VolvoS60:

^^^
As I said earlier, some of us are not here to play dirty politics. The Sunborn yacht affair and other well known examples of how the LASG and the APC party faithful criminally shortchanged the people of Lagos - these are some of the reasons why I cannot and will not vote for the APC in lagos state. Period.

It will be insane to turn around and celebrate the PDP for similar acts against the people of Nigeria.

March 2015, we await you.

I am saying that Jonathan's federal administration in the last five years has done better than Thief'nuibu cabal's 16 years in lagos state, do you not agree with that?

anonimi:



Are you not backing any horse in the race(s)?

BTW, talking about asset declaration, Jonathan is the only living elected officer to have done so in Nigeria, while those jostling to replace him have NEVER done such.
Don't you think that shows he is BETTER by far to those in the party of his main competition

^^^
We have fought this asset declaration battle so many times I am tired of going over it again and again.

You have cleverly phrased GEJ as some living symbol of probity. Well, we were around in 2007 and we know what happened. Yaradua declared his assets publicly in 2007 after the elections while GEJ inexplicably refused to do so. Only after relentless pressure from the media and civil society did he finally deign to publicly declare his assets. I didn't vote for him in that election and that was exactly the point when I made up my mind that I would never vote for GEJ. Is it any surprise that GEJ has not publicly declared his assets since the death of Yaradua? Ponder on that.

If GEJ is voted out and another administration comes in, you can bet that the pressure will be on them to publicly declare their assets too. Even if no one else says anything, I will.

VolvoS60:

^^^
We have fought this asset declaration battle so many times I am tired of going over it again and again.

You have cleverly phrased GEJ as some living symbol of probity. Well, we were around in 2011 and we know what happened. Yaradua declared his assets publicly in 2011 after the elections while GEJ inexplicably refused to do so. Only after relentless pressure from the media and civil society did he finally deign to publicly declare his assets. Although I didn't vote for him in that election, that was exactly the point when I made up my mind that I would never vote for GEJ. Is it any surprise that GEJ has not publicly declared his assets since the death of Yaradua? Ponder on that.

If GEJ is voted out and another administration comes in, you can bet that the pressure will be on them to publicly declare their assets too. Even if no one else says anything, I will.

I guess you meant 2007 instead of 2011 you typed.

Why has pressure not been put on others, including the ApCheat holier-than-thou crowd, to also declare their assets since 2007?

anonimi:


I am saying that Jonathan's federal administration in the last five years has done better than Thief'nuibu cabal's 16 years in lagos state, do you not agree with that?

^^^^
Both of them in general do not meet my standards for performance, openness and transparency. That's all that matters.

VolvoS60:

^^^^
Both of them in general do not meet my standards for performance, openness and transparency. That's all that matters.

(Un)fortunately one of them will be ruling us from 29 May 2015.
I am committed to making sure the BETTER by far of the two is the one who emerges victorious.

anonimi:


(Un)fortunately one of them will be ruling us from 29 May 2015.
I am committed to making sure the BETTER by far of the two is the one who emerges victorious.

and the dull one with the I.Q of a shoe sole is the one you clamouring for. sometimes I pray fervently for losers like you to get a chance to leave that hellhole once in your miserable life time and go see what a proper society looks like.

anonimi:


I guess you meant 2007 instead of 2011 you typed.

Why has pressure not been put on others, including the ApCheat holier-than-thou crowd, to also declare their assets since 2007?

^^^
My error, I meant 2007.

You have a point that there is more intense scrutiny on the FG than the states. For example - it is nothing short of criminal that state governors can withhold local government statutory revenue allocation. Unfortunately, this brazen disregard of the law cuts across party lines and that explains why all governors rose with one accord to resist calls for LGs to get what is due to them by law. These are the signs that our system is not working. But I digress.

I am all for a public asset declaration. Any party that supports it will definitely attract my interest. Unfortunately, it is not a campaign issue for most parties so it doesn't even show up on the radar screen. The reason why GEJ gets so much flak on the issue of asset declaration is that Yaradua set a precedent and GEJ was a very unwilling 'collaborator' in that attempt by Yaradua to set a standard at the very highest level. If GEJ had continued with a public asset declaration in 2011 and the PDP had made it a campaign issue, the ACN and other parties would have had nowhere to hide.

To round up: the federal government is not leading by example. It reserves the power to prosecute, and the key law enforcement agencies are federal. If the federal government were to lead by example in some key areas, then the pressure on the states to meet those examples would increase. As things stand today, state governors and LG chairmen take their cue from federal attitudes to the rule of law. This is a key reason (although by no means the only one) why we are where we are today.

It is really sad that we cannot ear our views without insulting an elderly man..OBJ has all the right to his opinion. He has chosen to only stand by the truth and to speak the truth of which is better. I understand that PDP want to pull a fast one on him, he got wind of it and decided to disgrace them before they disgrace him

In Yoruba land any well brought up, well educated and responsible adult will not call an old man a fool, it means the young adult that calls an old man an old fool will die in his or her prime.

I am not surprised that Nigeria is still where it is today because we have decided not to choose our leaders based on performance, instead it is tribalism and religion. We must all join hands together to pull the party of corruption, intimidation and molestation(PDP) down by any means.
Very soon all those that destroy this country will be brought to justice by Buhari

PDP (RIP) Sai Buhari

obergath:
and the dull one with the I.Q of a shoe sole is the one you clamouring for. sometimes I pray fervently for losers like you to get a chance to leave that hellhole once in your miserable life time and go see what a proper society looks like.

Just a little sample oh for you to decide na which of the two main candidates be "the dull one with the I.Q of a shoe sole" so you can clamour accordingly


www.nairaland.com/attachments/2066181_109315253423544626188034164921766947151069n_jpegacb37fe73c651f856a3f80eea0cac2b7

VolvoS60:
^^^
My error, I meant 2007.

