₦airaland Forum

I agree with you. Each region seems to be mobilizing for 2015, but let us wait to see the dust from the current political election settles. All this talk of 2015 is kind of premature and we should be focusing on 2011. Plus, in politics, 1 year can be an eternity, not to mention 4 years. That is why I agree with this message and we definitely need to change our topics instead of worrying about 2015.

Onlytruth:
@Ezeuche,

Frankly, it is too early to know how this would end because of some "duhs" in the prognosis.  

Some things are immediately obvious though; for instance, Jonathan is not showing himself a strong person as president, and I say so because an old retired man like Obasanjo is still dictating things in PDP. Secondly, it is self evident enough that if Ndigbo had gone for the VP to a northern candidate, Jonathan would not have won.
That is why talked about the "duhs".

If I were among top Igbo politicians now, I would simply ensure that we maintain our rejection of Secretary to the FG.
They should give it to other zones.  

When we start showing that we are serious with pulling out of Nigeria altogether if these nonsense scenarios continue, everyone will come back to their senses.

We need to move out of PDP en masse and join APGA. From there we should hold an all Igbo conference to deliberate on how to leave Nigeria. Believe me, if we put our heads together, we will either get our fair share in Nigeria, or SECEDE. Simple.  

Yes, it is too early, so that is why I remain optimistic. But I am not going to lie, I am a little alarmed about the recent turn of events, but I shall remain optimistic. President Jonathan must not miss this opportunity, in rewarding those  who provided him with the most support. Without the Igbo vote, President Jonathan would not even be president of Nigeria. If he indeeds plan to dump us, there will be more bad blood between the Ndigbo and the Ijaw. We are trying to repair old wounds, but something like this would cause widespread anger in Alaigbo. As I said before, Obasanjo remains our biggest hurdle to seeing our aspirations. The North is reeling from their most recent defeat, but they can regroup at any time. SE/SS unity needs to happen, but if prominent SS leaders allow Obasanjo to mess up this opportunity, I just do not know what will happen.

Ileke-IdI:
What things should I not say?
[size=2pt]Fun? Okay oh!! I got a SAfrican friend for you to have fun with [/size]

NVM

[size=2pt]Nope. I want that Aro-Ekiti hybrid. My clan in particular is known for creating such hybrids. Wouldn't that be nice? A nice Ekiti-Igbo-Ibibio hybrid. . . [/size]

Chyz*:
My fear is that as one APGA state emerges in the SE, the other submerges. Obi is going to have to get things together,what ever that problem may be.

That is one of my fears as well. Peter Obi needs to change the people's perception of him very quick. My hope is that APGA will spread throughout the entire S/east, but we at least have PDP politicians nationally. That would be the best strategic plan for the Ndigbo. APGA locally, PDP nationally.

Ileke-IdI:
Wow!!

[size=2pt]Yea, that "cute girl" line wears off after a while . My fiancee might have a problem with the invitation. You dont think I'll be 7 months pregnant with no ring abi? [/size]

[size=2pt]Do not say such things. Anyway as some of my akata friends say it, "what does that have to do with me?" I am just trying to have fun. jk [/size]

Ileke-IdI:
Me and you have always had truce nau.
[size=2pt]
hoo!! Cant tell you that info. I've been having a lot of witches (on and off NL) trying to stop me in my path. I keep rebuking this witches but dem no wan gree ahhh. But sooner than you think tho!
[/size]

I take that as a deal in more ways than one.

[size=2pt]
I understand what you mean, but who would want to wish ill will against such a cute girl like yourself? I am still waiting for that invite to come down.
[/size]

Onlytruth:
Lets see how this whole thing develops.

I am not a PDP insider, heck I never liked the party. Just supported Jonathan, and I hope he is smart enough to realize the implication of pandering to the whims of Obasanjo. He is the president. End of story.

As for Igbo politicians, it is time they prove where their loyalty lies; whether with PDP or with Ndigbo. They must choose. And I don't see Ndigbo backing down on these minimal demands.

