As a Young Nigerian I take exception to the derogatory statement by the President, the President's opinion is a misrepresentation of every thing productive and resilient of an average Young Nigerian. The President's views are nothing but a reflection of his youth not mine, he's known to be in the club of very few Nigerians that got so much from a Country, he's statement betrays the sacrifice and ingenuity of Young Nigerians that saw to his emergence as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

2019 elections will be a show case for Mr. President, Young People will show him how "lazy and free beez" got him elected.

The Unbelievable Buhari: His Rise and a Predictable Fall

1.Superintended over failed systems.

2. Oversaw the plummeting of an economy adjudged to be growing at an average of 7% in previous years (2011-2014)

3. He saw through poorly articulated policies, the depreciation of the Nation's currency value by 70%.

4. With his unclear policy, Unemployment spiked to 26% from a single degit he met.

5. Commodity price tripled, even the State regulated Premium Motor Spirit commonly called Petrol were hiked by 67%.

6. A man who promised to respect the principles of the constitution was again in breach of the CBN 2007 Act of independence telling it to suspend forex disbursements to steel importers and other manufacturing sectors in a bid to defend the Naira a rather disastrous policy which started the recession.

7. Another action of the Unbelievable Buhari that precipitated the recession is when he took 3 long months to appoint his Chief of Staff, 6 months to constitute his Cabinet and another 23 months and still counting to appoint heads of MDAs and Board Members.

8. He unilaterally rose import duties on the most basic commodities in a bid to raise government revenue.

9. As for the corruption fight that is another show of fallacy and grandstanding mixed in confusion. All we see is total disregard and abuse of the rule of law. Officials caught in graft are hastily excused.

10. Under his watch, the 2016 budget passed wasn't implemented and most worrisome is the new practice of graft he introduced, the CBN's foreign reserve were being shared among unknown Bureau De Change Operators at variable rates at the detriment of critical manufacturing sectors.

If the change narrative of 2015 election and the songs of a man of integrity are to account for this, then it is safe to say that Nigerians may have earn a reputation as a Nation easily fooled with propaganda.

Credit to the Economist

FOR THE LOVE OF COUNTRY

BY CAISY GIDSON
November 5, 2017

The need to establish a balance amongst nationalities within Nigeria, rethinking and resolving the complexities of our Union, sequestering those things that alters the nation’s prospects and advancement are the natural obligations of the Custodians of our National Heritage.

Who are the Custodians of our Nation’s Heritage? Did history bestow on Post Independence Elites the role of Guardians in defense of our national ideals? Those who ought to craft a common national character failed to do so, leading to the state of desolation we see today? The attempt to answer these questions will trigger certain anxieties that vexed the sentiments that threaten the coexistence of all peoples within what is today called Nigeria.

First, I think the sacrifices and contributions of Political Leaders, viz.; The Right Honorable Sir Tafawa Belewa, His Excellency Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji, Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and others that negotiated and led the new Country out of colonial rule into an independent State are immeasurable. This naturally confers on them the role of Custodians of our Heritage and Protectors of our national ideals.

The state of our Union today suggests that the Country is stripped off her commonalities and ideals; the promotion of the very things that divides us are been advanced, we lost the chance early on after independence to build a Nation-State that sees just one people, one that places the “Nigerianess” above all tribal identities. All we hear from all divide are blames, suspicions, manipulations, nepotism etc.

The Hausas, Fulanis, Nupes, Gwaris, Tivs and other Minority Groups inhabit the Northern Region of Nigeria with Nineteen States. The rhetoric today, a fall out of the North’s position on restructuring is that, the Region and its People are “misunderstood.” One cant disagree with this opinion, still I think it will amount to escapism if such argument is used to advance the need to de-emphasis the need to reconsider and renegotiate our Union and Nationhood.

Truly the North and her People are “misunderstood,” but the Igbos, the major tribe that populates the Eastern part of the Country is the most deprived. The South, the region where the Ijaws, the Ishekiris, the Ogonis, the Binis and others alike occupy are the most “abused.” The West, where the Yorubas are domicile appear to be the most “underestimated.” The question is who's or which Group is responsible for inflicting all these on the various Divides as enumerated above, the answer is close to home the "Elites".

Members of this Stratum are they from heaven? The answer here is no, clearly, they emerged from amongst us. Within this Class, there is a Sub-Class, the one solely responsible for statecraft, development of norms, entrenching of ideals and forging of philosophy.

