asuoka:
that operation started since lastweek...it is now the nigerian press reported it...chai...no PR to show whats going on

At last the Nigerian media finally decides to report this abet casually like it's nothing too important after a week.

In educating some people today, I sighted this as an example of part of the grand conspiracy by the media in blacking out positive news about Nigeria in their quest to constantly paint the country as doom. Where they report a times, they either down play or deceitfully twist the report and make it look negative to deceive gullible Nigerians with the aim to continuously incite hate against Jonathan's person.

In their foolishness they think they are doing this to bring Jonathan down by ridiculing him before Nigerians, forgetting that if the country erupts they and members of their families might be victims of their evil doings.

May GOD help all of us.

Seun:
Audio quality improved immediately Fashola got on stage. Very strange. Was there a deliberate ploy to prevent us from hearing what GMB said?

I honestly did not hear Buhari, heard people laughing clearly, heard questions asked clearly but could hardly hear Buhari's answers. Funnily could hear Fashola very well when he used the same mic. Deception!

1 minute video presentation of records between GEJ and GMB


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoW0hnLsE6w

saintikechi:
From this statement i can see that apc is already afraid of the outcome of the court case. If buhari has no case to answer, why should apc be afraid ?

Bless you. You understand the situation very well. It's obvious Buhari does not have a certificate. APC is only using psychology on Nigerians believing like they always do that Nigerians are stupid.

They were shouting go to court because they knew then that the courts were on strike and probably fueling the issue under to enlongate the court strike. That has obviously failed.

Now they are using reverse psychology to cry wolf when they were the ones that called the wolf by fielding a candidate who does not have certificate. They only trying to play the victim now after so much bravado.

I have always said it, the biggest problem with APC is their over confidence, the believe they are too smart and can manipulate Nigerians because they control the media.

As far as am concerned this press release is dead on arrival, nothing new there, people already know that the Buhari certificate and the perjury issue will be contested in court before the elections.

Redoil:
So on point. Most of their footsoldiers here on nairaland behave so badly that when you compare their characters with janja.we.ed and BH you will never make mistake

It's sickening. Most APC supporters I have come across are too aggressively empty. Attitudes like occults. Their desperation is too much.

The brainwashing is serious even for the educated ones. Shame.

Shaka Momodu: What Manner Of Change Is APC Chanting?
OpinionJan 28, 2015

As I sit down to write this piece, I cannot but be amused by the change chorus around me. Even though I sense some genuine desire to have things go in a different direction, I get this sneaky feeling that a vast majority of Nigerians are being duped by some smart and clever businessmen masquerading as progressive democrats and agents of change. They sensed resentment and keyed in with the change slogan which seems to have caught on like wildfire in the harmattan. But when you ask those clamouring for change; change to what? They just stare blankly at you unsure of how to answer. And when the answer eventually comes, it’s a disappointment, “we just want change.” That is the first inkling you get that some of our choristers of change hardly understand the issues at stake.

[b]Now, are these promoters of change really agents of change? Are they really the democrats they profess to be? The evidence around me suggests otherwise. I think they are part of the problems Nigerians need change from. The values and virtues of democracy which they profess and claim allegiance are observed more in breach by these people who claim to be the long awaited messiahs destined to liberate our countrymen from the bondage of corrupt managers of public wealth.

They remind us every day of the rot in the system – corruption at the centre, growing unemployment, insecurity in the land, irregular power supply etc. Of course, these are facts that cannot be disputed. But what they fail to tell us is that they have been part and parcel of the rot and share in the responsibility and blame for the situation in the country today. They fail to remind us that they are among the greatest beneficiaries of the weak institutions that have made the country a wobbling giant. They fail to tell Nigerians that they have become richer and more prosperous on account of their holding public offices in this democracy. They want change not to serve the people but to serve their own interests and those of their cronies. They just want more money to increase their vast wealth to further their private benefits at the expense of public good. But they have found a strap line that resonates well with the people to anchor their quest for power, but no one is guiltier of practices detrimental to public good than these so-called agents of change. Their daily conduct is a mockery of their progressive hymn; the solemnity of their pledges to liberate the people is hollow, impiety and deceptive.

Now, let’s take a look for a moment at the promoters of change. Former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu at the Redemption Rally organised by the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Akure to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, in the last Ondo governorship election openly boasted how he funded Olusegun Mimiko’s election with millions of pounds. He said: “Mimiko claimed that I did not spend money when he had problems with his mandate; this is not true. It is a lie. He came to me and begged for support, rolling on the ground.

