Ahead of the 2015 Presidential elections, I scrambled upon a Peter- Obi-thread in the political session. Even though I merely read and hardly post comments, I was compelled to write after reading the jibes from certain nairalanders.

In defence of the 72-year-old Buhari, these nairalanders arguments were concerning African leaders - who they feel are doing well at their old ages for their countries.

And afterwards, I deemed it necessary for objective (not partisan) minds to have a case study of the current happenings in our neighbouring African countries, and therefore decide what we want for our country.

-- Nelson Mandela (75): He is exemplary, and a model leader. Yes, elected at 75, the person of Madiba can never be compared with any African leader (including GMB). He came to power after spending several years in prison. He deserved to be the live president of a SOUTH AFRICA he was prepared to die for. Yet, after one tenure, he gave power to the son of a very social welfare partner and fellow ex-prisoner, Thabo Mbeki.

I thought Madiba was enough. But they went on to mention aged African leaders like Robert Mugabe, Tedoro Nguema of Eq. Guinea and Paul Biya. Leaders who were somewhat affiliated to the military.

-- Robert Mugabe (90): He has led Zimbabweans in pain. Having ruled for more than twenty-three years in a 'democratic' nation, this 90-year-old man has already secured the Zanu-PF 2018 presidential ticket when he will be 94. Isn't that wickedness?? Some years Zimbabwe suffered very serious inflation such that there currency had no value. It still has no value. Zimbabweans are sufferring, nairalanders please don't compare their fate to ours.

-- Paul Biya (84): I guess many don't know that this man is only the second president of Cameroon since their independence. For over twenty-four years, Biya has favourably modified the constitution to favour his self aggrandizement and reection. Against the wish of Cameroonians, he has continuously positioned himself as president in a supposed democratic Cameroon. Is he doing well? I guess you should find out that answer yourself because 'goodness' is relative. But is it possible to achieve sustainable development without democracy? We need to learn...

-- Tedoro Nguema (72): This man is Africa's longest serving president. In a democratoc nation, he has ruled (not lead) for more than 30 years. His government is the worst abusers of the human rights and dignity... His family continues to loot Eq. Guinea dry...
I
-- Jose Eduardo dos-Santos (72): Africa's second-longest president who has
ruled Angola for more than thirty years. Despite having never formally won an election, Eduardo - following a constitutional change - is well positioned to remain in power to at
least 2022. His government has become increasingly repressive, giving
ordinary Angolans
no freedom.

-- Yoweri Museveni (70): Uganda's president have terminated the term-limit for presidency, and is set to remain in power till ever (as he is reportedly said to be rigging election). The economy of Uganda has kept dwindling.

** Ghana and Botswana are democratically doing very greatly. They are growly economically and gradually moving towards sustainable development. Here are the profiles of their operators of democracy:

-- John Dramani Mahama (56): This Ghananian president continues to practise and promote true democracy in the
nearby Ghana.

-- Ian Khama (61): Firat elected in 2008 when he was 53, Khama has led the small African country to an improved democracy and a stable economy.

This is to mention a few. But as a renowned leader said, "no progressive country will choose a 70 year old man as a president". Nigeria must not do otherwise.

Whilst the labour age begins from 16, we all know the retirement age all over the globe is 65. Hence, it is necessary the man at 65 either retires or plan his retirement.

I dont want to believe you agree with APC to make the aged Buhari one of these leaders...

A general market-women opinion is that age doesn't matter, but does it suffice for the ruler of our fathers to also rule us?

- Isn't that an omen of stagnation?

- In our dispensation, have we been unable to raise men of competence and great leadership skills?

- Or do these men exist but have been swallowed by our aged ones (like GMB) who refused to bow out for them to take up the mantle?

- Is Goodluck Jonathan the best young leader Nigeria can present at this time?

- Are there no more credible people who are better than the president, and yet younger?

At 47, Barack Obama became the president of the United States where many aged men exist. At 43, David Cameron became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom... They are doing so much for their countries and promoting democracy.

