Thats a positive statement coming from , i agree, too much is spent on running the government and less is spent on the people.

Lamido tenure as CBN governor is coming to an end.
so he just discovered that the imeplemntation of federal character is enthronment of mediocracy.

when a goat crosses a bridge made by plank, he says it will break if not removed.

Tony Spike: Was this same Sanusi Lamido not appointed CBN governor based on federal character or am I missing something here?

I have read through the post and am disappointed with the comments am seeing,sls was not appointed as cbn governor,based on federal character,but rather,it was base on merit,if their is a position in government that the federal character principle can be applied,its the cbn governor,you don't want to appoint someone without good economic and financial knowledge to be the head of your banking industry,cos the whole world is watching and investors will react to it.

Tony Spike:
Was this same Sanusi Lamido not appointed CBN governor based on federal character or am I missing something here?

I'm a little surprised that you guys are taking my rhetorical comment literally. By the way, everything Sanusi said is right, but, we might never have known him but for the same Federal character principle. Every policy has its own flaws...

Sam xiu lee: I have read through the post and am disappointed with the comments am seeing,sls was not appointed as cbn governor,based on federal character,but rather,it was base on merit,if their is a position in government that the federal character principle can be applied,its the cbn governor,you don't want to appoint someone without good economic and financial knowledge to be the head of your banking industry,cos the whole world is watching and investors will react to it.

Tell me, was Sanusi the best the nation had when he was appointed? Wasn't he appointed due to the influence of Late President Umaru Ya'radua, a Northerner like himself? Someone should please tell me that I'm wrong...

gregtochi: True, Federal character breeds Mediocrity, but not only in the executive arm of government, but all department and parastatals including the armed forces. SLS should not forget that it was introduced because of the north and he and his kinsmen has benefited the most. BTW, why is he suddenly aware of all these problem Just asking.

He has always said it.
Should I bring out out an article where he said same far back 1998?

Tony Spike:

Tell me, was Sanusi the best the nation had when he was appointed? Wasn't he appointed due to the influence of Late President Umaru Ya'radua, a Northerner like himself? Someone should please tell me that I'm wrong...

What influence? But Obasanjo did not appoint Soludo, a fellow southerner.

He may not be Nigeria's no 1 economic brain, but it is hardly possible to point to one person as most qualified. So once you pick someone from a pool of qualified folks, that's merit enough. Even if Sanusi was a southerner, as the GMD of the largest financial group in Nigeria, his name could still have come up as qualified contender. After all, a southerner, Joseph Sanusi, became CBN governor from the same First Bank's CEOship seat. So what are we saying. Na beans to become GMD of FBN.

Jarus:
What influence? But Obasanjo did not appoint Soludo, a fellow southerner.

He may not be Nigeria's no 1 economic brain, but it is hardly possible to point to one person as most qualified. So once you pick someone from a pool of qualified folks, that's merit enough. Even if Sanusi was a southerner, as the GMD of the largest financial group in Nigeria, his name could still have come up as qualified contender. After all, a southerner, Joseph Sanusi, became CBN governor from the same First Bank's CEOship seat. So what are we saying. Na beans to become GMD of FBN.

You gat a point, bro. Although, I know you are a good pal of SLS. Honestly, I still believe the Northern influence played out very well in his appointment. Many appointees during Yar'adua's regime like the SFG, Minister of Petroleum, NNPC GMD e.t.c. were basically Northern inspired. This is a well-known fact. It is entirely another thing that Sanusi was qualified for the CBN Governorship position...

Tony Spike: Was this same Sanusi Lamido not appointed CBN governor based on federal character or am I missing something here?

Those it matter?! Either way he is there now and using his chance to lay down the things that are destructive to the nigerian system.

Sanusi is still struggling to understand his job functions. In a lay man’s term he is the Nigerian Economy’s Insurance Policy. He can make or break the economy with actions. Generally social critics rarely make good administrators because they are consistently being caught up in theoretical solutions, forgetting that humans are meant to implement their theories.

