₦airaland Forum

THE NATION: Pro-Tinubu, pro-AC, anti-PDP, but backpage analysts, most of whom veteran journalists, try not to be Tinubu's boy-boy

The Nation, though not as glaring as the other two, only manages to sit on the line.
They can devote almost half of their pages to Tinubu's birthday or AC convention, but what they lack in news objectivity they have in abundance in fine, objective analyses. In their backpage columnists, made up of veteran journalists (Segun Gbadegesin, Dare Olatunji and self-styled Haruna Mohammed), they have a commentariat you can hardly dictate what to write to.
They are also critical of PDP but at least a little better

desgiezd:
Compass: Pro Gbenga Daniel, Pro PDP, anti-Tinubu, anti-Lagos

me i no dey read that one, so i no kno

Jarus:
DAILY TRUST: Pro-North, Pro-Islam, now anti-Jonathan

I read DT very well and I have quite a number of articles there but I am highly disappointed at the level they are taking their anti-Jonathan campaign. I'm also not a fan of GEJ. Ribadu is my man of the current names being bandied around, but I expect a minimum level of objectivity from a newspaper like that.
Virtually all their columns, opinion articles and even editorials are about Jonathan bashing. I think they are taking it too far.
From Mohammed Haruna to Adamu Adamu to Garbadeen Mohammed to Is'haq Modibbo Kawu and even to Mahmud Jega, who I have always respected, all their writings are all about Jonathan. Modibbo Kawu called GEJ a paper Tiger, haba! They have GEJ all sort of names.
I'm not impressed at all, even though I'm also not a GEJ fan.

Jarus:
SUN: Anti-PDP., Pro-Kalu, Pro-IBB

Sun has also stooped so low that I feel shy to see informed people see Sun in my hand. While newspapers, whether privately or government-owned, the world over are tool for passing on a guided message, a minimum level of objectivity is still expected from a seriosu paper. Sun also falls below professional minimu. maybe the paper should be named ANTI-PDP  or KALU news.

DAILY TRUST: Pro-North, Pro-Islam, now anti-Jonathan
SUN: Anti-PDP., Pro-Kalu, Pro-IBB
THISDAY: Owner is PDP, but their analysts try to be neutral
TRIBUNE: Pro-Yoruba, not-so friendly with the north, conservative, consciously or unconsciously pro-Christianity
THE NATION: Pro-Tinubu, pro-AC, anti-PDP, but backpage analysts, most of whom veteran journalists, try not to be Tinubu's boy-boy
LEADERSHIP: Pro-North
GUARDIAN: Seems to be quite professional and objective, despite being owned by Ibru family
NEXT: Wants to prove style and class. Tries to operate above sentiments.

LAGOS Saturday 21st August 2010, Mama Cass Restaurant, Ikeja, Convergence: 5.30PM
1, Jarus
2, Ololade
3, Odunz80
4, Muzbo
5, Haboosa
6, Fxskye
7, Ajibawealt
8, Boller
9, Dmola
10, Almustaqim
11,Papi22
12,Slaiojel
13, Festogift
14, Probsolver
15,Talk2keke
16, Justdtruth
17, Remii
18, aimans
19, Onikeku.K
20, un_limited
21, Tunyus
22. Planet
23. AbdurRazaq
24, Woro
25, Ak4ril







ABUJA
1, Squad1
2, Macomrades
3, Bolseas
4, Ymozay










KANO
1, Chakula
2, Muhsin
3, Bibs






KADUNA
Skyfo-Jydo

The lady's act, as virtually everybody has acknowledged, is most condemnable and provocative.
But I don't think she should be expelled. I just read somewhere now that she's been suspended.

By Mahmud Jega

1] Incumbency. It is not for nothing that most political talk in Nigeria centres on the intentions of the incumbent President. Even when the incumbent is not in the race, the talk still centres on who he is likely to anoint as his successor. When a sitting president is up for re-election, most Nigerians think there is no way he can be beaten. This belief has some historical validity because since the First Republic, an incumbent ruler has never been defeated in a national election in Nigeria. In 1983 and 2003, especially, incumbent presidents won with outrageous majorities that were totally out of sync with their observable standing in the voters’ eye. Even at the gubernatorial level, incumbents win re-election most of the time despite very poor records in office. Usually, a governor is defeated only due to overwhelming Federal might; the only cases in Nigeria in which incumbent state governors were defeated despite Federal support were Kwara in 1983, Kano in 2003, Bauchi, Edo and Ondo in 2007.

2] Money. I once read in an American newsletter that “money is not everything in American politics, but without it, a candidate will not go very far beyond the starting line.” Very good. In Nigeria here, you will not even get near the starting line without heavy bags of money. Money is the palm oil with which Nigerian political words are eaten. When a Nigerian is told that so-and-so person wants to be a governor or a president, his first response almost always is, “Does he have enough money? You know it is costly!”

