₦airaland Forum

Neyoor:
Please we need your presence now to commence the debate.

Am present, waiting for the Go word

OAUTemitayo:
Others gave the organisers notice of their unavailability in advance which is not case in your case.
I hope Abuklaw can show up today and let it be a good contest.
But to go AWOL is not good enough and a big slap on the organisers of the debate.
He must show up today or I will come and drag him out of that place he is

Listen to yourself.

Abuklaw's phone was stolen together with his laptop, you think he's playing a coward?

I want him to be here more than you do, he won the position of the best debater twice.
You guys need to calm down and be open to whatever solution there is.

Tourshaw:
What happened in the last match was somehow embarrassing. When one of the UI reps was absent and only one rep did it against us. And many were throwing the weight of their support on the sole representative which later has reasonable effect in the best debater ratings.

Sole participation was also resorted to for Ibadanpoly who presented 2 reps but sacrificed one rep and consequently their proceed.


This needs to be looked into

What are you guys even saying? We are faced with an unforeseen predicament, and Fynestboi is trying hard to find an imminent solution befitting to both parties.
You wouldn't feel like you've won if you win in a duo? or you'll feel cheated if you lose in a duo?

Fynestboi:
Postponement is not a problem, but why did Abuklaw choose not to lobby for propspoment when we asked him if he will be available?



There is only one thing I can do, is to shift the time, but that the debate will not hold today is not conceivable.

Please I am in the middle of exams and have placed everything on hold. If the debate will be postponed, or the time shifted please make it known.
My apologies for Abuklaw's absence still sustains

present

I solemnly apologise for his absence and the inconvenience it is causing.

As regards the duo battle , i am comfortable with it

Without Abuklaw?

Fynestboi, please I'd like the presence of my colleague Abuklaw to be verified before anyone drops a debate.

Fynestboi:
The debate is on Monday, but be rest assured that we are not playing an handicap match in this semi final. So try and reach him and give us feedback. No easy win....

Relieved, I will do that

Fynestboi:
We are not stopping them from having a say, have I? Or can you point out how I have ignored their plight?

Fynestboi, all my effort to reach my colleague has proved futile, he fell victim to theft.
regarding today's debate, please I'll appreciate an extension of the fixture. All signs have proved that he'll likely not be available.
And being kicked out for his non participation will be devastating, considering the hard work we've put Into this debate.

Abuklaw:
We will appreciate if the moderators would look into our complaint. I have not been able to communicate to my colleague as result of the theft, and I don't know if that will be possible before Monday.

catalyst4real, leave a message for me when you see this. I will see it when next I come online.

Abuklaw please I want you to indicate your availability before the debate starts.
we've come too far to be disqualified for non participation.

Neyoor:
So far so good, the topic has been fixed and their is no plan to change it. How about the availability of you and your team mate for the debate on this fixed date? I hope it is guaranteed because I would like both parties to be duly represented to make the battle fierce.

I will be very much available, and so will Abuklaw

Abuklaw:
We will appreciate if the moderators would look into our complaint. I have not been able to communicate to my colleague as result of the theft, and I don't know if that will be possible before Monday.

catalyst4real, leave a message for me when you see this. I will see it when next I come online.

Fynestboi seemed to have taken an indelible stand towards not changing the topic. I miss the logic in debating an already debated topic when there are a lot of unexplored topics, begging to be summoned.

Continuously imploring him to change it, presented an incompetent picture of me and the Institution I represent.
Which is why am passive at the moment.

On second thought, Fynestboi please don't change the topic. My colleague and I will ace this like we always do.

Fynestboi:
Tight corner? Debate Topic normally are not meant to be an easy task.

The only reason debate topic will be change, is either if the topic is not debatable or it is not clearly stated.

That's the point, it's not debatable

Fynestboi:
Group stage? By which team? It was used for the Super Nairaland Interschool debate, and not group stage.... The topic was brought back due to the fact that what we expected as regard rebuttal stage of the Finals was not given, hence the topic....

This topic puts Abu Zaria in an extremely tight corner, We will appreciate a change in topic, kindly look into it.

Fynestboi:
[size=15pt] Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (A Product Of The Institution) Vs University of Ilorin (A Product Of Self Development



Topic: Quintessential Nigerian Graduate - A Product Of Self Development Or The Institution". [/size]



Judge:
Ujsizzle
Caracta
Ishilove




Catalyst4real
Abuklaw


Tourshaw
Neyoor




Date: 28th March 2016

12pm


Any questions?

