₦airaland Forum

Yar'Adua is still my preffered candidate. Buhari is a distant second, his extreme Islamic disposition causes some concern (This may be curtailed in a democracy though)

Atiku is a candidate for the jail house, hate to digress from the main topic, but just can't help it. 

This fat neck nomadic glut Atiku should spare us his rants!. He was part of the same goverment when all these contracts where being awarded. He had no objection then. Now it's dawned on him that he won't be 'anointed' President of Nigeria, he is desperate to bring the roof down on the house by asking for all that he should have asked for long time ago. I guess the going was too good then.  He is such a bad looser.

I'm glad Atiku and OBJ are leaving, hopefully for a younger, frugal and more modest leader like Yar'Adua, worst case, Buhari.  Atiku is undoubtedly the most annoying and irritating boofoon in Nigeria today. The way he carries on, you'd be forgiven for thinking he'd been confined to Robben Island!!

When the heat is turned on our power drunk leaders, when they start loosing out in the powerplay that they themselves have benefited from for so long,  they suddenly become consciencious objectors, defenders of democracy, human rights and all what not.

It was not so long ago that Atiku's crude and over zealous security guards almost killed a journalist. When he goes about Nigeria, he travels in a convoy of at least 40 cars, most filled with security personnel (120+ aparently - even more than OBJ). We're expected to feel sorry for him because he doesn't get the use of a Presidential plane. This is the kind of  nonsence that makes news in a country where many cannot afford basic food, clothing and shelter.

We should all loose sleep because Atiku had to 'make do' with chattereing a 747-400 series with capacity for 330+ passengers, to fly him alone, oga, to his Mansion in Maryland. At the expenses of the people. Stories like this makes me very very very sad.

Even the British PM, for cost reasons,  doesn't travel in a private plane but chatters one on official trips.

Tony Blair recently traveled to Italy on vacation and flew BA with everyone else, albeit in first class. He made news the next day for accepting a discounted fare from British Airways!!


We worship our leaders rather than hold them to account. We are so hung-over from colonial era deprivation that we'll sooner woship looting leaders than demand their heads on a platter. 

Our people do not ask questions and demand answers from our leaders. The Presidency, state houses, and senate stinks with curruption and extravagance.  That's why many in the senate are sympathetic to Atiku becauses they are all one of a kind. They feel his ' pain'. Atiku is a pure product of this system that he has helped nurture and have benefited inmensly from.


As for me, I'm too enlightened to be manipulated by our political elites in the mould of Atiku.  I'm sure we all want the best to hold for Nigeria's future, a future that must have no role for Atiku, IBB, Audu Ogbe, Ikimi and co.

This fat neck nomadic glut should spare us his rants!. He was part of the same goverment when all these contracts where being awarded. He had no objection then. Now it's dawned on him that he won't be 'anointed' President of Nigeria, he is desperate to bring the roof down on the house! He is such a bad looser.

I'm glad he and OBJ are leaving, hopefully for a younger, frugal and more modest leader like Yar'Adua. Atiku is undoubtedly the most annoying and irritating boofoon in Nigeria today. The way he carries on, you'd be forgiven for thinking he'd been confined to Robben Island!!

When the heat is turned on our power drunk leaders, when they start loosing out in the powerplay that they themselves have benefited from for so long,  they suddenly become consciencious objectors, defenders of democracy, human rights and all what not.

It was not so long ago that Atiku's crude and over zealous security guards almost killed a journalist. When he goes about Nigeria, he travels in a convoy of at least 40 cars, most filled with security personnel (120+ aparently - even more than OBJ). We should feel sorry for him because he doesn't get the use of a Presidential plane. This is the kind of  nonsence that makes news in a country where many cannot afford basic food, clothing and shelter.

We should all loose sleep because Atiku had to 'make do' with chattereing a 747-400 series with capacity for 330+ passengers, to fly him alone, oga, to his Mansion in Maryland. At the expenses of the people. Stories like this makes me very very very sad.

Even the British PM, for cost reasons, doesn't travel in a private plane but chatters a plan on official trips.

Tony Blair recently traveled to Italy on vacation and flew BA with everyone else, albeit in first class. He made news the next day for accepting a discounted fare from British Airways!!


We worship our leaders rather than hold them to account. We are so hung-over from colonial era deprivation that we'll sooner woship looting leaders than demand their heads on a platter.