The current challenges facing our country did not start with the 4th republic; it started from the day our founding fathers negotiated for a compromised independence from the British Colonial Masters. Approaching independence the core North did not have the required man-power to drive the civil service in the region. This disadvantage led to the accelerated training and hiring influx of Northerners into the civil service. Upon gaining independence, rather than focus on developing skilled manpower, they promoted and strengthen the culture of perpetuating themselves in the civil service. The “Old North” tagged success to relevance in the civil service, while in the south entrepreneurship equated to success. The North kept on producing Oil Ministers yet there was no functional Oil Economy in the North. The North Kept on dictating the economy yet there was no functional economy in the North. They did these by ensuring that they populated the civil service with their kith and kin.

The Federal Character Principle Sanusi is criticizing today is the main reason he is the CBN Governor. When Soludo’s tenure expired, it was no news that the North will produce the next CBN Governor thanks to the principle of rotation. Despite being zoned to the North, it was not all the Northern State’s that were in contention but the “Real North”. Yes Sanusi had the required pedigree, so did others. But I can bet my life that if he was from the South, he would not have emerged as CBN Governor, thanks to the General consensus that it was the North’s turn to produce a CBN Governor.

I am not an advocate of Big Governments but before criticizing or proffering solutions, it is good to understand the peculiarities of our economy/Nation. Nigeria spent a good number of years under military rule. Soldiers are meant to be career civil servants and not entrepreneurs’ hence military lean toward socialism. From the day a soldier joins the force, everything is provided for him. I.e. Accommodation, education, trainings and etc. That’s why military Governments rarely promote free market economic policies. It will take a while before Nigerians understand the concept of sustainable economic independence. The Stigma left by the military will fade away with the final exit of the independence generation.

Many look up to the Government for everything. In a system like this Government must be the biggest employer. But I believe that with time as more sectors open up, Government jobs will become less attractive thanks to better opportunities in the Private sector. Sanusi himself has testified that he got everything for free while growing up, that in itself summarizes the problem with the Nigerian Structure. How were these freebies funded? How many people got these freebies? Was it because he was from an opportuned background that’s why he got the freebies? How has he paid back the freebies he got from the Government?

Another factor that Sanusi should consider is the fact that the Growth in Government Structure is as a result of the dynamism in governance. For example when the UN Came up with the MDG project, all countries participating in the project were mandated to open MDG Offices and furthermore the states were also required to do so. Such decisions that lead to growth in government structure are beyond the powers of the federal government. Some of the other factors Sanusi should consider are extreme population growth, Security challenges necessitating the increase in security personnel, Emergence of new economies (NCC was created to regulate the telecoms sector), accommodation of various interest groups (mainstay of our nation), the Ghost Worker Syndrome and etc.

Sanusi as CBN Governor should not be seen to undermine the Government he works for. The same Government foots his private jet bills, accommodation bills, charity donation bills and etc. Since Sanusi got to CBN hiring new personnel and building new CBN Offices has been the order of the day. As CBN Governor he has spearheaded one of the most expensive economic recovery projects in the history of Mankind. Yet we are still not sure if our economy will ever recover. As CBN Governor he needs to update us on the progress made thus far in the cashless banking policy and other policies he has spearheaded. I am of the opinion that Sanusi’s comments are not in line with his role in the CBN.

kalakutta:

The current challenges facing our country did not start with the 4th republic; it started from the day our founding fathers negotiated for a compromised independence from the British Colonial Masters. Approaching independence the core North did not have the required man-power to drive the civil service in the region. This disadvantage led to the accelerated training and hiring influx of Northerners into the civil service. Upon gaining independence, rather than focus on developing skilled manpower, they promoted and strengthen the culture of perpetuating themselves in the civil service. The “Old North” tagged success to relevance in the civil service, while in the south entrepreneurship equated to success. The North kept on producing Oil Ministers yet there was no functional Oil Economy in the North. The North Kept on dictating the economy yet there was no functional economy in the North. They did these by ensuring that they populated the civil service with their kith and kin.

The Federal Character Principle Sanusi is criticizing today is the main reason he is the CBN Governor. When Soludo’s tenure expired, it was no news that the North will produce the next CBN Governor thanks to the principle of rotation. Despite being zoned to the North, it was not all the Northern State’s that were in contention but the “Real North”. Yes Sanusi had the required pedigree, so did others. But I can bet my life that if he was from the South, he would not have emerged as CBN Governor, thanks to the General consensus that it was the North’s turn to produce a CBN Governor.

Thanks, bro. The bolded are the exact points I tried explaining to our dear moderator, Jarus, up there. You made lots of sense in your write-up above about our dependence on civil service. I've never ever considered it from this socialism point of view, but you are right!

