To a certain degree, I see where dblock is coming from.

Omofineboy, Listen, dblock is not saying OBJ is a saint, what he is saying is that he is a little bit better than others. And I don't agree with those that say corruption is greater under OBJ than any other administration in Nigeria.

OBJ's government has more transparency than the likes of IBB, Abacha etc. Go to this website :

http://www.fmf.gov.ng

You would find details of the money shared between the federal, state and local governments of Nigeria from 1999 to date.  Do you know how many threats he received when he insisted that the revenues being collected by the states from abuja should be made public ? Do you ?

The thing is that, OBJ's government has more transparency (I am not saying 100% transparency), so the media is able to disect it better than others. When Abacha was in power, did you have any idea that he was gradually stealing money to the tune of $3 billion ? When IBB was in power, how many people were arrested for corruption ? We heared about OBJ's 200 million shares in Transcorp while he is still in power. How much of IBB's money transactions was anyone aware of when he was in power ? But you know things were taking place though right ?

People don't realize that a lot of information about the dealings in Aso Rock gets carried by the media. When others were in Power and you didn't hear any "200 million shares", believe me, there was a lot going on that you and I did not get to hear about.

Think about it - How is it that in the history of Nigeria there has never ever been Admirals court marshalled before until this administration? A lot of previous Navy Admirals have been taking bribes from oil thieves in the Niger Delta for years. It never got reported, so people are not aware of it. When it is not reported, people think it is not happening. This is not true.

Does anyone know that the Naira has been appreciating ? In recent memory (1980 - present) please tell me when was the last time you have seen the Naira appreciate to the Dollar.

How about the sacking of Ministers? In recent times, how many rulers of Nigeria have sacked ministers as OBJ ? OBJ sacked one housing minister because she allocated a lot of the houses in Ikoyi and VI to members of his wives' family. Now, how many rulers of Nigeria (from 1980 - present) has ever done that ? Or do you think this is the first time something of this nature has taken place ?

OBJ has spent a considerable amount of his time fighting to hold on to his throne on power by completely eradicating his opponents; as well as showing favoritism towards some politicians and this has seriously kept him from being able to deliver to the people as he would want to.  The man is far from a saint, but at the sametime, we should give credit were credit is due.

omofineboy:


OBJ is the worst President Nigeria ever had.

Reasons

1. He is as corrupt as IBB e.g. Presidential Library, Ownership of Transcorp

What prove do you have that OBJ stole public funds to build his Presidential Library ? OBJ does not own Transcorp, he bought Transcorp shares. You can accuse him of having a conflict of interest, but as long as he did not use public funds, you can't say he's corrupt.

omofineboy:

2. 300 billion budgeted for Roads, no road to show for it

This is really appalling. OBJ needs to audit the books at the Ministry of Works. But the 300 billion was not stolen by OBJ himself was it ?

omofineboy:

3. PTDF Money stolen by Atiku and Obasanjo

This appears to be true, although its still a bit blurry

omofineboy:

4. NNPC missing money

The books need to be audited, but you still can't link OBJ to the missing money

omofineboy:

5. Fertilizer deals to Obasanjo Farms

omofineboy:

6. Commercialization of Education

There are rich people in Nigeria that can afford to send their children to more expensive schools. These are the people sending their kids to the private, more expensive universities. Also, having private schools frees up more space in public schools.

omofineboy:

7. Killing of Odi people

Very tragic indeed, but remember, Abacha did worse.

omofineboy:

8. ZaKI-Biam Killings

Also very tragic. You can't hold OBJ directly accountable for all these killings

omofineboy:

9. Religious Riot that killed most Nigerians in Kaduna

And you seriously think OBJ should be held liable ?

omofineboy:

10. Increament of Prices of Petroleum Products from 20 naira to 65 naira

But this is how much people pay for it in the "black market" anyway isn't it ?

omofineboy:

11. Mass retrenchment

You cannot have a public sector were 10 people are doing the work that can be accomplished by 3 or 4 people.

omofineboy:

12. stealing of funds through NEPA

OBJ stole the funds ? He needs to hold people accountable, but don't blame him directly

omofineboy:

13. COJA Stealing by Atiku and OBJ

Speculation

omofineboy:

14. Life presidency Project

Very Good point. I agree with you here.

omofineboy:

15. No security of Life and Properties

This is a serious flaw of OBJ's administration. There has been too much lip servicing on this issue

omofineboy:

16. Removal of Gov Rashidi Ladoja for no crime

Blame Oyo State house of Assembly. You keep blaming OBJ for everything.

omofineboy:

17. No food

There is plenty of food in Nigeria. People just can't afford it.

omofineboy:

18. Highest rate of employment ever

This is not true. The man has created lots of jobs through the private sector.

omofineboy:

I can give u many reasons why OBJ is worse, as far as I am concerned we have never had it so bad, go what people talked about is macro economics improvement how does that affect my life when i don't have food, go and ask people on d street, they know better.

