cloudyskyglind:

Okay, let's say you meant it. in a saner society, buhari should be contented with being a herder. Someone who's intellectually incompetent like him shouldn't be vying for the number one position in any country. Thanks to Tribalism and religion.

Beyond any reasonable doubt,Buhari is much more intelligent than Jonathan.

anonymousjuju:
As an ardent follower of GEJ, Listening to GMB today makes me have a re-think of whom I will vote for. In all Honesty, I think we should give GMB a chance. This man speaks with so much passion on what good governance should be. I've seen someone who is never too in a haste to make promises just the way other politicians does. He choose his words carefully and don't rush to make promises. Citing corruption which is d main problem we have as his priority when he is re-elected gives me hope that he should be given a chance.

We the electorate have the power to vote him out if he fails to deliver and am sure politicians knows this now that the people are willing and ready to defend their votes.

I might be considering voting for him, but I'll wait a little bit before making up my mind. But for now GEJ still has ny heart even though he failed woefully in some areas affecting the masses.

Your last sentence explains why Nigeria is still in shambles.

You know in your heart of hearts that Buhari should be given a chance but you are still hanging on to Jonathan because you "love" him? Love kwa? Is it just a crush or a tribal or religious thing? Abi are you directly or indirectly benefiting from his purse? Mtcheeeeew

zicoraads:
[s] Hide my wrinkled face in shame because he made an appearance? You must be a joke! Allow me to school you... I don't know what position or post you hold in the APC (if any). So, it is either you are also trying to hide the truth or you are not even aware of it. It is a fact that your candidate went abroad for medical checkup (which is not even a big deal). The only big deal is when your party tried to make it look like the medical checkup was not even part of his itinerary simply because Ayodele Fayose wanted to make a mountain out of a molehill. You played to the gallery by consistently denying that fact. And your party lied to Nigerians. Remember today, because this trip would come back to haunt you. That is a promise. And as for 'my wrinkled face'... I would advice you look in the mirror next time before insulting me. [/s]

Shhhhhhh!!

Back to topic!

I LOVE GMB

Firefire:


Sege, see lie from grandpa

I'm telling you o!! So all the money wey those corrupt supporters dey spend on him campaign na for "thank you;don't mention? "

Mr Intergrity hiooooo!!!

The deception kontinu***

Rennee:
Just look at him! The next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. #LongLiveBuhari

Hello young lady, with this your comment, I'm in love with you already... Nice one jaree..

Everything in life has got its time and season; I believe this is GMB's time. He has to lead us come may 29th 2015!

Nigeria’s Transition by @ThisIsBuhari at Chatham House

February 26, 2015 OPINION, POLITICS No comments

Buhari speaks at Chatham House
Permit me to start by thanking Chatham House for the invitation to talk about this important topic at this crucial time. When speaking about Nigeria overseas, I normally prefer to be my country’s public relations and marketing officer, extolling her virtues and hoping to attract investments and tourists. But as we all know, Nigeria is now battling with many challenges, and if I refer to them, I do so only to impress on our friends in the United Kingdom that we are quite aware of our shortcomings and are doing our best to address them.

The 2015 general election in Nigeria is generating a lot of interests within and outside the country. This is understandable. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, is at a defining moment, a moment that has great implications beyond the democratic project and beyond the borders of my dear country.

So let me say upfront that the global interest in Nigeria’s landmark election is not misplaced at all and indeed should be commended; for this is an election that has serious import for the world. I urge the international community to continue to focus on Nigeria at this very critical moment. Given increasing global linkages, it is in our collective interests that the postponed elections should hold on the rescheduled dates; that they should be free and fair; that their outcomes should be respected by all parties; and that any form of extension, under whichever guise, is unconstitutional and will not be tolerated.

With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the collapse of communism and the end of the Cold War, democracy became the dominant and most preferred system of government across the globe. That global transition has been aptly captured as the triumph of democracy and the ‘most pre-eminent political idea of our time.’ On a personal note, the phased end of the USSR was a turning point for me. It convinced me that change can be brought about without firing a single shot.

As you all know, I had been a military head of state in Nigeria for twenty months. We intervened because we were unhappy with the state of affairs in our country. We wanted to arrest the drift. Driven by patriotism, influenced by the prevalence and popularity of such drastic measures all over Africa and elsewhere, we fought our way to power. But the global triumph of democracy has shown that another and a preferable path to change is possible. It is an important lesson I have carried with me since, and a lesson that is not lost on the African continent.

