₦airaland Forum

Aareonakakanfo:
Gbawe seems to be close to the guys at the top.Please can you suggest ways on how we can reach them?Our suggestions shouldn't end here

I have politicians in my family and have naturally met others through them. That is how, for example, I met Tinubu and Fashola. it is mainly at functions my family members host or those of others I attend with them. Many political leaders read NL but don't contribute. One of the best way to reach political leaders is to go through their PA or personal assistant. Those guys are very powerful and filter everything on behalf of their boss. If you can reach them with your message then it is likely your message will reach their boss.

Also many diligent politician have personal websites and social media interests that allows you to contact them. Below are the websites of Fashola and Tinubu which provides the option of contacting them. Their PA, or someone specifically paid to do so, reads the email daily and pass 'relevant' ones on to their boss. Another good way would be to organise ourselves formally into a group that can meet and discuss with political leaders on request. There are many associations and interest groups like that but the proviso is that any platform has to be formally convened and organised like the NIDO (Nigerians in disapora organization) for example.

http://www.tundefashola.com/contact/index.html

http://asiwajubolatinubu.com/about/email.html

Brimmie:
We need Oga "Naptu2" and Elder "Gbawe".

It is not true. Onyejekwe is not the father of OBJ. I believe the rumour was started by some mischief-making Yoruba leaders who wanted to deny the Igbos the right to agitate for the Presidency by putting out the lie that OBJ was Igbo and had therefore utilised the turn of the Igbos. Ridiculous but that is how desperate some political leaders are.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/10/i%E2%80%99m-a-thorough-bred-yoruba-man-obasanjo/

Following comments ahead the 2007 polls, that the South-West, through Obasanjo had held power for eight years and as such should not expect power until 40 years later when the other five zones would have tasted power, some Yoruba leaders alleged that Obasanjo was biologically an Igbo man.

According to them, Obasanjo’s father was Onyekwelu from Onitsha in Anambra State and so his reign should be viewed as an Igbo reign. Unlike Obasanjo, he did not react to the allegation.

Ritchiee:
I must be frank,I don't really like Tinubu maybe mainly because of what I have read about him.But one thing I doff my hat for is his political sagacity and farsighted penetration and judgement of human characters.

Indeed. I used to dislike him passionately as well but I investigated issues and Lagos politics in depth and noted that majority of the negatives touted about Tinubu are lies of those who fear him or an envious of the man and his natural ability to wield influence and command the respect of his peers.

Think deeply and you would understand what it entails to be a politician in this clime.The real problems of Tinubu are some of his Yoruba folks...Obasanjo,Afenifere etc...remove all the bickerings and we have another Awo in the house...

Correct. I was idealistic in the past. Especially after I returned to Lagos after a stint of many years abroad. Tinubu was Governor then and I disliked him passionately and blamed him for the underdevelopment I saw through Lagos. In fact this is one of the reason I took a deep and passionate interest in politics. I had also become a frequent visitor to Nigeria, i.e three to four visits a year, whereas I stayed away for years in the past. All these, i.e my greater interest in politics combined with my frequent business/personal travels to Lagos, gave me a much better insight and greater grasp of issues. i came to discover that Tinubu was sabotaged a lot by those who feared his success and that of Lagos.

I also realised Tinubu, albeit a progressive variant, is merely a product of his environment. You have to be that, to an extent, to thrive in Nigerian politics. If you do not have that 'political steel' in your armoury then you will need those who do, like Tinubu, to introduce you, work to get you elected and do the dirty/leg work for you. Fashola and even Buhari, to an extent, are beneficiaries of Tinubu's ability to thrive and excel in Nigerian politics. All in all, Tinubu is no worse than any other politician in Nigeria but he is virtually better than most because he still believes in and works for the progress of the people. Without breaking sweat, I can list 20 leaders who took a lot and gave nada in return yet almost all the good development and the most innovative projects witnessed in Lagos today are the brainchild of Tinubu. You are totally correct stating that it is members of his own ethnic group who are some of the biggest detractors of Tinubu and many of us know why they hate the man when they, like Bode George for example, have never done anything useful for their State and people.

skyline123:
Looking at this thread, I can see a lot of academics. Sure you can find a few who would be willing to do research on best policy practices across the world. Creating a forum for discussing and harvesting ideas would be a good start.

Indeed ........ and this can eventually transform into an influential pressure group also to present demands to leaders.

Musiwa419:
You see, thats one of the reasons why i dont applaud some of the policy/projects of ACN/APC in Lagos state. I have nothing against the Eko Atlantic Project but i feel the timing is wrong. Do we need such a gargantuan project now? Insted of building skyscrappers in the middle of the sea why dont we construct a 4th Mainland Bridge which would link Lagos Island to Ikorodu thereby reducing the traffic congestion in greater Lagos considerably. I am of the opinion that the funds pumped into the Eko Atlantic Project thus far should have been used for the construction of a 4th Mainland Bridge

The project is a PPP project with the private sector providing the funding and manpower. So I don't see how 'timing' comes into this. Lagos has a stock of projects it tries to interest the private sector in funding. The private sector partners, in turn, are fully entitled to choose the project they want to partner the public sector to deliver. If the private sector were to partner Lagos to build a fourth Mainland bridge then they would undoubtedly ask for a BOT concession (Build operate and transfer) or similar that would mean the bridge would be tolled. This will lead to more noise of Lagos is "run for the elite alone". Don't get me wrong. I am a fan of the fourth mainland bridge but funding and engineering challenges remains a problem. I can only hope something can be worked out now that Lagos is officially a State, for the first time since 1999, under the control of the ruling party.


https://www.nleworks.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/OMA_4_MAINLAND_BRIDGE2-960x550.jpg

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/08/uncertainty-hangs-over-lagos-4th-mainland-bridge-project/

Uncertainty hangs over Lagos’ 4th Mainland bridge project
By Tunde Alao on August 3, 2015 12:32 am
2411


GIVEN the reality on ground, cloud of uncertainty hangs over the proposed take off and execution of an ambitious, but desirable infrastructural project in Lagos State, the 4th Mainland Bridge.