A lot of the problems you mentioned have been there before OBJ became president. He inherited most of these problems. I do agree that things should have improved more since he has been there.

In terms of information dissemination and press freedom, OBJ is trying though there are traces of abacha mentality, but what is the purpose of information when there is no accountability. After publishing the money shared between the politicians at the federal level, state level and local level; how e take consign us? Most of them carry the money quick quick to england, south africa, US and recently Ghana and the roads are worse than when he came, nepa is worse than when he came, the mortuaries are better than when he came, the prisons are worse than when he came, even the banks are worse than when he came, the IT sector that is trying because of private initiative poor man no fit use am. Let us Pray.

otokx:

Most of them carry the money quick quick to england, south africa, US and recently Ghana

@otokx, you cannot blame OBJ for the stealing taking place at the state/local govt levels. If anything, you should be crediting him because it is a federal agency, the EFCC, that is going after the thieves.

otokx:

and the roads are worse than when he came, nepa is worse than when he came, the mortuaries are better than when he came, the prisons are worse than when he came

Yes, these are areas were he has seriously under-performed. To be honest, almost nothing was done between 1999-2003, when mostly PDP members were made ministers.

@Gnature,

Thanks for your response to each point I raised. But you do know a leader is responsible for all that happened in his govt, thats why we are calling for IBB's head.

1. No food- whats the meaning of food thats available and people cant buy, this is a simple economics theory, when supply is low, demand is high and prices go up, no food.

2. Employment- we need to take the stattistics of graduates unemployed compared to employed graduates, am sure the jobless will not agree with you, the fact that we have jobs doesnt mean everyone has.

3. What Other prove do we need to say that OBJ is a disappointment as corruption is concerned, just wait you will have plent proves

4. Commercialisation of Education- when I entered University I paid 250 naira as my fees total, how much are they paying now in Federal University, under OBJ,State University?

5. Fuel Price- This is only single determinant of Nigerian Economy becuase all other indices are built around it, am suprised you agreed to increase, I said up lets consider the masses of this country not a few who control the most.

6. Mass Retrenchment- in other countries that are not as rich as Nigeria, there is what they call social security, you have access to food and shelter even if you dont work, so what does that takes out of Nigeria, do u consider the social and economic implication of the retrenchment on Nigerians, for every sacked worker there at least 5 nigerians that will suffer so what about that.

7. Whatever growth OBJ redcorded in his 8 years reign, he has wiped if off by corruption.

Meanwhile I like your presentation, you are very objective, just that I hate inept leaders, leaders that are bereft of ideas, capitalists and corrupt ones like OBJ. I am sure hes going to jail, I talk about this becuase am sure not only him but all of them, IBB, ATIKU, all who stole our money just wait and see. Also you wont know about leaders until when they leave position of power anf authority. Thats why he doesnt want to go. You will how interesting post May 29, 2007 will be. God keeps on beyond that time. Thanks anyway.

The best thing about Obasanjo regime is that it's a democracy.
What was the price of a bag of rice in 1998.
Where are all the monies recovered from the thieves?(?)
let's wait till after May 2007 to know what he is. Remember every one was praising Abacha before his death.

Dblock you are a block head or mad,how can you say that about a thief,maybe you are gaining or you have gained from that ugly rogue.

@Omofineboy

I am not completely disagreeing with you about OBJ's performance, but you have to give the man credit were he is trying. All you are doing is pointing out his flaws.

omofineboy:

@Gnature,

Thanks for your response to each point I raised. But you do know a leader is responsible for all that happened in his govt, thats why we are calling for IBB's head.

1. No food- whats the meaning of food thats available and people can't buy, this is a simple economics theory, when supply is low, demand is high and prices go up, no food.

You have contradicted your self here. You said "what's the meaning of food that's available and people can't buy" then you say "supply is low". Supply is not low. The problem is people cannot afford to buy food.

