₦airaland Forum

Calm down. It's just additional protein!

50 POLITICAL LESSONS FOR YOUNG NIGERIANS FROM THE OBASANJO-OSOBA EXCHANGE
On Leadership Philosophy

1. Politics is for welfare and well-being - Never lose sight that public service exists to improve people's lives, not personal enrichment.
2. Separate policy from personality - Disagreement on ideas should never translate to personal hatred or enmity.
3. Stoop to conquer - Sometimes leadership requires humility, reaching out to opponents, and building bridges across divides.
4. Turn adversaries to neutrals, neutrals to friends - Active relationship-building across political lines is strategic, not weakness.
5. Respect must be given where it is due - Cultural respect for elders and traditions should not be sacrificed for political expediency.
6. Never stop communicating - Continuous dialogue prevents misunderstandings and builds lasting political capital.
7. Life is short - make friends not enemies - Political battles are temporary; relationships can last a lifetime.
8. No bitterness or acrimony in politics - Holding grudges weakens leadership and closes future opportunities.
9. Leadership is service, not entitlement - Positions of power come with responsibility, not privilege.
10. Maintain integrity and godliness - Ethical conduct should remain non-negotiable regardless of political circumstances.

On Strategic Thinking

11. Widen your circle of influence - Isolating yourself within ethnic or regional groups limits political viability.
12. National appeal beats tribal politics - Ethnic parties exist in a cul-de-sac; true political relevance requires national outlook.
13. Build alliances beyond your comfort zone - Consult widely across regions and political affiliations.
14. Understand what's "above your head" - Acknowledge that some political complexities require elder counsel and deeper understanding.
15. Keep your options open - Multiple invitations and approaches signal political value; don't burn bridges prematurely.
16. Policy implementation matters more than rhetoric - A steady programme of governance trumps political maneuvering.
17. Learn from defeats - Victory and loss both contain lessons; analyze both carefully.
18. Strength, not weakness, drives inclusion - Bringing opponents into government demonstrates confidence, not desperation.
19. The "brisk movement" wins elections - Campaign execution requires strategic timing and relentless effort.
20. Don't ignore political intelligence - Information about opponents' moves is vital for strategic response.

On Governance

21. Appoint defeated opponents - Including political rivals in government promotes stability and national unity.
22. Begin reconciliation immediately after victory - Post-election healing should start day one of governance.
23. Visit states regardless of party affiliation - Presidential attention should transcend political boundaries.
24. Develop Abuja as a national project - Physical development of the capital symbolizes national unity.
25. Build executive-legislative relations carefully - Impeachment threats require strategic handling, not panic.
26. National Assembly independence matters - The legislature must not be subordinate to executive whims.
27. Governors across party lines are partners - State governments, regardless of party, deserve presidential engagement.
28. Administrative appointments should reflect national character - Inclusion across regions strengthens legitimacy.
29. Handle political threats with dignity - Showing contempt for baseless attacks demonstrates strength.
30. Programmes over personalities - Governance should be driven by clear programmes, not personal agendas.

On Political Ethics

31. Reject tribalizing national positions - "Yoruba President" versus "Nigerian President" - the distinction matters enormously.
32. Condemn anti-democratic plots openly - Schemes to manipulate electoral outcomes must be exposed and resisted.
33. Information verification is essential - Never accept political propositions without checking with all parties involved.
34. Political hypocrisy has consequences - Eventually, deceitful positions become exposed.
35. Lies and deception backfire - Attempts to malign political opponents ultimately damage the accuser.
36. Pettiness diminishes leadership - Refusing to congratulate political rivals reflects poorly on the refuser.
37. Deathbed regrets are instructive - Learn from elders' confessions of political mistakes.
38. Mentorship requires consistent values - What leaders teach should align with what they practice.
39. Arrogance alienates the electorate - Public apologies for perceived arrogance rarely repair damage.
40. Campaign on substance, not assumptions - Take nothing for granted; every vote must be earned.

