they did with the late Sani Abacha because we cannot continue this cycle of repetitious evil and irresponsibility.”

On what to do to counter the Boko Haram sect, whose activities was cited for the postponement of the election, Soyinka called for “an aerial bombardment with weapons of the mind” in addition to the military offensive.

“All kinds of propaganda leaflets should have been raining in those areas because not all members of Boko Haram are convinced. They need to know there is an exit and the state will take care of them. Then the waverers’ minds have to be reinforced on the positive side – on the side of humanity.

“The kind of propaganda being used now between the political parties, just a fraction of that should have gone into attacking Boko Haram,” he added.

Asked whether he believed the nation could be dismembered in the next 10 years, he said, “I doubt it very much. The threats of dismemberment have been going on so long that one of these days there is going to be a wish fulfilled.

“The idea of either dismembering at the cost of human lives, as the Boko Haram people are trying to do with their caliphate delusions or to force people to stay together as happened in the case of the [1967-1970] Biafra war, doesn’t make sense, it’s an abuse of intelligence.

“Arrangements can be made in which people stick together under protocols of association which allow some kind of autonomy for certain issues and other cases centralised policies,” he said.

Soyinka also noted that the huge amount being expended on campaigns would inevitably lead to broken electoral promises.

“What does this make of the incoming government? This money came in from somewhere. It means such candidates are going to owe, they are obliged to interests which are not necessarily in the best interests of the nation.

“So, a lot of the electorate will be disappointed at the failure – the reneging on electoral promises – because there may not be funds for the fulfilment of those promises,

Obasanjo’s exit from PDP, plus for APC – El-Rufai’s campaigners

All Progressives Congress Campaign Council in Kaduna State on Monday said the exit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from the Peoples Democratic Party would boost the fortunes of the opposition party in the rescheduled March 28 and April 11 elections in the country.
The APC Campaign Council in the state is the campaign outfit for the former Federal Capital Territory and the state governorship candidate, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, and the party’s presidential candidate, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), for the 2015 general elections.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi, who addressed newsmen at the El-Rufai Campaign Office in the state capital, noted that for the ex-president to dump the party he rode on to power for eight years, should be a source of concern to Nigerians.
He noted that if Obasanjo, a highly respected figure not only in Nigeria but the world over, should dump his party,”it is a plus for the APC.”
Hunkuyi added, “Obasanjo is a highly respected figure in the country and if somebody of his calibre should get of the party that on which he rode on to power for eight years, then, it should be a source of concern to all Nigerians.
“He will be highly welcomed to the party. If the party can receive him, its a plus for the APC,” he said.
Meanwhile, the APC council said it would soon embark on a special campaign for the collection of the Permanent Voter Card in the state ahead of the rescheduled elections.
Though, the state is among the states to have collected the highest number of PVC so far, Hunkuyi noted that the council would not rest until those that were yet to pick up the PVCs do so.
According to the campaign chairman, until every eligible voter in the state reaches 100 per cent collection rate of the cards.
“Kaduna state stands high in terms of the collection of the PVC in the country but we are not resting on our oars. We will embark on special campaign for those who are yet to collect their PVC to do so until we reach 100 per cent collection rate,

News in details:Obasanjo tears PDP membership card in public

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday left his guests at his Hilltop mansion in Abeokuta with bated breath when he tore his Peoples Democratic Party membership card in their presence.

The guests, who are leaders of the PDP from Obasanjo’s ward around his former residence in Ita Eko, where he registered, visited the ex-president to express their concern with his recent utterances against the government of President Goodluck Jonathan and what he considered as the President’s role in the postponement of the general elections from February to March.

Obasanjo had alleged on Saturday that Jonathan had a “grand plan” to scuttle democracy in the country through the poll shift, accusing the President of trying to win the presidential poll “through hook or crook.”

The guests in Abeokuta had told the former Head of State that they had come to plead with him to stop his criticisms of the incumbent president.

They also informed him of the feelers that they were getting that the leaders of the party were planning to expel him from the party.

Obasanjo asked his guests if they were with their PDP membership card, which some of them produced.

He subsequently asked for his own, which someone brought to him.

He then directed the leader of the team to tear the card in shreds, telling the visitors that he was no longer a member of the ruling party.

The former president had last year resigned his membership of the party, when he was the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, arguing that he could no longer be in the same party and be led in the South-West by someone he referred to as a confirmed drug baron.

You are not God, Jonathan campaigners tell Obasanjo

The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation has told former President Olusegun Obasanjo to stop playing God over his numerous criticisms of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The organsiation was reacting to the claim by Obasanjo that President Jonathan was planning to perpetuate himself in office.

Apart from this, the former President also accused Jonathan of planning to cause chaos if he lost the March 28 presidential election.

But the Director of Media and Publicity of the organsiation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, debunked the allegations, saying the former President under whom he served as Minister of Aviation and Special Assistant on Public Communication, was trying to play God.

Fani-Kayode, who spoke at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, accused his former boss of trying in vain to control President Jonathan.

He said the problem between the two members of the ruling party had nothing to do with Nigeria, and called on the former President to leave Nigeria out of the issues between him and the President.

He said, “The bottom line is this: President Obasanjo’s grouse with President Jonathan is personal and it has nothing to do with Nigeria.

“He should leave Nigeria out of it and let us all be. If he has a personal score to settle with Jonathan he should not do so at the expense of the peace and stability of Nigeria.

“If he wants to stop Jonathan then let him attempt to do so through the democratic process and through the ballot box and not through foul and unconstitutional means.

“We said it before and we will say it again: gone are the days that any President can be tele-guided and controlled because we have all come of age.

“We continue to hold President Obasanjo in high esteem but his recent actions and utterances are beyond the pale. He has been unfair to Jonathan, to Nigeria and even to himself.

“Most importantly the days of intimidating others with his harsh words and overbearing influence are long over. Obasanjo is not God.

“Only God is God and He alone determines the fortunes of men and the destiny of nations.”

Fani-Kayode said that after Jonathan came to power, Obasanjo did not only try to control and tele-guide the President, but he also asked him to do a number of things that he said were simply wrong and unacceptable.

Asked to tell Nigerians those issues, he refused. He merely said that the President would speak on the matter anytime he likes.

VIDEO: Check out the reaction of supporters as former President Obasanjo had his PDP membership card destroyed.

