According to #occupynigeria trends (@gbengasesan and @ogundamisi) GEJ is in South Africa and the broadcast today was recorded before he flew out. I really don't believe that GEJ would do that and that social media may just be in a feeding frenzy.

Does anyone have any reliable sources?

Article copied further down below implies GEJ was in South Africa since Friday, 6 Jan: http://allafrica.com/stories/201201060795.html

shameless presido, while your country is on fire you are globe trotting. the worst president that naija has ever produced.

''A President that travels out of the country to celebrate the ANC centenary in South Africa at a time 'Boko Haram' is having a field day attacking and killing people and people are demonstrating against fuel subsidy removal and the issue has not been resolved yet, is similar in insensitivity to a person whose wife and child are seriously sick in hospital and yet he decided to abandon them and went to rejoice with a friend celebrating his birthday.
This is synonymous to MADNESS because no rational President will do that.
I don't know whether President Jonathan has advisers at all'' - Abdullahi Dahiru.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Femi-Fani-Kayode/62188827209

To be sincere,  If I were the President,  I would feel embarrass going to foreign countries and your host, even smaller nations like Benin Republic's President or Gambia's President asking you "hey Man" 'what is going on in your country' and you would have to repeat yourself for the umpteenth time that it is no big deal, it is just politics that has gone sour. (me I shy oh I go wear my glasses)

Oga Jona, sit down for home if you no wan dey repeat yourself for every DI-C-K, Harry and even Jones!!

where are our military men. as jonathan declared emergency in some parts of this country, i think the time is ripe for emergency to be declared in aso rock.

Will the ANC Learn From Nigeria or Just Party On?

Simon Allison Friday, 6 January 2012

Jacob Zuma will be busy this weekend, but if he can drag himself away from the party, he should have a chat with one of his guests. [b]Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria's love-vendor-hatted president, has flown down to join in the festivities [/b]and he might be able to give Zuma - and any ambitious cadres - a few lessons on how a dominant ruling party can end up ruining the state.

As well as all the celebrities, citizens and loyal comrades converging in Mangaung this weekend for the ANC's big birthday bash, there are 46 current and former heads of state, 47 if you count Zuma (although not for a moment are we suggesting he is not also a loyal comrade).

These top tablers have left behind whatever important business such as running countries, to pay homage to the power they know is really running South Africa: the ANC.

In the midst of the celebrating, singing and the interminable speeches, there is one particular visiting president any ANC member concerned with the party's future should try to speak to - Goodluck Jonathan from Nigeria. He'll be easy to spot. He's the one with the black love-vendor hat.

You'll know it when you see it.

The reason he's so important is that, in addition to his presidential duties, Jonathan is the leader of a political party that bears a striking resemblance to the ANC.

It's by far the alpha-party in Nigeria, and is the only major political party with support across all geographic and ethnic divides. It gets votes in the north and the south; from Muslims, Christians and animists and most of Nigeria's major tribes.

Other parties tend to represent a specific demographic, rather like the Democratic Alliance (as much as they might argue the point) or the Inkatha Freedom Party here.

Some of these Nigerian demographics are rather large they should be, given the population of nearly 160-million meaning that the Peoples Democratic Party doesn't enjoy quite the same electoral superiority as the ANC, but its dominance is indisputable.

Of Nigeria's four democratic elections since 1999, the beginning of the current democratic era, the PDP has won them all.

Political power in Nigeria, in other words, comes first from control of the party. PDP conferences choose presidents and elections are just a rather expensive rubber-stamping exercise. In theory, this shouldn't be a problem.

No one, except the embittered opposition, disputes that elections are rigged, but not rigged "enough" to affect the results in a meaningful way. And in this style of democracy, people get what they vote for and they keep voting for the PDP.

But this is the real world, not some theoretical abstraction, and in the real world it's not that easy.

Historical factors, both colonial and modern, have created a polity deeply divided along ethnic, religious and geographic lines. It is almost impossible for a party to rise above its origins and so far the PDP is the only one to have done so. Hence its electoral success.

Nigerians don't have a viable choice. The PDP's success is a testament to the genius of its founding fathers, in particular Olusegun Obasanjo, who created a national rather than parochial party.

They did this in a rather unusual way. Instead of debunking the notion that a specific regional or religious bias influenced governance, they embraced it.

The solution was to make sure that this bias was equally shared, by creating an unspoken, undocumented, nudge-nudge-wink-wink agreement to rotate the leadership between a Christian southerner and a Muslim northerner.

That way no one is left out. For eight years at a time, both halves of the country get to feel like they're in control and reap the benefits which stem from that.

But then Jonathan came along and royally messed up the system. It wasn't all his fault. He was the Christian southerner deputy to president Umaru Yar Adua.

Yar Adua was Obasanjo's successor, and a Muslim northerner taking his rightful turn. But then Yar Adua died, an event unforeseen in secret agreements, and Jonathan assumed power.

And instead of relinquishing it in the next election, as many thought he should have done, he held on tight, effectively jumping the queue.

His party, forced to remain together by the simple fact that none of them would be in power were they to split, was torn between those who supported his leadership and those who didn't. The consequences have been bloody - and potentially devastating for the country.