Fynestboi, this topic was treated in the group stage, and I consider it to be inappropriate to debate on it again.
on behalf of team Abu Zaria, we'd appreciate a change in topic.
Thank you

I am filled with Joy inexpressible, profound euphoria and paramount elation.
Abuklaw, I couldn't have asked for a more competent colleague, you were simply exceptional.

My regards extends to the great Josites(Obizeal and Noskyboy) you guys showed class. It's a shame only one institution gets to move to the next stage.

And to the unbiased judges, giving everything and expecting nothing; A big thank you is the least I can offer

Fynestboi I really don't know what you stand to gain for all your hard work. Thank you for the opportunity.

adeaks:
Great, great effort guys. I definitely learnt one or two things from your essays.

Just a little advice for Catalyst4real. I felt your reply below and one or two of your rebuttals were overly acerbic.

As this is an intellectual exercise, I think you can deliver your rebuttals without taking personal potshots or denigrating your co-debaters. Tackle the question and not the person.
I feel all the other debaters did very well in this regard.

That being said, I would love to see both teams in the next round.

Kudos

Alright. Noted
Emotions were high then, I meant no contempt
I believe Obizeal concurs

sammyscholar:
You wrote this in your essay:

"As perversely as this culture may have been re-engineered, it's dilaceration will be more inimical than logical.
"

How do you mean? You mean Nigeria is going to suffer if it removes the touches and mights of political Godfathers in its political landscape? What benefit has Godfatherism had on this country before now, now, and would even have after now?

Refer to my definition of Godfatherism, or I don't mind reiterating
"the architectural motive behind the evolution of godfathers is to have an experienced role model to look up to, who is godly in nature and fatherly in principle"
Removing Godfatherism is like eliminating that guide and support from people who have thread on the same part as the present leader.

What has Godfatherism done in Nigeria? very minimal i must say, because we haven't discovered it's true purpose. Nigerian Godfatherism may have been abused, but take reference from developed nations that practice it, and see how well they thrive.
Looking carefully, it is not the godfatherism itself that pulls us back, but how deeply we continuously misplace priorities, we live in an economy where people are more loyal to their tribes, villages and ethnics than they are to the country at large.
Eliminating godfatherism won't even help us, that's like cutting the branch, ignoring the roots

Abuklaw:
This is our stand. We couldn't even grasp it that godfatherism is solely the cause of inefficiency of our leaders.

Yes. It is quite disheartening how we Nigerians have placed the entire blame on godfatherism. Like corruption exists only as an external factor that can only be inspired in a leader by a so called godfather.
Nice job sir

adeaks:
Kindly explain further.

If an independent candidate contests and wins an election, where will the Godfather come in, in a sector that involves appointments? Who makes the appointment if not an elected person?
Do Godfathers make appointments in those sectors from the comfort of their living rooms?

Now you're reasoning with me
Godfatherism will never be eliminated because we always believe it to be the reason an election is won. No matter how free and fair it is.
Like I said earlier, the corruption in Godfatherism should be countered by promoting transparency in governance and electoral processes.

obiZEAL:
Sir I did not evade your question, if I was to answer it will lead me to derail from the topic...
what is the truth that stares us in the face in the face?

We do not have effective leaders not because of Godfatherism, but because our leaders cherish personal gains over national growth. That's the truth you've been avoiding all night. You've been making it look like "once Godfatherism is removed, the door to effective leaders will be opened" and that's a fallacy

adeaks:
What about independent candidature? In Nigeria Godfathers operate primarily through the party system. If we have an electoral system in which people could contest for posts as individuals based on the strength of their personalities, ideals and goals without riding on the coattails of godfathers in order to get elected, don't you think that would eliminate godfatherism?

Quite myopic I must say.
you're only viewing Godfatherism in political aspects that require Election, what about the sectors that involve appointments?
On a more practical note, eliminating Godfatherism is close to impossible, rather the innovation to counter the abuse of such culture for personal gain should be emphasized. in terms of patriotism, national love, godliness and moral.
Removal isn't the answer, Reformation is the key

obiZEAL:
Sir That question is a debate for another, I recommend it for the next round.
Now thank you agreeing with me that Godfatherism has to be eliminated and even goin a step further to seeking how to eliminate it...
That's progressive.