I just have to share this after finished watching it, i think election issues is moving in a direction by which even the citizens are no longer understanding it. whatch this through this link i got from channels television
http://youtu.be/fmSBG25hq3s

Don’t see Boko Haram as northern problem, IBB tells Nigerians

The insurgency has caused the death of about 20,000 people in northern Nigeria with hundreds of thousands of others displaced internally and to neighbouring countries.
The former dictator also said he is optimistic that Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will conduct elections as rescheduled.
Mr. Babangida spoke in Minna when he received the members of Arewa Citizens Action for Change on Saturday.
He said people should not look at insecurity as only a problem restricted to a particular zone of the country but as a problem confronting the entire country.
“I think people should not see the insecurity as restricted to North East alone; it is the problem of the entire country.
“Nigeria is under insurgency not only north east. Nigerians should see it from that perspective and for that; they should support the Military to end the insurgency,’’ he said.
On whether the postponement of elections will affect its outcome, he observed that the election would be conducted peacefully considering the arrangement on ground.
He also urged INEC to improve in the provision of information in respect of Permanent Voter Cards’, especially on where to collect them.
Mr. Babangida commended his guests for propagating the gospel of peace, particularly at this period where electioneering was at its peak.
In his remark, the state coordinator of the group, Mohammed Mohammed, appealed to INEC to conduct peaceful and credible elections.

