₦airaland Forum

IBB is still highly powerful, but Obasanjo was able to clip his wing.

Make no mistake about it; eventhough OBJ was in-charge, but IBB was fully in-control during that period.
And FYI: OBJ knew clearly that the only real friend he had when he was in power was IBB. Forget the sycophants, they come and they go. Only the real soldiers remain regardless of the circumstance.

OBJ also recognized during this same period that there were lines he mustn't cross and believe it or not, he did not cross these lines.

There were nothing that took place at this period that IBB did not know about, at least 2 months in advance.

Absolutely, there were no wings to be clipped

Still, it is inaccurate to rate someone as the most powerful politician in Nigeria just because they're capable of holding down their neighborhood.
Nigeria is a large country with multiple tribes and religion; therefore, if you can not firmly hold down at least 85% of these states, by establishing infallible links or connections and also mingle freely among all the tribes, I'm sorry, I do not think you could be categorized as the most powerful politician.

It is a different ball game to operate a business in your village and to go international. To go international requires more experience, connections and enormous stamina.

I still think that at the moment, the super power are:
IBB
David Mark
Yar'Adua

Nuzo:
How business for your side? I hope all is cool.

My support for IBB is incompressible; if you pay attention, it wouldn't take you too long to realize that you can learn one or two things from this man's character.
I try not to only focus on negative side of things.

There is more to leadership and there will never be a perfect leader.
IBB is not a perfect man, but I still believe that he has no match in Nigeria today; he's absolutely one of a kind.

And no, he isn't my father!

So far so good!

If Biden could continue to maintain like this, sky is the limit for this combo; in fact, I predict that McCain himself will end up casting his vote for Obama.
The republicans got nothing on these guys, the big cake will be brought home shortly.

Again, the pick is very clever and extremely magnificent; but Biden must play the game appropriately.

You're not paying attention at-all.

This topic is not to condone or justify the act that is tarnishing our image; instead, this topic is to protect the great Nigerians.
When a potential United States president (the most powerful man on earth) describes or uses anything negatively, one must be very concerned, because this negativity could be taken to an extreme by many all around the world.

FYI:
Great Nigerian businessmen/ young Entrepreneurs all around the world continue to struggle day after day to maintain good status, while others struggle to clean up our extremely damaged image all across the globe. I am sorry to inform you that Obama's silly statement wouldn't help us accomplish this goal, but would only further crucify our already damaged name.

Just because you're the king of boys in your village doesn't make you the Most Powerful Politician in Nigeria; therefore, at this time Saraki will not be selected among this group. May be in few years, but for now the most powerful in Nigeria are:
IBB
David Mark
Yar'Adua

Furthermore, thuggery, intimidation and killing absolutely doesn't represent power; substantial power is invisible (can not be seen or touched by anyone).
For better understanding, you can go ahead and use Saddam and Osama as a case study. There is a reason why one was captured in just few months while the other one is still chilling out somewhere.

Again, we have ourselves to blame, but this doesn't give Obama the right to advertise our bad image during a political campaign.
I refuse to accept this low blow because of Yahoozee song and few other Nigerian greedy pigs.

What about the rest of Nigerians who happen to be doing great things?
What kind of effect do you think a careless negative statement made by a potential next USA president would have on these great Nigerians for the next 10 years.

We need to think broadly and not narrowly.

Just because rappers in United states call each other niGGA doesn't mean Obama would have the audacity to use them as an example during campaign event. I can assure you that it wouldn't happen!
Don't be a fool, Obama has shown a very little respect to you guys; and his camp may have finally recognized this mistake. With all due respect, the Nigerian fools still can't see how silly statement like this could negatively affect our image all around the world for many years to come.

Forget the yahoozee guys, forget the email letters and let's focus more on the future of Nigeria as a nation and the future of the great Nigerians all around the world.

Expect more smacking from Obama if you guys are just going to lay down like bunch of fruit cakes and allow this type of stupidity.

We can discuss this till the middle of next year, it is what it is, an average human being understands that Obama didn't have to go there at-all. There were several other ways he could have made is point effectively without offending anybody.

It is obviously a rookie mistake!

That one will start civil war for sure.

Start civil war by who?

Do you mean if the election of Yaradua is cancelled

I was referring to Yar'Adua cancelling the election.

Even though, my post sounds very stupid, but keep it on your left hand. You just never know.

OK guys,
I was wrong; the best I could do is at least to get to know the cat.

I just find it very difficult to see the fire and the drive.

First, I wish Yar'Adua well and I look forward to seeing him back sound and healthy.

For some reasons, I truly do not think the VP has what it takes to lead this nation. He reminds me of a powerless secondary school Vice principal.

It would make more sense to re-do the presidential election; but this time around allow voters to fully control the out-come. No need to waste money on determining who is qualify to participate.