In November, two national senators and prominent PDP members were manipulated by the captured spokesman of Islamist militant group, Boko Haram.

Their crime? Funding Boko Haram's sustained campaign of violence which has killed hundreds since Jonathan was elected president. Their motivation? To get back at Jonathan, and make sure the country was too hot for him to handle.

To punish him for his transgressions as party leader. To pave the way for their own narrow ambitions.

Ultimately, the good of the country comes a distant second to party politics and the country suffers. Not just as a result of the bombings.

So far, Jonathan has proven to be a decent president, particularly on the economic side of things. He's appointed a very good team around him and they're making progress this week's controversial scrapping of fuel subsidies being an example of him making difficult decisions that needed to be made.

But his job of actually governing the country is made exponentially more difficult by his lack of internal support as he's having to fight those battles before anything else.

This is the lesson ANC leaders current and future need to learn from Nigeria. In a state where one party dominates so completely, the internal affairs of that party are of national importance.

And if the party is divided, or disorganised, or corrupt, these traits will inevitably spread into government as a whole and then into the country.

If one leader tramples over another on his way to power, that acrimony can have a real impact. In Nigeria, that meant deaths, lots of them.

Being a senior figure in the ANC is an awesome responsibility, with the potential to influence the lives of millions, for better or for worse.

Now is a good time for the ANC to look towards Nigeria, and decide what kind of ruling party they really want to be. DM



Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201201060795.html

What again was point #12 in his little per talk? O Yes, yes, reduction in foreign trips except those absolutely necessary. So what exactly is he doing in SA? Wooing investors to come invest in the country? SMH

I wonder how many aides he took along this time .

I no wonder it can be true. The guy always on his heel whenever he want to do anything stupid. I remembered when he wanted to sack EFCC woman he was at the door of plane and gave d order "make una tell her say I no need her service again" coward.

doofanc:

What again was point #12 in his little per talk? O Yes, yes, reduction in foreign trips except those absolutely necessary. So what exactly is he doing in SA? Wooing investors to come invest in the country? SMH

I wonder how many aides he took along this time .

Exactly, and he want's us to trust him. How can we trust him and his govt when he is still lying and being distrustful!

1025:

where are our military men. as jonathan declared emergency in some parts of this country, i think the time is ripe for emergency to be declared in aso rock.

Go and lead the coup! You think say planning coup na moi-moi business.The would be coup planners will fight each other first before fighting aso-rock since GEJ has his loyalties in the military at the moment.

this guy is amazing! he never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

Ozin:

Go and lead the coup! You think say planning coup na moi-moi business.The would be coup planners will fight each other first before fighting aso-rock since GEJ has his loyalties in the military at the moment.

even in the now, many people has started supporting the removal policy. A coup cannot work now but we can use the opportunity to correct some ills of our system of governance.

The shameless Reno Omokri was already denying on twitter that the president did not travel, atleast a south african daily wouldn't lie. shame!!
http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-01-06-will-the-anc-learn-from-nigeria-or-just-party-on

k2kay:

The shameless Reno Omokri was already denying on twitter that the president did not travel, atleast a south african daily wouldn't lie. shame!!
http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-01-06-will-the-anc-learn-from-nigeria-or-just-party-on

GEJ would probably hot foot it back now to Nigeria on one of his two or three planes that flew down. He will now "magically" appear at an event today.

If you TRUST Gej govt, abeg raise up ya hands!

Are there no BRAVE & COURAGEOUS soldiers that will make him to remain in EXILE? Disgusting rouge

BIGER BOY:

this guy is amazing! he never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

Hahaha, excellent use of the english language. It describes perfectly this action by the president (if indeed he travelled to S.A in this crisis time)

a new word added to the dictionary

Adjective Beaf (beafer, beafest)
1. Lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity
2. In a state of mental numbness especially as resulting from bribe
3. Lacking intelligence
4. Devoid of good sense or judgment

Noun: Beaf
1. A person who is not very bright
2. A person who is daft

Synonyms:
daft
dolt
dullard
dumb
foolish
stupe
dazed
pudding head

consult 2012 oxford dictionary for more details

l

KnowAll:

To be sincere,  If I were the President,  I would feel embarrass going to foreign countries and your host, even smaller nations like Benin Republic's President or Gambia's President asking you "hey Man" 'what is going on in your country' and you would have to repeat yourself for the umpteenth time that it is no big deal, it is just politics that has gone sour. (me I shy oh I go wear my glasses)

Oga Jona, sit down for home if you no wan dey repeat yourself for every DI-C-K, Harry and even Jones!!

[size=15pt]He budgetted N10 billion for foreign trips, how do you expect him to spend that if he doesn't travel.[/size]

humblebee:

a new word added to the dictionary

Adjective Beaf (beafer, beafest)
1. Lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity
2. In a state of mental numbness especially as resulting from bribe
3. Lacking intelligence
4. Devoid of good sense or judgment

Noun: Beaf
1. A person who is not very bright
2. A person who is daft

Synonyms:
daft
dolt
dullard
dumb
foolish
stupe
dazed
pudding head

consult 2012 oxford dictionary for more details

Nairaland has been invaded by ignorant morons with low IQs

All hail Ijaw fisherman turned President

all of you on nairaland are shameless and highly foolish.

you all cannot read between the line and face the reality on ground. you are all running your mouth against GEJ abi?

i can assure you all that you will all regret your stand against GEJ sooner than later.

