₦airaland Forum

Ibebe:
And you assume that the others are pro-power-to-the-people?

Unless they use their powers to sway the power from federalism to regionalism, won ko ti se nkankan.

Well I certainly believe Buhari is and far more so than all past PDP Presidents since 1999 to include the OBJ you talk of. This is why we have to see the action plans of Ministers. I believe we will move towards States gaining more powers over their own progress than has ever been the case to date.

Ibebe:
Too early to tell. We can only hope.

I wonder what OBJ's presidency brought to the SW.

Was OBJ ever about power to the people and development of the common man as Buhari is? This is why I keep stressing that we must understand what we have gained and where we stand exactly in Nigeria today. PDP is all about a patronage system that feeds 'awon boyz' first. Any President produced by the PDP must first bow to and pay homage to this system. That was one of the reasons we would always struggle as a region, even when we had men/women of ideas, because we could not completely circumvent and work around a centre that insisted on constituting itself into an impediment to us whether it was OBJ or GEJ in charge.

Today things are very different and we have it as best as we can have it. I.e we are linked to the centre through the APC and Osinbajo who is becoming more influential and closer to Buhari. We have Yoruba ministers in positions critical to the development of Nigeria and the SW. Why are we not taking about realities like this that we can capitalise upon?

Ibebe:
Gbawe & shymmex,

I can see both sides.

Gbawe, you mentioned being positive. Apart from political positions, when considering SW politicians, what should we be positive about?

Can you not see it? for the first time since 1999 we are now linked to a benevolent centre that will partner us and grant concession that can assist our development and that of all region that wishes to be serious and focused. You think it is for nothing Buhari has made Fayemi Minister of solid minerals when the sector was rendered moribund by political indolence and lack of goodwill in the past? As far as I see it, the situation is akin to being in prison for so long that you do not even want to leave your cell when the door is opened and you are told to leave. You insist on remaining where you are, cursing the wardens and lampooning the food when you are not impeded from walking out of the door into a new life that could be wonderful and fulfilled regardless of your past and prison years. We Yorubas should look at where we are and brainstorm how we must not squander this golden chance to work with a centre we now have so much influence in to better ourselves.

I am not suggesting I am right 100% but I am saying that we should at least seriously look at what matters and the reality allied to the advantageous position we find ourselves in today that has not been the case since 1999.

Shymm3x:
@ Aareonakakanfo

That's what I told you about getting too many folks involved on this thread cos it'll get too partisan. I know this forum cos I've been here for three years and a lot of folks are too partisan.

This is also the reason why Katsumoto stopped posting cos it's difficult to critique the so-called "Yoruba leaders" for their obvious failures. That's why these folks keep taking Yoruba folks as mugs.

Once you use the dynamics of the last elections as a yardstick and how close the election was in all SWern states, you'd see that a lot of Yoruba folks out there are tired of APC. But they just don't have a choice cos it's the lesser devil when compared to PDP.

So what exactly are you suggesting? he starts a thread and then dictatorially determine those who can comment and those who must not comment? Is that not intolerance? You have to learn to tolerate the views of others. We all have to do that because no one is right always. You can call others political jobbers all you wish, because their opinion is contrary to yours, but OP has no right to start a thread here and then try to disenfranchise anyone - especially other Yorubas who are passionate about their region of origin as much as the next man but don't feel the need to insult dissenting voices. Shymmex, you have good points and your contributions here are valuable but we all have to accommodate the views of others.

@OP perhaps you need to start naming those invited to comment here and spare 'unwanted' posters from making the mistake of thinking this is a thread all patriotic Yorubas are free to contribute to, without being insulted, whatever their viewpoint. We should learn to speak to each other tolerantly and politely even if our views differ.

No one is saying Yoruba leaders have not made mistakes but we need to look at where we are now pragmatically, when we have fought political wars since 1999 to gain a benevolent centre that will partner us, and the chance to consolidate on what is a very strong and influential position. I have seen talks of a new party and other ideas. How long does it take for a new Party to gain traction in Nigeria if not linked to people with strong grassroot clout?

@OP

Can you eschew idealism and give us an honest answer to these questions? What became of the political careers of Tai Solarin, Gani Fawehinmi, Wole Soyinka et al? I.e men of unimpeachable characters that the people would still not follow politically? Is political clout in Nigeria about being a saint? Can you form a new Party and get Yorubas to follow you because of your angelic profile alone? Trying to state things politely here, albeit opposite to the view of others, should not routinely be met by Fayose-style intolerance and lack of decorum. Why? Are you not the OP who should neutrally insist on tolerance and the cessation of talk from some that makes them feel they are more Yoruba than others and are somehow more entitled than others to speak on this your thread? Is that what we Yorubas are about?

Does anyone have proprietary claim over this thread or are all Yorubas and even non-Yorubas who mean the region well not free to contribute here? The point is that the Yorubas, through the APC, [size=14pt]and since 1999[/size], are part of a centre that has a human face and good intentions plus will not impede us from developing as we wish. [size=14pt]This is what we have always wanted and fought for[/size]. This is the time to take advantage of our politcally strategic position to face and achieve what matters instead of remaining mired in the bellicose and pugnacious witch hunting of one leader or the other. We have the very competent Fashola as Minister of power. Under Fayemi, we can achieve what I have always felt would be a game changer for the SW i.e SW States being able to mine, control and gain socio-economic benefits from the numerous mineral assets under their soil. We can really be what we want to be under this Buhari government. Mistakes were made in the past but why speak as if this is all our future will be about when things are vastly different now, because of the politcal effort these same leaders we malign put in, and when we now only need to be smart, strategic and calculated to get what we want? We could, for example form a Nairaland lobby group so we present formal requests and demands to our leaders that will at least get them thinking.