You need to blame his economic policy not food availability. The problem is not that there is not enough food, the problem is that people can't afford to buy the food.

There is plenty of food in Nigeria, but what is the point if you don't have a job to buy the food in the first place ? So that is were the problem is. Providing employment, and paying livable wages so people can afford to buy food. Stop saying "No food" - it is very misleading.

omofineboy:

2. Employment- we need to take the stattistics of graduates unemployed compared to employed graduates, am sure the jobless will not agree with you, the fact that we have jobs doesnt mean everyone has.

How can the jobless agree with me ? If 100,000 people are looking for jobs and there are only 200 openings, the over-whelming majority of the people remain jobless. OBJ has created some jobs, but the rate of unemployment is so high that it is bearly noticeable.

omofineboy:

3. What Other prove do we need to say that OBJ is a disappointment as corruption is concerned, just wait you will have plent proves

Go and read what I wrote. You need to criticize people constructively and not just base it on your opinion like I have stated.

omofineboy:

4. Commercialisation of Education- when I entered University I paid 250 naira as my fees total, how much are they paying now in Federal University, under OBJ,State University?

So you are saying that the universities should be charging 250 naira for university education ? When you went to school, the government had enough to subsidise your education, that is why you paid 250 naira. When OBJ took over power, he was paying our creditors $100 million dollars a month to service our debt. When you attended university, how much was the federal government paying to service debt ?

omofineboy:

5. Fuel Price- This is only single determinant of Nigerian Economy becuase all other indices are built around it, am suprised you agreed to increase, I said up lets consider the masses of this country not a few who control the most.

I agree with the increase, but not the way OBJ did it. He did it every 6 months or so, that was a complete mess. Like I mentioned earlier, that was the price people were paying for it anyway on the streets.

omofineboy:

6. Mass Retrenchment- in other countries that are not as rich as Nigeria, there is what they call social security, you have access to food and shelter even if you don't work, so what does that takes out of Nigeria, do u consider the social and economic implication of the retrenchment on Nigerians, for every sacked worker there at least 5 nigerians that will suffer so what about that.

Did you read what I wrote about this earlier ? If you have a business, would you hire 10 people to do work that can be accomplished by 3 or 4 people ? Would you ?

You mentioned earlier that education costs too much. Well, part of the reason why government can't subsidize it is because throughout the federal ministries, the government is paying salaries of 10 people's work, when only 4 people are required to do the work. Constructive criticism my brother, constructive criticism.

All the man has to do is pay them terminal benefits and give them job training.

omofineboy:

7. Whatever growth OBJ redcorded in his 8 years reign, he has wiped if off by corruption.

There has been corruption, but there has been some progress too, even if its just little progress (like GSM)

omofineboy:

Meanwhile I like your presentation, you are very objective,

Thanks

omofineboy:

just that I hate inept leaders, leaders that are bereft of ideas, capitalists and corrupt ones like OBJ. I am sure hes going to jail, I talk about this becuase am sure not only him but all of them, IBB, ATIKU, all who stole our money just wait and see. Also you wont know about leaders until when they leave position of power anf authority. Thats why he doesnt want to go. You will how interesting post May 29, 2007 will be. God keeps on beyond that time. Thanks anyway.

You are probably right, I'm sure he has stolen money and might face jail time. But that still does not mean we should not credit him for the little that he is doing. That is the point dblock is trying to make.

[quote][/quote]

Let him without fault cast the 1st stone. Everyone has fault and OBJ is the best president we've ever had.

It's funny how a thread that calls for facts and specifics on any issue sees a lot of bashers disappear.

I am sure if this thread came with a title like OBJ is a thief, we may have been seeing up to 5 pages by now.

OBJ is certainly not a saint, he has a lot of questions to answer especially for being both the president and oil minister since 1999.

EFCC no doubt is selective but such selective fight is 100% better than no fight at all.

I do agree with the originator of this thread, OBJ has risen to the challenge and even though he is equally corrupt he has done better than all the presidents that Nigeria ever had.

GNature,

Kudos to you, you have saved money of some typing by going blow for blow. Some people wants
to attribute every blame to Obasanjo but refuse to give him credit for any single thing.

Obasanjo's government took an unprecedented step by publishing the allocations that the states and
the local governments gets, while no one at these levels disputes the figures, most of the money are
siphoned anyway and yet people wants to blame Obasanjo. Even the EFCC's attempt to probe these
governors, etc. are often met by condemnation or the popular saying that EFCC is being selective.