But, the project may not be an elephant one, afterall, if the state re-strategies and secures sustainable financing for the infrastructural project.

However, feelers within the Lagos State Government, the project promoters, point to some reasons while the 4th Mainland Bridge may be far from actualization in the nearest future. To wit, experts have given suggestions on how to kick-start and deliver the project.

[size=14pt]Among the options is the need to seek assistance of the Federal Government, through the intervention of the National Assembly, to grant Lagos a special status, with the corresponding budget. Second, it was suggested that Lagos should redefine its private public partnership (PPP), policy in a way that investors would be attracted to embrace the project.[/size]

Although, to engineers, the situations on ground may not favour commencement of the project in a hurry, owing to some identified factors.

One, the terrain slated for the project required extensive impact assessment of the environment. This, according to the Deputy President, Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, Dr. Ore Fadayomi, is necessary to determine the cost implication of the project. Besides, Fadayomi noted that if the 4th mainland bridge is a priority and that Lagos cannot shoulder it, “then, it is incumbent on the Federal Government to render the necessary assistance. This is in view of strategic importance of Lagos to the Nigeria economy”.

He was of the opinion that the project is achievable, only if the necessary things are done. “In this case, the necessary things include getting competent hands to do the feasibility studies, provide policy statement that would be transparent so that investors’ confidence would be aroused.”

Dr. Isaac Akhiije, of the Department of Civil and Environment Engineering, University of Lagos, while reacting to the problems associating with staggering of project, noted that three indices stand out, namely: performance, time and money.

Akhiije, while reacting to the spate of work on Ibadan-Ilorin expressway stated that the three indices are applicable to every road construction. “By extension if a project was designed to cover route A, B, C, D and by implication, there is a stop work, then one would expect variation against the initial proposal that may affect time, performance and cost”.

By implication, if the 4th mainland bridge is embarked upon and could not be completed as originally planned, it may create unforeseen problem of “abandoned project”.

However, the option of seeking Federal assistance was informed by the position of the Federal Government, as stated by the immediate past Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, who, barely some months before the expiration of the last administration, said the Economic Management Implementation Team (EMIT), received a proposal from a Chinese company responsible for the development of the deep sea in Lekki area for the construction of an access road to link the Lekki Free Trade Zone and that EMIT had insisted that such must incorporate the bridge.

He said, “Many people are not aware that the Federal Ministry of Works conceived and designed the second Lagos outer ring road, section one of which will take off around Apapa/Tin Can Island area through Igando, across the Abeokuta-Ota road to empty into the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The reason for this project is to permanently solve the nagging traffic problem on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway by providing a veritable alternative, especially for trucks leaving the ports and heading for other parts of the country without constituting a nuisance to Lagos residents.

The second section of the road will take off from the Lekki area, all the way to Ikorodu on the alignment of the so-called Fourth Mainland Bridge.

And only recently, the Economic Management Implementation Team received a proposal from the Chinese company responsible for the development of the deepsea port of the Lekki Free Trade Zone for government support to have an access road that will link the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

When we reviewed the proposal, the issue of the bridge was raised and we insisted that the package must necessarily include the Fourth Mainland Bridge that will link Lekki directly with Ikorodu, a statement that observers are to see how feasible it is.

However, the much-publicized plans for the construction of bridge that have been considered as a project capable of providing a sustainable solution to the perennial traffic bottleneck in Lagos and enhance economic development may have to wait much longer than envisaged if the feelers from government officials are anything to go by.

Two factors stand against any hope of actualizing the dream in the nearest future, namely: funding and government’s policy on private sector’s participation on project executions.

According to The Guardian’s sources, Lagos government is not in position to embark on the project for now, in view of some fundamental factors. The first factor has to do with two major road projects the state has embarked upon and are yet to fully complete.

One is the Orile-Badagry expressway that is yet to get to an appreciable level and the second is the Ikorodu-Mile 12 road expansion, which, although, is about 80 percent completion, but which loan will take a longer time to be fully offset.

Apart from the project cost, compensation that would due to owners of the properties that may likely be affected was another big issue that required serious consideration.

Government would require up to N10 billion as compensation to house owners at Olokanla, Ajah, whose properties are situated on the way to the bridge head, apart from those along Ikorodu and Ijede, which it was learnt, would gulp over N5 billion, also as compensation.

This excludes other communities that the bridge would traverse”, said the source, saying till date, there still remains scores of people that are yet to receive their compensation along Badagry expressway.

Government would have little or no problem to construct the bridge through the private public participation (PPP) arrangement, [size=14pt]but experience of Lekki-Epe expressway, where tolling has been a contentious issue has already made mess of whatever confidence or enthusiasm investors demonstrated when the last administration mooted the idea”, said the source, who viewed unstable policy as another obstacle to attracts investors.[/size]

Although, it was learnt that government had initially mapped out a plan to solely finance the scheme, if suitable private sector partners could not be found.