Agree with you? Quite sarcastic.Your philosophy is unrealistic.
We keep blaming Godfatherism to shield ourselves of the truth which stares at us in the face

You evade my question, I guess it was beyond your acute proficience.
I'll ask a simple one next time.

obiZEAL:
Yes sir, Among other reasons Buhari won because he had the most influential Godfather.
Tinubu have never lost any election in Nigeria and he controls 90 percent of south west politics.
So I say he was invaluable in the 2015 election.

This is ridiculous, on a more candid note, I have to come to the realisation, that godfatherism will always be blamed for the dilapidation of Nigeria's politics and electoral processes
And it is this mentality that leaves us groveling in the mud; How swiftly we condemn the least of our heartaches

You've been spewing all night that Godfatherism has to be eliminated, how do you plan on going about that?

noskyboy:
can you explain the role of Tinubu in the 2015 election? that's gofatherism my friend

This is hilarious, so In literal context, you mean, President Buhari won the elections because he had Tinubu as his godfather?

This is a negative attribute of godfatherism in Nigeria because in most cases the godfathers like to dictate how the godsons would lead, who would be appointed and even how public funds will be spent therefore even if the leader has all the criteria of a good leader, he/she can't use them

noskyboy
you say when Godfatherism is present, a "good leader" won't be able perform.

I believe one of the qualities of a good leader is to remain uncompromising and indelible, bending to nothing that isn't directed to national interests.

If Godfatherism as a single factor is proficient enough to shield a good leader from performing his duties, how can you term such a leader as "good"?

noskyboy:
catalyst4real, you said corruption and selfishness is what we need to eliminate not godfatherism how can we eliminate that when the godfathers are corrupt and selfish. you are painting an ideal picture not the reality.

Good question, one way to eliminate the corruption is the promotion of transparency. You realise why no one can outrightly say the 2015 Election was an epitaph of perpetration, godfatherism and vandalism? Because it was very open and transparent.
Godfatherism will always take the blame when the electoral practices are done in close doors.

obiZEAL:
Mr. Catalyst4real, goodevening.
In Life, especially in politics, we judge people by their deeds and not their intentions, In the early part of your debate you said Godfathers have good intentions for our polity, but the situation inherent in our country Nigerias suggest differently, we have seen Godfathers lay claim on the treasuries of their godson's office and that is not compatible with effective leadership.
Sir, you also said you don't see Godfatherism standing in the way of installing credible leadership, I beg to disagree and I will do that by referring you to my debate where I outlined cases of Godfatherism, the general trend in nigeria is; the man with the most influential Godfather gets elected...so you can't say Godfatherism don't influence the installation of leaders.
And Lastly you spoke much about an ideal situation, but we are talking about the real situation that is obtainable in Nigeria as directed by the debate topic, so your whole argument is to an extent flawed and does not apply to the Nigerian situation.
The way forward for Nigeria, is to, among other reforms, extinguish political Godfatherism.

To start with, I say nothing about intentions

And yes, Godfatherism doesn't in any way stand in the way of production of effective leaders.

You say the man with the most influential Godfather gets elected.
I have a question for you, "The 2015 presidential election, I believe president Buhari won because he had the most influential godfather, right? "

Name : Catalyst4real

Institution : A.B.U Zaria


Topic: The Extinction Of Godfatherism In Contemporary Nigerian Politics -- A panacea for effective leaders.

Stance: Against


I unequivocally recognize the presence of the unbiased judges, the coordinators, my honourable colleague, Abuklaw, the tenacious opponents and my intelligible audience.

What is Godfatherism? It can in clear context be depicted from the word "god" and "father"
Meaning godly in nature and fatherly in principle.

I implore you to let that echo in your minds, the architectural motive behind the evolution of godfathers is to have an experienced role model to look up to, who is godly in nature and fatherly in principle.

>>>>>>>>>>>The Inception<<<<<<<<<<
Godfatherism is as old as politics itself, it gained popularity following the movie "THE GODFATHER" directed by Francis Coppola

As the movie depicts, godfathers were never pioneered to select leaders, but to direct leaders, not to mesmerise leaders, but to orient leaders, not for the purpose of embezzlement, but for the furnishing of the elect, not to gratify self desires and personal needs or greed, But to uplift and build a nation.