Folks, if you think government officials are siphoning funds away, imagine what would have happen
if none of these numbers are being published. Some level of Transparency forces criminals to change
tact because they are afraid of being caught (may be not always). That in itself is a deterrent. You
think the governors or the local councilors have looted funds, imagine what the situation will be if the
EFCC had not instilled fear in them about a possible arrest once their immunity expires.

Others are complaining about what they paid for rice or garri in 1998, but have also forgotten to add
that in Naira terms, the money most people are earning today are several times what they were in 1998.
Mind you, the same people maybe walking around with 1 or more GSM phones, I bet they had that too
in 1998. They conveniently forget that they a spent a nice portion of their income on GSM service every
month.

No, Obasanjo is no saint, but he ranks way up there as one of the best (if not the best) leader that
Nigeria has seen.

@Iyke-D

Many Thanks.

Dblock

I think your argument is the most myopic reasoning  I have ever seen on Nairaland. So, we need CIA to actually determine the rate of unemployment in Nigeria? Believe CIA more than Nigerians.

By the way did you take in consideration that OBJ's government has generated over $140 Billion, yet has little or nothing to show for it.
TI in ranks us as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Nigeria is ranked 158th out  of 177 countries  in the 2005 Human Development   Index by UNDP
We are less safe than we were before OBJ came in. Bola Ige died on under OBJ's watch.
Its pure insanity to compare this government with  Abacha’s or IBB's. Reason. OBJ said that they were aberrations. They were not elected. Compare this government with Shagari's, Azikiwe's, and  Awo's then we should be ashamed.
Let this regime tell us what they have done with the money.  They have not built new roads, universities, hospitals, airports, railways, parks, cities, and houses. They are sinking money into existing ones without taking into consideration that our population has grown.
It seems to me that  some Nigerians have eyes  but cannot see.

Please forumites, let us conduct an opinion poll. Any new project built in your community by this government in the last 7 years. My answer: NO

Tell me about your experience.

@adconline,

I am sure your community received a new project each time all the previous presidents or heads of
states were in power, hmmm, are you really sure of that? Yes, Bola Ige died during OBJ's watch, I am
sure he is the only high profile government official or citizen to have died since Independence, its all
OBJ's fault, . . .

Much earlier, I could not stand Obasanjo. Having grown up on Fela's music, I could not understand
for the life of me why anyone in their right mind wanted to resurrect Obasanjo into government. True
enough I was right, because he was globe-trotting as soon as he got elected. It got so bad that even
the people he was visiting (US State Dept. for example) were getting tired of running to the airport to
meet OBJ each time they turned around.

But you know what? That was much earlier, I condemned him when he made thick headed judgments
but at the same time, I must also commend him even for the slightest of achievement. Odi was another
case in point where bad judgement was exhibited. Today, I hardly see any one commending OBJ for
exercising the level of restraint the army and navy have shown so far given all the attacks on military
personnel in the Niger Delta.

By far, Obasanjo has to be the most scrutinized head of state in Nigeria's history and inspite of what's
been published , fiction and non-fiction, the press is still largely left alone to do their job. Lest, I forgot,
last weekend Lagos got the privilege of hosting the "who is who" in the Hip Hop world, when was the
last time prior to OBJ that A-List artistes from the US congregated for anything in Nigeria. To some of you
guys all that is meaningless, and I can understand, but believe it or not, something is shifting, the country
is changing and its all happening under OBJ.

It's not so hard to say he did well on this area, but he failed miserably on that area. Someone is being
dishonest when all they see is failure, most especially when that is not the case. Lets be sincere.

It will be better for me not to comment on this topic; but I can clearly see or tell that many many folks truly do not understand many many things. And it is sad, because they think they do, but they absolutely have no clue.

Big B1 you can't comment cause you are BABANGIDA STOOGE

Iyke-D

Compare OBJ with other civilian governments?