You have a point that there is more intense scrutiny on the FG than the states. For example - it is nothing short of criminal that state governors can withhold local government statutory revenue allocation. Unfortunately, this brazen disregard of the law cuts across party lines and that explains why all governors rose with one accord to resist calls for LGs to get what is due to them by law. These are the signs that our system is not working. But I digress.

I am all for a public asset declaration. Any party that supports it will definitely attract my interest. Unfortunately, it is not a campaign issue for most parties so it doesn't even show up on the radar screen. The reason why GEJ gets so much flak on the issue of asset declaration is that Yaradua set a precedent and GEJ was a very unwilling 'collaborator' in that attempt by Yaradua to set a standard at the very highest level. If GEJ had continued with a public asset declaration in 2011 and the PDP had made it a campaign issue, the ACN and other parties would have had nowhere to hide.

To round up: the federal government is not leading by example. It reserves the power to prosecute, and the key law enforcement agencies are federal. If the federal government were to lead by example in some key areas, then the pressure on the states to meet those examples would increase. As things stand today, state governors and LG chairmen take their cue from federal attitudes to the rule of law. This is a big part (although by no means the only reason) why we are where we are today.

You say the federal administration under Jonathan is not leading by example, right?
Yet he made asset declaration in 2007 following Yar'Adua's example. Please tell us how many other elected officers followed that example of Jonathan for four years till 2011. Will it not be foolish to expect him to do something that others are not following despite his leadership example

The federal attitude to the rule of law on corruption has been much better than in the past:

N5 billion recovered, 40 arrested over oil subsidy fraud— EFCC
November 11, 2014

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/11/n5-billion-recovered-40-arrested-oil-subsidy-fraud-efcc/#sthash.Vt13qXxq.dpuf

Money Laundering : EFCC Floors Igbinedion as Appeal Court Okays Ex-Gov’s Trial
10 Apr 2014

More from: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/money-laundering-efcc-floors-igbinedion-as-appeal-court-okays-ex-gov-s-trial/175848/

EFCC Arraigns 40 Suspects Over N4.5 Billion Pension Scam
14 NOVEMBER 2011

More from: http://allafrica.com/stories/201111150067.html

What is the role of the state legislature and state judiciary in checking corruption at the state level?
Why has that not worked the way it has at the federal level?

anonimi:



You say the federal administration under Jonathan is not leading by example, right?
Yet he made asset declaration in 2007 following Yar'Adua's example. Please tell us how many other elected officers followed that example of Jonathan for four years till 2011. Will it not be foolish to expect him to do something that others are not following despite his leadership example

The federal attitude to the rule of law on corruption has been much better than in the past:

What is the role of the state legislature and state judiciary in checking corruption at the state level?
Why has that not worked the way it has at the federal level?

^^^^
On the matter of public asset declaration, all GEJ needed to do was keep at it if he really believed in it. So because he declared his assets (very reluctantly I should add) in 2007 and no one followed his lead, he folded 4 years later?

The links you gave haven't really added much. The oil subsidy fraud link states that 1 (yes that's right - 1!) conviction was recorded. On a billion dollar fraud that gripped the attention of the entire country. And yet in this same country, people get extended jail terms for pilfering goats and yams.

The link on Mr. Igbinedion merely stated that the Appeal court had approved his trial. Nothing more. The last link talks about an arraignment of suspects. Nothing more. So what's new?

I am not sure of what you mean in your last two sentences. Care to elaborate?

anonimi:


Just a little sample oh for you to decide na which of the two main candidates be "the dull one with the I.Q of a shoe sole" so you can clamour accordingly


www.nairaland.com/attachments/2066181_109315253423544626188034164921766947151069n_jpegacb37fe73c651f856a3f80eea0cac2b7

you are the most mental demented mammal on the earth surface. its no contest door knob just check out the two grant the media guys interview and you will dechiper who is more intelligent. gej market woman analogy on issue make Nigerian awarded ph.d not only a joke. anyway keep up with the shiit leaders and let the nations be in ruins. welle neiderhine will keep me up to date with you guys woes.

VolvoS60:


^^^
My error, I meant 2007.

You have a point that there is more intense scrutiny on the FG than the states. For example - it is nothing short of criminal that state governors can withhold local government statutory revenue allocation. Unfortunately, this brazen disregard of the law cuts across party lines and that explains why all governors rose with one accord to resist calls for LGs to get what is due to them by law. These are the signs that our system is not working. But I digress.

I am all for a public asset declaration. Any party that supports it will definitely attract my interest. Unfortunately, it is not a campaign issue for most parties so it doesn't even show up on the radar screen. The reason why GEJ gets so much flak on the issue of asset declaration is that Yaradua set a precedent and GEJ was a very unwilling 'collaborator' in that attempt by Yaradua to set a standard at the very highest level. If GEJ had continued with a public asset declaration in 2011 and the PDP had made it a campaign issue, the ACN and other parties would have had nowhere to hide.

To round up: the federal government is not leading by example. It reserves the power to prosecute, and the key law enforcement agencies are federal. If the federal government were to lead by example in some key areas, then the pressure on the states to meet those examples would increase. As things stand today, state governors and LG chairmen take their cue from federal attitudes to the rule of law. This is a big part (although by no means the only reason) why we are where we are today.

I do not agree with you on your last paragraph. The Federal Government indeed led by example and still leading by example. This they do by ensuring strict independence and non interference in the activities of autonomous agencies. Also so, they ensured that at all times, the spirit of true federalism, is respected and State Governments have their freedom.

If you can recall, the opposite was the hallmark of President Obasanjo's administration where State Governors were compelled to do what ordinarily they wouldn't do simply because the Federal Government shares the cake.

nku5:
Who will ask Obasanjo to shut up?

