Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / NewStats: 3,151,601 members, 7,812,967 topics. Date: Tuesday, 30 April 2024 at 12:11 AM |
Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion (2373 Views)
What The NewYork Times Said About Nigerians. Photo Attached. / Jonathan Was Inexperienced, Not Incompetent - Babangida / New Lagos Governor Ambode Incompetent - The Economist (2) (3) (4)
Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Nobody: 11:11am On Nov 19, 2014 |
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/17/opinion/the-nigerian-status-quo.html?_r=0 LAGOS, Nigeria — The current Nigerian government is widely seen as the most corrupt since independence from Britain in 1960. Ordinarily, this would be a huge problem for President Goodluck Jonathan and his People’s Democratic Party, which has been continuously in power since the end of military rule in 1999. But things are unlikely to change. To many Nigerians, it sometimes seems as if we merely swapped military dictatorship for a one-party state. Mr. Jonathan’s name will be on the ballot this February, when Nigerians, many of them fed up with government corruption and incompetence, go to the polls. Yet events percolating across the country that could come to a boil within the next three months might actually work to the president’s advantage. Two grave problems — the Boko Haram insurgency and tensions in the oil-rich Niger Delta — hang over the land. [b]A third, West Africa’s Ebola crisis, seems to have been contained so far, and though this has little to do with Mr. Jonathan’s leadership, the people responsible for it are unlikely to gain any political capital at his expense. The incompetence of Mr. Jonathan’s government [/b]is most clearly seen in its inability to rescue the 276 schoolgirls, most of them believed to be Christians, who were kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in the largely Islamic north last April. Even at the time, the president, himself a Christian from the largely Christian south, didn’t seem much concerned about their fate. It took him almost three weeks to officially acknowledge what had happened, whereupon he belatedly invited their relatives to lunch at the presidential villa in Abuja, an event which one journalist likened to “a wedding reception,” complete with bunting and a band. What Mr. Jonathan didn’t count upon was the international furor over the kidnappings or the powerful worldwide publicity, negative in his case, of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Seven months later, most of the girls are still missing (though dozens have managed to escape). A report by Human Rights Watch catalogued the “physical and psychological abuse they were subjected to: forced labor, forced participation in military operations, including carrying ammunition or luring men into ambush; forced marriage to their captors; and sexual abuse, including rape.” Meanwhile, sporadic violence continues. Last week, a suicide bomber killed at least 48 students at a boys’ high school in the northeast. Rescuing the girls — or putting an end to the insurgency altogether — would certainly help Mr. Jonathan’s ambitions, but his government’s ability to do so seems most unlikely. Corruption and low morale have hobbled the military. Even so, the government announced last month that the extremists had agreed to a cease-fire, though Boko Haram has denied it. Although the extremists have been widely condemned by leading Muslim clerics and politicians, the insurgency contributes to Christian suspicions of their Muslim compatriots, and this may well play into Mr. Jonathan’s hands come election time. But in an effort to bridge sectarian divisions and garner votes across the religious divide, the country’s leading opposition parties, one from the largely Muslim northeast, the other from the mostly Christian southwest, have joined forces with other groups to form the All Progressives Congress. In theory, this gives the opposition a fighting chance of wresting control of the Senate and House of Representatives from the People’s Democratic Party. Unfortunately, efforts to make common cause in Nigeria are invariably sacrificed upon the altars of religion and ethnicity. The alliance’s likely presidential candidate is a Muslim northerner, Muhammadu Buhari. He also happens to be a former dictator, who ruled Nigeria for 20 months in the mid-1980s. His administration came to an abrupt end in August 1985, when members of his cabinet, alienated by his efforts to root out corruption, forced him out. Though widely unpopular, many Nigerians feel he has the credentials to tackle corruption. Moreover, one potential running mate is Babatunde Raji Fashola, the two-term governor of Lagos State who has distinguished himself by successfully tackling the incipient Ebola crisis with the same energy and efficiency that he brought to modernizing the infrastructure of Lagos, the biggest port in West Africa. But there are also doubts about his commitment to clean government, fueled by the fact that he is a protègé of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a former governor of the same state and a founding member of the All Progressives Congress whose reputation has been tarnished by corruption scandals, even though he has never been convicted of corruption. Though Mr. Fashola is a Muslim with a Catholic wife, few Christians (or for that matter even the generally more-liberally minded Muslims of the south) would be inclined to vote for a Muslim-Muslim ticket. Religious differences are a key factor in voting, but perhaps patronage plays a greater role, a lesson Mr. Jonathan learned in the Niger Delta, where he taught school and gained political prominence. Like any savvy politician, he knows that patronage is a two-way street, and he has been careful to keep the money flowing in a region plagued by resentment over oil rights, piracy and periodic unrest. Oil is Nigeria’s greatest source of wealth, providing about 90 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, but many people among the delta’s diverse ethnic groups feel that the central government