₦airaland Forum

[quote author=Ileke-IdI]True!

Even most ppl are shifting towards Chinese language classes.[/quote]Indeed. There is an aspect of this issue people are not entertaining. What the Lagos assembly is considering is an idea being proactively considered elsewhere because of competitive advantage. Nigeria is the largest black Nation on earth and I think this suggestion comes because of thoughts about the future. Certainly worth looking, in detail, at the pros and cons. The can even consider a survey conducted to get the input of parents.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/jan/04/modernlanguages-languages

Primary pupils 'should learn Mandarin'

Children should learn languages of countries where Britain has important business contacts, says Ed Balls
Share 26

guardian.co.uk, Monday 4 January 2010 15.54 GMT
Primary school pupils should learn Mandarin and Arabic to help UK businesses, the government said today.

The schools secretary, Ed Balls, said UK plc increasingly needed children to learn the languages of countries where Britain had "very important business contacts".

All secondary schools should offer lessons in Mandarin, he said, citing a poll in which bosses rated the language the most useful for their employees to speak after French and German.

The government also wants Mandarin and Arabic lessons made available to primary school pupils. From next year, all primary schools must offer pupils aged seven and older lessons in a foreign language. The government said primary schools could choose from a wide range of languages, from Arabic to Mandarin and Japanese to French.

"From this year, all key stage 2 children (age seven to 11) should have the opportunity to learn a language in class time," a report by the Department for Children, Schools and Families said. "All secondary school pupils should have the opportunity to learn languages like Mandarin if they choose."

In the Confederation of British Industry's poll of 581 businesses conducted last year, 38% of bosses said they were looking for staff with Mandarin or Cantonese.

Just over half – 52% – wanted French speakers, while 43% and 28% wanted German and Spanish respectively. Mandarin would become as popular a language as French, German or Spanish, Balls predicted.

Teenagers will be able to take Mandarin as a GCSE from this year. One in seven secondary schools already offers Mandarin. Those that do not could pool resources to offer the language, Balls said.

Balls said: "In this new decade, our ties with emerging economies like China will become even more important and it's vital that young people are equipped with the skills which they need, and British businesses need too, in order to succeed in a rapidly changing world. That's why we want all secondary pupils to have the opportunity to learn up and coming languages like Mandarin if they choose, either at their own school or at a nearby school or college. In the coming years, we will see this subject sitting alongside French, Spanish and German as one of the most popular languages for young people to learn.

"There are a number of big countries which are very important in terms of business contacts for our country. This is not a pledge, but an ambition."

afam4eva: How i'm i being rude? What i said is my personal opinion which possesses a strong aversion to your assertion.

We all know what English has cost of as a nation. Yet we still want to put salt on top of an already inflicted injury. Is it not enough that some of our children can't master and even understand their own mother tongue due to people likeness for the English language. Don't you think it will become worse if Chinese is introduced?

I see no reason why Chinese should be taught anywhere. If it's about communication then we'll get an interpreter. Btw, hasn't China being doing business with non-Chinese speaking countries. How have they been managing?...

Look, I am not totally sold on the idea but I think we should hear the pros and cons as it applies to Nigerians.

I don't think you are correct assuming that learning a foreign language weakens the ability to retain fluency in a native language.

What should be discouraged is parental discrimination against native languages. Some Nigerian parents feel, wrongly, that there children/ward are better served learning English alone. The focus is then entirely on the English language and they make no effort to ensure their children learn their native language.

There is nothing wrong with the idea of children being multi-lingual. In fact, it may be a massive advantage latter in life. The point is even made in the article that this does not have to come at the expense of our native languages.

The Speaker, Adeyemi
Ikuforiji, said there was the need for Nigerian
students to learn as many languages as
possible. He added that the introduction of the Chinese language would
not have any negative impact on the students.
He said, "Most of the countries I have visited, you see a child of less
than 15 years speaking about three or more languages and this has not prevented them
from learning their local languages as well. "The introduction of
Chinese language would not affect other languages we speak. It is good for us to learn as many languages as
possible."

[quote author=Ileke-IdI]Nigeria should fall in line. China is the next big thing.[/quote]Ileke, we could not have imagined that the LCD's used only for calculators in the past will now be at the centre of technology today. The world is becoming one massive global Village. It will even be more so in future and it may not be a bad idea for Africans to prepare for that.

It is worth considering the idea of developing a generation who have skills to match and even better others. It should not be authoritarian and compulsory but I think they should seek the opinion of parents and conduct a survey.

afam4eva: It's a shame that people still think like this. So, in other words you're saying we should learn a new language the moment a new nation becomes the economic super power...I wonder why the whole of China, Germany, Spain and other non-English speaking countries have not all learnt Ebglish considering the fact that the US is currently the economic super power.

Why are some of you so rude and aggressive? Is it not obvious I am stating my opinion in a way that suggests it is in no way binding on others? Look, the Influence of China throughout the world, and even in Africa, is increasing.

If it is not at the expense of anything else, like indigenous language, then it is not sensible to dismiss the idea of Nigerian children learning mandarin. Let us hear the pros and cons without anyone blasting the opinion of others as "madness". I would personally steer my children towards mastering the world's most relevant languages as much as possible. It is all in line with how much of a global Village the world is becoming. Those who fail to grasp that concept will also fail to equip themselves to be optimally competitive in future.

Eze Promoe: Isn't that madness, entitling school children to learning a language which is totally alien to your country.

I don't know if a blanket dismissal of this idea serves us best. China is on course to be perhaps the biggest and most influential economy in the world. I am really not sure it is a bad thing for Nigeria to proactively prepare a generation that will be up to speed at conversing with a Nation most likely to be the world's biggest giant, in every sense of the word. I actually even advice young relatives to consider a second 'world' language (French, Spanish et al) to give them a competitive edge in an increasingly challenging world.

Also, the argument of introducing it at University level is fine but it is a scientific fact that human beings are most capable of learning language while very young. It may not be a bad idea to introduce it at secondary school level. An idea worth discussing robustly to note the pros and cons. I personally would support my children to learn Mandarin.

Abeg, let us go there. Perhaps memories will be 'jogged'. Has anyone seen these men suspected to have carried out the Independence day bombing?