I would for example prefer to ask Fayemi to consider a framework where states have the autonomy to control their mineral assets rather than demand he be stoned publicly. I would want to engage Fashola to know his plans for adequate electricity supply so Nigeria, to include the SW, can thrive. Regardless of the past, and what leaders did, we have it good today politically , because we worked for it, and cannot lose sight of that or throw our vantage point reality away , to be chasing shadows, because we only want to be negative for the sake of that alone. [size=14pt]We cannot make the mistake of others who had the chance to better themselves through having the political ear of the centre yet squandered that opportunities focusing on frivolities, vengeance, bellicosity and what does not matter at all and should be consigned to the past.[/size] We should learn from others to focus on what matters and the tangible dividends of democracy association to the centre can deliver for us. Look at the number of influential Ministers the SW now has that is a recognition the region has leadership talent entrusted with reforming Nigeria.

Furthermore, where will the "new leaders" and new Party some ask for here come from? Mars? Or will they not be the same men and women conditioned by the Nigerian system and are therefore compelled to do their best within that system to get what they want? We can stay here insulting Nigerians and their leaders all day yet I am willing to wager that the most negative here will not be able to repeat their negative talk in a year after some of the reforms some of the pragmatic Yoruba leaders and others, on the ground, would have begun helping Buhari to improve Nigeria.

kaybams1:
If this is what this thread is created for, then i can assure you that it will die a natural death. What's the point talking about the obvious. Tinubu is a fool, Fashola is overrated bla bla bla..... Pages keep rolling with unnecessary vitriolics on men that are not less fallible than we are. I think we need to relax for starters and act like progressives that we are. Deliberate more on issues and less on individuals.

That is the simple point. How can we move forward given the innate challenges and constraints that is not even unique to the SW?

modath:
You notice I hardly have strong words for our SW leaders not only cos of Elder Gbawe but it doesn't sserve us right if we just group ourselves to create a thread & spend 90% complaing.

Correct - and this is my point. Anyone can complain. In fact most do that best on this forum because it is the easiest thing to do. One of the biggest problem facing Nigeria, that Aregbe and other Yorubas leaders did not cause neither can turn around easily, is how most Nigerians States are civil servant State, in contrast to what obtains worldwide, where the biggest employer of labour is the government that must then budget massively to pay salaries annually when this does not need to be so.

We have an APC government in place and we have the competent Fashola as minister of power. Would it not serve us better, when the SW is now linked to the centre, to agitate for constant power supply, which would aid the growth and proliferation of SMEs that would in turn provide massive employment, instead of cursing out leaders here and "complaining" 90% of the time? My point is that we have it good politically now because the SW is essentially allied to the centre through the APC. This is the time to make realistic, pragmatic and workable demands instead of talking about "new political party" and new leaders when we are in a position of strength that means we simply have to make the right demands. I talked earlier in this thread of a lobby group, consisting of us NL members, that can be an influential body to officially engage our leaders. Did anyone respond positively to such so we can even move the idea forward? Yet we seem to have boundless energy to curse others and perpetually focus on the past alone with without the obvious readiness to proffer solutions or even show a readiness to come together and be part of the solution.

Osomalo:
I was angry when I saw the debt profile.

I'm sorry, I apologize to the House.

Yes but you guys should still chill and try to understand the problem before the unnecessary and unhelpful vitriol which is worthless to our search for solutions. Osun was created out of nothing but ego. It was never economically viable. It was therefore a State destined to struggle. Agrebe did not cause that problem but is now charged with looking for solutions to what is a very difficult situation to turn around.

Osun had no choice but to become indebted. That is something we must first get clear. Most SW States, because of leadership myopia and corruption, became civil servant enclaves where many are employed by the government more or less as a way to disburse national wealth instead of what obtains elsewhere where people are employed to actually fill a vacancy. My estimate is that 50-60% of those employed by the government in Nigeria are not needed. States like Osun, because it is very poor, struggle with this problem more than others. I remember visiting my mum, now retired, in Abuja when she was posted their as a senior civil servant. I was appalled at what I saw. I was disgusted many "workers" were sitting around in her corridor twiddling their thumbs, playing with their phones and generally doing nada to justify what they are being paid by the FG. They were all totally unnecessary employees indulged by a system that relied on Government to be the biggest employer of labour while the SME sector, the lifeblood of the biggest economies in the world, could not mop up the employment slack because it was moribund due to issues like lack of stable power, government neglect et al. It is precisely the same at State level.

Rather than coming here to curse and insult leaders we would be better off trying to understand the challenges they face so we can understand the solutions these leaders need but are constrained from delivering because of things beyond their control.

For example, the SW and Nigeria needs electricity so that the SME sector can thrive and offer employment that will mean government at State and federal level is not compelled to be the highest employer of labour when that is seriously and unnecessarily hurting Nigeria fiscally through recurrent expenditure budgeting.

We should also agitate for the aggressive development of the agriculture and solid mineral sector so that economic diversification can become a reality.

we should look at how Nigerians are educated and trained so that we gain a much higher calibre of skilled labour that will attract potential FDI (foreign direct investment) to consider Nigeria a meritoriously worthwhile destination.

