₦airaland Forum

Pukkah: Don't mind them.

Many of them are poor students of history and they're just theorists and paper tigers. They flex muscles online and beer parlours but buckle and flounder when it comes to execution.

When the journey to the present democracy started in 1999, Bola Ige and his crew were among the founding fathers of PDP. At the formative stage of the party, they realized that Barnabas Gemade and other people that were labelled 'Abacha politicians' were there, so they left the party.

They left the party and berthed in the defunct APP. The infamous Abacha politicians surfaced again and, again, they left APP. This time around, they left to form a new party. And the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was born. This is why some commentators usually say that Bola Ige 'authored' the constitutions of the three dominant parties at that time.

The then INEC bent over backwards to accommodate AD but alas, time wasn't enough for them to build a 'national network' for the new party. Where were even those that would give it a national outlook anyway? The other politicians had melted into PDP and APP. So the AD inevitably became a regional party.

The AD was lambasted and lampooned as a sectional party and all attempts to give it a national outlook failed until the party crashed into Obasanjo tsunami.

Lesson - It's ideal to expect a political party to be puritan or saintly. However, that expectation is neither practical nor pragmatic. It takes politicians (and not online warriors or commentators) to play politics and of course, politicians are not imams or pastors. And wait for this, they will never be pastors or imams.

[b]Politics by its very nature is not for saints as it involves a lot of compromise and agreements. If you doubt this then you should wonder why the much-loved Gani Fawehinmi (who started going to prison for the masses since 1969) was not elected President. Did Utomi also succeed? What of Okotie? Buhari nko?

Many people will shiver or even weep if they catch a glimpse of political agreements or compromises. Are you looking for a saintly political party? It's not possible, or let me be more optimistic - its time hasn't come. By the way, how many saintly churches or mosques do you even have in the country let alone political parties?

No single region (or even two) can alone produce a president. In reality, you need to build bridges. You need friends across the country. In politics, one enemy is too many and 1,000 friends is not enough. In cultivating this friendship, you come across all sorts - the good, the bad and the ugly. There are political lepers (literal) who although cannot milk a cow, they can easily spill a drum of milk. For the GEJ supporters abusing IBB, listen to this: Jonathan may not really love IBB, but he wouldn't want him to cross to the other side. Fact. It is the same way that the AD fatally had an Adedibu (another Abacha politician) on the other side.
[/b]
Whatever you do, people will criticize you. The same people that tongue-lashed and derided the AD as a sectional party are still taunting and insulting the ACN today for forging a much-needed alliance. So how do you satisfy people?

The objective of businesses, as taught in elementary economics, is to make profit; that of political parties is to seize power. Get used to it.

Superb contribution. Sadly many here do not have the capacity to take in what you are saying which is the pragmatic truth. They will be driven by all manners of sentiments and biases to the extent what should be terribly obvious is never discerned by so many who fancy themselves as different to those leading us.

[quote author=success_07]i thank u all dat criricised my first comment and more thanks to u gbawe for reaasonin with me...

Let me start by saying most people here are graduates of pol.sci but have neva been to a political meetin before even at d zonal level let alone ward. They ar quick to criticise but too busy to make an input. Empty barrels if u ask me...

Who is a saint in nigeria today? Only a few yet they criticise. I wonder y a yahoo boi, girl, man, woman or a cultist, or a trader at alaba sellin inferior products at d cost of d original cos e claims his products are original; or a man who will steal his boss*s time come to say one pot is black when e himself is black.

If IBB refuses to retire from politics, na u go tel am to step aside? Do u have d guts or such a liver?

What i will find an issue is what d APC will do or not do when they to power? Will they hold true to their manifesto? Where will they put d common man in the scheme of things? Will they make unpopular policies or create unpoular programmes to steal public funds? Will they emulate how govs are faring at d state in the centre? Will they implement policies that will drive d economy?

For instance, why is Nigerian budget still under fiive trillion naira when the FIRS claims they made a little over five trillion from taxation? What happened to the other incomes generated from other sources? Lets not even talk about oil revenue...

IBB said this or that is not an issue. He is a member here or there is not an issue. Is he now ready to embrace change is an issue.[/quote]Thank you. Nigeria remains how it is partly because its youth lack pragmatism, patriotism and focus. They will never 'seize the moment' and it is pointless wasting time on them because they are empty barrels. Anyone who wants Nigeria to become better should pitch political tent somewhere, get involved and be the change they want. No sitting on the fence or telling us pessimistically and vacuously that "they are all the same" while you making zero suggestions regarding viable solutions.

I really despair over the lack of ability of the Nigerian youth and his predilection for apathy, time-wasting, pessimism and empty talk as we see here daily. On average, the Nigerian youth is usually never a solutions provider or innately innovative. Yet he is the most opinionated, most unwilling to learn and most likely to remain blind to what is obvious. Not good for Nigeria. Not good at all. This is why I keep talking about evolution. Looking at the current generation of young Nigerians leaves one distinctly uninspired.

ypzilanti: Lol. Abeg free Gbawe, jare. He is just as frustrated as i am about the slow pace of development in Nigeria. As a developing country, we should be doing double digit growth every year. We have so many avenues to expand and fast track the economy.

In my experience, it is the GEJ ethnic warriors, rear end kissers, and paid propogandists that never see anything bad in GEJ government. Progress has nowhere to hide. It's always a good idea to build a road...what bad can one say about it? To further shut the critics down, go ahead and complete the project. That's why i love Keshi, all his critics have either moved over to his side, or shut the faaak up. On the other hand, Keshi could have stumbled at the AFCON and then asked us if we expected him to fix 19 years of football mismanagement in 8 months. It would have been a legitimate question too, but it would not mean that it was an impossible task to achieve. He just proved that, didn't he?

