₦airaland Forum

@poster:
Cool idea, but you need to further learn and understand this system before putting any effective strategy in place.

Nigeria is not an ordinary society. It is a crazy and unique environment, therefore something unprecedented must be prescribed.

Corruption will not stop in Nigeria unless we change the system (by modifying our constitution) and implement 1 or 2 strategies to empower the new system (immediate execution).

I say kill one or two corrupt individuals and see miracle.

Anything else is a mere waste of time.

In a society where corruption has severely damaged the prospects for economic growth, undermined a series of developmental projects and en-rooted itself in all sectors of public office, something absolutely unprecedented must be done; it's that simple.

Here is my suggestion, the one and only solution (the one single solution that petrifies the bloodstream of most politicians, potential politicians and ordinary corrupt citizens, whenever it is mentioned)

[b]Solution to corruption in Nigeria:

I will put together a group of 50 independent delegates from everywhere in Nigeria, with substantial Federal Government  clearances. Their job is to identify each and every government official that stole from 1980 through 2009.
For a successful outcome, names of these individuals will be made confidential. How much each stole will also be determined.

Each individual will be privately contacted; based on how much individual stole, money to be returned back to Nigeria Federal Government will be determined. All identified corrupt individuals have an option to return specified amount of money with absolutely no question or face uncompromising punishment.
Deadline to return this specified amount of money will also be specified.

After the expiration of the deadline, all individual that cooperated will be pardoned immediately by the Federal Government, with condition for them and their immediate family not to ever participate in any political or federal government position in Nigeria.
The names of the rest that refused to cooperate will be revealed to the public and they will also be severely punished (eg. 20 years in federal prison and all their accumulated properties will be confiscated immediately by the Federal Government).

Finally, our Constitution will be reviewed and revised.
From Oct 30, 2009,  any individual caught engaging in any corruption activities (regardless of the scale or his/her position) will be executed immediately at his or her home town.

I will also announce vigorously to the entire country that scapegoat is desperately needed re-enforce the implementation of this new policy.
Guys: I guarantee you, that will be the end of corruption in Nigeria; and new Nigeria will be born in a very short period.
Then, we will all witness the real career dedicated politicians, while the business politicians/ business police men dissolve one at a time.
Furthermore, Nigerian citizens will finally notice the positive effects of Federal Government revenues that are being generated from exportation of oil and taxation.[/b]

With love, Big B1

Sorry guys, it is either this way (I guess, my way) or no way.
And something tells me that sooner or later this suggestion will be implemented.

The agenda discussed was the way forward since a Southerner emerged the winner of the election which was against there expectations,predictions&projections

You must be from another planet.
Your statement is absolutely inaccurate.

Again, MKO wouldn't have won the election if IBB did not want him to be the next president. And I'm not condoning or knocking this type of method of operation, it's just the way things work in Nigeria and other countries all around the world.

The current president determines the destiny of the next president, in exchange the next president determines the fate or future of the current president when he steps down (and becomes a civilian).
(I'm sure that even president Bush would have preferred to have this choice)

And it is common for most current presidents to pick the most trustworthy and strongest successor among many. I think it took IBB too long to realize that MKO wasn't strong enough to function and maintain effectively among the lions, dragons and snakes. And that was where/ when the trouble started.

At the moment, Nigeria may be down and needs to be restored, but Ghana will follow Nigeria till the end of time. It is that simple.
Moreover, let us all keep in mind that when the time is right SA will be back to bow down before Nigeria.

Yes, Nigerians are not perfect or are criminals, but the percentage of these Nigerian criminals are very low. Therefore, let us not allow any low-life to talk down at us.
The last time I checked, a good percentage of Ghanaians wish they were Nigerians.

Haters, what would you do if your father was the president?

I wish the man could speak on how and why that election was annulled. Sometime last year, he had his birthday and I did an advertorial and part of it said that ‘I challenge our intellectuals; we have said that June 12 is the freest and fairest election that this country has ever had. In my days as law student, there was this saying about atus raus and menstraiar,’ and what does it mean literally speaking, ‘a dog cannot give birth to a cow.’ If IBB didn’t mean well ab initio, June 12 election couldn’t have been the freest and fairest election ever conducted in this country, because he thought about it, he planned it, he got the right people, he put the right people in place and the right materials in place, that was why it turned out that way.

