If you hear how people insult president Goodluck Jonathan, you will think that he is responsible for the under-development of Nigeria. Before GEJ came to power;

-THERE WAS NO RAILWAY SYSTEM
-THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY WAS STRUGGLING
-WE HAD SECURITY CHALLENGES
-ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY WAS WORSE
-THERE WERE LONG QUEUES AT FUEL STATIONS
-POVERTY RATE WAS VERY HIGH
-AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION WAS LOW
-THERE WAS NO ADEQUATE HEALTHCARE
-CORRUPTION WAS THE ORDER OF THE DAY

The list can go on and on. President Jonathan met things worse than they are now. I have no doubt that he is grappling with the challenges of developing Nigeria, but is that enough reason to blame him for Nigeria's under-development.

MY QUESTION IS, WHICH LEADERS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR NIGERIA'S UNDER-DEVELOPMENT?

I personally have issues with BUHARI AND ATIKU claiming to be the change that we need in Nigeria. These guys had the chance to make a change in Nigeria, but they contributed to the retrogression of Nigeria. HOW CAN THEY BRING CHANGE WHEN THEY COULD NOT BRING PROGRESS IN THE PAST?

The main people that destroyed Nigeria are;

1: SHEHU SHAGARI (for corruption and destruction of existing infrastructures)
2: BUHARI (for delaying civil rule and focusing on brute despotism instead of enhancing infrastructures)
3: IBB (for introducing deliberate, systemic corruption and despotism)
4: SANI ABACHA (for advancing IBB's philosophy of systemic corruption and despotism)

The people that have attempted to salvage Nigeria so far are;

1.OLUSEGUN OBASANJO (for trying to fight cooruption, advocating for real transformation and paving way for true civil leaders)
2. MUSA YARADUA (for providing exemplary leadership i.e. Honesty, patience, promotion of due process and fighting corruption)
3. GOODLUCK JONATHAN (for radical push towards macro-economic growth, improved domestic production, patience, leadership based on consensus etc.)

We must not be blinded by ethno-religious and political affiliation to install the old brigade that destroyed Nigeria with their despotic and vengeance based aims. We need growth and development, not stagnancy for the sake of political witch-hunt and vengeance.

When elephants fight, the grasses suffer.

I have written this as a neutral political observer.

BRIEF LEADERSHIP BIOGRAPHY OF BUHARI

Muhammad also spelled Muhammadu (born Dec. 17, 1942, Daura, Nigeria), Nigerian military leader and politician, who served as head of state (1984–85).

Educated largely in Katsina, Buhari took military training in Kaduna as well as in Great Britain, India, and the United States. He was involved in the military coup that ousted Yakubu Gowon in 1975 and was appointed military governor of North Eastern state (now Borno) that same year. He was appointed federal commissioner for petroleum resources by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, who became military head of state when Gowon’s successor, Murtala Mohammed, was assassinated in 1976. By 1977 Buhari had become the military secretary at Supreme Military Headquarters, which was the seat of government. By September 1979 he had returned to regular army duties and commanded a division based in Kaduna. Although elected government had returned to Nigeria in 1979, dissatisfaction with what the military perceived as corrupt politicians led to another military coup on Dec. 31, 1983, and Buhari was chosen unanimously to be the new head of state.

Insurmountable economic problems plagued the Buhari regime as petroleum prices collapsed in the face of expanding foreign debt. Buhari instituted austerity measures that caused severe hardship to the average Nigerian. In addition, political corruption continued unabated, with politicians escaping to Western countries with millions of dollars in government money. In an effort to stop dissension, Buhari instituted restrictions on the press, political freedoms, and trade unionists. By August 1985 even the military had had enough, and Ibrahim Babangida took control of the government. Buhari was detained in Benin City but was released at the end of 1988.

In 2003 Buhari ran for president; he was defeated by the incumbent, Olusegun Obasanjo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Buhari ran again in 2007 but was defeated by the PDP’s candidate, Umaru Yar’Adua, in an election that was strongly criticized by international observers as being marred by voting irregularities. Buhari also stood in the 2011 presidential election, which was praised for largely being transparent, free, and fair, but he again lost to the PDP’s candidate, incumbent Goodluck Jonathan.

SOURCE: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/83801/Muhammad-Buhari

@op...may God punish u for sayin that gej is pushin for macro economic growth..it should b macro corrptn growth nd boko haram develpmnt..useless president eva in nigeria.

kestolove95:
@op...may God punish u for sayin that gej is pushin for macro economic growth..it should b macro corrptn growth nd boko haram develpmnt..useless president eva in nigeria.