As at that time, the search for the concessionaire had assumed a global dimension, after the Singaporean consortium, earlier slated for the project, was found to lack the capacity to execute it. “Indeed, the former Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and few officials specifically made some trips to Singapore, as that single city nation was adopted as model for a new Lagos megacity development project.

The prospect for the project was however stalled, as the consortium that was initially recommended for the job could not mobilise enough resources for it. “Consequently, the search for a new concessionaire began, with the administration considering proposals from several consortia around the globe, including about three local outfits that were said to have shown interest in the project”.

The state government will not mind to go it alone as the project has become a serious political issue, which may undermine the credibility of the state government, if the scheme fails to take-off during the tenure of the current administration.

I can confirm to you that the state government, under its ‘plan B’ initiative, has started approaching offshore sources for funding, since the project itself has been found financially viable”, the source added.

However, indication that the project would resume under the current administration is quite unrealistic. This is in view of the pronouncement by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, that his administration is committed to the completion of the Badagry expressway in the next one-year.

The project, under its initial public-private partnership arrangement, was scripted to attract tolls for users of the bridge, to, at least, recover costs for its execution.

The immediate past Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, in one of his press briefings, who also made allusion to government’s commitment to the project, described it as “government’s response to the need to create a ring around the state which would allow ease of movement”. According to him, the bridge was the missing link.

He said, “Three alignment options are being proposed for the bridge construction. The options come with its own financial implications and challenge. Bridge component is only about 3.5 kilometres, while the rest are road component.” “For now, most of the preliminary works involving soil test, environment impact assessment, survey of topography and biometric survey have been conducted,” Hamzat, added. 1,526

ODVanguard:
I see your point. I guess that's why it's grossly unfair to compare Tinubu to Awo coz Awo had administrative jurisdiction over the entire Western Region while he was Premiere, while Tinubu never has never really had that much reach. Yes he has considerable influence over the politics of the SW but pragmatically there's only so much he can do outside Lagos under the current system. Even Awo himself lost relative influence over the region after the demise of regionalism despite his political eminence -- it was not uncommon for some of his lieutenants/proteges during his time (e.g. former Gov. of Oyo, the late Bola Ige) to overrule his suggestion at times.

Spot on !!!! And if you look at lagos itself, you will see so much Tinubu tried to do for lagosians, while fending off the destructive political sabre of OBJ, that show he is a highly underrated and wrongly/falsely maligned leader. I am a lagosian. My interest in politics also means I 'dig' deeper than others to get the true picture pertaining to my state. Tinubu was unlucky to have the menace of OBJ on his back for the 8 years he was governor because the man was simply one of the brightest leaders Nigeria has ever seen and delivering one pioneering idea after the other much like Awolowo.

In fact many Yorubas and non-Yorubas despised Tinubu immensely for his Awo-like brilliance and they were determined to undermine and frustrate him. OBJ, a rabid hater of Awolowo, did his best to ensure Tinubu never shined as Governor of Lagos even as the man was delivering so many fantastic ideas OBJ himself could have used to better Nigeria. Non-Yorubas, seeing Awolowo in Tinubu, quickly moved to portray Tinubu the "most corrupt" and "number 1 enemy of Nigeria" whereas their region parade the most worthlessly destructive and most corrupt politicians Nigeria has like GEJ who did zilch for Bayelsa as governor or President!!!! Reading Nairaland, I see the mischievous demonization of Tinubu has worked to an extent because the hatred many have for him is from reading second-hand and deceptive information mischief-makers and deceitful elements have put out there. Few know of the many achievements of Tinubu as governor that reveals a very brilliant and visionary mind that could have delivered a lot at the centre or even as premier of the SW region.

Not many know that Tinubu is certainly one of the pioneers of the current Lagos transport mix. Rail transport, BRT, construction of roads et al, Tinubu had a hand in birthing them.

His plans for securing independent power supply for Lagos were laudable at a time most politicians were concerned with miring us in darkness so they could profit through a range of practises and businesses that made money from lack of power. I could go on all day but it is for some to go and research Tinubu or even buy and read his book to see that the man is not what they say he is. How many, for example know that Tinubu conceived the idea of the Lekki free trade zone taking in the lekki international airport? I would urge Yorubas to avail themselves of the copious amount of information out there so that we do not allow those envious we have someone they consider Awolowo incarnate, bamboozle us into hating and destroying a man we need far more than he needs us.


http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/inside-lekki-free-trade-zone/220221/

Inside Lekki Free Trade Zone


https://cdn.akamai.thisdaylive.com/0bef99d6-acf5-4e2c-9779-8fa02ba3fcd4/assets/150915F-Ambode-lekki-Trade-Zone.jpg?maxwidth=400&maxheight=540
Ambode (middle) looks at the master plan of the area during his recent visit

"I came here to see the level of development that is going on here. The Free Trade Zone is a major catalyst for the development of Lagos State,” he said. “It was started during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and continued by my predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola"‎.

Shymm3x:
Sir, I understand your point. However, my grouse with Tinubu has more to do with using capitalism for self-interest - rather than making it a collective interest and more people/group oriented.

Yes, Eko Atlantic is a laudable project, and when completed, it would give Lagos an identity it lacks, at the moment. If a few other industries can be ceded to other parts of the region. However, when things that are meant to under an umbrella for all - are systematically cornered and pocketed by an individual (or with people with close ties), then it becomes problematic. I believe there's an Odua Investment Group, which caters to group interests - why not get them more involved? What we're creating here is the type of extreme capitalism that's plaguing the US, hence the country is systematically collapsing from within. And without its military might - the US would've collapsed time ago.

