So far, AC has shown itself to be just as corrupt and unruly as PDP. Rigging is rigging; Hiring thugs, no matter how many is the same; Bribery is still bribery. So AC is no Saint here!!

indeed.

It is not about saint or devil. It is about free and fair election.

busi-bodi:

indeed.

It is not about saint or devil. It is about free and fair election.

Free and fair demands that BOTH parties (AC and PDP) conduct this is a fair way. So far, it seems a majority still blames PDP for what happened and somehow believe that AC has a right to fight this. If the AC (the assumed opposition in this case) chooses to fight the results, what stops the PDP from producing evidence of the AC doing exactly the same things as it did. What happens to the people in that case? Are we better off with an AC governor /leader who also rigged his way to victory?

We are tired of same stories. The pen has no stand in Nigeria. Its been blotted. We need physical action. Enough of national blogging on our dailies.

Two things I have always felt stood in the path of change are: our educational system (which goes beyond the schools) and our religions.

Nigerians are often blinded by their religious biases and made into tools of the unscrupulous imams and pastors. The average Nigerian will do almost whatever the pastor/imam says even at the detriment of himself and his family, while the religious leader is busy smiling to the bank with your generous contributions and gifts from the looting political elites. I have never heard a religious leader criticize any of the corrupt politicians (or anyone of influence for that matter)  that are in their fold.  It makes one wonder if the imam/pastor is serving God or the elites. It might be prudent to set religion aside if it would help us tackle our problems fairly and squarely.

The level of reasoning of the average Nigerian is often so appalling. Rarely do you see a Nigerian objectively analyzing a situation or giving constructive criticism. Instead, they are quick to base their stance on tribal sentiments, political affiliations, and/or selfish interests. What is the point of giving a man a choice, if he does not have the capacity to make the right choice

Free and fair demands that BOTH parties (AC and PDP) conduct this is a fair way. So far, it seems a majority still blames PDP for what happened and somehow believe that AC has a right to fight this. If the AC (the assumed opposition in this case) chooses to fight the results, what stops the PDP from producing evidence of the AC doing exactly the same things as it did. What happens to the people in that case? Are we better off with an AC governor /leader who also rigged his way to victory?

@kobo,
does ac rigging and pdp rigging make rigging a legal and acceptable way of having elections in nigeria? we are talking about the people's mandate. we are talking about credible elections.

@poster,
you ended up without a massage. among the names you so far mentioned as your examples, who among them engaged the govt in a physical battle?
fela we all know was always talking against the evils of govt. soyinka we know always criticise govt actions when he is not ok. so who among them fought?
again, we have been writing because we are not comfortable. what is the guarrantee that you and ur group will not relate us to the used thugs in ekiti if we stand up against the govt tomorrow?
again, where is the saro wiwa, bola ige and dele giwa you mentioned here? or do u consider what they get as a worthy reward for their efforts? will you be happy to be in their list?
again, those of us who believe in writing, talking and praying have been doing that, where are those of you who believe in fighting? how far have you gone? who do u consider worth been the sacrificial lamb? don't you think leadership by example is what we need in this new idea of standing up against the govt?
it is obvious here that those who are calling for revelution are not even their real self. they are exactly the oposite of what they preach. why on earth will you preach what you cannot do? you are a perfect deciet. people shld learn to take their sides and preach what they do. most of us are staying out of nigeria and preaching wars and revelution so who will be the participants?

We are tired of same stories. The pen has no stand in Nigeria. Its been blotted. We need physical action. Enough of national blogging on our dailies.

yicob,
make a move. this kind of movement starts with a man. you can be the man. start with your ward councelor. before you get to your local govt chairman and you will be sure to get some support along the line.
in your next response, please tell us the re;ationship between what you are preaching for and treason and felony that will be labelled against your name before your transfer to the other side of the earth where saro wiwa, bola ige and dele giwa are.

yicob:

We are tired of same stories. The pen has no stand in Nigeria. Its been blotted. We need physical action. Enough of national blogging on our dailies.

What pen?

