What do you think of when you hear the name Colonel Gaddafi? Tyrant? Dictator? Terrorist? Well, a national citizen of Libya may disagree but we want you to decide.
For 41 years until his demise in October 2011, Muammar Gaddafi did some truly amazing things for his country and repeatedly tried to unite and empower the whole of Africa.
So despite what you’ve heard on the radio, seen in the media or on the TV, Gaddafi did some powerful things that are not characteristic of a “vicious dictator” as portrayed by the western media.
Here are ten things Gaddafi did for Libya that you may not know about…
1. In Libya a home is considered a natural human right
In Gaddafi’s Green Book it states: ”The house is a basic need of both the individual and the family, therefore it should not be owned by others”. Gaddafi’s Green Book is the formal leader’s political philosophy, it was first published in 1975 and was intended reading for all Libyans even being included in the national curriculum.
2. Education and medical treatment were all free
Under Gaddafi, Libya could boast one of the best healthcare services in the Middle East and Africa. Also if a Libyan citizen could not access the desired educational course or correct medical treatment in Libya they were funded to go abroad.
3. Gaddafi carried out the world’s largest irrigation project
The largest irrigation system in the world also known as the great manmade river was designed to make water readily available to all Libyan’s across the entire country. It was funded by the Gaddafi government and it said that Gaddafi himself called it ”the eighth wonder of the world”.
4. It was free to start a farming business
If any Libyan wanted to start a farm they were given a house, farm land and live stock and seeds all free of charge.
5. A bursary was given to mothers with newborn babies
When a Libyan woman gave birth she was given 5000 (US dollars) for herself and the child.
6. Electricity was free
Electricity was free in Libya meaning absolutely no electric bills!
7. Cheap petrol
During Gaddafi’s reign the price of petrol in Libya was as low as 0.14 (US dollars) per litre.
8. Gaddafi raised the level of education
Before Gaddafi only 25% of Libyans were literate. This figure was brought up to 87% with 25% earning university degrees.
9. Libya had It’s own state bank
Libya had its own State bank, which provided loans to citizens at zero percent interest by law and they had no external debt.
10. The gold dinar
Before the fall of Tripoli and his untimely demise, Gaddafi was trying to introduce a single African currency linked to gold. Following in the foot steps of the late great pioneer Marcus Garvey who first coined the term ”United States of Africa”. Gaddafi wanted to introduce and only trade in the African gold Dinar – a move which would have thrown the world economy into chaos.
The Dinar was widely opposed by the ‘elite’ of today’s society and who could blame them. African nations would have finally had the power to bring itself out of debt and poverty and only trade in this precious commodity. They would have been able to finally say ‘no’ to external exploitation and charge whatever they felt suitable for precious resources. It has been said that the gold Dinar was the real reason for the NATO led rebellion, in a bid to oust the outspoken leader.
So, was Muammar Gaddafi a Terrorist?
Few can answer this question fairly, but if anyone can, it’s a Libyan citizen who has lived under his reign? Whatever the case, it seems rather apparent that he did some positive things for his country despite the infamous notoriety surrounding his name. And that’s something you should try to remember when judging in future.

If all these are true...

ok

U re right he his reign was productive bt he shud hav taken a bow wen d pple said 42yrs was enuff, dat was were he failed.

Libya, and indeed Africa has lost a great leader in Gaddafi and Libya's present generation and many to come will forever regret their action on that man.

Under Gaddafi, Libyans were practically living in "paradise on earth" and you hardly saw them traveling to other countries in search of "greener pasture".

After murdering him and plunging their country in chaos, many Libyans now die in the Mediterranean Sea in an attemp to migrate illegally to Europe.

When one looks back and realize what they've made of their country and life, you just have to pity them and HATE the Western countries especially America, UK, Germany and France who supported and prosecuted the violent uprising that resulted in the catastrophic situation that country is presently in.

If all these were true, then why did Libyans fight for him to leave?

Tomorrow someone will come out and say under President XYZ of Nigeria who was voted out, education, healthcare, business loans, housing etc were free and available to all Nigerians.