It is funny some dullards on this thread are clapping for Sanausi for stating what had been obvious since Nigeria’s independence. It was the same federal character and quota system, among other things, that constituted the core reason behind the January 15, 1966 coup.

For example, Alhaji Tanko Galadima, who could not pronounce the word-Lieutenant, suddenly became the Minister for Defense. Most northern subalterns who would not have been allowed as civilian guards at the gates of Nigerian Defense Academy became army officers and some went on to assume the position of Head of State of Nigeria.

I had always laughed at the Nigerians when they ask how Nigeria got to this retrogressive stage. The answer lies with leadership of Nigeria from northern region of Nigeria which has brought nothing to Nigeria but mediocrity.

Sanusi is being clever by half.

After benefitin from same Fed Character; he does not want others to enjoy.

Naija never changes.

If Sanusi happens to be reading me now, I love every bit of your comments: our problem as a nation today stems from the kind of system we culturally adopt in running the country! God help us!

Tony Spike: Was this same Sanusi Lamido not appointed CBN governor based on federal character or am I missing something here?

I don't normally do this, but this is the most stupid comment I have read online in a while...You really meant that someone (Sanusi) who was DGM/Head of Risk Management at UBA, Executive Director at First Bank, and later Group MD/CEO at First Bank (two of Nigeria's biggest banks and most recognized brands) attained these positions through Federal Character How dumb?

Have you spoken with discerning former and current employees of UBA and First Bank and hear how they speak glowingly about this man? Please do…

I'm Yoruba but we should just take out tribalism and religious sentiment from our system. It is our major albatross.

@ 0lumide: SLS is corrupt and too TRIBAL!!!!!!
HE IS NURSING A 2015 AMBITION THAT IS WHY HE IS SPEAKING LIKE THIS!!!!!! LIAR!! YOUR EVIL PLAN NO GO WORK!!!!!!!!!!!
WHEN DEM DEY BOMB PLACES ACROSS THE NORTH, E NO TALK OO, NA WHEN DEM BOMB KANO E DEY DONATE!!!
KO NI DA FUN E!!!

You don't know history my friend. Go and check SLS has been fighting for this
country for a very long time. He has been an activist for a very long time speaking
against the government abuses, injustice, wastage and sharp practices. In his youth,
he was in the same group as Falana, Gani Fawehinmi and the likes. Go and check the books

DTaj:

I don't normally do this, but this is the most stupid comment I have read online in a while...You really meant that someone (Sanusi) who was DGM/Head of Risk Management at UBA, Executive Director at First Bank, and later Group MD/CEO at First Bank (two of Nigeria's biggest banks and most recognized brands) attained these positions through Federal Character How dumb?

Have you spoken with discerning former and current employees of UBA and First Bank and hear how they speak glowingly about this man? Please do…

I'm Yoruba but we should just take out tribalism and religious sentiment from our system. It is our major albatross.

I don't care if you are Yoruba or Igbo. I don't do insults on Nairaland and thank you for ranking my comment as being stupid. Wasn't it obvious in 2009 during late President Yar'adua's tenure, that a Northerner was being shopped to replace Professor Soludo? This was basically due to North/South principle of rotation, which in itself is a product of Federal Character. I have no problem with SLS's intimidating and respectable CV in the banking industry, but the truth remains that the Federal Character was used to nominate him as the CBN governor. Crucify me as much as you like, I stand by my comments so far...

@ Tony Spike

Tell me, was Sanusi the best the nation had when he was appointed?
Wasn't he appointed due to the influence of Late President Umaru Ya'radua,
a Northerner like himself? Someone should please tell me that I'm wrong...

Yes you are wrong. As the president, you appoint those you think share your value
and believe in your programs or should I say those you feel can help you attain
the goals you set for yourself irrespective of where they are from. One reason I
think President Umaru Ya'radua picked SLS is because of his incorruptibility.
Is Soludo more intelligent than SLS?

Jarus:
Even if Federal Character is scrapped and merit is enthroned, with this your English, I'm afraid even merit will not be able to help people like you.

Jarus is smoking hot this afternoon.....

userlist: @ Tony Spike



Yes you are wrong. As the president, you appoint those you think share your value
and believe in your programs or should I say those you feel can help you attain
the goals you set for yourself irrespective of where they are from. One reason I
think President Umaru Ya'radua picked SLS is because of his incorruptibility.
Is Soludo more intelligent than SLS?