Our people do not ask questions and demand answers from our leaders. The Presidency, state houses, and senate stinks with curruption and extravagance.  That's why many in the senate are sympathetic to Atiku becauses they are all one of a kind. They feel his ' pain'. Atiku is a pure product of this system that he has helped nurture and have benefited inmensly from.


As for me, I'm too enlightened to be manipulated by our political elites in the mould of Atiku.  I'm sure we all want the best to hold for Nigeria's future, a future that must have no role for Atiku, IBB, Audu Ogbe, Ikimi and co.

Exceptional novelist he may be, but President material I think not.

He has become a professional critic, in the mould of the likes of Chukwumerije, but history has shown that most people like this lack substance and never deliver given the chance.

Gani may even make a better President, though what we need now is a diplomatic, frugal, tested, modest leader. Yar'Adua qualifies and is ahead of the pack. Buhari, as a very last resort. Atiku - well, I only hope that for him it's goverment house to jail house.

What infuriates me the most is Atiku's shameless deceit of the mases with his so called "fight to save democracy" diatribes. This is simply a fight for his selfish, desperate, wicked and ill-conceived ambition.

I dare say that Atiku and all the other excessive gluts in Nigeria should get the Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti treatment. Let's see their heads roll!!

Yar'Adua is the best candidate for Nigeria. But my second choice would be Buhari. He is less tainted by curruption like IBB and Atiku. He is also less controversial and less extravagant.

The only concern with Buhari is his extreme islamic credentials, however I believe this can be curtailed in a democracy. The other concern is that he comes accross as quite  authoritarian. That's a serious problem.

Also, by overthrowing a democratically elected President, he has lost some credibility as a democrat.

Anyway, I'm certain IBB will do all in his power to stop Buhari, given their antecedents.

Nothing wrong with this, in my opinion.

As a people, we hardly take advantage of the opportunities that sorround us, as we chase contracts + embark on get-rich-quick schemes rather than invest in the development of our nation. The presence of the Chinese may help elevate our collective thinking.

The Chinese will continue to thrive in our nation because of who we are. If a Nigerian corporation acquires assets like companies or oil blocks, we'll all be at daggers end, ready to apply whatever political interpretation to destroy our very own. Some will even describe it as favouritism. If a Chinese or other foreigner (oyinbo, master) buys it up, we'll all be mute.

Our attitude in Nigerian is a hangover of slave mentality. We're quick to destroy our very own who try to make a difference.

Therefore, let the Chinese or Koreans for that matter continue to flourish in our nation. . Whilst there may be some negative consequences, I believe the overall benefit far outweighs the cost.

the only thing i like in this face off is the point that Atiku is telling OBJ to his face what he does that is not good for the rest of Nigerian

Very funny indeed. Atiku has his eyes only on one prize and has worked against any percieved threat, including Mr President. I commend OJB strongly and know for sure that he has saved the nation from an Atiku the con. You need to see to believe the lifestyle Atiku leads with his family and cronies. You'll be shocked. OBJ is the complete opposite. Yar'Adua and even Buhari are complete opposites.

But this is food for thought. How many Deputy governors are taking over from their boses in 2007, how many had the support of the governors in their parties? None!

Atiku seems to think the Presidency is his birthright. Opposition to his candidacy must translate to opposition to democracy!! He uses words like "Fight against anti-democratic forces, democracy at threat etc". Seeing how frantic he is tells a lot about him. Let him be a true fighter for democracy, give up his ambition and suppor another progressive candidate, if indeed his grouse is not borne out of selfishness. But that will never happen. The arguments in his favour are pathetic.

Nobody needs a desperately over-ambitious deputy. Atiku himself, despite his legendry currupt tendencies, will not condone a disloyal deputy.

Well, to be honest, Atiku is not irrelevant anymore. He almost certainly will not get to be President and will soon be consigned to the dustin of history where he belongs.

Abeg Atiku should be disqualified or should go on exile. And whilst at it, he should try convince IBB to preceed him!!.

BTW, you're not the Schevchenko @ Chelsea FC by any chance are you? Well if you are, it's no news that you may be on your way out anyway. I don't expect Mourinho (the chosen one) will miss you too much though!! 

What is an indisputable fact is that Atiku has lost the right to be VP under OBJ.

The constitution should be supreme, so I hope that the action in the courts now will resolve this once and for all. However, what gives me joy is the knowledge that Atiku and IBB have come to the end of their desperate presidential journeys.