I guess we have different opinions on this one, but, I de hail bro. I was informed many Libyans were unemployed, especially outside Tripoli and Benghazi

PassingShot:
Libya, and indeed Africa has lost a great leader in Gaddafi and Libya's present generation and many to come will forever regret their action on that man.

Under Gaddafi, Libyans were practically living in "paradise on earth" and you hardly saw them traveling to other countries in search of "greener pasture".

After murdering him and plunging their country in chaos, many Libyans now die in the Mediterranean Sea in an attemp to migrate illegally to Europe.

When one looks back and realize what they've made of their country and life, you just have to pity them and HATE the Western countries especially America, UK, Germany and France who supported and prosecuted the violent uprising that resulted in the catastrophic situation that country is presently in.

socialmediaman:
I guess we have different opinions on this one, but, I de hail bro. I was informed many Libyans were unemployed, especially outside Tripoli and Benghazi

Even the unemployed Libyans were getting a lot of social benefits from the government. Please read up on Gaddafi era Libya and not what the Western media feed the world.

socialmediaman:
If all these were true, then why did Libyans fight for him to leave?

Tomorrow someone will come out and say under President XYZ of Nigeria who was voted out, education, healthcare, business loans, housing etc were free and available to all Nigerians.

All what's written up here are true. The fact that many Libyans felt they needed democracy and didn't want Gaddafi who had ruled for over 40 years to continue ruling them was the reason they fell for the Western propaganda.

Sure he was wrong to have wanted to rule for life but what he achieved in Libya, I don't think any other African leader has matched.

I kinda made my inference from the 2 sides of the story and it makes sense to me. It's like East and West Germany. The government on both sides were different, one was high handed, the other had freedom and opportunities. People were forced to stay in the east, it was different in the west. Sometimes the handouts people are given are not enough for them, they wanna be free to explore their potentials. One Egyptian guy once told me he wanted to travel out but he wouldn't be given a passport, it wasn't allowed. In such societies you can't get justice because a certain class of people are ruling. One Libyan once said he wanted to become a Doctor but he wasn't allowed to study English language and some medical courses, everything was controlled and people just feel trapped. People don't just start a revolution because they're fed lies, they have been planning it, and when they see opportunity, they carry it out..

PassingShot:


Even the unemployed Libyans were getting a lot of social benefits from the government. Please read up on Gaddafi era Libya and not what the Western media feed the world.

My doubt about Buhari is his closeness to the West, the west don't want Africa to develop.

phyllosilicate:
My doubt about Buhari is his closeness to the West, the west don't want Africa to develop.

Buhari is not someone you can pocket

socialmediaman:
I kinda made my inference from the 2 sides of the story and it makes sense to me. It's like East and West Germany. The government on both sides were different, one was high handed, the other had freedom and opportunities. People were forced to stay in the east, it was different in the west. Sometimes the handouts people are given are not enough for them, they wanna be free to explore their potentials. One Egyptian guy once told me he wanted to travel out but he wouldn't be given a passport, it wasn't allowed. In such societies you can't get justice because a certain class of people are ruling. One Libyan once said he wanted to become a Doctor but he wasn't allowed to study English language and some medical courses, everything was controlled and people just feel trapped. People don't just start a revolution because they're fed lies, they have been planning it, and when they see opportunity, they carry it out..

It's not really as East/West Germany. The generality of Libyans were doing good under Gaddafi.

I do not mind people under occupation revolting to have a change of government but when such revolution is covertly sponsored and spearheaded by outsiders it always result in what we have in Libya.

socialmediaman:


Buhari is not someone you can pocket

I am a Buhari supporter. I have been following america foreign policies. If america can't control a president, they would cause problem for him and try regime change. America is the world biggest liar and frame up artist. And they have the world media under their control. If america likes you, you are good, if they don't you are bad.

Read about what America do to world leaders they don't like.

socialmediaman:
If all these were true, then why did Libyans fight for him to leave?

Tomorrow someone will come out and say under President XYZ of Nigeria who was voted out, education, healthcare, business loans, housing etc were free and available to all Nigerians.

Under Gadafi there was almost zero freedom, d pple saw freedom as d ultimate thing dey needed.
Under Gadafi Libyans were so restricted dat their personal bank accounts were monitored by d govt.