@bawomolo:

Apart from freezing your ass off during winter time, what else are you doing to change the system?

Yes, we have nobody but ourselves to blame; but it is also amusing to me that we find it very difficult to recognize the enormous negative effect that could irrupt from a negative statement carelessly made by a potential next president of United States of America (the most powerful man on earth).

Nigerians just don't get it.
You guys wonder why you get on a different line at the airports just because your passport happens to be green; you also wonder why no-one is willing to do business with honest Nigerians all across the world. Well, you haven't seen anything yet, just wait and see.
Things will get worst if we continue to allow silly statement like this to drop off easily on the national TV and don't do anything about it (please, keep in mind that Obama's campaign is being televised all over the world in multiple languages)

Regardless of the matter, Obama wouldn't have made a silly comment about the Mexicans, even if the topic or subject has something to do with illegal Immigrant.

We do not get, but I'm sure that we will get it some day.

Please, say hello to the writer (Mr. Reuben Abati) for me, he did such a wonderful job.

He must have also spent enough time on this form as well.

If you don't expect anything, you do not get disappointed.

This was already posted on this tread.

'Obama is not running a racist or tribal campaign. As President he will not go out of his way to defend black or African interests. The myth that when our own "brother" is in power, he would defend our interest is a major shortcoming in African politics, but it is a myth that has been exploded again and again.

Pay attention.
I can careless if Obama defend our interest or not. All I ask for is for him to lay off Nigeria or Nigerians during his presidential campaign. If he has nothing positive to say, just simply stay away.

Nigerians are not beggars; when the time is right, all these super power countries will come back to kiss our ass. Just give us sometime to get it together.

the biggest fraud of this political dispensation is anti-objism

You can perpetrate any fraud you like, so long as you claim it is against Obj it becomes politically correct.

Not sure I want to get into Obj/Ribadu debate, but if the mess Ribadu left is to tell thieves to stop looting their state fund . . . then its not rocket science to know that if the youth of this nation have such mindset then Nigeria is doomed.

Here we go again with folks embracing pure failure.

No need to change the subject.
Again, Nigerians will never be gratified unless another thief relocates into the Aso Rock; they tend to cry quickly when things do not go their way.
They prefer a president that will rush into things only to further befuddle the citizens and steal more money.

If you clearly understand what Nigeria as a nation is currently up against, you wouldn't be disrespecting Yar'Adua and you would understand why one shouldn't rush into anything without first having a complete understanding of what is on the ground.

Do you remember how your former president rushed and spent over $17b to establish/ develop power supply in Nigeria. My man, FYI, people in Ibadan haven't had electric power supply for the past 2 weeks straight.

Your former president and his cronies distributed power supply contracts out to families and friends without even taking a time out to reseach the capabilities of these entities. I was told that some of these contract holders can't even tell the difference between electrical conductor and hydraulic analogy.
What a waste!

How could you give contract to individual that has no business plan?

And this what some of us continue to ask for; I just don't get it.
When are we going to get it into our thick heads that "it takes time to accurately restore great things back to normal".
Rushing hasn't helped us in the past and will never help us in future.

Just simmer down, let us be thankful that another thief hasn't resided in Aso rock!
With time we shall all appreciate the style of leadership president Yar'Adua is currently exhibiting.

It is always nice and easy to talk rubbish big talk from far away.
Again, Nigeria is not an easy country to rule. You do not want to know what president Yar'Adua has to confront on a daily basis.

Nigerians will never be gratified unless another thief relocates into the Aso Rock; they tend to cry quickly when things do not go their way.
They prefer a president that will rush into things only to further befuddle the citizens and steal more money.

Believe it or not, Yar'Adua still represents a single honest president Nigerians have ever witnessed in many years (or may be for the first time). I can assure you that he (Yar'Adua) will not have foreign accounts all over the world or use his presidential jet to transfer money all around the world.
The man is focused and with time Nigerians will appreciate his style of leadership.

With the mess OBJ and Ribadu left behind, I think Yar'Adua is doing a great job.

Therefore, simmer down!

Obama's camp must have recognized that Big B1 wasn't too happy with their constant low blow throwing towards Nigeria as a nation and Nigerian citizens.
Nigeria is a great country and Nigerians are incredible group of people; we deserve nothing less, but a complete respect at all time.

It is about time to positively recognize the real Giant of Africa.

I do not know what it is, but something continues to tell me that Sweet Nigeria will be back on top shortly and our bright image on the map will glow once again.
As long as their is tomorrow, we (Nigerians) must keep hope alive and never never allow our nation to be stepped on under any circumstances.

May God bless Nigeria!