I understand Nigeria's problems are enormous and it took us about 30 years to get here. But that does not mean that the right guy cannot solve majority of our problems in 4 years. I started a topic the other day about GEJs seeming renewed vigor in governance. He should keep it up. I don't want to see any master plan or projects in the 'pipeline' as election achievements. Let us see good solid performance, then many will walk over to his side, and the rest of the critics will shut up.

Thank you .... and the poster you responded to is one of those guilty of what you identified i.e blind and unobjective azz-licking. You are right that the right President can make giant strides. That is an absolutely truthful observation even if those into self-deceit want to deceive themselves and others with the discredtied excuse that " GEJ can't solve all Nigeria's problem in 2 days" or "GJ did not cause all the problems" garbage.

First of all, bright and exposed observers will tell you that it is about the major transformational actions GEJ is deliberately not taking that makes ambitious folks, home and abroad, and even non-Nigerians, condemn him as a very poor leader. Secondly, GEJ was not elected for anything else other than to solve problems so it is pointless for anyone to justify GEJ's lack of leadership with the cop-out of "he did not cause" the problem. All in all, I think some Nigerians should literally 'get out more'. It may make them appreciate what a poor leader GEJ is.

Reference: Honestly I just don't understand this thinking and why our leaders are so bedeviled by short attention spans.

This President knows that he has a raging fire storm of bad roads back home that seem to defy every solution. He knows that moving goods and people by road is the least cost effective means and he knows the west african link is primarily for trade which means cargo, not tourists nor kids going to school so why not just put your thinking cap on add one and one together and build a rail line instead.

They say the cost of doing business in africa is high. Can you see why. Poor policies and inept decision making.

This is not about GEJ and Nigeria alone. This is a West African venture affecting ECOWAS Nations. Nigeria, regardless of what is going on with our roads, cannot stay away from this initiative. Simple as that. We may not have our our house in order but let us try and see the position of others in every situation. Everything does not begin and end with our problems and our President must still play his part as others are doing.

PapaBrowne: For the first time in the history of Gbawe's life on Nairaland. . . . . . . . . .

An article with Jonathan in it was devoid of hateful criticism. Congratulatunk!!!. I sha know you like Ghana very well and would definitely love to drive a freeeway all the way to Accra

Abeg give it a rest. Did you see me mention clueless GEJ? He remains a waste of space and this is not his initiative so don't bring your fraudulent revisionism here. It is an ECOWAS project to boost trade, regional integration and the transport of goods and services. It will pass through virtually all member States and will, hopefully, be devoid of the bottlenecks that makes road travel difficult across West Africa.

Simply because your mediocre President is mentioned does not mean you can get away with any fraud or deceit here. Furthermore, since you dragged his name into things, I think GEJ is probably the worst President in West Africa currently in terms of innate skills and suitability for his position. Others are accomplished and prepared men and women. GEJ is not. In fact, the GEJ's of the world only slow things down, as the 'weakest link', for other serious national administrator.

http://www.citifmonline.com/index.php?id=1.1290999

Construction of Lagos –Abidjan corridor road to start end of 2013

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has set the end of 2013 or early 2014 for construction work to begin on the Lagos-Abidjan highway which is expected to link its member states.

President John Dramani Mahama, briefing journalists on arrival at the KIA from the 42nd Summit of ECOWAS heads of state and governments held in La Cote d’Ivoire said the heads of states have decided on a meeting of infrastructure and roads and highways Ministers in March 2013 to speed up the process.

It is expected that the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor will stimulate the free movement of goods, services and persons and also alleviate poverty, boost regional integration as well as improving the living conditions of West Africans.

OBJ himself , perhaps more than any other politician alive today, promoted poor leaders, to the detriment of Nigeria, every chance he got. I don't think Nigeria has many bigger living enemies today than the likes of OBJ. It is obvious OBJ, with this hypocritical and narcissistic utterance disguised as nationalistic fervour, is not 'well-grounded' to say the least.

Sayfat: Gbawe! Gbawe!! Gbawe!!!
Keep teaching the pdp apologists simple and elementary political calculation.
IBB in this report exonerated himselft of being an apostle of 'two-party' system, which Obj and his co-horts destroyed, just to castrate oppositions.
IBB is happy that the nation is returning to what he designed. What a LEGACY?
The report did not convey the opinion/reaction of APC leaders, so where do the PDP goons on nairaland deduce their point from?
IBB's position on the emergence of APC is sending jiltery down the spine of d PDP because it portend a greater danger for their 2015 political aspiration.
The rumoured 12 PDP governors purported defection to APC, resulted to the formation of PDP GOV'S FORUM. What a sign of MAD (mutual assured destruction)
PDP, as infered from the last 3 lines of the report will put IBB where he belong, hmmn? Cant wait to see the end result.
All in all, congrats to all positive-thinkers.
To those who are tired of the 14 years rule of PDP, congratulations in advance.
The GOOD NEWS is that the 'HOUSE' is collapsing; PDP is on self-destruction mission.
PDP on the brink of collapse; what a Victory for NIGERIANS.

I am glad you see the big picture. Anyone who thinks I am a fan of IBB simply does note get it. I am only interested in the emasculation of the PDP. The truth is that many on this thread, even as we are of opposing views, mean well for Nigeria. Yet only few will possess the clarity of vision and lack of sentiments that enables a perception of the big picture pertinent to gaining victory at the all-important centre.