@ kobo, tpiah mentioned something about pen on the first page.

@ chidi, your above statement is the major reason why people are afraid of change in this country. Why think treason or felony ? Let's rebuke cowardice spirit and move the country forward. Everybody can't be jailed/killed. . . . . . . .we just need to be on a right course.

yicob:

@ kobo, tpiah mentioned something about pen on the first page.

@ chidi, your above statement is the major reason why people are afraid of change in this country. Why think treason or felony ? Let's rebuke cowardice spirit and move the country forward. Everybody can't be jailed/killed. . . . . . . .we just need to be on a right course.

Precisely! I believe we are not really ready for change and that is the huge reason why we continue to linger. You suggest people sign petitions, the same will raise their voices to claim it will never work. You ask why? The excuses range from “THE GOVERNMENT will not act” or “The petition signers might get targeted by the government”.

It's a very painful truth to admit, but Nigeria is a failed state, tithering on the edge of a precipice & just hangin by a thread.The problem remains leadership,we can all contribute our little quota but if the head is rotten-there's really not much the body can do-literally.

cold:

It's a very painful truth to admit, but Nigeria is a failed state, tithering on the edge of a precipice & just hangin by a thread.The problem remains leadership,we can all contribute our little quota but if the head is rotten-there's really not much the body can do-literally.

If the head if then the problem, do you suggest we wait for the magical moment when the head decides of it's own to wake up?

@Cold

Please use empirical facts to back up your statement that Nigeria is a failed state - anyone can make that statement, but if it is not backed up with proof and evidence, then it is a meaningless statement.

Can anybody tell me when the wealth of this country (9ja of course) will be equitably distributed, when tribalism & religous discrimination will be eliminated or reduced to the barest minimum,when merit will be considered over mediocrity, when politics will be fair game and not a "do or die" affair (apologies to Obasanjo)?We cant even refine our oil because a power bloc benefits from importation,cement remains prohibitively high because one man has the ears of the presidency and is crushing all new entrants.Ajakaota steel has remained moribund for God knows how long.Nigeria remains one of the few countries without a functional rail system. I can go on but u could get bored.

Let me reiterate that trying to salvage this country is an exercise in futility if the man whom the buck stops at his table does not begin the process.There's always an exception though,i tip my hat to the Fashola's administration.

Cold - is dat why Nigeria is a failed state?

Akpangbon:

Cold - is dat why Nigeria is a failed state?

Very much so,a state does not hav to be war torn like Sudan or in a state of complete dis array like Somalia to be labelled a failed state.When the core indices of a country continue to read in the negative that state is very likely a failed state.And oh did i mention that Nigeria is also incapable of feedin itself-do the math.

Nigeria is a conundrum that cannot be solved. Watching the Ekiti elections live on tv, some days back, I was truly sorry, that I am a Nigerian.

I absolutely agree wid u Yicob, but doesn’t it start from the top though, . . . . .

i feel like it’s a case of who will bell the cat. . . .Cos until someone takes that first step towards drastic progress,

believe me the complaints and accusations would not cease, unfortunately

I told folks on the Ekiti thread that Pdp would win the rerun and nothing would happen. Oni was sworn in on the 2nd day. . . . .and Ekiti is back to business as usual. Our leaders dare not pray for a better country because their wealth is multiplied in the chaos of the nation. I was surprised when a friend told me that Clinton left White House without a personal house. Ordinary Councillor in Naija is a proud owner of hectares of land, series of 2008 model cars, chains of business, houses all over the world. . . . .and you keep wondering if leading the people is a lucrative business.

I absolutely agree wid u Yicob, but doesn’t it start from the top though, . . . . .

A substantial amount of Nigerian politicians at the top weren't born into high-class homes (income and influence wise). The leaders are a manifestation of the people.

Funnily enough i started feeling nigeria is a failed state right from my senior secondary days in the mid nineties

bawomolo:

A substantial amount of Nigerian politicians at the top weren't born into high-class homes (income and influence wise). The leaders are a manifestation of the people.