[img]http://www.abujacity.com/.a/6a00d8345c5c1b69e20133f4d2898e970b-800wi[/img]
Ben Jessy.

[img]http://www.abujacity.com/.a/6a00d8345c5c1b69e2013487f25e5f970c-800wi[/img]
Chima Orlu.

Pukkah: Okah added that the thinking behind the October 2010 bombing was to sway public opinion against the North and some of its leaders so that Jonathan would emerge as the President.

I would not have entertained this notion in the past but too much has happened since GEJ became President that means Okah's words must not be treated with levity. Where can we find Chima Orlu and Ben Jessy? I.e the alleged independence day bombers?

Also, when it matters, have we not seen GEJ demonstrating cynical callousness to get his way?

Did he not ignore Gbenga Daniel's hideous act of corruption and legislative gangsterism because, at that very time, the need to make the Ogun Governor his South-West campaign co-ordinator was more important than everything else?

What of Teslim Folarin acquitted of a murder charge miraculously, and within minutes, only to then desperately be flown to Abuja to deliver delegate votes to defeat Atiku?

Dokpesi picked up and questioned in realtion to the bombing only to then be released and absorbed , almost immediately, into GEJ's election campaign team?

Where are the 'palliatives' GEJ deceived Nigerians he would supply by removing fuel subsidy to negate scams any sensible person would know could not have happened without the complicity of Mr.President and Allison-Madueke since it is only the FG and the NNPC that can issue Marketers licence?

I think many are failing to note the real actions of GEJ that confirm he is someone very cynical and coldly calculating.

aribisala0: Your response is too short why not write a book.
Real users of what land? Where?What are you talking about? Really you are not communicating

Stop arrogance indeed! You have opinions others disagree with you simply accept there is no basis to determine whose opinion is right. My point is there is no difference between ACN and PDP you believe there is I respect that you in turn respect those who disagree with you and stop pretending you have some arcane wisdom no one else can access. I am not trying to change your views just airing a different one stop trying to bully people to accept your views.

I am not arguing the substance of your views with you all I am saying is you are INTOLERANT in an extremist way

God !!! You are simply insufferable!! So now, you confess you speak because of your focus on personalities? What was all your pretence about then? Why not simply face the issue under discussion by sticking to the topic? Why can't some of you not simply be fair and equitable human beings? You start off by being very judgemental of others. You stereotype and subliminally insult others. When they respond, you then claim you are being bullied. That is cowardly dude. I will use this thread as an example of how folks like you embrace unfairness only to then begin playing victim. I spoke here, for the first time, after Akanbi Edu wrote:

Akanbi_edu: You guys shouldn't worry much. ACN is just consolidating its power base in states like Ogun
Another thing is when change happen, people forget easily how bad things were in the past. For example, when last did you hear news about Ibadan NURTW crises or the show of shame that was the order of the day between Gbenga Daniel and the Ogun state assembly? Things like these are taken for granted until they become a BH-like situation.

I then directly replied, telling no lie whatsoever, and even sticking to talks of Ogun State that Akanbi Edu mentioned, with this:

Superb point. When has Gbenga Daniel ever bought 500 brand new transformers to improve electrification in Ogun State? When has OGD ever shown the responsiveness Amosun did in lobbying industry in Ogun State to contribute towards the purchase of the most modern APC's (armoured personnel carriers ) in Nigeria to the gushing praise of Nigeria's top policemen? How many Nigerian Governors bother to take on the role of the negligent FG when it is easier for them to just fold their arms and enjoy robust personal security while everyone else is "on their own"? How about Amosun's drive to attract investment into the State? What of his effort in healthcare to include the ambulance service that has seen Ogun State become the first in Nigeria to adopt the United Nations harmonised action on Road Safety which sets a target of reducing road accidents and casualties by 50% between 2011 and 2020? There are a lot of things many are missing because they are expecting the wrong changes.

Folks can go to the State official website to see for themselves. Amosun is a million times better than OGD and he has delivered far more than he is given credit for.

http://ogunstate.gov.ng/

Despite sticking to the topic, concerning the performance of incumbents that means the PDP is unlikely to return easily to the SW, I only received ignorant insults. Who is the real bully then? Is it not you and others who enter a thread to single out others for your personal and insulting attention instead of discussing the topic?

Was my first and second response here insulting towards anyone? Did I attack anyone or did I just submit my opinion, in a civil manner, as I am entitled to? Did I, like you and others, single out anyone to stereotype/insult/defame? Did I seek to bully anyone here and disenfranchise their opinion by claiming falsely that they are related to politicians from a certain State? Be fair dude. In all honesty, I think you are confused about what a bully is. A bully is someone who throws the first blow because he expects to cower others. When some are then not cowered and even overcome the bully, that is when the bully begins to complain of bullying. Prove, anywhere on this thread, I threw the 'first blow' against anyone. Yet I can prove easily, you and others did. To then turn around and accuse others of bullying is then just sad. Stick to politics and the topic, in a civil manner, and you will find me responding appropriately.

I never tried to "bully people to accept your views" as you claim. Issues for me remains about how people like you want the freedom to wallow in ignorance and negativity while creating false impressions about those delivering on the 'contract' they signed with the folks who really matter. Forget your grandstanding. If you are willing to engage me purely from a political aspect, then I am willing to show you politely and respectfully that you are not informed enough to come to the conclusions you do. Let us inspect , without any personal attacks, the political dynamics concerning those who made pledges and got elected to deliver on those pledges. That is the only thing that matters ultimately.

aribisala0: Because you say someone is ignorant does not make it so; they can quite as easily say you are ignorant.
We have a disagreement of ideas and you wish for yours to prevail not on the strength of their intrinsic or extrinsic suasiveness but by bullying,battering,bulldozing and bombast well that just won't work here .There are bigger bullies here and quite frankly too many smart kids around. So quit all that " you are ignorant,ungracious" routine it is a sign you are running out of ideas. The issue here is ACN vs PDP and many Nigerians are skeptical that there is any genuine difference between the two parties.Ultimately we have differnt opinions and can respectfully disagree just as we would on religious preference. Showing million photos chnges nothing and to me is like trying to prove the Christian god is superior to the muslim one,an exercise in masochism in my opinion

Here we go again. Guy, simply stick to inspecting the political strength, or lack thereof, contained in what folks say!!!! Simple enough concept !!!! Anyone can come here to continue talking because they like the sound of their voice but that won't fool folks forever.