“He collected money from me. I spent millions of pounds sterling but he betrayed me. It was Yemi Osinbajo who travelled to Israel and other countries to arrange the experts that helped him prosecute the case. Mimiko has called me a godfather, yes, I am a positive godfather and even, godfatherism is biblical and that is why Christians refer to God as their Father. I play godfatherism in the South-west for the good of our people. My godfatherism is for progress and mentoring. I have brought development to Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo and Ogun States and the people are better for it.”

Now, were the millions of pounds sterling earnings from entrepreneurship or money made from holding public office? We hear of his vast wealth spanning real estate, media, construction, hospitality etc. It is this same man that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the “Navigator” of APC, referred to in his book, My Watch, as “having the worst case of corruption”. Till this moment, there has been no reaction from Tinubu.

Recall how he railroaded his wife into the Senate to replace a man who was far more experienced in legislative activities. Today, his wife merely sits in the Senate warming the seat, hardly making any meaningful contribution on the floor of debate. Lest we forget, his sister-in-law was also planted in the Lagos State House of Assembly. His son-in-law is also in the House of Representatives. This is the height of nepotism.

But nothing underscores Tinubu’s pretentious claim to the principles of democracy than his arbitrary appointment of his daughter, Sade, as the Iyaloja of Market Women and Traders in Lagos following the demise of his mother, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, who held the position. A true and progressive democrat would have thrown the position open to elective contest. But that was not to be as he simply pronounced his 40-year-old daughter at the time, who is not even a trader, the President General of Market Women and Traders in Lagos, practically decreeing it a hereditary position. There is a saying that, “you can’t like the fruits of a tree and hate the tree.” A true democrat must not only preach it but practise it in all its manifestations.

Imagine if it was President Goodluck Jonathan that appointed his daughter as President of Market Women and Traders, all hell would have broken loose in the country. APC and those fraudulent human rights activists would have been shouting to high heavens in condemnation; lawyers – hundreds of SANs would have been jostling to represent the traders in court free of charge to challenge the imposition. But Tinubu did it against all known sense of decency and not a whimper from these hypocritical sets of people who by their own choosing lay claim to being the custodians of public good. From the pro-democracy activists to the constitutional lawyers who see two similar impunities with double vision and twin morality to the godfather goaded to continue to dupe the conscience of the people, there is no difference between their sins.

Governor Babatunde Fashola is on a swing after being initially at odds with his godfather’s preference to succeed him. He seems to have accepted the reality of his own near-zero political value and has embraced the man he initially kicked against. He fought his godfather through proxies, culminating in an open contest where he was roundly beaten. The old fox taught his godson a very bitter lesson on how not to challenge a benefactor. When the primaries were held, the distance between the godfather’s preference and godson’s were miles apart.

How can one explain that after eight years in office and with well over N4 trillion in revenue expended, pipe borne water is still a scarce resource in Lagos? An estimated 90 per cent of Lagosians have no access to this vital necessity of life. Nearly every household today self-provides this essential resource by sinking a borehole. Recall here that the situation wasn’t this bad before Fashola’s rise to power. Even if the situation was bad, the governor’s record on this score is a miserable failure.

Under Fashola, instead of more people having access to pipe borne water, what we are seeing is a rapid decline of access to this necessity of life. Many public schools have no roofs, toilets, tables, and chairs as students sit on worn-out tyres to take lectures in classrooms that have neither windows nor doors. This is the state of some public schools especially the primary schools in Fashola’s Lagos. The state of most roads in the state is nothing to write home about. Just visit a place like Ikorodu or Iyani Ipaja and you will understand what I mean. The health sector has deteriorated to the level of “mere consulting clinics,” i.e. if you see a doctor to consult. If you think I am lying, visit any of the public health facilities in Lagos and tell me if any, I repeat if any, befits our so-called “centre of excellence”.

I am also curious to know the policies Fashola initiated to help the unable become able and as such help lift more people out of the poverty index. Affordable housing is still a pipe dream in this mega-city state. What has he done to ease the challenges faced by the people in this regard? This is the man now at the forefront of change campaign. The man who could not change the dilapidated infrastructure in public schools, health sector or provide pipe borne water for Lagosians after nearly eight years in office as governor is the one telling Nigerians that help is coming from Buhari. Former Governor Lateef Jakande’s temporary school structures litter the state, almost 32 years after he left office. Lagosians should ask him, if he truly shares in their pains and identifies with their problems as he claims to be, then why are his children not attending public schools or using public health facilities like ordinary people?