In the last two decades, democracy has grown strong roots in Africa. Elections, once so rare, are now so commonplace. As at the time I was a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, only four African countries held regular multi-party elections. But the number of electoral democracies in Africa, according to Freedom House, jumped to 10 in 1992/1993 then to 18 in 1994/1995 and to 24 in 2005/2006. According to the New York Times, 42 of the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa conducted multi-party elections between 1990 and 2002.

The newspaper also reported that between 2000 and 2002, ruling parties in four African countries (Senegal, Mauritius, Ghana and Mali) peacefully handed over power to victorious opposition parties. In addition, the proportion of African countries categorized as not free by Freedom House declined from 59% in 1983 to 35% in 2003. Without doubt, Africa has been part of the current global wave of democratisation.

But the growth of democracy on the continent has been uneven. According to Freedom House, the number of electoral democracies in Africa slipped from 24 in 2007/2008 to 19 in 2011/2012; while the percentage of countries categorised as ‘not free’ assuming for the sake of argument that we accept their definition of “free” increased from 35% in 2003 to 41% in 2013. Also, there have been some reversals at different times in Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Mali, Madagascar, Mauritania and Togo. We can choose to look at the glass of democracy in Africa as either half full or half empty.

While you can’t have representative democracy without elections, it is equally important to look at the quality of the elections and to remember that mere elections do not democracy make. It is globally agreed that democracy is not an event, but a journey. And that the destination of that journey is democratic consolidation – that state where democracy has become so rooted and so routine and widely accepted by all actors.

With this important destination in mind, it is clear that though many African countries now hold regular elections, very few of them have consolidated the practice of democracy. It is important to also state at this point that just as with elections, a consolidated democracy cannot be an end by itself. I will argue that it is not enough to hold a series of elections or even to peacefully alternate power among parties.

It is much more important that the promise of democracy goes beyond just allowing people to freely choose their leaders. It is much more important that democracy should deliver on the promise of choice, of freedoms, of security of lives and property, of transparency and accountability, of rule of law, of good governance and of shared prosperity. It is very important that the promise embedded in the concept of democracy, the promise of a better life for the generality of the people, is not delivered in the breach.

Now, let me quickly turn to Nigeria. As you all know, Nigeria’s fourth republic is in its 16th year and this general election will be the fifth in a row. This is a major sign of progress for us, given that our first republic lasted five years and three months, the second republic ended after four years and two months and the third republic was a still-birth. However, longevity is not the only reason why everyone is so interested in this election.

The major difference this time around is that for the very first time since transition to civil rule in 1999, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing its stiffest opposition so far from our party the All Progressives Congress (APC). We once had about 50 political parties, but with no real competition. Now Nigeria is transitioning from a dominant party system to a competitive electoral polity, which is a major marker on the road to democratic consolidation. As you know, peaceful alternation of power through competitive elections have happened in Ghana, Senegal, Malawi and Mauritius in recent times. The prospects of democratic consolidation in Africa will be further brightened when that eventually happens in Nigeria.

But there are other reasons why Nigerians and the whole world are intensely focussed on this year’s elections, chief of which is that the elections are holding in the shadow of huge security, economic and social uncertainties in Africa’s most populous country and largest economy. On insecurity, there is a genuine cause for worry, both within and outside Nigeria. Apart from the civil war era, at no other time in our history has Nigeria been this insecure.

Boko Haram has sadly put Nigeria on the terrorism map, killing more than 13,000 of our nationals, displacing millions internally and externally, and at a time holding on to portions of our territory the size of Belgium. What has been consistently lacking is the required leadership in our battle against insurgency. I, as a retired general and a former head of state, have always known about our soldiers: they are capable, well trained, patriotic, brave and always ready to do their duty in the service of our country.

You all can bear witness to the gallant role of our military in Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Darfur and in many other peacekeeping operations in several parts of the world. But in the matter of this insurgency, our soldiers have neither received the necessary support nor the required incentives to tackle this problem. The government has also failed in any effort towards a multi-dimensional response to this problem leading to a situation in which we have now become dependent on our neighbours to come to our rescue.