Irrespective of the outcome of courts, Atiku will never again be relevant as a VP and has lost the privelage of criss-crossing the country with a retinue of 200+ police, customs and SSS operatives + numerous senior goverment paid advisers + presidential jets. This would have confered an underserved advantage to a candidate eager to destroy the same party and goverment that have made this possible.

He is extremely greedy, disloyal, desperate and currupt and should have no role to play in the future of our nation.

It will be easier for the camel to pass the eye of a pin than for Atiku to take part in next years election or even become president.

This will be a blessing to our nation and one of the best lagacies OBJ could leave behind. We are at a point in history when actions like these are required to save the nation from itself!

@ishmael

JoshO, sorry i thot you were a yoruba man; you,re talking like one sha!! No vex o!!

As far as tribe goes, I'm as far from yoruba as the South is from the North, but I'm keen to know how Yoruba's "talk". And whilst you're at that, could you please educate me on how Igbos and Hausa's talk as I'm not aware of these stereotypes. Excuse my bumbling "ignorance".

Much appreciated.

Wrong!!

By the way, what has tribe got to do with this?

I'm of a different ethnic group from  that of Atiku and OBJ. But even if I were, that would not cloud my judgement.


A a 'new' Nigerian at such a sensitive time in our history, I want to believe that neither ethnicity, religion nor political persuation should be the basis of our opinions, especially on important matters such as this.

It's the only way if we are to succeed in moving our dear country forward.

The goverment has gone to the Appeal court to resolve this. I hope the court rules in favour of the goverment. Otherwise, Atiku should be impeached by the Assembly.

As this is unlikely to happen and should the court case collapse, I suggest Atiku be re-instated, but stripped of all powers. He should not be allowed to use his position as VP to an advantage over other candidates in the same goverment and party he is keen to discredit.

Yes, OBJ should have have followed due process and exercised some patience, but I think Atiku's recalcitrance and disloyalty got the better of him. My prayer now is that whatever the outcome, Atiku remains completely irrelevant not only now, but after the elections. He is no better than the boss he criticizes.

I believe anyone investing in this stock in the next few days can still reap @ least  20% appreciation before the books close mid January.

Oceanic is easily a N20 stock.

Not even state governors  in Nigeria would put up with the level of disloyalty Atiku has shown to his boss. Let's not forget that.

Atiku is simply blinded by his ambition. You cannot have two captains on a ship. He should have resigned a long time ago, campaign for President and then oppose the goverment from the outside. That is character, that is principle, that is quality. Even I would have voted for him. If Atiku succeeds inspite of his ways, then it's a more disturbing precedent than that set by OBJ in dropping him.

I maintain that it's the elites in Nigeria that give the indiciplined types like Atiku the wind in their sail. In a more civilized society, a deputy opposing his boss, directly like Atiku, or even indirecty, no matter what it is your boss stands for, would turn opinion against you and render your position untenable.

In the uk, Gordon Brown (despite his ambition) and John Prescott cannot let their ambition lead to a revolt on the pm. It will cost them dearly.  Ask Michael Helsintine. It is generally accepted that whomever leads a revolt cannot become the beneficiary i.e President or PM.  I can't imagine Cheney opposing Bush etc etc,  Atiku on the other hand would have his cake and want it ,  all in the same stroke.

Atiku is constantly at it, one manipulative game after the other. Victim mentality that the painfully gullible amongst us would swallow hook, line, sinker.  Now he is going about talking of third term again, and OBJ's bid to remain in office past 2007! Come on con,  get your spin doctors to come up with a new line,  this one's getting stale, 

Atiku, stay with the issues and stop this endless manipulation of the masses by you and your coniving band of pdp dropouts and disgruntled AC stallwarts like Audu Obeh and Tinubu.

OK, agreed, I think the decision to declare Atiku's seat vacant was questionable and hasty at best, but Atiku certainly made matters worse by his intransigence, disloyalty and lack of integrity.

There is hardly any precedent for this, since generally VP's sink or swin with the goverment and president they serve or resign on principle. But not Atiku, the trappings of office are way too sweet to leave behind.

The point is he should have resigned a long time ago with integrity intact. Atiku is desperatly trying to have his cake and eat it.