Perhaps, more than anything else, Fashola’s hypocrisy played out last week, finally revealing the internal contradictions in their message of change.

When I read the statement made by the governor urging Lagosians not to vote for an old man, Jimi Agbaje (57), I chuckled, unsure of what he meant. Hear him: “You know what you have to do, open your eyes clearly. When I took this job, I was 44, I was counting the white hair on my head. Today, at 52, I am counting the black hair on my head. Akinwunmi Ambode is younger than me; you need youthfulness to do this job. That man (referring to Jimi Agbaje) is already 60; he cannot cope with this job. If you call him at night he may not take your call.”

The same Fashola, who feels Agbaje whom he claims, is 60 but whose actual age is said to be 57 is too old to govern Lagos, has been campaigning vigorously for Muhammadu Buhari (72) to be elected to govern Nigeria.

Now hear him defend his position on Buhari: “Some people are challenging me that if I say Agbaje is too old to govern Lagos, what about Buhari who is older? My response is this: We all agree that we have problem of insecurity in the country. Between Jonathan and Buhari who is the most experienced to tackle security issue? We all know Buhari is an experienced security expert. Then on corruption issue, who is the most credible among them? It is only Buhari. He has ruled Nigeria before and headed several positions without record of corruption and mismanagement.”

Did he really mean what he said about age? If he did then something is wrong somewhere. In one breadth, he approbates in another he reprobates. If a 57 or 60-year-old is too old to govern Lagos, which is less complex and a microcosm of Nigeria, why should it be okay for a 72-year-old man to be the president of Nigeria with all its multiplicity of problems? Will Buhari, who is steep in medieval times, pick Fashola’s call at night? Does Buhari have the vigour, stamina and mental alertness to govern a modern country with all its ethno-religious complexities and developmental challenges? The hypocrisy of these people surprises me to no end.

After nearly eight years in office, Governor Aliyu Magatakada Wamakko’s Sokoto State is still on the list of the 10 poorest states in Nigeria. This is according to the recent Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) 2014 report which revealed Nigeria’s poorest states. A man who failed to change the fortunes of Sokoto people for the better is on the bandwagon of APC’s change. His state is listed number four on the poverty index.

Look at Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s behaviour in Rivers State. What is ennobling about it that one can sincerely recommend as model to the youths to emulate? A progressive democrat who is so intolerant of opposition that he won’t even allow the use of the state’s stadium for a campaign rally a few days after he used the same facility to flag off his party’s campaign. Is this the change they talk about?[/b]

The truth is that Nigerians are not included within the pale of their glorious progressive dividends. Their posturing matched against the reality of their stewardship only reveals the immeasurable distance between them and the people whose interests they claim to be fighting for. They have amassed a rich inheritance for their own children, while condemning our children to hewers of wood and drawers of water. This is a generation of self-seekers whose motivation is primitive wealth accumulation. They must be challenged, interrogated and held to account for their public conduct lest the people are misled again by their new clamour disingenuously disguised as “change.”

According to Theodore Roosevelt, “The foundation-stone of national life is, and ever must be, the high individual character of the average citizen.” This is specially so for leaders and custodians of public trust. But what we have seen here is a succession of bad leaders who have profited from the misery of the people. And there you have it.

Source: http://www.ekekeee.com/shaka-momodu-manner-change-apc-chanting/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

Flets:
The evil general is promising power hw cudnt provide 30 yrs ago.

When he had absolute power. If he couldn't provide then how can he provide it now in a democratic setting?

This article from a Twitter handle: @MrAyeDee is based on a July, 1985 Newswatch Magazine Interview of Buhari's Minister of Mines, Power and Steel, Rilwan Lukman.

Question of the Day: Did Buhari’s Admin Provide Constant Power Supply?

The answer is actually a resounding ‘NO’…

In July 1985, 20 full months into Buhari’s military administration, here is how Rilwanu Lukman, the Junta’s Minister of Mines, Power and Steel explained the reason for Nigeria’s lack of constant power supply (electricity):

“Every Nigerian is responsible for this mess. A consumer ought to ensure he pays his bills, that his system is not overloaded and that NEPA equipment are protected.

Motorists always knock down NEPA equipment without making reports. If the Nigerian does not want to be connected illegally, he won’t be connected.

