I am appalled by the reckless spending that the Nigerian Federal Government and states are embarking on. There is a filthy miasma that is hovering around Abuja and it needs to be stopped. The corrupt practices that the Nigerian State has been perfecting has caused development to grind to a halt. It is the Nigerian state's responsibility to look on behalf of the people and provide for the welfare of the people. However, the people who make up the Nigerian political establishment only see the state as a way to enrich themselves instead of helping the people. When will the Nigerian populace wake up and see the true beast that is keeping them down?

The race of Jesus has been a subject of debate for quite a while. Different societies have depicted Jesus as their own ethnicity in their art; for example he is primarily European in the West, in Asia, he has Asian features and in many Black Churches in the United States, he represented as a black man. Since Jeshua Ben Joseph was Galilean Jew, he would thus have features which resemble modern-day persons of Middle Eastern descent.

The problem with Islamic teachings in this day and age is that many of the laws are still stuck in the Middle Ages. They have not been updated for modern society. Islamic scholars created laws that were right for the time period, but have never evolved from that time period. Society has changed. Even though I am not interested in any "organized" religion, because I feel religious spirituality should be based on a personal experience, it would seem that Islam as a religion has become a breeding ground for religious extremism. Not to say that Christianity hasn't been used as a launching ground for religious extremism. If people remember correctly, thousands of Muslims have been murdered in history from all of the Crusades to the Reconquista of Espana followed by the Inquisition in Spain.

Depilot:

What is going to happen sooner or later is simple, and it is called "Welcome back Military"
My prediction: Military will return with condition to stay around for may be 10 months. They will clean the house, conduct a fair election and turn power over to real people that mean well for this great country.
Nigeria is a dead spot on African map if this doesn't happen, because our past, current and future leaders are totally determined to suck this nation dry till the end of time.

This is something that I loathe about Nigerians. The need to call for military intervention in the state. When the military gets involved in any state, this is like a slippery slope, because we do not know what can come out of this situation. Sometimes military leaders get corrupted by the power that they once loathed and become even more horrible than previous administrations. For all we know, there can be another Sani Abacha amongst the military cadre who can use a coup to propel himself into power. Be careful when you ask for military intervention I must stress. You never know what the end result will be. That is why I say, allow the democratic process to continue without any interference.

To those calling for a military takeover of Nigeria, I pity you. Let the democratic process continue its course. The age of military dictatorships in Africa is over. Let the people decide who their leaders should be. It is our right to decide though the ballot box. If Goodluck Jonathan is not the best man to lead this nation, then let the people choose another who should lead us. The military should stay in the barracks. Some of you are quick to say the military can save us, but that is not true. Nigeria can go in two directions. Either grow in democracy, or break apart into separate nations. A military coup will not stop either of these two processes. This is the choice for Nigeria.

Let us not forget that Atiku called for violence and I think people are responding to his suggestion. There are politicians who want to make Nigeria ungovernable, which should be alarming to all Nigerians. Let us not forget that. And the religious undertones that are permeating this election is quite alarming with a little pinch of tribalism to add to the mix. In addition, the North is very susceptible to foreign influences that want to wreck havoc on Nigeria. This region is fertile ground for religious extremism that even Al-Qaeda has taken notice in the region.

LRNZH:

This is not going to be the first hotly contested election in Nigeria.

In 03 & 07 it was assassinations of key political figures and Nigerians cried foul.

Now bombing of the masses? This is an order or two of magnitude worse off.

GEJ as a leader has no other option than to take responsibility except he isn't truly in charge.

You do bring up some good points my brother. However, this election is quite different from other elections. You have a Christian from the South who is up against Northern Muslims who wish to keep power. This dynamic is different from when Obasanjo was elected, because he was handpicked by the North. Goodluck Jonathan was picked from the political wilderness in Bayelsa State. No one heard of him, until he was picked to be Vice President for Umaru Yar'Adua. We are entering a new and dangerous dynamic that hasn't been seen in decades. This might be a North vs. South with religious undertones that could be a catastrophe for the nation as a whole. I sense religious undertones from these attacks and this is quite alarming to me. I will continue to reiterate that these foreign religions are the bane of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

This is out of Goodluck Jonathan's hands. Nigeria as a nation will not see peace during these election times. The writing is already on the wall. If people think President Jonathan can do anything about these turn of events, you are sadly mistaken. He cannot do much, nor can anyone else militarily or politically. The powers that be are trying to find a way to take power, and they will do so by any means necessary. As you can see, they have no qualms killing innocent people. Nigeria is starting to resemble Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is a time to be vigilant in Nigeria.