Justify why you think that he is not pushing for macro-economic growth and I'll tell you why he is with evident examples.

You keep screaming Jonathan and corruption but if I ask you what the name of your local government chairman is, you cannot answer. That is exactly why you see corruption and Boko Haramic activities in your local government as being the fault of Jonathan, while the thieves and inept leaders that you elected as your local government and state leaders suck you dry and arm you to scream Jonathan. Meanwhile, if any positive achievement is recorded, you scream the name of these local government and state leaders and forget to commend GEJ.

I am waiting for your justification.

Justcash:


Justify why you think that he is not pushing for macro-economic growth and I'll tell you why he is with evident examples.

You keep screaming Jonathan and corruption but if I ask you what the name of your local government chairman is, you cannot answer. That is exactly why you see corruption and Boko Haramic activities in your local government as being the fault of Jonathan, while the thieves and inept leaders that you elected as your local government and state leaders suck you dry and arm you to scream Jonathan. Meanwhile, if any positive achievement is recorded, you scream the name of these local government and state leaders and forget to commend GEJ.

I am waiting for your justification.

Do LG chairmen and state governors have the authority to deploy troops?

hifaif:


Do LG chairmen and state governors have the authority to deploy troops?

That is a wrong question. The question should be, Should LG chairmen and state Governors ensure that development reflects in the grassroots? The answer is YES.

You have to sense the symptoms and prevent a sickness from being full blown. Look at Boko Haram, they all emerged from the prevalence of almajiris in the North. Is it not ironic that northern leaders have ruled Nigeria for over 30 years, with trillions of Naira allocated to their states. Why then couldn't the trillions translate into development at the state and local government level? It is GEJ's fault abi?

Look at Kwakwanso screaming as if he has been able to transform Kano into Dubai. If with all the money that he controlled he could not develop Kano, how can he develop Nigeria if he is in charge?

The FG wouldn't need to deploy troops if the populace demands for development from the people that are directly in charge of them. See people like Amaechi, what excuse does he have for the condition that Rivers state is currently in? Upon all the trillions that he controlled as a PDP member? Na wa o!

The Military under-developed Nigeria. Now that we're under civillian rule, we shouldn't keep tolerating mediocrity from our leaders.

GEJ is incompetent?? Vote him out

Buhari mounts the podium and is incompetent?? Vote him out too.......

No time for childish sentiments or else even our children will face worse.

Justcash:


That is a wrong question. The question should be, Should LG chairmen and state Governors ensure that development reflects in the grassroots? The answer is YES.

You have to sense the symptoms and prevent a sickness from being full blown. Look at Boko Haram, they all emerged from the prevalence of almajiris in the North. Is it not ironic that northern leaders have ruled Nigeria for over 30 years, with trillions of Naira allocated to their states. Why then couldn't the trillions translate into development at the state and local government level? It is GEJ's fault abi?

Look at Kwakwanso screaming as if he has been able to transform Kano into Dubai. If with all the money that he controlled he could not develop Kano, how can he develop Nigeria if he is in charge?

The FG wouldn't need to deploy troops if the populace demands for development from the people that are directly in charge of them. See people like Amaechi, what excuse does he have for the condition that Rivers state is currently in? Upon all the trillions that he controlled as a PDP member? Na wa o!

FYI, Boko Haram did not start as a terrorist group. As at 2002 when Muhammad founded the sect, there were no government rules certifying Muslim preachers so the religious leaders of Borno could only isolate Muhammed because of his conservative Islamic beliefs. When the sect became increasingly radical, reports were made to the government. By that time, there was nothing more the LG or governor could do.

You wouldn't expect an LG chairman or a governor to arrest gullible almajiris following a conservative leader like Muhammad when there were no government rules certifying a preacher peacefully asking for Sharia rule?

But forget that for now, bro. As far as we are concerned, it is GEJ's responsibility now to end it. And if it is not going as expected, it is only him we can scream at.

hifaif:

FYI, Boko Haram did not start as a terrorist group. As at 2002 when Muhammad founded the sect, there were no government rules certifying Muslim preachers so the religious leaders of Borno could only isolate Muhammed because of his conservative Islamic beliefs. When the sect became increasingly radical, reports were made to the government. By that time, there was nothing more the LG or governor could do.
You wouldn't expect an LG chairman or a governor to arrest gullible almajiris following a conservative leader like Muhammad when there were no government rules certifying a preacher peacefully asking for Sharia rule?
But forget that for now, bro. As far as we are concerned, it is GEJ's responsibility now to end it. And if it is not going as expected, it is only him we can scream at.