3] Party. Since 1999, Nigeria’s democracy has veered inexorably towards a one party state. At present, PDP has the president and vice president, all the ministers, 28 out of 36 state governors and 90% of National Assembly members. Despite the party’s increasing unpopularity with the ordinary voter and its very low esteem in public eyes, PDP has won three consecutive elections with geometrically increasing majorities. No wonder most Nigerians think that to stand any chance of winning an election in Nigeria, you must be in PDP.

4] Zone. [/b]It may sound ridiculous in Europe, but in Nigeria here, where you come from could scuttle your political ambition before it gets underway. Since 1979 at least, zoning has been one of the biggest Achilles’ heels to a Nigerian political ambition; many an ambitious and very promising candidate has been halted in his tracks because the post he is aspiring to was zoned by the party to another zone. In 1999, zoning was so complete that all three registered parties at the time zoned the presidency to the Yoruba. In so far as there are more than 50 parties in Nigeria right now, zoning isn’t that much of a hindrance, because an aspirant can go to another party. But Nigerians still think very much about an aspirant’s zone in all political calculations.

[b]5] Record of service. In other lands, an aspirant’s record of service is probably the most important index of his likely election success, alongside ideology and bag of promises. Not so in Nigeria here. Many a person with a shameful record of public or private sector service has stood for and has often won elections here with large majorities. Many Nigerians go straight from dismissal from work, exile or even prison to stand in elections. In 1991, a man whose picture in full prison garbs was widely distributed by his opponents was still well on his way to winning a gubernatorial election on the grounds that he later received a state pardon.

Even where a person’s “record” in office is discussed in Nigerian political circles, it is not the record that you usually think of. In 1983, an NPN gubernatorial aspirant was asked at a state congress to state his achievements in office as a minister, and he replied that he awarded “juicy contracts” to three people from the state. That’s the kind of record that wins party primaries, especially.

6] National appeal. Many presidential aspirants in Nigeria are what in other places are called the “favourite sons” of states and regions, people who are local champions with massive appeal in one area only. Although there are several routes to becoming a figure with wide appeal in Nigeria, including military service, heading an important Federal ministry or other agency, extraordinary gubernatorial tenure, excelling in the private sector or dogged labour union/civil society work, preciously few people rise to that level these days.

7] The Vision Thing. In other climes, the first thing everyone wants to know from an aspirant is his vision. Not so here. People sit down here and plan how to spend billions in pursuit of an office without sparing a thought for what they will do when they get the office. Which is just as well, for no one asks them about it. Vision is such a low priority thing in Nigerian politics that many governors and presidents work out their programs only after winning the election, not before.

8] Eloquence. US President John Kennedy’s old speechwriter Ted Sorensen once wrote that an American presidential campaign is built around the speech. In so far as what you say is the most important thing that will draw people to you, a candidate spends most of his time preparing his speeches, what to say, how to say it and where. In Nigeria here, no one gives a second thought to eloquence or to substance. Thinking about the eloquence of Nigeria’s four civilian presidents since 1979 reminds me of what TIME magazine once said about the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Although he is an economist of high international standing, Singh’s extremely listless public speech was described as “a natural remedy for sleep disorders.”

[b]9] Luck. [/b]When all is said and done, the most reliable indicator of presidential election success in Nigeria is, luck. All the four men who rose to become Executive Presidents of Nigeria since 1979 apparently had more luck than anything else on their side. In 1998, I asked Malam Yahaya Abdulkarim to respond to the charge by Senator Saidu Dansadau that his becoming governor of old Sokoto State in 1992 was entirely due to good luck. Malam Yahaya said, “Allah yasa ga Dansadau! Is luck not what everybody is looking for in politics?”
http://www.dailytrust.com/dailytrust/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=758:luck-may-just-be-it&catid=6:daily-columns&Itemid=6

mbulela:
Until i stopped reading Nigerian columnists, it was Ijeoma.
One of the reasons why i stopped reading her (before i stopped reading all Nigerian columnists in general) was her refusal to apologise after goofing during the SLS storm.
She made a comment that was untrue, i wrote a comment severally as a concerned reader asking for an apology for all those who she deceived by her name dropping,but i guess she is too arrogant to stoop so low.
Irrespective of the fact that i no longer read her, i admire her intelligence and penetrative analysis.

Reminds me of Obj

texazzpete:
What's the deal, resurrecting a 4 year old post?

Err, Gani's dead. Didn't you get the memo?

abi o

Maybe my post should have been: Gani would have made a better President

This topic was started in 2007 sef

So as the CEO of your company, you will conduct an election to appoint your Managers.
And if you think, posting meaninglessly and making people know your presence in every thread are what make an active Mod, then I'm afraid I can't help u.

I rate Gani way ahead of WS in social criticism. Gani, if a little more diplomatic and less emotional, will make a far better president. WS may give Senate a shot. President? No

But there are forum rules?