There is so much that can and must be done at federal level to help the likes of Aregebesola and many other Yoruba leaders from "swimming against the tide" in a sea of hopelessness. yet the point remains that we must familiarise ourselves with the problem to note even all of us, finding it very easy to criticise, would fail if some things are not in place. virtually all Nigerians States are civil servant States. Some of us should go and consider what this means, and the constraint leaders face at State level to change the status quo, before we insult others.

laudate:
Yemoya?? I thought it was Yemoja??

Osun State needs to get its act together in tourism and treat it strictly like a business, in order to earn improved revenue from it. Look at Nairobi, Kenya and Gaborone, Botswana. Right from the airport, you are given leaflets and flyers highlighting all the tourism attractions in their country, and if you visit the tourism desk right at their airport they will book you a hotel, cab, or bus and hand you over to a registered tour operator that takes you straight to their tourist sites. Of course, you would pay the required fees directly to the tour company, but it is worth it.

Their tour operators go out of their way to make your stay comfortable and interesting. There are so many branded souvenirs of high quality at every corner, for you to choose from as holiday gifts. And they do not cost the earth.

These countries are actively represented at the World Travel Market and other fairs around the globe that have anything to do with tourism, travel and hospitality. Osun State can learn how they did it, and adapt some of their methods to drive tourism in their state.

The truth is that Aregbe had solid plans for the promotion of tourism and hospitality in Osun State. Sadly the reality of the times overtook and defeated his lofty plans. Osun is a very poor State that had no business becoming a State in the first place and was only carved out of Oyo state due to the usual egotism and myopia of those who think creating smaller and unsustainable "independent" geographical area is the way forward in an age where borders are shrinking because of globalisation and an idea-based way of living. The likes of Aregbe have to deal with the difficult issues related to leading a State that was never meant to be a State in the first place.

Aregbe made mistakes but what ultimately rendered him unable to deliver on the lofty ideas he had is simply lack of funds to improve a State that was already very poor with issues compounded by the dire economic situation of Nigeria that meant allocation to States has dropped significantly. We should be coming up with suggestions to help our leaders , after we familiarise ourselves with the problem totally, before we criticise in ways that makes it obvious we are not ready to be part of the solution. Osun was never really viable. Yet it could become viable and Aregbe planned to make it viable but we must never discount events beyond his control that rendered his lofty plans unachievable. After that stage, we then look at how to salvage things moving forward instead of limiting ourselves to talking as if these leaders caused and enjoy the lack of socio-economic development we all see and decry. There is nothing you say and suggest here that bright minds in Osun have not thought of. If funds are lacking to implement even the brightest of ideas then that has to be addressed first before we all start searching for miracles. Even Osun hoteliers, below, admit Aregbe has good plans and intentions but is severely constrained by the economic ill-health of Nigeria. The solution for Osun has to be holistic and linked to a healthy national economy. Osun can grow strong. more independent and prosperous in a period of national economic prosperity but the state is one of those especially vulnerable in a period of national economic hardship and downturn.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/osun-financial-crises-be-courageous-hoteliers-urge-aregbesola/

Osun financial crises: Be courageous, hoteliers urge Aregbesola
Posted By: Boladale Bamigbolaon: September 24, 2015


Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has been urged not to be deterred by the financial challenges facing the state.

He should rather continue to be strong to steer its ship to harbour of financial prosperity.

Commending the governor on the successful resolution of the recent labour crisis in the state, a group, Hoteliers in Osun, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Babatunde Karim, copies of which were made available to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday, said issues relating to the inability of government to pay salaries were not peculiar to the state.

It also claimed that since nearly all states in the federation are affected by the dwindling resources that have led to their inability to fulfill some of their financial obligations, political interpretations should not be given to the recently resolved government, labour crisis in the state.

It thereby urged Governor Aregbesola to expedite action in settling hotel bills that his administration incurred from last year to March this year to enable them remain in business.

The group said: “Many hotels are retrenching because of the huge amount owe them by government. Some could no longer cope and have dropped out of business. We urge him to please pay us the money to prevent total collapse of the sector.”

While it called for change of strategy in managing the affairs of the state, the group added that it is dangerous for elements seeking to hijack the soul of Osun State to be given an opportunity to latch at the precarious situation it has found itself. Otherwise, there be disharmony between government and the people.

The group implored the administration of Governor Aregbesola to pay urgent attention to the plight of hospitality business owners in the state, stressing that many hotels in Osogbo are finding it difficult to remain in business due to the indebtedness of individuals and government.

“We are gasping for breath now and business has slowed down owing to poor patronage and indebtedness to many hotels in Osogbo by government. We remain a strong supporter of the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola and hope he will take us into consideration by quickly paying outstanding hotel bills owed us.

“It is pertinent to note here that all policies and programmes of the Aregbesola administration in the tourism and hospitality sector in the state, have impacted positively on our business but we urge him to take urgent steps to further protect our investments from crumbling by paying promptly for the services we have rendered,” the statement concluded.

zimoni:
You've said it all Duke.

Our SW governors are useless and shameless. Fashola kept borrowing till he left office, yet most of the capital projects which he borrowed for were not completed. Truth is, the IGR and allocation from FG are not in proportion with what is on ground.

The useless Tinubu did not help matter either, he never cautioned the useless governors to stop borrowing so far they are paying their monthly dues. The bastards have mortgaged the future of SW states with debts.

Fashola as far as I'm concerned is an over-hyped achiever. He left hundreds of billions of debt for the Clueless Fat Boy. It's quite unfortunate we find ourselves in this mess.

All the states in SW are owing. Imagine osun state owing 52bn.

Too badt.