I welcome chaos in the PDP household and will be very happy for the likes of IBB to publicly undermine the PDP. If IBB can be used in some positive way for the APC, why the heck not? It is all Party politics and representative of a level where inflexibility and lack of foresight can ruin everything. Even as we want what is best for Nigeria, we will, like Gani Fawehinmi et al, continue to lose out to those who are cynically effective at exploiting the reality of Nigeria many of us are too sentimental to appreciate or accommodate.

bigass: are this people dreaming? this is 2013 they supposed to be talking about high speed trains Jonathan has taken his cluelessness across border

You are not correct here. It is not about high speed trains alone. It cannot be. It is all about an efficient, flexible and varied transport mix developed through optimal cost efficiency. There are several ways I can travel to France and the Netherlands from the UK. Road, Ferry, the Euro-tunnel trains are all options facilitated by a flexible transport mix.

I fully support this effort because I believe in efficient transportation of goods and services across the West African hub to stimulate SME business growth, economic development and increase inter-continental trading between African nations. Very good development if it is not another 'lip service' exercise.

skyfall: @Gbawe

While i understand your logic, i think that trying to sell IBB is taking it a bit too far. If he somehow works against the PDP behind the scenes, maybe. But IBB's open declaration for APC will wash away the credibility it's got so far and the easy acceptance it has gained from Nigerians. I can't imagine an IBB standing with and campaigning for a future presidential candidate. That will be easy cannon for PDP against the APC. As we said earlier, if IBB leaves the PDP and stands on his own or retires from politics, it'a huge minus for PDP and a plus for APC. But if he leaves and joins the APC, it WILL definitely backfire. APC does not need IBB.

I am not trying to "sell" the man . I despise him immensely. My point is that politicians will be politicians. If he can contribute something deemed positive then it won't be rejected by the APC because everything is about the sum total. Ask some of those who followed the 2011 elections on this forum and you will realise there was a stage Ribadu even openly agitated over why IBB,Ciroma, Atiku et al could not endorse him or Buhari if they kept insisting GEJ was a poor candidate likely to take the country backwards. A good politician will look at what others have to say and can contribute. Tinubu, for example, will not be where he is today but for this concept. We can all be as emotional as we want but politicians remain about personal interest and doing what is best to secure that. Obviously they will be careful not to court infamy openly but, as I said earlier, the APC is simply not ready to depose the PDP if it cannot pragmatically use every tool to get what it wants.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news/apc-wont-discriminate-says-tinubu-after-talks-with-buhari/

APC won’t discriminate, says Tinubu after talks with Buhari
Posted by: Tony Akowe, Kaduna and Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja on February 27, 2013 in Featured, News 58 Comments

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is open to all progressive-minded people who are interested in turning Nigeria’s fortune around, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said yesterday.
According to him, the newly formed party will not discriminate in its membership drive.
The former Lagos governor spoke in Kaduna after a meeting with former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
Gen. Buhari, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) leader and Tinubu are driving the merger of political parties that have formed the APC.
Also yesterday, the leader of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) merger committee, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said four more political parties were interested in joining the APC.
Tinubu said all those who are genuinely interested in Nigeria’s progress and want to join the APC would be welcomed on board.
He said that even if PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur wanted to join the APC, he would be welcomed.
The former governor, responding to a question on whether the APC was wooing some PDP governors, said: “If that is a strategy on our part, should I tell you?
“The facts remain that we must talk to everybody and must woo them. If Bamanga Tukur is interested, we will invite him and talk to him. The APC is a party to stay with, work with and to share the vision of eliminating corruption, ineptitude in governance and lack of employment for our people.
“If you are threatened by lack of security, enter an APC, if you have persistent headache, use APC”.
He added: “I am here just to consult with Gen. Buhari on the new party that has come to be and look at the various other options for a one-man-one-vote in the country.
“The merger will definitely work out this time around. I have been very consistent in saying that it is only through a strong determination and commitment and the sacrifice of the people that we will succeed.
“It is not only about us as individuals. There are lots of speculations going on this time around and they have even chosen our presidential candidate for us and all of that.
“It was a banner headline in Nigeria Tribune. Let me say that it is the story of people who are already afraid and scared of the unity of purpose that is coming up in the country. In essence, we are all committed to democratic principles and values for this country and to rescue the nation.
“To do that, we must be a united body and ready to rescue the nation with one mission, vision and one single commitment to alleviate the problems of the masses. It is not about individual; it is not about Gen. Buhari.
“If he wants money from the government, he will always get it. But he stands for the truth and the cause of the masses and the redemption of our democratic values, justice and progress.
“These are the things that we need to harness the opportunity that is here in this country to get it moving and moving forward, but not in the manner it has been going for the past 16 years.”
National Chairman of ANPP Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said the APC would clearly show that there is a difference between the ruling party and the progressive coalition party.
“When the 2015 contest comes in, it will be between the conservatives and the progressives and when the people make their views known, it will be clear which of the two they prefer,” he said.
He said the ANPP was committed to ensuring that all major opposition parties work together.
Onu assured Nigerians that once the APC is registered, the party would not disappoint them, adding that it will protect the interest of the ordinary man.
“We will put the interest of ordinary Nigerians in the affairs of governance,” he said, because this is what has been causing problems in the country’s governance.
Shekarau, who presented the progress report, explained that the ANPP committee was set up on October 6 to carry out the assignment of ensuring the rebuilding of the party structure at the state and local council offices.

byrron: I honestly do appreciate ur matured and candid response and ur views as well.
I am a big fan of independent candidate and seriously hope that the national assembly should delibrate on that and pass it as a law.

That is why I mentioned the 40 years proviso. An independent candidate can simply not win at the centre because of the funding and grassroot backing required. The problem with Nigerian politics is that majority of movers and shakers will only assist you for what they wish to gain in return for help offered.

We are not the stage where other Countries have reached, and take for granted, whereby nationalism and genuine altruism can see a very good candidate gaining immense support and backing.