Noni (1981) maintains that Political Elites are those who have influence over the fate of the Society because of their superiority. Again, Ekeh (1983) defined Elites as small minorities who play an exceptionally influential part in the affairs of Society, decision-makers who whose power is not subject to control by any other body in the Society.
The submissions of these great Minds underscores the fact that Nigerian Political Elites has failed to use their powers to direct the Country towards progress, they failed to project the right narratives that should help advance our strength and commonalities over our weakness and the things that divides us. There's only one known challenge, it is not a Northern challenge either is it a Southern one or Eastern nor Western problem, it's clearly a Nigerian problem and we must develop home grown solutions to resolve the challenges that is common to us all.

Our role as Citizens is to compel Leaders through citizenship to advance national narratives that will spur the need to see everyone as one People, placing the subjects that promote egalitarianism and justice, what we say is what we think, what we think is what we do and what we do most of the time is what we are, lets make them change the narratives to one that promote our common identity, the “Nigerianess” for the love of Country.

FOR THE LOVE OF COUNTRY

BY CAISY GIDSON
November 5, 2017

The need to establish a balance amongst nationalities within Nigeria, rethinking and resolving the complexities of our Union, sequestering those things that alters the nation’s prospects and advancement are the natural obligations of the Custodians of our National Heritage.

Who are the Custodians of our Nation’s Heritage? Did history bestow on Post Independence Elites the role of Guardians in defense of our national ideals? Those who ought to craft a common national character failed to do so, leading to the state of desolation we see today? The attempt to answer these questions will trigger certain anxieties that vexed the sentiments that threaten the coexistence of all peoples within what is today called Nigeria.

First, I think the sacrifices and contributions of Political Leaders, viz.; The Right Honorable Sir Tafawa Belewa, His Excellency Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji, Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and others that negotiated and led the new Country out of colonial rule into an independent State are immeasurable. This naturally confers on them the role of Custodians of our Heritage and Protectors of our national ideals.

The state of our Union today suggests that the Country is stripped off her commonalities and ideals; the promotion of the very things that divides us are been advanced, we lost the chance early on after independence to build a Nation-State that sees just one people, one that places the “Nigerianess” above all tribal identities. All we hear from all divide are blames, suspicions, manipulations, nepotism etc.

The Hausas, Fulanis, Nupes, Gwaris, Tivs and other Minority Groups inhabit the Northern Region of Nigeria with Nineteen States. The rhetoric today, a fall out of the North’s position on restructuring is that, the Region and its People are “misunderstood.” One cant disagree with this opinion, still I think it will amount to escapism if such argument is used to advance the need to de-emphasis the need to reconsider and renegotiate our Union and Nationhood.

Truly the North and her People are “misunderstood,” but the Igbos, the major tribe that populates the Eastern part of the Country is the most deprived. The South, the region where the Ijaws, the Ishekiris, the Ogonis, the Binis and others alike occupy are the most “abused.” The West, where the Yorubas are domicile appear to be the most “underestimated.” The question is who's or which Group is responsible for inflicting all these on the various Divides as enumerated above, the answer is close to home the "Elites".

Members of this Stratum are they from heaven? The answer here is no, clearly, they emerged from amongst us. Within this Class, there is a Sub-Class, the one solely responsible for statecraft, development of norms, entrenching of ideals and forging of philosophy.

Noni (1981) maintains that Political Elites are those who have influence over the fate of the Society because of their superiority. Again, Ekeh (1983) defined Elites as small minorities who play an exceptionally influential part in the affairs of Society, decision-makers who whose power is not subject to control by any other body in the Society.
The submissions of these great Minds underscores the fact that Nigerian Political Elites has failed to use their powers to direct the Country towards progress, they failed to project the right narratives that should help advance our strength and commonalities over our weakness and the things that divides us. There's only one known challenge, it is not a Northern challenge either is it a Southern one or Eastern nor Western problem, it's clearly a Nigerian problem and we must develop home grown solutions to resolve the challenges that is common to us all.

Our role as Citizens is to compel Leaders through citizenship to advance national narratives that will spur the need to see everyone as one People, placing the subjects that promote egalitarianism and justice, what we say is what we think, what we think is what we do and what we do most of the time is what we are, lets make them change the narratives to one that promote our common identity, the “Nigerianess” for the love of Country.