Nigerians know precisely what they are doing. It is no ignorance and they need no further education. Nigerians know that if they go out to buy rice, they have to pay for it. Electricity supply is no different.”

Question 1, did Buhari’s admin take personal responsibility for not delivering constant power supply? NO

Question 2, did Buhari’s admin blame Nigerians for the problem of not being able to deliver constant power supply? Yes.

Consequently, as we can see, the narrative about Buhari delivering constant power supply is a myth.

Worse still, despite having absolute power to do something about providing constant power supply, Buhari failed woefully, and not being able to deliver, his admin had the gall to blame Nigerians for their failure.

Here is the page the excerpt was taken from. Newswatch Magazine, July 1st, 1985

Source: http://ad76.com/2015/01/26/question-of-the-day-did-buharis-military-junta-ensure-constant-power-supply/

Picture credit: Twitter Handle: @MrAyeDee

Azo:


Seriously you are a m0r0n. Heheheh. What is interllectual about that piece. Soludo mentioned myriads of points and this guy only pointed at disparities in unemployment figures from "2 separate orgs". Which would u believe? Nigeria bureau of stat or the GHS panel that i never heard of?

I don't do abuse so I will this pass and hope we can focus on issues.

The guy only took the poverty issue and provided verifiable facts to back up his arguments.

The implication is that if the very first issue @MrAyeDee picked proved Soludo was wrong and deceitful why bother wasting his precious time on the others. You get?

austinvsb1:


Did you jst say @MrAyedee?? The dude that hacked Linda ikeji's blog coz he wasn't getting attention from her. That one is just an attention-seeking w-hore. No sane person on twitter takes ayedee serious.

Abt ffk's response, even my 12year cousin thinks he is an i.diot after reading abt the forged email earlier on. Only tanoids thinks ffk makes any sense this days. Nuffsaid

Hate or like @MrAyeDee, one thing you can't take away from him is the that he is a very brilliant factual analyst with indepth knowledge of the happenings in Nigeria even though he doesn't reside here.

I follow his tweets because he provides reasons for me to. That no one takes him seriously on Twitter is not true. The only set of people who dread him are APC supporters whose lies he keeps tearing apart with verifiable facts.

"Politics involves competition like everything in life. You do not create an opening for your competitors to take advantage of and expect them not to. Buhari and APC exposed themselves with the certificate issue. They would have done much worse should it be Jonathan that was in Buhari shoes.

This issue questions Buhari's strategic management skills as a retired general should it be a war front, that's how he would have exposed his officers to attacks by giving the enemies weapons to use against them.

Also questions his planning and organisational skills for someone gunning for the country's top management job, he ought to have solved this issue long ago not now.

His integrity is also put to question with this issue, to be quiet while his supporters were busy trying every tricks in the world to defend him, when all he needed to do was to provide the documents and manage the damage control on time tells so many negatives against him. He had enough time to manage this, I recall the news first broke out early December, 2014.

It only shows he will be very slow to attend to critical issues because if he is this very slow in attending to critical issues concerning his person, integrity, career and qualifications before the job, how can he be fast in attending to critical issues concerning millions of Nigerians if he is given the job?

He is obviously not smart at all. Too unintelligent to wrestle power from an incumbent. He is way below par. I will never gamble my vote on such a person. Too dull in 2015."

Made the above comment earlier on another thread. With the court strikes over at Federal level, It's very obvious this will happen though this lawyer was very fast. More lawyers (Partisan & Non partisan) will likely file suits on this same issue because of its grave implications if allowed to slide. It's a landmark case and lawyers love limelights.

Simple solution is for Buhari to quickly submit his real certificate.

This is one of the challenges Jonathan has with his media & communications team. They are too inefficient. It took a guy on Twitter (@MrAyeDee) few minutes to completely rubbish Soludo's report with verifiable FACTS and expose Soludo's intellectual deceit.

Meanwhile FFK is rambling nonsense here without facts when there are so many facts supporting the good works of President Jonathan.

Abeg for those who are interested in reading a more matured & intelligent rebuttal, please see link:

http://ad76.com/2015/01/26/on-charles-soludos-anti-goodluck-jonathan-hit-piece/

Or follow @MrAyeDee on Twitter or go through his timelines for updates. The guy is intelligent and very factual.