Were Utomi and Gani Fawehinmi not effectively independent candidates? How well did they fare? My brother, we have no choice ,as adults, but to adopt pragmatism in our outlook. I used to be idealistic but I realised that I had no right dreaming of utopia without accepting that political dreams only come true if people understand the need to embrace what is practical and achievable in a graduated process.

..

all4naija: Did I insult you in any way? I don't think so. You are the one with poor comprehension here. Indeed, I just explained further your statement about the man called IBB. I can't see where the long sentiment is coming from you are squarely alluding to here.

My take on the matter from your comment is to point you to the reason why he is not useful, although, you think there is something still useful about him. Please, stop taking the matter out of context .

I am not saying youths should take over. I am saying youths should take their rightful places and fight for their rights. Another thing, these corrupt leaders aren't needed for that to be successful. You see. You misunderstood me there.

Thank you.

Please stop playing victim. If you understand what I have said it would be clear what you write below is indeed an insult. I am the last person to respect the IBB's of the world or desire their continuous relevance in Nigerian politics. That does not mean I fail to recognise why they are still relevant and why the pragmatic person must work with reality.

I just accept I don't have an ally in you and other Nigerian youths because you are all mainly shallow, unprincipled when it really matters, unwilling to stay the course and vacuously noisy. You will be the last to fight for what you believe in and will be the easiest to compromise. Why should I then take you seriously when you talk loudly about "youths taking over" when your real character and the situation on the ground show that this is only hollow noise? Why not, if I want Nigeria to move forward, do it as a voter empowering the lesser devil or via getting involved like the Fayemis, Rochas, Ribadus et al? The last thing I will do , as a realistic person, is engage in the deluded fantasy that the Nigerian youths will depose the IBB's of the world. I would rather put my efforts towards supporting the Ribadus and FAsholas to do it or getting involved myself. Those are the only options I deem viable.

It is like of you as a citizen that keeps this country from moving forward. You keep believing we can not do anything without these thieves

all4naija: He is not need. It is like of you as a citizen that keeps this country from moving forward. You keep believing we can not do anything without these thieves. We are told the youths are the future of any nation. Jeez!

I don't have time for people like you long on sentiment yet extremely poor on comprehension. If you think I am praising the likes of IBB or advocating they endure, then you must simply not get it that I have always implied that the IBB's linger because people like you and all the impotent loud-mouths here are a disgrace to what youths are worldwide. Let me tell you this for free. If 10% of Nigerian youths were like me, Babangida will be spending his time walking his grand kids to school in Hampstead, London. I recognise what Babangida is and more importantly, I recognise what empty barrel "youths" like you are about i.e empty noise-making yet you will p1ss yourself if face to face with IBB.

Your impotence is the reason many geriatrics are still dominant in Nigerian politics. One would at least expect you to honestly accept that instead of continuously regurgitating the vacuously braggart notion you and other Nigerian youths even have the skills or determination to control your destiny

Quit this mythical "youth will take over" BS you Nigerians talk about but never display the balls to actualise. The sad truth is that Nigerian youths remain childish, overly deferential to elders, lackadaisically unquestioning of authority and unaware of their own powerful/pivotal position in society. Only a fool will join such a 'handicapped' model of youth to fight a serious battle.

[quote author=success_07]of the little i konw of politics, "no permanent friend, no permanent enemy". IBB is free to say whatever he wants...like it or not, he is a big force in the north save d anti-pdps and only a few can say no in that north if he says yes and that goes a long way.

I criticised the then AC for allowing Audu Ogbe but till date that has not stopped the party from marching on in the southwest as most of us have seen. Does anyone think the ACN would not have made it to the north? Trust me they would but it would only have taken time. ACN was beginnin to find relevance in the east before the merger. The merger has only hasten the process.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel started with the AD before he migrated to the pdp only for him to become like them all of a sudden. I am beginnin to think that the PDP is cancerous...
If IBB migrates to the APC, will he be relevant? I dare say yes but only as a strategist but never as a political office holder.Its better u ahve him tinker for u than against u. Mind u, political parties are like d church where even d devil cannot be chased away...

Does the PDP have a manifesto? Never heard of it. The ACN had one and I heard the new APC has made one... They have a direction. So if none adheres, he b deterred from further participation i think.

Let fresh party come for a start and letus c the effect of a none pdp led administration for a stat[/quote]My opinion too. Folks like IBB have gotten to the stage where they will accept the need for working politically to ensure they can live the rest of their life in comfort and not because they seek political office/relevance per se or as a primary motivation.

byrron: Too simplistic and a very narrow view!
U r just begging the issue I raised and u vnt addressed it.
I don't have any issues with the criminals teaming up but I ve issues with we the citizens not been able to reason and ur response is exactly what I am talking about.
So we are boxed in a corner right? We can't do anything about it than just to make do with some of the criminals turned saint just because they are nw sailing in d new boat right?
I beg to differ from such line of thought sir.
U are free to sail along but I have made up my mind to damn them all, I might be in the minority which obviously I am but I refused to be on a roller coaster like the majority who has no memory of the past even when it stairs at them yet they prefer to delude themselves.
Sir, u don't keep doing the same thing and expect dfrnt results.
Think, think and think- don't we have other options as citizens to do away with all these criminals that have been exploiting us for years irrespective of the party or association they belong to?
If u say there is no choice than to keep reshuffling these known criminals in dfrnt political parties like packs of cards then we as citizens shouldn't complain anymore if the outcome goes against our expectations.
U are entitled to ur convictions and that is the essence of our existance but I am not in a hurry to forget the past more expecially when the signs of the past keeps manifesting in the present then a rational being should be able to draw an inference and be able to predict with a great deal of accuracy of what to expect in the future.
Logic should apply here and not grammer just for ego sake.
The biggest truth is the one u tell urself sir. I know I am in the minority and these are my candid views and I don't need to row with ur views cos its same reasoning that got us to this present predicament we find ourselves as citizens and as a nation and I aint gonna toe that same line of reasoning again.
Thanks for ur time. Cheers

I can appreciate your position and I have absolutely no interest in getting you to think otherwise because we are all adults. What is important is for you to know that we must all plan for the future in life. Saying "they are all the same" while remaining outside the process, and offering no viable alternatives, is unhelpful in my opinion.