We really need a new political party in South West.

AD/AC/ACN/APC and PDP have failed us. FACT.

Perhaps you can start this miracle political Party then. The way some of you insult Yoruba leaders, who actually deserve your respect if you truly understand what they have achieved, is the reason why many will not contribute to this thread. "Tinubu" is "useless" to you then perhaps you can position yourself to lead the Yorubas because it seems to me that it is those who stand to be counted and get involved who must do things as they know to do it.

You simply will not understand that only evolution and growing political awareness will solve some problems as far as Nigeria is concerned. Yoruba leaders are not the worst in Nigeria and are constrained to work the Nigerian way. When the system becomes more refined then leaders become more refined. The fact, for anyone who knows the history of the SW properly, is that current crop of leaders are better than those they replaced and the next set will hopefully be better than what we have now. Cursing out leaders who, in the grand scheme of things, are actually better than those leading others won't help. If you guys want to make this a thread for heaping abuse on Yoruba leaders then how does that help us identify solutions or even become part of the solution?

IGBOSON1:
Latest reports say at least 100 have been slaughtered!

I am watching it live now on BBC. "At least 40 dead and 60 others injured" is the latest authoritative info. Terrible and tragic development. Hard to see innocent people slaughtered by extremists who are really psychopathic murderers pretending to be religious avengers. RIP to those who have lost their lives.

fejikudz:
Some yoruba's double standard and hypocrisy is too much.

I had a similar discussion(one facebook) with one yoruba guy yesterday who was busy saying my brother GEJ destroyed the country.. Then i asked him only one question

WHAT DID YOUR BROTHER OBASANJO DO DURING HIS EIGHT YEARS REIGN AS PRESIDENT
The guy hasn't replied me till this moment..

That the guy did not reply does not indicate Yoruba "double standard" or "hypocrisy" as you myopically and disrespectfully assume. How many Yorubas do you know? Most Yorubas, myself included, were the biggest critics of OBJ. We have no qualms admitting he ruined Nigeria also, as GEJ did, because that takes nothing away from our decency as an ethnic group since we fundamentally understand that the actions of one man can never malign or typify the Yorubas. We also accept that every ethnic group has miscreants and good folks (omoluabis) unlike others who claim they only produce saints, CEOs and supreme human beings. We are proud of our achievers but we call out the bad eggs amongst us too as should be done. This is why the likes of Obanikoro, Gbenga Daniel and many others are not loved or supported in Yoruba land beyond their village and communal enclaves. No one, except haters, can deny that the Yorubas are one of the most cosmopolitan ethnic group in Nigeria.

The Yorubas hounded OBJ the most. In fact the Yorubas rejected OBJ in 1999 even as IBB and the powers that be had already settled on him. Of course turncoats and self-serving Yorubas took his money to help OBJ win in 2003 yet did Soyinka, Falana, Tinubu, Fawehinmi and literally thousands of Yoruba leaders and intelligentsia stop talking about the misrule and leadership unsuitability of OBJ even as he is their kinsman? Now tell us , in total contrast, how many SS and SE leaders put GEJ under the spotlight like yorubas did with OBJ. Instead they were all busy threatening Nigeria over what would happen if their misruling kinsman did not return to power never mind the disastrous impact this would have on the lives of millions of Nigerians. People like you see the truth yet you can never acknowledge it because of the primordial hatred of others.

LastProphet:
bros just to add to your intelligent piece, PDP only gave an impression of neglecting solid minerals, they didn't o they were mining the thing at the back, ask anybody from isanlu in kwara/kogi boundary and they tell you gold mining was in full swing by the pdp, my friend worked some mining sites for some top pdp people from Abuja, bros you have no idea how much these people made walai

Oga mi, how far. Long time. Good to see your post. I am not surprised at your revelation. I have said it here many times that the PDP is nothing but a congregation of gangsters who came together to corner all the wealth of Nigeria, in every sector, for their own personal use and private pocket. Totally wicked people China would execute three times over. All reasonable people, in light of what s being revealed now PDP is out of power, know that it is only enemies of Nigeria's progress who support PDP today.

Yoti:
NIGERIAN ENGINEERS:
A lawyer heading Power sector, Works &
Housing.
Am imagining a day where an Engineer will be
appointed to minister Justice or Health sector.
Where are the Engineers? What an insult? When
shall we start fighting for our right and proving
our professional integrity and ethics? Fashola
is a man of integrity, full of knowledge and
wisdom. No one is doubting his capability when
it comes to project delivery but heading power
sector, works and housing is a challenge to the
Engineering family. How many equations a
lawyer can solve before engaging into
Engineering affairs? NSE, NATE, NISET, etc.
Does it mean that Nigeria lacks professional
(Engineer) that posses all qualities to head
Power, Works and Housing ministry?
Nigeria, your quest for economic growth will not
be possible without Technology. Senior
Engineers are sleeping & busy counting their
years of experience in practice while younger
once are crying for their future. God have
mercy, I hope that I haven't make a wrong
choice of career...

@OP

Before engaging in any tedious back-and-forth with you, can I ask you to tell us what Fashola has been doing for the past 8 years to then justify this your ridiculously unjustifed indignation that your profession has been "insulted" because Fashola is Minister of power, works and housing? Has Fashola been in a courtroom all that time to now be given all the portfolio he has been entrusted with or is it that this man was busy, to universal acclaim, overhauling the power, works and housing sector of one of the most challenging city/State in the entire world for 8 years?