Ex-NPC chair and President Jonathan’s ally, Festus Odimegwu, endorses Buhari

A former Managing Director of Nigeria Breweries Plc and immediate past Chairman of the National Population Commission, Festus Odimegwu, has written a lengthy article endorsing the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu Buhari, and explaining why he is the best man for the nation’s top job as Nigeria grapples with political, security and economic challenges.
Mr. Odimegwu was an appointee of President Goodluck Jonathan after he helped rally the organised private sector to support the enthronement of the Umaru Yar’Adua presidency in which Mr. Jonathan served as vice president.
He remained close to Mr. Jonathan, who appointed him chairman of the National Population Commission. He however left the position in controversial circumstances after he made comments considered critical of a section of the country.
He has kept a distance from the Presidency and the administration ever since.
In his endorsement of Mr. Buhari Saturday, Mr. Odimegwu said, “Countries without the likes of Buhari in power ultimately perishes. There are really no other options to greatness than through great leaders. Buhari has the qualities. And he has a date with destiny in the Nigerian presidency from 2015 – 2023. May God give him the right vision and guide him.”
Read full article below.
The topic of this intervention recommended itself as it is very evident that Nigerians want change. It is also very clear to the discerning that majority will vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to save Nigeria from bad leadership and an under-performing administration. The contrived postponement of the election also attests to this. And the international community supports this. This is good for our democracy in many ways and good for Nigerians.
President Goodluck Jonathan is therefore better advised to conduct a free and fair election. Any other planned election manipulation projects should be shelved, as the dark forces lurking even within the administration can hijack and truncate the nascent democracy and tip the current groundswell in the country into avoidable crisis. The inclination, alluded to in some quarters, to take the country down, than lose honourably, is not necessary. And any rigging that denies Nigerians their need for change, will have the same effect. The only sensible option is to allow the will of the people to prevail; support free and fair elections without further manipulations and let every vote count.
The second introductory issue worth raising in this intervention is the erroneous assumption that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable even when all evidence show that Nigeria is never united. Has never had unity. How can one sustain what does not exist? A lot of people make a lot of noise about unity even while doing things that keep the country severely divided. Unity can never be achieved by rhetorics, or as a wishful thinking or by force but can only be a reality if we all work on it, with our political actors leading by example. It can be an outcome and not a given as some un-informed delusionists assume, claim and posture with.
My full name, for instance, is Eze‘kulie Festus Anthony Boniface Oha Odimegwu Okonkwo Nwa-Uboh Ikpendu Ndieze Umuozo Okanadiji UbiriElem…Nnemiriukwu-Chukwuabiama. This bloodline extends almost 1000 years ago, into perpetuity. Within its Obidigboness, the central issue here is that Odimegwu, who was born in 1868 and died in 1969 at the ripe age of 101 years, was born a proud Igbo man and not a Nigerian, as Nigeria did not exist then. My Ancestors into perpetuity from Odimegwu were Igbos. Never Nigerians. Nigerians is what the British want us to be from 1914, a mere 100 years ago.
I can be a Nigerian from proud Igbo extraction, but only under an agreed basis that is irreversibly committed to and maintained in reality. This Unity in Diversity with other nationalities is only possible under certain conditions. It is not as automatic or to be assumed as me being Igbo. And the basis of this, as enshrined in our Constitution, is that our Union must be built on Truth, Justice, Equity and Fairness to lead to unity, peace, and sustainable progress. This progress within Nigeria must be better than progress within the ethnic nationalities to make it attractive to all participating nations. It is only under such conditions precedent that it makes sense to become fully and happily a Nigerian. Otherwise it will be to your tents for every one irrespective of what anyone or any nationality thinks. And understanding this simple idea by all participating nationalities and persons, no matter who, is essential for progress.
The third introductory issue, another fallacy and delusion, shared by most of the predatory ruling cabals in Nigeria, is the wrong notion that they understand Nigerians as gullible and naive people who can always be divided along ethnic and religious lines and therefore incapable of rising up in revolt over predatory leaders. The insult of postponing the elections, with belief of no consequences, is the most recent example. The examples of impunity and massive looting of public treasury, without fear of consequences, is also ongoing. The emerging conspiracy to scuttle the election altogether is another: one reads of coups, interim governments, at least six weeks open ended postponement, and from the same characters of the June 12 annulment, the same dynamics that led to the death of MKO Abiola and even Sani Abacha, the possibilities of an unsigned press release that annulled June 12 etc.
The dark forces that have held Nigeria down over 100 years now are rearing their ugly heads again, double-speaking, contriving, unable to give clear answers to simple direct questions and all for personal and self-serving reasons, for continued exploitation of Nigeria and Nigerians that are already laying prostrate. The Arab Spring examples recommend themselves for all. Muammar Ghadafi of Libya was extracted from a waste pipe. Mubarak of Egypt, the lost Pharaoh, was put in a cage in Egyptian courts. The wise can learn from examples like these. The corrupt leaders of Nigeria should let Nigerians be!
And the Federal Government, as distinct from the ruling party, must take steps to secure the life of General Buhari as these intrigues thicken. Nothing should happen to him. He may not be a saint. Even the late Nelson Mandela rightly said he was not. No one is. But he now personifies the new hope for Nigeria. Nigerians need him. Nigerians need change. What happened to Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, MKO Abiola and even Sani Abacha must not happen to him. Nigeria may not survive if it does. And the Federal Government should keep on a straight and narrow path to avoid boxing itself into a corner that can be hijacked out of its control. Deductive reasoning and good sense of applied history recommend this caution, given in the overall interest of our country.
With these introductory advise, let us put the challenges before President Buhari in historical context. The important question here is: what is the unedited story of Nigeria to date? In summary the narrative is as follows: History and papers in the colonial archives have it that, Britain colonised Nigeria and ran it for their interest from 19th century to 1914 when they amalgamated the poor North with the rich South with an obnoxious concept of Northern husband and Southern wife of means in a new creation called Nigeria and held the colonised captives without their consultation or agreement. 1914 to 1960 represented 46 years of exploiting the amalgamated protectorates according to the wishes of the British Crown. And this, unfortunately, should be expected. On their exit at independence they found it wise to impose a fraudulent census data on Nigeria that enabled them to rig the elections and hand over power to the northern part of the union in preference to the troublesome (enlightened) southern part: in their continued self-interest.
The first republic was soon showing signs of un-informed leadership, with no clear national vision for the young nation and it is not surprising that the centre could not hold sooner than later. The regions were antagonising themselves in absence of a capable and independent leader at the Federal Government level; the prime minister reporting to the Northern Premier as it were, violating basic principles of organisation. And entrenching the interest of the Caliphate against pursuing a national vision of greatness.
Young crazy army officers struck in 1966 but killed political leaders of Northern origin more than from other regions but the coup was significantly quelled under an Igbo head of the army, who himself was also not particularly well educated. Northern officers labelled the coup an Igbo coup for convenience and butchered Igbos in their thousands including the Head of the army that had also become the Head of state for about six months. The savagery of this pogrom is not yet matched, even in modern terrorist enclaves. In self defence and to avoid genocide against them, the Igbos retreated to Eastern Nigeria and hastily declared the Republic of Biafra, where all Igbos could have a safe haven: A Home land since Northerners do not want them in the North and the seat of Federal Government, now managed by also uneducated northern army officers, was in Lagos, western Nigeria.
An accord was reached in Aburi between the antagonists, where the new nation of Biafra was led by its Oxford University trained Head of State with an upper-class mien and confidence that seem to have raised envy, hatred and the general Nigerian “let us deal with him” antagonism. On return, the Nigerian side was now educated by their supporters that what they agreed with the state of Biafra is not good for implementation as it will prevent continued exploitation of the rest of the country by the new northern overlords.
Biafra stood on Aburi: Nigeria stood on keeping Nigeria one: two positions that can be resolved at the level of creative synthesis, but the young hot heads on both sides, driven by idealism from the Biafra side and by regional domination from the Northern side and an avoidable war was started, first as a police action and later a full scale war against the Eastern part, now called Biafra and the rest of Nigeria.
The North procured Western support by releasing their leader from prison and later procured Eastern minority support, to sabotage the Biafra position with all sorts of promises that included taking over the real estate assets of their fellow easterners, Biafrans, at the end of the war. Almost two million lives were lost on both sides, but more on Igbo side; including the use of hunger and starvation as instruments of war, even if against women and children! After the war, no victor and no vanquished was declared and reconciliation, rehabilitation, and restoration announced. All have been observed in breach, with all rich Igbos reduced to twenty pounds, as the Igbo political marginalisation also continues till today, to the detriment of Nigeria.
The emerged, mostly Northern, army of occupation now operating as a full army of fortune, re-colonised Nigeria and established a corrupt political leadership class that rotates between the Northern military and civilian political wings. No thought was spared for Nigeria. The other Nigerians became onlookers as the Northern impunity held sway replacing one clueless government with another without even sharing with their collaborating western and conspiratorial eastern minority partners in the war against the Igbos, beyond the indigenisation timing and so called abandoned property execution.
Then a prominent and loved cosmopolitan Yoruba won the presidency, beating the north to their own game of deception. The election was mindlessly and thoughtlessly annulled and the Yorubas cried foul. The caliphate North said they were born to rule. The Yorubas refused. Brutality was deployed against the Yorubas by the North. Another Yoruba, a former military Head of State, was jailed. The military maximum leader from the North was himself cornered by colleagues he sidelined, inside his military Presidential fortress, and offered an unholy apple. And MKO then had to be honoured with an executive supervised tea service to return to ground zero.
Olusegun Obasanjo was preserved at this point as the North needed a trusted ally to calm things down before taking power over again, as their birth right. He was released from prison and taken to the presidency. The military continued in power by other means! The army of fortune that claimed to have fought to keep Nigeria one continued to exploit the country without let, united in sharing the oil money and the loot of war as they would have seen it. Learning nothing from recent happenings.