Can you clearly and concisely suggest a workable way forward with real names and politically practical models that can take us in the right direction all within a realistic time frame that will not put us where others were 40 years ago?

Let us not have any vague and ambiguous suggestions either because you made mention of "grammer for ego sake" without realising I am about more than that and ready to discuss ideas in details if folk here show a predilection for it and will not disappear when challenged to veritably and factually defend their political stance. Let us have your suggestion and we can analyse the workability of it. I am always willing to learn.

lagerwhenindoubt: Quite frankly, you have much weight and experience in the Politics section.. while i have not, I have engaged youths in voting in my LGA during the last ETI-OSA LGA elections which sadly you know how that ended in favor of ACN (check my posts). Have you looked at the content and character (and performance) of the LGA Chairmen and Councillors over the last 12 years.. surely a Che is not what is needed (hoe u got to that point is a mystery to me). POLITICAL AWARENESS is. are you a card-carrying member of ACN? what Ward, I have friends in ACN and the relationship is beyond party politics. so give me a buzz let us collaborate

Yes I am and I don't deny it. I don't believe in hanging around in the middle in life or standing for nothing. Of course this is the wrong forum to be admitting political affiliation because every comment you make is then judged from this perspective but I personally don't care because cowardly conduct is not justifiable to me.

What is worse, in my opinion, is for a Nation so badly led and being looted stupendously to also be the one boasting of apathetic folks who have somehow made it fashionable to be 'neutral'. Some wear it like a badge of honour here shouting "they are all the same". How will repeating that a million times bring change? Is it not better to get involved in the process and be the change you seek?

You are better off trying to replace the Tinubus et al from the inside instead of suggesting young people who don't stand for anything, and are more interested in their I-phone than politics, help you effect change from outside the system. Accept the reality of Nigeria and work with it.

lagerwhenindoubt: Quite frankly, you have much weight and experience in the Politics section.. while i have not, I have engaged youths in voting in my LGA during the last ETI-OSA LGA elections which sadly you know how that ended in favor of ACN (check my posts). Have you looked at the content and character (and performance) of the LGA Chairmen and Councillors over the last 12 years.. surely a Che is not what is needed (hoe u got to that point is a mystery to me). POLITICAL AWARENESS is. are you a card-carrying member of ACN? what Ward, I have friends in ACN and the relationship is beyond party politics. so give me a buzz let us collaborate

Look, don't take my utterances as criticism. I just dislike insincere utterance, for the sake of populism, that is starkly at odds with reality. The way I see it is that Nigerians are apathetic cowards. They will bash in the brains of commoners yet lie down supine in prostration and obeisance before the political thieves who have turned them into glorified beggars.

The youth especially are too divided, too shallow, too devoid of ideas, too distracted and too worthless at solutions provision to even be a shadow of the youths of other Nations. An inspired youth class get Nations out of trouble with their innovative endeavors everywhere.

That is not Nigeria and a realistic person will agree the best option remains to support those who can make a difference, like Fashola and Ribadu et al, till evolution lends a hand to aid us getting where we need to go. Which youth do you think will join you to hound their "own" all in the spirit of "let us get rid of these old thieving bastards" ? Don't you read comments here to note the same youths you have misguided hope in praising the 'recycling' of Anenih?

Why not try right now convening SS youths to support your group touting a talented Yoruba individual to depose GEJ? See if they will volunteer for such an "embrace merit" ideal once their own is the "victim". Who are those who dislike Fashola here the most? Are they not youths? Why don't you begin trying to get them support Fashola to replace GEJ considering all neutral folks and non-Nigerians don't even think Fashola and GEJ should be mentioned in the same sentence as far as administrative talent is concerned? These same youth will argue Fashola is the devil and GEJ is "the best President ever". I think you know the truth behind that flight of fantasy. Are they the same youth you want to partner with? March with a few youths and they will be the ones to plunge the knife in your back when they have been paid off. You should face the fact that your nation has serious problems revolving around a very morally compromised people. Non more indicative of this than "youths" . Solutions need to be pragmatic and realistic.

Had it been Nigerian youths were impressive, moderately principled and politically sophisticated then I would be more than happy to join you risking life and limb for change. I don't need to remind you of how the subsidy protest was turned into a "Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani plot against GEJ"? In virtually all nations on earth national unity, political maturity and oneness of purpose would make everyone see that it is plain wrong to support a very corrupt President who decided to punish poverty-addled Nigerians instead of tackle scammers and the sort of unacceptable theft he swore to protect Nigerians against.

Bottom line is that we have different beliefs. Your radical pontifications will never work and sound populist to me in face of what is on the ground. I think Nigerian youths were even more passionate and united in the days of Gani than today. You do your thing and I will do mine which revolves around senstitizing Nigerians to vote for the lesser devil instead of shouting unrealistically about a Jerry Rawlings 'cull' and suggesting 'saints' who cannot even deliver their streets. I just hope you can sometimes talk as if you recognize the reality on the ground. No one, anywhere, can deliver solutions until they understand the problem.