I have thrown you a simple challenge above. Stop the show of arrogance and demonstrate that you understand the relationship between citizens and their leaders. Citizens vote for specific candidates because they like the political agenda of those candidates more than others!!! Very, very simple concept !!! Therein lies the 'contract' between leaders and those who are led.

When that candidate is then working holistically to deliver on that agenda, to the extent he enjoys near 70% approval of those he entered into a 'contract' with, what are you displaying if not empty arrogance and a desire to pander to negativity? Are you not just talking for the sake of it?

Who do leaders need to please? Someone like you who is into abstract verbosity he thinks makes him appear smart or real citizens who simply demanded better healthcare, better transport facilities, quality education for their children, better security, better infrastructure etc? If a very large majority of those people , as real users of the land, are then happy with the efforts of their leaders, that everyone can see and feel, what exactly is your point?

aribisala0: Are we talking about the same thing here? choosing a political party or option in the market place or about some esoteric higher truth accessible only to higher humans. As usual the same same sanctimonious self-indulgent, vainglorious,verbose, vacuous boring ,breezy bombastic bluster .
Airy aphorisms such as

Those who do not believe in anything passionately leave their development entirely in the hands of others.

are just as meaningless as their converse

Those who believe in anything passionately leave their development entirely in the hands of others.

A political choice is just that a political choice and then there is fanaticism often they are neighbours

If the subject were religion and the sentiment the same we would be talking ABUKAKAS

My guy, you love these rambling dialogues you assume to be philosophical. Are you an aspiring Freud? Jung? The simple point is that those who are passionate about things get educated/involved enough to excel and control their own destiny. Whether it is applied to a budding footballers or political supporter, passion helps to overcome apathy. Apathy and ignorance combine to be the bane of Nigerian politics.

What you write, trying to flip the script because you enjoy being contrarian for the sake of it, makes absolutely no sense at all because relating passion to fanaticism/extremism means you are just seeking pedantic argument for the sake of it. You should stick to discussing tangible concepts of politics because , every time you talk, I discern a desire to move issues to an arena of nebulous pontifications that suits your lack of detailed knowledge.

I don't care for those sort of argument. My own, as a politically inclined person from the SW, is to hold leaders to account especially as per their manifesto and campaign pledge. A "passionate" political supporter would know the campaign pledges to begin with and the contract of performance they 'signed' with leaders. Those who are led , because they are passionate enough, can then ensure they hold leaders to account. In that way, they are not leaving their development in the hands of others. Simple and not "vainglorious verbosity". That notion applies only to you from what you have written here.

Let us move things to politics because this is the politics sections and I feel aspiring philosophers like you, even as I think you suck at it, try to obfuscate issues with irrelevant talk. Below is the five-point agenda Amosun presented to voters. They, the voters, accepted this and voted for him. Simple concept. Given all that has been delivered by Amosun, to include even going beyond his election pledge to the people in some cases, what is the point you are trying to make here? I hope you will use the link below and not just continue talking for the sake of it. Let us discuss politics.

Take up that challenge and show what your perception of efficacy is because I only see "vainglorious verbosity" and arrogance in your talk given that leaders , in an elective democracy, are mainly obligated to fulfil their pledges to the electorate. Yet, that is not good enough for folks like you who argue vacuously, negatively and nebulously to the extent you even confuse yourself and others regarding what constitute good leadership. Like I said, use the link below and come back to talk politics.

http://ogunstate.gov.ng/index.php/our-agenda

[quote author=Odu-toda-iwa]@Gbawe. The other guy on this Nairaland. a guy who claimed to know you said a close family member of yours is a political appointee of ACN is Osun state. If that is true, then I can only conclude that you are one disaster that happened to our democracy. You know, you cannot force ACN down anyone's throat. We all criticized Jonathan and of course we still not because he is non Yoruba but simply because the guy has failed to perform.

With 17 to 24 months after inauguration of most ACN governors in the South West. Their performances can only be described as disappointing. All these rubbish about Fashola delivered BRT and since Amosun now has BMT he is due for praises doesn't fly with me at all. If there is anything significant in that you claimed Amosun did. It is the 500 transformers. To think that a state government will boast of those poorly constructed street roads as achievement shows that yourself and Amosun are jokes.

Forget all the crazy things that Gbenga Daniel did in his second term. He was quite good in his first term. Remember Gbenga Daniel built several stadia in Ogun including the famous ijebu Ode stadium. He dualised lagos-Abeokuta express lane. built so many town roads as well as schools. What has SIA done with all mega billions from the federal allocations as well as 2Billion naira IGR monthly.

Deal with it. Some of us are loosing faith in the ACN because they have not lived up to expectations, even in Lagos my sincere feelings is that contracts are over inflated as per 1.5-3 Billion naira per Km of road. And in your own interest moderate your feelings about ACN stuffz. We did not vote for ACN because some see it as Yoruba party. Rather, we voted believing they will perform. If they fail to deliver. We'll kick them out!!!.[/quote]This is how, because we share a forum, some of you have no problem spreading malicious rumours about others. No one here "knows me" and I have no familial connection with Osun State let alone be associated with any politician there. What next? I am Tinubu's brother? What is wrong with you people and why do you find it so easy to act like an uncivilised lynch mob?

As for the rest of your post, issues are very simple. You are shown what a Governor has done in a year out of a 4 year term. It is better than the efforts of virtually every Governor in Nigeria. If you are not happy then please vote the Governor out, if indeed he is even your Governor, or start your own Party.

I think some of you mistake my support of the ACN to mean I am trying to sell them to you. To that extent, you think I am a focal point for you to attack and vent your frustrations at. Please use your vote as you please if indeed you are even registered to vote and not some ignorant diasporan commenting about States he has never visited and knows nothing about. Vote for anyone you want or better still, present yourself as a candidate. What is important is that you wean yourself of the intolerance that makes you eager to attack other because they make it known they support a Party. Even on this thread ,and in your post, pervasive ignorance is obvious. It is almost as if some folks want the right to wallow in ignorance and negativity for the sake of it.