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/01/will-ask-obasanjo-shut/
on January 18, 2015   /   in Viewpoint 12:13 am   /   Comments

Tweet
By Shehu Dikko

I promised to shut up and take a long break but since I had asked Obasanjo to disappear and he won’t, I thought I should dart in with some justification as to why he really ought to be told to shut up and disappear, and, for me, personally, also to say to him: you can’t fool me. It is a slightly revised version of a comment I offered in another discussion. It should explain itself.

Thanks for sharing Dan Agbese’s 2000 article about Haroun Adamu’s probe of the Petroleum Trust Fund. It seems that people are digging.

Buhari didn’t run the PTF. He left it to somebody who allegedly came from his circle of friends and family, and went to sleep. It was alleged to have been run just like any old inept Nigerian government venture. No difference whatsoever. Its officials allegedly took bribes, awarded overinflated contracts and the like. As a result, one of the men on the board of the PTF, the late Group Captain Usman Jibrin, who would have none of it, decided to resign. Buhari stayed put.

I also see you paying attention to Obasanjo’s self-serving talk. Not many are seeing the self-serving disposition right now but it is to the credit of Jonathan that he has actually grown the balls to refuse to continue to take dictation from him. If truth be told, it is easier to point to where Jonathan has spent money in his four+ years than it is to show what Obasanjo did in his first term.

Let us be concrete. Obasanjo faced turbulence, Sharia riots, Odi. Obasanjo failed to punish the perpetrators of the Sharia riots, that served to embolden others including the Haramites; he was high-handed in dealing with Odi, that served to further militarise.

Jonathan has had to deal with the consequences of Obasanjo’s failures in addition to the BH which is now a problem with a serious destabilizing foreign dimension. This has provided a very tough environment for government.

Worse still owing to the circumstances in which he came into office and the sense of betrayal felt by the many northerners who consider their turn to rule as having been hijacked, as well as his failure to properly reach out to the disgruntled, he has been unable to win the confidence and support of influential sections of the North.

This failure is what I foresaw in 2011, and warned that it could lead to division. That North is also suffering from another problem which is a direct consequence of the Babangida privatisation programme which was accelerated and completed by Obasanjo.

I have a problem with the privatisation of vital social services but that is irrelevant here. Recall the old days. There was a time when people looked forward to Board appointments, First Bank, NITEL and the whole battery of other huge government owned enterprises.

Membership of those boards afforded people the opportunity to use their influence to serve the interests of their immediate communities, and because of the Federal Character principle, this patronage was widely spread but always what were seen to be the choicest positions were invariably occupied by northerners.

Federal Character also ensured that there was a spread of offices of those companies occupied by local employees thoughout the country. That disappeared completely under Obasanjo. The persons who bought the privatised companies were mainly persons from outside the North, ditto those who stepped up to fill the vacuum created by the disappearance of NITEL who have only been driven by market considerations which cannot overlook employee competence.

It’s not been noticed by many but the handful of companies bought by northerners, like Nigerian Ropes and Steyr, have floundered or have been comatose since they acquired them. For a North used to widescale patronage, it has been hard to deal with new realities, which is why so many there are intent on doing whatever they can to ensure a return to the old comfort.

One new reality from which there is no escaping is that Jonathan has actually shown a commitment to making and fulfilling promises which is why he has been running for re-election on his record, something which Obasanjo did not do in 2003.Obasanjo could not have done so. He built a stadium in Abuja, and its Games Village. That’s it.

He channeled a lot of money to power generation. The rest of the time, Obasanjo was away from his desk on extended visits abroad. He left Atiku to run the government. Obasanjo and Atiku were later to build their own private schools and universities.

By contrast, Jonathan has built new government schools and universities; built a major new railway line, Kaduna-Abuja, for the first time in a hundred years; built a road between Abuja and Lokoja that is the finest in the country; is building a metro line in Abuja; empowerd Innoson Motors of Nnewi to manufacture transport buses that are visible on our highways. All these are things he committed to doing in the aftermath of the oil subsidy saga, and he has managed to do them despite the major challenge of BH.

I have not dismissed the view that aspects of the complex BH problem are the work of persons working to return to that which they had grown accustomed. But what’s your general take on the election campaign so far? I honestly fear it may all end up being of only “academic interest.”The stakes are very very high. There are operators with ugly records who will stop at nothing. There is trouble on the horizon. I have sent out warnings. I hope they are heeded.

*Dikko lives in Abuja.

It is arrant nonsense to make narratives on the instances of what would have divided Nigeria since 2011. Nigeria has remained divided since the independence and more so since the Nigeria/Biafra civil war. Sometimes most Nigerians narrate issues as if every Nigerian is a pighole.

kaboninc:


I do not agree with you on your last paragraph. The Federal Government indeed led by example and still leading by example. This they do by ensuring strict independence and non interference in the activities of autonomous agencies. Also so, they ensured that at all times, the spirit of true federalism, is respected and State Governments have their freedom.

If you can recall, the opposite was the hallmark of President Obasanjo's administration where State Governors were compelled to do what ordinarily they wouldn't do simply because the Federal Government shares the cake.

^^^
My reference to the federal government leading by example had to do with how it tackles official corruption at the federal level. That is the burning issue for me as a voter. By all accounts the GEJ administration has performed well below par in this regard.

VolvoS60:

^^^
My reference to the federal government leading by example had to do with how it tackles official corruption at the federal level. That is the burning issue for me as a voter. By all accounts the GEJ administration has performed well below par in this regard.

As much as it is certain that I will be pressing my thumb for Mr Jonathan, I must commend your most matured way you have presented your points, and I do very much respect them.



This is far from the bulld-olzing insu-lting and cr-ass and vi-le ways some folks here have tried to talk us into not voting the PDP, which I must say have further driven some of us to come rain or sun stay under the umbrella.



If only they could have just a tiny touch of your maturity, may be just may be some of us would see reason to look the other way, but hey wat can a needle in a haystack do?



As Anonimi, has rightly said, it is the better of the two, that we should focus on, Nigeria is still a long way from a first world country, but Mr Jonathan's complete gentleman's attitude and clear democratic nature is a step towards that direction.