Therefore, whatever happened thereafter, it is something we should ask him to explain. Looking at it simpli cita, it means that he meant well at the time he was organising and conducting that election. That was why we had that wonderful result. So, we should look beyond that man and June 12, and try to compare for instance, what was the exchange rate of the Naira to the Dollar then, what was the state of NEPA then? What was the state of our roads then? How much were we buying fuel at filling stations then? So, we can go on and on.

I remember when NUPENG went on industrial action, IBB deployed military tankers to serve patrol at filling stations by the roadsides and Nigerians were going.

I also remember during Babaginda’s administration, before every Christmas, before you go home, you will see emergency repairs of roads preparing you to go home for Christmas. Now what do we have? Ask some people who went home to the East during the last Christmas; some spent three days on the way against their will because the roads are terribly bad. So, I think I just have to say good morning to those who have just rediscovered or discovered IBB at this 11th hour.

Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba

IBB Again?
Yes, why not?

A Lagos-based businessman and former Special Adviser to the former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu on Integrated Rural Development, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, has explained his reason for his undying admiration for the former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (retd). According to the Lawyer turned businessman, his love for him stemmed from his belief that Babaginda meant well for the country.

He said all the policies and programmes of the former president were geared towards the betterment of the country, but regretted that most people did not believe the former military president then. He, however, expressed joy that people have come to realise that all Babagida’s programmes and policies were the only way forward for Nigeria, but observed that it was late.

He advised Nigerians to look beyond the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election, which is the only crime Nigerians, are holding Babaginda responsible. He advised that people should consider the fact that the man conducted the freest and fairest election in the history of the country; saying if Babaginda did not mean well, he wouldn’t have painstakingly fished out the best materials and mobilised them to conduct that history making election. He wished that Babaginda would talk on what happened after the conduct of the 1993 presidential election

Click for more: http://www.ngex.com/cgi-bin/frame/frameit2.plx?link="http://www.sunnewsonline.com/"

I think you're not too far from the truth.
The bottom line was: IBB knew for sure that MKO wasn't going to be there for more than 60 days; therefore, his long-term peace of mind as a civilian was in jeopardy. He wasn't ready to give up himself for MKO.
We must keep in mind that IBB admin was attempting to transfer power from military regime, which made things a little bit more complex.

The annulment had absolutely nothing to do with IBB and MKO; the invisible top officials were directly responsible for it. And this is known by most politicians in Nigeria.
IBB is not the type to come out publicly to point fingers at those who were responsible. In fact, most of the things Nigerians have placed on IBB's neck were inaccurate. But as a true leader he continues to stay focus as ever.

As a leader, every single decision is difficult, but you must make them. The best you could hope for, is for your decisions to produce positive end result.
Therefore, a leader (a decision maker) must anticipate good luck and bad luck at all time.

This particular decision (the annulment) produced a bad luck, because an innocent man and a friend (MKO) lost his life during the process.

My man, we are saying the same thing.
"Unfortunate" simply means "bad luck"

IBB has used the term (unfortunate) to indirectly indicate that he wasn't proud of the end result of the whole situation. It absolutely doesn't mean he regrets his decision. In fact, I can guarantee you that the man would make the same decision if he's placed under similar circumstance.

It is very simple: "You come first"

Knowing what the man knew at the time, I think to the best of his ability, he made the right decision.
But was the decision the best decision? The answer is "NO". And IBB himself has used the term "Unfortunate" many times, when he talks about the annulment.

We must keep in mind that part of leadership roles is making difficult decisions. Some of the decisions will be on the money, while others will be zero. But the most important thing is having the courage to make these decisions under all circumstances.

I honestly believe that MKO wouldn't have won the election if IBB did not want him to be the next president.
In fact, it was confirmed that all kinds of negative implications (that had nothing to do with IBB) emerged as soon as MKO was declared the winner of the election.

NOTE: When a president is about to step down (especially Military leader), the first thing is to ensure a bright and peaceful future as a civilian. As a current leader who is finishing his term or stepping down, at all costs, you must discover a perfect path towards a peaceful transition and capitalize on it.