On Personal Development

41. Humility has no end - There is always room to be more humble, regardless of station.
42. Thanksgiving is perpetual - Gratitude to God and others should never cease.
43. Relationships outlast politics - The bonds you build today may serve you long after public service ends.
44. Family matters are legitimate - Personal obligations may require prioritizing family over political ambition.
45. Understand generational transitions - The values of older leaders may not be embraced by their proteges; understand this dynamic.
46. Use "sounding boards" wisely - Quick consultations with trusted elders provide essential political feel.
47. Personal interactions matter more than party cards - Some relationships transcend party affiliation.
48. Accommodation and tolerance are virtues - Build capacity to work with those who disagree with you.
49. Learn from both sides of any conflict - Every political dispute offers lessons for all participants.
50. Legacy is built over time - Projects like libraries and landmarks outlast political careers; invest in lasting contributions to your community.

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These lessons emphasize the importance of national unity, ethical conduct, strategic relationship-building, and the understanding that politics is ultimately about service to the people rather than personal or sectional advantage.

*PS: This is an AI generated content.

So much lessons to learn from this piece...

1. To maintain exclusivity and social status.
2. Fear of dilution or loss of authenticity.
3. To protect community safety or insider knowledge.
4. Resentment toward newcomers who haven't "earned" their place.
5. Desire to preserve subcultural identity against mainstream co-option.
6. To prevent entitlement mentality.
7. Many people just want to maintain a low profile

Unfortunately, no. We were young and stupid teenagers . It was a great relationship but at the wrong time...

The Governor should use the same energy to address the issues of insecurity and poverty in his State. Armed bandits and unknown gunmen are terrorising his people, but it is defamation that is paining him more . . .

Unfortunately, that is how 99% of women are wired. Most women are inherently selfish! They think of only their interests first. Even if she is as broke as hell, she will look for a man who can take care of her. Even those who have their own money also expect their men to take care of them. If they spend their money on the family, they expect the man to refund directly or otherwise. I wish I had known this 30 years ago. If you mistakenly marry a firstborn from a broke family, you don enter one-chance! She go use you to settle her people one way or the other
*Single guys, shine your eyes!

I don't have sympathy for greedy idi ts

To what end?

No need. We are not like them!

I totally blame Tinubu for the falling of this ceiling . . .

Looks like a mix between local dog and pit bull

DSS, use this same energy to combat and apprehend terrorists, armed robbers and kidnappers that are having a field day doing open business in Nigeria, please 🙏

I am deeply troubled by the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa and the real danger that the 30 June 2026 deadline could trigger unrest similar to the July 2021 riots, especially given doubts about police readiness exposed by the Madlanga Commission. While President Ramaphosa has rejected the ultimatum, the immediate security response remains unclear, and political involvement raises the risk of violence. I call on all South Africans to reject hate, because targeting foreigners will not solve internal problems like unemployment, and authorities must act decisively now to prevent another tragedy.

Good for them. Respect whatever positive thing that makes people have hope, sense of community and emotional empowerment.

Nice one! We need more initiatives like this.

The big question is: why is this character still walking around freely and running his mouth on behalf of those criminals?

1. Selling your house or car in Nigeria before you've settled abroad.

2. Quitting your job too early before your visa and travel are 100% confirmed.

3. Arriving with barely enough money for just a few weeks or months.

4. Paying huge money to agents or "consultants" without verifying they are genuine.

5. Paying for a "Certificate of Sponsorship" when genuine ones are free.

6. Not having health insurance from your very first day abroad.

7. Lying or providing false documents on any visa or job application.

8. Choosing a country without properly researching jobs, cost of living, and weather.

9. Moving your entire family at once instead of one person going first.

10. Believing life abroad will be perfect and easy with no challenges.

11. Forgetting that your Nigerian degree or certificate may not be accepted without extra exams or fees.

This news makes me sad and angry as a patriotic Nigerian who loves my country and wants us to be united and move forward. The government is spending more money on security, almost N58 billion in just four months, but we are still seeing so many killings, kidnappings, and attacks across the nation every week. This shows that money alone is not the answer. We need our leaders to use the money wisely and take real action to protect every Nigerian. I still believe in Nigeria and our unity, but our government must do better and stop failing the people.