_{[color=#000099]I am sure your community received a new project each time all the previous presidents or heads of
states were in power, hmmm, are you really sure of that? Yes, Bola Ige died during OBJ's watch, I am
sure he is the only high profile government official or citizen to have died since Independence, its all
OBJ's fault,  . . .[/color]}

First tarred road was built in my community during Shagaris’ regime, Secondary schools were also built. OBJ  has done nothing. He is the only Attorney General of Nigeria who died   while in government. May be that should be my fault for not arresting and prosecuting his murderers. When did it become a norm for high profile individuals to be killed ? Or are you saying that one person  is not enough?  Remember all these names' Ogbonna Uche, Marshall Harry, Chuba Okadigbo,  and Alfred Aminasaori Kala Dikibo and co

Much earlier, I could not stand Obasanjo. Having grown up on Fela's music, I could not understand
for the life of me why anyone in their right mind wanted to resurrect Obasanjo into government. True
enough I was right, because he was globe-trotting as soon as he got elected. It got so bad that even
the people he was visiting (US State Dept. for example) were getting tired of running to the airport to
meet OBJ each time they turned around. 

Because he could not put his house in order. His wife died in Spain of medical complications from plastic sugery. Yet no standard hospital has been built in the last seven years even for the rich. Army generals who survived the plane crash had to be flown to South Africa. Why can’t we blame this government? We did not force him to become President. OK

But you know what? That was much earlier, I condemned him when he made thick headed judgments
but at the same time, I must also commend him even for the slightest of achievement.  Odi was another
case in point where bad judgement was exhibited.  Today, I hardly see any one commending OBJ for
exercising the level of restraint the army and navy have shown so far given all the attacks on military
personnel in the Niger Delta.

Why would we commend him for not killing a town? Is that supposed to his job? Let the law be applied to criminals. Most importantly, we have to address the needs of Oil producing areas  which are the bedrock of our existence. Mind you collective punishment is against International Law and  Geneva Convention.

By far, Obasanjo has to be the most scrutinized head of state in Nigeria's history and inspite of what's
been published , fiction and non-fiction, the press is still largely left alone to do their job. Lest, I forgot,
last weekend Lagos got the privilege of hosting the "who is who" in the Hip Hop world, when was the
last time prior to OBJ that A-List artistes from the US congregated for anything in Nigeria. To some of you
guys all that is meaningless, and I can understand, but believe it or not, something is shifting, the country
is changing and its all happening under OBJ.

This is a sheepish argument,  how has this event benefited  Nigerians? What's the connection between this event and OBJ. Would Bush be glorified if U2 Bono performed in America? I hope OBJ does not list this as one of his achievements. So, Jayz is now ranked globally above OBJ? What's your arguement? Who is scrutinizing OBJ? EFCC or ICPC, NASS, Judiciary? Even former Chief Justice of the Federation, Dr. Uwais,  said that he would have ordered  for his arrest  for disrespecting the law.

Kalu blasts OBJ - Says president is corrupt

By OLAWALE RASHEED - 13.10.2006
Friday, October 13, 2006
GOVERNOR Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State has levelled fresh corruption allegations against President Olusegun Obasanjo, declaring that the president was not competent to pursue the anti-corruption war.



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Speaking at a news briefing in Lagos, the governor accused the president of using fronts to acquire wealth while in office in contravention of the Constitution.

He specifically alleged that the president owned 51 per cent shares of Transcorp a business organisation which he said had been buying up major public enterprises.

Transcorp, he said, had five oil blocks in addition to the purchase of NICON Hilton Hotel, Abuja and NITEL against the preferred bidder, Globacom.

He also alleged that the president had majority shares in five of the 25 consolidated banks, questioning where the president got the money for such investment.

Kalu further questioned the president over where he got the money for Bell University and what he called the multi-billion naira renovation of Obasanjo Farm.

Reminded that the president had been making profit in recent times, Kalu debunked that suggestion, insisting that in 1999, the Obasanjo Farm was already on the verge of bankruptcy.

He repeated all his previous corruption allegations against the president, accusing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of failing to probe the president and bring him to book.

Reminded that he (Kalu) needed to provide evidence of corruption against the president to the EFCC, the Abia State governor said the existence of Bell University and Obasanjo Farm were enough evidence for Ribadu and his men to act upon.

“I stand by all the allegations I levelled against the president and at the right time, we will speak more on them,” he said.

Gnature,

I have made my points whether you are agree is none of my business, your lasts views to me are myopic, I will refrain from further comment. I do know I have made my point, try and read what others have said after my last post, its either you are not here or u have benefited from OBJ, so if 200,000 are jobless and 10 are able to get, thats a good percentage of job creation? what disturbs OBJ from creating 50,000 jobs out of 200,000. Yuo took that stand becuase probably you are rich and have forgotten your past, or just that you decided to defend him, anyway its your view.