The destiny of the next president is determined by the current president, while the future of the current president as a civilian is determined by the next or replacing president.
It is a "give and take" situation coming from both ends (politics).

IBB felt more comfortable by making sure that the transition was smooth and peaceful; and electing MKO as the next president wasn't the answer. It was that simple.
If anything had happened to MKO as the next president after IBB, IBB's future as a civilian would have been a total nightmare. IBB was well aware of this circumstance,  and he was clearly not ready to give up his potential peaceful future as a civilian. (Northerners simply prefer each other when it comes to "integrity, strength, ability,  and surety")

In short, the decision was made because IBB was trying to look out for the stability of this nation and also at the same time to ensure sound and steadfast future for himself as a civilian.
Any politician would have done just the same.

The same old Mamajama (as uncivilized as he wants to be).
I thought we've moved past this kind of childish behaviour, but I guess I was wrong. My man, you're too damn old for this rubbish, why not get yourself together and return back to clearly make your point?
The kids are starting to visit this forum, we need not to disrespect each other any longer.

By the way, is Sunday Ehindero getting himself ready? Because the clock is ticking, his days in KIRIKIRI are not too far. Just wait till El-rufai is captured.

Just my opinion:
For some reasons, many powerful big-wigs during that period didn't care too much for MKO; these folks were ready to immediately disable MKO administration. IBB knew this fact and few other top officials were also aware of it.
IBB in his own way thought he was preventing an inevitable calamity from occurring by annulling the election.
The opposition group was ready and determined; according to the record, MKO wasn't going to be in power more than 60 days.

Again, MKO and IBB were on the same side. You must also keep in mind that the election was annulled, but IBB did not stay in power. This would have been a different case if IBB had continued to stay in power.

Question for you guys: What exactly do you think IBB had to lose if the election wasn't annulled?

failed based on what?

Good question.

From the PICs, I see 2 desperate police officers attempting to do what they do best "collecting bribe"
The driver of the car on the other hand seems to be pretty much tired of donating his money every evening; therefore he knocks the officer right on the floor and moves on.

This is part of life. I don't see anything that says Nigeria is a failed state.

You've got to fight back one way or the other. My view would have been different only if our Police officers were known to do what is right "just" 20% of the time.

@poster:
I see a new and better Nigeria only if:

President: Big B1
Vp: Mcken
Senate president: Afam
EFCC Chairman: Chidichris
Speaker: Lucrabasi

Trust me, sky is the limit!

Are you serious? Do you really have a working brain? Calling Nigerians "gullible" for baming IBB for the woes he caused over 80million people? In fact I'm lost for words. People like you need to be shot. straight up man. I'm sorry but you don't deserve any punishment less harsher.

This is nothing but a discussion between brothers and sisters; you need not to cross the line, my friend.

If you think I know jack,then I must question your eyes at the same time. Is it not the same eyes that you're employing in having a partial sight at IBB? This is typical Nigerian politics I must say. People have really messed up to the core but they still have their die hard supporters in their nooks and crannies. I'm not looking out right now but looking at Nigeria. Of course most if not all,our past presidents have their unanswered questions and I hope this is not a ploy in trying to score a cheap point as to why you have your undying love for the man - IBB.

My man, calm yourself down, you're making too much noise.
My point is, there is no such thing as perfect president and there will never be one.
For most Nigerians to cry like a bunch of pussy cats without even understanding the root of the problem, is sad.

And you're wrong; I'm not here to support IBB or justify his record, I'm just too small to take up that task.
I'm only here to make you realize that you can not continue to follow for the rest of your life just because you live in darkness; it's time for you to get your own flashlight.

thank GOD there are still nigerians left who are prepared to look at issue objectively without clouding it with emotions and sentiments(hope you r nigerian)lol

instead of nigerians to focus on these pertinent issues above,they are castigating a single man,when the likes of david mark are still sitting in our supposed hallowed legilative halls of governance,talk about getting priorities wrong, as for evidence,you dont even ahve to sweat it as anyone asking you for evidence needs to prove he/she has direct evidence as well seeing as we all are operating under the realm of assumptions

You nailed it!
Gullible Nigerians continue to blame one man for everything, while their brothers and sisters continue to steal billions each and every day.
Our thinking process is severely despicable.