Maxymilliano: People are really missing the point here, IBB is an apostle of two party system, hence the endorsement of viable opposition parties, as against regional and mushroom structure that currently adorned the landscape.

The endorsement has nothing to do with whatever is happening in PDP, IBB is a Stateman and his endorsement of APC as a viable opposition to PDP shouldn't be construed as what some folks wished it to be...

In another news...

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has endorsed the emergence of All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it is a good political development for the country.

He also said the merger of political parties into one formidable force has vindicated the policy of two party system his administration introduced in 1992.

Speaking with Journalists on Thursday at his Uphill residence in Minna, Niger State, Babangida recalled that he was criticised and vilified when he introduced Social DemocraticParty (SDP) and National Republican Party (NRC) but expressed happiness at the coming together of four of the opposition parties to form APC.

The former military leader noted that the development may return the country back to two party system, adding that the emergence of APC was not only good development but a viable platform to provide credible opposition and choice for others.

Babangida, who is a card carrying member ofthe ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said, ”I was a very good advocate of two parties system. When I said two party system,you people said I am a soldier, now you have seen reason why I went for two party system. I am happy for the emergence of APC, it is a welcome political development.”

... In my opinion, emergence of APC is a welcome development and should be applauded irrespective of the the people behind the formation...

Look, for once stop the suggestive manipulation of opinion when there is no room to allow for it. Everyone does it here but best to keep it to what can be supported directly by submitted articles. Clearly, the article makes it clear IBB seemed ambivalent associating himself with the PDP at a time he speaks favorably about the APC merger. No point flippantly saying this is exclusively about IBB's long held view that the two-Party system is best and desirable.

It was reported that when asked whether the development would not pose a problem for his party (PDP), Babangida retorted: “PDP or my party? Which one is my party? PDP was my party,” and was said to have declined further comment on the statement.
However, it was gathered that the leadership of the PDP was concerned that such a statement could come from a respected elder of the party.
His comments, it was gathered, are being viewed as a confirmation of earlier speculations that Babangida was one the brains behind the formation of APC since he had failed to get the PDP’s nod over his presidential ambition which dates back to 2003.
“We are worried as a party if IBB actually made those comments on the emergence of APC. I think the national secretariat of our party needs to get in touch with the Niger State chapter to confirm his membership status so as to know what to do with him. The constitution of the party is very clear. To me, this is anti-party,” a PDP chieftain told Saturday Tribune in confidence, in Abuja, on Friday.

lagerwhenindoubt: as usual, these eternally wicked politicians and greedy murders will continue to entertain the minds of gullible Nigerians (99.9%). come what may, a change in the political landscape will not change anything for Nigeria unless we begin to slowly weed out the present crop or generation of politicians - lazy, young, illiterate and corrupt bas$3tards. is the composition of APC not as equally (bloodily) corrupt as PDP? We all (responsible youths only) must begin to engage ourselves in active politics.. we must become politically aware.

You really must move beyond stating this much-abused and ultimately hollow cliche over and over again - given the youth apathy and political indifference that is the sad reality on the ground in Nigeria. What political body/organisation , attempting to harness the strength of the youths you so much believe in, have you personally created to match the Che Guevera + Patrice Lumumba passion with which you speak here? Guevera, Lumumba, Sankara et al did not just talk you know.

take dat: This coming from Tribune, I'll take it with a pinch of salt! I have not read elsewhere where it was reported that he is throwing his weight behind the new party, but that he welcomes a two-party arrangement. IBB still remains a behemoth of some sort and a force to reckon with in our political landscape, but I do not believe the major movers of the new party will want an IBB to be publicly associated with the party, knowing fully well, that he has an integrity deficit, and one cannot understand his body language and inner scheming.

Both sides, in my opinion, would not want an open and formal association. Nonetheless, politics remain about permanent interests. IBB may work with the APC and this would not be obvious. For example, can anyone really tell decisively who Gusau (former NSA) worked with during the last election? Is Gusau in any political office today?

skyfall: IBB's disenchantment with PDP is a big minus for the party which is of course a plus for the opposition. I guess you guys' (Jonathan's cheerleaders) sentiments did not allow you to infer this simple logic. No where in that interview was APC mentioned. And even in previous news stories, IBB did not endorse APC as a party. He only said that he liked the idea of having 2 strong parties.

He hasn't publicly shown interest in joining the APC, and even if he does, APC's willingness to admit him is another story entirely. Personally, due to his past contribution to the decimation of this country, I see him as a stain on a party like APC which has the intention of winning the people's hearts.

Indeed. Well-said. I think IBB himself knows the game is over as far as any personal political ambition. Nonetheless, he may form part of the ideological core of the PDP determined to ensure GEJ does not get his way reneging on his pledge to Northern PDP elements - especially as it is common knowledge the APC will field a Northern Presidential candidate. He will not openly join the APC in my opinion but may be one of those who will work to undermine GEJ. Either way, and as much as GEJ "cheerleaders" want to console themselves, this is another prominent and arguably influential Nigerian who may be another 2015 enemy GEJ does not need. It would be foolish for the APC to reject IBB's offer of assistance if it comes. I don't personally wish the APC to make the mistake the Fawehinmi, Soyinka et al made. I.e going around in 'Ivory tower' rigidity that blinds one to the reality of Nigeria to ensure the very bad guys always win to the detriment of what the Ganis want to see.

Afam4eva: Are these parties challenging the PDP just for the heck of it. I mean, do they really have something to offer or is it just that they want to be the new sheriffs in town? If they want to be an alternative to what we have currently then they have to look the part and not open their doors to anyone whose history is questionable. It's a shame that when a party is asked for their ideology, their answer will be "Our ideology is to take over from PDP". Tufiakwa.