To be honest, I don't know why Nigerians, with our claims to being intelligent, like to go online to ridicule the intellectual worth of our nation. There are folks who have never stepped into a music school yet receive honorary degrees for their achievement in music. Ditto for so many other fields. How many who studied music and have laudable diplomas can be adjudged to have done more than Michael Jackson?

Fashola may not be an engineer but his achievements show he is superior to many engineers and especially you. Sorry to be so harsh but you need to change your 'stiff' and rigid mindset. Keep looking for automatic jobs because you are an engineer but I can tell you today that the world values solutions providers more than core professionals. If you are more about shaping your mind to provide solution then you will appreciate that even you, an engineer, can be employed to run a farm or retail chain while a lawyer can be employed to lead engineers.

politricks:
These people should let me hear word. What did NOI the 'political heavyweight' and 'experienced' woman did to our economy except blowing grammar and dishing out statistical lies from God knows where. NOI made us think our economy is like barcelona when in actual sense it's like Chelsea all in a bid to give the impression that we are doing fine while carting away our money. Only a fool tries the same thing everytime and expects different result. Let us give this woman a chance oun no o ni fe te.

I agree with you. The main thing Ministers need is the ability to provide solutions innovatively allied with the bravery and uncompromising resolve to implement these solutions. The character, integrity, political will and 'body language' of the President of the day matters immensely also. GEJ was an innately weak, unprincipled, compromised and dishonest man who gave every Minister the impression they too could/should be crooked and indolent. Those who were not thieves by character and had the initial will to serve Nigeria quickly began taking part in the free-for-all looting because everyone was doing it and Mr.President, his wife and affiliates were also helping themselves copiously.

Under that system even like NOI became a lying mouthpiece given to deceiving the world with crap like "Nigeria is now Africa's biggest economy after GDP rebasing" along with hogwash about "economic robustness" and "good economic health" when some of us argued that she was lying given simple indices like dwindling allocation to States and borrowing $1 billion to fight boko haram when Nigeria had disbursed over $12 billion for the same purpose in the past without needing to borrow.

All in all, a talented novice can perform wonders under a president like Buhari whereas under GEJ the most brilliant "heavyweight" , with the biggest reputation, could become an unconscionable crook, like Allison_madueke, who will loot Nigeria mercilessly to impoverish many and destroy the future of millions.

firstEVA:
With the appointment of Babatunde Fashola as Minister for Power, Works and Housing, it is very clear that the president has so much confidence in Fashola, I am tempted to conclude that if not for the negative response which would have greeted a muslim/muslim ticket for presidency, Buhari would have picked Fashola as running mate. This is his own smart way of making Fashola his second in command. Osibanjo is just there like a piece of ornament.

Bro, I can agree with you that Fashola was the choice of Buhari as VP but Osinbajo has grown into his own as VP and is doing a great job.

In the end God ensured things worked out well for Nigeria. We have a great VP and Fashola has gotten critical portfolios he can use to revolutionise Nigeria. In hindsight, even as I was one of those who wanted Fashola as VP, I now think it was for the best that Fashola did not become VP. If Fashola excels then this is a sure route to him becoming President in future.

texazzpete:
BWAHAHAHAHA. Is this a joke post?
Minister of Transportation >>>>> Niger Delta Minister. By FAR. As in, there's no comparison whatsoever. It's like saying someone who was made a Governor is disappointed not to be a local government chairman. Haba!

Same goes for those talking about Fayemi. This is a golden opportunity to shine in Nigeria. It has far more potential for political rejuvenation than the foreign affairs ministry. Gbawe has it right here. We're trying to diversify here...just harnessing coal in Enugu alone will create lots of jobs in the SE region alone.

Spot on bruv. Two of Nigeria's biggest problems, amongst others, are dangerous and economically unhealthy over-reliance on income from oil and youth unemployment which create so many other problems such as youth restiveness and increase in crime/terrorism and other ills (eg oil bunkering) that troubles society. How does the foreign affair Ministry come close to the Mineral resources ministry in terms of alleviating these two major problems facing Nigeria?

VirginFinder:
Exactly what I told freeglobe who was gloating like a ... yesterday.

IMO, AbdulRahman Dambazzau should be the most disappointed. Interior is a far cry from the defence portfolio he must have been expecting.

You should ignore characters like that. People like him, because of tribalism and prejudice, are stuck in the dark ages . Their own sole mission is to taunt ethnic groups they hate, with every development, and this always affect their ability to reason effectively. In their mind Fayemi, a Yoruba man, has lost out and must be "bitter" because he got mineral resources rather than Foreign affairs whereas all those who know the immediate priorities of Buhari will realise Fayemi has gained a very critical portfolio that can see him emerge one of the stars of this cabinet. I pity some people sha. Prejudice against others has totally destroyed their minds.

razid:
Right from the start, PMB brief has always been Security and Anti-corruption. That is why you can see him always talking on the two especially in almost all his dealings. He solely left the issue of economy to the Vice President. And if you look critically very well, I think there's a kind of synergy between the President and Vice President. Look at all the security apparatus, they are occupied by mostly northerners who he believes can work with him in both security and antigraft. Now if you look at the economy, I think most of it has been left in the hands of the southerners because of the input of the Vice-President. This is exactly what we are saying. The north and south should come together with each bringing in its areas of expertise for national development.