[quote author=Akanbi_edu]In the end, it's going to be about providing alternatives to people. This is why debates about credible electoral process are more important. People should be able to change government if they feel dissatisfied.

To say there is no difference between PDP and ACN is largely unfair. This is a position commonly taken by those who like to stay neutral so that they claim a moral higher ground if things go wrong.

I am not a supporter of giving people things free but if you pay closer attention, you would have noticed it's almost impossible to not to do that if you want to win elections. Most of critics lack understanding of grassroot in Nigeria. There seem to be a disconnect somewhere. A lot of Nigerian masses live below poverty level and have no means of sustaining themselves, something has to keep them going. That is the sad reality. I believe as time goes on, things like these are going to reduce.[/quote]My guy, you are an impressive dude. I would sincerely love to meet you someday. Your pragmatism, that sees you rising above idealism , and a cheap desire to "play to the gallery", is impressive. You take a stance because you feel it is the right stance to take and not because it is the 'cool' or populist stance that will get you 'liked'. Very rare in this day and age of social networking where folks turn to the net for instant fame and gratification. You are totally correct in stating that those who want no responsibility always choose the neutral path. Those who do not believe in anything passionately leave their development entirely in the hands of others.

PointB: I don't have the time for your rants now. Besides having watch Desola b1tchslapped you severally, exposing your hypocrisy, I consider you quite effeminate. Like I said, not now. Some other time old gay!

Dude you have issues. You directly quote a poster. When they respond, you move off on another tangent and claim not to have their time. Not looking good buddy. You are the only man acting effeminate here. You quote forumers the entire Nairaland know you stalk and are obsessed with only to then begin talking , in a cowardly manner, about myriads of unrelated and bitchy issues when they better you intellectually. What a clown.

Dude, why can't you accept what you are? I.e an emotional and bigoted basket-case who is mentally conquered by those he is indoctrinated to hate? I bet you feel very cheated when you have been indoctrinated to think you are superior to others only to be disappointed by how they are , easily, far brighter than you are? those things can happen when folks consumed with inferiority complex and paranoia embrace delusions of grandeur. You enter a thread, ignore the topic under discussion, only to focus on another poster everyone knows you stalk. What does that make you?


Once again, as the generous person I am , I will give you the chance to redeem yourself intellectually. "why don't you show how Tinubu has demonstrated a serial pattern of supporting the worst in the land as the others I have mentioned? Cat got your tongue or is it that despite your bigoted hatred of the man, you are totally totally unable to prove he supports and empower the worst in the land like the others olodos you ethnically worship?

What a hateful douchebag. "Tinubu is the worst in the land" according to you hateful bigots yet the entire world, beyond Nigeria, see him supporting the best performers , with the most 'loaded history' Nigerians love and trust. I think it would be easy to conlude you are the one with the problem when neutral folks critically and pragmatically examine the folks Tinubu supports to gain important office.

For once, stop embarrassing yourself and answer the relevant question put before you.

Mumu, defend your "fixed" mischief below that Tinubu, like others mentioned, supports mediocrities.

in Nigeria we keep letting the Tinubu's, OBJ's and Anehih's of the world package their mediocre stooges for us

PointB: Fixed!

Mumu stalker, why don't you show the "mediocrities" Tinubu supported? You just scored an own goal. Olodo. This is why many on the forum continue to mock you because of your intellectual 'deficits'. Olodo. The latest is Ondo. Who is the ACN candidate silly fool? Adedibu reincarnated or a military authoritarian as OBJ would have backed? M.o.r.on.

Elueme: I can as well accuse this OP for lying... Setting up a panel to investigate an issue is not the same thing as you want to fire them. . This sensational headingis created to cause traffic but nobody is calling for your head.

What manner of comparison is that? Is he your President? Does he live in Aso rock, Is he Nigeria's number one citizen? is he the one wacking Gucci rice and Versace steak to the tune of N1 billion? Is he the one flying around the world in several Private jet? Is he the one officially mandated to find solutions to Nigeria's problems? Oga, talk better I beg.

dayokanu: I have a feeling Patience would have made a better president

Perhaps. on a serious note, she appears a tough character. She may just be into kicking butts more than her husbands who always avoids confrontation and believes a 'soft landing' is punishment enough for every offender.

Pukkah: Nigeria is in trouble!
Or, rather, as they say it in local parlance, 'Nigeria don enter one chance'.

Imagine this array of President's aides:

There is a Minister of Information (Labaran Maku) with his retinue of aides, assistants and special assistants.
There is a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity (Reuben Abati) ostensibly with his retinue of aides.
There is a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs (Doyin Okupe).
There is a Media Director to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs - Olusanya Awosan.
There is a Assistant to the President on New Media (Reno Omokri). Or what is his designation called?

Let's even ignore the retinue in the Vice President's office for now.

Even if Nigerians are not complaining about the exorbitant costs of maintaining the pot bellies of this array of assistants and aides, we should at least not be fed with lies, misinformation and untruth! It just doesn't make sense. Even if we keep mute that the recurrent expenditure of our budget is over 70%, they should give us value for money.

I refuse to believe that this pack of aides were just too lazy to proof-read. It must be that they have been compromised by the opposition elements within the polity. They are saboteurs within the Presidency. They were planted there by enemies to cause embarrassment and heart-ache to our dear President Goodluck Jonathan (PhD) and cause disharmony among the good Nigerian people.

In view of this, all of them must be sacked immediately!

So, back to our local parlance, 'you no think say Nigeria don enter one chance?'



***Note: Some parts of this post were written 'tongue in cheek'

See this mischief-maker. Why highlight Mr. Presiden't PHD in red? Are you jealous? What are you trying to suggest? Ol boy take your time oh before they set the combo of Okupe, Abati and Omokri on your azz !!!!!! Some of una sef

Pukkah: If the present crop of GEJ agents on this forum could read the handwriting on the wall, they should know by now that all of them would very soon be sacked. More often than not, they complicate simple matters for the President. Many times, you would actually wonder if indeed they are working for the President.