Yes, you are correct about how they started. I am not trying to argue about that. I am only trying to make you understand that the under-development and suffering that is fanning the embers of poverty in the North and Nigeria as a whole is more of a result of the impunity with which local government and state governments misappropriate funds, knowing fully well that the masses will blame the federal government. Then, when the FG demands for accountability, the same masses call it a witch-hunt and read tribal or religious meanings in it. If FG insists, the same thieves at the state and local government levels will cross-carpet to the opposition and use the masses against the government. Then the FG is forced to play along or lose their popularity. That was how people like BODE GEORGE, ALAMS and co wriggled their ways out.

If you think that Boko Haram conflict is an FG issue, then you have underrated the enormity of the issue on ground. The sabotage you see all around in this conflict is mainly due to the ineptitude of the state and local government officials of these states. It is easy to see that there is a big gap between these state and LG leaders and the people that they claim to govern.

We need to ask certain questions;
Why is it so difficult for the state and LG officials to mobilize their people to aid federal troops in varying capacities in this fight?

Boko haram members are Nigerians from the states and local governments that are being attacked, why do they seem so alien to these state and local government leaders?

How come Boko Haram is taking Emirs palaces and destroying government institutions at state and local government levels if not to protest social injustice?

Do you sincerely think that Jonathan or any other president can command a defeat from Abuja without a solid state and local government backing?

Finally, one is tempted to ask about the ROLE OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS? ARE THEY MEANT TO SIT AND BLAME THE FG WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?

Justcash:


Yes, you are correct about how they started. I am not trying to argue about that. I am only trying to make you understand that the under-development and suffering that is fanning the embers of poverty in the North and Nigeria as a whole is more of a result of the impunity with which local government and state governments misappropriate funds, knowing fully well that the masses will blame the federal government. Then, when the FG demands for accountability, the same masses call it a witch-hunt and read tribal or religious meanings in it. If FG insists, the same thieves at the state and local government levels will cross-carpet to the opposition and use the masses against the government. Then the FG is forced to play along or lose their popularity. That was how people like BODE GEORGE, ALAMS and co wriggled their ways out.

If you think that Boko Haram conflict is an FG issue, then you have underrated the enormity of the issue on ground. The sabotage you see all around in this conflict is mainly due to the ineptitude of the state and local government officials of these states. It is easy to see that there is a big gap between these state and LG leaders and the people that they claim to govern.

We need to ask certain questions;
Why is it so difficult for the state and LG officials to mobilize their people to aid federal troops in varying capacities in this fight?

Boko haram members are Nigerians from the states and local governments that are being attacked, why do they seem so alien to these state and local government leaders?

How come Boko Haram is taking Emirs palaces and destroying government institutions at state and local government levels if not to protest social injustice?

Do you sincerely think that Jonathan or any other president can command a defeat from Abuja without a solid state and local government backing?

Finally, one is tempted to ask about the ROLE OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS? ARE THEY MEANT TO SIT AND BLAME THE FG WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?

Your post is great but your original stand is weak. You talk like GEJ is different. Don't forget he was once a state governor. He is just as corrupt (or too weak) as the rest of them. It was not like he transformed Bayelsa or curbed militancy when he was governor.
The FG under Obasanjo took all the blames then. I can't even remember anyone mentioning Goodluck's name in those days.

hifaif:


Your post is great but your original stand is weak. You talk like GEJ is different. Don't forget he was once a state governor. He is just as corrupt (or too weak) as the rest of them. It was not like he transformed Bayelsa or curbed militancy when he was governor.
The FG under Obasanjo took all the blames then. I can't even remember anyone mentioning Goodluck's name in those days.

You cannot compare the approach that OBJ took in handling MEND with the approach that GEJ is taking now. OBJ's approach was more unilateral, despotic and military in nature. GEJ's approach is more consultative and hesitant with lots of consideration for human rights and the lives of civilians. That is the beauty of a true civil rule. You will not understand what I am saying until you stay in a position where the president will have to order a military action that will impact on you and your family.

That being said, I am not trying to imply that GEJ is a saint. I am just fed up with people screaming like the dude is responsible for the rot in Nigeria. Worse still, these passionate antagonists are not presenting viable options. They keep screaming sai Buhari and sai Atiku, the same men under whose hegemonic rules Nigeria was serially molested and battered. GEJ, with all his shortcomings, has achieved more than these two men under very unstable conditions. I am talking about the power sector, gross domestic product (GDP), influx of foreign direct investments, import vs export differentials, respect for opposition, fair electoral process, press freedom, independence of judiciary, agricultural transformation, rehabilitation of railways etc. Please, I ask you to prove me wrong.