I agree, but what else does America want except protection of Their interests? The major problem I have seen with African leaders is greed, when you loot most of the treasury to make your empire very powerful, and hand peanuts or welfare to the rest of your countrymen, you control everything, even decide who becomes a millionaire, who becomes successful, who becomes this and that, who says if you enter America's bad books, they won't help the masses actualise their plans of revolt against you? You cannot effect a revolt that Nigerians feel is unnecessary if there is good leadership, equal opportunity and justice. Tell me, is there a certain family in America who determines whether Mark Zuckerberg or Larry Page becomes the next American billionaire? There are many progressive nations of the world on the good books of America

phyllosilicate:


I am a Buhari supporter. I have been following america foreign policies. If america can't control a president, they would cause problem for him and try regime change. America is the world biggest liar and frame up artist. And they have the world media under their control. If america likes you, you are good, if they don't you are bad.

Read about what America do to world leaders they don't like.

phyllosilicate:


I am a Buhari supporter. I have been following america foreign policies. If america can't control a president, they would cause problem for him and try regime change. America is the world biggest liar and frame up artist. And they have the world media under their control. If america likes you, you are good, if they don't you are bad.

Read about what America do to world leaders they don't like.

I hate America bt wat I hate most is their pretence and hw it fools many.
Many pple actually tinks America is d worlds best friend.
SMH

sebali:

Under Gadafi there was almost zero freedom, d pple saw freedom as d ultimate thing dey needed.
Under Gadafi Libyans were so restricted dat their personal bank accounts were monitored by d govt.

I agree, the government made sure you don't get out of the class they have placed you so that you don't grow to challenge the system, and this is just unacceptable, limiting someone's potential out of your own selfish interest

phyllosilicate:


I am a Buhari supporter. I have been following america foreign policies. If america can't control a president, they would cause problem for him and try regime change. America is the world biggest liar and frame up artist. And they have the world media under their control. If america likes you, you are good, if they don't you are bad.

Read about what America do to world leaders they don't like.

u r on the right track

But why wud d west keep using propaganda? I heard d french infiltrated d rebels and it was a french spy dat shot gadaffi at d head finally to cover up many shady deals he wud ve revealed at d tribunal... I just hope buhari does not dance to deir tune.. frm all dese I ve realized dat u must respect d pple'a wish because d westerners wud dump u d leader for d pple to appear good and dat was d mistake gaddafi and gbagbo made... dats y I m happy Jonathan conceded.. at least conceding willingly is better than forceful concession

Gaddafi is my hero...

Now wey dem kill am, their eyes don clear na.....na so so fight everyday. Rebels don take over.

socialmediaman:


I agree, the government made sure you don't get out of the class they have placed you so that you don't grow to challenge the system, and this is just unacceptable, limiting someone's potential out of your own selfish interest

And we all just love freedom

sebali:
U re right he his reign was productive bt he shud hav taken a bow wen d pple said 42yrs was enuff, dat was were he failed.

And you must know that Libyan citizens are not complaining of his government, but us cos chaos and they use external force to fight him...shai baba

PassingShot:
Libya, and indeed Africa has lost a great leader in Gaddafi and Libya's present generation and many to come will forever regret their action on that man.

Under Gaddafi, Libyans were practically living in "paradise on earth" and you hardly saw them traveling to other countries in search of "greener pasture".

After murdering him and plunging their country in chaos, many Libyans now die in the Mediterranean Sea in an attemp to migrate illegally to Europe.

When one looks back and realize what they've made of their country and life, you just have to pity them and HATE the Western countries especially America, UK, Germany and France who supported and prosecuted the violent uprising that resulted in the catastrophic situation that country is presently in.

It is not Libyans but Nigerians and Ghanaians that are dying in the Mediterranean.

If all these are true the Libyans lost a gem, I only have Gadaffi to blame because he did not realise that "power must change hands". All he has to do is to set a firm foundation for the next president...sit back and hope he/ she continue excelling (Robert Mugabe please take note).

We have remained pawns on the political chessboard of the west. If we do not watch closely, we will be going into a 21st century slavery.
The West cannot stand us free people.