Tinubu is no socialist but he is no self-serving uber capitalist either. He is somewhat in the middle i.e socio-capitalist. From the way he talks and reasons, Tinubu's belief is that government should directly oversee and empower the projects, policies and plans that will enable Nigerians to do the rest themselves to secure their own socio-economic development. In other words, Tinubu is of the 'teach a man to fish' school of thought.

The problem is that Tinubu has a lot of enemies and many of them naturally revel in deceiving Nigerians by deliberately and deceptively dealing in half-truths and even outright lies. they will tell you about Eko Atlantic and his many private ventures but they will not tell you of his efforts, in his home state of Lagos, to deliver independent power supply while he was Governor. The will downplay BRT , like the British bus lane, which is the first effort of its kind in Nigeria to transport ordinary Nigerians faster and in relative comfort. You will not see him get credit for his dogged dedication to the notion that road infrastructure increases economic activities. This is the backbone policy that saw Lagos construct more square-km of roads than some African countries managed in the same period. Are you aware of Tinubu's effort to secure rail transport for use by all Lagosians and not the elite alone? this was at a others were still buying bicycles for the citizens of their States.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagos_Rail_Mass_Transit

The idea of developing a light rail network for Lagos was revived by Governor Bola Tinubu in the early 2000s with a formal announcement of its construction in December 2003.[8] This initial $135 million proposal was part of the greater Lagos Urban Transportation Project to be implemented by the newly formed Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).[8] LAMATA initially concentrated on developing a Bus Rapid Transit system, running from Mile 12 to Lagos Island. In 2008, LAMATA began also to make progress with the rail project, focusing initially on the Blue Line and the Red Line.

Micro-finance for small business, to boost the SME (small to medium enterprise) sector, was an idea of Tinubu that is now cornerstone policy for the APC. Same also welfare benefit for the elderly who cannot draw a pension and are living in abject poverty. The man has done a lot to promote the idea of economic self-help that assist a people to develop themselves via taking advantage of certain government provisions such as stable power supply, adequate transport mix etc. The problem is that many enjoy promoting the image of Tinubu as a self-serving and greedy venture capitalist who wants every kobo available in Nigeria. This is an image mis-informers provide that many Nigerians themselves enjoy swallowing, without inspecting the history of Tinubu since he became a governor in 1999, because many love to hate the "oppressive and greedy" elite they see Tinubu to be among. No doubt the man has superlative private ventures but, for fairness, we should look at the entire picture to see many things, ahead of their time, he has tried to do for ordinary Lagosians.

Also, it's not even about living abroad. A lot of those folks never achieved anything tangible whilst they were abroad - apart from a Fayemi who has a stellar CV, and is more suited for International Relations - than being an administrator of a state. When you put square pegs in round holes basically cos they lived abroad, there won't be any tangible results. There are tons of Nigerians who have excelled abroad in different fields - those are the type of folks the country needs, by tapping into their expertise/experience and putting them where they can function effectively - with the enabling environment for them to do so.

You miss my point about living abroad which is that it is not an impediment that prevents or bars you or anyone else, even if not living in Nigeria currently, from getting involved in the politics of Nigeria. I have many bright friends in the diaspora, I believe have much to contribute, who rule out getting involved in Nigerian politics, even when passionate about it, because of the perception that they would stand no chance.

Personally, in as much as I'm a politics enthusiast cos of family background. I'm not a career politician, though I can be a critique. Even if I were to try - my personality/mentality will never let me. I'm much more reserved than whatever you see on here and I don't think I can thrive as the focal point of anything. I'd rather focus on my field/career, achieve greatness, and if and when I'm able to contribute effectively I'm called upon to do so. It's my responsibility to help in whatever way I can and contribute my quota. However, I don't I can compromise my beliefs for a game that's full of deceit. But can I make practical suggestions, by citing examples in other climes or folks from the same clime in the past? - yes I can. That's all I can do for now.

You don't have to be a career politician. Having a passion to make a difference means you may simply want to get into a position that allows you to make a difference. Fashola, for example, is no politician. Dude stinks at politics. Yet he has made a difference and I believe will continue to do so in any leadership position he occupies.

I feel that the SW has a solid foundation to build on and it is time we all get to work instead of expecting others to do everything for us. As I stated earlier, what we need 211are intelligent and visionary men/women who know how to think, plan and deliver solutions. Before the political environment did not exist to sustain these sort of men and women and this is why the SW, and indeed the entire Nigeria, stagnated badly to now leave us playing 'catch up' in relation to the world and even some African Countries.I think more sustained and politically deliberate efforts from all of us could pay dividends in an age we are seeing more modern politicians open to ideas.

http://www.gamji.com/article6000/NEWS7879.htm

Nigeria: One Country Four Economies Discussion Points
By
Falalu Bello, OFR
abumoha1978@yahoo.com


v I thank my friend and Junior brother, Mr. Sam Nda-Isiah, for inviting me to speak at this important forum on what to do to reverse de-industrialization in Northern Nigerian. When the invitation was extended to me, I asked of the topic I am to speak on and I was not given any. All my brother wanted me to do at this Conference is to set the tone for the experts invited to do justice to the topic under discussion. My role therefore is not to talk of how industrialists are to access funds from the banking system nor even to talk on such general issues as the importance of finance to industrialization:



v I have been invited to contextually put Northern Nigeria amongst other regions in Nigeria and could easily have compared Northern economy and its Southern Counterpart. I have chosen not to go this route because, I want us all to see that geography, history and the Obasanjo administration and its reform agenda have created four (4) fairly distinct economies in Nigerian. We as Northerners need to appreciate where our economy currently stands amongst other economies in Nigeria so as to appreciate the kind of race we have to run if we are to remain relevant in Nigeria.