I've seen people taking a swipe at Fayemi. What they don't know is that he might even be the one that will suggest the portfolio to the President given their level of closeness. Fayemi has never left PMB since he was sworn in. He had input in almost his presentations as that is his forte. So I don't believe that he was shortchanged by not getting the Foreign Ministry. That ministry has a more qualified personnel than Fayemi as the man has spent almost two and a half decades in international organizations. So, he is better qualified. But Fayemi's brilliance will be put to test as I don't see him failing at all. Infact, I have the confidence that he will even perform more than Fashola because Baba's intention is to diversify the economy from oil. And don't forget, Madam Oby Ezekwesili because of her brilliance transform the Due Process, and later she made her mark in Education. Also, Prof Akunyili raised the stakes at NAFDAC and ever since, nobody has been able to fill the vacuum she created there. That is one thing the brilliant ones have going well for them. All they need is their brains to make a mark and I believe Dr Fayemi has it in abundance. Don't be surprised that in the next dispensation, all attention may be shifted to Ministry of Solid Minerals just as it is now on Petroleum Resources as he would have raised the stakes very high.

I have this extra-ordinary optimism that we are in for a very good ride. Very soon, those white people will soon start relocating to Nigeria because of the positive tidings that will be emanating from here. They thought that the end has come when we were faced with Ebola, but we surprised them and we are able to even teach them how to contain such. That is the kind of spirit that is in every Nigerians. We are Nigerians and we can only solve our problems the Nigerian ways. No cause for alarm. It is our time to soar and we will show the whole universe that God never made a mistake by choosing us as the largest population of black race in the world.

Well-said bro. All our current problems today, to include the man-made recession we are in, is because of our total and unhealthy reliance on income from the sale of crude oil plus the sordid reality that the last government put nil buffers or "rainy day" savings in place to help Nigeria survive periods of low oil prices such as we are in currently. Even a fool will know a nation of 170 million people, and the biggest black nation on earth, must not be at the mercy of fluctuating oil prices as Nigeria is disgracefully. this problem is a top prority for PMB. Let us theorise here. What if oil falls to 10-20$ per barrel considering we are already struggling today when oil is $45.00 per barrel ? Will Nigeria not be f.c.ked totally then?

This is why Buhari will especially pull the likes of Ogbeh and Fayemi aside and warn them not to fail him. In two years time we must have turned round completely the unacceptable status quo whereby income from crude oil accounts for 70-80% of the total earnings of Nigeria. Ogbeh and Fayemi are also in charge of portfolios that can create employment for the teeming mass of jobless youths we have that politicians use willy nilly to fight each other. What will concern a proudly employed youth with going to carry placards for Metuh or going to fight at a political rally for Obanikoro? Do people think Buhari is not aware of this simple concept when the man, before the election, has spoken of it passionately millions of times? Buhari even posits, and I agree, that many youths recruited into Boko haram would have resisted the terror group if they had jobs and fulfilled lives. All in all, I think some Ministers will consider themselves lucky for getting portfolios that are critical to the positive transformation of Nigeria. I know i would if ever given the chance to serve my nation in that capacity.

VirginFinder:
Exactly what I told freeglobe who was gloating like a ... yesterday.

IMO, AbdulRahman Dambazzau should be the most disappointed. Interior is a far cry from the defence portfolio he must have been expecting.

Indeed. I will concede Dambazzau will likely be disappointed because he is an excellent and well-trained soldier, one of the finest Nigeria has produced, who is equally highly intelligent too. Nonetheless the Interior Ministry is about the internal security of Nigeria and I think Buhari has set that as a high priority at the moment. Dambazzau is one of tje rare breed of leaders who have skills and talent that is 'transferable' and adaptable because he is a solutions provider.


http://interior.gov.ng/index.php/the-ministry/ministry-of-interior-mandate

Ministry of Interior Mandate

The mandate of the Ministry is fostering the maintenance of internal security and citizenship integrity for the promotion of good governance.

PassingShot:
True he has a better ministry in Solid Minerals especially considering PMB's resolve to diversify the economy. However he must have been a bit disappointed at first for not getting Foreign Affairs.

Now, he has a much tougher job to impress the president and Nigerians within short time and if he fails to convince, trust PMB not to waste time in showing him the door.

I wish him good luck because he, Fashola and Amaechi especially need to perform above average.

I personally don't think so. Real leaders, who presented themselves to serve the people and not their pocket, always want the jobs/role that gives them the chance to make a big and real difference plus implement the greatest and most historical reforms that stand the test of time. Kwame Nkrumah is a demi-god who is remembered fondly till today for achievement such as the Akosombo dam which still supplies the majority of Ghana's power needs to this day while Ghanaians don't even remember the names of some who led them after Nkrumah !!! I think Fayemi is in this category of real leaders and it would have become immediately clear to him, even if he was expecting foreign affairs, he is in charge of a ministry that can seal his name in gold in the annals of Nigerian history. If I have time I will find an article that shows the potentials of the mineral sector Nigeria has squandered because we have largely always had myopic leaders who focused on earnings from crude alone.

There is not a comparable level of pivotal and nation-building reform in the foreign affairs Ministry and Fayemi as a very bright guy will be aware of this. Fayemi will relish the challenge. For example the UK transport sector mainly only need 'tweaks' because of how developed it is is but Amaechi can do something really special, outstanding and forever memorable because our transport sector is in the stone age. Ditto for the mineral sector. Buhari has set out his priorities and focus which means he will fully support those who will help him achieve what he deems as very urgent.