Lastly, a state governor or a local government chairman does not need to be a saint before aiding the conflict resolution efforts of the federal government. Timipre Sylva is the most audaciously corrupt governor that I have ever seen, but he was very vital, along with local government chairmen, in quelling the anger of MEND. As long as the state and local government leaders in those Boko haram ravaged areas of Nigeria remain inept, there will be no solution in sight. Now elections are coming, and these same inept governors and local government chairmen are hiding under the Arewa Consultative Forum and other ethnic based organizations to play their usual ethnic political cards. They are convincing the masses to vote for a Northern Muslim, and the people are not asking them to be accountable. After all, to them, it is president Jonathan's fault.

YOU ARE IMPLYING THAT BOKO HARAM IS PRESIDENT JONATHAN'S ISSUE BECAUSE HE IS THE PRESIDENT, WHY THEN ARE PEOPLE NOT PRAISING HIM FOR CURBING EBOLA?

Justcash:


You cannot compare the approach that OBJ took in handling MEND with the approach that GEJ is taking now. OBJ's approach was more unilateral, despotic and military in nature. GEJ's approach is more consultative and hesitant with lots of consideration for human rights and the lives of civilians. That is the beauty of a true civil rule. You will not understand what I am saying until you stay in a position where the president will have to order a military action that will impact on you and your family.

That being said, I am not trying to imply that GEJ is a saint. I am just fed up with people screaming like the dude is responsible for the rot in Nigeria. Worse still, these passionate antagonists are not presenting viable options. They keep screaming sai Buhari and sai Atiku, the same men under whose hegemonic rules Nigeria was serially molested and battered. GEJ, with all his shortcomings, has achieved more than these two men under very unstable conditions. I am talking about the power sector, gross domestic product (GDP), influx of foreign direct investments, import vs export differentials, respect for opposition, fair electoral process, press freedom, independence of judiciary, agricultural transformation, rehabilitation of railways etc. Please, I ask you to prove me wrong.

Lastly, a state governor or a local government chairman does not need to be a saint before aiding the conflict resolution efforts of the federal government. Timipre Sylva is the most audaciously corrupt governor that I have ever seen, but he was very vital, along with local government chairmen, in quelling the anger of MEND. As long as the state and local government leaders in those Boko haram ravaged areas of Nigeria remain inept, there will be no solution in sight. Now elections are coming, and these same inept governors and local government chairmen are hiding under the Arewa Consultative Forum and other ethnic based organizations to play their usual ethnic political cards. They are convincing the masses to vote for a Northern Muslim, and the people are not asking them to be accountable. After all, to them, it is president Jonathan's fault.

YOU ARE IMPLYING THAT BOKO HARAM IS PRESIDENT JONATHAN'S ISSUE BECAUSE HE IS THE PRESIDENT, WHY THEN ARE PEOPLE NOT PRAISING HIM FOR CURBING EBOLA?

The beauty of true civil rule indeed. If it were true civil rule, we won't be in this mess. Security operations keeps receiving the lion's share of the national budget for a third consecutive year and you come here talking about approach as if the military is not already committing crimes against humanity. Even on a normal day, we know how they bully helpless civilians and go Scot free.

And if GEJ is as consultative as you say, why did he dismiss Stephen Davis' claims, knowing fully well that Stephen Davis played an important role in how the Niger-Delta crisis ended under Yar'Adua?

The Ebola case is different. The FG provided intervention fund but the manpower included FG and State workers and hundreds of volunteers. Directives and speedy implementation came from the state in spite of the fact that the intervention fund was delayed. It was not totally an FG activity. How do you expect people to then say he curbed it?

As for BH, only the president can deploy the troops with or without the National Assembly. If he curbs insurgency today, he would take the credit

@justcash
You killed what would have been an insightful thread with the ignorant conclusion you included so cunningly..There is a difference between Economic Growth and Economic Development..They are both Economics terms but differ in economic implications..You mentioned "macro-economic change" as an achievement of this present administration..well, ill educate you, Economic growth, which is what Nigeria is experiencing now, is inconsequential to over 75percent of the population if there is no rise in the standard of living of citizens..This is where Economic Development comes in..Any Economy that is actually growing, and not just basking in some "IMF-defined" concept of growth, must have an excess labour "spill-over effect" into its Industrial sector..Economists sometimes use the "Multiplier Effect" to analyse this concept..Now, in Nigeria the Industrial sector is in a state of coma..which it will never come out from unless it fixes its Power supply..Now ill ask you; Where are the jobs the FG has been providing so far? What effect will the increased Agric. Production have if the products cannot be used to fuel the Industrial sector? Ill be honest with you, the economy is not doing well..For a population our size, our GDP is very low..because most prod. takes place in the Informal Sector...Its very easy for the FG to splash figures in the faces of Nigerians and confuse them with GDP data, but any Economist like myself will tell you..Economic growth doesn't mean jackshit if Economic devt. Is not taking place..so stop cloaking your 2015 TAN work here with muddled-up economic arguements.

