₦airaland Forum

A word for those of us fond of criticizing our legendary Obasanjo:

If he were as bad as we wish him to be, i.e in the mold of Abacha, IBB, etc, then i have a few questions:

1) Why is it that Abacha is considered a despot by the International community, while OBJ is in their good books?

2) Why is  IBB still persona non grata to the USA, while  OBJ gets appointed as a UN ambassador?

3) Was UNESCO blind as to have considered OBJ's presidential library as its host to its cultural institute, despite the 'Renowned' Soyinka's fight against it?

4) Were the Paris/London clubs so stupid as to grant Nigeria debt forgiveness(and it led to same for africa's HIPC's) to a 'corrupt despot', that would have personalised the gains, and now turn around to reward him with speeches and appointments?

5) Was it a coincidence that in OBJ's time, there was massive international goodwill and FDI inflow, and now , less than 2 years after his leaving, we are  having a reversal?

I just need simple, rational and quantifiable answers. Not emotional outbursts.

Pataki:
Name three outstanding things Obasanjo did for Nigerians? This was a man who when he became President, immediately ordered for a presidential jet, and started gallivanting across the world.

Name three things he has done that makes him the best leader we ever had in Nigeria. Maybe I should help you with one:

1) GSM right?

@ Pataki,

A simple question was asked you, i think you should give a straight answer.

No need to gallivant, which is usually the case when one has no answers, only emotional responses.

And it is a serious problem with Nigeria/Nigerians, which makes it difficult for us to measure and track performance objectively.

In any case, let's have some answers to the questions above.

So how much is d Euro?

Add to that his military pedigree! He could strangulate you, even at his age!

@ Ode Remo,

yours truly is in no joking mood.

Watch it! OBJ hasnt been out 2 years, and we are all missing him. He is the biggest topic here already.

Hate him, love him, we cant just talking about him. U get my drift buddy?

I had said somewhere that HISTORY will put OBJ on its' good side. Someone here argued against it.

History always and only writes for itself, and the earlier we realise it, the better.

It has always been strange to me that we nigerians do not know how to rate performance. Obasanjo, (and i'm incurable here) was the best we ever had.

And he is a legend. The only rivals will be Fawehinmi, and of course W.F.Kumuyi.

@ B.O.S.S,

you know, i haven't even recieved a dime from OBJ for all my support for him. Not even met him. And if i probably had a chance meeting with him, i may be shunned by him, even 'flogged' by his aides.

Maybe, i should rethink my stance, and be a typical Nigerian. Dump Him! Since the goodies have failed to flow.

But, for me, it is about truth, and standing up for it.

It's about liberation from our long years of poverty, social backwardness and national emptiness.

And it's about principles. And one man has dared to show us the way, albeit falteringly: OBJ.

And we must recognise that. Or else, we will continually be held slaves to the ideas that have kept us in our downward spiral today.

Interestingly, some of my prophesies are beginning to come to pass.

I had earlier said on another thread, that sooner or later, Nigerians will begin to appreciate the man OBASANJO.

I have seen it in several places now. And now the trend is on Nairaland. What feeling does this evoke in me? Pride? Sadness? No. Neither.

I am only Glad that there is some hope for Nigeria now. Why? Cos if we couldn't even identify what and who were the solutions to our problems, then we are in for perpetual trouble.

In any case, history can only write for itself. And history will be VERY Kind to Obasanjo.

I marvel at the level of misinformation lots of us Nigerians bandy. We both ingest and peddle all sorts of unfounded facts. I only wonder if this is borne of genuine ignorance, or a very deliberate attempt at distorting the facts.

For instance, someone has made reference to the 120 million people in darkness. I am wondering if he was referring to the population of Nigeria. I thought we number over 140 million. If this wasn't a typo, then imagine the level of disinformation this fellow and his likes will 'succeed' in populating polluting the public space with.

Also, please where did we get our facts about 14 billion dollars spent on the IPP? Some peddle 16 billion, some 12 billion, and now 14 billion. So which is it?

Why do we allow the paid press mold our opinions on every issue? Why not we get into the facts and figures?Let me say, that we are so lazy to carry out simple research into issues that concern our lot as Nigerians.

samorijack:
the simple truth is ,
on every single development indicies Nigeria has fared worse this when the Obj administration came to power. What happened to the U.B.E scheme, Niational I.D card project, the last census, war on graft, need I say more?

This is our problem. What do you mean by Development indices? [/b]Since when did these things become indices of development? [b]The fundamental problem is that we know neither the syllabus , nor the marking scheme.

@samorijack, go and do proper research on Indices of Development. When you've done that, we can now come and score OBJs performance. OK?

Oh B.O.S.S, it's been a while. A happy new year to you.