But Obasanjo was not quite like The Obasanjo before prison experience; he became his own man and grew into power as in office: The north refused and invented sharia to destabilise him. But he is a General and also experienced and well known internationally, having being a military Head of state that handed over to a northern civilian with an unbalanced mathematics. He even negotiated in desert tents and being who he is, that also made him survive in prison, he also survived these intrigues. He attended to the army wing of politics and executed a strategic handover that eventually enthroned a Minority in the Presidency. Jonathan emerged with a lot of goodwill and as a breath of fresh air: not from the Caliphate North, not an ex-military man, and not from any of the majority tribes. A younger man than the immediate past Presidents. And above all a University graduate. A PhD!
Nigerians were very hopeful that a new era that would be better than the British colonial era of exploitation from 1914 – 1960 and better than the caliphate North mis-rule from 1960 – 2010 effectively (Obj being a creation of the North) has started. A new era where an ordinary (qualified) Nigerian will truly enable Nigeria to practice democracy: a government of the people for the people by the people!
The President Goodluck Jonathan Presidency, is ultimately an Obj creation, even if not originally planned so. It is therefore very significant if this Presidency is rated low by its main promoter and its low performance rating then becomes comprehensive with the latest endorsement of Buhari by Obasanjo despite all the hedging. Other prominent Nigerians, with objective minds have also made direct calls that Buhari be supported and be voted for. From my detailed analysis and observations, I am aligned to that thinking.
However, I have not seen any one that truly captured why the Jonathan Presidency failed the hope of ordinary Nigerians. It is my conviction that all the failings of his Presidency emanated from one mortal leadership sin: the deliberate and sustained replacement of a presidential vision that should be good for Nigeria and Nigerians with a personal vision uncompromisingly focused on re-election! He sacrificed and was ready to sacrifice anything and everything, anyone and every one for re-election! He continuously saw himself as a politician instead of the President of Nigeria! This is really frightening and dangerous when the full ramification is internalised. Anything and everything that can lead to re-election is allowed no matter how wrong or unwholesome, and anything and everything that is good for Nigeria and Nigerians, but that has no immediate direct link to re-election can be traded for re-election! This is not leadership. This led to leadership failure including the Kano Governor taking over our Presidential villa to abort Nigeria having a credible and accurate census!
Analysing it further is not necessary for the initiated. Where there is no vision, the people suffer like we have also seen with the North currently at the receiving end of insurgency and displaced persons, including trafficking of children and heart-aching forceful slavery of about 300 Chibok young school girls. It is providential that APC provided an alternative platform. If not, a real crisis is possible, if the Jonathan Presidency, with PDP as a party, continued the current governance deception or charade.
And for APC to make change possible, like a done deal, Nigerians must thank the Jagaban of Nigeria, the last standing Governor of the 1999 class, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for unmatched vision and patriotic role in forming the APC. Nigerians must also thank General Buhari of CPC, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu of ANPP, Owelle Rochas Okorocha of an APGA faction and HE Atiku Abubakar, Turaki Adamawa for leading the New PDP team to reinforce APC. Special thanks to the Lion of the South South, HE Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi for being a man and a leader of character: committed to his people till death if necessary.
These are the great Nigerians, with their teams, that gave a platform to save Nigeria. The Good Lord has forgiven all their shortcomings and prepared a special abode for them in paradise. As already well said elsewhere, General Buhari is educated enough. Experienced enough and meaning well enough to be our President. No more unnecessary distractions. And the only advice one can give APC at this point is to make Tinubu the Party Chairman (forget zoning) so that he can build APC into an ANC type party, with internal democracy and where the elected President cannot dictate to the Party, and the Party can discipline an erring President. Where the Leader of the Party is the Chairman of the Party and not the President to allow for separation of powers, for checks and balances. PDP was ruined doing the opposite as an evidence of this need.
This short historical excursion shows that all Regions of Nigeria have tasted what it feels like to be under a country where things are not done properly. Overall, Buhari has remained above the rot and now positioned to save Nigeria. And Buhari himself said: “My dear friends, this is very important to note: it doesn’t matter if you are Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw,Hausa, Idoma, Efik, Ikwere, Urhobo, Igala and, no, it doesn’t matter if you are a Christian, Muslim, Animist or Atheist: we need a new direction under a new leadership. The task ahead will be very challenging and daunting, but it is surmountable. This is what leadership is about; my only desire is to prove to you that Nigeria can truly work. Allow me to prove to you that in your lifetime, you can be proud of this country. Let me make you this promise today: we will protect your children; we will protect your wealth. We will make this country work again. This is why i am running for the office of the President of Nigeria. This is my promise.”The pertinent question is: Why General Buhari? I believe him because he is believable. I believe him because he has a track record of being a serious leader. I believe that General Buhari will do well as President of Nigeria and that he needs the support of all for seven reasons:
He has the personal example of honesty and integrity. He will not steal with compulsion.
As Fulani he can relate better with the Caliphate to help redeem its image of misrule and establish once and for all that where a leader comes from is not important. What is important is that he performs well for Nigeria and all Nigerians.
As a General he will relate best to the Nigerian military to help redeem their image of mis-rule too and show that our military is a worthy national institution and not army of occupation with soldiers of fortune.
He is committed to fight corruption and compulsive stealing. This is key now, with 5 and 6 as well.
He is committed to fight insurgency and can handle it better.
He cares about ordinary Nigerians and will serve them wholeheartedly.
He is supported by many prominent objective Nigerians, international objective media and the civilized world. He is dreaded by many that have looted Nigeria dry. And I am happy in this worthy company of free citizens of the world and institutions that endorses General Buhari and recommends him to all Nigerians.
What General Buhari and APC owe Nigeria and Nigerians, during this extra and unnecessary six weeks delay to election day and even long after is to SECURE THE LIFE of General Buhari. It is imaginable, given the annulment of June 12 under unclear circumstances, that this six weeks delay can have more supporters than are known. President Jonathan himself can lose control as during the trying time of the 1993 election crisis. It is imaginable that some vested interests may not want both President Jonathan and General Buhari and may work alone or in cooperation with others to impose a contrived and orchestrated interim government that is now gaining traction. Or coups or coups baits that are being mentioned, worsened also by giving security agencies more roles over election matters than necessary.
The forces that aborted June 12 could still be alive. General Buhari in many ways reminds one of MKO. Nigerians must shine their eyes beyond the ordinary and the conventional. Things seem to me now like the more one looks, the less one sees. There is a logical need therefore, based on the history of MKO’s political struggle to have cause for concern. Similarities, comments, personalities, etc. are emerging and trending. APC as a priority should secure the life of General Buhari. It is important for Nigeria and Nigerians. And as said earlier, this is also the task for the Federal Government, specifically the President. This bulk must stop on this table: no relegation, no excuses.
Now, what are the key challenges before President Buhari when elected? Nigerians are hopeful that General Buhari will live for them and win the coming election. And I want him to be the best President Nigeria ever had after his two terms in 2023. But this will be based on his performance in office, for Nigeria and all Nigerians, and not on sentiments. For that to happen, he needs to meet the following seven challenges as an absolute minimum:
One Nigeria for All Nigerians: He must come with a Vision of One Nigeria for All Nigerians. Based onTruth, Justice, Equity and Fairness as the only basis for sustainable Unity, Peace and Progress. This progress must be bigger and greater than progress under ethnic, regional, religious or other identity platform.
Every thing he does must be driven by this Greater Nigeria, Greater Nigerian Vision. He must rally the Nation, the Nigerian Nation and all Nigerians with this inspiring leadership vision based on his continued honesty, integrity and personal example. Nigerians will believe and follow him. And that is what leadership is all about. This will ensure that the two million or so Nigerians who died during the Nigerian civil war will not die in vain and for their souls to finally rest in peace. Keeping Nigeria One is good but certainly not the current Nigeria. To keep Nigeria One for ALL NIGERIANS is a task that must be done!! On that vision we must all stand.
First Class Cabinet: He must establish a credible and competent cabinet and Presidency with only credible, honest and competent professionals with integrity and personal examples too: extending himself and his goodness into the total executive arm at the Federal level that will impact on executive arms at the Regional levels and the Legislative and Judiciary arms at all levels. This is the magic of honest leadership!! This Presidency can lift the entire nation, all sectors.
Assemble the best Team of Nigerians from anywhere in the world to give the best cabinet and Presidency ever designed and in placed in Nigeria. Really qualified persons may be begged to join the cabinet/Presidency. This Presidency under the President, should then develop the strategic Architecture to develop Nigeria in 8 years, even without a drop of oil and oil revenue!!!
This Presidency will, by example, provide leadership for the Legislature, Judiciary and all public servants/civil service at both the Federal and Regional Government levels, even with separation of powers.
This presidency, by absolute dedication to the well-being of Nigerians, and well-being of all Nigerians ALONE will have the moral suasion and audacious impact to mobilize all civil society organizations, media, academia, labour, youths, women and the international community to enforce what is right on all Nigerians and all institutions of state.
Strong and patriotic leadership precedes all strong institutional formulation, building and establishment. Strong institutions and maintenance culture are outcomes of strong leadership that also establishes good laws and enforce them no matter who is involved. Nigeria cannot be an exception. And the President and his Vice are not the first and second citizens by order of protocol for nothing. The President, can and should take the lead. And if doing the right things, all will follow. And all will be made to follow one way or the other. Leadership determines followership in our type of society. Leaders with integrity and personal example like Buhari are needed for progress. And their goodness cascade down and permeate the Nation.