I have tried to advise them a number of times even though they don't listen. I must say that they have not justified their pay. So many of them have come and gone including the 'notorious' fact one that when cornered used to spam threads with irrelevant pictures and resort to obscenities? Who won't sack such a person?

========================================================================================
**Note: The 'notorious fact' part of this post was borrowed from Reno Omokri. He used it as his defence on the TI gaffe of Mr President.

My brother, don't mind them Ojare. This Taharga character has been going around the forum in attack mode and with new found venom since the GEJ gaffe thingy came to light. No manner of 'attack dog' pretense will save him now. Too late for those antics. The game is up and GEJ will surely wield the big stick for being embarrased by his 'olodo' crew. I am afraid we may be singing a requiem for Tahar-gone soon because ,with no pay and without free broadband, he will have to head back to the "transport security operative" business he was involved with before *cough, cough (agbero) cough*.

Pukkah: Was there any reason for the 'the President is not afraid' statement to have come from Okupe? Who specifically was he responding to? Why not let a sleeping dog lie?

The likes of Okupe are the ones complicating the matter. The matter is very obvious so why broach it? On one hand, you say that he is not afraid. In the same breath, you are admitting that he has stayed away from the traditional Eagle Square for two years? Do these two add up?

It is nauseating how insecure and unpresidential this Presidency is. Saharareporters and others now 'wag' them everyday. Instead of facing governance, it is all about obsessing over what others are saying and responding to every petty crap said about the Presidency. If saharareporters say GEJ was seen shopping in Newk York Abati will respond within minutes to show date-stamped pictures of GEJ sleeping in his Aso Rock bed.

taharqa: My God..'fearful' of who? you? hahahaha...u are funny. I dont have any respect 4 your opinions here on NL( and you are talking about 'fear', na wa) cos you are a damn hypocritic and a paid agent( again, hw come u hv bn here since early morning, dont you hv any oda tin to do?)...plz dont make me laugh too much, lol

Mumu. Always making a fool of yourself. I don't suggest you are fearful of me but you make it obvious you may be because that is what comes to your paranoid, scaredy-Cat mind when I meant something else entirely. I am talking about the fearful persona of GEJ and his fans, like you, that means you automatically start pointing fingers at others over issues that concern you alone and nobody else. Get it now olodo?

As for being a paid agent, what exactly is your pay packet? I may be tempted to change sides if what I have been hearing about the 'remuneration' of Okupe, Abati, Omokri et al is true. Who came up with the the idea to say the first lady is "resting" abroad? You? Would not surprise me at all. You'll be sacked soon anyway. You may have tenacity and lack shame, but you have no talent and are terrible at spin as we can see from your pathetic efforts on NL.

eGuerrilla: I once provided proof that the only academic articles attributable to Jonathan were published in some obscure Chinese Journal.
Where the thread dey sef?

Abeg, find am quick-quick.

taharqa: Shut up again my frnd as in keep quiet- yr spin and propaganda wud nt save u this time around. Go to d 1st page of this thread and the 1st page of the yterday's thread and see my immediate response on this issue: i swiftly admittd the mistake as per the specified time and advicd d Presidency to do same which they just did. You on the other hand, led the move here to shamelessly defend the express lie told by yr master Tinubu and yr party ACN, yet here u are running around since morning( by the way, dont you hv any oda tin that u do?) and mastur.bating ova a lesser 'offence' that d person involvd swiftly admittd. 4 yr info, i didnt comment on dat 'Tinubu lie' thread not cos i didnt think dat it was wrong for him to hv lied or for his party to try to defend him instead of doing the right thing and owing up, but cos sm persons were bashing Tinubu on dat thread JUST to push sm political gains, and i dont hv the time 4 such meaningless political frivolities; yet that is exactly wot u re doing here afta defending a lie when it suitd you( and you do not know how hypocritic and desparent you look here)....shameless critic/'pledger'

Like I said before, you GEJ fans are exactly like your messiah. Feudalistic, very insecure, divisive and unable to focus on what matters. GEJ is the President of Nigeria and not Tinubu. Deal with that. All you continue to show, when you talk, is that you are exactly like GEJ i.e fearful of everyone/everything and unable to concentrate on what matters. you guys, much like Mr. President, are obsessed and totally consumed with attacking fictitious "enemies" you see while awake and asleep. Childishly and distractingly, you blame these convenient "enemies" for all your problems, incompetence and lack of ability. Pathetic. Perhaps Tinubu is now GEJ's speech writer. Olodo. Abeg, turn and face your front.

aribisala0: actually Gbawe you are sounding hackneyed in your use of the word; "gracious".
I did not comment on Amosun speccifically beyond the clippers remark which I applied to all Nigerian politicians. I have no opinion on him because I simply do not have information. I have engaged you before and you tend either not to read comments thoroughly or to be overly sensitive to disagreement/criticism.
I suggest you read again what I wrote and match that to your response; "Ki la gbe ki le ju" hence my comment about your extremism.
My point was a general one that neither ACN nor PDP will take NIgeria forward because our focus is on "Projects" at the communal level and handouts at the individual level,a problem in our collective thinking as a people in contradistinction to intellectual capita development. In my opinion it is harmful for government to give out gifts and particularly so when these are shared to their party members as is the case in Lagos
Once again at no point did I say this was the case in OGun state in my post though it most likely is. I am not here to criticize Amosun but if I was so what ? Deal with the criticism with facts and stop the hoominem. If you feel insulted by the word "extremist" that is to be rued but it is not an insult,really.Maybe you are just a sensitive boy
Your remark that I am "not illiterate" is unfortunate and regrettable as you know from previously that this not a wise tack with me and I suggest you redirect yourself to a more prudent and less destructive path.

Or you will do what? The quip that you are not illiterate simply means you can read and comprehend well. You will no doubt have noted , unless you skimmed over the thread to just engage others partisanly, Amosun has been active alleviating problems precisely according to his laid down action plan that got him elected. Very few Politicians do this in Nigeria i.e deliver on their promises and fulfil their contract with the people. Despite your vague talk here, many will know a good leader remains one who fulfil the promises people voted him/her in for.