Justcash:


Yes, you are correct about how they started. I am not trying to argue about that. I am only trying to make you understand that the under-development and suffering that is fanning the embers of poverty in the North and Nigeria as a whole is more of a result of the impunity with which local government and state governments misappropriate funds, knowing fully well that the masses will blame the federal government. Then, when the FG demands for accountability, the same masses call it a witch-hunt and read tribal or religious meanings in it. If FG insists, the same thieves at the state and local government levels will cross-carpet to the opposition and use the masses against the government. Then the FG is forced to play along or lose their popularity. That was how people like BODE GEORGE, ALAMS and co wriggled their ways out.

If you think that Boko Haram conflict is an FG issue, then you have underrated the enormity of the issue on ground. The sabotage you see all around in this conflict is mainly due to the ineptitude of the state and local government officials of these states. It is easy to see that there is a big gap between these state and LG leaders and the people that they claim to govern.

We need to ask certain questions;
Why is it so difficult for the state and LG officials to mobilize their people to aid federal troops in varying capacities in this fight?

Boko haram members are Nigerians from the states and local governments that are being attacked, why do they seem so alien to these state and local government leaders?

How come Boko Haram is taking Emirs palaces and destroying government institutions at state and local government levels if not to protest social injustice?

Do you sincerely think that Jonathan or any other president can command a defeat from Abuja without a solid state and local government backing?

Finally, one is tempted to ask about the ROLE OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS? ARE THEY MEANT TO SIT AND BLAME THE FG WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?

The Nigerian Government is run on 60percent of this Country's income while the remaining 36 states share the remaining 40 percent....LGs included.


This is the foundation of underdevelopment in Nigeria.

ba7man:
The Military under-developed Nigeria. Now that we're under civillian rule, we shouldn't keep tolerating mediocrity from our leaders.

GEJ is incompetent?? Vote him out

Buhari mounts the podium and is incompetent?? Vote him out too.......

No time for childish sentiments or else even our children will face worse.

What type of development are you talking about? How did the military underdeveloped Nigeria?

Omimah:

What type of development are you talking about? How did the military underdeveloped Nigeria?

Did you witness the late 80s nd 90s in this Country??

ba7man:
Did you witness the late 80s nd 90s in this Country??

He did not understand you. May be he failed to understand how IBB and Abacha messed up the country.

ba7man:
Did you witness the late 80s nd 90s in this Country??

In terms of infrastructural development, the military did better than the civilian.

Descartes:
He did not understand you. May be he failed to understand how IBB and Abacha messed up the country.

We are discussing infrastructural development. The IBB you are talking about built the longest bridge in Nigeria, the Third Mainland Bridge. How far has Jonathan gone on the Second Niger Bridge?

Omimah:

In terms of infrastructural development, the military did better than the civilian.

Maybe in the 70s and early 80s but the extreme decay increased in the mid 80s throught the 90s under their watch too (IBB to be precise).

I watched the documentary on history of Nigeria and it appeared as if since independence, its been one power tussle, coup or counter coup that put the progress of this Nation on ice.

Their collective hatred for gej may be due to the fact that he is doing something right

hifaif:



The beauty of true civil rule indeed. If it were true civil rule, we won't be in this mess. Security operations keeps receiving the lion's share of the national budget for a third consecutive year and you come here talking about approach as if the military is not already committing crimes against humanity. Even on a normal day, we know how they bully helpless civilians and go Scot free.

And if GEJ is as consultative as you say, why did he dismiss Stephen Davis' claims, knowing fully well that Stephen Davis played an important role in how the Niger-Delta crisis ended under Yar'Adua?

The Ebola case is different. The FG provided intervention fund but the manpower included FG and State workers and hundreds of volunteers. Directives and speedy implementation came from the state in spite of the fact that the intervention fund was delayed. It was not totally an FG activity. How do you expect people to then say he curbed it?

As for BH, only the president can deploy the troops with or without the National Assembly. If he curbs insurgency today, he would take the credit

Who is Davis? Where is he from and on what basis should his statements be believed as a reflection of Boko Haram's statements? You must be joking if you wanted the FG to act on mere statements without solid evidence. Again, this shows the beauty of a true civil rule. You don't just go around arresting people because someone made a claim.