Countries without the likes of Buhari in power ultimately perishes. There are really no other options to greatness than through great leaders. Buhari has the qualities. And he has a date with destiny in the Nigerian presidency from 2015 – 2023. May God give him the right vision and guide him.
Security for all Nigerians: Security has socio-economic and political inclusive, vision-driven and effective governance aspects that needs to be handle in conjunction. But directly he needs:
To degrade, destroy and eliminate Boko Haram insurgency in the North, including immediate arrest and prosecution of sponsors, financiers and hate religious preachers and severe punishment of those implicated in the abuse of IDPs.
To degrade, destroy and eliminate kidnapping and armed robbery kingpins and drug barons in the South East including removal of all criminals in traditional institutions and in political offices and parties through special courts for accelerated no nonsense hearing.
To continue to contain militancy in the South South including arresting and prosecuting all sponsors and leaders of massive oil thefts and collaborating security organizations – private and state.
To carry out a massive youth empowerment job creation and invest in education and vocational training targeting elimination of prostitution, human trafficking, modern day slavery and idleness of youths.
Restore sanctity in the military and security agencies including severe disciplinary actions, jail terms and court marshalls for those who perpetrate corruption in security matters and intelligence officers that collaborate with criminals, by sitting on their files, allowing them into political offices.
Eliminate Corruption (reduction will not do!): Corruption has killed Nigeria. People steal without consequences. The rule of law is in breach. Some Nigerians are more equal than others. Write your name in gold to stop this.
First work with the National Assembly and all Nigerians to close all office duplications that will reduce the 2000 + MDAs to just the Constitutional Bodies and maximum of 24 Ministries with eye to reduce recurrent expenditure to 30 % max and capital expenditure to 70% minimum by design / planning. And enforce the monetisation policy. This will be a good signal of serious leadership and no business as usual.
Take all Audit Reports on corruption cases since independence till date and set up a small body of 10 incorruptible Nigerians to vet it and sieve out all refunds needed. Work to set up special courts, with high integrity known judges with modern ICT-based court process and with international support and ask them to recover all stolen Nigerian funds in one year maximum. This will generate more funds than your Administration will ever be able to invest in Nigeria in eight years even without selling a drop of oil.
This is the best thing you can do for Nigeria with your integrity and honour. If it is not done, people will continue to steal turn by turn and kill themselves for political office. Public service must not be a route to material wealth. Public service should not be the best economy. It should only be an avenue for sacred service to fellow Nigerians. Once there is the political will to do this, you will be surprised how easy it is to execute. It is the criminals that should be afraid and not honourable Nigerians working on behalf of the Nation and on behalf of Nigerians. Stand firm on this.
The well-being of all Nigerians Imperative: The economy should be managed for 12% growth that creates Jobs, Jobs and Jobs.
Having a credible census for Accurate Demographic Data is key to professional management of the economy. The envelope system without data, without strategy and plan supports corruption.
Physical and Social Infrastructure (Education, Health, Transport, ICT etc) and Development strategy and plans coordinated by the CEO of Nigeria Plc / The President are all key. You cannot delegate this. Technocrats with performance track records abound to handle this area but under your supervision to benefit all Nigerians. Regulators and the regulated must never sleep in same beds, to avoid massive scams and absolute conflicts of interests as presently the case.
Sustained Re-orientation Policy, Projects and Programmes to convert ethnic nationalities with different religious orientations and economic backgrounds into PROUD NIGERIANS: This is key. A national education and re-education programme aimed at all levels for Nigerians.
The elite must be educated that their lives can only be better in a united and peaceful Nigeria. And that they will NOT be allowed to ruin Nigeria and run away.
Justice, Truth, Equity and Fairness must be entrenched in every public affairs for continued work towards Unity, Peace and Progress that will be sustained. Forced unity is not possible. And good peace for real progress will not be possible without sustainable unity. Experts abound to do this work for Nigeria and Nigerians but only the President will guarantee the foundation: that Truth, Justice, Equity, Fairness and Rule of ‘good’ law for sustainable Unity, Peace and Progress must never be violated with impunity as we march towards a Greater Nigeria and Proud to be Nigerians Vision.
Credible People-based Constitution: Above all, all these ingredients of greatness for our country and improved well-being of all Nigerians should be coded and encapsulated in a People-based Constitution, and the constitution that Nigeria needs and that should be put in place must enshrine the values of truth, justice, fairness and equity as organising principles to guide all our national actions. The route to it can be through the National Assembly that is willing or through other many possible routes. But it is a must have. It must abolish all obnoxious frauds in our constitution that keep us divided, removing ethnic, tribal, religious and unmerited advantages out of national limelight and the constitution into personal lives where they belong by establishing the following minimums:
True fiscal and cultural Federalism, with well demarcated 6 Regions. Each Region has potential for viability if well led. And, competition will be good for the regions and their people. Easy money, ultimately kills a soul that is housed by a lazy body. And the North has lagged behind the Southern Regions for this reason as evidence. Hardwork is part of a good life.
Specified directives for an accurate and credible census, with ethnic, religious and place of origin as part of data collected and collated, and executed as per international best practices as per the plans that we already developed and left behind in National Population Commission. This will have a comprehensive Vital Registration infrastructure to deliver, not just the Accurate and Credible demographic data for planning but for its updating on a continuous basis. 80% of our current problems in Nigeria will be cured by having ACCURATE DATA alone. It is the DATA stupid as the Americans say.
Management starts with it. Leadership without competent management will lead to no where and burns out.
We cannot plan or coordinate the economy or anything else without credible data. Celebrating the documentation of 4 million farmers is fool-hardiness given what is possible from a comprehensive National soft data infrastructure. Specifics should be put in the constitution that should enable National population commission to carry out its constitutional mandate without political interference. The political requirement that census result is subject to council of state acceptance is nonsensical and should be deleted.
All other bodies in the constitution, including security agencies, should be sharpened and protected from political interference. A functioning Council of State for instance cannot be there and certain things are happening. The constitution should specify directions and implementation imperatives and matrices.
Anti-corruption policies, practices and sanctions must be better specified and the body made independent of all arms of Government and immunity clause expunged. Plea bargain provision must not be extended to issues of corruption and stiffer jail terms and recoveries must be enunciated to serve as deterrents. Corruption should be made unprofitable from all dimensions.
The 2000 or so MDAs under the Federal Structure should be reduced to a level where recurrent expenditure is maximum of 30% with capital expenditure minimum of 70%. All extra constitutional bodies like EFCC, ICPC etc etc should be abolished and absorbed in their constitution most relevant bodies or MDAs. The assignment of responsibilities to Federal and Regional governments should be aligned, including security agencies.
A two-party system should be enshrined into the constitution with ideological orientation and broad socio-economic development directives specified.
Job creation growth routes should be favoured given our huge population. Party primaries to sieve out criminals and any one with criminal records should be specified. The minimum qualification for political office should be aligned to weight of office (Buhari is qualified under current specification that ask for up to secondary school which is really JSS 1, even for one day. But Buhari with his military training and on the job experience up to former Head of State, GCFR, is more than qualified.
A provision should be added that the NSA should be prosecuted and sent to jail if his agency withholds the criminal records of criminals and refuse to give them to political parties and INEC to sieve out useless people from aspiring to political office. And if the occupant of that office becomes a threat to national security with inappropriate conducts that are corruption or politically motivated, like scuttling planned elections, he should be prosecuted and sent to jail. It is more dangerous when those that should protect us become the threats to national security.
INEC should have powers to disqualify at the last minute without replacement option by political parties. This will make the parties to be more careful and for Nigeria to start the process of evolving credible and competent political leadership. Given the numerous problems in the land, our brightest and the best should be attracted to public service in place of corrupt scums and economic predators, criminals, professional thugs and uneducated jesters. In matters that determine national security and well-being of the nation, only the very best will do.
Conclusion: Size matters. So, I believe that progress within Nigeria will be better than progress as ethnic champions. Nigeria has had a chequered history from colonial times through the years of the locusts, years of occupation army of fortune to the recent years of the Jonathan failed Presidency. Upcoming democratic election gives Nigeria another chance and all signs point to Change, as a popular choice of most Nigerians and nothing should be allowed to derail that.
General Buhari needs to be secured. Nigeria needs him. Nigerians want him. When his party wins the Presidency, Buhari should continue to provide integrity-based leadership. He should then lead the Presidency, as the first citizen, doing the right things for all Nigerians at all times. Leadership by example is the best way to lead. The best way to think. The best way to speak without words. And the best way to act. It will be there for all to see, feel and honour. Leadership to secure Nigeria and improve the well-being of all Nigerians.
Leadership by example, will be a product that does not need propaganda or display of obscene advertisement to sell. It will sell itself. It has sold itself without making effort as it can be perceived and felt. Truth is self-evident. Facts do not need debates. All the propaganda in the world cannot make a lie true. What is Right, like Goodness, uplifts. Evil depresses, even to one who pretends they are hardened.
With a continued personal example, a Greater Vision for Nigeria and all Nigerians and with an honest hard work towards the seven key challenges identified here as the basic minimum, the Golden Era of Nigeria will start and the life of Nigerians will be properly rebased in reality. For now, all should do whatever is in their power to support the election of Buhari and ignore all campaign propaganda and mis-information and even assassination threats from panic-stricken political thugs. It is too late in the day for PDP. The party needs to take stock after losing and reform to become an effective opposition party. It will be good for its soul. And good for Nigeria. Above all, it will be good for Democracy: to keep the ruling party then, APC, in check. No condition is permanent, says the visionary Zik of Africa.
And may God continue to bless Nigeria, our HomeLand, and all Nigerians