- Don't we have men of wisdom and political qualities in their 40s?

- Must it be these old men?

- For presenting GMB, are we sure APC mean well for Nigeria and have no hidden agenda?

NIGERIANS ARE IN A DILEMMA OF SACRIFICING THE FATE OF OUR DEMOCRACY AND PROMOTING IT.

Even though I'd agree that we need another leader, I personally don't think GMB is an option. I don't expect rational, introspective/futuristic mind to agree to his reelection in a 21st century. This is what makes it different from the thinking of an average market-woman or meat-seller view.

This piece is open to clever comments and possible corrections. No insults.

Buhari is an aged retiree and should never be elected president of Nigeria. Cast a wise vote on Feb. 14

Mandela's case was a very unique one, we all know his story.
The rest are dictators who aren't doing their nations or people any good.

African leaders are nothing to write home about. These men you mentioned up there should be sitting by a warm fire reading newspapers by now,but no...they are up there occupying the position which the youth were meant to occupy. Do we even have leaders of tomorrow again? ,because these senile men,most of them suffering from Parkinson's disease has refused to hand over the mantle to the youths with innovative ideas. That's why they never make good policies...the merry-go-roud continues..

How do you expect a man that has been ruling for more than a decade to rule well in a democratic system? They can't because they have all the power to themselves they make the government suit what they are doing whether good or bad and do not care about the opinion of the people but that not the case in Nigeria nobody can rule for that long and so they know they can't mis-behave or else they get booted out. GED has tried to an extent but i think we have seen enough of him.

OP, Mandela should not be lumped with those other sit-tight leaders. However, for your information those sit-tight leaders came on board when they were in their 30s and 40s (years old).

Mandela's case is totally different.
This ur post seems to prove that African leaders get more evil as the age.

Nice write up, but who do we vote for? Jonathan had failed us totally and we're left out of options already and if there hasn't been a collabo within the opposition parties, Nigeria won't be rescued. As for me am just tired of PDP, and look around you APC Governors has a nice background in each state they're ruling.

@op 88-year-old Essebsi was sworn in as Tunisia president few days ago, what do have to say about that? Moreover if age is one of the quality of good leadership then GOVERNOR GABIREL SUSWAN ought to be one of the best governor in nigeria


Stupidity, Cluelessness, Corruption, Foolishness Stealing, Nepotism, Bigotry, Wickedness, a Lax etc, does not have AGE discrimination

orlaryhincah:
Nice write up, but who do we vote for? Jonathan had failed us totally and we're left out of options already and if there hasn't been a collabo within the opposition parties, Nigeria won't be rescued. As for me am just tired of PDP, and look around you APC Governors has a nice background in each state they're ruling.

Yes man.... APC have got great hands. But why they prefer to present GMB is what I don't understand.

Had they powered Fashola, Oshiomole or Rochas, the case would have been different as these are men who are in blend with the times.

Buhari is no option here. And we musn't settle for less

fkaz:
@op 88-year-old Essebsi was sworn in as Tunisia president few days ago, what do have to say about that? Moreover if age is one of the quality of good leadership then GOVERNOR GABIREL SUSWAN ought to be one of the best governor in nigeria


Stupidity, Cluelessness, Corruption, Foolishness Stealing, Nepotism, Bigotry, Wickedness, a Lax etc, does not have AGE discrimination

The case of Essebsi is just one in thousands... True, age has nothing to do with your proven points, but we can never create opportunity for greater men and better leaders if we refuse to pass on the baton.

Amongst us, there are insightful men and women who can move Nigeria forward. Let Buhari give them the chance... Let's support them

jamace:
OP, Mandela should not be lumped with those other sit-tight leaders. However, for your information those sit-tight leaders came on board when they were in their 30s and 40s (years old).

The very point. They compare him to Buhari here in Nigeria. Then they also bring in Mugabe, Biya, and the rest of them who are enemies to democracy.

jamace:
OP, However, for your information those sit-tight leaders came on board when they were in their 30s and 40s (years old).