Contrary to your argument, the Ebola case is not different. The governors and local government leaders of these North East states should normally have means of calling their people to order or settling grassroots disputes no matter the antecedents. Just like in your Ebola argument, they normally should have taken the first steps to control the agitations before calling on the FG to intervene to avoid the disaster we are experiencing now. Do you know what you are implying? You are implying that the Same speedy directives by state governments and local government leaders would not have made these militants to wait for government to settle their grievance. That is not true. Like Ebola like Boko Haram. The only difference is that in Boko Haram's case, the state and local government leaders did nothing to stem the rise of the group. This is their fault because they know these Boko haram guys better, and are aware of what they are capable of. Like Wole Soyinka said, if Americans wake one day and decides to start blowing themselves up in their streets, Obama will not be able to control it. Let's be factual here.

I agree that the president can deploy troops unilaterally, but is that the solution to the insurgency? It is not. It is beyond the barrels of guns. This is evident in the rise of new shekaus with the death of every Shekau. It will take an understanding of what the group wànts, and a negotiation of a reasonable truce to end Boko Haram, which the federal government must do in collaboration with the state and local governments. The men that are fanning this conflict needs to be talked to and they will never be known until they are effectively traced and found in the grassroots. If that is not done, FG go bomb tire and nothing will be achieved. If, however, this is political, it is also within the jurisdiction of the state and local government leaders to mobilize the people to support the FG with info, without which the FG will be on a wild goose chase.

celeron40:
@justcash
You killed what would have been an insightful thread with the ignorant conclusion you included so cunningly..There is a difference between Economic Growth and Economic Development..They are both Economics terms but differ in economic implications..You mentioned "macro-economic change" as an achievement of this present administration..well, ill educate you, Economic growth, which is what Nigeria is experiencing now, is inconsequential to over 75percent of the population if there is no rise in the standard of living of citizens..This is where Economic Development comes in..Any Economy that is actually growing, and not just basking in some "IMF-defined" concept of growth, must have an excess labour "spill-over effect" into its Industrial sector..Economists sometimes use the "Multiplier Effect" to analyse this concept..Now, in Nigeria the Industrial sector is in a state of coma..which it will never come out from unless it fixes its Power supply..Now ill ask you; Where are the jobs the FG has been providing so far? What effect will the increased Agric. Production have if the products cannot be used to fuel the Industrial sector? Ill be honest with you, the economy is not doing well..For a population our size, our GDP is very low..because most prod. takes place in the Informal Sector...Its very easy for the FG to splash figures in the faces of Nigerians and confuse them with GDP data, but any Economist like myself will tell you..Economic growth doesn't mean jackshit if Economic devt. Is not taking place..so stop cloaking your 2015 TAN work here with muddled-up economic arguements.

What I need to ask you first and foremost is;
WHAT WAS OUR GDP YEARS BEFORE GEJ CAME TO POWER? IF IT WAS LOW, WHY?
You seem to forget that the macro-economic data that you call rubbish gradually waters down to the micro-economic sector. For example, when farmers get an opportunity to ride on the backdrop of government policies to expand their farms, they see the need to employ Nigerians in order to manage the expanded farms. Like wise, when auto manufacturers invest in Nigeria due to an attractive economic growth figure which portends economic opportunities, new jobs are created. The issue is that it is a gradual process. You, like most Nigerians, want this to reflect overnight.

Economic development comes after economic growth. With the enormous rise in FDI INTO Nigeria, it is a matter of time before this is reflected as reduction in UNEMPLOYMENT RATE.

IF OTHER GOVERNMENTS HAD DONE WHAT THEY SHOULD DO, ECONOMIC GROWTH WOULD HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED ALONG WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

You are being biased in your analysis. This is not about politics for me. When you analyse based on political affiliation, you miss the truth.

Justcash:


Who is Davis? Where is he from and on what basis should his statements be believed as a reflection of Boko Haram's statements? You must be joking if you wanted the FG to act on mere statements without solid evidence. Again, this shows the beauty of a true civil rule. You don't just go around arresting people because someone made a claim.

Contrary to your argument, the Ebola case is not different. The governors and local government leaders of these North East states should normally have means of calling their people to order or settling grassroots disputes no matter the antecedents. Just like in your Ebola argument, they normally should have taken the first steps to control the agitations before calling on the FG to intervene to avoid the disaster we are experiencing now. Do you know what you are implying? You are implying that the Same speedy directives by state governments and local government leaders would not have made these militants to wait for government to settle their grievance. That is not true. Like Ebola like Boko Haram. The only difference is that in Boko Haram's case, the state and local government leaders did nothing to stem the rise of the group. This is their fault because they know these Boko haram guys better, and are aware of what they are capable of. Like Wole Soyinka said, if Americans wake one day and decides to start blowing themselves up in their streets, Obama will not be able to control it. Let's be factual here.