“Nigeria Deserves The Best In 2015, Don’t Die For A Mediocre Performer” – Obasanjo

 

Obasanjo, who was speaking during the London leg of the launch of his new autobiography, My Watch, however, maintained that his endorsement was not based on sentiments.

According to him, “What I said and I maintain that and I will say it again and I will do it. When the time comes for me to vote, I will consider the track record of all the candidates that are contesting and I will assess and based on my assessment for who I believe have the best track record to perform the job of the Nigerian president, then he will have my vote and if anybody should know what the job of the Nigerian president requires, I should know.

“And there is no sentiment in the affairs of Nigeria. Nigeria is a population of 180million and you wouldn’t have anybody other than one person or two persons that can run the affairs of Nigeria?

BREAKING: INEC postpones 2015 general elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced a shift in the 2015 general election earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28.
Announcing the postponement at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday night, the chairman of the Commission, Attahiru Jega, said the presidential and national assembly elections will now hold on March 28 while the governorship and state assemblies election will take place on April 11.

General Elections shifted to Feb 28

General Election shifted to Feb 28

I don’t need your support, Jonathan tells Economist magazine

President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed an editorial by the UK-based magazine, Economist, in which the paper endorsed Muhammadu Buhari, his chief rival in February 14 election.
In its piece, the Economist said Nigerians have two bad options in Messrs Jonathan and Buhari.
The paper said while Mr. Jonathan has utterly failed as president, with no capacity to tackle growing insurgency and widespread corruption, Mr. Buhari is a former dictator with blood on his hands.
Nonetheless, the paper said voting the dictator is better than a failed president.
Mr. Jonathan’s office on Friday expressed displeasure over the magazine’s assessment, describing it as “baseless, jaundiced and malicious vilification” of the president.
A statement issued in Abuja by Mr. Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said that contrary to the Economist’s assertions, Nigeria, under Mr. Jonathan has made very considerable progress.
The presidency noted with surprise, the magazine’s “tongue-in-cheek endorsement of General Muhammadu Buhari in the run-up to Nigeria’s general elections”.
According to the statement, the president retains the trust and confidence of majority of Nigerians as the outcome of the presidential elections will undoubtedly show.
Mr. Abati said the magazine’s Nigerian and other readers would be shocked that it had taken the “very ill-considered decision to throw its weight behind a candidate who, as a former military dictator, curtailed freedom of speech.”
“He also ordered the kidnapping of opponents and jailing of journalists,” Mr. Abati said. “The same candidate is also accused of incitement to violence and grave human rights violations in Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.”
It remarked that The Economist might feign ignorance of Mr. Jonathan’s remarkable achievements as a leader of his country in the past six years.
“But Nigerians, who, unlike the magazine’s opinion writers, will actually vote in the country’s forthcoming presidential election, know that President Jonathan has worked very hard to fulfil all the major promises he made to them,” he said.
According to the statement, Nigerians know that President Jonathan has developed the economy and created more jobs.
“They know that he has given policy support to the real sector of the economy, so that Small and Medium Enterprises can thrive. They know that he has encouraged locally-owned enterprises to take advantage of our resources in growing the domestic economy,” Mr. Abati added.
The statement also said that Nigerians know that the president had successfully attracted greater foreign direct investment to the country.
It said unlike the poorly informed and distant authors of The Economist’s opinion entitled “The Least Awful”, appreciative Nigerians were aware that Jonathan had worked to improve power supply and national infrastructure.
According to it, Nigerians know that President Jonathan has significantly improved healthcare services in the country, revolutionized agriculture, promoted gender equality and women empowerment, and done his very best to stem corruption in government.
“In spite of significant challenges of terrorism and insurgency the nation faces today, President Jonathan has ensured that Nigeria has become a more vibrant democracy with free media, independent judiciary, free, fair and credible elections, and greater respect for human rights. The Economist is entitled to its erroneous opinion on who represents the best leadership option for Nigeria in the coming elections.
“But, happily for the country, it is not the magazine’s lead writers, but more knowledgeable and patriotic Nigerians who actually work and live in the country, that will vote and re-elect President Jonathan for a second term in office. They will do so, because unlike the Economist’s opinion writers, they understand that a Buhari Presidency will, for their beloved country, represent a stark setback and retrogression from the tremendous ongoing positive transformation of Nigeria under Jonathan.

Why we can’t proceed with elections – Jega

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, has concluded a briefing meeting with 25 civil society groups in Abuja Saturday informing them that all security agencies in the country have indicated to him, in writing, that they are not available to support the elections planned for February 14 and 28.