IN THE LIKES OF DUKE
By Caisy Gidson

A man that changed the fortune of his People and State, applied good governance, replaced shame of a people with pride. In eight years the social, cultural, economic and political life of Cross Rivers State was transformed by sheer leadership.

Before the coming of Messer Duke, the State of Cross River and her People were dejected and low, housekeeping and street hawking were what their women were known for, their men has competence only in gate keeping, hawking and other menial skills.

Growing up, it Is a known fact that Natives of this State are not particularly proud of where they come from, it's an insult to refer to someone as "Calabarman".

Today one of the most cosmopolitan City In the Country is Calabar, the Capital of Cross River is adjudged as the cleanest City in the Country, the most visited City in Nigeria, the City that attracts national and international conferences, events and tournaments more than any in Nigeria.

The transformation of her People is one that is rather dramatic, the most beautiful people inhabits that land, try taking a wife now and ask those who got married before 2003 the difference is explicit, now an average Cross Riverian is a proud man their women embodies elegance and glamour. The socioeconomic posture of the State bears the image of an advancing economy.

The man who laid the foundation for this transformation, owned the vision, was prepared for the job, had strong competence, had his People to buy in to his vision, he identified the right skill sets and know how, People who believed in his vision to drive it, his mission was clear and simple to decern by all.

It took a man, one Young Mind with a clear vision and a simple mission to spur a paradigm shift for the advancement of his State. Before politics, he lead and built a successful private enterprise.

One's competence and antecedence must be taken considered by the Electorates when intent to serve in a position of trust has been made. The case of disservice, ineptitude and crass that pervade governance and leadership in this dispensation is the evidence of poor citizens action and electoral choice.

Donald Duke and his likes are the ones that can begin that needed change, the coming of another elections is nigh, the choice we make is simple but resounding when it's wrong.

Breaking News:

October 29, 20172019: Northern Professionals Seek Sambo’s Candidature

Youths from the 19 Northern states and Abuja under the aegis of Northern Youth Professionals (NYP) at the weekend called on Former Vice President Muhammadu Namadi Sambo to declare his intention to contest the presidency in 2019.

Sambo

The youths said the call has become necessary since they have not seen any credible alternative among those that have been signaling their intention to wrestle power from the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

A statement after a meeting of the stakeholders in Kaduna, stated “after a critical look at the political space and those jostling to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, we have come to the conclusion that Architect Muhammadu Namadi Sambo is the one to save the country.

At the Kaduna meeting the stakeholders after deliberating on the issues on ground and the way forward elected zonal coordinators for each of the six geo political zones of the country.

The zonal coordinators have been mandated to immediately commence mobilizing supports, preparatory towards our National rally expected to have in attendance over 10 million youths, professionals and elders from across the country to ask Namadi Sambo to answer the call of Nigerians in Abuja and contest the 2019 polls.

Part of the statement said, “we arrived at the conclusion on Namadi Sambo because of his pedigree, track record in Kaduna as governor, which necessitated his elevation as Vice President of the federal Republic of Nigeria from among his pears.”

The statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Garba, Coordinator of the professionals said they are pleading with the former VP to come out and save the situation in Nigeria, insisting that “the former VP is detribalized, hardworking and loyal to a fault. We want to remind Nigerians that since the APC started its anti corruption fight, the former VP residence has been raided over four times, without any evidence of corruption.

“He is humble and has shown a great acumen for building the young ones into leadership positions and we believe he will excel and take the country to the next level as the president of the country.

” Consequently as a man without any corruption baggage, we are humbly calling on the Former VP to immediately make himself available to salvage Nigeria from the present predicament.

THE QUINTESSENCE OF A POLITICAL STATESMAN

“Great Leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand”. -Colin Powell

Nigeria’s journey to Nationhood is one that has met onerous moments in her history, in many ways this has vaguely defined our common identity and impugned her Citizens sense of nationalism. This is largely the consequence of interruptions of governance and distortions of political architecture by Military Adventurists. Her chance in attaining Statehood was almost vitiated by these shenanigans.

Admittedly, since the return of civil administration the Country has made modest progress in most facets. Today, it appears that certain concerns that questions our nationhood or some elements of it begs for attention, it is in time like this the Nation needs one that will proffer solutions that would bridge chasms, vitiate discord and suspicions amongst Compatriots and foster genuine sense of trust and nationalism.