Let me assure you that if I am elected president, the world will have no cause to worry about Nigeria as it has had to recently; that Nigeria will return to its stabilising role in West Africa; and that no inch of Nigerian territory will ever be lost to the enemy because we will pay special attention to the welfare of our soldiers in and out of service, we will give them adequate and modern arms and ammunitions to work with, we will improve intelligence gathering and border controls to choke Boko Haram’s financial and equipment channels, we will be tough on terrorism and tough on its root causes by initiating a comprehensive economic development plan promoting infrastructural development, job creation, agriculture and industry in the affected areas. We will always act on time and not allow problems to irresponsibly fester, and I, Muhammadu Buhari, will always lead from the front and return Nigeria to its leadership role in regional and international efforts to combat terrorism.

On the economy, the fall in prices of oil has brought our economic and social stress into full relief. After the rebasing exercise in April 2014, Nigeria overtook South Africa as Africa’s largest economy. Our GDP is now valued at $510 billion and our economy rated 26th in the world. Also on the bright side, inflation has been kept at single digit for a while and our economy has grown at an average of 7% for about a decade.

But it is more of paper growth, a growth that, on account of mismanagement, profligacy and corruption, has not translated to human development or shared prosperity. A development economist once said three questions should be asked about a country’s development: one, what is happening to poverty? Two, what is happening to unemployment? And three, what is happening to inequality?

The answers to these questions in Nigeria show that the current administration has created two economies in one country, a sorry tale of two nations: one economy for a few who have so much in their tiny island of prosperity; and the other economy for the many who have so little in their vast ocean of misery.

Even by official figures, 33.1% of Nigerians live in extreme poverty. That’s at almost 60 million, almost the population of the United Kingdom. There is also the unemployment crisis simmering beneath the surface, ready to explode at the slightest stress, with officially 23.9% of our adult population and almost 60% of our youth unemployed. We also have one of the highest rates of inequalities in the world.

With all these, it is not surprising that our performance on most governance and development indicators (like Mo Ibrahim Index on African Governance and UNDP’s Human Development Index.) are unflattering. With fall in the prices of oil, which accounts for more than 70% of government revenues, and lack of savings from more than a decade of oil boom, the poor will be disproportionately impacted.

In the face of dwindling revenues, a good place to start the repositioning of Nigeria’s economy is to swiftly tackle two ills that have ballooned under the present administration: waste and corruption. And in doing this, I will, if elected, lead the way, with the force of personal example.

On corruption, there will be no confusion as to where I stand. Corruption will have no place and the corrupt will not be appointed into my administration. First and foremost, we will plug the holes in the budgetary process. Revenue producing entities such as NNPC and Customs and Excise will have one set of books only. Their revenues will be publicly disclosed and regularly audited. The institutions of state dedicated to fighting corruption will be given independence and prosecutorial authority without political interference.

But I must emphasise that any war waged on corruption should not be misconstrued as settling old scores or a witch-hunt. I’m running for President to lead Nigeria to prosperity and not adversity.

In reforming the economy, we will use savings that arise from blocking these leakages and the proceeds recovered from corruption to fund our party’s social investments programmes in education, health, and safety nets such as free school meals for children, emergency public works for unemployed youth and pensions for the elderly.

As a progressive party, we must reform our political economy to unleash the pent-up ingenuity and productivity of the Nigerian people thus freeing them from the curse of poverty. We will run a private sector-led economy but maintain an active role for government through strong regulatory oversight and deliberate interventions and incentives to diversify the base of our economy, strengthen productive sectors, improve the productive capacities of our people and create jobs for our teeming youths.

In short, we will run a functional economy driven by a worldview that sees growth not as an end by itself, but as a tool to create a society that works for all, rich and poor alike. On March 28, Nigeria has a decision to make. To vote for the continuity of failure or to elect progressive change. I believe the people will choose wisely.

In sum, I think that given its strategic importance, Nigeria can trigger a wave of democratic consolidation in Africa. But as a starting point we need to get this critical election right by ensuring that they go ahead, and depriving those who want to scuttle it the benefit of derailing our fledgling democracy. That way, we will all see democracy and democratic consolidation as tools for solving pressing problems in a sustainable way, not as ends in themselves.

Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in Africa: Nigeria’s Transition

Permit me to close this discussion on a personal note. I have heard and read references to me as a former dictator in many respected British newspapers including the well regarded Economist. Let me say without sounding defensive that dictatorship goes with military rule, though some might be less dictatorial than others. I take responsibility for whatever happened under my watch.

I cannot change the past. But I can change the present and the future. So before you is a former military ruler and a converted democrat who is ready to operate under democratic norms and is subjecting himself to the rigours of democratic elections for the fourth time.