Exactly!! These leaders were once in discussions throwing blame at the then-leaders. They later decided to join up so they can eat their piece.

bawomolo:

A substantial amount of Nigerian politicians at the top weren't born into high-class homes (income and influence wise). The leaders are a manifestation of the people.

Not really referring to socio-economic status here, just looking for someone, to grab the proverbial bull by the horn, that's all,

Ghana was worse than Nigeria years ago. We all thought nothing good would come out of the land again. J. Rawlings took the heroic step to save the whole Ghanians . . . . . . .presently, everything works fine there. 100% electricity. We need a Messiah !

yicob:

Ghana was worse than Nigeria years ago. We all thought nothing good would come out of the land again. J. Rawlings took the heroic step to save the whole Ghanians . . . . . . .presently, everything works fine there. 100% electricity. We need a Messiah !

Yup, same applies to a host of other advance countires around the world, hopefully soon, i hope,

yicob:

Ghana was worse than Nigeria years ago. We all thought nothing good would come out of the land again. J. Rawlings took the heroic step to save the whole Ghanians . . . . . . .presently, everything works fine there. 100% electricity. We need a Messiah !

If you believe that things will not change until this messiah you are waiting for comes along, and you are sure you are not this messiah, why body even concern yourself with the problem when you have convinced self that it will never be solved until this one who you expect to do heal all, shows up?

The "we need a messiah" was just a metaphorical statement. It doesn't mean we are waiting for someone like Rawlings to save us. The major headache i have about this country is that our politicians are not the only one to put in check. Corruption and other vices have eaten deep into our system that everybody is looking for a sharp sharp avenue to break even. I believe the best way to start is to have a 1 voice, one Nigeria orientation. So that our leaders wont be able to use divide and rule for us. United we Stand !

Please use empirical facts to back up your statement that Nigeria is a failed state - anyone can make that statement, but if it is not backed up with proof and evidence, then it is a meaningless statement.

Akpangbon,

failed state with the following;
1. no credible elections
2. no stable power supply
3. no security
4. no good roads
5. no good water
6. unemployement
7. corrupt leaders
8. corrupt masses
9. lack of institutions
10. lack of direction
sir,
i hope with the few points above, i have been able to convience you and not confuss u that nigeria is a failed, failing and , state.

@topic,
like someone rightly said, all of us will not die the same time or day. why can't the majority of supporters of this idea of revolution start something.
what nigerians and nigeria is still missing is those leaders who lead by example. kobo and co, when, how and where are u starting? can't you stop talking and start acting? don't u get bored discussing this particular issue on daily bases? are u waiting for that day when every nigerians will say yes let us go? that day will never come. ppl like us may join that fight along the line. the most important thing here is to start so let those wo believe this idea start something and we will see from there. is it possible that you guys are waiting for oposition to start this fight?

please get real. action they say, speaks louder than words. enough of all these and that. let someone start this war. i m begining to feel you guys are out to decieve others into doing what you guys will not do.

@ Chidi, the list is endless. . . . .but that doesn't mean naija is already a failed state. Why do you want to join the fight in the middle ? Be part of those that would liberate da nation.

biina said it all

I agree with Biina. Through out my 4 years in school, there was no session the SUG president and co. were not accused of mismanagement and embezzlement. Even the executives of National Association of Nigerian Students are busy fighting for their selfish interest. Our students are more desperate than these so called politicians.

?

Well maybe not exactly 30%, but even 1% if they shout loud enough can cause change.

Well maybe too not exactly 1%, but even 0.01% can cause the desired change, but not by shouting alone o, but by actions like kidnapping, suicide bombing, assasinations and other terrorism actions towards the corrupt individuals in Nigeria.

Well said. But who is ready to bell the cat?
Naija man, no matter what, will prefer to continue to smoke his garri day- in day- out assuring himself that "once there is life, there is hope", including all of us e-talking tough here.

Though we are not happy with the way things are going,. . . . .it is still obvious Nigerians are contented in living a low life. Like Jamace said. . .we are all here e-talking without any action.