Mohammed Namadi Sambo adjudged by many as an excellent achiever both in Public and Private Services. Throughout his service to Country, he has shown to be a modernizer of society, a builder of productive systems and a unifier of people and cultures.

Born on August 2, 1954 in Zaria, in today’s Kaduna State, Nigeria. He started his primary education at the Baptist Primary School, Kakuri in present day Kaduna State in 1959, completing it at Kobi Primary School, Bauchi in 1966. From 1967 until 1971, he attended Government Secondary School, now Alhuda-Huda College, in Zaria, Kaduna State. After his secondary education, he went through the School of Basic Studies at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1972, after which in 1973, he gained admission into the prestigious Department of Architecture of the Ahmadu Bello University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) in 1976 and a Masters Degree (M.Sc) in 1978. The Oyo State Ministry of Works and Housing was his call for the National Youth Service Corps up to August 1979.

After the Service Year, he joined the Public Service of newly created Bauchi State as an Architect, becoming directly responsible for Development, Control and actual production of Master Plans for Bauchi and other major Towns in the new State.

He left Public Service in 1981 and he went into Private Practice. As an astute practitioner, he had design and construction inputs in major projects such as the National Stadium Abuja, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Headquarters, Katsina Polytechnic and Bank of the North Headquarters in Kano.

Having garnered enough experience, he decided to establish a Firm of Architects in 1985. The Firm, which was initially known as Environmental Design Consortium was to later become Coplan Associates, a consortium that went on to become a major player in the Nation’s Design and Construction Industry participating in the design and construction of iconic buildings and projects across the Country. It was about this time that the Kaduna State Government first invited him to help with his wealth of experience.

He was just 34 years old when he was first appointed Commissioner for Agriculture in 1986. As Commissioner for Agriculture, he is credited with the transformation of the State into a major food basket in the Country. He also helped develop Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) Facilities in the State, He was to later serve as Commissioner for Works, Transport and Housing.

At the end of his tour of duty in 1990, he went back to Private Practice, in no time becoming Nigeria’s most sought-after Architect in the Country. He also ventured into the Oil and Gas Services and Turnkey Projects through a new Company, Nalado Nigeria Limited, which he founded in 1998.

With a rather modest posture and an unassuming disposition, Mohammed Namadi Sambo has an intimidating Private and Public Service Resume. Not previously known to be interested in political office, he suddenly became a gubernatorial aspirant in 2006. Against all political permutations and in spite of the fact that he was a dark horse, he went on to win the PDP Ticket and eventually became Governor in May 2009.

“The task of the Leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been” -Henry Kissinger

True to that wise statement, on inauguration day, he had declared that, “Our Eleven-Point Agenda will address all the development and social needs of Kaduna State and bring tools of empowerment to Youth and Women in the State”. It was deliberate and well thought out Blue Print of his Administration to lead the State towards economic prosperity. There is a consensus however, that he has done very well in the area of security. He is credited with bringing enduring peace to a State that used to be the hotbed of radical and violent tendencies. Also, the introduction of E-Government Strategy by His Government formed the bedrock for the economic advancement of the State.

His nomination as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria came as a surprise to many. He was not known to be interested and was definitely not one of the major contenders for the post. But he emerged, much in the same way that he emerged as gubernatorial candidate in 2006. That development of “Wednesday Night” changed his standing and responsibility as a National Politician and Statesman.

The quintessence and excellence of His professional and political life has earned him the standing of a Statesman, in our quest to consolidate and strengthen democracy, build Institutions and advance good governance with the principles of justice in an egalitarian society, we need a man with the competence of State-Craft and the know-how to manage the uniqueness of all nationalities within Nigeria, morphing these unique characteristics into a Common National Identity which is in great deficit today.

His Excellency, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Grand Commander of the Niger, Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one Nigerian that exudes the qualities and experience of a Leader needed to reset this Country and lead her to a place of pride and glory, He is the Quintessence of a Political Statesman.

According to John C. Maxwell “A Leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way” Mohammed Namadi Sambo is that one.

Gidson, Caisy
Convener,CleanMandate

THE QUINTESSENCE OF A POLITICAL STATESMAN

“Great Leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand”. -Colin Powell

Nigeria’s journey to Nationhood is one that has met onerous moments in her history, in many ways this has vaguely defined our common identity and impugned her Citizens sense of nationalism. This is largely the consequence of interruptions of governance and distortions of political architecture by Military Adventurists. Her chance in attaining Statehood was almost vitiated by these shenanigans.