You may ask: why is he doing this? This is a question I ask myself all the time too. And here is my humble answer: because the work of making Nigeria great is not yet done, because I still believe that change is possible, this time through the ballot, and most importantly, because I still have the capacity and the passion to dream and work for a Nigeria that will be respected again in the comity of nations and that all Nigerians will be proud of.

I thank you for listening.

http://nairametrics.com/nigerias-transition-by-muhammadu-buhari-at-chatham-house/

Yes o. Shame on evil planners and wishers

berem:
All hail the General! Your enemies have been put to shame.
For those wishing you death, it will hit them first like a boomerang.

God bless you Your Excellency!

GoodGovernance:



Beyond any reasonable doubt,Buhari is much more intelligent than Jonathan.

Wats your parameters of intelligence.

anonymousjuju:
As an ardent follower of GEJ, Listening to GMB today makes me have a re-think of whom I will vote for. In all Honesty, I think we should give GMB a chance. This man speaks with so much passion on what good governance should be. I've seen someone who is never too in a haste to make promises just the way other politicians does. He choose his words carefully and don't rush to make promises. Citing corruption which is d main problem we have as his priority when he is re-elected gives me hope that he should be given a chance.

We the electorate have the power to vote him out if he fails to deliver and am sure politicians knows this now that the people are willing and ready to defend their votes.

I might be considering voting for him, but I'll wait a little bit before making up my mind. But for now GEJ still has ny heart even though he failed woefully in some areas affecting the masses.

Thank you my dear. We've had it so bad under PDP for good 16 years. It's high time we tried another party. The only thing constant in life is change. A chance is all what the general is asking for. If we're waiting for a perfect opposition, believe me, we will wait forever. Please vote General Buhari. God bless you.

SAI NIGERIA
SAI BUHARI

zicoraads:
This is the chief reason someone like me was pained a public debate didn't happen. A debate would have been the greatest avenue to rubbish your opponents ideas and policies; and also give a detailed plan for what you intend to do for the country. Believe it or not, most people (myself inclusive) are still indecisive. I am more aligned to my party's candidate, but I am a Nigerian first. And even though GEJ has failed in certain areas, I am a little bit wary of the APC. Especially seeing how most of the people who were actively involved in stealing this country's resources are now members of that party.

Can't you see the reason why Buhari refused the debate? The debates were organized by PDP-loyal media outfits. APC must have gotten info on certain things and pulled out.

berem:
Shhhhhhh!!

Back to topic!

Typical! I was foolish to have expected anything other than this.

anonymousjuju:
As an ardent follower of GEJ, Listening to GMB today makes me have a re-think of whom I will vote for. In all Honesty, I think we should give GMB a chance. This man speaks with so much passion on what good governance should be. I've seen someone who is never too in a haste to make promises just the way other politicians does. He choose his words carefully and don't rush to make promises. Citing corruption which is d main problem we have as his priority when he is re-elected gives me hope that he should be given a chance.

We the electorate have the power to vote him out if he fails to deliver and am sure politicians knows this now that the people are willing and ready to defend their votes.

I might be considering voting for him, but I'll wait a little bit before making up my mind. But for now GEJ still has ny heart even though he failed woefully in some areas affecting the masses.

I believe he equally spoke with this much passion, when he overthrew Shagari's government.............
I careless how APC wants to sell to us a painted Sepulchre, but a man who once overthrew a democratic government shouldn't even dream on coming back to power as an elected President.
Buhari has never believed in a democratic system of government, and I very much doubt that he is about to be 'true' democrat.

dking123:

Dont be decieved by sugar coated APC propaganda. Buhary is a scam.

This isn't the way to go about convincing someone to Vote for someone of your choice. condemning d other party to vote for yours isn't d way to go. This act of pdp supporters should be dropped. I once was like dis until I see no sense I tackling someone's personality just to make yours popular. GEJ still has my heart as I am weary of APC. But so far Buhari kinda have d country at heart.