She is welcome

REGISTER YOUR INTENTION TO COME HERE:

LAGOS Saturday 21st August 2010, Mama Cass Restaurant, Ikeja, Convergence: 5.30PM
1, Jarus
2, Ololade
3, Odunz80
4, Muzbo
5, Haboosa
6, Fxskye
7, Ajibawealt
8, Boller
9, Dmola
10, Almustaqim
11,Papi22
12,Slaiojel
13, Festogift
14, Probsolver
15,Talk2keke
16, Justdtruth
17, Remii
18, aimans
19, Onikeku.K
20, un_limited
21, Tunyus
22. Planet
23. AbdurRazaq
24, Woro







ABUJA
1, Squad1
2, Macomrades
3, Bolseas
4, Ymozay










KANO
1, Chakula
2, Muhsin
3, Bibs






KADUNA
Skyfo-Jydo

domin8:
Sorry to derail this topic guys but i have a question.Please is it alright to share ones CV with a colleague who happens to be a direct supervisor?The colleague in question has an external Job link which i fit into and has asked me to send my CV so he can forward to the party involved.Thanks for the replies.

I don't think there is anything wrong in it, depending on the relationship between him and you, and especially since he's not the owner of the business. He may feel for you, especially if he pities you that you are earning too low in the current company, and tries to help you get another company. I do help my colleagues, especially those on contracts, to send their CVs to other places, not because I want to miss them, but because I feel it's better for them. Your oga may feel you are better off there than with the company you both are.

Duplicated thread. Go join the main discussion in another thread.
Thanks

Duplicated thread. Go join the main discussion in another thread.
Thanks

Duplicated thread. Go join the main discussion in another thread.
Thanks

Duplicated thread. Go join the main discussion in another thread.
Thanks

Thread re-opened, with strict warning to name-callers and warring parties.

Ibime:
hehehehe. . . . Jarus, welcome to the 9-5 job of moderating the politics section. . . . you will hate Nairaland after doing this job for a couple of months. . . . hehehehe. . . .

Bros e no easy o

There is nothing wrong in having differing views on an issue. In fact, that's the essence of a debate. But when it degenerates into name calling,mudslinging, threatening and insult feast, it's no longer tolerable.

Mo kuku wapa, Illusion.
I think Ijeoma is more adept in Economic analysis. She's also a senior journalist than Yemi. But I find Yemi's anlyses more agreeable than Ij's, probably because I share same sentiments with Yemi on most issues.

I also agree Ij is more beautiful. Lol

Ok, I will look at the possibility of unlocking and deleting abusive posts as suggested.
As regard your last sentence, I have always been objective to the best of my humanly possible ability, and I don't know how that comes up here. Have I supported any party or acted in the interest of any party? Pls let me know your intention with that comment

This is for people that are very conversant with Nigerian newspapers, especially their column writers.
Yemi Kolapo maintains a column with the Punch where, on Fridays, she writes on various political and economic issues.
Ijeoma Nwogwugwu is the editor of ThisDay on Saturday and maintains also maintains a column with ThisDay, on Fridays too, I think.

Both analysts are very knowledgeable in political economy. Their analyses are deep. During the Sanusi bank reforms debate, both wrote extensively on the subject, with Ijeoma writing three series on 'Is it a crime to owe?'. Yemi also participated actively in the debate. Earlier, Ijeoma had written extensively on the Power sector brouhaha, throwing her weight behind Ridwan Babalola.

For other people who follow the analyses of these columnists, who do you think is the better analyst?

And can we know where you are from too?

Mukina is not a Nigerian. She is active here.
Jamila is also a Sudanese Muslim on Nairaland here.

Still waiting for date and venue for Kano and Abuja

REGISTER YOUR INTENTION TO COME HERE:

LAGOS Saturday 21st August 2010, Mama Cass Restaurant, Ikeja, Convergence: 5.30PM
1, Jarus
2, Ololade
3, Odunz80
4, Muzbo
5, Haboosa
6, Fxskye
7, Ajibawealt
8, Boller
9, Dmola
10, Almustaqim
11,Papi22
12,Slaiojel
13, Festogift
14, Probsolver
15,Talk2keke
16, Justdtruth
17, Remii
18, aimans
19, Onikeku.K








ABUJA
1, Squad1
2, Macomrades
3, Bolseas
4, Ymozay










KANO
1, Chakula
2, Muhsin
3, Bibs






KADUNA
Skyfo-Jydo

I decided to lock it because that, to me, remains the only way of putting it at check. The entire thread has turned into another thing, and arguments and analyses have given way for insults and mudslinging. Things like this don't speak well of a serious forum. I could have even taken a stiffer measure of sending it to recycle bin but I left it there so that the few sane contributions on the thread can still be read and viewed and the reason for its lock can be glaring to later visitors to the thread. Deleting posts cannot help here, Kobo, thanks.

Not an entertainment freak, so not a fan of Silverbird.

I enjoy Channels' news, NTA's Morning Express and AIT's news as well.

But more than any of them, I switch from one Sports channel to another on DSTV.