has seized control of their oil without adequate compensation. The government says it loses about $3 billion a year due to piracy, widely seen as aided and abetted by the military. Local gangs also take what they can by tapping pipelines. In the past, anger over corruption and the unfair redistribution of wealth has fueled a dangerous political militancy. Everyone knows that if the militants want to, they can easily stop oil production, which would bankrupt the country. Thus Mr. Jonathan takes care to ensure that the region is well looked after, and this contributes to his enormous popularity there. Indeed, he is widely seen as crucial to keeping the lid on potential unrest. In the words of Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, a former leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force who is now a key supporter, if Mr. Jonathan is not re-elected next year, there will be “blood in the streets.” 2 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Nobody: 11:17am On Nov 19, 2014 |
. . . . . . . . . . . . .We should have just bought this character shoes and kept him far away from Aso Rock . . . . . . . . . . . .the man is simply above his station . . . . . . . .Fedora hat wearing cartoon character man must be chairman, OTUOKE FISHING UNION come 2015!! 15 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by okiezman(m): 11:22am On Nov 19, 2014 |
torkaka: Hit like if you believe this OP and new York times is high on crack 8 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by NgeneUkwenu(f): 11:26am On Nov 19, 2014 |
The whole world is aware! 9 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Nobody: 11:27am On Nov 19, 2014 |
this same government US has helped rig 2011 election. Why only now are saying that? Perhaps to justify an invasion of Nigeria to steal our resources under the pretext of fighting Boko Haram thugs (who are on their pay roll). 2 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by hazyfm: 11:30am On Nov 19, 2014 |
VERY VERY POOR I USE GENERATOR 18 HOURS A DAY I ALLOW THE GENERATOR TO REST FOR 6 HOURS |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by mrofficial(m): 11:31am On Nov 19, 2014 |
Saying what everybody already knows. The incompetency and corruption in his government are glaring. 3 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by bakila: 11:33am On Nov 19, 2014 |
hazyfm:seeming funny write up, but alarmingly true. |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Nobody: 11:36am On Nov 19, 2014 |
okiezman: Running around looking for "likes" is what I call an addictive behaviour, have you visited your rehab school today or not? 4 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by SirHouloo(m): 11:36am On Nov 19, 2014 |
Even Shekau knows this. I won't say he is clueless but Nigeria is too complex for him to lead. He should just sign out humbly or retrace his steps back to Bayelsa government house. 5 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by dplordx(m): 12:32pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
When OBJ was in power, MEND was bombing strategic parts of the country. Obj didn't blame the opposition or claim the SE was trying to destroy his government, instead Baba checked the problem and created NDCC. Yaradua, despite his failing health checkered Bokoharam, and staunched MEND after he offered Niger Delta Amnesty. What is GEJ and his supporters doing? Apc is Bokoharam. Every single dissenting voice is now the enemy. The same SW, and North which voted this ingrate of a leader into power has been entirely abandoned, and the question is why? Because the president is flanked by extremely corrupted scums who believe looting and watching the nation burn has nothing to do with them as long as their region is safe. Time will judge GEJ and all his supporters. 9 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by dplordx(m): 12:34pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
As pathetic as Nairaland has become, I know this will never make frontpage. Even a mere flooding issues concerning the opposition is on the FP. Like I said, nland like lindaikeji has gone to the dogs. Smh |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Nobody: 12:43pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
dplordx: . . . . . . . . . . .Blame shifting can't erase the fact that fedora man has failed . . .. "Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence. ~Napoleon Bonaparte". 3 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by taharqa: 12:54pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
OK..dis is mere d opinion of a frustratd Nigerian, just like d OP, not those of d NY times.... Didn't finish reading it 1 Like |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by atlwireles: 1:02pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
Adewale Maja-Pearce became a contributing opinion writer for The International New York Times in the fall of 2013. Mr. Maja-Pearce is an Anglo-Nigerian writer, essayist and critic who was born in London in 1953 and lives in Lagos, Nigeria. He is the author of several books, including “Loyalties and Other Stories,” “In My Father’s Country: A Nigerian Journey,” “How Many Miles to Babylon?” “A Mask Dancing: Nigerian Novelists of the Eighties,” “Who’s Afraid of Wole Soyinka?” and “Remembering Ken Saro-Wiwa, and Other Essays.” He has also written several reports on elections and on human rights violations in Nigeria, and has edited several volumes of poetry and short stories. Mr. Maja-Pearce’s essays and book reviews have appeared in Granta, The London Review of Books, The Times Literary Supplement, Prospect and other publications. He currently runs Yemaja, an editorial services agency; The New Gong, a small publishing company; and a personal blog. Mr. Maja-Pearce is a graduate of University College of Swansea, Wales, and holds a master’s degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He has worked as the Africa editor of Index on Censorship, a London-based organization devoted to freedom of expression, and as the editor of what was the Heinemann African Writers Series. 1 Like |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by menesheh(m): 1:06pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