Godfathers were established to serve as mentors, as role models and as guides to the succeeding leaders, to nurture and to train; All for the promotion of good governance and in exchange for "NOTHING" other than National progress.


>>>>>>>>>The Misconception<<<<<<<<<<<
With utmost assurance, at this stage, I expect my opponents to have garrulously and intricately divulged on how Godfatherism is a sole malignant engineer of political corruption in contemporary Nigeria.

And I couldn't agree more, but about it's extinction I am resolutely defiant .

The symbiotic relationship between democracy and godfatherism started eons ago. Democracy, politics and godfatherism have been the three major and harmonious elements of governance. So, in a true democratically oriented political environment, the trio work hand in glove.


Owing to political ossification, some eggheads are groaning beneath godfatherism, depleting it's prior motive and tarnishing it's sole purpose; Nigerian politics has dilapidated this sublime culture and zapped the nectar from it's life force.

Godfatherism has been abused and manipulated for personal gain, it is now a field for the exasperation of greed and an avenue for wealth acquisition. How pitiful!!!

As perversely as this culture may have been re-engineered, it's dilaceration will be more inimical than logical.

There was a time when godfatherism stood for mentorship, that is the very time we need to relive, relay and rediscover.

It is characteristic of humans to look for who to blame or what to blame when things acutely take an ugly turn.

The corruption and manipulation in Godfatherism is what we need to extinguish, not godfatherism itself. If we suddenly start eliminating every tenets of the society that have been stained by corruption, then we'll wake up someday to have nothing left. Corruption has it's roots in almost all branches of this country, even in the grass level; I believe in change.

>>>>>>The Way Forward<<<<<<<<<<<<
It is highly preposterous to think that the elimination of godfatherism ultimately open doors to producing effective leaders; No!!! That is not the answer we seek, we need competent leaders; Selfless leaders who hunger for the growth and excellence of this great nation Nigeria, leaders who'll rather starve than watch this country dwindle and decay, leaders with national pride, leaders filled with immutable integrity and love towards uplifting Nigeria; And I do not in anyway see godfatherism standing in the way of the emanation of leaders with the above listed idiosyncrasies.

Prof. Kenneth Taylor, a H.O.D In a certain high institution walked into a 400L philosophy class and asked the students a simple question. "What would you do, if made the president of Nigeria for 24 hours?"
The responses he received weren't too far away from expectation; they were all self-seeking, stained with self acquisition, having no plans whatsoever to make this country a better place.
That's as bad as it has gotten.

Godfatherism is not the hindrance against producing effective leaders but our unpatriotism and lack of love for our nation.

The corruption, the manipulations, the crime, the insurgence, the vandalism, the perpetration and the animosity in Nigerian politics aren't really the problems pulling this country down, all these are symptoms; Symptoms of lack of love for Nigeria.

We're looking for a culture to eliminate? This is the starting point.

Quite frankly, when we look at developed countries like U.S.A, we get drenched in envy and all we see is the present glory, but behind all that glamour are leaders who have made sacrifices for their nation.
With love, comes sacrifice.


You know where it gets more interesting? America also practices godfatherism, it plays a huge role in United state's government, and yet, they thrive almost impeccably.
I assure you, godfatherism is far from the problem Nigeria faces in producing effective leaders.

Godfatherism use to be a glamorous umpire of good governance, an epitaph of beauty and admiration, a propellant and the very backbone of national reformation.

We live in a country where every leader comes in with a promise, void promises most of the time.
I can never blame godfatherism for our inability to produce competent, uncompromising leaders.
Until our love for Nigeria outweighs our differences and quest for self luxury, progress will remain mythical.






Reference
>(Godfatherism and Democracy)
phemmynaija..co.ke/2011/01/godfatherism-phemmynaija..co.ke-democracy.html?m=1

>(History of Godfatherism)
https://naudigitallibrary./tag/history-of-godfatherism-in-nigeria/

>(Influence of Godfatherism in Nigeria)
www.iproject.com.ng/political-science/final-year-project-topics/the-influence-of-godfatherism-in-nigeria-politics-in-the-fourth-republic-the-role-of-education/project-topics

Fynestboi do we wait for Unijos to finish posting their debate before posting ours?