Na wa oooo... so you mean APC organized this event?? Guy, you funny oo... Are you telling me you prefer a very corrupt democratic govt? Shagari was almost ruining this country man!!! Do you think a man that has a country at heart will sit and watch while someone ruins the country in the name of 'Democracy'?

major466:

A terminator of Democracy delivering Lectures on Democracy? This is just too funny Deep inside he knew his speech about Democracy in Africa is a joke.
The lecture is organized by APC to help give pa Buhari a face lift internationally to its supporters.

anonymousjuju:
As an ardent follower of GEJ, Listening to GMB today makes me have a re-think of whom I will vote for. In all Honesty, I think we should give GMB a chance. This man speaks with so much passion on what good governance should be. I've seen someone who is never too in a haste to make promises just the way other politicians does. He choose his words carefully and don't rush to make promises. Citing corruption which is d main problem we have as his priority when he is re-elected gives me hope that he should be given a chance.

We the electorate have the power to vote him out if he fails to deliver and am sure politicians knows this now that the people are willing and ready to defend their votes.

I might be considering voting for him, but I'll wait a little bit before making up my mind. But for now GEJ still has ny heart even though he failed woefully in some areas affecting the masses.

Your post is spot on especially the first bolded part.

However, the second bolded part contradicts the earlier part! Why would you even consider to vote GEJ despite your admission that he failed woefully in some areas affecting the masses? It is even better to vote for an unknown candidate than voting GEJ who has failed woefully.

Please support GMB with your vote.

Neatboy:




My take is this: since he agrees that Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa, then what is he coming on board to do? He just shot himself on the leg. APC e-warriors will never read between the lines. We achieve this fit in GEJ's administration even while the country is in war. What do you think will happen when there's a peace relatively?

He's coming to make sure it's not only on paper but felt by the populace. Biggest economy wasn't achieved during GEJ administration, it was rebased during his administration. The did a reevaluation, added some factors that were not considered before and arrived at that conclusion

searching4love:



FAYOSE MUST BE IN THE PDP KITCHEN COOKING FRESH LIES AND PROPAGANDA TO PRINT ON THE FRONT PAGES OF TOMORROW'S PAPERS.

NA BUHARI MATTER GO SEND ALL OF THEM TO EARLY GRAVE

#WE HAVE DECIDED TO SAVE NIGERIA


SAI BUHARI

Dnt mind Stupid Fayose,PDP nd co...

[quote author=Sweetlemon post=31103635]

Your last sentence explains why Nigeria is still in shambles.

You know in your heart of hearts that Buhari should be given chance but you are still hanging on to Jonathan because you love him? Love kwa? Is it just a crush or a tribal or religious thing? Abi are you directly or in directly benefiting from his purse? Mtcheeeeew

[/quote

What chance shd be given to Buhari a liar and a hypocrite? You think the president of today's Nigeria is chairman of an alimanjari association of rioters?

Ikengawo:
Book

no space for you

omenka:
I love him more than you do.

He looks like the ordained one talking to the blue bloods.

I doubt anyone can stop him - that podium comes with a lot of things.

Stallione:
dnt mind the stroke patient,after March she'l suffer serious seizure

OkeEsibe:


LIKE SAY D FOOL NR DEY SEE LIGHT

upon the power plants dem dey commission, so this one you dey see for Nigeria na light

GoodGovernance:



Beyond any reasonable doubt,Buhari is much more intelligent than Jonathan.

Are you serious? Do you even know what it means when something is said to have been proven beyond any reasonable doubt?

On average, buhari has only given about 2 minutes campaign speech in each of the 36 states he campaigned in. That says a lot really. May i ask that you point out one thing buhari has done to prove your point?

Sweetlemon:


Your last sentence explains why Nigeria is still in shambles.

You know in your heart of hearts that Buhari should be given chance but you are still hanging on to Jonathan because you love him? Love kwa? Is it just a crush or a tribal or religious thing? Abi are you directly or in directly benefiting from his purse? Mtcheeeeew

I still hold him in my heart because, the devil you know is better than the angel you've not seen. That should answer your question. Like I said, I'm willing to give buhari a chance, I just need to be convinced the more. I believe some other people out there are like me having such thoughts.

Sweetlemon:


Can't you see the reason why Buhari refused the debate? The debates were organized by PDP-loyal media outfits. APC must have gotten info on certain things and pulled out.

I can relate to that. I too would have refused the first one. But what happened to the one ChannelsTv proposed? And, what I expected from the APC was for them to have proposed their's. We have so many media outlets in Africa that are not biased. Surely one would expect one not to have been compromised.

IbnSultaan:
GMB delivering his speech at Chatham House now
With over 2000 applications to attend the event, it's a full house at Chatham House.

dis is d man we all nigerian's need ryte now cum's dis 2015 election. All road's lead's buharri....