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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST (29994 Views)
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A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by tbaba1234: 7:44pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
The least awful A former dictator is a better choice than a failed president SOMETIMES there are no good options. Nigeria goes to the polls on February 14th to elect the next president, who will face problems so large—from rampant corruption to a jihadist insurgency—that they could break the country apart, with dire consequences for Nigerians and the world. And yet, as Africa’s biggest economy stages its most important election since the restoration of civilian rule in 1999, and perhaps since the civil war four decades ago, Nigerians must pick between the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, who has proved an utter failure, and the opposition leader, Muhammadu Buhari, a former military dictator with blood on his hands (see article). The candidates stand as symbols of a broken political system that makes all Nigeria’s problems even more intractable. Start with Mr Jonathan, whose People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has run the country since 1999 and who stumbled into the presidency on the death of his predecessor in 2010. The PDP’s reign has been a sorry one. Mr Jonathan has shown little willingness to tackle endemic corruption. When the governor of the central bank reported that $20 billion had been stolen, his reward was to be sacked. Worse, on Mr Jonathan’s watch much of the north of the country has been in flames. About 18,000 people have died in political violence in recent years, thousands of them in January in several brutal attacks by Boko Haram, a jihadist group that claims to have established its “caliphate” in territory as large as Belgium. Another 1.5m people have fled their homes. The insurgency is far from Mr Jonathan’s southern political heartland and afflicts people more likely to vote for the opposition. He has shown little enthusiasm for tackling it, and even less competence. Quick to offer condolences to France after the attack on Charlie Hedbo, Mr Jonathan waited almost two weeks before speaking up about a Boko Haram attack that killed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of his compatriots. The single bright spot of his rule has been Nigeria’s economy, one of the world’s fastest-growing. Yet that is largely despite the government rather than because of it, and falling oil prices will temper the boom. The prosperity has not been broadly shared: under Mr Jonathan poverty has increased. Nigerians typically die eight years younger than their poorer neighbours in nearby Ghana. Goodbye Jonathan Voters have ample cause to send Mr Jonathan packing. In a country where power has often changed through the barrel of a gun, the opposition All Progressives Congress has a real chance of winning through the ballot box. Yet its candidate, Mr Buhari, is an ex-general who, three decades ago, came to power in a coup. His rule was nasty, brutish and mercifully short. Declaring a “war against indiscipline”, he ordered whip-wielding soldiers to ensure that Nigerians formed orderly queues. His economics, known as Buharism, was destructive. Instead of letting the currency depreciate in the face of a trade deficit, he tried to fix prices and ban “unnecessary” imports. He expelled 700,000 migrants in the delusion that this would create jobs for Nigerians. He banned political meetings and free speech. He detained thousands, used secret tribunals and executed people for crimes that were not capital offences. Should a former dictator with such a record be offered another chance? Surprisingly, many Nigerians think he should. One reason is that, in a country where ministers routinely wear wristwatches worth many times their annual salary, Mr Buhari is a sandal-wearing ascetic with a record of fighting corruption. Few nowadays question his commitment to democracy or expect him to turn autocratic: he has repeatedly stood for election and accepted the outcome when he lost. He would probably do a better job of running the country, and in particular of tackling Boko Haram. As a northerner and Muslim, he will have greater legitimacy among villagers whose help he will need to isolate the insurgents. As a military man, he is more likely to win the respect of a demoralised army. We are relieved not to have a vote in this election. But were we offered one we would—with a heavy heart—choose Mr Buhari. Mr Jonathan risks presiding over Nigeria’s bloody fragmentation. If Mr Buhari can save Nigeria, history might even be kind to him. http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21642168-former-dictator-better-choice-failed-president-least-awful 272 Likes 42 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by Nobody: 7:58pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
Wow...what a write up 57 Likes 1 Share |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by tbaba1234: 8:21pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
kallmemrB: Balanced piece 92 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by Jesusloveyou: 8:26pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
Goodbye d clueless zoologist, it is finish.buhari till ....... 180 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by itetemi: 8:30pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
front page............ 3 Likes |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by PassingShot(m): 8:31pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
The whole world is tired of Mr. Clueless' Cluelessness. Buhari's regime wasn't perfect but was far more effective. Whatever mistakes he made was out of being over ambitious to rescue Nigeria and not for any personal gains. As a democratic president, he cannot be as brutish as a military head of state with all the checks and balances in place. And once corruption is cut to the barest level we will soon begin to see progress in every aspect of our economy. 247 Likes 12 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by Collynzo9: 8:31pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