@ Big b1

That guy needs to be jailed. He keeps running his lips while in Abia he is done absolutely nothing for his State. This is what I call corruption. How can a thief like Kalu still have the liberty to move arround, This immunity shit stuff should be reviewed, I think its the biggest prob we have now.

omofineboy:

Gnature,
I have made my points whether you are agree is none of my business, your lasts views to me are myopic,

If my views to you are myopic, then why bother respond ? Once again, you are contradicting yourself.

omofineboy:

I will refrain from further comment.

So you say, but you continue to comment !

omofineboy:

I do know I have made my point, try and read what others have said after my last post, its either you are not here or u have benefited from OBJ, so if 200,000 are jobless and 10 are able to get, thats a good percentage of job creation?

Who said that's a good percentage of job creation ? Please point out were this was said or implied

omofineboy:

what disturbs OBJ from creating 50,000 jobs out of 200,000.

There are several obstacles keeping foreign investors from coming to Nigeria that are beyond the hands of the President

1. Our Very Young Democracy. We really need to prove to the world that we are ready to embrace democracy for the long haul. Our young democracy, with disputes between the executive and legislative arms of government, needs to be fully sustained if we really want to see the much needed foreign investors come in.

2. Religious vilolence. Once the muslims in the North hear something said about Islam, they start killing people all over the place. When Nigeria was going to host the Miss World beauty peagent, the northern muslims threatened them and they had to be flown from Abuja to London where it finally took place. No foreign investor would want to come and establish their business with all this religious tension going on.

3.Volatility of the Niger Delta. I think this is self-explanatory

4. Advanced Fee Fraud (419). This has really tarnished our name and is definately keeping foreign investors at bay.

5. Lack of infrastructure. Power Supply is a major deterrent to foreign investors coming to Nigeria. As you may be aware, OBJ is currently building about 13 new power stations to boost our power supply. Please bear in mind that OBJ inherited a big rot in the system and it will take quite sometime to clean up the rot.

omofineboy:

You took that stand becuase probably you are rich and have forgotten your past, or just that you decided to defend him, anyway its your view

I am taking this view once again because I believe both his achievements and demerits should be highlighted. I don't feel we should just talk about were he under-performs, as is the case with you.

And please, I am not rich, neither have I forgotten my past. This is an open forum were everyone expresses their views and opinions on issues. You should not subject yourself to arbitrary name calling because someone has a different view on an issue than you do.

Big B1:

It will be better for me not to comment on this topic; but I can clearly see or tell that many many folks truly do not understand many many things. And it is sad, because they think they do, but they absolutely have no clue.

Since you do understand many many things why don't you make those things clear to us rather simple do an image laundering for IBB and campaign against OBJ.

Since you also have all the clues, bring them on so that others can make sense of them.

We don't want people thinking for us, we want to think based on information that is available, everyone may not have access to priviledged information but it is the duty of those that do to bring them to the public domain so that others will benefit.

One thing is very certain though OBJ is head above shoulders over IBB in terms of fighting corruption and the facts are there for all to see.

adconline,

I am sorry if points were lost on you. Its unfortunate that the only tarred road in your village
was done during your Shagari's time. I can tell you that within the past 6 months, there have
been at least 3 or more tarred roads in mine in the Delta. Also, a rail line is passing through,
not sure if its functional.

Bono performs in the US all time, my point to you is inspite of all the bad mouthing and trash
talk about Obasanjo and how unsafe he has made the country, I needed to point out to you
that its is unprecedented to have a collection of so many International artists gathered under
one roof in Nigeria, believe it or not, but it was a vote of confidence of some sort that Nigeria
after all is not that bad - I am sure you will disagree. Now to blame all the criminality and thuggish nature of Nigerian politics on Obasanjo alone is just a mighty stretch of the imagination, but if
it feels good, go for it.

To the other individual cutting and pasting Kalu's idiotic comments I suppose you believe what
ever that comes out of his mouth must be the truth. I got news for you, he seems to be
grossly misinformed or maybe he loves to twist facts just a little. Please remind him, that his
mother is wanted just in case he forgot. As the chief executive office of his state, he must first
lead by examply by driving his mother to the nearest EFCC office, they just need her for some
questioning about some missing funds - and no we are not talking about Transcorp this time
but its about him and his family and what they have done with Abia's Treasury.