Also please spare us all this simplistic argument that Atiku's problem stems from his oposition to third term. Far from it. OBJ had made up his mind about Atiku a long time ago, long before the third term saga. Had third term succeeded, Atiku would have been replaced as VP anyway. Also, be reminded once again that Atiku's opposition to third term is no badge of honour and should not be flouted. Like IBB, his new found best friend who also opposed third term, opposition was driven entirely by personal ambition to rule Nigeria. There is hardly anything noble about  that.

Atiku should drop his Presidential ambitions and spare us his arrant emptiness. The first 4 years of OBJ's goverment was a waste, and Atiku was clearly head of goverment during this time with complete control of the economy. Besides enriching himself, his girlfriends and family from London to Maryland, what can he point to as an achievement, , rather than face issues, he'll be quick to mention third term as though it were an accomplishment on the scale of the American industrial revolution. Spare us pleeasse.

Even before Atiku crossed parties, if he had any decency in him, he should have resigned. His antagonism towards his boss, his party and the same goverment where he holds sway has made his position untenable. 

No matter what his grouse was, it was his responsibility to make up with his boss and party amicably, not by the force and deceit as he has been doing.  Basically, it had to be OBJ's way or the highway, and I agree with that. The constitution makes it clear what the role / relationship of the VP / President was.

The problem with Atiku is that he believes the presidency is suddenly his birthright. This is where his problem lies. Members of the NEC and FEC believe that Nigeria deserves better than Atiku. I do too.

I still hold that OBJ has done a great deal for this country and I'm not convinced that Atiku has the character to produce anything near.

OBJ was certainly a beneficiary of the fraud that is Nigeria, but I commend him for turning on his former benefactors. Constitution or not,  Atiku and IBB should be hung out to dry - by the balls.  Both can only offer more of the same shenanigans, , waste, patronage and deceit.

Sooner or later, we'll all be thankful to OBJ and his administration for taking them out of the equation.

Atiku lacks character. Period. If elected, he will run Nigeria from Maryland, whilst he, his family and other disgruntled political jobbers that have now become his closest friends and are the perenial clogs in the wheel of our progress - will continue to grow fat at our expense.

He should remain in Maryland until the end of 2007. OBJ should bring all the power of state at his disposal to bear on this disloyal, greedy and over ambitious con.

Two down (IBB, Atiku), two less obstacles to our progress!

As a nation, we have been in troubled times for generations now. Addressing this requires that desperate methods be adopted. I consider the likes of Atiku, Ogbeh, IBB etc to be the clog in the well of our progress as a nation. The judiciary itself, which should otherwise be an arbitrar, is perhaps more currupt than the Nigerian police force.

What OBJ is doing may or may not be unconstitutional, but what concerns me now is that Atiku and his likes do not represent our future. OBJ is gone in 5 months. That I am satisfied with.

In time to come, we will come to thank OBJ for sparing us from these prolific plunderers!!!

Really sad,  but let's also spare a thought for the thousands of innocent people in Nigeria who are either targets or get caught up in crossfile of these men of the underworld but hardly make news,

For Mr Agbroko and all the fallen departed, most of whom are indirect victims of our extremely incompetent, incapable political leadership, may their souls rest in peace.

I will support Atiku's removal by any means necessary, for the sake of my future as a Nigerian

Good ridance to bad rubbish!!

I have a question regarding Nigerian debit cards. I'm about to acquire one, but would like to know if these cards are generally accepted for hotel reservations. Otherwise, one has to consider if it's really worth the effort.

For example, is this accepted at Sheraton hotels, Eko and other fine restaurants?


Thanks

This clueless, virtueless git is off on a foreign holiday again?!!.  It was only 2 months ago he embarked on a three-week vacation in his multi-million dollar Maryland mansion.

Our leaders certainly lack character. He wants to rule over Nigeria, but would sooner vacation in his London or Maryland mansions rather than Obudu, Tinapa, Yankaree etc,  I bet these Nigerian destinations are not as attractive as Potomac or Finchley  (plenty oyinbo's around, no fuming generating sets, no police sirens constituting noise polution as his 200-man security detail constitutes, excellenat medical facilities in case he has a heart attack whilst vacationing etc etc)

When will these lackees start demonstrating serious commitment to a nation they claim to love so much? When will they start putting their investments and vacation time in the country they have helped destroy, yet have benefitted imensly from!!.