I don't think this is an argument, and it will be a disservice to posterity, if things aren't put in their proper perspective.

cre8tivity:
how could one prosper if all he or she sees and thinks is negative?
it's very simple: how are we doing in nigeria compare to 2 years ago? you might not agree with yaradua 90% of the time, but the difference is clear. the governors are more focused and the path to greatness is clearer.
in case you did not know, the number of investors returning or looking into coming to nigeria to invest has gone up by 34%.  and the number of nigerians returning back home has also gone up drastically. something's wrong with you if you can not see anything positive taking place in nigeria today.

@ cre8tivity,

you amuse me.

Where on earth did you get these incredulous statistics you are bandying?  Honestly where?

The exact opposite is the case.  And we could have a ride!

Only today, Thisday, a Nigerian daily, carried a report of  the Nigerian Stock exchange being the 2nd worst performing in the world. In the same article, an investment analyst put it this way, " investors have lost confidence in the ability of the President (Yar adua), to manage the nation's economy".
Two years ago, the exact opposite was the case. Nigeria's stock market was rated the 2nd best in the world, on returns.

What worse verdict on Yar Adua's administration?

@post,
are you Nigerian?

This is the first (one of the few) truly insightful writs on the legacy of OBJ.

He wasn't a populist, but did deliver on the truly important things. Soon, actually later, Nigerians will begin to appreciate him. Or at least, his legacy.

His policies were deliberate, methodical and crafted with a definite end on mind. And, as you have pointed out, the results are there to see.

Today, i read on ThisDay, a Nigerian daily, that the Nigerian Stock Exchange is the 2nd worst performing in the world. Incidentally, i remember that in 2007, the same stock market was rated the 2nd best in the world, on returns.

One investment analyst put it this way, "investors have lost confidence in the President's(Yar adua) ability to manage the nation's economy in these times". The verdict in OBJ's era was exactly the opposite.

As in an old poem title, 'Don't give me roses after I'm gone', it is good we honour our heroes while they are still with us.

@Mikeansy
Right on spot!!!

Hey, this is nonsense!

How do you comfortably lump edo/delta with south east, and label the emerging entity Biafra?

B.O.S.S.:
I beg your pardon, my focus was on the Nigerian NewsWeek magazine and yes, I'm an Imperial Alumnus as well as Manchester University (my CV in a nutshell) but my knowledge of NewsWeek should have little to do with my university though shouldn't it?

I just love to prove you wrong, how about answering my question about Osama Bin Laden and Simon Cowell making the list in the same year while Tony Blair was no where to be found, I'm basically saying that these lists are matters of objectivity coupled with opinions.

I'll love to read your response as I love the way you carry out your research but I doubt you'll submit, please convince me about Adeboye's inclusion in the list having anything to do with him being a credible leader (but please justify the inclusion of Osama Bin Laden as well).

Thanks.

@ B.O.S.S,

Well said, BOSS.

You parade a rich pedigree!

There is no doubt about Osama's influence in the world. Whether we like it or not, he's on the lips of everyone, from Bush of US to the Kalahari Bushmen.

It may interest you to know that every entry has a commentary, and this will give you a clear picture of the nature of influence the entrant peddles.

Find here 2 links on both,
Adeboye (http://www.newsweek.com/id/176333) and Osama bin Laden (http://www.newsweek.com/id/176326).

When you've gone through both, i will like you to tell honestly whether both men peddle the same kind of influence, and also what seems to be the bias of the magazine.

You feel it's all about subjective opinions? No way! A magazine of the pedigree of Newsweek, rises to that zenith on wings of truth and objectivity. And that's why they are respected globally.

Yes, i dare to say, their (Newsweek) word is (almost) authority.

dayokanu:
@Kobo,

We have been ruled by Adeboyes guy- OBJ . whom Adeboye certified and we know what it brought us

The only point you have seems to be this same thing - OBJ and Adeboye.

As i said earlier, Loud, but no Logic.

Man, let me hear you spit some intelligent stuff.

@ B.O.S.S,

Don't tell me you don't know The Newsweek Magazine?

Newsweek and Time are the only truly international magazines in the world. The Economist of London is trying to belong.

Oh no, I'm not referring to the Newsweek of Nigeria. That's thrash! For instance, The SUN of UK is not in any related to Orji Uzor Kalu's Sun of Nigeria.      Get my drift?

By the way, did i hear you say you re an Imperial Alumnus? And you don't know The Newsweek?

Question again is, How did The Newsweek select Adeboye as one of 50 top influential men in the world?  Now, i hope you get the import of this question.

I ask:

The Newsweek (Jan '09) has identified the 50 most influential/powerful people in the world today.

Only three blacks made the list.  As expected, most are whites, including The Clintons, Warren Buffet, Merkel, Bloomberg, Bill & Melinda Gates, Gordon Brown, etc.