Fayemi will get all prioritised assistance to help him develop the mining sector and thus assist nigeria diversify her economy away from oil and defeat the vulnerability, once and for all, to fluctuating oil price that has now gotten us into the terrible economic mess we are in today where Nigeria was even taking loans to pay salaries. This is one of buhari's top priorities . Fashola, Ogbeh, Fayemi and kachikwu are super important cabinet members in my opinions, because of the priorities of Buhari, and those guys themselves will know this. Under Buhari it is not about "juicy" or prestige portfolio but about critical Ministries and Ministers who can turn the fortunes of Nigeria around ASAP.

ionsman:
I am very certain these three people were disappointed.....

1. James Ocholi -After all the buzz of being minister of Justice, he was assigned state for labour.

2. Abdulrahman Dambazau - He was nailed on to be defence minister,but he got interior.

3. Kayode Fayemi - No comment...Lol

I don't get you guys and how you keep mentioning Fayemi. Do you guys know the focus and top priorities of the Buhari government? I doubt you do when you think someone who is Minister of solid Minerals is disappointed he did not become Minister of foreign affairs. Fayemi gets the chance to lead a revolution in a critical sector key to assisting Nigeria diversify her economy away from a harmful dependence on income from crude sales. Let me put issues in perspective for you. We are in an economic downturn today because oil crashed from around $110.00 per barrel to around $45.00 today.

That means Nigeria has to run itself with almost a third less than it used to earn from the oil sector that account for around 70-80% of the total earnings of our nation. What do you then think the focus of a serious and responsible President would be if not to ensure, ASAP, we get out of this situation and never be exposed to it again through the creation of a robust and diversified economy where crude earnings in the future will account for a far less percentage of our total earning than it does today to our detriment?

The indolent, myopic and thieving PDP made the Mineral sector moribund and now Fayemi will get the chance to revive it with the support of a serious and sincere President and you guys are talking of foreign affairs? I don't think some of us understand that real leaders, who presented themselves to serve the people and not their pocket, always want the jobs/role that gives them the chance to make a big and real difference plus implement the greatest and most historical reforms.

johnsonjosbles:
We now see Buhari is an old man with wisdom! Ministarian position was delayed for a very good reason, 1) he studied the rot in all ministry got facts, sack all the permanent secretries. 2) he scruitnice all nominated ministers with the help of media hilabalooo to chalenge them of task ahead.3) this suprise stuff. He(buhari) now make office of the minister a serious stuff not a joke situation when PDP plays with ministries as source of income for politicians! Now we r geting there

You pretty much summed everything up. Buhari had to be measured and thorough because the PDP had virtually bastardized all sectors of government work and the corresponding Ministries attached to them. The PDP sabotaged every Ministry and insisted Ministers conducted their affair in ways were all processes became slush funds for the private use of PDP members and their affiliates. You cannot reverse that sort of deep rot acting rashly and without making yourself completely aware of the problem and its extent. This is why PMB had to take his time. We all now see the man knows precisely what he is doing.

Johnpaul88:
This is awesome! Fayemi would be particularly disappointed. Maybe he was the one boasting about that Foreign ministry is his birthright. Baba decided to show him pepper!

I think it will be the other way round actually i.e Fayemi will be very happy he got mineral resources rather than foreign affairs. Fayemi has gained a very important and critical portfolio under a government that is very serious, even desperate, about diversifying Nigeria's economy and earning power away from oil. Agriculture and effective commercial mining of Nigeria's minerals endowment are two of the fastest way to do this.

Buhari will be too painfully aware he must break the vicious cycle of Nigeria's over-reliance on oil that has now mired us in an economic downturn. For the challenges facing Nigeria today, I don't see how foreign affairs can be deemed as important as mineral resources.

Gbawe:
My joy will be complete if Fashola becomes Minister of Power on Wednesday.

Even better. It is power, works and housing !!!!

EUROBOMBER:
Congratulations on your stealing.

A lot will happen between now and 2023 if Jesus tarries and time changes things.

Congratulations to Fashola. I always wanted him to be in charge of power/works and he got it!

I don't think the Yorubas have gained anything from the useless protests. I believe after Buhari an Igbo man will take over but if the will of God is Fashola I will accept it just as I have accepted Buhari as His divine will for Nigeria at this time in our history.

#IgboPresidentAfterBuhari.

@Eurobomber. I have to praise your maturity these day when all Igbos are being lumped together as backers of Nnamdi Kanu whether they support Kanu's style of secession agitation or not.

@Post.

I think it is important Nairalanders and Nigerians at large remember that not all Igbos want what Kanu want and not all Igbos are supporting his call to arms brand of secession. Even on NL I have read many threads from igbos who condemn Kanu and urge Igbos to embrace and work with other Nigerians.

There are then even the likes of Pa Eziachi who believes in Biafra but has not advocated violence against anyone to gain it. All in all, we must think of Igbos in these category who are probably the largest of all numerically. Not all Igbos are Kanu fans. My 20 kobo anyway.

pazienza:
"I keep saying Nigeria is unlucky with how we have so many 'enemies within' who can never simply wish Nigeria well".

How rich! Coming from an Arewa-Oduanistani who never saw anything good in GEJ government, was busy soiling the nation's image before the world by campaigning for non existing chibok girls and calling the president many bad names.

Arewa-Oduanistanis and Hypocrisy are like bread and butter.

Pazienza, you are my good friend here and, despite your mischief, I hold you in high regards as an intelligent guy. Let me therefore warn you not to disgrace yourself as others did when they claimed I never saw anything good in GEJ only for me to prove them wrong. NL is littered with episodes where I swung behind GEJ when he did good initially.