I agree that the president can deploy troops unilaterally, but is that the solution to the insurgency? It is not. It is beyond the barrels of guns. This is evident in the rise of new shekaus with the death of every Shekau. It will take an understanding of what the group wànts, and a negotiation of a reasonable truce to end Boko Haram, which the federal government must do in collaboration with the state and local governments. The men that are fanning this conflict needs to be talked to and they will never be known until they are effectively traced and found in the grassroots. If that is not done, FG go bomb tire and nothing will be achieved. If, however, this is political, it is also within the jurisdiction of the state and local government leaders to mobilize the people to support the FG with info, without which the FG will be on a wild goose chase.

I can see that you did not read my posts well cos if you did, you won't still be comparing the Ebola crisis with that of the BH insurgency.

Reverend Stephen Davis' initial contact with BH was through the Women Peace and Security Network. BH didn't start as a violent group at all. Ebola started in its original form and was curbed. It gave early warning signs.

As for BH, there were reports made to the FG when the group grew increasingly radical. The porous border of Nigeria was also an advantage to smuggle in weapons.

Here is a link for you:

Prior to the clashes, many local Muslim leaders
and at least one military official had warned the
Nigerian authorities about Boko Haram. Those
warnings were reportedly ignored.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Boko_Haram_uprising

Jonathan is doing very well. Actually he has succeeded in developing the corruption sector of the economy, so much so that 'ordinary stealing is no longer corruption'. I think he has done very well there

Justcash:


Yes, you are correct about how they started. I am not trying to argue about that. I am only trying to make you understand that the under-development and suffering that is fanning the embers of poverty in the North and Nigeria as a whole is more of a result of the impunity with which local government and state governments misappropriate funds, knowing fully well that the masses will blame the federal government. Then, when the FG demands for accountability, the same masses call it a witch-hunt and read tribal or religious meanings in it. If FG insists, the same thieves at the state and local government levels will cross-carpet to the opposition and use the masses against the government. Then the FG is forced to play along or lose their popularity. That was how people like BODE GEORGE, ALAMS and co wriggled their ways out.

If you think that Boko Haram conflict is an FG issue, then you have underrated the enormity of the issue on ground. The sabotage you see all around in this conflict is mainly due to the ineptitude of the state and local government officials of these states. It is easy to see that there is a big gap between these state and LG leaders and the people that they claim to govern.

We need to ask certain questions;
Why is it so difficult for the state and LG officials to mobilize their people to aid federal troops in varying capacities in this fight?

Boko haram members are Nigerians from the states and local governments that are being attacked, why do they seem so alien to these state and local government leaders?

How come Boko Haram is taking Emirs palaces and destroying government institutions at state and local government levels if not to protest social injustice?

Do you sincerely think that Jonathan or any other president can command a defeat from Abuja without a solid state and local government backing?

Finally, one is tempted to ask about the ROLE OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS? ARE THEY MEANT TO SIT AND BLAME THE FG WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?

d same bode George n Alams that is being praised by ur President
.. Abeg Wat dis one saying

U don't build/develop on a Corrupt and indiscipline ground it would Def fall

hifaif:


I can see that you did not read my posts well cos if you did, you won't still be comparing the Ebola crisis with that of the BH insurgency.

Reverend Stephen Davis' initial contact with BH was through the Women Peace and Security Network. BH didn't start as a violent group at all. Ebola started in its original form and was curbed. It gave early warning signs.

As for BH, there were reports made to the FG when the group grew increasingly radical. The porous border of Nigeria was also an advantage to smuggle in weapons.

Here is a link for you:

Prior to the clashes, many local Muslim leaders
and at least one military official had warned the
Nigerian authorities about Boko Haram. Those
warnings were reportedly ignored.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Boko_Haram_uprising

Stephen Davis has not brought any concrete evidence forward. You don't arrest and try people based on hearsay. If GEJ acts now, it is the same people that are screaming about his hesitant approach that will call him a despot.

In terms of crisis management, there is a similarity between the Boko haram saga and the Ebola saga. Have you stopped to ask yourself about what brought about the whole "WESTERN EDUCATION IS EVIL" campaign? How did it start that it could not be managed before the interference of security forces? It was simply not managed at the local government and state levels.