Admittedly, since the return of civil administration the Country has made modest progress in most facets. Today, it appears that certain concerns that questions our nationhood or some elements of it begs for attention, it is in time like this the Nation needs one that will proffer solutions that would bridge chasms, vitiate discord and suspicions amongst Compatriots and foster genuine sense of trust and nationalism.

Mohammed Namadi Sambo adjudged by many as an excellent achiever both in Public and Private Services. Throughout his service to Country, he has shown to be a modernizer of society, a builder of productive systems and a unifier of people and cultures.

Born on August 2, 1954 in Zaria, in today’s Kaduna State, Nigeria. He started his primary education at the Baptist Primary School, Kakuri in present day Kaduna State in 1959, completing it at Kobi Primary School, Bauchi in 1966. From 1967 until 1971, he attended Government Secondary School, now Alhuda-Huda College, in Zaria, Kaduna State. After his secondary education, he went through the School of Basic Studies at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1972, after which in 1973, he gained admission into the prestigious Department of Architecture of the Ahmadu Bello University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) in 1976 and a Masters Degree (M.Sc) in 1978. The Oyo State Ministry of Works and Housing was his call for the National Youth Service Corps up to August 1979.

After the Service Year, he joined the Public Service of newly created Bauchi State as an Architect, becoming directly responsible for Development, Control and actual production of Master Plans for Bauchi and other major Towns in the new State.

He left Public Service in 1981 and he went into Private Practice. As an astute practitioner, he had design and construction inputs in major projects such as the National Stadium Abuja, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Headquarters, Katsina Polytechnic and Bank of the North Headquarters in Kano.

Having garnered enough experience, he decided to establish a Firm of Architects in 1985. The Firm, which was initially known as Environmental Design Consortium was to later become Coplan Associates, a consortium that went on to become a major player in the Nation’s Design and Construction Industry participating in the design and construction of iconic buildings and projects across the Country. It was about this time that the Kaduna State Government first invited him to help with his wealth of experience.

He was just 34 years old when he was first appointed Commissioner for Agriculture in 1986. As Commissioner for Agriculture, he is credited with the transformation of the State into a major food basket in the Country. He also helped develop Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) Facilities in the State, He was to later serve as Commissioner for Works, Transport and Housing.

At the end of his tour of duty in 1990, he went back to Private Practice, in no time becoming Nigeria’s most sought-after Architect in the Country. He also ventured into the Oil and Gas Services and Turnkey Projects through a new Company, Nalado Nigeria Limited, which he founded in 1998.

With a rather modest posture and an unassuming disposition, Mohammed Namadi Sambo has an intimidating Private and Public Service Resume. Not previously known to be interested in political office, he suddenly became a gubernatorial aspirant in 2006. Against all political permutations and in spite of the fact that he was a dark horse, he went on to win the PDP Ticket and eventually became Governor in May 2009.

“The task of the Leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been” -Henry Kissinger

True to that wise statement, on inauguration day, he had declared that, “Our Eleven-Point Agenda will address all the development and social needs of Kaduna State and bring tools of empowerment to Youth and Women in the State”. It was deliberate and well thought out Blue Print of his Administration to lead the State towards economic prosperity. There is a consensus however, that he has done very well in the area of security. He is credited with bringing enduring peace to a State that used to be the hotbed of radical and violent tendencies. Also, the introduction of E-Government Strategy by His Government formed the bedrock for the economic advancement of the State.

His nomination as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria came as a surprise to many. He was not known to be interested and was definitely not one of the major contenders for the post. But he emerged, much in the same way that he emerged as gubernatorial candidate in 2006. That development of “Wednesday Night” changed his standing and responsibility as a National Politician and Statesman.

The quintessence and excellence of His professional and political life has earned him the standing of a Statesman, in our quest to consolidate and strengthen democracy, build Institutions and advance good governance with the principles of justice in an egalitarian society, we need a man with the competence of State-Craft and the know-how to manage the uniqueness of all nationalities within Nigeria, morphing these unique characteristics into a Common National Identity which is in great deficit today.

His Excellency, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Grand Commander of the Niger, Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one Nigerian that exudes the qualities and experience of a Leader needed to reset this Country and lead her to a place of pride and glory, He is the Quintessence of a Political Statesman.

According to John C. Maxwell “A Leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way” Mohammed Namadi Sambo is that one.

Gidson, Caisy
Convener, CleanMandate