You can say what you want with benefit of hindsight, and after being engaged, but it is your "clippers and bridges" talk that is "unfortunate. You say I tend to be overly sensitive to criticism, yet you are the only one showing that here. You called me extremist and I simply showed you are the extremist. Yet an innocuous statement , i.e "you are not illiterate" , leaves you fussing and fretting. Guy, you should stop being so sensitive because what I also remember of you is that you want to operate with double standards. I.e you want the freedom to subliminally insult others only to make a bid deal of barbs that come back at you over what you initiated.

You should learn to stick to the topic. The fact is that the "PDP will fail in the SW" if the current leaders continue to deliver Governance folks can see and feel that is better than what obtained before under the PDP. Stop grandstanding by referencing nebulous and frankly irrelevant concepts. When you talk of "Government handing things out" is that not another attempt at mischief? What makes Amosun or any other ACN-led State about "handouts"? Their approach, more than that of any other Party, is about self-reliance, weaning ACN-led States of total reliance on federal allocations and "teaching a man to fish" !!!

Their policies reflect this with it's dedication to Using PPPs (public-private sector partnership), raising Internally generated revenue (which Amosun and others have done well), developing comparative advantage regarding economic activities (agriculture, tourism et al), providing high gualitiy education, etc. In case you are not informed enough about their efforts, the ACN is the only Party very serious about using robust and high quality education to return the SW to days when she produced solutions providers. That, singularly, is even more laudable than almost anything else because it is well-educated folks , able to solve problems, who make Nations great and advantaged.

You then say, in relation to Amosun, "Deal with the criticism with facts and stop the hoominem.". What exactly do you think the entire forum percieves me to be doing when I have supplied pictures and detailed written verifications of the achievement of the Amosun-led Government? Your talk of "hoominem" is rich too when all you do is refrain from taking your own advice to others, i.e deal with facts, to be engaging in needless stereotyping. Guy, align your utterances with the subject under discussion and I will do same. Don't tag others or call them name only to then be fretting over-sensitively about percieved insults.

taharqa: Abegi keep quite and stop running around all relatd threads mastur.bating over this issue. If the President is 'clueless' by admitting an indiscretion and making clarificatn, then yr master(Tinubu) is a certified Lier for deceiving the nation as per the Democratic Convention fiasco and yr party( ACN) hypocrites for attempting to defend the lie. You were the chief defendate of that lie here on NL and you hv no shame running around on this issue here..go find sm sleep jare

Get lost. Submit your own opinion and leave others to do same. Stop this silly show of emotions that stems from your inability to accept criticism of your mediocre and failing messiah. Feudalistic olodos like you are always talking of Tinubu. Is he the President? Does he even have a Government job? It is no coincidence you fans of GEJ are like him. You are cut from the same cloth which leaves you focusing on enemies, percieved or real, instead of dealing with facts and what is relevant.

ballabriggs: I can't argue against your position. The Nigerian Presidency is a joke. This is a President sleeping on MTN mast. How can the future of a nation be entrusted in the hands of such a mediocre.

A PhD cannot source information correctly but lazily uses a newspaper report? We need to lay our hands on Jona's thesis. Anybody in UNIPORT to do this job? This makes nonsense of education in Nigeria.

My brother, I am a traveller throughout Africa - especially West Africa. I keep an eye on local politics everywhere I go. Many nations are improving because they are embracing the concept of "only proven performers, with a historically verifiable record, need apply". Instead, in Nigeria we keep letting the OBJ's and Anehih's of the world package their mediocre stooges for us as "most fiscally responsible Governor" (Yar Adua) and "fresh air" (GEJ) only because a rotten system wants to keep skeletons buried and continue with "business as usual".

gossips: Seriously, that's it?
So Jona goofs, and BusinessDay gets the blame?
Interesting really! Lol!!
Look, I don't think that God gives the same measure of intelligence to everyman in the field of leadership; because if our dear president got his share of this gift, then he will understand that this is no child's play and that he isn't allowed to get this goofy at an address on a NATIONAL DAY. It's a sacrilege!!

And even if we were to understand with him, I mean, the least expected of him is to sack whoever prepared that speech since we've been made to understand how tight his schedule is. Cos I can't really understand why the joint effort of Omokri, Abati, and Okupe couldn't avoid this show of shame on a day that virtually every Nigerian would start off by "treating" himself to the "largesse" from the presidential "table".
GEJ should do better if he really understands the depth of his mistake and what it means to the integrity of the country.
Or else, it'll further confirm how much of a Circus this nation has become and how we've installed a Joker as a head.

My Sister, some of us stated it here repeatedly that we were deploying a clueless and unprepared mediocrity to be President. We predicted all what is being seen now and the fact Nigeria would indeed became a joke under this guy. It is not for nothing standards exist in ambitious Nations, to now include our African neigbhours, no one should be allowed to go below.

You don't go and bring a self-confessed mediocrity, with absolutely zero history of inspired leadership despite decades in politics, to then expect miracles. It is not done elsewhere because Nations are now chosing not to gamble with transformational office. Even African Nations who shared our pitiful conditions in the past are moving on because they understand the fundamental importance of this concept and are now using it to secure progress. We remain happy to 'gamble' in Nigeria while pandering to sentiments, emotions, ethnic/religious bias and a superstitious belief in 'goodluck' . Balarabe Musa gets it right with what he says below about GEJ and the fact Nigeria cannot set the bar high. We settled on mediocrity only to be expecting miracles. God help Nigeria.

http://saharareporters.com/interview/balarabe-jonathan-confused-and-incompetent-news-magazine

It is not possible under this system that if you become the leader, then, you become the standard. In other countries, when there is standard, it doesn’t really matter who becomes the president. The standard is there. In Britain, America, Germany and other western countries, competence and experience are important. But the most important thing is that there is a standard that nobody can go below.



In Nigeria, there is no such standard. You become the president, governor or local government chairman and you automatically become the standard. So in such a situation, you need somebody who is clearly competent, who has a record in addition to moral base and legitimacy to succeed.

ballabriggs: This is long overdue. Jona has the worst media aides ever by any Nigerian President. Even IBB and Abacha's time was not this bad.