Let them stop deceiving themselves, Buhari wasn't just a dictator, he was also a failed head of state. What problem can Buhari beat his chest and say he solved in his tenure? Their criticism of Mr. President is heavily centered around boko haram, how is Buhari (who insisted that Boko haram members should be pampered like ND militants and that killing them is anti-north) supposed to be the solution? 89 Likes 9 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by nke001: 8:34pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
tbaba1234: Tbaba! Who did you sold your impartiality mind to? Balanced piece ko, balanced pieces ni. MeanWhile www.buhariproduceyourcertificate.com 23 Likes 1 Share |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by modhream: 8:35pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
Collynzo9:Yes,we have heard. Now,what say you about this piece from the economist?.Were they bribed to write this too?. 82 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by seunmsg(m): 8:37pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
Great piece by the Economist, very unbiased and balanced views. Majority of Nigerians also express the same sentiment. 117 Likes 7 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by jmaine: 8:37pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
A very poor written biased piece . . . . .A quick glance reveals obvious flaws from the author . . . . Meanwhile, i saw something interesting . . . . . HNosegbe: https://www.nairaland.com/2121275/discussion-between-pdp-apc-supporter#30273318 a jihadist group that claims to have established its “caliphate” in territory as large as Belgium 23 Likes |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by PassingShot(m): 8:37pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
modhream: The GEJites will say The Economist is an arm of APC. 50 Likes 1 Share |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by Collynzo9: 8:41pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
modhream:What is special about the piece? It is still the usual rant about boko haram. Buhari who was unhappy when the Nigerian army was dealing with them brutally is now the one promising to fight them. Very ironic. 25 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by LRNZH(m): 8:49pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
The Economist on point again. GEJ's failures are too glaring but for the discerning. No more no less. 66 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by Firefire(m): 8:49pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
... 2 Likes |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by agabusta: 8:52pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
jmaine: Yes, I agree with you. It was too critical on GMB why just giving GEJ'S failure an ordinary stern look. From available records, GMB's economic records were not as bad as they painted it. The report is obviously very biased and flawed. 36 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by Firefire(m): 8:53pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
Collynzo9: COUNTDOWN to Failbuhary 2015... 21 Likes
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Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by jmaine: 8:54pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
agabusta: We are obviously wearing different lenses here . . . . . ![]() 3 Likes |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by atlwireles: 8:59pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
The economist, hahahhaha, they have a way of always supporting losers in elections. At least they acknowledge Nigeria's economy growth. 14 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by searay(m): 8:59pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
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Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by CaptainAmerica1: 9:00pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
A pillow is better than GEJ ![]() 35 Likes |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by dharay99: 9:00pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
A university drop out is even Berra Dan him.. ![]() 13 Likes |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by jejemanito: 9:00pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
Men |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by ChinemeOkpan: 9:00pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
We are relieved not to have a vote in this election. But were we offered one we would—with a heavy heart—choose Mr Buhari. Mr Jonathan risks presiding over Nigeria’s bloody fragmentation. If Mr Buhari can save Nigeria, history might even be kind to him....- The Economist 05/02/2015 This is a major blow and an indictment on Jonathan and his government. If a reputable, internationally recognized outfit like the Economist can decide to endorse Buhari over Jonathan, then GEJ is in trouble Sai Buhari 68 Likes 6 Shares |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by siegfried99(m): 9:00pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
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Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by Babyboy1986(m): 9:01pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
Says who? |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by Nobody: 9:01pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
They just echoed my point. I should get paid. No wait...that would make me PDP. 7 Likes |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by vantage7: 9:01pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
Abi? For most people it is not about voting in Buhari, it is about voting out GEJ. It is about the realization that Nigeria simply can not afford another four years of GEJ. |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by englishmart(m): 9:01pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
the devil you know is better than the angel you don't know 9 Likes 1 Share |
Re: A Former Dictator Is A Better Choice Than A Failed President - THE ECONOMIST by coogar: 9:02pm On Feb 05, 2015 |
the economist nails what i have been singing for aeons. goodbye jonathan! may the gods of otuoke be with you as you paddle your canoe back to your hamlet 50 Likes |
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