The above way of debate has taken me back to the NL of 2006, 2007.

Remain blessed.

df2006:


As much as it is certain that I will be pressing my thumb for Mr Jonathan, I must commend your most matured way you have presented your points, and I do very much respect them.

This is far from the bulld-olzing insu-lting and cr-ass and vi-le ways some folks here have tried to talk us into not voting the PDP, which I must say have further driven some of us to come rain or sun stay under the umbrella.

If only they could have just a tiny touch of your maturity, may be just may be some of us would see reason to look the other way, but hey wat can a needle in a haystack do?

As Anonimi, has rightly said, it is the better of the two, that we should focus on, Nigeria is still a long way from a first world country, but Mr Jonathan's complete gentleman's attitude and clear democratic nature is a step towards that direction.

The above way of debate has taken me back to the NL of 2006, 2007.

Remain blessed.

^^^^
The goodwill is reciprocated. I can see you joined the house in 2008, even earlier than I did. Those days were indeed better. We must try to bring them back.

I try (not very easy to do in practice) to keep any debate as civil as possible. It is perhaps the only way to avoid alienating people who one would wish to have on one's side.

The possible reasons for the deep anger that some anti-PDP/anti-GEJ posters exhibit may be personal. I can imagine that some people who lost relatives and friends in the 2013?/2014? immigration recruitment disaster would not be in the mood for any kind of civil debate. I can imagine that those who have lost family and friends in the North east will also not be very receptive to the idea of a debate with an emphasis on courtesy. It is human nature. We really don't know what people's stories are.

I personally think it is a pity that you have decided to go with GEJ and the PDP. I have spent way too much time today typing away in anger on way too many issues. Electricity supply? The PwC report? The fuel subsidy matter? Public asset declaration by public officers? The immigration issues mentioned above? The awful intelligence failures with Boko Haram - failures that had absolutely no consequences for the service chiefs? The shockingly inept attempt to prosecute the alleged Nyanya bomber - an attempt sabotaged by wrangling between the NPF and the DSS? What next?

These are very serious failures that I cannot in good conscience overlook. I have only one vote and I know a lot of Nigeria's problems pre-date GEJ and the PDP but it is clear that these problems cannot and will not be fixed by the man and his party.

If Nigerians vote out GEJ, are there any guarantees that the new man (or woman) will be a better option? No. But it is a chance I am willing to take.

I wish you well.

VolvoS60:



^^^
My reference to the federal government leading by example had to do with how it tackles official corruption at the federal level. That is the burning issue for me as a voter. By all accounts the GEJ administration has performed well below par in this regard.

Maybe you can enlighten me and in extension, us here on how you think corruption should be handled and tackled. Then also tell us what GEJ is currently doing about his since you said his performance is well below par.

Lastly using yours and his, tell us with strong reasoning why you feel not much has been done. I think its time we engage in robust debates.

VolvoS60:


^^^^
The goodwill is reciprocated. I can see you joined the house in 2008, even earlier than I did. Those days were indeed better. We must try to bring them back.

I try (not very easy to do in practice) to keep any debate as civil as possible. It is perhaps the only way to avoid alienating people who one would wish to have on one's side.

The possible reasons for the deep anger that some anti-PDP/anti-GEJ posters exhibit may be personal. I can imagine that some people who lost relatives and friends in the 2013?/2014? immigration recruitment disaster would not be in the mood for any kind of civil debate. I can imagine that those who have lost family and friends in the North east will also not be very receptive to the idea of a debate with an emphasis on courtesy. It is human nature. We really don't know what people's stories are.

I personally think it is a pity that you have decided to go with GEJ and the PDP. I have spent way too much time today typing away in anger on way too many issues. Electricity supply? The PwC report? The fuel subsidy matter? Public asset declaration by public officers? The immigration issues mentioned above? The awful intelligence failures with Boko Haram - failures that had absolutely no consequences for the service chiefs? The shockingly inept attempt to prosecute the alleged Nyanya bomber - an attempt sabotaged by wrangling between the NPF and the DSS? What next?

These are very serious failures that I cannot in good conscience overlook. I have only one vote and I know a lot of Nigeria's problems pre-date GEJ and the PDP but these problems will not be fixed by the man and his party.

If Nigerians vote out GEJ, are there any guarantees that the new man (or woman) will be a better option? No. But it is a chance I am willing to take.

I wish you well.

You already have a candidate in mind you would be supporting and so you choose to look at the 'ills' of your opponent just to convince yourself that you're indeed making the right decision! Well, that human for us!

But I still stand to be corrected that you indeed have a wrong perception of GEJ and no doubt that perception has been the hallmark of the opposition. I support the candidacy of GEJ. Why? Because I've seen his works. I've seen what he has done. I'm seeing what he is doing. Am seeing the effect of his actions. Everyone has one weakness or the other and so he's no exception. But he's outstanding in the sense that he knows and converts these weaknesses to strengths. That's why I support him with my WHOLE heart! He's someone who knows what we want and goes ahead to make it work.

Now I do not like the opposition. Why? Simple, they claim to be saints but in their backyards, they are the true opposite of a saint. I can give you examples.

@ Volvo S60


The last thing I would do is to try to absolve Dr Jonathan from all you have stated above.


But looking at the issues keenly and Objectively, I would say Nigerians have seen worse.


I am not a good writer so pls bear with me.


I would remind you that a C in C came out publicly to shout at a bereaved people that he wasn't suppose to be there consoling them, this was after a totally under maintained ammo dump went up in loud bangs maiming a large no of people and sending countless others into a swampy watery grave.


The current Ex C in C campaigning for office now, came out to not only tell us that we were indis-cipline, but said we were use-less, the same man wearing some funny attire, now smiling, begging for my vote.

This people did not, and never had any need for us until one man Jonathan came and made the electoral process more transparent and credible.