Obama to Partner Nigeria If He Wins

Senator Barack Obama will partner Nigeria as a major ally of the United States on the African continent if he wins the presidential election for the White House, says his campaign.
Also, the Democratic Party convention opened Monday in Denver, Colorado, with an appeal by ailing Senator Edward Kennedy and Obama’s wife, Michelle, giving a warm description of her husband, as party leaders struggled to unify the party ahead of the general election.
Obama's Foreign Policy Adviser, Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman, told THISDAY that Nigeria was an important country in Africa, not only in terms of its sheer size but because of its growing economy and its influence on the continent.
"Nigeria is obviously a very important country in Africa. It has a growing economy, a large population and a democracy with some bumps on the way. Senator Obama has spoken of the importance of Africa in terms of the growing world economy, the importance of trade, African labour and failed states of which Nigeria is not."
Sherman added that the Obama presidency would support Nigeria in order "to ensure the entire continent the kind of progress that Nigeria is making at this time."
Asked why Obama did not visit any African country during his recent world tour to Europe and Asia, another Senior Adviser to the campaign, Mr. Gregory Craig, simply stated that Africa was important to him.
Craig mentioned the presidential candidate's previous trips to the continent as proof that he would not neglect that part of the world.

http://www.ngex.com/cgi-bin/frame/frameit2.plx?link="http://www.thisdayonline.com"

The man also stepped on his own toes, but just didn't realize it.

Operation "do as I say and don't do as I do"
Absolutely, rubbish!

Not a big deal at all; both men have nothing in common.

You can play some people sometime, but you can not play everybody everytime.
I think someone has played himself big time!

So far so great!
No-one is perfect, in fact it is extremely difficult to try to be perfect. But the senator from Delaware must discover an effective method to stand or stay on his feet at all time.
I still think this pick is an incredible one.

I just hope he (Biden) keeps this (greatness) way up.

Biden delivers mea culpa to home-state delegates

LITTLETON, Colo. - Vice presidential candidate Joe Biden thanked Delaware delegates Tuesday for standing by their home-state senator and served up a mea culpa for his foibles and imperfections.


Biden, known for an unscripted style that sometimes gets him into trouble, told a small breakfast gathering that he couldn't have weathered personal failures without their help, and allowed that his spot on the ticket will come with challenges, drawing knowing laughter from the crowd.

"It's all out there, in the clear public view," Biden said. "I didn't always comport myself in the way that I wanted to."

"My private life has been lived in the public arena because y'all got me started so young," Biden said. "I hadn't been out of law school but a year when I got involved in the Democratic Party."

Aides said Biden was referring to his tendencies to shoot from the hip, and set a sometimes condescending tone.

Biden first won his Senate seat in 1973. He's run two unsuccessful presidential campaigns, including a 2008 bid that that ended after a disappointing showing in leadoff Iowa. The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee noted he's not used to playing a supporting role.

"I've never been a team," he said. "I should've been a one-man band."

Biden, at times emotional and ignoring prepared remarks that praised both Barack and Michelle Obama, also offered personal thanks as his large family listened.

"The only reason I came by is to tell you that I love you," Biden said.

But Biden — the quick-witted, sharp-tongued banterer — kept his signature humor.

"This is the first time I've ever had security. Senators don't matter," he said to laughter.

He also took credit for the updated seating chart on the floor of the convention, where Biden will be nominated on Wednesday.

"The only reason I accepted the nomination , so the Delaware delegation could be moved up front," Biden said. "As the old joke goes: How about them seats?"

Later Tuesday, Biden stopped by Michelle Obama's round-table on women's economic issues. Again, the humor came when he noted most of the audience were women: "Thank heaven for small favors."

He also noted his seniority in the Senate but also reminded them he took office at age 30.

"There's still 44 senators older than me. I want you to know that. I don't give a damn if you remember anything else."

Biden's failed 1988 run was marred by plagiarism of speeches and law review articles.

As he began his second presidential run, Biden found himself apologizing for calling Obama "articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy." He also drew criticism for his remark that "you cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin' Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080826/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_biden

We need to start thinking a little more deeper and understand that it isn't always about you or myself. It is about Nigeria as a nation and the future.

Even as bad as these folks openly despise America or Americans, I can assure you that Obama wouldn't have opened his mouth carelessly like that to talk negatively about folks in Russia or Mexico or Pakistan or Afghanistan or Iran or South Africa, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, even N Korea and many many more.

Regardless of the matter, we (Nigerians) must quickly become mentally matured and learn how to respect ourselves, our country and our people.
Yes, we may not be perfect like many, but we aren't the worst people on earth and as long as there is tomorrow, we must keep hope alive.
If we do not show some respect for that green passport, I guarantee you with confidence that no one else will do.