@OP. Consider iPhones 5s, 6 or 6plus. They take HDR pictures.

mbhs139:


You see, I quite agree with you that Buhari should just do the needful, write to whoever it is concerned to release the authentic result and let's move on. Now, be that as it may. I think the PDP and the Presidency have actually achieved whatever is their objective with this certificate issue. And that objective, I believe, is to divert our attention from the real campaign issue. For the past how many weeks now, we have been on Buahri's certificate saga and nothing more.

By the way, going by what Obasanjo (loath or like him, he still has his voice), I think the PDP and GEJ simply wants to distabilise GMB's camp. And just like Obasanjo said, "...a General will always remain a General.

Let's keep the discussion going and keep it clean. thanks

You are right. Politics involves competition like everything in life. You do not create an opening for your competitors to take advantage of and expect them not to. Buhari and APC exposed themselves with the certificate issue. They would have done much worse should it be Jonathan that was in Buhari shoes.

This issue questions Buhari's strategic management skills as a retired general should it be a war front, that's how he would have exposed his officers to attacks by giving the enemies weapons to use against them.

Also questions his planning and organisational skills for someone gunning for the country's top management job, he ought to have solved this issue long ago not now.

His integrity is also put to question with this issue, to be quiet while his supporters were busy trying every tricks in the world to defend him, when all he needed to do was to provide the documents and manage the damage control on time tells so many negatives against him. He had enough time to manage this, I recall the news first broke out early December, 2014.

It only shows he will be very slow to attend to critical issues because if he is this very slow in attending to critical issues concerning his person, integrity, career and qualifications before the job, how can he be fast in attending to critical issues concerning millions of Nigerians if he is given the job?

He is obviously not smart at all. Too unintelligent to wrestle power from an incumbent. He is way below par. I will never gamble my vote on such a person. Too dull in 2015.

mbhs139:


There's nothing iota of truth in this nonsense if your FFK does not mention the school Gusau went to. And let me tell him something, perhaps you will help me take the message to him. Believe me you, honestly, when the chips are down, Gusau will line up behind GMB, not based on tribe or religion but because of the unbreakable cord between the Generals, except he (Gusau) didn't pass through the Military School of Tradition and Doctrine. Take it or leave it, the choice is yours.

Why should he mention Gusau's school when it's a lot easier for Buhari to provide his real certificate and shut everyone up once and for all?

The way APC is managing this simple certificate issue is a pointer to the type of people they are. They are obviously not open and transparent as they claim to be. Though for me I have since seen through their Change facade and not surprised. Am glad Nigerians are watching and learning a lot from these people. It's a big shame they allowed this little issue to get to this stage, now they don't have anywhere to hide.

I watched the programme, its an interactive session with the private sector not findraising as erroneously titled by AIT though the title was later corrected.

The Cordinating minister, ministers of agriculture, petroleum & works minister had very brilliant presentations. They had so much to say but were limited by short timings infact they all exceeded their time without completing their presentations.

Key highlights are
- On job creation: Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Cordinating minister said they had a target of creating 1.8m jobs and have so far created 1.4m. The 1.8m jobs target is an initial target, main target is over 5m jobs, the believe is that the initial 1.8m jobs will pave way for the remaining 5m jobs. She sighted some jobs creation initiatives which made this possible

- The petroleum minister highlighted the benefits of PIB in the fight against corruption in the petroleum sector which unfortunately is still awaiting NASS approval and passage of the bill.

- Agriculture minister gave the most brilliant presentation in my opinion, part of what he highlighted are the e-wallet and its elimination of corruption in fertilizer distribution to farmers, World bank approval and other countries understudying e-wallet projects

- Works minister also did very well. Key highlights includes 25,000km road done so far out of 35,000km roads across the country, about 70% of the roads done, the Lagos-Ibadan ongoing expansion road project, the 2nd River Niger bridge ongoing projects amongst others across the country.

There were questions and answer sections. Key highlights agreed by most people is effective communication of his projects to Nigerians who are not really aware of what's is going on.

Improvements in Rail transportation, education, health, security were also discussed.

It was an interesting interactive session. No doubt Jonathan has done so much within a short time and in spite of boko haram and opposition distractions. I am more than convinced he will do far better in his second term by GOD's grace. He has a very brilliant and highly professional team.

Jonathan took time to explain professionally how to fight corruption, key message is Prevention is better than cure system of fighting corruption and I agree 100% with him. Makes more sense than dramas without results as done in the past.