This alone is enough to ink my thumb for him.


Like the main article stated, Nigeria is a country of patronage, right from the elite to the dirt poor, and I am afraid it will remain so

Hence the do or die fight for elective posts,

Things that should normally happen in civilised society like sending corrupt people to jail, seldom happen here, this patronage system creates untouchables.

it is thru patronage that Nigeria still remains as one

And like the writer rightly said this means of patronage are slowly being dismantled, and privatised, which is causing the very much div-isive atmosphere now.

Our Combustible nation has made some of our leaders not be able to do the clearly right thing,
Because of our peculiar creation as a Nation.

When people say this is how it is done in the west, why can't we do same, I laugh, because we were not created like the west.

Rather than being confronting, Goodluck has been using institutions, technology, and systems to tackle patronage.

He has single handedly cause the most change howbeit, lackadaisically giving our peculiar nature without the country going up in smoke yet.

(Bh is also the result of the dearth of patronage.)

And for this reason almost every person who has benefited from that patronage is clearly on the other divide and against him, today shouting Change.

Cheers.

kaboninc:


Maybe you can enlighten me and in extension, us here on how you think corruption should be handled and tackled. Then also tell us what GEJ is currently doing about his since you said his performance is well below par.

Lastly using yours and his, tell us with strong reasoning why you feel not much has been done. I think its time we engage in robust debates.

^^^^
Nigerian laws have explicit prescriptions on how to deal with official corruption. Or stealing. Or whatever it is you want to call it. These laws have been in place for a long time. We shouldn't even be having this debate at all.

The Jonathan administration knows exactly what to do about corruption. But for its own reasons it has refused to do it. And it must, as a result, bear the consequences of its sin.

It is extremely cynical and wicked for GEJ supporters to lecture Nigerians about how the administration is 'erecting frameworks' and 'building institutions' to eliminate corruption, while the administration does absolutely nothing to prosecute and punish those guilty of it. We might as well abolish the penal code and replace it with 'institution building' and 'framework creation'. It is hypocrisy of this kind that corrupts the moral fibre of a people and corrodes our value system from within.

In my other post I mentioned all the scandals associated with the GEJ administration - each one more egregious than the preceding one. The latest example of this is the PwC Report which the administration has so far refused to make public. Remember the KPMG Report? The Oronsaye Report? The Ribadu Report? Where are the successful prosecutions and convictions?

The sad truth is that the GEJ administration is just a newer version of its predecessors - the Obasanjo and Yaradua administrations. The same old story of drift, graft, larceny and crony capitalism. The PDP should be thoroughly ashamed that after 16 years and billions of dollars purportedly spent on equipment, Nigerians still do not have electricity. All we have are excuses, by the bucketload. The PDP administration should be ashamed that last year, the GAVI vaccine alliance issued a damning indictment of our public health officials responsible for the administration of vaccines to vulnerable Nigerians. I could go on and on.

I am tired of listening to excuses for failure. We shall meet at the polling booth in March, God willing.

df2006:
@ Volvo S60


The last thing I would do is to try to absolve Dr Jonathan from all you have stated above.


But looking at the issues keenly and Objectively, I would say Nigerians have seen worse.


I am not a good writer so pls bear with me.


I would remind you that a C in C came out publicly to shout at a bereaved people that he wasn't suppose to be there consoling them, this was after a totally under maintained ammo dump went up in loud bangs maiming a large no of people and sending countless others into a swampy watery grave.


The current Ex C in C campaigning for office now, came out to not only tell us that we were indis-cipline, but said we were use-less, the same man wearing some funny attire, now smiling, begging for my vote.

This people did not, and never had any need for us until one man Jonathan came and made the electoral process more transparent and credible.

This alone is enough to ink my thumb for him.


Like the main article stated, Nigeria is a country of patronage, right from the elite to the dirt poor, and I am afraid it will remain so

Hence the do or die fight for elective posts,

Things that should normally happen in civilised society like sending corrupt people to jail, seldom happen here, this patronage system creates untouchables.

it is thru patronage that Nigeria still remains as one

And like the writer rightly said this means of patronage are slowly being dismantled, and privatised, which is causing the very much div-isive atmosphere now.

Our Combustible nation has made some of our leaders not be able to do the clearly right thing,
Because of our peculiar creation as a Nation.

When people say this is how it is done in the west, why can't we do same, I laugh, because we were not created like the west.

Rather than being confronting, Goodluck has been using institutions, technology, and systems to tackle patronage.

He has single handedly cause the most change howbeit, lackadaisically giving our peculiar nature without the country going up in smoke yet.

(Bh is also the result of the dearth of patronage.)

And for this reason almost every person who has benefited from that patronage is clearly on the other divide and against him, today shouting Change.

Cheers.

^^^
I am at a loss as to why people often compare OBJ and GEJ and then proclaim GEJ the better of the two. As far as I am concerned, both the OBJ and GEJ administrations are offshoots of the same PDP tree and their fruit doesn't fall far.

I would be the last person on earth to hold the Obasanjo administration up as some shining beacon of light. I was alive and well when that administration authorized the illegal sale of public property (official residences, no less!!) to high ranking members of the executive and the legislature. I was alive and well when OBJ himself illegally interfered with the BPE in its attempts to conduct a transparent privatization of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex. I was alive and well when OBJ refused to appoint a substantive minister of petroleum for years and assumed direct responsibility for the affairs of that ministry. I was alive and well when OBJ was indicted by Yaradua himself on account of billion dollar expenditures on power generation with absolutely nothing to show for it.