With the latest rounds of bombs that are occurring in Abuja as we speak. I must speak my mind and say that Nigeria is on the edge of the cliff and the country is about to fall into chaos. To many, this may not be a surprise, but I foresee a future that will be very blood for Nigeria. The innocent lives that are being taken away daily in this nation is very upsetting to say the least.

I knew Darwin's Theory of Evolution would enter this thread. Let us stay on topic, for those who may not understand the biological expects of homosexuality. When you enter that realm, it is much harder to debate for or against homosexuality, since the biological factors are not well know at this time to why people become homosexuals. Could it be nature or nurture? That is the question we should be asking ourselves. However, as it pertains to religious and moral grounds, it is quite easy to defend homosexuality.

~Bluetooth:

good things are introduced by the west but we learn the bad ones by ourselves abi ?  

anyways,why is the call coming from the west in the contemporary period ?

I have not said anything of the sort. Simply reiterating the fact that homosexuality has been present in many traditional African societies. And why do you think homosexuality is bad? What gives you the right to decide what is good for a person or not? It is these people inalienable right to love whoever they wish to love. You may not agree with their lifestyle, but they are causing you no harm.

And for your second question. I cannot answer that question. I too wonder why the call is coming from the West to make homosexuality acceptable throughout the world. It was many of their beliefs during the Colonial Era that have impacted traditional societies across the world concerning homosexuality as well as marriage. However, that is for another subject and I do not wish to go off task.

cold:

source please,don't just throw stuff around lyk we're all dumb

Homosexuality has been present in many African cultures prior to the arrival of Arabs in "Sub-Saharan Africa" as well as the Europeans. Let me provide you with some sources for the information I have provided you:

http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/africa_pre.html
http://www.iheu.org/node/2919
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/mar/23/homophobia-africa-gay-rights

This is just a few sources that reassert my claim that homosexuality in African cultures has always been present. It wasn't introduced by the West. Nor is it foreign.

~Bluetooth:

culturally in Africa,homosexuality is a taboo and that cultural norms must be respected.it has nothing to do with civilization.

I have to disagree with you on that point. Many African cultures have practiced some sort of homosexuality on the continent of Africa. It just wasn't viewed in a way that we are viewing it now. In the central African Zande culture, before European conquest, it was regarded "as very sensible for a man to sleep with boys when women are not available or are taboo." An English anthropologist at the time Evans-Pritchard was told that in addition to times when women were not available for sex, some Azande men had sex with boys "just because they like them." Gender-crossing homosexuality was also common in the Hausa bori cult. Among the Maale of southern Ethiopia, some males crossed over to feminine roles. Called ashtime, these males dressed as women, performed female tasks, cared for their own houses, and apparently had sexual relations with men. As you can see, homosexuality has been present in many African cultures.

~Bluetooth:

my stand on homosexuality is more of a moral approach than religion.Do all atheists support homosexuality ?

the planet itself has a right to self-preservation.

I have encountered your views before as well. You come from a biological point of view. The necessity of not becoming a biological failure so people must strive to get their genes in the next generation. However, homosexuals make up a small part of human society. Humans numbers will not be impacted if someone chooses to be a homosexual due to the fact that there are those continue to produce the "traditional" way. I am for the rights of all people. These people are a minority and their rights must be respected. They are not doing others harm by doing those acts. We should not care what they do behind close doors. Who gives us the right to dictate how others should live their lives?

Religious doctrine is the bane of Nigeria. People follow scriptures that were written by man, but man is capable of errors. This goes for both Christians and Muslims. Our religion keeps us in shackles. Do not get me wrong, I believe in the necessity of believing in a God. However, my personal views on religion should not impact on the rights of others who may disagree with my views. This is the way that I approach homosexuality in Nigeria. If you argue from a religious point of view, then you are imposing your views on others, which is not right.

I still do not see why there is so much hostility towards the toll collection for the Lekki Expressway. It will provide some much needed revenue for Lagos. This revenue in turn can help improve the road system throughout the entire city. My complaint with Nigeria, is that we have so few taxes. The government derives much of its income from the oil revenue and not through taxes. This does not help the Nigerian people, because the government does derive its power from the people. So how can a people have a say in the government, when the government itself is not beholden to the people?