Gnature

<sup>There are several obstacles keeping foreign investors from coming to Nigeria that are beyond the hands of the President

1. Our Very Young Democracy. We really need to prove to the world that we are ready to embrace democracy for the long haul. Our young democracy, with disputes between the executive and legislative arms of government, needs to be fully sustained if we really want to see the much needed foreign investors come in.</sup>

You really think foreign investment could come to Naija without these fundamental changes;
Power supply.  Most companies in Naija are producing at under capacity simply because of epileptic power failure. Cadbury loses up to N100 Million for every hour there is a power failure. MTN and Vmobile are running their exchanges, transmitters, and towers on Generators.
Security. Go and tell it to the White House and Dowling street, Naija is not secure, not because of Niger Delta per say, but the whole nation is immersed in insecurity.
Good legal system where people can seek redress without fear or favour.
Corruption in private and public sector. Nigerians have to start investing in Nigeria rather than starching their money abroad.



<sup>2. Religious vilolence. Once the muslims in the North hear something said about Islam, they start killing people all over the place. When Nigeria was going to host the Miss World beauty peagent, the northern muslims threatened them and they had to be flown from Abuja to London where it finally took place. No foreign investor would want to come and establish their business with all this religious tension going on.

3.Volatility of the Niger Delta. I think this is self-explanatory

4. Advanced Fee Fraud (419). This has really tarnished our name and is definately keeping foreign investors at bay.</sup>

There are more Internet scams from the west, lottery, visa, viagra, and explicit messages.  Remember, spam and Internet scams are not original to any Nigerian dialects. Spam and Internet scams software is a money-spinning venture too. Nigerians don’t benefit from these. Do they?
  People don’t invest in Nigeria because of  corruption. Remember Atiku and Rep Jefferson of Louisiana. If they are really interested investing in Nigeria, they have Nigerian embassies all over the world

@adconline

I already listed power supply (under infrastructure). Yes, you mentioned a few more reasons I did not list (I didn't list them all). All of your concerns are accurate and legitimate.

Could someone please state very clearly the sectors in Nigeria that requires foreign investment for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.

The last time I checked, almost all the sectors that are money spinners have foreing interests and they keep coming by the day.

The sheer number of foreigners trooping into Nigeria on a daily basis should make one wonder what all these talks about the environment not being condusive for investment.

The oil companies are here, the GSM companies are here, Nokia and co are here, Zimbabwean "white" farmers are here, furniture, IT, drugs and what have you.

Let us focus less on buzz words and face the real issues.

Intel, Microsoft etc are trying to get a strong footing because the Nigerian market is a huge opportunity for any business man.

@Afam

Most of these supposedly "foreign Investors" are actually tourists, how many companies have they establsihed that improve Nigerian economy, Kudos to Donald Duke for Obudu Ranch Resort, most of them are tourists check this fact. What can you do when you dont have electricity lets be factual pls.

Afam
It seems to me that you are bereft of ideas on foreign direct Investment. Do you know the difference between Microsoft in Nigerian and Microsoft in South Africa with a domain name - microsoft.co.za, nokia.co.za, bmw.co.za, daimlerchrysler.co.za etc, We are in desperate need of foreign investments. It has kept China going, because it has maintained a double-digit growth rate, which surpasses that of the US, EU and Japan combined. Lesotho, and Botswana are major suppliers of clothing wares to some of the companies in the USA from Africa. Botswana is the least corrupt country in Africa. Maintained the highest growth rate in the continent last year. They have a visionary leadership by Festus Mogae, an Oxford trained economist. GNI per capita: US $5,180. with no oil.
Ministers are not allowed to travel with over $1000 BTA

Standard Bank Group in S/Africa has a workforce of 39,080.  Some of these companies come to Nigeria and rent some apartments hoping for a lucrative government contract. They don’t have real presence in Nigeria.  Remember Sagem and National ID fraud likewise Halliburton

adconline:

Afam
It seems to me that you are bereft of ideas on foreign direct Investment. Do you know the difference between Microsoft in Nigerian and Microsoft in South Africa with a domain name - microsoft.co.za, nokia.co.za, bmw.co.za, daimlerchrysler.co.za etc, We are in desperate need of foreign investments. It has kept China going, because it has maintained a double-digit growth rate, which surpasses that of the US, EU and Japan combined. Lesotho, and Botswana are major suppliers of clothing wares to some of the companies in the USA from Africa. Botswana is the least corrupt country in Africa. Maintained the highest growth rate in the continent last year. They have a visionary leadership by Festus Mogae, an Oxford trained economist. GNI per capita: US $5,180. with no oil.
Ministers are not allowed to travel with over $1000 BTA

Standard Bank Group in S/Africa has a workforce of 39,080.  Some of these companies come to Nigeria and rent some apartments hoping for a lucrative government contract. They don’t have real presence in Nigeria.  Remember Sagem and National ID fraud likewise Halliburton

@adconline,

I may be bereft of ideas on DFI, but I am not as dumb as trying to tie domain names to the level of investment in a country.