It is interesting that you hinge your support for GEJ on account of what you term a credible and transparent election process in 2011. I reserve my comments until after next month's elections. If there is one thing I agree with you on wholeheartedly, it is your incisive comments on patronage and its role in retarding this country's progress. Where we part ways however, is your characterization of GEJ as some long awaited champion reformer, tackling patronage in his own measured, yet determined way. I put it to you sir, that this characterization is incorrect. GEJ is simply replacing the old patronage systems with new ones. Same difference, as they say. And in the end, this insidious plan to serve old wine in new skins will fail. The contradictions in the Nigerian system which you have highlighted in your post will make it nigh impossible for GEJ to sidestep the old patronage networks and erect his own without a major shock to the system.

Time will tell.

u sound too intelligent to vote buhari but let me continue sipping tea

VolvoS60:


^^^
You talk as if nobody else knows how other parts of the world work.

In Western Europe and North America (among other parts of the world) key government reports and white papers are in the public domain. They are just a mouse click away. As I type, I have a pdf copy of the US president's asset declaration in 2012. And I am not a US citizen! I have a copy of the US government report on the 2008 financial crisis. I even have reports of US congressional investigations and US federal government white papers from the 1950s!

As far as your comment about Lagos state - i have answered you as clearly as possible so you know where I stand. Instead of you to fight for the removal of underperforming, opaque governments in both Lagos state and at the federal level, you chose to back a horse in the race.

As I said, we will all meet at the polls.

A prayer for Buhari supporters
They told us we are leaders of tomorrow and here we are today, they are still dragging the tomorrow with us. So Buhari supporters
May you clock 73 before you actualize your dreams. You don't need to say Amen, it has been sealed already.

VolvoS60:


^^^^
I am proud to say that I have been a virulent critic of the OBJ administration from day 1. My posting history proves this.

Nothing would give me greater joy than to see both Messrs OBJ and GEJ in the dock answering hard questions from the people of this Republic. I haven't mentioned Mr. Yaradua, (the third member of the triad) only because he is deceased and thus cannot answer any questions.

I understand Mr. OBJ has hatchet men on here who try to whitewash the sepulchre that was his administration. You can rest assured that I am not one of such men.

You say the essence of the article is to establish OBJ's culpability in GEJ's current travails. That may well be true. But those of us ordinary Nigerians on the receiving end of both men's failed governments reserve the right to hold them responsible and denounce them all for their failure. At all times and in whichever medium is available. Including our responses to articles written by Mr. Dikko and any other Nigerian.

The last sentence in your post is deeply troubling. It weakens the resolve of battered, demoralized Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable. You have made an unnecessary distinction between the OBJ administration's mindblowing corruption and that of the GEJ administration. Whose interests will such a distinction serve? As I write this, the GEJ administration is yet to make public the PwC report for Nigerians to see. Make of that what you will.

In the end, we all bleed red.

I respect your opinion but I disagree with your submission.

My last paragraph should not weaken any critic of GEJ, I believe its necessary to draw a line. I am highlighting the failure that is Obj and asking for a crystal clear exposition of any scandal or case of theft in this administration an how they measure up to the cankerworm and beastly glory of Obj. Is that too much to ask? Regarding the PWC report I am sure an opposition that has no problem obtaining top secret letters between the CBN governor and the C in C should have no wahala using the FOI bill to get a copy if it will be of political value to them.

GEJ bashing is a national sport but let's extricate emotion from our analysis.

VolvoS60:


^^^^
Nigerian laws have explicit prescriptions on how to deal with official corruption. Or stealing. Or whatever it is you want to call it. These laws have been in place for a long time. We shouldn't even be having this debate at all.

The Jonathan administration knows exactly what to do about corruption. But for its own reasons it has refused to do it. And it must, as a result bear the consequences of its sin.

It is extremely cynical and wicked for GEJ supporters to lecture Nigerians about how the administration is 'erecting frameworks' and 'building institutions' to eliminate corruption, while the administration does absolutely nothing to prosecute and punish those guilty of it. We might as well abolish the penal code and replace it with 'institution building' and 'framework creation'. It is hypocrisy of this kind that corrupts the moral fibre of a people and corrodes our value system from within.

In my other post I mentioned all the scandals associated with the GEJ administration - each one more egregious than the preceding one. The latest example of this is the PwC Report which the administration has so far refused to make public. Remember the KPMG Report? The Oronsaye Report? The Ribadu Report? Where are the successful prosecutions and convictions?

The sad truth is that the GEJ administration is just a newer version of its predecessors - the Obasanjo and Yaradua administrations. The same old story of drift, graft, larceny and crony capitalism. The PDP should be thoroughly ashamed that after 16 years and billions of dollars purportedly spent on equipment, Nigerians still do not have electricity. All we have are excuses, by the bucketload. The PDP administration should be ashamed that last year, the GAVI vaccine alliance issued a damning indictment of our public health officials responsible for the administration of vaccines to vulnerable Nigerians. I could go on and on.

I am tired of listening to excuses for failure. We shall meet at the polling booth in March, God willing.

From your posts, its obvious your mind is made up. That's your choice bro.

However I REPEAT, you haven't answered my question. Rather you've been beating about the bush. I do not want to take you up on your 'reports' because indeed you're not current. If you are, you wouldn't be mentioning the Orosanye's Report.

You talked about the PwC report 'indicting' this government. And still said the report has not been made public. Are you not contradicting yourself? Then how come you know the report 'indicted' the government when the same report has not been published?

You are not for GEJ so don't pretend to have an unbiased stand. You know where you stand and we know too. In the mean time, ask yourself why the Lekki Epe expressway which is not even up to Epe, a road that's less than 12km has 2 toll gates; for a road that's WITHIN a Local Government. Maybe you should also ask yourself on how in today's Lagos, 21st century, TOUTS have become TAX COLLECTORS?

Or you can travel to Rivers State and asked how come a road, Chief G. U. Ake road has been constructed 3 times by two different administrations and commissioned thrice by the same person, Obasanjo.

kaboninc:


From your posts, its obvious your mind is made up. That's your choice bro.

However I REPEAT, you haven't answered my question. Rather you've been beating about the bush. I do not want to take you up on your 'reports' because indeed you're not current. If you are, you wouldn't be mentioning the Orosanye's Report.