It is either you support the APC or you don't. all these self-important and attention-seeking antics many of you are displaying is not commensurate with the decisiveness and humility our Nation needs from us all. For example, how are you and others going to know what the APC have to "offer" till you let them enunciate it and you then judge based on that? Why take the lazy road of making assumptions, and then speaking based on that, when you don't want to be an active and supportive participant? Nothing stops you waiting to find out what the APC will offer before damning or supporting them.

You accuse them of opening their door to anyone. They are the opposition for crying out loud and not a typical opposition for that matter. This is an opposition to a ruling Party that has ridiculously bastardized the basic ethos of nationhood to produce a model that simply puts all institutions and virtually the nations entire wealth at the disposal of the ruling Party. We all know what the subsidy scandal contributed to GEJ's 2011 'win'. What would it ultimately matter if the likes of IBB contributed some strength, which may perhaps make the difference, if the Utomis, Ribadus, Fasholas and Oshiomholes will man the most pivotal offices?

I have read where you claim you will support the APC because you believe they are the better option. Well, I can only urge you to contact a non-Nigerian friend to see what obtains elsewhere and how others act when they have decided to support a political Party as the "best option". If you believe in a political Party , as the best option, you must support it because reasonable folks assume you have weighed up the pros and cons to make up your mind. There is no allowance, for prevarications that, to me, reveals a desire to be populist and not 'lose' anyone on any side. Imagine if the APC was exclusively supported by 'unsure', hesitant and self-undermining folks like you? Can the Party win? Better folks like you just pitch your tent with the PDP because you don't seem to appreciate the implied contract that comes with making a very important political choice.

Afam4eva: Will IBB and other PDP stalwarts that you guys have labelled thieves and killers suddenly become progressives once they join APC. I'm assuming those in APC currently are progressives.

Stop saying the same thing over and over again in different ways that are all united in redundancy. Every politician bring something. The APC would not be a Party with a winning mentality if it simplistically discriminates based on the past Party affiliation of potential new members.

Every candidate should pragmatically be inspected on an individual basis and managed well within the overall mission target of the APC. The APC should remain amenable to leveraging on any Political strength offered. Otherwise it has no business attempting to depose a Party that has cornered every aspect of Nigerian institutional ethos to remain in power. If people like you have your way, with you unambitious and unfeasibly populist talk, then Nigeria will keep producing Utomi and Gani Fawehinmi 'saintly' figures as challengers to the PDP. For obvious reasons, those sort, unless backed by a pragmatic political machine, will fail against the PDP in 100 attempts over 400 years.

Afam4eva: That's the hypocrisy that we're talking about. The same IBB that has been demonized by the same people are happy because he endorsed their party. I won't be surprised if the same people praise satan if he endorses their party.

Simple Simon, what "hypocrisy"? You are so one-dimensional it is unreal. No one gives a rat azz for IBB's endorsement. The point , whether you can see it or not let alone admit it, is that those who made the PDP strong and a party with the much vaunted "national spread" seem determined to abandon the Party.

If IBB joined the APC today, what can he be other than a subordinate to Tinubu, Buhari, Shekarau and even new partner Rochas ? IBB cannot come to the APC to dictate to anyone or have his image laundered clean but APC strategists would be fools not understanding that it is best having Messi sitting unused on their own reserve bench than having him playing against them.

byrron: [b]PDP CHIEFTAINS SUPPORTING AND POSSIBLY DECAMPING TO THE NEW BRIDE IN TOWN CALLED APC AND U GUYS ARE HAPPY?
IF PDP MEMBERS, THE SAME PEOPLE THAT HAS LOOTED THE COUNTRY AND NOW JOINED THE OTHER LOOTERS THAT FORMED APC THEN WHAT IS THE JOY? WHAT ARE WE REALLY CELEBRATING?

OK, we don't like the name pdp but we don't mind the same oppressors or criminals changing names or decamping to continue doing the same thing in as much as they don't bear the name PDP abi?

Last time i checked, its the same names that have been looting our common wealth and have been decamping from one party to the other that came to form the new bride called APC and an open invitation has also been given to members of the other looting party called PDP to come and join them in the new amalgam of oppressors.

When are we going to start making use of our brains as citizens?

we are damn too gullible, once a known criminal decamps to another party he becomes a saint and we erase all his antecedents from our brains or 1kb memory cards.

Well, our situation now is like having an option of choosing between the devil (PDP) or Satan (APC)and any choice we make gives us the same result. PDP + APC (amalgam of political criminals)= 2 sides of same coin.

the situation is just a hopeless one and the alternative is as hopeless as the former so nothing to cheer about, its just a cyclical movement with out motion.

im sure if Goodluck Johnathan decamps today even as the president to APC, he becomes a progressive automatically and the story line will change in as much as the name pdp is not mentioned, he becomes gej and not pdp the same way most of u voted gej and not pdp.
something is wrong with all of us especially we the citizens
[/b]

Simplistic. Why do you think any PDP politician joining the APC will be anything more than just a pragmatic political acquisition for overall strength? Do you people assume we will simply have a pseudo-PDP government when the likes of Tinubu, Buhari and many other important leaders of the merger have, for many years, risked life and limb to resist the PDP? We should all learn to take our examples from what is logically obvious instead of talking as if sentiments has ruined our ability to reason..

The top CEOs in the world keep moving around because some recognise that it is beneficial to retain their expertise and specialist knowledge. Yet, it is the unique needs and aims of the companies that CEOs, wherever they are coming from, must adapt to and not the other way round.

ROSSIKE: APC is happy to be endorsed by a criminal like IBB?

Says a lot about the party.