Again, Abuja residents protest postponement of elections

Some residents of Abuja on Saturday again protested the possibility of postponing the already scheduled general elections.
At the Unity Fountain, near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, where protesters gathered, an armoured police vehicle and other utility vehicles were seen parked with police officers scattered around the area.
The protesters were however blocked by police officers as they marched towards the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A lady who simply identified herself as Sadatu said it was very wrong and unfair for anyone to consider postponing the elections.
“How can anybody think of this? That’s not fair, INEC had four whole years to prepare for this election. If we could have an election in 2011 when much was not in place, why not now?” she asked.
Another protester said the credibility of INEC was at stake with the rumoured postponement. He added that Nigeria’s democracy was threatened with by the call for election postponement at this time.
The protesters, with the intention of marching on the presidential villa, had gathered at the same venue on Friday marching towards the Eagle Square where they were blocked by security operatives.
The protest was organised by the civic group, National Consensus Movement.
The National Council of State had met on Friday and agreed that the elections should go on as planned.
Attahiru Jega, Chairman, INEC, has said the commission is prepared for the elections and has no plans for a postponement.
However, the commission has been holding consultative meetings all day to possibly review the scheduled dates for election.
Before Friday’s anti-postponement protest, some allegedly hired youths numbering about 100, had on Monday marched on INEC headquarters demanding the postponement of the elections.
The youth had gathered in front of the electoral body’s headquarters, asking the commission to delay the polls because of the difficulty in the distribution of the Permanent Voters Card, PVCs.
The youth carried banners and placards with the inscriptions such as “Election is for general participation, not for selective few”, “INEC, do the right thing”, “Don’t disenfranchise Nigerians”, and “We demand for the extension of election to allow Nigerian exercise their franchise.”
After the protest, the youth returned to the Unity Fountain where they were sighted sharing money.
It was not clear if they were sponsored by the Presidency or the PDP, but sources indicated that they were hired by some unnamed individuals who promised them money.
The protest confirmed PREMIUM TIMES exclusive story of last Thursday revealing the plot by the Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to organize a nationwide protest against the electoral body to force it to shift the polls.
The National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, a retired colonel, recently at an event in London, made a case for a shift of the elections to give INEC more time to distribute all the PVCs.
However, criticisms trailed the call with Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress alleging that Mr. Dasuki was only making the call to buy time for President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign to gather steam.

UPDATE: INEC Chair, Jega, 12 National Commissioners locked in crucial, “final” meeting

 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, and his 12 national commissioners are locked in a crucial, and possibly the final meeting for the day, where a decision would be taken on whether to shift this month’s general elections or not.
The meeting with the national commissioners began after Mr. Jega concluded his consultation with the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners [RECs].
The RECs, most of whom voted against postponement of the election, had insisted that Mr. Jega extract a commitment from relevant executive and security bodies to the effect that once postponement of the polls is approved, no further shift would be requested.
They also insisted it should be the prerogative of the commission to determine for how many days or weeks the elections should be postponed, and not that of an outside body such as the presidency and the security agencies.
It is not clear if Mr. Jega has extracted those commitments from the relevant authorities. But the INEC chairman has gone into another round of meeting with his national commissioners.
A source in INEC said it is at the ongoing meeting that a final decision would be taken.
“Once this meeting is concluded, the chairman and the commissioners will proceed to the media centre to brief journalists,” an insider said. “They are about taking their final decision now.”
INEC has all day been holding consultative meetings with political parties, civil society organisations and the RECs with a view to taking decision on whether to postpone the general elections scheduled for February 14 and 28 or not.
UPDATE: 10:42 PM: Meeting with national commissioners ends. Participants file out of meeting room and may brief journalists on decisions reached soon.

Deadlock as INEC RECs give Jega conditions for poll shift

Resident electoral commissioners, [RECs], of INEC, whose spirited support for Attahiru Jega, their embattled chairman, has managed to fend off plans to truncate the nation’s electoral calendar through a postponement of the February 14 elections have now tabled two conditions to resolve what now appears to be a logjam in the management of the February polls, GOSSIPERS MAGAZINE  have learnt.
Saturday evening in Abuja, after marathon meetings with political parties and civil society leaders, Mr. Jega huddled with his resident commissioners asking for insight on what to do with a proposal from military and security chiefs who claim they could not provide statutory support for the election process on the presumed grounds that they are commencing a “special operations” on February 14 to wipe out the six-year old insurgency in the north east of the country.
Unimpressed, the resident commissioners dismissed the military and security demands, voting 21 to 16 to give a nod on the elections that most Nigerians appear to be highly enthusiastic about.
A recent political survey by NOI Polls revealed that “majority of residents in all the geo-political zones expressed optimism in voting in the 2015 general elections” adding that the “North-West (89%) and South-East (87%) regions accounted for the largest proportions of Nigerians who expressed optimism for voting in the 2015 general elections when compared to other regions, although a with a minimum 76% (North Central).
The position of the resident commissioners, however, tally with a civil society stance that characterised the military and security claims as a virtual coup against democracy.
The civil society leaders, under the aegis of what they dubbed the Situation Room, called for the resignation of the military chiefs and security heads including the Police “on account of their inability to exercise their constitutional responsibility to secure lives and property at all times including during the elections.”
In the light of the current logjam therefore, the RECs say they are “cautiously open” to support a poll shift on two conditions.
Firstly that Mr. Jega must extract commitment from the Presidency and security agencies that further extension would not be required after six weeks.
“RECs need a guarantee that there will not be further postponement after the six weeks they (the military) are demanding,” our source said.
This view appears directed to advertised claims from partisans close to president Jonathan that they do not want Mr. Jega to manage the election because of his supposed “inflexibility.” Many see the call to postpone the election in the first place as a ploy to buy time until Mr. Jega’s tenure as INEC chair runs out soon.
The second condition tabled by the RECs is that the commission [INEC] be allowed to decide how long the postponement should last.
“The feeling is that outside forces, especially the security agencies, should not be the ones to decide how long to shift the elections. That should be solely decided by INEC,” our source said.
To this end, it was agreed that Mr. Jega should consult with the presidency and security agencies, after which another meeting will hold to give a final stamp on the polls.
“The Chairman will then brief the RECs on the outcome of his consultations,” our said.

Buhari can rule Nigeria even at 90 – Gen Magoro

 

Chairman, Con­tact and Mo­bilisation Sub- Commi t t e e , Buhari Campaign Organ­isation, North West, Gen­eral Mohammed Magoro (retd) has called on Nigeri­ans who are saying that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Con­gress (APC), General Mu­hammadu Buhari (retd) is too old to rule the country to have a rethink.
Fielding questions from newsmen yesterday at a press briefing, General Ma­goro directed such Nigerians to take a look at one of the African countries, Zimba­bwe, where the 90-year-old President Robert Mugabe is steering the affairs of that country.
This was even as the Chairman, Advisory Coun­cil, Sir Ahmadu Bello Me­morial Foundation, Honour­able Justice Mamman Nasir (retd) called on Nigerians to avoid violence, but vote for the candidates of their choice during the elections.
“So the answer to your question whether Buhari at 72, is not too old to rule Nigeria is for you to look at Zimbabwe, how old is Mugabe, I won’t say more than this”. Magoro said.
He said Buhari’s cam­paign rally in the North West was a huge success, and that what was left to be done, was ‘mop up operations’ which is expected to be done by states governorship candidates as well as candidates of States Houses of Assembly.
He added, “Buhari is ready for presidential debate any time he is called upon to do so. I want to say that there is no convincing reason to shift the election, it does not make any sense, it will mean that we are not serious”.
In his remarks, Justice Nasir said, “The Founda­tion resolved at its Advisory Council meeting on Febru­ary 5, 2015 to draw the at­tention of all well-meaning Nigerians and the interna­tional community on criti­cal issues on the upcoming elections and the security of the nation.