The esteemed John Campbell has been predicting a dire future for Nigeria for quite a while. All I have to say is that we should take a wait and see approach. We do not know the direction the tea leaves are blowing. These elections could be a turning point for Nigeria for the better. Or these elections could represent a downward spiral into chaos. I hope for the former than the latter.

Joagbaje:

@ Rousseau
Do you believe in the bible , that it contains the word of God? If you do, then your  post is contrary to what the bible says. Even though every religion preach morality, God is not in the religions. Religion is man's search for God. But christianity is the medium by which God link man to himself. Its not enough to acknowledge there is a God in heaven . You must come to him not in your own way but his own way. And there is only one way.

John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

I am a believer of natural theology. The Bible has many aspects of God within it, but I know that many passages in the Bible was created by man. They may have been inspired by God, but as a man myself, I know that we are capable of errors. That is why I do not believe in the infallibility of the Bible. I pose a question for you. Do you know the history of the compilation of the Bible? Who is a Christian? Jesus Christ was a Jewish carpenter. His faith was the Jewish faith.

Ymodulus:

wrong wrong wrong. There is no truth in religion secondly religions has several ways of worshipping their god.

Religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of life and the universe. All across the world, different groups have had different sets of belief concerning God. However, a common theme found in many religions is the universal God. There is truth in every religion. That is my belief. Who am I to tell another that there religion is wrong? Have you or I been to the other side? The common themes that permeate through different religions shows that their is truth in the different religions that make up the world.

cemehere:

God lives in every man's life, must especially the christian.

God is the creator of all mankind. He does not have favorites. If I am reading your statement correctly, you make it seem that God has picked Christians as his flag bearers. I must say, that is an arrogant view to hold. Their is truth in all religions. God has made himself known throughout history to many different groups of people. If you look closely at the different religions found throughout the world, they all have similar patterns to how they experience God.

God exists and he created the world, but he does not interfere with His creations. You can view God as the great “clockmaker” who created the clock, wound it up, and let it go. I have come to the conclusion that we can be closer to God through nature. Whenever, I am alone in a forest, I feel closer to God. It is in this solitude is where God allows me to know that he is there watching, but not interfering.

Ola edo:

The non-indigenes should respect the land of the hosts.

"The first person who, having enclosed a plot of land, took it into his head to say this is mine and found people simple enough to believe him was the true founder of civil society. What crimes, wars, murders, what miseries and horrors would the human race have been spared, had some one pulled up the stakes or filled in the ditch and cried out to his fellow men: "Do not listen to this imposter. You are lost if you forget that the fruits of the earth belong to all and the earth to no one!"

— Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract and The Discourses)

There is no reason to have a military governor in Plateau State. Since Nigeria is a democracy, having a military governor goes against the very nature of a democratic state. If people truly believe in a democracy, allow the democratic state come up with solutions to this problem. Declaring a state of emergency in Plateau State is one mechanism that can be used. But to have a military governor is unacceptable.

johndoe200:

Everyone agree that it is pointless, until a candidate is elected/selected for a party what's the point? They may not get the ticket of the party and just hurt the image of the party. It may be good for you the viewer, but I am sure you realize that parties are more interested in their electoral chances than on pleasing viewers. In Nigeria these are not the same thing

It is good to see the different dynamics that make up the party. I actually do not think it hurts PDP if they hold a debate. Did it hurt the Democratic Party for televising their debates among the presidential candidates? Many people thought the vitriol that was coming both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama would hurt the Democratic Party, but it actually made Obama stronger. Now Hillary Clinton is his Secretary of State and she is doing well in the position, even though she was a former rival. That is why I do not subscribe to the belief that this debate is entirely pointless. It is actually refreshing to hear that they will have a debate. It gives the Nigerian populace some semblance of a democracy. And hopefully, there will be plenty of inter-party debates as well.

Beaf:

Only a few dozen delegates per state, selected by the parties inner workings will vote. It makes a public debate absolutely pointless.

mikeansy:

In the PDP primaries coming up this January, there will be automatic delegates and there will be elected delegates. The automatic delegates are like the super delegates in the democratic party in US.

The elected delegates in the PDP will be elected by PDP party members.