v On the basis of ownership and/or control of resources that make for economic development, post-Obasanjo Nigeria in terms of strength could easily be categorized into 4 economies as follows:



a) South West Economy;

b) South East plus Delta Economy;

c) Northern Economy; and

d) South South minus Delta Economy



v The four economies mentioned above are fairly distinct with each growing at its own pace. [size=14pt] The South Western economy is growing at a faster rate than all followed by South East plus Delta [/size] economy whilst those of the North and South South minus Delta could at best be described as stagnant. A simple analysis of these four economies is given below:-



a) South West Economy

South Western Nigeria with a Land Mass of 76,852 square kilometres and population of 25.2 million today owns and/or control 60% of the nation’s industrial capacity, 44% of banking assets, 67% of insurance assets and is house to the nation’s three deep sea ports of Apapa, Tin Can Island and Roro; the busiest international airport of Ikeja, three thermal stations of Egbin, Papalanto and Omotosho. Today, its three major industrial estates of Agbara, Ikeja and Otta are all linked to gas under the West African gas pipeline plan and piping of gas is ongoing from Otta to Abeokuta. Added to these, the South Western population today is the most educated as western education came through there and education as a resource was democratized since the early sixties. Geographical location, democratization of western education, availability of resources enhanced in last 9 years and some empowerment during the Obasanjo administration have collectively enabled the South Western economy to rank as first of the four economies in Nigeria. Today, the South West as a region can boast of having a defined growing middle class and is perceived to have at least 20,000 of its indigenes with net worth of over N100m each. [size=14pt] Take it out of Nigeria, the South West economy with is defined growing middle class and resources, will be one of the fastest growing economies in the world.[/size]


b) The South-East plus Delta

The South Easterners plus their cousins across the Onitsha bridge control commerce in all parts of Nigeria and are thus largely employed. The region has clusters of small scale industries around Nnewi and Aba. The banking consolidation has assisted these people to now have ownership and or control of over 50% of Nigerian banking assets. It also controls 21% of the nation’s insurance assets and 20% of industrial assets. With this development, this region which has not had a commanding control over Nigerian economy will certainly begin to do that now. Commercial activities backed by finance can only grow the economy of South-East plus Delta. The growing strength of financial muscle of this region has been aptly demonstrated by the recent licensing of Micro Finance Banks. Of the over 600 MFBs recently licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Anambra State alone had 74 whilst Yobe State had 1, Sokoto 5, Zamfara 6, etc. There exists also in this economy a middle class which will now grow itself in number and financial muscle and will almost certainly grow its economy inclusive particularly of small and medium sized industrial base.


c) The Northern Economy

The North which geographically is 719,435 Square Kilometers or 79% of Nigeria’s landmass and has 75 million or 53.6% of Nigeria’s population has its economy as a consequence of various reforms introduced, been totally grounded. Today, the North has ownership and/or control of no more than 3% of banking assets and 2% of insurance assets and 10% of industrial assets. True, the North has a huge landmass but this has remained under exploited due to jettisoning of time tested policies of price support (as a result of abolishing of marketing boards without putting alternatives) and abandonment of extension services and quality control. Also, the North has a huge population but the population has remained largely uneducated and/or half educated because of near failure of governance in certain States and Local Governments. Currently its most distinguishing characteristic is grinding poverty. Recent poverty statistics indicate that the poverty level of States in the North has been on the increase in the last 9 years and reached over 80%. Its two commercial and industrial nerve centers (Kano and Kaduna) have seen industrial capacity utilization decline to an all time low of less than 10%. The textile, automobile and beverages companies that thrived so impressively in the 1970s and 1980s have collapsed rendering thousands jobless. Although hydroelectricity is generated at Kainji Dam and in lesser quantities at Shiroro Gorge and at several smaller sites, the entire mechanisms are run on very obsolete equipment and the performance is consequently very epileptic and unsuitable for meaningful economic activity.


d) The South South minus Delta

The South South is largely in the creeks of Niger Delta and has therefore a small land mass of only 48,321 square kilometers and is populated by 13.6 Million people. Notwithstanding the fact that it is house to Nigerian Oil wealth, this region exclusive of oil company activities like the North is also backward economically. It controls no more than 3% of banking assets, 10% of insurance assets and no more than 10% of industrial assets on account of oil related industries that the indigenes do not control. Furthermore, its overstretched land mass has suffered considerable degradation and its aquatic life destroyed. As a region, its people and economy are worst off than the North as it lacks fresh environment, water and even good air to breath.

ODVanguard:
You are absolutely right about the Tinubu factor and I agree with you. A lot of people accuse him of not vigorously championing something akin to SW secession/autonomy and what not. But truth is that he has had to learn by experience to work within the system currently on ground. At this stage, it'll be politically suicidal for him (and would have grave implications for the region) to 'rock the boat'. The June 12/Abacha episode must've taught him a lot about how regional instability can stifle regional development. I'll rather the Biafrans continue their agitating for now while we keep building (their agitation is creating a lot of uneasiness and uncertainty in their region and making potential investors apprehensive about making commitments there). If they succeed, the SW will automatically become a beneficiary coz Nigeria as we know it would be history and cease to exist. The only grouse I have with Tinubu is that I think he's not doing enough to spread the development his influence is attracting beyond Lagos. I see no reason why another Lekki-Ajah/Lagos model or replica can't be duplicated multiple times over all around the SW. We need to spread the development.