You talked about the PwC report 'indicting' this government. And still said the report has not been made public. Are you not contradicting yourself? Then how come you know the report 'indicted' the government when the same report has not been published?

You are not for GEJ so don't pretend to have an unbiased stand. You know where you stand and we know too. In the mean time, ask yourself why the Lekki Epe expressway which is not even up to Epe, a road that's less than 12km has 2 toll gates; for a road that's WITHIN a Local Government. Maybe you should also ask yourself on how in today's Lagos, 21st century, TOUTS have become TAX COLLECTORS?

Or you can travel to Rivers State and asked how come a road, Chief G. U. Ake road has been constructed 3 times by two different administrations and commissioned thrice by the same person, Obasanjo.

^^^
You are damn right I have made my mind up. I take my politics very seriously. My vote is very important to me.

I have fully answered your questions. I don't have time to beat about the bush.

You asked how corruption should be handled and tackled. I answered you. For the avoidance of doubt I will repeat it - you investigate, prosecute and convict. Institution and framework building is equally important but any anti-corruption drive that does not punish offenders is a waste of time. Where is the deterrent?

You asked what GEJ is doing about corruption and my answer was quite simple: nothing. The examples abound. The fuel subsidy saga. The Pension saga. The GAVI vaccine alliance saga. The Immigration recruitment saga. (to this day, those applicants have not been given back their money. And Abba Moro is still a federal minister). I could go on and on. I repeat, how many successful prosecutions and convictions? The answer is blowing in the wind.

You said I should tell you with 'strong reasoning' why I 'feel' GEJ has not done much about corruption. Sir, my feelings have absolutely nothing to do with it. I have made several posts on this thread (and others) and listed several examples of how the GEJ administration has failed to live up to its responsibilities to protect and preserve Nigeria's commonwealth. What more is there to add?

You claim i am not current about the reports I listed because I mentioned the Oronsaye Report. I ask you Sir, what is the status of implementation for such a critical report that was submitted such a long time ago? Nigeria's federal recurrent expenditure routinely crowds out capital expenditure year after year. The recommendations of that Report aim to correct this anomaly. Nigerians deserve to know the extent of its implementation. What do you have to say about that?

You claim I said the PwC Report indicted the government. I said no such thing. Go back and read my comments again. They are clear and unambiguous. And I stand by them.

You concluded your post by going off on a rant about the Lagos and Rivers state governments and OBJ. On this very thread, I have stated my views about the Lagos state government and OBJ and so there is no need to repeat them. (I can't say much about Rivers State because I am not familiar with it). It is unfortunate that you have started exhibiting the very behaviour you condemned in your very first post here. . According to you I am biased because I do not support GEJ?

Sir, I just want this country to work properly. I do not have time to make excuses for failure. I have answered all your questions and will answer any more you wish to throw at me.

We will meet at the polling booth next month, God willing.

nku5:


I respect your opinion but I disagree with your submission.

My last paragraph should not weaken any critic of GEJ, I believe its necessary to draw a line. I am highlighting the failure that is Obj and asking for a crystal clear exposition of any scandal or case of theft in this administration an how they measure up to the cankerworm and beastly glory of Obj. Is that too much to ask? Regarding the PWC report I am sure an opposition that has no problem obtaining top secret letters between the CBN governor and the C in C should have no wahala using the FOI bill to get a copy if it will be of political value to them.

GEJ bashing is a national sport but let's extricate emotion from our analysis.

^^^^
Sir,
I have said the same thing over and over again on this thread. I have listed example after example of fraud, scandal, corruption and larceny perpetrated at the highest level of government without (so far) any consequences for those involved. These things are well known to Nigerians. We are aware of the Pension saga. The GAVI alliance saga. The fuel subsidy saga. The immigration recruitment saga. Where are the prosecutions and convictions?

You have once again referred to OBJ. I have made my views on his administration very clear on this thread. Those views remain unchanged.

You have betrayed your partisan political leaning with your comments about opposition parties sourcing the PwC report via the FOI to serve narrow political ends . For me, this matter has nothing to do with partisan politics. This matter has to with my demanding accountability from any government that claims it exists to serve the interests of Nigerian voters. Instead of supporting transparency in government at all levels, you have framed this audit as the fallout of base politicking between the government and opposition parties. . If you have this mindset, there isn't much I can say at this point.

Your last comment struck a chord. GEJ bashing isn't a sport - at least not for me. It has been repeated countless times that GEJ had a groundswell of popular support in 2011 because of the circumstances surrounding (and events preceding) his rise to power. This isn't just hyperbole. It is true and this makes GEJ's very serious failings all the more frustrating to watch. I have said on this board before: GEJ was a rank outsider in Nigeria's power calculus. He does not belong to Nigeria's traditional power blocs. He is not a member of Nigeria's traditional business or political elite. He does not belong to the cult of ex-army generals. He is from a minority ethnic group in a deprived and long overlooked region where paradoxically, over 95% of Nigeria's foreign exchange is earned. In theory, GEJ's tenure should have been the perfect opportunity to strike a blow for the unheard and unseen of the Nigerian project. Instead, it has been one story after another of drift, inaction, graft, indecision and overall, an extremely frustrating narrative of opportunities lost.

The predators, hawks and opportunists were keenly watching from the sidelines and sadly, the evidence supports them when they point to the GEJ administration and declare it unsuitable and unfit for high office. That is the real tragedy here.

kaboninc:


I do not agree with you on your last paragraph. The Federal Government indeed led by example and still leading by example. This they do by ensuring strict independence and non interference in the activities of autonomous agencies. Also so, they ensured that at all times, the spirit of true federalism, is respected and State Governments have their freedom.

If you can recall, the opposite was the hallmark of President Obasanjo's administration where State Governors were compelled to do what ordinarily they wouldn't do simply because the Federal Government shares the cake.