You see, we Nigerians are funny set of people. When Ribadu chose many of his Northern friends to help him start EFCC, He was later crucified for that singular reason during 2011 election. From your statement, does it mean SLS was the most incorruptible according to Yar'adua? Was it not the same Yara'dua (of blessed memory) that chose Micheal Aondoakaa and Farida Waziri on the behest of James Ibori? Look my friend, don't make assumptions for our political leaders, they surely know what they are doing, we are just pawns in their endgame(s). On your bolded question, I have no response. Infact, I don't want to know who is more intelligent. Thank you.

As long there is an entity called Nigeria, federal character is here to stay.

I think the drafters of the 1999 constitution looking at the diversity of the nations in a country,deemed it fit to enshrine the federal character for everyone to have a sense of belonging in the country,but in the long run because of how sentimental and bias we have become mediocrity has crept in to be the norm,it's so sad SLS is not far from the truth....but the fact still remains that everyone must be carried along for us to remain as a country.

chakula:

You are worse than those that bring you up, you are here to inform me that you are literate or what, those who are loaded academically always hide themselves and will hardly raise up their hand except the condition is worst so that doubt will be clear in the mind of those who have it.

However I am disappointed in you and in addition you have no excuse why error fulls your input above please if you think you are smart learn how to play sprucely.

#BahaushenakedagaKano#

just listen to you "...no excuse why ERROR FULLS your input...".mr chakula,wisdom,civility and EDUCATION begs that you dont recklessly pour venom on everybody.please,be cultured atleast for once.i expect you to ask for clearification not to resort to mediocrity.smh for you

*aboki tune* Lamido sanusi,he's my guy

i will agree with SLS only if KANO state Govt merges their dubious local government councils being created by late dictator ABACHA. They have been using it to milk allocation from federal government. A state that does not contribute anything to the federal government but has virtually 99% of its people as a civil servant!whose solely depends on monthly federal allocation for their survival!

I like this Sanusi guy! The guy dey yarn the truth stead, but nobody wan listen!
Mallam,Nagode oo ! Thank you for telling them.

Jarus:
Even if Federal Character is scrapped and merit is enthroned, with this your English, I'm afraid even merit will not be able to help people like you.

; bros! You are really on a vexing level this afternoon o.

SLS is very much on point here.

The political classes are using the appointment of several aides and Ministers to thanks those god fathers (with few exemption) that had a hand in their election and using our constitution to back their actions up.

On the issue of civil service appointment, merit shouldn't be sacrifice on the altar of Tribe or Religious affiliation.

I hope one day that; Nigeria will have strong institutions of government that will outlive all those who have opportunities to attain leadership position.

Tony Spike:

Tell me, was Sanusi the best the nation had when he was appointed? Wasn't he appointed due to the influence of Late President Umaru Ya'radua, a Northerner like himself? Someone should please tell me that I'm wrong...

as the head of the largest financial group in the nation,he is the most qualified.

Tony Spike:

I don't care if you are Yoruba or Igbo. I don't do insults on Nairaland and thank you for ranking my comment as being stupid. Wasn't it obvious in 2009 during late President Yar'adua's tenure, that a Northerner was being shopped to replace Professor Soludo? This was basically due to North/South principle of rotation, which in itself is a product of Federal Character. I have no problem with SLS's intimidating and respectable CV in the banking industry, but the truth remains that the Federal Character was used to nominate him as the CBN governor. Crucify me as much as you like, I stand by my comments so far...

but how come the principle of rotation was not applied after Paul ogbuma was succeeded by Joseph sanusi,who was also succeeded by a southerner Charles soludo,I repeat,sls becoming a cbn gov had nothing to do with federal character.

Some deluded fellows are advocating for Fashola and SLS ticket.We can entrust our lives to Terrorist like SLS,Elrufai and Buhari.The bitter truth is that SLS is a product of federal character and will never have smelt that seat if not for the poilicy.Even if agreed to abolish this policy,his northern fellows will be the most hit.They can't survive outside Government.They are use to freebies.

Nigeria never seems to amaze me, a sharia degree holder with only a first degree in Economics
He must think he got appointed by merit

This is Nigeria's great thinker .
All Hail SLS.
Idiot nation !