Many transformation benefits, unfortunately am typing this with phone and can't remember all. Wish a video of it will be made available so people can watch and be informed.

The desperation is getting serious. Now you want to force the man on Nigerians because you foolishly did not do your verification checks well. APC is not serious.

Jennynkk:
Is it too much for an employer to ask for your credentials before they hire you? If not, then why is Buhari not showing us his school certificate to determine if he is qualified for the top job he is seeking for?

Because he honestly does not have it. The biggest scam in the military is about to be uncovered by this mess.

Knowing APC, if he had it, they would have provided it since and even made political points with it. Truth is he does not have it. Reason why there are so many contrary stories, articles of damage control and deceit over what a simple provision of the document will lay to rest.

They initially tried the silence & distraction strategy with the hope that the issue will die naturally while distracting Nigerians with other issues, when it failed, they came up War college Msc/Diploma stories, then followed with plagues and photographs, that also failed. Also tried IBB seized our certificate, that has obviously failed because they now have no reason not to provide the document having met with IBB yesterday with pictorial proofs.

The latest strategies now are:

1. "How can anybody think a general in the army would not have certificate? What do they take army for?" Trying to hide under the military institution with the hope the military will come to their aid

2. "Go to Court Bravado" because they know the courts are currently on strike

3. "Even if Buhari Provides NEPA bill or Tissue Paper as Certificate" unintelligent excuse

My dear I can assure you that these poor strategies like the others before are dead on arrival.

Buhari has no where to hide if he does not provide his certificates as required by the constitution, all eyes are on him and APC now. No hiding place. It will be an interesting legal case. A landmark case. We are waiting.

THE PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATIONS
By Peter Obi

Governor Babatunde Fashola’s piece entitled: “Presidential Declarations: My Take Away”, which appeared in many newspapers raised critical issues in the on-going electioneering campaigns and my decision to respond is predicated on the fact that the writer is one of the few contemporary Nigerian leaders whom I believe approaches public service and issues with seriousness. He is also one public office holder I can appropriately address as ‘His Excellency’, not because of his achievements in physical infrastructure but because of his character and conduct, especially in public. I have always maintained that character and values, when cherished by leaders, are far more important than their contributions in other areas of public service. It is also for the above reasons that I have chosen to engage him here today.

While I agree with Fashola that President Goodluck Jonathan should base his campaign on what he has done so far and also that core issues should occupy the front burner in this election campaign, I must invite his attention to the fact that President Jonathan actually told Nigerians what he had so far done in office. Close attention to the campaign of Mr. President shows that he discussed all the issues Fashola raised; and even more. On corruption, for instance, he emphasized the strengthening of the institutions like the EFCC and the ICPC, in addition to his resolve to follow due process of the law at all times; rather than arbitrarily arresting and jailing of people for countless number of years. The President explained that his Government has prosecuted more persons for corruption than any government before, but that the best way to fight corruption is to build institutions that will make it difficult for people to steal. Fertilizer distribution and the pension reforms were respectively cited as examples of where institutional measures eliminated the old, corrupt practices associated with pensions and fertilizer distribution, respectively.

The president also spoke of how his government drastically reduced, if not stopped, militancy in the Niger Delta and kidnapping in the East, while dealing with the international terrorism in the North-East. He educated Nigerians on the global dimension of the phenomenon and further pointed out that previous government had not equipped the nation’s armed forces for decades. The APC’s claim that it would stop insurgency, if elected, raises two major issues. The first is whether genuine patriots would wait until they are in office to proffer solutions to serious national problems. The second concerns the endorsement of the APC candidate by Boko Haram and the fact that the party and its candidate see nothing wrong with this endorsement.

Gov. Fashola used France as an example of how, within hours of terror attack, it was possible to bring things under control. But my brother knows that this is not a fair comparison, as he did not mention how everybody in France, including the opposition, came out with one voice and how on Sunday, President Francois Hollande held hands with the opposition in condemnation of evil. When last did such happen in Nigeria? Instead of doing so, the opposition was recently quoted to be encouraging mutiny and perhaps even celebrating terrorism in their fatherland. His Excellency is most likely aware that Boko Haram has the same flag as ISIS and Alshaba, which are renowned international terrorist organisations. He is also aware that the group celebrated the attack on France. Meanwhile, APC is yet to comment on the adoption of its candidate for the 2015 elections by Boko Haram.