This is no different from the process in US. The elected delegates are necessarily voted by people presumed members of the party. The reason it has semblance of being open to the public is because in some states members of the public are allowed to register on the day as members of the party and still vote for the candidate of their choice. The objective of this is to expand the base of the party.

The essence of having these debates is to give the process some credibility and tranparency. It helps re-assure the public that the decision by these delegates on who gets voted for is guided by the everyday aspirations of ordinary Nigerians and not some egocentric and selfish deal making or horsetrading. Eventhough the later reasons are obviously nearer to the truth, there are just too many reasons why it is better for our democracy to at least pretend to look like a democracy than engage in brazen dealmaking.

Pretending to do what is right is an admition of what is right and what is wrong. With a universal recognition of what is right; someday somebody will come through who will hold up to the promise of doing what is right.

If I am reading this correctly, the PDP primaries are similar to the electoral elections in the United States. This seems very different from the primary elections that are practiced in the United States. Democratic and Republican primaries are won state by state whoever gets the popular vote. However, in the presidential elections, you have the popular vote as well as the delegates who make up electoral college. The electoral college is made up of people who are selected by the state legislatures. Most of the time, the electoral college votes the same as the state they represent voted. However, on some rare occasions, the electors do not vote the same way as there state voted in the election.

I still would like to see both an inter-party debate and intra-party debate. This is needed for a credible election and it will also be beneficial for our young democracy as well. Some people may think that this debate is pointless. However, I feel that it would be good for the Nigerian people to see the stances that their political leaders are taking. My only problem is how can we hold these officials accountable?

excanny:

Although Nigeria's democracy is largely patterned after the American system, it differs in terms of system of primary elections.

The American public who are registered voters are allowed to take part in party primaries(with slight differences from state to state). So, it makes sense if intra-party debates are done.

What is the purpose of having election debates? Simply put, to guide voting choices.

When you hold intra-party debates that are aired to the members of the public, yet they are unable to vote, you have defeated the very purpose for organising such debates.

It depends on what U.S. state that the voter lives in. Different states have different rules governing primary elections in the U.S. Some states allow the public to participate in the primaries, while some states require that you are a member of the particular party in order to participate in the party's primary. Ex: Registered Republicans in New Jersey cannot vote Democratic candidates in a Democratic primary and vice versa.

Who are the people that will be able to vote for either Jonathan or Atiku in the PDP primary? I was led to believe, that only voters who are members of PDP will be able to decide who is the candidate for their party. Correct me if I am wrong.

This is only the beginning of a bloody election season. The reason so many people lose their lives over these elections is, because there is a lot of money to be made in Nigerian politics. If only we could make these positions less attractive to those who do not have the people's best interest at heart.

Interesting prerequisite for their freedom. The sentence that was given to them was a huge breach of justice. They should have been released a long time ago. What is ever worse, was that their male accomplices have already been released while they languished in jail.

Gov. Haley Barbour is only doing this for political reasons. He has been pressured by the NAACP to release them. Plus, he doesn't want their case to come back in haunt him since he will be running for president in 2012.

I support an intra-party debate. The reason I support this motion is due to the fact, that people have their own personal views on the issue. It would be refreshing to hear their stances on the various issues.

Even in the United States, you see inter-party debates. During the 2008 elections, President Obama had to debate many challengers from within his party before he was able to challenge the Republican candidate.

I have always stated that the Arab nations are afraid of Persian (Iranian) influence in the Middle East. This is as old as Islam itself. The fact that not only are the Iranians Non-Arab, they are also Shiites while the majority of the Middle East is Sunni creates a lot of tension in the region. It is also not surprising that Arab leaders want the United States to deal with Iran's growing influence. They want the United States to do the dirty work, while they decry American aggression in the region.

I would not go as far to say that Europe is crumbling. One country in Europe that has weathered the storm very well is Germany. This country did not suffer much compared to other nations during this economic meltdown. However, there are some countries that are in deep trouble. Iceland, Greece and Ireland were just the beginning. Portugal will be next followed by Spain, in which these two countries will need a bail out as well. The country that should be on everyone's mind is Italy. Italy has the 7th largest economy in the world. If this country needs a bail out, the Eurozone will be in trouble.

This is a horrible move I must say. Lagos needs revenue from different sources. This toll collection could provide Lagos with some much needed revenue to help improve the road system in the city. I see nothing wrong with having a toll collection put in place. In addition, I have no problem with a new tax system that should be implemented in Nigeria either. As long as the funds are spent wisely.