Presidency allegedly bribing small parties ahead INEC meeting Saturday

The Nigerian presidency is currently engaged in the bribery of small political parties who are billed to meet with the Independent National Electoral Commission Saturday to discuss possible postponement of the forthcoming elections, multiple sources in the presidency and in the parties have told our source.

A presidency source, who declined to be named for security reasons, said Friday night that presidency officials  are distributing between $30,000 to $50, 000 to the parties and asking them to push aggressively for the postponement of the elections on Saturday.

Our sources said apart from the smaller parties, government officials are reaching out to the resident electoral commissioners, who will also hold a separate meeting with Mr. Jega on Saturday.

“A large chunk of the dollars have also been budgeted to bribe some of the RECs to vote for the shifting of the election,” our source said.

Another source said the smaller parties have been asked to push for at least six weeks extension.

Presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, could not be reached to comment for this story. Calls to his telephone failed to connect.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe, did not answer or return calls.

INEC has fixed separate meetings with chairmen and secretaries of all registered political parties, and resident electoral commissioners for Saturday to decide whether to go ahead with the general elections scheduled for February 14 and 28.

A statement Friday by Kayode Idowu, the spokesperson for the INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, said after the meetings, “the Commission will address a press conference to brief the nation on its decision with regard to whether or not the general elections will hold as currently scheduled”.

Mr. Jega had on Thursday briefed the National Council of States on the preparedness of the Commission to conduct the 2015 general elections.

He made a presentation titled “Preparations for the 2015 General Elections: Progress Report”.

The National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and the nation’s services chiefs also briefed the Council on the current security situation in the North-East.

Mr. Jega told the Council that his commission was in a better position to conduct election at present compared to its state of preparedness for the 2011 election.

“Compared with the 2011 General Elections, for instance, our systems are definitely more robust. We believe that we are ready for the elections as planned,” Mr. Jega said.

Our source gathered that convening of the meeting even after the Council of State gave the green light for the poll to go ahead was a result of intense pressure from the Federal Government.

The Electoral Act 2010 as amended recognizes INEC as the only body with powers to shift polls, often due to security concerns.

The Act however, requires the commission to only shift the polls in specific areas where there is no sufficient security to conduct the poll, except if the nation is at war

Section 26(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (amended) states that:

“Where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election, and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies, the commission may postpone the election and shall in respect of the area, or areas concerned, appoint another date for the holding of the postponed election provided that such reason for the postponement is cogent and verifiable.”

Sixteen political parties and four presidential candidates have earlier in the week called for the postponement of the general elections, threatening a boycott should the elections hold as scheduled.

Among the parties who called for the postponement were United Democratic Party, UDP; the Citizen Peoples Party, CPP; the Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN; the Action Alliance, AA; the Peoples Democratic Congress, PDC; the Labour Party, LP; Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN; Alliance for Democracy, AD; the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP; the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP; and the Independent Democrat, ID.

The presidential candidates who want the election dates moved are Sam Ekeh of CPP, Anifowose Kelani of AA, and Ganiyu Galadima of ACPN.

However, 10 other parties on Thursday also addressed a press conference rejecting the call for postponement by the 16 other parties.

The 10 parties are the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM; African Peoples Alliance, APA; KOWA Party; Mega Progressives Peoples Party, MPPP; Social Democratic Party, SDP; African Democratic Congress, ADC; Hope Democratic Party, HDP; Democratic Peoples Party, DPP; United Progressives Party, UPP; and Accord Party, AP.

PDP Presidential Campaign rally in Yenagoa on Friday

 

DURING A VISIT OF PDP PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION TO BAYELSA STATE

Patriotic Nigerians, not foreign opinion writers will re-elect President Jonathan

We have noted with surprise, The Economist’s tongue-in-cheek endorsement of General Muhammadu Buhari in the run-up to Nigeria’s general elections and the international magazine’s baseless, jaundiced and rather malicious vilification of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who retains the trust and confidence of majority of Nigerians as the outcome of the Presidential elections will undoubtedly show.
We are sure that many Nigerians and other readers of the usually urbane, thoughtful and well-reasoned editorial opinions of the Economist will be shocked that the magazine has taken the very ill-considered decision to  throw its weight behind a candidate who, as a former military dictator, curtailed freedom of speech, ordered the kidnapping of opponents and jailing of journalists,  and  is accused of incitement to violence and grave human rights violations in Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
The Economist may feign ignorance of President Jonathan’s remarkable achievements as leader of his country in the past six years, but Nigerians who, unlike the magazine’s opinion writers, will actually vote in the country’s forthcoming presidential elections, know that President Jonathan has worked very hard to fulfill all the major promises he made to them on assumption of office.
Nigerians know that President Jonathan has developed our economy and created more jobs, they know that he has given policy support to the real sector of the economy, so that Small and Medium Enterprises can thrive, they know that he has encouraged locally owned enterprises to take advantage of our resources in growing the domestic economy and they also know that he has successfully attracted greater foreign direct investment to the country.
Unlike the clearly poorly informed and distant authors of the Economist Opinion titled “The Least Awful”, appreciative Nigerians are also aware that President Jonathan has worked tirelessly to improve power supply across the nation, rebuild and expand national infrastructure, improve public transportation and provide greater access to quality education for all Nigerian youth.
They know very well too that President Jonathan has significantly improved healthcare services in the country, revolutionized agriculture, promoted gender equality and women empowerment, and done his very best to stem corruption in government.
Contrary to the Economist’s assertions, Nigeria, under President Jonathan has made very considerable progress.
In spite of the significant challenges of terrorism and insurgency the nation faces today, President Jonathan has ensured that Nigeria has become  a more vibrant democracy with  free media, an independent judiciary, free, fair and credible elections, and greater respect for human rights.
The Economist is entitled to its erroneous opinion on who represents the best leadership option for Nigeria in the coming elections, but happily for the country, it is not the magazine’s lead writers, but  more knowledgeable and patriotic Nigerians who actually work and live in the country, that will vote and re-elect President Jonathan for a second term in office.
They will do so, because unlike the Economist’s opinion writers, they understand that a Buhari Presidency will, for their beloved country, represent a stark setback and retrogression  from the tremendous ongoing positive transformation of Nigeria under President Jonathan’s leadership.

Gov. Fashola receives Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Lagos branch on solidarity visit

 
During their solidarity rally to express their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Friday, February 06, 2015.