All these mess of Jonathan's incompetency was that he refused to follow the path of our past leaders who felt they can do or command whatever to the detriment to the ruled. One of the major features of democracy is mass leadership (try carrying abt 80% of the citizens along in their various opinions) Am against any military form civilian rule or democracy. One thing we gat to understand is being brutal and power drunk is pretty much easy and enjoyable but the aftermath of it all is a mess.. Nigerians had been ingrained with brutality form of leadership and then see a pure Democrats as incompetent and unwise. Therefore we need not the old ways ugh but changes. 2 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Curlieweed: 1:22pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
atlwireles: Don't mind the Colomental clowns. Because it's published in that socialist rag - NYTimes we should swallow it as divine revelations. Rather than get their ground game up and explain to the citizens what they would do better, Apeeshit is grasping at weak straws and using big words like "incompetence" which they clearly don't understand. Imagine calling an administration that reduced both the poverty rate and our import bill by 50% "incompetent". 2 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by menesheh(m): 1:22pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
"The Nigerian Status Quo" This is the caption of the newyork whatever. The OP is unlearned The writing-up was all about what different factions of nigerians felt abt the state of Nigeria as a nation, their leaders and the status quo. Stop that ur nonsense propaganda 1 Like |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by menesheh(m): 1:25pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
Curlieweed: Take time and read the url (link) and see to urself the unbiased write-up which the biased Op edited in order to discredit the present administration 1 Like |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Ngwakwe: 1:31pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
There is no end to opposition's attempt to grab power even if it entails burning down the country. From the tune of the op-ed, you can see Lai Mohammed conspicuously written all over it. See how he elaborated the Ebola story to deny GEJ administration any commendation and how he magnified corruption perception without a single case study. Nigerians are now wiser, the opposition is creating an army of sympathisers for the ruling party by engaging on unethical campaign of calumny and outrageous lies against their own country. 4 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Curlieweed: 1:33pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
menesheh: It doesn't even matter. The key thing is that the article says that Bin Buhari is "widely unpopular" and GEJ is winning the presidential elections. 2 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Ngwakwe: 1:41pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
hazyfm: This is a testimony to a favourable economy. Congrats, you can afford 18 hours of electricity using your own generator. Some are not as privilege as you are. Bravo |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by pendicle: 1:44pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
This should be on front page. Mods ishilove Seun do the needful. GEJ uselessness is on the world stage 2 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by arsetalks(m): 1:54pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
GenBuhari:You sure do hate USA and I truly do too but be realistic, if the retardeeen regarded as president has done the right thing about Boko harram, America will not habour the though of invading us. Blame Mr shoeless instead. 2 Likes |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by major466(m): 1:54pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
dplordx:The issue of mend is a different case. Mend were agitating for the destruction of their environment as a result of oil exploration and production. They have a worthy cause. Amnesty was given to them and they accepted it. Boko Haram on the other hand are terrorist with no genuine cause other than to impose sharia all over Nigeria. They are driven by extreme ideology. They have no regards for talks and negotiations. To make matters worse, GEJ offered them Amnesty but they blatantly refused it. 1 Like |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by feelamong(m): 1:56pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
Adewale Maja-Pearce nust be a member of APC.. same thing with the New York times |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by Nobody: 2:02pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
You have not realised that our govt is a puppet of the US and that Boko Haram are on America's pay roll? [size=25pt]Important Public Service announcement:[/size] arsetalks: 1 Like |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by SirBlack999(m): 2:35pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
As i am typing this now,we haven't had light for a week and nobody seems to care. |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by okiezman(m): 2:56pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
torkaka: crying 4 ya foolishness |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by phantom(m): 2:58pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
okiezman:I think you are the one high on crack and all the likes should in fact come to me... 1 Like |
Re: Jonathan's Government Corrupt And Incompetent: Newyork Times - Opinion by omenka(m): 3:00pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
torkaka:Oh Lawd have murcey!!! |
Nat'l Assembly Palaver: Speaker Finally Gains Access Into House / Fashola Handing Over APC Flag To PDP Chieftains/defectors In Lagos. PICS... / Dele Momodu PICTURED With Ghana's Former President John Kufuor
(Go Up)
Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 93 |