Three blacks: Barrack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and, a Nigerian  -   Umaru Musa Yar Adua.   E . A . Adeboye.
[/s]

What could have informed this choice?? Or was the Newsweek wrong in their selection? Or should The Newsweek be sued for this 'misinformation'?

Can i have some answers pleeeeaase?

Jakumo:
With all due respect, sir, your writing suggests a predisposition to spontaneous bouts of stark raving dementia that could erupt without warning from beneath a veneer of calm lucidity.

When the arrest team arrives to subdue you, I suggest that you surrender yourself peacefully, so that precautionary dosages of sedative will not be necessary to effect your transfer into custody.

How many hours did it take you to construct this ?

You must be glad you finally made your english teacher proud!

I hope so, though.

U know, i've been thinking 'bout something:

We are all so bold on NairaLand.

If only we were that bold in reality ?!!!!!?

Truth be told, We are so bold here because - we are all faceless.

Remove the mask, and we melt like a hot chocolate.

C'mon. MEND is no toothless bulldog.

They denied that report.

They have always carried out whatever threats they made. In fact, to show the ineptitude of the Nigerian military, even when such threats were announced before hand, they still succeeded at carrying them out.

Truth is, the security at the VILLA is porous.

udezue:
how stupid can u be? How are they not part of Delta state yet they are natives of the land they live on in that state? stupid give em their own state or you better practice fairness. Gone are the days when Anioma people were easily intimidated by gang up of Igbo haters. I'm happy they are finally waking up. U can't survive by being afraid of your enemies.

Y'all complain about injustice yet you want benefit from injustice against others. U should be ashamed of yourself.

I like your rantings.

Igbo haters? But you aren't igbo? Neither are you deltans. What a contraption!

What really do you guys have to contribute to the state? I like your peacefulness though.

asha 80:
Is Newton Jibunor igbo from delta?
Is he the same guy that made that journey in the desert?

He is the guy.

I don't think he has a point.

After all, that part isn't supposed to be a part of Delta State.

@ Ode Remo,

you got the picture with your tru story.

There is no cohesion in Nigeria. I think the root cause is SUSPICION! We don't trust each others' motives.

Ignorance on the part of the populace also fuels this cowardice.

When you have a penchant for cheap, cheap products, you'll very likely fall victim of fake products.

I blame the buyer more. Why? Because when we nigerians see a high quality product that costs a bit more, our first tendency is to condemn such as opportunists who want to rip off 'the masses'.

Good luck to y'all buyers of cheap, substandard goods. No forget say awoof dey run belle.

Dayokanu: @Kobo,

Are you cool with the way he abetted corruption and looting of the country by corrupt politicians?

/quote]

What do you know as the meaning of Abetting?

Here is the Dictionary meaning for you:

1  : to actively second and encourage (as an activity or plan)   2  : to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose

Now, when you make wild claims, will you just back them with some few facts?

JUST one single fact, or event, or evidence to back your claim.

When i make my arguments, i back them with measurable data, empirical observations, and reference-able statements.

But you just hit at a point, without giving evidence or supporting data.  That's loudness, not logic.

Please, give at least one single measurable, verifiable evidence to support your claims.

Your associating of Adeboye with OBJ here is not different from what the RNC tried to do tying Obama with Ayers.  And even when Billy Graham was reffered to as Pastor to USA presidents, he wasn't accused for whatever were their wrongs in office.

Again, check out the facts.

He was a Zoology lecturer. That's all i know.

But i've been wondering where he stands on all the issues that have been happening.

When the Cat dies, and there is dancing in the kitchen, who do you think is having the party?

Of course, The RATS!

@ Jakumo,

Obstruction Evacuated! Permission granted!

jerseyguy:
The portion of the complaint, which gave the recipients of the bribes, says that approximately $2.8m of the bribe payments was routed through a bank account in Potomac, Maryland, in the name of the wife of a former Nigerian vice-president.

“The Vice President’s wife, a dual US. Nigerian citizen living in the United States, served as the representative of a business consultant that entered into fictitious business consultant agreements to perform ‘supply, installation, and commissioning’ services but did no actual work for Siemens. The purpose of these payments was to bribe government officials. Other corrupt payments included the purchase of approximately $172,000 (N17.3m) in watches for Nigerian officials designated in internal Siemens records as “P.” and “V.P.,” likely referring to the

President and Vice-President of Nigeria.”

Even the reference to P., which is supposed to be president, says that Wrist Watches (not cash), were the items given here.

Since when did Wrist Watch gifts become a bribe tool for a president.  Abi na Rolex  OBJ no get?

If this is all that was attributed to OBJ by the SEC article, then OBJ is a clean man.