Bro, I know Tinubu personally. He is very passionate about the development of the entire SW. This is why he has only supported achievers and men of ideas to be Governor. Contrary to popular belief, Tinubu is not dictatorial. Yet he can be firm and dogged. He tries not to interfere with the work SW governors are doing but he does meet with them to level constructive criticism and make suggestion. Most SW Governors may be respectful but they are also insistent on doing things their own way and will simply not do something because Tinubu demands it.

It is now up to APC SW Governors, since they have the FG behind them, to do much better than we have seen so far. Comparatively, they have no excuses now.

Shymm3x:
Update on Eko Atlantic

The sky scrappers are looking decent - God bless Yorubaland.

Bro how far? remember I told you that if we get the politics right then the prospect of developing the SW is really bright? This is why I don't join in demonizing the likes of Tinubu who, to be effective and to deliver for the people, is constrained to work the Nigerian way for now or he remains in the cold where he can do zilch for his fellow Yorubas. The Eko Atlantic mega city is Tinubu's baby. He conceived it with the Chagoury brothers. little known is that Tinubu was the first politician to float the PPP model of development (Private-public sector partnership) that is now popular today. Eko Atlantic, Lekki international airport and Lekki seaport are all PPP projects involving Lagos State and private sector partners. Tinubu, sick and tired of waiting for "crumbs" from the FG, was the first to use bonds and money market funds to raise money for infrastructural development. He was laughed at when he suggested the idea after he became Governor in 1999 yet we know the reality today.The SW is therefore far better off for having and supporting Tinubu rather than thinking without pragmatism and demanding "off with his head" simply because some uniformed and envious folks say falsely he has enslaved Lagos and cornered all her wealth. Ditto Fashola, Amosun et al. These guys, in a highly tainted environment, give back in ways others don't. There are many today simply stealing and doing nada.

Fact of the matter is that there is no politician in Nigeria working without a degree of corruption. It is the 'environment' and you must comply, to an extent, or remain a Soyinka who is eternally principled yet is unable to do jacksh1te for the people. The best we can have for now are politicians who deliver even as they have to 'play the game' the Nigerian way. Gradually we will get better grade of politicians when many things continue to come together like improving political sophistication of the people and greater political checks and balances etc. In regards to the notion of politicians delivering, even as they have to work in a very murky environment that means they must dirty their hands, then I think the SW has it best of all regions of Nigeria. We should count ourselves lucky and not despair. No doubt that there is no room for complacency or the praise-singing of mediocrity but we must understand what we started with in 1999, with terrible politicians, and where we are today after 2007 when a decent and productive group of Yoruba leaders begun to make it into leadership like Fashola, Amosun, Ajimobi et al. Man me, even you can get involved. You are young enough to be involved at the grassroot level and work your way up. Would it interest you to know that many politicians today lived in the diaspora? Ayo Fayose, for example, lived in the UK. What SW politics need, above everything else, is pragmatic men/women of idea who know how to think, plan and deliver.

@OP.

What do you want PMB to do with the aberration of Ekweremadu as DSP? Do you not understand that this is a situation no ruling Party, with a clear legislative majority, should tolerate? It is always dangerous for the ruling Party to have an opposition DSP when that situation need not have manifested. Ekweremadu is DSP only because of the 'me, myself and I' treachery of Saraki. You should remember this.

Rawani:
The first time they were dumb, speechless, overwhelmed...

The second time they were intimidated, incoherent, and outclassed into running from the chamber...

Nobody can blame a man for folding in the face of a LION.

Indeed.If GEJ even hand 10% of the tenacity and fearlessness of Amaechi then he might even still be president today. Still shocked that some regions could round against Amaechi because of their devotion to the spineless Jonathan who some of us predicted correctly will crawl into a cave after Buhari is sworn in. Today, and validating our prediction, Jonathan has fled and is hiding. He has totally abandoned his loyalists and the likes of Clark have turned against him out of disgust. He cannot even come out to fight for Wike yet Fayose, someone I detest, still spoke up bravely and loyally in defence of the embattled Rivers Governor.

Was it worth it for those who chose to sink with the cowardly GEJ who stood for absolutely nothing but his own self-interest and that of his cronies? Those folks who vehemently attacked Amaechi, because of GEJ, should remember that Rotimi never ran and he never hid. Nothing illustrates he is a natural leader more than that in contrast to the GEJ they backed 100% who has now abandoned them and their struggle so as to save his own azz.

@OP.

Incorruptible and PDP used in the same sentence?

It is official. My big bros confirmed as a Minister. PDP, nothing for una. I am backing Amaechi to be one of the stand-out performers of the PMB government. The lesson we should all learn from Amaechi is that it pays to be principled, steadfast and dogged rather than shamelessly running from pillar to post like some we know on this forum and as many 'ashawo' Nigerian politicians on the ground are fond of doing. I am sure Amaechi reminds PMB of himself and that is why Mr.President is so fond of him and unwilling to compromise over his inclusion in his cabinet. Oga Amaechi, we dey salute.


http://saharareporters.com/2015/10/29/rotimi-amaechi-confirmed-minister

Rotimi Amaechi Confirmed As Minister


The former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, was confirmed as a minister after a dramatic two weeks in the Nigerian Senate. Mr. Amaechi’s screening process by the Senate was postponed three times because of growing dissent by Senators from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) against him.

SaharaReporters reported earlier today that Senators belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) threatened to remove support from Senate President Bukola Saraki if he went through with the confirmation process.