I am happy that we have settled an age old question, which is whether to stand for fairness, or to stand for our own interest and survival. I am especially happy that PDP and GEJ got at least 85% and 97% support respectively in SE.

I was waiting for your insight on this issue. My view concerning this internal PDP discord is a wait and see approach. We do not know what will come out of this battle between the political elites in PDP. I just hope President Jonathan does not fail us, because it will not bode well between SS/SE relations. Why are SS leaders mute on this issue though? I wonder about them, but I will not say what is on my mind yet, because I do not know their thoughts on the issue.

Ileke-IdI:
Yep yep.

[size=2pt]Goodluck![/size]

Let us call a truce though, just between you and I. 

[size=2pt]Thank you. When do you graduate?[/size]

THE AMAKA:
PLEASE CARRY YOUR ABIA DISCUSSION TO ANOTHER THREAD, ABEG.
stop polluting this one 

Yes, we Abians do not belong in this Imo state discussion. My apologies my dear. It shall not happen again.

Chyz*:
Peter Obi is a true fighter for Igbo interest, this article is an example of it,but, he is not a POLITICIAN. Uzor Orji Kalu could have been that dude but money and power is his detriment. What we need right now is an Igbo POLITICIAN who fights for Igbo interest, sadly at the moment we dont have that. Our strength is in our women,politically our men are weak. Our women should be the HEADS and the men the ARMY. Ngige screwed us up when he sold out and cheated to oust Dora. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala would have been great but she is now working for the World Bank.

That is what I often hear of Peter Obi. He is good businessman and he knows how to make good political connections, but when he deals with the local politics of his state, he is quite a disappointment. I hear that there is widespread dissatisfaction with his administration. All I hope is that he does not waste the goodwill that Ojukwu gave him in order to get elected. You are right! Our women should be leading the way. Many Igbo female politicians seem more politically astute than the men. Maybe there is need of an Iron Lady who can defend Igbo interest. Since Igbo women have always been the source of our culture and history and even challenged the English colonial authorities, maybe we should tap into that historical reality.

Ileke-IdI:
A kiss for that.

[size=3pt]Taking any summer classes?[/size]

Thank you.

[size=3pt]Yes, I will so that I can graduate in the fall. You?[/size]

Ileke-Idi, I am not going to lie. . . I love a woman who is interested in Nigerian politics. We may not be on the same team, but that is a redeeming quality for you. No matter how tribalistic you can be at times.

ChinenyeN:
Actually, the only thing that would float my boat is the assurance that if ever we Ngwa/Ukwa have one of our own in that governorship seat, that we will be able to hold said individual at accountability, because he won't be going there for himself. He will be sitting there as a measure of nde Ngwa la Ukwha. He sits there as a representative of our name, and so, his successes will reflect on us, as will his failures. For that reason, he needs to be held at accountability by us. It would be failure on the part of nde Ngwa la Ukwha m we, that after all these years of shouting marginalization, among other things, that one of our own makes it to such position and fails woefully. In fact, fails *us* woefully. As at now though, there exists no infrastructure to assure such within the Ngwa/Ukwa complex. So there is no real pressure/incentive to work the work and perform properly. I would be uncomfortable knowing that an Ngwa/Ukwa, who is not being held at accountability, is sitting in that seat; not moving ala Ngwa la ala Ukwha forward; not doing what he needs to do to clean up Abia and make it progress.

I sincerely believe that nde Ngwa la Ukwha are not prepared to assure such, and as such, I would not at all feel comfortable with an Ngwa/Ukwa man sitting up there, no matter how much I would like to see such happen, and I don't believe my people are ready, no matter how much shouting they do. That is where my hurt is.

Do you understand now where I'm coming from? Does it make sense to you now, why I said the things I said?

I understand what you are saying. And there is wisdom in your words. If a Ngwa ever becomes governor of Abia and does a wonderful job, he will be reelected by not only the Ngwa people, but the other areas of Abia. I pray for the day that a qualified Ngwa becomes governor of Abia. We need someone who can tap into the true potential of Aba as being the commercial empire of the Ndigbo. There is so much wasted talent in Aba, it can be quite upsetting. However, I believe in Abia, and we shall see better days. All zones in Abia must be developed.