There's only one life. Enjoy!

For speaking out, he could be a target . . .

There is no difference. You just want us to comment on your post

ruzell86:
I've learnt something from this piece of experience of yours, as I can be generous to a fault sometimes.

Thanks. The greatest lesson is that a giver should have boundaries, because takers don't.

Funny how they all say the same thing. If they eventually find themselves in the same position of power, they become mute and powerless against the same evil they were criticizing!

That is a great idea, except that the "landlords" are all the big and influential men and women in society at the LG, State and Federal levels. They will stop at nothing to ensure no one messes with their source of income.

Shame on all the security agencies in Nigeria - especially the military, DSS, NIA, and Police. Shame!

Story of my life. A couple of years ago, I noticed a young lady always walking to work on foot each morning as I drove to work. Months passed, and I kept seeing her daily, walking, smiling, or singing to herself as she trekked along the shoulder of the road. One day, it was drizzling, and I saw her as usual. She was drenched but was smiling as she went along. I was touched. The next day, I pulled over beside her. She was skeptical at first, but eventually loosened up. We exchanged contacts and I gave her N5,000 to assist with her transportation. She was super appreciative. I got to know she was a salesgirl in a furniture shop. I was relieved when I did not see her trekking the next day and for several weeks. At the beginning of the following month, I put N5,000 in an envelope and gave it to her at her workplace - for transportation for the month. I stopped seeing her on the road. I was thrilled that I could help someone in need, so I included the N5,000 in my monthly budget. After a few weeks, she called to inform me that she had lost her job and was looking for another one. I promised to "ask around". A few days latter, she called to say that she had not eaten for days.

I sent her N3,000. A few days later, she called that she needed some money to buy cooking gas. That was when I realized I had become her ATM. She called another time, stating that she was in the hospital and needed N14,000 to settle the bills. Out of pity, I sent her the money. The demands continued to mount . . . I tried ignoring her calls, but she became more persistent - actually, aggressive. She would call at all times, many times a day, and would not relent. My wife started becoming suspicious. I explained myself though, and she blamed me. I blocked her number, and she used other lines to call me.

The harassment became too much, and I threatened to report her to the Police if she contacted me again. That was when she backed off . . .

I no dey involve myself for family fight . . .

Context matters . . .



That is all I have to say

From personal experience, I can think of a few reasons why some siblings hate each other:
1. Parental favoritism.
2. Competition for resources (attention, money, toys, space).
3. Personality clashes.
4. Perceived unequal treatment or discipline.
5. Bullying or intimidation by one sibling that is left unchallenged or unchecked by the parents / guardians.
6. Jealousy over achievements or talents, especially where such is rubbed in the face of the other(s).
7. Major disagreements over caregiving for aging parents.
8. Inheritance disputes.
9. Betrayal of trust (e.g., revealing secrets)
10. Different values or belief systems.
11. Long-standing unresolved childhood rivalries.
12. Scapegoating one sibling within the family.
13. Alienation due to parental narcissism or triangulation.
14. Unjust comparison by parents or relatives.
15. Physical or verbal abuse during upbringing.
16. Resentment over one sibling’s perceived lack of support during crises.
17. Stepparent or blended family dynamics causing division.
18. Work of the devil.

Parents please listen! Don't take it for granted that because your children are born of the same womb, that they will grow up to love and support each other. Be deliberate in teaching, modeling, promoting and enforcing (yes, you heard me right) unity among them. This is the ONLY way to preserve your legacy. Don't make the mistake my parents made . . .




NOTE: If you are not willing to do this because it sounds stressful, or you think what I am saying is irrelevant, or you (dangerously) assume that they will somehow figure out things for themselves as they grow older, then, you don't have any business being a parent!

It was a miracle! God is great!

Congratulations to her. This is no small feat!