For example I praised GEJ warmly when he begun the power privatisation initiativ, only for Jonathan to gain my stern criticism when he went on to make such a laudable exercise a 'food is ready' 419 contraption for 'awon boyz'. Man mi take your time Ohhh. I don't hate GEJ. I just despise the proven reality he is in the category of leaders , whether Hausa or Yoruba, who are ruining Nigeria with how they take so much and give virtually nada in return to Nigeria and Nigerians.

Sagamite:
I would slightly disagree with this sha.

I think get law enforcement right would be my priority as a Nigerian leader and everything would fall in place.

If the police can arrest anybody, investigate and successfully prosecute them irrespective of if they a General or Godfather, then we will not have corruption nor election rigging. Hence we can vote for competent leaders who know they can't steal, so if they go there, they are going to work.

Leadership is the bane of Africa.

Power is second, as it is a fundamental economic driver.

You misunderstand me. I am speaking with the assumption that Security and law enforcement will rank high on the agenda of Buhari who, historically, demands this as an something that is non-negotiable. Power will then drive virtually everything that secures wealth and produces socio-economic development.

One of the biggest reasons our SME (small to medium enterprise sector) is moribund, when it it the economic and vital life blood of nations like the UK, is lack of power !!! Many smart Nigerians who can start small businesses, employ other Nigerians and pay the Nigerian government taxes on their profitable earnings are dissuaded from going ahead with their business vision because operational cost in Nigeria, due to lack of power, is through the roof !!! If Fashola , an innovator aware of the challenges, can deliver solutions in the power sector then he will go down as one of the most important Nigerians ever because he delivered effective and critical leadership when his nation needed it the most.

Sagamite:
Gba be! (Well said)

Oga mi, how far? I noticed you have been absent for a long time. To even see your post, when you have not posted for a while up till now in this section, illustrates my point that Nigerians are happy and optimistic with the Ministerial development today to the extent that some who had been apathetic and even despondent are dancing for joy at this moment. Yet we can trust the bad belle crew never to understand when it is best to say nothing if you have nothing good to say.

homirefacuny:
Fashola is the most trusted and reliable.
PMB is well aware of this. Some people will come and cry me a river that yoruba are slaves to hausa now....
Finance....
Power, housing....
Solid minerals....
Health...
Substantive ministers....
God bless PMB
God bless Nigeria.
God bless Biafra
God bless Nairalanders.

We are in an age of round pegs in round holes. Buhari Actually stated that today verbatim. Anyone who wants to die with tribalism and "my ethnic group is greater than others" obsession is welcomed to their myopic views. If aslo you think "only my ethnic group can rescue Nigeria" then I urge you to continue with that retrogressive mindset while patriotic Nigerians march forward into an age where important positions are given to those, whatever their ethnic origin, who have proven they are up to the task.

For example, I am a big fan of Ibe Kachikwu. He has done a sterling job at the NNPC so far and has helped Buhari immensely to device and implement solutions that cut cost, aid transparency and minimise corruption, scams and sleaze that were previously robbing Nigeria of billions of dollars. I am therefore very happy Kachikwu will pull the strings in the petroleum sector, as Minister of State, under a Substantive Minister (Buhari) who will be very busy himself with other duties yet will keep him in check to deliver and work for Nigeria always.

Kachikwu will be the brains and innovator of developmental ideas to move our petroleum sector forward. People should not get that notion twisted because Buhari, even with his past experience in the sector, understands that the likes of Kachikwu are up to speed with the Nigerian oil sector needs as things stand today. Buhari is just substantive Minister, because of the critical importance of the oil sector to the success of Nigeria, to keep Kachickwu 'honest' and ensure we never see another Allison-Madueke develop to the detriment of Nigeria. I actually think Kachikwu may become substantive minister in future once he gains the trust of Buhari and shows what Mr.President uncompromisingly requires which is a total dedication to putting selfish interest aside to serve Nigeria and Nigerians.

vicoloni:
Oga, as the CEO of Lagos he combined those functions well didn't he?

Oya receive brain!

Don't mind him. I can't stand these bad belle crew and their inane arguments. Lagos is and remain one of the most challenging States/City in the entire world. Fashola's achievement, as the administrator who held everything together and coordinated all sectors, is nothing short of phenomenal - and the entire world agrees with this opinion. "Tribalist" Buhari recognises this too and decided to pin the success or failure of his government on Fashola and others like Kachikwu who are not from his ethnic group. I keep saying Nigeria is unlucky with how we have so many 'enemies within' who can never simply wish Nigeria well.

vicoloni:
But we can all see how Ambo has been struggling to even maintain what He did infrastructure wise in Lagos

you do not even have to respond to people like that. Fashola, for the past 8 years, has been innovatively developing the critical sectors and infrastructures of Lagos (power, roads, rail transport, housing et al) to critical and often gushing universal acclaim . Even with a vindictive and non-cooperative PDP FG, Fashola still achieved the incredible in a State that was known only for chaos and insecurity before he came on board. It shows you the bad belle some are working with when they can only mention Fashola's original training in law while ignoring what he has done for the past 8 years which is excel, more than all others, to turn around the critical challenges of the most difficult, most cosmopolitan, most populous and most over-burdened State in Nigeria. This is a day all true Nigerians will be happy to live to see.

meforyou1:
how on earth can a sensible human being merge power with works and housing

Please today is not a day for your 'enemy of progress' bad belle. Almost all Nigerians, bar people like you, are happy with this development. We can even discern this on NL. Investor confidence in Nigeria, as a potential FDI investment destination, will be through the roof now. Bad news for enemies of progress and enemies of a progressive Nigeria.