Op dat is 4 ur consumption. Think b4 u write.

Gmajor:
Mandela's case is totally different.
This ur post seems to prove that African leaders get more evil as the age.

Not exactly... They become more greedy as the age - and refuse to pass the baton.

Mandela is a superman. I love him so much and get angry when he ia compared to the likes of Buhari

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30639792


[size=18pt]Tunisian has just elected an 88 year old man as President. Age is a number. If a 90 year old man can put all the looters in jail, clear the mess of Jonathan then there is no reason why I would not vote for Buhari. In fact it is better to vote an aged man who is one foot to his grave than a young Nigerian man who would embark on a debauchery regime of increasing his harem of wives. The Obama's and the Cameron's of this world, in their society infidelity is not condone in any way and manner let alone taking a 2nd and 3rd wife.

And I would advise Buhari to put Bakere in charge of the EFCC when he wins the next elections[/size].

dammiecool:


Op dat is 4 ur consumption. Think b4 u write.

Yes... But they become more greedy as they get older. If you compare their works ab initio, you'd discover that they were fairer when younger, but became rigid as time passes.

I did not only think before writing. I made indepth research and carried out checks. Thank you.

Babare:

Yes... But they become more greedy as they get older. If you compare their works ab initio, you'd discover that they were fairer when younger, but became rigid as time passes.
I did not only think before writing. I made indepth research and carried out checks. Thank you.

KnowAll:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30639792


[size=18pt]Tunisian has just elected an 88 year old man as President. Age is a number. If a 90 year old man can put all the looters in jail, clear the mess of Jonathan then there is no reason why I would not vote for Buhari. In fact it is better to vote an aged man who is one foot to his grave than a young Nigerian man who would embark on a debauchery regime of increasing his harem of wives. The Obama's and the Cameron's of this world, in their society infidelity is not condone in any way and manner let alone taking a 2nd and 3rd wife.

And I would advise Buhari to put Bakere in charge of the EFCC when he wins the next elections[/size].

Tunisia's transition to democracy often has been troubled. Recently they are nuturing a very progressive democracy.

Let's see how their democracy progresses under the new 88 year old president

Babare:


The case of Essebsi is just one in thousands... True, age has nothing to do with your proven points, but we can never create opportunity for greater men and better leaders if we refuse to pass on the baton.

Amongst us, there are insightful men and women who can move Nigeria forward. Let Buhari give them the chance... Let's support them

Why did PDP fail to present an insightful man instead jonathan

Tunisia's transition to democracy often has been troubled. Recently they are nuturing a very progressive democracy.

Let's see how their democracy progresses under the new 88 year old president

The bottom line is a principled 88 year old man is better than a young " African Man" who see the country's commonwealth as his personal estate at his beck and call to commit all types and manner of atrocities in the name of ruling. There are some things an aged African man would not do that a young African would embark on. Look at our young Tinubu's strangulation of Lagos State, did the older Otedola did what Tinubu is doing in Lagos when he was the Governor Capital NO.

Not all older men are focused, some are senile, Like Mugabe but some are focus, and I would like to believe Muhammudu Buhari has learnt from all his combined experienced as Governor, Minister of Petroleum, PTF Manager and Head of State, that is some experience. Not too mention his military experience.

Buhari is the real deal.

KnowAll:



The bottom line is a principled 88 year old man is better than a young " African Man" who see the country's commonwealth as his personal estate at his beck and call to commit all types and manner of atrocities in the name of ruling. There are some things an aged African man would not do that a young African would embark on. Look at our young Tinubu's strangulation of Lagos State, did the older Otedola did what Tinubu is doing in Lagos when he was the Governor Capital NO.

Not all older men are focused, some are senile, Like Mugabe but some are focus, and I would like to believe Muhammudu Buhari has learnt from all his combined experienced as Governor, Minister of Petroleum, PTF Manager and Head of State, that is some experience. Not too mention his military experience.

Buhari is the real deal.

What the hell are doing with our grandfather as president? Please let's give the young the chance.

let them fall, make mistakes, and get up strong after learning from their errors.