No president has been able to question IBB since he withdrew from the presidency

@BOSS:
What the hell are you talking about?
Who are these presidents you're referring to? Don't you think that all these presidents have their own personal unanswered questions? Do you honestly think Shonekan, or  Abubakar, or Abacha or OBJ was in any position to question anybody?

Why do you think the probing of $17b electric power project is gradually evaporating?

Furthermore, do you think Obama administration will question Bush? If you think so, then it means you know nothing about politics.

IBB was compelled to nullify the election because of security threats to the enthronement of democratic government at the time.

It would have been a different story if IBB had annulled the election and then continued to lead this nation. He stepped down as promised.
Regardless of who was going to be the next president, the man (IBB) was done and had absolutely nothing to gain or loss if Abiola had taken over at that particular period.

Take a good look at the last presidential election in Zimbabwe.

Funnily enough there is (partial) truth in what IBB said. Several officers WERE so opposed to MKO that they said they would overthrow him no matter what if he was sworn. The DG of military intelligence Brig Akilu was quoted as saying that "Abiola will be president over my dead body". Brig David Mark also said that he would shoot Abiola the day he was sworn in (yes - this is the same guy who is our current Senate President).

Gen Abacha also said "God forbid" the day when Abiola would be in a position to retire him.

In my opinion, this statement is not far from the truth. In his own unique way, IBB's intention was to protect Abiola and prevent the crumbling of a fragile nation.
IBB has never been a noise maker, but those who are very close to him know what was truly behind the annulment.

Again, Abiola and IBB were on the same side; what people refuse to understand is the fact that if IBB did not want Abiola to win the election in the first play, trust me, he wouldn't have won.
This is Nigeria and this is how things go down in this part of the world "98% of the time, the current president determines the destiny of the next president" It is that simple.

If you folks are so upset and crave for a change, why not return back home and fight for your rights?

Boy, all the facts you've prevented so far in your bid to support IBB and see propel him to the positive light have proved abortive. Mate, you're always wrong. We're not buying these conjectures you're gorging as it's all BS.

Better quit and have your dignity man.

My man, I'm not here to promote or support IBB; this is the mistake most people make on this forum.
All I'm saying is, we can not sleep and face the same direction all the time just because they say so. There is always second side to all stories. If this man is brave enough to present his side, why not welcome it and let him be?

When IBB stays quiet, you people cry like a day old baby and when he says anything, you folks cry like an unpaid prostitute.

When OBJ took over as a loud stubborn and corrupt president, Nigerians cried each and everyday.
Now, that Yar'Adua has taken over as a mellow and stable president, Nigerians are still crying.
What exactly do you folks want?

It's been over 14 years that IBB as been gone; we've had about 5 presidents within these years and my people are still crying with absolutely no single plan to contribute in any way.
It is always cool for a typical Nigerian to talk rubbish far away from home.

I see a bunch of crying cowards with blank bullets.

Look, IBB and Abiola were on the same side; I believe the main purpose of the annulment was to protect Abiola in a way and also to prevent unnecessary calamity that could have crumbled the entire nation.

But of course, I could be wrong, just like Colonel Abubakar Umar (rtd)

Question to you BIGB1. There is a saying prevention is better than cure.

@Mamajama: You're absolutely on point for a change.
June 12 was annulled to prevent grievous calamity.

IBB is a fool, if I see him in person, I will stone him or punch him, if I see is car anywhere around me, I will do the same, regardless of the consequences,

I guarantee you that when you see IBB you will melt just like others that shared the same mentality as yourself.

There'll always be fools that will support IBB.

And who do you support?

@BOSS:
Nairaland Forum has about 10 categories and more than 6000 topics. If my posts are  irritating you, why not do yourself a favor and branch out to other interesting topics?

It's not by force and it's free.

He (IBB) also said he gave the question a lot of thought, but that there were a lot of things he would want to do the right way that many Nigerians would not feel at home with.

This is a profound statement, trust me.

After spending $17B, you guys are still living in the darkness.
Let's see how much more will be spent before they get it right.

Trust me, the man and the only one at this point in time that has the capability to make it right effectively and efficiently is IBB.
And something tells me that our wish/ dream might just come true very soon.

Even Ribadu is starting to see the light.

Politics is a bastard!