I agree with Fashola that all matters relating to the forensic audit should be properly investigated, but I must also draw His Excellency’s kind attention to the fact that no money has been misappropriated; as the office of the Auditor General, which instituted the audit has confirmed to me that the audit is still on-going. The SURE-P monies have also not been used for politics, as we all know that the States and Local Governments received their own shares of the sure-p money. The Federal Government component of the money has been used to finance the 50 Billion Naira Lagos-Ibadan dual carriage road, the first and second sections of the Apapa-Oshodi dual carriage road, the Abuja/Kaduna rail line, among other federal projects.

The President showed that the sound economic policies of his government have brought about macro-economic stability. This has been acknowledged by the renowned economist and former Chairman of the Asset Management Division of Goldman Sachs Group, Dr. Jim O’Neill, who coined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa) and MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey) countries as the world’s fastest growing economies. He said: “the deliberate efforts by the Goodluck Jonathan administration to encourage entrepreneurs would go a long way in supporting the country’s growth.” Further he said: “I think the government’s efforts to allow more entrepreneurialism has been good and the government’s macroeconomic policies have been encouraging.” To show how highly Nigeria is rated under Jonathan, he continues “I think, like I said before, Nigeria should be included in the G-20. South Africa is in the G-20, whereas Nigeria is bigger.”

I agree entirely with his position and state that the highest growth among quoted companies was recorded between 2011 and 2013. The values and profits of many companies within the same period doubled, example is Dangote Cement Plc. Manufacturing, which was declining, had a reverse and Nigeria moved from massive importation to self-sufficiency in cement within the period. The country also witnessed resuscitation of auto companies, such as Peugeot Assembly of Nigeria (PAN) and ANNAMCO. New ones also came up such as INNOSON Motor Manufacturing Company, Nnewi and NISSAN and they are doing very well. All this created many jobs for our people. Multi billion dollars petrochemical industries are also being set up. While Dangote group are building their own ($9 Billion) at OK-LNG Free Trade Zone, between Ogun and Ondo states, President Goodluck Jonathan on the 14th of August 2014 performed the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of $1.5 Billion Dollars Methanol plant in Ibeano, Akwa Ibom State, by quantum Petrochemical Company Ltd, established by Mr. Jim Ovia. Many such projects are ongoing in the country.

Let us note that the creation of Mortgage Refinancing Institution; to make long term funds available and increase liquidity by funding primary mortgage institutions is a job creation initiative of the Jonathan government. The boom in the Housing sector, with an estimated 6 direct jobs and 4 indirect jobs for every house built, has done a lot so far. Many of the 2400 businesses under YouWin 1 and 2 have created about 22,000 jobs, translating into 9 jobs per winner. The turnaround in the agricultural sector has reduced our import bill by 50% and the effects of the recent collapse in oil prices and devaluation of our currency would have been worse, but for the diversification achieved through agriculture and other sectors. Due to the reforms in the sugar industry sector, the investment in the sector has moved from $100 Million Dollars in 2011 to $3 .2 Billion Dollars.

In Aviation, all of us can see the upswing in bilateral agreements, improved services and the on-going renovation and remodelling of our airports. There is also what I consider audacious building of 5 new terminals simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu. This is in response to the perceived needs of the travelling public and businesses. On completion, they will change the face of our airports, improve commerce and tourism. So will the roads some of which I mentioned before, like the Lagos-Ibadan, Apapa-Oshodi are at various stages of completion, while some like the Benin-Ore road have been completed.

I should perhaps not say much on power, than just point out that the president has taken the most critical decision in that sector, by unbundling the generation and distribution of power in the country. We should all calmly watch out what will follow, going forward; as the revolution Nigeria witnessed when telephones were privatized will be replicated in the power sector.

Source: https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1528960280712572

Ikimi & Fayose might not be far from the truth though their methods are crude. This picture sort of confirms their position.

Also when you take into consideration Bakare's post dated resignation influenced by Tinubu in 2011 elections.

Daily Independence of January 20th 1985 headline report of conditions of our railway lines during under Buhari's leadership.

For those downplaying Jonathan's efforts in reviving our railway transport see what your progressive principal did to it in 1985. A problem Jonathan is solving now. This is aside the cancellation of Lagos metro line which would have added so much value to our transport sector by now.

Photo credit: @ikhide

At OP, you are very correct. The major challenge Jonathan had was effective communication of his strategies to the public.

One reason why some Nigerians are not happy with him. I keep telling people he is the best president we have as at today, he has achieved more than his predecessors within a short time in spite of the security challenges.