Buhari is no real deal. Fashola could be.

What the hell are doing with our grandfather as president? Please let's give the young the chance.

let them fall, make mistakes, and get up strong after learning from their errors.

Buhari is no real deal. Fashola could be.

Experience is King. Especially in the Western world and in the UK specifically. They would take some one that has 5 years experience in a job without a paper certificate of competence than someone with a paper certificate of competence without experience anytime any day. Aso Rock is not where you want an experimental president. We need experience hands on deck. As for Fashola, if you think he is good then field him as your Presidential Candidate or forever remain silent.

fkaz:


Why did PDP fail to present an insightful man instead jonathan

I don't know. Perhaps, they see him as a young man fitting for our dispensation.

I perceive they may present a younger Nuhu Ribadu in the next election (2023) should GEJ win next month.

KnowAll:


Experience is King. Especially in the Western world and in the UK specifically. They would take some one that has 5 years experience in a job without a paper certificate of competence than someone with a paper certificate of competence without experience anytime any day. Aso Rock is not where you want an experimental president. We need experience hands on deck. As for Fashola, if you think he is good then field him as your Presidential Candidate or forever remain silent.

Oga stop being partisan. Since you say experience is king, are you saying all of Western leaders (Obama, Putin, Cameron) were familiar with the presidency before assuming the positions?

Bro, there is always a first time in the post of a president. And by young leaders, I believe the poster meant individuals who have been politically tested and trusted, and are no newbies in leadership.

Babare:


Yes man.... APC have got great hands. But why they prefer to present GMB is what I don't understand.

Had they powered Fashola, Oshiomole or Rochas, the case would have been different as these are men who are in blend with the times.

Buhari is no option here. And we musn't settle for less

Yes I thought about that too, but when Buhari gets elected these young men are going to be on his cabinet for sure.

fkaz:
@op 88-year-old Essebsi was sworn in as Tunisia president few days ago, what do have to say about that? Moreover if age is one of the quality of good leadership then GOVERNOR GABIREL SUSWAN ought to be one of the best governor in nigeria


Stupidity, Cluelessness, Corruption, Foolishness Stealing, Nepotism, Bigotry, Wickedness, a Lax etc, does not have AGE discrimination

help me tell them.
Sai BUHARI!

Babare:


I don't know. Perhaps, they see him as a young man fitting for our dispensation.

I perceive they may present a younger Nuhu Ribadu in the next election (2023) should GEJ win next month.

Jonathan staying beyond 2015 will be a disaster, imaging Nuhu ribadu is the one contesting under PDP with Buhari, you and other TAN member won't be opening threads up and down just to discredit Buhari

Six year as president is enough for jonathan maladministration

orlaryhincah:

Yes I thought about that too, but when Buhari gets elected these young men are going to be on his cabinet for sure.

Being members of his cabinet is different from having the power itself... And don't forget, a body is as healthy as the head is...

But how are we even sure this men would hold influential positions in vital sectors of our economy?

people that should sit at home and reminisce about their past are the ones still jostling for power.. smh for africa

fkaz:


Jonathan staying beyond 2015 will be a disaster, imaging Nuhu ribadu is the one contesting under PDP with Buhari, you and other TAN member won't be opening threads up and down just to discredit Buhari

Six year as president is enough for jonathan maladministration

Hmmmmm! I see Ribadu, El Rufai and some APC northern members as developed individuals.

I am neither partisan nor am I a TAN agent. Look at my comments, you'd see me give credits to Fashola, Rochas and co - even though they are APC. I am interested in the person not the party.

GMB is just not a choice for us now. The political and economic environment/conditions of the 1980s and now are very different.

Caseless:
help me tell them.
Sai BUHARI!

Forget this Sai Buhari rubbish. Be objective and critical.

bonechamberlain:
people that should sit at home and reminisce about their past are the ones still jostling for power.. smh for africa

My brother... Shake your head well for Africa... Especially for Nigerians with the market-women like opinions.