Where did you get this in the whole article? There is no single reference to any opinion from anyone linked to the APC in the article that confirms your notion the APC is "happy to be endorsed by a criminal like IBB". Kindly show you have some capacity for staying within what is directly mentioned and factually inferred instead of fraudulently 'stretching' the parameters to suit whatever motivates your input.

If you cannot do this, limited to what the article covers, then we must assume you are now paranoid-delusional enough to ludicrously infer that the submissions of your fellow Nairalanders is the opinion of the APC. In an article exclusively concerning the opinion of Babangida and PDP leaders you somehow conclusively deduce what the position of the APC is? What a mind-reader. Can I have the lottery numbers?

Billyonaire: I am surprise that IBB is very popular amongst the underdogs, This is a Military Dictator who annulled June 12, killed MKO Abiola, and set this country backwards. This IBB should have been shamefully sacked from PDP and publicly executed if not for respect we have on past Presidents. In his very careful and maradonic move, he uttered an inconclusive statement and the APC (should I say Chloroquin) parasites are scrambling for wants of words. Is IBB relevant in today's Nigeria ? The answer is No, IBB is the reason we are in darkness. It takes a GEJ to refocus our steps.

This is not about IBB's popularity or "modern relevance" but a fraudster and discredited charlatan like you would never realise that in your constant obsession with attacking others and holding brief for those you support clannishly. Accept it or not, the likes of IBB contributed to making the PDP what it is today. If their ilk all left the Party, divisive, crudely opportunistic and treacherous GEJ does not have the natural intelligence or vision to make the Party into anything other than a shrivelled shell. That is very good for the APC and for Nigeria.

The GEJ you claim is "refocusing steps" is only able to be where he is using the PDP platform built by the IBB's of the world even as fools like you are too blind to accept this. It will be very interesting seeing how GEJ fares in an aspect of politics his myopic opportunism and very limited ability means he is unlikely to excel at. I.e the part of politics totally about Party strength, cohesiveness and efficacy which is ultimately very necessary to the capture of the most important offices.

Ufeolorun: Don't you get tired of this constant ethnic baiting ni? Ojomiloju o just maybe the perennial chest beaters conventions here would stop if you simiedor and let them "give themselves brain"

Thank you. On every side, the most hateful and most divisive always win here. They are always the loudest here and consistently overshadowing the voices of unity and reason who happen to be in the minority by far. A sad microcosm of Nigeria somewhat whereby those most bereft of ideas and lacking the ability to unite our Nation for the better, and set inspirational examples, always find themselves in the most important/influential position they use to regress the lives of everyone.

The way I see it is that those obsessed with ethnic baiting here are simply not and can never be part of the solution. We have a modern world around us where liberal ideas are shaping societies for the better yet we fight like cavemen here daily. Tragic for Nigeria.

Tigerhead: @gbawe

It would be good if the fantasies that you opposition types had was real. I would like PDP to sit up and do better, but the truth is nothing we hear is due to the opposition at least not the ACN led opposition, it is PDP attending to long needed in house cleaning. This cleaning will go on for awhile longer and may in fact get messier, but PDP will emerge leaner and much more focused and dangerous. There is no danger of the new yet to be merged party winning in 2015, you guys can only win on Nairaland and other places where your voters are called names like "Garri".

Whatever floats your boat. "Opposition types"? Are people like you for real? Anyway, I am coming to accept that talking to most Nairalanders means accepting the premise that conversation will have a flavour of surrealism.

It is even normal here for many to talk in contrast to what is indeed desirable and being delivered by evolution throughout the world. Nigeria too, whether your ilk like it or not, will evolutionarily fall in line. Naturally, you and others will not want to accept this with your devotion to individuals, entities and political Parties. It will not remain acceptable for abjectly mediocre leadership to endure as society evolves. Naturally, a people growing more ambitious, more demanding, more impatience and more politically sophisticated will seek change as soon as possible. As simple as that.

Even if you have no capacity to appreciate it, we are talking of universal concepts, sweeping modern existence, that will outlive and outlast all of us. You can keep dreaming and talking according to the ridiculous conditioning your nation bestows upon you. Exposed and well-read folks know that it is ridiculous to talks as if the PDP will remain a law unto itself when the delivery of abjectly poor leadership is its main identity. The inane talk of "we will rule for 6O years" is delusional garbage, for dinosaurs like you, that can only be valid if this was 1920 and if the world was now not so well-connected making Nigerians see what obtains elsewhere to enable them appreciate they deserve far better.

drnoel: hehehe, let the pressures continue. Anything to straighten PDP 4rm their croaked path is welcomed...

Correct. If we are a nation of people who have minimal political sophistication then it would be obvious that the serious treat of losing power can destroy the elite-centred lootocracy Nigeria has become. The argument over whether man is innately good or bad can go on forever. What cannot be disputed is the fact that lack of deterrent/punishment for wrong-doing give rise to the sort of nation Nigeria has become.

The truth is that the PDP has operated with callous impunity for 14 years as the ruling Party. Even if Nigerians are too bigoted and biased to appreciate it, there must be punishment for what the PDP is getting away with so as to maintain evolutionary order and a march forward. Vital to vote out non-performers so that a culture of "perform or be kicked out" is enshrined. By putting in the effort, even if making mistakes in the process, humanity will get where it needs to go. Doing Nothing is not an option if a Nation is ambitious and desirous of progress.

APC has risen up to challenge a Party that is one of the worst and most ineffective in the world in my opinion. Positive-minded Nigerians should be in support of the new Party and wish it success in rattling the comfort zone a very evil Party languish in to the detriment of Nigeria.

gabriel212: Am very sure APC is holding the Government house in 2015 with slide victory over the pdp( coz of division withing the party unless GEJ drop his 2nd term bid)

It obvious where GEJ is leading the PDP. Very good for the APC.