Opposition parties don't really have anything to offer at Federal level, they are only riding on the back of his ineffective communication to deceive the masses. So far they almost succeeded to some extend in turning the people against a good man with their more efficient communication skills and the help of our very lazy & sensational media, luckily for him the tides are slowly changing. People are beginning to think, compare and ask questions across different social media platforms.

For some people working/worked in corporate environments, they now understand that the man is running this country the way a good company should be run. Build systems, review, correct & simplify processes and procedures using IT. Just like in safety and health, fighting corruption effectively is same strategy "Prevention is always better than cure"

Another challenge are his media handlers, if he wins, would seriously advise him to change the whole team, they contributed to the challenges he is currently facing. They do not communicate his visions properly to the masses instead they allowed themselves to be dragged down to the opposition's turf.

Jonathan as a gentleman should have no business with a man like Doyin Okupe, he needs more level headed media assistants that can effectively communicate his visions without insults/twit fights, professional assistants that understands the importance of presidential image management.

The awareness of his good works needs to be communicated more, unfortunately a 35mins opportunity to improve this awareness was abused by his minister of state for works on Channels TV some hours ago. The man was busy discussing/abusing Buhari instead of using that opportunity to let the world know what this good president has done and is doing. At times I think these guys are deliberately sabotaging Jonathan's efforts. Wasted hands.

But still President Jonathan will triumph again by HIS grace. Amen.

Justcash:
I'm just wondering, why didn't BUHARI deem it fit to bring his wife along during his campaign in the South East and South South? Why is it now that he is in the South West that he feels more comfortable to bring her along?

Is he uncomfortable with the South East and South South? Is it a sign of how things will be if he wins?

It's because Jonathan mentioned women and his plans for them.

Lies, propagandas, deceit and fraudulent twists of information with intent to benefit cheaply are the main driving force of APC. These guys lie too much.

Over 80% of their reports are centred on lies. Unfortunately that style of politics is so outdated in 2015.

I wonder how they intend to beat GEJ based on lies like Nigerians are silly people, they are yet to understand that with technology, the days of making statements without true & verifiable facts are over. They are still living in the past. They think presidential elections are for jokers.

Look at how Abike Dabiri embarrassed herself yesterday with the false claim of weapon purchase during Buhari's era. Am sure she is terribly ashamed now.

donphilopus:
Before some people would come here and tell us that Jonathan never planned to visit Obasanjo, note that some Operatives of the SSS were seen at Obasanjo's house as early as 6AM. So don't call and he tell us he never planned visiting him.

Jonathan got an intelligence report that Obasanjo has sneaked out of his house, so to avoid further embarrassment, he had to cancel his proposed visit to Obasanjo. The question we should now ask is: "Why does everyone not want to associate with Jonathan?" It seems he's now like Jezebel who everybody is running away from.

Your question is why some people love Jonathan. He is obviously doing something right reason why most big politicians like OBJ, Atiku, Ameachi & Co are all against him and are shamelessly trying to use every opportunity to embarrass and bring him down.

I hope in your excitement you do not naively believe that these guys are all against Jonathan in your interest.

Fabdedon:
which ppl will den vote for buhari in the north?

Please have some compassion. This is well beyond playing politics, it's human lives and huge discomfort we are talking about. Pray never to experience a quarter of what these Nigerians are passing through. It's very sad. Kindly show them some respect please. Thank you.

I guess this 'Change' is now by force. Threats everywhere, this obviously a step backwards.

My advise: Be very careful who you discuss politics with offline especially presidential elections. Please be extremely careful especially if you live in the North. You can be killed for as little as having a different view. Let's be wise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKpkgtKDuHw

ProfessorPeter:
Buhari where are your credentials?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKpkgtKDuHw

Wish you guys Goodluck. As for me, my contacts, friends & families...it's Jonathan all the way. Forward ever, Backwards never.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKpkgtKDuHw

Lion Killer? Not again.

I think it's high time Buhari rejects any title/nomenclatures that has Kill/Killer, Destroy/Destroyer, Terminate/Terminator Extinguish/Extinguisher, Crush/Crusher etc. It does more damage to him. What happens to love & peace?

iterator24:
whether true or false, we just have to be carefully dealing with the west

You are right. It's important to take a very good look at this report and investigate it properly before taking a decision on it.

The negative stakes are too high to just push it aside as Russian propaganda.