Thanks for putting this so well.

The earlier WE hold our 36 state governors and 774 LGA chairmen accountable to us rather than wait for the federal government to make them accountable, the better for us all.

anonimi:


Thanks for putting this so well.

The earlier WE hold our 36 state governors and 774 LGA chairmen accountable to us rather than wait for the federal government to make them accountable, the better for us all.

Shikena! The states are getting away with total incompetence while we are blaming a president because its more convenient than walking into your local govt council office to demand performance

VolvoS60:


^^^
You are damn right I have made my mind up. I take my politics very seriously. My vote is very important to me.

I have fully answered your questions. I don't have time to beat about the bush.

You asked how corruption should be handled and tackled. I answered you. For the avoidance of doubt I will repeat it - you investigate, prosecute and convict. Institution and framework building is equally important but any anti-corruption drive that does not punish offenders is a waste of time. Where is the deterrent?

You asked what GEJ is doing about corruption and my answer was quite simple: nothing. The examples abound. The fuel subsidy saga. The Pension saga. The GAVI vaccine alliance saga. The Immigration recruitment saga. (to this day, those applicants have not been given back their money. And Abba Moro is still a federal minister). I could go on and on. I repeat, how many successful prosecutions and convictions? The answer is blowing in the wind.

You said I should tell you with 'strong reasoning' why I 'feel' GEJ has not done much about corruption. Sir, my feelings have absolutely nothing to do with it. I have made several posts on this thread (and others) and listed several examples of how the GEJ administration has failed to live up to its responsibilities to protect and preserve Nigeria's commonwealth. What more is there to add?

You claim I said the PwC Report indicted the government. I said no such thing. Go back and read my comments again. They are clear and unambiguous. And I stand by them.

You concluded your post by going off on a rant about the Lagos and Rivers state governments and OBJ. On this very thread, I have stated my views about the Lagos state government and OBJ and so there is no need to repeat them. (I can't say much about Rivers State because I am not familiar with it). It is unfortunate that you have started exhibiting the very behaviour you condemned in your very first post here. . According to you I am biased because I do not support GEJ?

Sir, I just want this country to work properly. I do not have time to make excuses for failure. I have answered all your questions and will answer any more you wish to throw at me.

We will meet at the polling booth next month, God willing.

At the first bold part, here's something you would need to digest:

She urged youths in the country to ask the relevant questions that would help tackle corruption in the country.
She said: “This is so important now because of technology and I am a total fan of the use of technology and electronic platforms to block the leakages in this country.

“We must use them the way they are being used in other countries.“
Okonjo-Iweala said that the introduction of the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMS) had helped to reduce physical movement of cash to make payments and curb corruption.

She said that the Integrated Personnel Payment System [/b]had also helped government to remove ghost workers from the system and save money in the process.

She said, “We have been able to weed out about 62,893 ghost workers till date saving N208.7 billion and we have not finished in the system. That is addressing the root cause.“

[b]The minister said that the names of the persons found to be involved in the act had been sent to the ICPC for further action.
OKonjo-Iweala said that through the electronic wallet system introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture, government had been able to reduce corruption in fertilizer distribution in the country.

According to her, 10.5 million farmers have been registered under the system with more than 6 million being able to access the product personally.

This, she said, had contributed to increased food production.
The minister said that with the creation of the Pension Transmission Administration Department [/b]as demanded by law, issues with old pension were being handled systematically
[b]She said that 14 people were presently under trial for various pension scams in the country.

Commenting on the outcome of the forensic Audit on the alleged 20 billion dollars missing oil money, she said the ministry had written to the NNPC asking it to remit the amount as directed by the auditors. (NAN)

Source: https://www.nairaland.com/2153758/lack-capacity-prevent-corruption-nigeria

This quote was from the Minister and I believe to a large extent it has answered your questions on CORRUPTION.

However, I need to point out something here. When dealing with a problem that is cancerous in nature like corruption, you fight it with the intention of preventing future occurrence. This brings us back to the issue of getting to the root cause of a problem and fighting it from that level. That has been the focus of this administration. Note that your 'strategy' is a generic one as every Tom, Dick and Harry will say the same thing: you investigate, prosecute and convict.

Leaving out the question of 'how do you prevent future occurrence'!

I schooled in a university where the HOD of a particular department at one time said he knows the actual number of staff in that department and still tell you the number of staff receiving salaries and that number is more than the actual number of staff employed in that department. Obviously there are ghost workers. So question is how do you solve such a problem? For me if a system can be developed to capture the actual number of employee, that will be my first action. Secondly is to identify and prosecute those who aid this fraud by investigation.

But then, you would need to do a thorough investigation so you will have strong, quality and credible facts to back you. That should be your focus. That is the focus of this Government.

Note that you have never accepted the stride this government has made in battling the syndrome of GHOST WORKERS!

You claim i am not current about the reports I listed because I mentioned the Oronsaye Report. I ask you Sir, what is the status of implementation for such a critical report that was submitted such a long time ago? Nigeria's federal recurrent expenditure routinely crowds out capital expenditure year after year. The recommendations of that Report aim to correct this anomaly. Nigerians deserve to know the extent of its implementation. What do you have to say about that?

This is what I have to say about that:

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/lead-story/197840-anxiety-as-govt-implements-oronsonye-panel-s-report

Read and digest.

Its one thing to say this government is not doing enough but its another thing to support a change that appears to be worse off. No matter how you try to paint your stand against the Lagos State Government, you indirectly support them. Read your own comments. Since you cannot comment on Rivers State, why don't you find out since your vote is most likely going to them.

Lastly, you indeed are not informed of government's progress. If you say you can get 'reports' from faraway US with the click of a button and you can't find any about our government, then you do yourself a great disservice. These reports actually exist. The day you begin to be truly unbiased, that day your opinions will become objective.

Yes, we'll meet at the polls.