Chyz*:
When it comes to politics, Uzor Orji Kalu may be the best hands down,but, his problem is that he doesn't know where to draw the line. He connives even against his own people. If the SE politicians don't get either senate presidency or speaker, if they want to be respected or taken seriously, they'd dump PDP and join APGA, which is looking good right now because of the Imo victory.

Just thinking about the waste of such talent in Orji Uzor Kalu can be quite depressing. He is an intelligent man and he is sly as a fox. Too bad he only cared about enriching his own pockets and turning Abia to his personal fiefdom. Do you know of any Igbo politician that we currently have, who can take up the mantle and fight for Igbo interest. I am not sure that Governor Peter Obi is up to the task. And I agree, SE politicians need to hold their ground against the elites from other parts of Nigeria. If they lose out in this battle, they will not only be respected, they will be considered enemies to the interest of the Ndigbo. However, I do think it is a good idea, if the worst case scenario happens, they leave PDP en masse and join APGA. Lets see if they have Igbo interest at heart.

Chyz*:
On surface, it looks like both ACN and APGA are arms of PDP. This is nigeria, no party is permanant. Its about who has the best offer at the moment. Now, as far as APGA being an arm, i dont know undoubtly because of course I'm not in the party,but, i doubt it. Peter Obi has been the speaker for Igbo/SE for a while. I'm guessing he has great public relation skills or something. Obi getting close with the president from the beginning was a great move.

I hope you are right, because we all know Obasanjo may be pulling President Jonathan's strings. If the S/west gets that coveted position, even after their lackluster support of PDP, I swear the Ndigbo will need to do something drastic. Are you not tired of this continued disrespect? Are the current Igbo leaders that weak, that they cannot handle politicians from other regions? I hope you are indeed right. The only strong Igbo politicians that I have seen counter elites from other parts of Nigeria is Orji Uzor Kalu, who is a man that I hate. T.A. Orji seems like a man who is not afraid to speak his mind concerning the plight of the Ndigbo in Nigeria.

Chyz*:
@bolded, i dont know if you are keeping up with what's going on but the NE has been applying intensive pressure for the Senate Presidency postion. Now that religion is being made a factor, it is easy to knock of Mark, for "religious fairness", and give the NE the position, then the Speakership would have to go to the SE.

As for anyone not caring about the SE rejecting the SGF position, maybe you dont care but you are just Dapo, not anybody within the goverment, ya know.

We need to watch Obasanjo. He still holds sway over President Jonathan. The SE delegation must find a way of countering his influence, because he is the major obstacle to our aspirations.

Chyz*:
Looking good for the SE and potentially bad for the PDP,esceially since the person leading the meeting with Goodluck Jonathan is Gov.Obi, an APGA chief.

Is APGA an arm of PDP now? Not good if you ask me. . .

If Igbo leaders lose this battle, they have themselves to blame.

And will be seen as enemies to the Ndigbo.

I don't think there is any amount of goodwill that these so called leaders will receive in their home states.

‘Igbo’ll not compromise on Senate president, House speaker’

By BOSE ADELAJA

A group of South-East professionals in the diaspora under the aegis of Nwanne Di n’mba has warned that the zone would kick against attempts by the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to deny her the position of either the Senate president or speaker, House of Representatives in the new National Assembly.

The group, in a statement signed by its president, Dr Chukwuemeka Okoli, noted that, although the association is a non-partisan body, it has been closely monitoring political developments in the country, adding that the time is now ripe for the South-East to be rewarded for its serial sacrifices towards the stabilization of the polity, especially the resounding support given to President Goodluck Jonathan’s election.

According to the group, prior to the elections, the South-East  remained solidly committed to the Jonathan presidency while sacrificing its own potentials to present a candidate to slug it out with Mr President.