Jona fire Oronto Douglas and Omokri now. They add no value to your image, so why keep the m0r0ns to eat your cassava bread.

My brother, a leader who has a very good grasp of the problem ,and is determined to provide innovative and adequate solutions, does not need so many image lauderers, spin-doctors, "attack dogs and media handlers. If you have seen Fashola talking and working, you will appreciate what I am saying.

GEJ has a need for these people because they are his defense for his mediocrity, cluelessness, lack of oratory skills and lack of talent as a leader. Jonathan is medicore and incapable of delivering solution because he lacks innate vision, sincerity, preparedness and problem-solving ability - unlike other leaders who truly merit their position and are not just 'stooge' choices of 'business as usual' system. Thus he must compensate with a 'defense team', maintained expensively, to mask all these deficiencies.

Balarabe Musa gets it spot on below talking about GEJ and the "standards" that obtain elsewhere no one can go below. GEJ is far below the standard for a nation with many, many intelligent and talented solutions-providers. GEJ needs an army of paid sycophants because he is below the standard required. Able leaders need no one to launder their image when solutions delivered, for the most pressing issues, speak luodly for themselves.

http://saharareporters.com/interview/balarabe-jonathan-confused-and-incompetent-news-magazine

It is not possible under this system that if you become the leader, then, you become the standard. In other countries, when there is standard, it doesn’t really matter who becomes the president. The standard is there. In Britain, America, Germany and other western countries, competence and experience are important. But the most important thing is that there is a standard that nobody can go below.



In Nigeria, there is no such standard. You become the president, governor or local government chairman and you automatically become the standard. So in such a situation, you need somebody who is clearly competent, who has a record in addition to moral base and legitimacy to succeed.

aribisala0: I think Gbawe confounds being political with being partisan. No Nigerian I know is apolitical.

Too, Gbawe has an unfortunate tendency to extremism sometimes.ACN is not an exemplar of the best we can be; though Tinubu served a useful purpose in ousting ACN and is peerless is his strategic thinking and understanding of Nigerian political tactics he is deeply flawed and dictatorial. He is useful NOW but no icon and should not be deified.I have no reason to believe if ACN was in power at the centre they would not abuse incumbency to rig elections like PDP. That is the most important facet of our democracy the power to remove bad rulers returning to the people. That is more important than clippers and bridges. Ultimately real development comes from the people not government.
Germany and Japan were virtually leveled in 1945 but today surpass Britain and France economically.The reason is because of what their people had between their ears.It is not how many projects are commisssioned by government that is the issue but rather the value added to intellectual capital of our people that is what separates nations.Today our National Assembly complex is being run by Oyinbo without whom we cannot extract oil,build bridges,railways or fight Boko Haram. Is there any of these politicians that has a vision that entails technology acquisition so we too can build ships and bridges and bring out oil from the ground without oyinbo? Such a person is the true visionary not one building roads and doling out generators useful though those things are. We deserve the best and so must dream of the best.
Even if we take small steps at a time they must be consistent with a long term vision. I fail to see any vision in giving out handouts to the masses. At any rate what tends to happen is these are often shared to ACN members or sympathizers at the ward level. I know because I have seen Not heard. This has always been the nature of Nigerian politics and is not just an ACN issue.

I would argue that political reform where elections are genuine is the most important goal for Nigeria right now even more than electricity

To be honest, this is the sort of ungracious and unfair mischief that makes some of us defend what is right and equitable. When we then do that 'darkly' pessimistic folks like you say we have a tendency towards "extremism" when issues should be about you recognising your own unreasonable bias that leads you to refuse giving credit where due. You can only flippantly mention "clippers and bridges" when it is shown to you exhaustively that this Governor has made good strides everywhere.

[b]You are not illiterate and would have noticed Amosun has delivered the same BRT scheme Fashola was hailed for. He is delivering the same sort of Mechanic Village that was one of the achievements cementing Mimiko's reputation as a "performer". You should also have noticed he delivered 500 brand new transformers, to improve electrification, when he had promised 100 while campaigning. He went beyond the responsibility of office to take up the duty of the FG by purchasing the most modern APC's in Nigeria plus many patrol Vans and crime-fighting equipment for the Nigerian Police Force. You would also have noted his good efforts in healthcare including free health delivery to certain groups, the physical construction of entirely New health centres and the renovation of old ones. His ambulance service is the only one in Nigeria to comply with UN efforts. His efforts in agriculture is laudable and it is one folks can see and appreciate. His Government is supporting and disbursing loans to start-up businesses. Road infrastructure is vitally important and Amosun has done well in this regard. Housing has also seen attention. Qualitiative education is now given priority unlike before with reguired reading material provided free of charge to every child. I can go on.[/b]

To be honest, you are the extremist. An extremist is not someone who talks only because he wants others to reject ignorance, give credit where due and appreciate the efforts of leaders in sectors we all claim to crave development for.

An extremist would be someone happy to belittle others maliciously,pettily and wrongly. An extremist is someone who continues to pander to ignorance when conclusive proof exist that he is wrong. What is obvious from NL is that Nigeria has turned many into malevolent and casually spiteful people who can never simply admit they are ignorant. Why on earth would you embrace the mischief that makes you talk of "clippers and bridges" when everyones can see that Amosun's achievment are far more than "clippers and bridges"? It is obvious to reasonable folks who the extremists is.

It is also obvious many Nigerians are bitter, 'dark', hateful of progress, unable to give credit where due and ever ready to demean others with a deliberate and deceitful attempt to belittle and deride laudable achievements. That you fail to talk about something as exemplary as the BRT Amosun delivered or his effort at improving eletrification, crimefighting, healthcare, education, agriculture, housing provision, business development, reducing unemployment etc, only to be harping on pettily and ungraciously about "clippers and bridges", shows what extremism really is. You can say what you want in your obviously biased effort to demeand others. As long as Ogun folks approve of their Governor because they are seeing and feeling good governance, then that is what matters.

steffans: So why does he Pay Okpue and Abati GEJ is actuall a President Trainee as CAN claims..cuz dis guy is really Clueless......SMH 4 9ja

Indeed. Abati, Okupe et al may actually be 'playing' GEJ. They may be taking money from political opponent of GEJ to rubbish the President. They know damn well he does not have a grasp of what is going on around him let alone be able to tell when he is being fed a pack of lies even a little kid can debunk.