Earlier today, PDP Senators staged a dramatic walkout from the Senate Chambers allowing for APC members to confirm Mr. Amaechi. PDP leaders had demanded that Mr. Amaechi not be confirmed until the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges publish their report on his conduct while in office in Rivers State. The committee had stalled because it claimed Mr. Amaechi has a case in court, and his confirmation would be "subjudice."

dvee2:
Lol they can't even see the sarcasm in Gbawes' post.

Don't mind them. I always wonder why, as exposed by NL and other public forum, Nigerians don't appear to have a well-developed sense of wit, sarcasm and irony.

brenister10:
You are a short sighted ethnic bigot who thinks through the anus. Better go and sleep if you don't have any tangible thing to contribute.
Gbawe ko, Gbagbo ni

Amazing how Nigerians never get sarcasm and many are not naturally witty. Did you not note the foolish woman was quoted thereby indicating those were not my own words? I was being sarcastic regarding a previous comment where theVOice called her a traitor for doing her job dutifully. He was being sarcastic as well by teasing the bigots who will be quick to label her a betrayer for doing her job. It was his post below I quoted and I simply carried on the sarcasm he had led with. Some of you guys are frigging hard work.

theV0ice:
Justice Mary Odili is a betrayer and a traitor

omenka:
This is pure gold!! No greater truth than this!

Lalasticlala, it would be nice to have this on the fp as a rejoinder to the numerous inciting tirade of FFK that have been gracing the fp lately.


Cc: Chubhie, Gbawe.

Anyone who takes the opportunistic, entirely shameless, hypocritical and attention-seeking FFK seriously needs his or her head examined. You will notice most times that I never comment on anything he says. That is how lowly I view him i.e in the category of reprobates not even worth responding to. the author of the article nailed it. He worked FFK out completely and brilliantly.

Fani-Kayode is an incorrigible manipulator. He is so at peace with maneuvering facts that he doesn’t bother to renounce his last lie. He just goes on, thinking all lies told in succession rhyme.

kYjelly2:
See this dullarama posting pics of presidents using their Golf carts

Do we now see just how stupiid APC zombies are

Comparing a countries reception to transportation on a golf course, smh

It always amuses me that it is ignorant folks always quick to insult others. The comparison is contextual. If you want to travel distance on a golf course, too far to walk, you use a gold cart. Ditto airports. This is why Buhari is travelling on an approved cart inside an airport rather than in a limo. I don't see how this should be too complex for you to grasp.

creepsyme:
hhhhmmmm I see, so this is due to our presidents inability to walk?

Cut out the mischief. Who suggested that to you? You deliberately chose "the cannot walk" category yet ignored the "do not want to walk" category which would cover even a fit President the host Country hospitably insist should board a cart rather than walk a long distance.

Even if Buhari is 50, why would the host Country allow him and his entourage to walk 1 kilometre from their arrival gate to the airport exit when these carts are available to transport them in relative comfort? I don't know why you guys have be mischievous about everything.

Below are images of Obama and Bush using modest carts on a golf course. Why are they not in Limousines and why are they not walking? Because that unimpressive vehicle is the only one available to use , whether you are a President or a taxi driver, to cover long distances on a golf course. Ditto airports.


https://cryptome.org/info/obama-protect13/pict40.jpg

https://secretaryofinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/gw-bush-gordon-brow-in-golf-cart.jpg

Panzerfaust:
So they should have used a car inside an airport building?
Birds will fly,
Babies will cry,
Ships will sail,
Wailers will wail.

Thank you ojare. Perhaps he thinks the interior of airports have roads for Limousines to travel on. Nairaland is amusing at times because the utterances of some makes you realise you are rubbing e-shoulders with all sorts of characters like those, for example, who have never seen the inside hall of an airport.

creepsyme:
But wait, do dey carry their president, prime minister and other world leaders in this cack? I dnt care how much it cost^/$##%÷×

Don't you get the simple fact being pointed out to you here? If you are going to go through normal boarding or arrival, which involves walking through the interior of the airport, then this is the only vehicular transport available to all who do not want to walk or cannot walk - be it a Prime Minister or a tourist. Of course their President will not use the cart because it is his Country and he is the number one citizen and thus likely to be driven directly to the tarmac to board his plane. Anybody else who has to go through the airport, whoever they are, must walk or use the travel cart provided.

luchy34:
Its this some kind of joke or something? Does it mean that the Indian government can't provide a suitable vehicle to convey our president, I stumbled across this picture on Facebook by Sahara reporters...

https://www.facebook.com/ReportYourself/photos/pb.96184337702.-2207520000.1446026013./10153104926097703/?type=3&theater

@OP

What "suitable vehicle" are you talking about? The pictures are taken inside the airport and what you see is the approved mode of transport within the airport all travellers, whether it is the Pope or a pauper from Doha, are compelled to use if walking to board a plane or to leave the airport is not an option because of disability, age or even courtesy to important travellers. Do you think you can drive limousines and Mercedes maybachs inside airports?

omenka:


Her husband is Buhari's nephew.

The lady herself is Fulani. Her last name only changed after marriage.

theV0ice:
Justice Mary Odili is a betrayer and a traitor

Abi OOO. The "foolish woman" does not know it is always the defence of you ethnic affiliate before anything else. Nonsense and Iranu !!!!

otokx:
Suddenly the tables have turned; that is why its good to do the right thing all the time.