“The South-East zone could have joined the fray by presenting a candidate to also vie for the presidency. We have very credible sons and daughters who can conveniently win the presidency for the zone in a free and fair contest, but we chose instead to support the candidature of Jonathan Goodluck and indeed delivered over 97 percent of our votes to him. APGA, a predominantly Ndigbo party, even publicly adopted Jonathan as its presidential candidate in the elections,” the group stated.

“The three governorship seats so far contested in the zone were won by the PDP. Over 85 percent of the National Assembly seats also went to the party. Countless number of state assembly seats equally went to the PDP, just to demonstrate the peoples overwhelming endorsement for the party.

“But in spite of all these, the big question is: what is the PDP leadership doing to reward the support. Is it in the allocation of a second fiddle office to the South East. We state unequivocally that nothing short of the either the office of the Senate president or speaker, House of Representatives would be acceptable to the zone”.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/%E2%80%98igbo%E2%80%99ll-not-compromise-on-senate-president-house-speaker%E2%80%99/

I swear Obasanjo is behind this nonsense though!

ekt_bear:
Though you figure they'll be compensated in some other way.

But still makes me smh that after all that support, no senate presidency, no speaker

There has already been too much speculation.

Let us wait and see before we see who truly loses.

But if this is indeed true, this shall be getting very interesting. If Igbo leaders, do not stand strong, they will see a backlash in Igboland, that they will not be able to handle.

Jenifa_:
igbo is pronounced ibo hence the confusion.

exactly. I don't think anyone is doing it out of spite.

Yet, when they are corrected, they continue to do it.

Is that spite?

Jonathan alleges 6m fraudulent votes for Buhari

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

President Goodluck Jonathan and his victorious campaign team are set to tackle Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) at the presidential election tribunal with the allegation that six million of the 12 million votes credited for the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, candidate in the April 16 presidential poll were fraudulently obtained.

The defence team, it was learnt, yesterday, are equally poised to confront Buhari using pictorial and forensic evidence to establish allegations of under-age voting in the strongholds of the CPC presidential flag bearer.

The response from Jonathan followed the petition lodged at the presidential election petition tribunal by the CPC over its loss in last month’s election.

Buhari was defeated by the president who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the election.
“We are not only out to defend that suit. We are also out to defend our votes and the mandate clearly given to us by Nigerians. We are equally out to show the world that our opponent gained the votes ascribed to them through untoward means,” a source among those coordinating the legal team to defend the president said.

“Our intention is to weed out all votes of underage persons in the CPC votes. They have a preponderance of this in states we have marked out and we intend to get his votes reduced to about six million”.

In expressing the determination of the PDP to robustly tackle the CPC petition, Sunday Vanguard learnt that the PDP is assembling a strong team of legal experts and advisers who are going to make an issue of alleged intimidation of voters and rigging in the strongholds of the CPC in the North.

It was learnt that the legal team was going to point at what some Presidency and PDP officials described as “direct fraud” in the assemblage of 12 million votes for the CPC presidential candidate in his third run for the nation’s presidency last month.

The team was said to be aiming to cite “underage voting, religious and ethnic intimidation of voters, thuggery, through physical assault on many PDP members in CPC strongholds.”

The full colour and character of the legal defence team of the Jonathan/Sambo ticket was, however, not fully disclosed at the weekend.

Noting the extent of pictorial evidence including video and still photo shots in the kitty that would be provided to the legal team, the source disclosed: “We have amassed evidence against the CPC and we are not just sitting by after the well deserved victory given to the PDP by Nigerians. It will shock them this time.

“The CPC cannot stop Nigeria’s march towards greatness and transformation, which the PDP has flagged off under President Goodluck Jonathan. Rather than attempt to draw the nation back into arguments of religion and region, Buhari and the CPC need to join hands with patriots to build a united Nigeria.”

The CPC had on Friday approached the presidential election tribunal to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in the states to furnish it with some documents and material evidence that will be pivotal to the success of its petition against the declaration of Jonathan as the winner of the presidential election.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/jonathan-alleges-6m-fraudulent-votes-for-buhari/

https://vml1.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/buhari4001.jpg