What you have stated to support your points have nothing to do with DFI but has everything to do with government policies as regards protecting the citizens vs protecting the interests of these foreign companies.

With the population alone, the Nigerian market accounts for over 2/3 of the African market, even in the area of telecoms. MTN made a profit of over N60B about 2 years ago, far more than all the banks in Nigeria put together.

Answer the simple question, what are the viable sectors you think foreign companies are not investing in as far as Nigeria is concerned?

I am not interested in acronyms, buzz words and tech jargons, tell us in a very simple language what you think we are missing.

I won't be surprised though if you fail to understand the issue at hand.

omofineboy:

@Afam

Most of these supposedly "foreign Investors" are actually tourists, how many companies have they establsihed that improve Nigerian economy, Kudos to Donald Duke for Obudu Ranch Resort, most of them are tourists check this fact. What can you do when you don't have electricity lets be factual please.

@Omofineboy,

These companies are allowed to rip off Nigerians, in terms of making money they are making quite a lot. Even with the electricity problem I hope you know what MTN did in terms of making money even with MTN installing generators at their base stations.

No doubt things could be better if we had a stable power supply but in reality the problem of electricity affects our own internal development "engine" more than it affects foreigners.

Adconline,

You are very correct, Botswana is the less corrupt country in the whole of africa and the gains are there, all you wrote is correct, I just dont understand why we need to deceive ourselves, must MTN come and build generators for us, it further shows the failure of this government, and when you talk of profitability of MTN, MTN is a fraud supported by these government, are they making money in SA as they are in Nigeria? reason, govt of SA is more responsive to the yearnings of the masses, anyway we learnt sometimes that they always do PR job to our public officers? One one day, one day e go better.

Afam,

I thought that I should not address your point,  but later changed my mind. You mentioned the growth in telecommunication sector.

There is still much investment needed in Agricultural sector, we still don’t have    a standardized food supply system.  How many major food suppliers in Nigeria? Can I easily order diary products in Nigeria? Meat is sold on the streets as clothes and shoes, no packaging industries. We don’t have a standardized storage system.

Entertainment and IT. Do we have    a TV network that covers the whole of Nigeria other than NTA. Do we have a radio network? Even all the three GSM companies have not fully covered Nigeria. Do we have a broadband Internet service provider that covers the whole of Nigeria?

Do we have banks that can easily provide a $100 million credit facility without any shaking? Remember how many banks that did not meet up with N25 Billion benchmark?  How many mutual investment companies?

Do we have private power generating companies?  How many of these companies are located in most cities in Nigeria, with exception of telecom companies?    The difference between having a domain name and rented office space. In South Africa, they have shear size of their IT market and their presence is felt, this is with Microsoft. Daimlyer Chrysler sold more cars in South Africa than the whole Middle East combined. That's why they have a site strictly structured for SA consumers.  S Africans drives more BMW cars than any other country in the world with exception of Germany. That's why they have a nationalized site.

Please let us debate these on case-by-case basis rather than wallow in ignorance that has kept us stagnant in the last 46yrs.

Health Sector- needs massive cash inflow from FDI. Aviation sector needs a lot of investment. The list is endless

Please Afam, market is not about size in African context. South African has about 19 companies in Forbes list of 2000 largest companies in the world with less population than Nigeria. They have more middle class than Nigeria. You even failed to mention that MTN’s success is based on their business acumen because Econet, which adopted Nigerian management style, failed.  Why would you think that we have the biggest market in Telecom in Africa? Their biggest player is Vodacom not MTN.  We really need to do some research before we speak. Orascom Telecom of Egypt  is listed in Forbes magazine.

Here is link for your perusal. http://www.clickafrique.com/Magazine/ST014/CP0000000175.aspx   .
We sit dowm and think we are the best. Do you know that a Sudanese engineer, Dr Mo Ibrahim, founded CELTEL, which bought over Vmobile, yet we think we got it all.