DAY11.:

If you TRUST Gej govt, abeg raise up ya hands!

The greatest problem Nigerians has with the ruling class is "LACK OF TRUST".Nigerians would have happily paid 250 Naira a litre but what's d guarantee that the money will not end up in  private pockets as usual?your guess is as good as mine.OUR LEADERS ARE IN THE HABIT OF TELLING US LIES ALL THE TIME,a typical example is this: Mr. President is still "CONSULTING" on whether to remove the Fuel Subsidy;when they've already concluded what to do >NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA>>>2011 LIE OF THE YEAR<<<

most of you just come here and talk what you like, without been rational. with some even clamouring for a military coup. i will write this boldly so that you can see it properly.

we are allowing callous politicians to incite us because of personal gains. we are allowing our emotions to lead us instead of our brains. but this is what i have to say.

GOODLUCK JONATHAN  IS THE LAST CHANCE NIGERIA HAS TO BE TRANSFORMED AND BECOME THE NIGERIA OF OUR DREAMS. IF THIS GOVERNMENT FAILS, NIGERIA WILL FAIL. IF THIS GOVERNMENT FAILS TO SUCCEED, NIGERIA WILL FAIL TO EXIST.

THOSE PRAYING FOR A MILITARY COUP, I HOPE YOUR WISHES ARE GRANTED, WHEN THE WAR STARTS IT WILL AFFECT YOU AS WELL, IF NOT, YOUR  FAMILIES WILL BE AFFECTED.

NIGERIANS BE WISE,

It could be true since the speech leaked before it was televised.

@LeoMax
Nairaland has been invaded by ignorant morons with low IQs

@rafhell
all of you on nairaland are shameless and highly foolish.
you all cannot read between the line and face the reality on ground. you are all running your mouth against GEJ abi?
i can assure you all that you will all regret your stand against GEJ sooner than later


@seunlayi
even in the now, many people has started supporting the removal policy. A coup cannot work now but we can use the opportunity to correct some ills of our system of governance.



@eyesofgold
most of you just come here and talk what you like, without been rational. with some even clamouring for a military coup. i will write this boldly so that you can see it properly.
we are allowing callous politicians to incite us because of personal gains. we are allowing our emotions to lead us instead of our brains. but this is what i have to say.
GOODLUCK JONATHAN  IS THE LAST CHANCE NIGERIA HAS TO BE TRANSFORMED AND BECOME THE NIGERIA OF OUR DREAMS. IF THIS GOVERNMENT FAILS, NIGERIA WILL FAIL. IF THIS GOVERNMENT FAILS TO SUCCEED, NIGERIA WILL FAIL TO EXIST.
THOSE PRAYING FOR A MILITARY COUP, I HOPE YOUR WISHES ARE GRANTED, WHEN THE WAR STARTS IT WILL AFFECT YOU AS WELL, IF NOT, YOUR  FAMILIES WILL BE AFFECTED.
NIGERIANS BE WISE

It is a pity nairaland is now dominated by stupi`d and ignorantly fooli`sh people who gladly exhibit 100% idioc`y in a public forum without shame. It only shows how they were brought up and the type of Learning they had (educated illiterates).
My only advice to you guys
@LeoMax, @rafhell , @seunlayi , @eyesofgold
Leave them alone and allow them to revel in their stupidit`y, most topics in NL are better left alone to morons in their foolz paradise.

all of you on nairaland are shameless and highly foolish.

you all cannot read between the line and face the reality on ground. you are all running your mouth against GEJ abi?

i can assure you all that you will all regret your stand against GEJ sooner than later.

Foooooooooool! Imbe.ci,le like you, look who is calling Nairalanders shameless, they don pay you abi? Anumanu(Animal)

It is a pity nairaland is now dominated by stupi`d and ignorantly fooli`sh people who gladly exhibit 100% idioc`y in a public forum without shame. It only shows how they were brought up and the type of Learning they had (educated illiterates).
My only advice to you guys
@LeoMax, @rafhell , @seunlayi , @eyesofgold
Leave them alone and allow them to revel in their stupidit`y, most topics in NL are better left alone to morons in their foolz paradise.

Birds of a feather? you know the answer abi? Stu,p.id birds of a feather? oya use ur head

LeoMax:

Nairaland has been invaded by ignorant morons with low IQs

You are desperate because people do not agree with your stance.

humblebee:

a new word added to the dictionary

Adjective Beaf (beafer, beafest)
1. Lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity
2. In a state of mental numbness especially as resulting from bribe
3. Lacking intelligence
4. Devoid of good sense or judgment

Noun: Beaf
1. A person who is not very bright
2. A person who is daft

Synonyms:
daft
dolt
dullard
dumb
foolish
stupe
dazed
pudding head

consult 2012 oxford dictionary for more details