GEJ is not a talented leader at all and this is a fact that cannot be spun given what many years in politics reveal him to be - a mediocrity. He is poor at understanding the problems and terrible at devising solutions.

This is why the man relies on having so many expensively maintained spin-doctors. Any leader who is a genuine solutions provider ,and not focused on an agenda of deceit, does not need so many spin-doctors and image launderers. As simple as that.

The antics of Okupe, Abati et al just shows that the paid sycophants of those who lead the Nation do their work with a highly bastardized interpretation of what democracy is. Okupe is not even politically sophisticated, respectful or humble enough to know that , in an elective democracy where Nigerians voted in the President, it is the boss of his boss he is describing as silly. I.e the Nigerian people.

Where does GEJ get these nauseating and vacuous rabble-rousers from?

Was it not only yesterday I was telling the brainwashed Nairaland fans of GEJ that opposition Parties, prominent Nigerians and social critics will begin to condemn Jonathan for his shameful attempt to use deceit to mask how he has little to show in the fight against corruption for his almost 3 years as substantive President? Everyone knows corruption has worsened terribly under GEJ. This is the motivation for the desperate attempt to deceive Nigerians that those in bed with corruption are fighting it. GEJ has truly demeaned the office of President with his deceitful antics. What is written below is only the beginning. I am sure many social critics and political analysts are putting pen to paper right now regarding this disgraceful topic.


http://saharareporters.com/news-page/%E2%80%98apologize-misleading-nigerians-anti-corruption-fight%E2%80%99-acn-tells-president-jonathan

‘Apologize for Misleading Nigerians on Anti-Corruption Fight,’ ACN Tells President Jonathan
Posted: October 3, 2012 - 04:11

Lai Mohammed
By SaharaReporters, New York
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to apologize unreservedly to Nigerians for misleading them on the blunder concerning the alleged positive rating given to the country by the global anti-corruption body, Transparency International.

In a statement issued in Lagos today by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, ACN expressed shock and sadness that the President of Africa's most populous nation and the continent's second largest economy can make such a frivolous claim on an issue of global concern as corruption.

''Transparency International has denied claims by President Jonathan, in his 52nd independence anniversary speech on Monday, that the global body has rated Nigeria as the second most improved country in the fight against corruption,'' the statement said, noting that the ACN’s demand for an apology came after it saw a copy of Transparency International's response to inquiries on the President's claim.

“Transparency International does not have a recent rating or report that places Nigeria as the second most improved country in the fight against corruption,” the body said in response to enquiry by Premium Times.

''In the 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index, which measures perceived levels of public sector corruption, Nigeria scored 2.4 on a scale where 0 means highly corrupt and 10 means very clean. It was ranked 143 out of 183 countries.”

ACN said that in addition to apologizing to all Nigerians for the embarrassment, the President must immediately kick-start an investigation into the source of a claim that has exposed his Administration and the entire country to global ridicule.

Furthermore, the President, who was apparently trying to showcase the 'achievements' of his administration in the fight against corruption, has now raised doubts about the authenticity of other claims he made in the anniversary speech, the party noted.

It said: ''Among other claims, the President had said that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.1 per cent on average; that his Administration's Investment Climate Reform Programme has helped to attract over N6.8 trillion local and foreign direct investment commitments, and that Nigeria is ranked first in the top 5 host economies for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inAfrica, accounting for over 20 per cent of total FDI flows into the continent.”

It stated that in view of the fact that the President's claim of positive rating for Nigeria in the anti-corruption fight has been debunked, it is logical for Nigerians to doubt the truth in the other claims, and indeed in the entire speech.

“This is very sad for the Jonathan Administration, because if the bond of trust between the government and its citizens is broken, the government's credibility suffers and, without credibility, any government is not worth its name,'' ACN said.

The party said if the President fails to act quickly to unearth the source of such a spurious claim and ensure it does not recur, he risks a bigger embarrassment from officials who may want to tweak facts and figures to justify their positions.

''In the end, the responsibility for any inaccuracy in any speech by the President rests squarely on his shoulders,'' it said.

It would be recalled that during a worship service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Sunday, President Jonathan attracted widespread mockery and laughter when he said that he is almost second to none in combatting corruption.

“Our commitment to the fight against corruption is second to that of America’s commitment,” he told the shocked congregation. “We are very commitment to it and everybody knows.”

mapet: Can I add a spin to this. I travel to Edo State, specifically Benin and some other parts, quite often becos we have our base office in Benin and Warri. Let's not get too sentimental on Oshiomole. He doing "astronomical" compared to Igbinedion, but I think he takes a little back stage compared to Ogun and Ekiti State. (Don't worry, I won't mention Osun becos I am from Osun and will to stay neutral).

Now Delta State to me is damn badly worsted, from Warri to Abraka to Agbor, I pity some states in this country. Kogi which I drove to 2 months ago is another crying shame.

These are just few indicators of my impression of both sides of the divide in performance.

What I see on NL is a whole lot of misinformation. Funily enough a lot of people that comment about governors or states probably have never been to that state. For me the jury is out there on Rochas; but we so mouth what we know little of on NL, and some pick it up and rigurgitate with reckless abandon.

Point is simply this. Each State and people have the collective responsibility to build their state into viable and cosmopolitan/commercial/habital states. No amount of "my governor is better than your" or "your governor is not doing anything" will change that

Thank you very much. It is always amusing to note that those claiming that only Fashola is working in the SW are folks not even from the region let alone States of the SW. They are motivated by a sectional agenda and keen to utilise the notion that many Nigerians are happy to base their thinking on the "regurgitations" of others. To that end, saying "only Fashola is working" ,continuously, means this entirely false talk becomes accepted as the truth by many too lazy to even visit a State website or seek information.

As I stated earlier, it is not for nothing that close to 70% think Amosun is "on track" with only around 16% disagreeing. The man's achievement in his first year is laudable. The main thing is that he is not a 'noise maker' or attention-seeker. He is merely concerned with delivering for those who matter - the citizens of Ogun State.