The way you guys argue can make one to think that the governors and local government chairmen in the north east are from Bayelsa state. In my local government, I know the chairman and councillors. I know their fore-fathers and their siblings. You cannot tell me that some charlatans will start an anti-developmental group without words reaching the councillors, LG chairmen and governor. The governor and LG chairman can crush such organizations from the start or even look for a way to contain them before they blow out of proportion. What you are suggesting is that as soon as they sense the emergence of such an organization, they should run to the FG and report without containing them.

I am just saying that it is wrong, very wrong to blame Jonathan when things get out of hand and praise LG chairmen and Governors when things are done properly. It is unfair and wrong. Look for your local government chairmen and governors, demand for accountability and good leadership, then blame the FG if these officials are steadfast but frustrated by lack of federal support.

chamboy:
d same bode George n Alams that is being praised by ur President
.. Abeg Wat dis one saying

I am saying that it is people like you that are responsible for the political blackmails that forces the FG to bend to those thieves. Along with the people mentioned above, people like BUHARI, ATIKU and TINUBU are culpable as well. They have no business outside the nation's prisons. But with people like you lurking around and ready to die fighting the FG if they are arrested, they walk free and continue their blackmails.

You seem not to understand that politics is about who gets what, when and how. Dirty politics begets dirty politics. If BUHARI AND ATIKU can be audacious enough to come out to contest for the presidency, then it means that despotism and political pilferage can be cordoned in Nigeria. If they can walk free, why can't ALAMS and Bode George do same?

You reap what you sow. To change Nigeria, change yourself first.

Justcash:


... BUHARI, ATIKU and TINUBU ... have no business outside the nation's prisons.

words on marble!
I shall print these and post them on the walls of my office - the kitchen.

Justcash:


Stephen Davis has not brought any concrete evidence forward. You don't arrest and try people based on hearsay. If GEJ acts now, it is the same people that are screaming about his hesitant approach that will call him a despot.

In terms of crisis management, there is a similarity between the Boko haram saga and the Ebola saga. Have you stopped to ask yourself about what brought about the whole "WESTERN EDUCATION IS EVIL" campaign? How did it start that it could not be managed before the interference of security forces? It was simply not managed at the local government and state levels.

The way you guys argue can make one to think that the governors and local government chairmen in the north east are from Bayelsa state. In my local government, I know the chairman and councillors. I know their fore-fathers and their siblings. You cannot tell me that some charlatans will start an anti-developmental group without words reaching the councillors, LG chairmen and governor. The governor and LG chairman can crush such organizations from the start or even look for a way to contain them before they blow out of proportion. What you are suggesting is that as soon as they sense the emergence of such an organization, they should run to the FG and report without containing them.

I am just saying that it is wrong, very wrong to blame Jonathan when things get out of hand and praise LG chairmen and Governors when things are done properly. It is unfair and wrong. Look for your local government chairmen and governors, demand for accountability and good leadership, then blame the FG if these officials are steadfast but frustrated by lack of federal support.

Somebody should help me explain to this guy all I have been saying all this while.

OK, listen, who should receive the blame for the present Boko Haram insurgency? We should blame the governor for the sect's bombings in Abuja? Who should curb full-blown war? You are talking state governors after I had painstakingly explained to you that BH started out as a peaceful movement that originally wanted a sharia state. Read the link and see what the Borno governor said after the 2009 BH uprising.

Please, read the link I gave you and check your last line.

I was already respecting your views as a patriot until I realized that you have decided to lean towards GEJ in a sort of sentimental way.

If GEJ were not himself so corrupt, why are a lot public officers so corrupt under him?

And please, refer to a single post were LG chairmen and governors were praised.

Justcash:


That is a wrong question. The question should be, Should LG chairmen and state Governors ensure that development reflects in the grassroots? The answer is YES.

You have to sense the symptoms and prevent a sickness from being full blown. Look at Boko Haram, they all emerged from the prevalence of almajiris in the North. Is it not ironic that northern leaders have ruled Nigeria for over 30 years, with trillions of Naira allocated to their states. Why then couldn't the trillions translate into development at the state and local government level? It is GEJ's fault abi?

Look at Kwakwanso screaming as if he has been able to transform Kano into Dubai. If with all the money that he controlled he could not develop Kano, how can he develop Nigeria if he is in charge?

The FG wouldn't need to deploy troops if the populace demands for development from the people that are directly in charge of them. See people like Amaechi, what excuse does he have for the condition that Rivers state is currently in? Upon all the trillions that he controlled as a PDP member? Na wa o!

The Nigerian President is one of the most powerful Presidents on Earth by virtue of the widespread powers given to him by the National Assembly. To cut a long story short, if the President is good the rest of the country functions, if he's bad and corrupt guess what happens?

Exactly!