Indeed. Did the PDP need to rig in Rivers let alone to the nauseating extent Wike and Mama Piss did? I don't think so. Did the good people of Rivers have to witness the chaos, mayhem, deaths, thuggery and arson that Wike and mama piss sanctioned? I don't think so. What we saw was brazen, wanton and unnecessary impunity that was driven by callous souls who felt Jonathan could not lose and they could therefore do what they want and get away with it. This is absolutely a step in the right direction for our democracy because impunity must be checked otherwise Nigeria will always be misruled by leaders who believe there is no punishment for wrongdoing.

Ebiezprada:
These people cannot just let peace reign after all rivers state has been through

Do the many killed by the Wike and Mama Piss-sanctioned violence have 'peace'? Wike should face the consequences of his actions. He likes portraying himself a strong man who 'fears no one' So let him defend himself. After all, they are not peddling falsehood against him. The cowardly Jonathan they all depended on has not even said much about the plight of Wike because he is too busy trying to protect his loot by not stepping on any powerful toes. I love this drama for the fact that Wike was the face of the impunity and abuse of power the GEJ government represented.

searching4love:
BY THE TIME APC FINISHES WITH PDP, THEY WON'T EVEN HAVE MONEY TO PRINT 2019 ELECTION POSTERS AND BANNERS.

DAKUKU IS ABOUT TO ENJOY THE FEDERAL MIGHT THAT WIKE ENJOYED UNDER MAMA PISS. AMAECHI NOW HAS ACCESS TO DSS, NAVY, POLICE, EFCC, MILITARY AND OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES. THERE IS NO WAY WIKE WILL GET UP TO 100K VOTES THIS TIME

WE WILL SPREAD PROPAGANDA, MANIPULATE AND DO EVERYTHING TO TAKE OVER RIVERS AND AKWA IBOM.


UNA NEVER CHI CHUM CHIN

My brother, the moral of the story is that politicians should never forget that "payback is a b1tch" and that "power is transient". When Wike and his gang were busy rigging disgustingly and organising death, mayhem and arson they all did not think they would ever face justice. After all, in their myopic reasoning, President Jonathan and mama piss were going to wield power through the Presidency for ever. Lo and behold, God showed that he is greater than them and that "man proposes while God disposes". Let Wike face any travails that befalls him. It is all deserved in my opinion.

denko:
No amount intimidation will make rivers people to vote buhari in proxy

The bragging and empty chest-beating has begun. Who told you Buhari is GEJ to be intimidating civilians with overwhelming military force as our former President did in Osun and Ekiti? I don't know why you guys emotionally like to invite trouble upon yourselves and instigates fights when no one is fighting you.

Ask yourself if there is a solid and legal basis for ordering the rerun. If the answer is yes then how is that more to do with Buhari than with ending impunity in Nigeria and ensuring an effective deterrent system is put in place to deter the sort of very violent and desperate election rigging we saw in Rivers state?

tomakint:
Senseless write up? indeed, hunger is bad!

Bruv come on. You have made this insinuation, i.e Buhari wants to grab Rivers oil, on several threads now. With all due respect, your argument is simplistic, scaremongering and unbefitting of your intellect. The FG already collects all income from oil sales and disburse allocation to States of Nigeria according to legal arrangements which control the sharing formula. In the case of Rivers a 13% derivative addition is applicable. Are you suggesting Buhari wants to supplant his own Governor in Rivers State house who will then simply cart money to Mr.President every month in a wheelbarrow? Can you guys not simply accept that this development is entirely natural and stems from the pledge Buhari made that he will not "forgive or forget" the rigging, violence, murders and arson that went on in Rivers during the election?

Do you not remember what we all went through only a few months ago where election results came through everywhere (SW and North for example) yet the SS, because GEJ was in power, went incommunicado for days with no one being able to tell what was going on in some States of the region whereas election were followed live and transparently elsewhere? Please key into your conscience and shun Party affiliation for once. Everything related to GEJ was about total irresponsibility and excessive behaviour. Are you telling me you saw nothing wrong with the way SS States behaved aberrantly during the 2015 elections? It is now very easy to blame Buhari but this is recent history we are discussing. We all saw the shameful behaviour of Wike et al. This is now the time to show Nigeria that the days of such impunity is over.

ExInferis:
Nigeria has been at the dogs ever since a certain shoeless gentleman lucked his way into power. Now we're snatching it back by silencing the dogs.

By the way, karma is a damn b1tch. Remember when the DSS invaded the APC office? Rwmember when the DSS claimed APC was boko haram? Remember how one Mbu harrassed a sitting governor? Remember when the armed forces refused to let some governors enter ekiti? Remember how the.GEJ government grounded the plane of Amaechi? Remember how the GEJ government chased Nyako out of nigeria?

Welcome to impunity rebound.

Thank you ojare. Abeg preach bro.

Dhugal:
Guy,I'll advise you stop wasting valuable time with that bit of flotsam.
As you can see,his intent isn't to rightly inform,but to confuse the more the legions of the uninformed that make nairaland home.

Oga how far now? Shey we still dey "confuse the legions of uninformed" or has sh1t just got real? We dey laugh. Anyway, let us keep watching.

Whynotthetruth:
Never knew you were as ignorant as you displayed all over this thread...smh... and you have been boasting about your high IQ

Did I not say it that you will eventually be the one indicted of ignorance? You and others are simply too emotional to ever be able to analyse Nigerian politics effectively. "Ab0k1 will never lead us again" and "ND militant will ground Nigeria if GEJ does not get a second term" were some of your 2014 motto. Wetin dey happen today nau? Your 'strongman' GEJ has gone underground and is cowering Laurent Gbagbo-style. ND militants themselves know sey level don change. You guys need to see and acknowledge the truth about your own Country and people.