Foolish libyans..americans fooled them..and now they have IS in their country..una go die taya

Almost all the Libyans I've come across supported the revolution.

The motivation was far beyond being given food and shelter. It was more about freedom to make choices as normal human beings.

Libyans under Gaddafi were more like remote controlled zombies.
True, the revolution didn't give the result they expected but they don't regret it. They only regret the strategy and outcome.

Just like the Chinese and most pecuilier the North Koreans now, its only a matter of time.

Keep calm and vote www.nairaland.com/twaci For MISS NL
God bless you all



www.nairaland.com/attachments/2388096_coollogocom5062531_gifdbb2fefbdd9e975d8678c04d0a1169c1 [/quote

They lacked freedom. You cannot replace freedom with anything.

crixtex:
What do you think of when you hear the name Colonel Gaddafi? Tyrant? Dictator? Terrorist? Well, a national citizen of Libya may disagree but we want you to decide.
For 41 years until his demise in October 2011, Muammar Gaddafi did some truly amazing things for his country and repeatedly tried to unite and empower the whole of Africa.
So despite what you’ve heard on the radio, seen in the media or on the TV, Gaddafi did some powerful things that are not characteristic of a “vicious dictator” as portrayed by the western media.
Here are ten things Gaddafi did for Libya that you may not know about…
1. In Libya a home is considered a natural human right
In Gaddafi’s Green Book it states: ”The house is a basic need of both the individual and the family, therefore it should not be owned by others”. Gaddafi’s Green Book is the formal leader’s political philosophy, it was first published in 1975 and was intended reading for all Libyans even being included in the national curriculum.
2. Education and medical treatment were all free
Under Gaddafi, Libya could boast one of the best healthcare services in the Middle East and Africa. Also if a Libyan citizen could not access the desired educational course or correct medical treatment in Libya they were funded to go abroad.
3. Gaddafi carried out the world’s largest irrigation project
The largest irrigation system in the world also known as the great manmade river was designed to make water readily available to all Libyan’s across the entire country. It was funded by the Gaddafi government and it said that Gaddafi himself called it ”the eighth wonder of the world”.
4. It was free to start a farming business
If any Libyan wanted to start a farm they were given a house, farm land and live stock and seeds all free of charge.
5. A bursary was given to mothers with newborn babies
When a Libyan woman gave birth she was given 5000 (US dollars) for herself and the child.
6. Electricity was free
Electricity was free in Libya meaning absolutely no electric bills!
7. Cheap petrol
During Gaddafi’s reign the price of petrol in Libya was as low as 0.14 (US dollars) per litre.
8. Gaddafi raised the level of education
Before Gaddafi only 25% of Libyans were literate. This figure was brought up to 87% with 25% earning university degrees.
9. Libya had It’s own state bank
Libya had its own State bank, which provided loans to citizens at zero percent interest by law and they had no external debt.
10. The gold dinar
Before the fall of Tripoli and his untimely demise, Gaddafi was trying to introduce a single African currency linked to gold. Following in the foot steps of the late great pioneer Marcus Garvey who first coined the term ”United States of Africa”. Gaddafi wanted to introduce and only trade in the African gold Dinar – a move which would have thrown the world economy into chaos.
The Dinar was widely opposed by the ‘elite’ of today’s society and who could blame them. African nations would have finally had the power to bring itself out of debt and poverty and only trade in this precious commodity. They would have been able to finally say ‘no’ to external exploitation and charge whatever they felt suitable for precious resources. It has been said that the gold Dinar was the real reason for the NATO led rebellion, in a bid to oust the outspoken leader.
So, was Muammar Gaddafi a Terrorist?
Few can answer this question fairly, but if anyone can, it’s a Libyan citizen who has lived under his reign? Whatever the case, it seems rather apparent that he did some positive things for his country despite the infamous notoriety surrounding his name. And that’s something you should try to remember when judging in future.

Your number 10 is nothing but fantasy. Wrong.

Gadhafi my hero, Mugabe my role model and Idi Amin my mentor.

Obama my aturu, Cameron, my ewu and Amampour my mgbeke.