In a more civilized society where the populace are generally more enligtened (enlightenment being one of the factors in determining HDI - Human Development Index, of which incidentally Nigeria consistently competes for last place with the like?s of Bangladesh!!!), a fat-neck, conniving andcorrupt  nomad like Atiku would be lucky to get 5-minute air time, let alone be VP.!

This is one of the many reasons I would take Yar'Adua, OBJ or even Buhari (reluctantly - not keen on ex military types) to the Kalu's, Atiku's and IBB's of Nigeria.

Atiku President of Nigeria? It will never happen!! God forbid bad thing.

To be honest, I'm past bothering, just reading peoples opinions on very important issues like this only goes to confirms the theory that a People get the leaders they deserve, and deserve the leaders they get.

Need I say more.

My vote is certainly for Yar'Adua. If for nothing else, the management of our soon-to-be $50 billion external reserve.

He is amongst the most effective and least flamboyant of the current breed of governors. Also, sad as it were, his health condition may come with an advantage. Adversity, they say, often forces modesty.

A man in his situation will be more concerned with making a difference, rather than aquiring mansions in Maryland and the UK. I have no doubt in my mind that he will triumph.  

Yar'Adua is also less likely to engage in the political connivance and brinkmanship  that is the trademark of leading politicians like barawo Atiku.

.

That is why I commend the Obasanjo goverment for it's fiscal descipline.

Some major infrastructural projects are planned - railway, power plants, roads - that will use up a lot of the reserves. The key is proper planning and execution

In addition to this, foreign reserves increases the confidence of foreign investors (especially FDI's) - as it's one of the indicators in determining the stability of an economy.

I hope a leader like Yar'Adua comes in. He has shown that he is prudent and frugal.

Guys, give it to him, Atiku is certainly a manipulator extraordinaire, , with a retinue of spin doctors and paid advisers that will put OBJ's aids in the shade anyday.

First, he drops in words like Third term, TransCorp to ride on popular emotions. He is such a bad leader, willing to sink the entire ship if he's not made captain. It is that desperation that irritates me the most and will guarantee his demise.

Opposition to third term have become a badge of honour for him,  and the only "achievement" he has to his name after 8 years as VP. Opposing third term does not suddenly make him President material. Besides, his opposition to third term was largely to preserve his futile ambtion, whist protecting himself from another 4 years of EFCC.

He should retire to his luxurious mansion in Maryland together with OBJ and spare us this arrant emptiness,  Barawo banza.

Sure, PDP did ochestrate electoral fraud  in 2003, masterminded by the likes of Atiku, Audu Ogbeh, Tony Anenih etc. That is fact. OBJ was literally installed by them as he had significantly less political leverage.

I'm, not bothered as much by OBJ,  as in 4 - 5 months he'll be consigned to history.

But as Atiku seeks to represent our future, I have a major issue with his ambition.

That agbada wearing normad seeks to turn the presidency into a flamboyant circus. My opinion of him is based on what I know. Don't ask me how, but I'm in a position to comment on him. At this point in our history, we need  prudent, conservative leadership, not the ostentatious waste that Atiku represents.

By any means necessary, this barawo will be stopped. Dan buru-uba!!

Why do people have to describe Atiku and IBB's opposition to Third Term as though it were a badge of honour. These rogues opposed third term only for two reasons -

1) To become President themselves (Extremely SELFISH)
2) A new mandate for OBJ would mean renewed anti-graft effort, which would have been the final nail in their coffins. They both would have ended up in jail if OBJ had another 4 yrs.

He would have got a little more respect had he given up his ambition after the 3rd term fiasco. Third term has become the only achievement he can boast off.

I want him to know he has done us no favours. But being as gullible as ever, we're buying Atiku's propaganda hook, line and sinker. But I won't be fooled.

Atiku is going nowhere. He is a major league thief. Mastermind of the rigging in the 2003 elections. HE WILL NEVER WIN. A new, more purposeful generation will emerge.

Wether we like it or not, the barton has been passed on to a new generation of achievers. I'm not holding brief for OBJ, but I don't have to target him as he will soon be gone. But he should take the likes of Atiku, IBB, Buhari with him. We need a fresh start.

The over-achievers in Obasanjo's term have been young dynamic people, with the likes of Soludo, El Rufai, Ribadu, Akinluyi typifying the sort of leadership we crave and will find in Yar'Adua.

Atiku has no credibility, no precedence of accomplishment of any kind, rather than the extreme politiking, grand manipulation and connivance he has become adept in.