You got it wrong.
Nobody is asking Obama to polish up our image, that's our responsibility; but it is absolutely irresponsible and unnecessary for him to use Nigeria as a nation negatively during his presidential campaign.
It shouldn't have gone down that way.
For God sake, there are tons of other decent Nigerians all around the world doing great things.
It is despicable and unacceptable for him to sink the ship just because of few bad fruits on the board.

Question for you:
Do you really think Nigeria is the only country that has a dark image?
To what extent do you understand the negative effect of Obama's statement on an average Nigerian who is try to do great things or on an unborn Nigerian?

There is nothing IBB has done that has never been done before in Nigeria, or in UK or in USA.

IBB is not a perfect man, but he isn't the worst either!
The real politicians clearly understand this fact and this is why IBB continues to have the audacity today to still be fully involved in Nigerian political structure.

Obasanjo operate like a crude village farmer, while IBB operate like a professional, a true people oriented manager with a wide view.

Politics is like a game, for you to be a winner , you must be master of the game. IBB is a true master of the game who has master the art of Nigeria politicking. You can but help admiring him, he his the evil genius.

Another grandmaster of Nigeria politics is the late Yaradua.

It is what it is; you said it all.

Politics is a very dirty game; this is why most decent folks stay away from this game (politics). There is no such thing as a perfect politician or a clean politician; a perfect or sincere politician is not a good politician and mostly will never be successful for too long. (go and double check the record, starting from Tafa Balewa to Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe also to Obafemi Awolowo). They all did their part one way or the other.

And also with time, we shall all learn more about this dirty game called politics; just wait for Obama to successfully relocate.

You haven't seen nothing yet.

If Mr Biden could watch his moves and mouth, I think there is nothing that could stop them at this point.
Republicans simply do not have material or anything tangible to capitalize on, except for this dude being a POW for few years.

A great pick with a risk, no question!

Mr Biden has it all, but at the same time he tends to talk too much from time to time. At this point, Obama can not afford this man to fumble, as he has done so many times in the past.

This man was the same man that invited John McCain few years ago to run for presidential election as a democrate.
He was also the man that called Obama the first decent, clean, articulate and handsome black man to run for the presidential election.
Not too long ago, he also stated that it has become very difficult today in United States to go to 7/11 for a cup of coffee without an Indian accents.
Just few months ago, he also admitted publicly that Obama was absolutely not ready to be the next president of United States (in fact, the Republicans are already running around vigorously exploiting that same statement).
This man also openly supported war in Iraq.

It is simple; the man has to watch his moves and his statements. He's no longer getting away with things like before; he's now seen as a whiteman that shares a blackman's view.
He must also recognize that impressing few folks in Delaware is no longer the case; he has to clearly understand that he's in a position where thinking and viewing things broadly is absolutely necessary.

Please, do not get me wrong; the pick is clever and I'm sure that sky will be the limit for these folks (Obama and Biden) if the game is played accordingly (Obama's style). The chemistry is definitely there for both of them.

But no unnecessary mistakes and no need for him (Joe Biden) to go there if he doesn't have to!
The republicans recognise the weakness of Mr Biden and I'm 1000% sure that they will call him out on a regular for no apparent reason, but to knock him off track.
They've done the same to Obama and the strategy mostly did not work, therefore, the new kid oldman on the block will be tested from now till Nov 2008.

It is absolutely Up to him to maintain and stay focused on relevant issues that will restore the stamina of the super power, called the United States Of America!

Many despise IBB today because he refuses to point finger or throw blame at anybody or betray folks (both friends and enemies).

@poster:
Looking at the picture you've posted; I see a bully that is taking a quick break to relax with associates, couple of students learning in an attentive manner, couple of audiences enjoying priceless entertainment and just one master focusing on making big thing happen as usual.

The picture says it all!

this is my fear for this country!

young 'educated' nigerians not being able to show clear understanding of the difference betwen 'invitation for questioning' and 'arrest'.

portends danger for the future

, and these same youths make noise about current 'leaders'

as bad as they are (current crop of leaders), I hope they wouldn't turn out to be better than many of these ignorant and sensation-seeking 'future leaders'.
By no means is this a generalization,

my respect to those Nairalanders that are very discerning.

this opinion here by no means is meant to be in support of Prof. Ndi's misplaced energy.
all I'm sayng is that EFCC's involvement be understood in the right perspective.

as for the media,

the police inviting someone for questioning should not be misrepresented as arrest by any responsible editor

such careless and selfish agenda has caused plenty of problem for this country in the past. Probably still does.

Some folks here are tearing one another apart in another thread on this board finding elusive answers to why (some) southerners hate (all) northerners: I say a section of the media is a big part of the reasons.

a section of them are a part of the problems in this country.

PM News's use of 'arrest' is obviously meant to sensationalize the event for probably no noble reason.

You have talked; right on point!