₦airaland Forum

Congrats again @sopas2919. Your trad was awesome. Looking forward to the grand finale.

Nope, I think the slumbering one is he who's too done to reason.

Afamed:
Wake up from sleep, it's already 10am

APGA has candidates in all the states. There are also other parties besides the known 3.

Kamanuozuzu:
The question here should be: if u vote them out, who are u going to vote in?

Far from it. But I have conscience. Also I know you're probably 21 years old or so; otherwise, you'd know how shameful and disgusting it will be to your future generations when they learn that you supported PMB in 2019.

BuhariAdvocate:
because you sound like a frustrated man.

What's funny.

BuhariAdvocate:

Atiku all the way. Only the grossly selfish, ignorant, and unpatriotic elements would vote for Buhari this year.

BuhariAdvocate:
Please next Atiku and obi no dey the game.

APGA has candidates in all the states.

Francisayo:
This op is dumb....vote d governors out to vote who? You'll still vote d APC in.....

I'm sure you don't even know the meaning of joblessness.

globemoney:
Op must be jobless.

Congrats to you two, beautiful ones!!!

Not sure I got your point clearly, but those you mentioned are Nigerians based in Nigeria, and thus cannot work as lobbyists in the US.

Also, much more than having a robust business acumen and experience, you'd need to be well connected to the US political sphere to succeed as international lobbyist. This would take a lot of personal and political influence plus a robust US policy awareness.

Duru1:
This is likened to saying about fresh palm wine to a an old calabash. The best wood that cook a well done food for the people must come from the peoples' farmland. The best lobbyists for Nigeria should come from corporate bodies that include Dangote, INNSON, Ibeto Group, Coscharis, etc . These are groups who have done business in Nigeria and encountered economic, social and cultural problems peculiar to Nigeria.

Well said, my dear.

A lot of things to do this morning, but could not just afford to let those abnormalities slide without a basic correction.

patogist:
Op thanks for going extramiles to get the real meaning of lobbying. One thing about Nigerians is they don't just think before the talk. In the previous post about the US lobbying I refused to comment because of the stupid comments some ignorant people are spitting out. It really go along away foe us if we don't try to understand simple English before spitting dirty talk from our mouth.

MOD this really need your attention.

I was alarmed to see the magnitude of ignorance shown by most of those who commented on the thread that broke the news of PDP's novel international lobbying effort. For starters, I think that the majority of those commentators (including @sarkki, @wristbangle and @corinthians) did not read the actual news, otherwise they would have known that it was a smart step in the right direction not just for the PDP but more importantly for Nigeria and Nigerians.

For those of us who don't know it already, here are 5 things to know about international lobbying in the US.

1) International lobbying is a legal activity in the US.

In fact, it's a solid part and parcel of the US politics. In any case, the US laws require international lobbyists to register their outfits prior to operation. The lobbyists are usually private entities and independent of public officials. This is why the Nairaland front page headline that screams that PDP hired "Trump's Lobbyist" is wrong, false and downright dumb.


2. At least, 135 countries from around the world have hired US lobbyists at one time

Countries like South Korea, Japan, China, etc have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in their US lobbying efforts in the last one year alone. A significant portion of this expenditure come directly from the government of those countries. In fact, the government of South Korea has spent over $3 million this year already, whilst its non-government entities have collectively spent over $7million.

3. The essence of this lobby is usually to influence the US foreign policy and engagements

So, as stated in the original thread, the PDP is trying to influence the US foreign policy and engagements and make it work towards ensuring the stronger stability of the Nigerian democracy and political process. If they'd also tow this path as government, we'd probably enjoy smoother and more favorable outcomes from the US foreign policy and engagements in the coming years.

4. An international lobbying firm is not the same thing as a campaign strategy firm

I saw people trying to compare this current PDP move to what the APC did in preparation for the 2015 election. These are two different things. For staters, by hiring Obama's former campaign consultant, APC was merely trying to help itself. But hiring a top US lobbying firm, the PDP is going the extra mile to help the entire nation. Please, kindly go back and read what the lobbying firm is supposed to do as stated in the news report.

5. INEC has already spent over $74,000 in US lobby efforts this year

Yes, it's not only the PDP that use the services of a US lobbying firm. INEC is also doing that.

For more detains, see: https://www.opensecrets.org

CC: Seun, lalasticlala, mynd44

I really appreciate the fact that you guys are talking about escalating the talks on this forum from the real of mere rhetorics to a set of organized actions; but to what end? What would be the end result of these efforts?


For me, I think that engaging ndigbo publicly and blatantly with a pan-igbo messaging of any sort would be massively redundant and ineffective at this time and in the midterm.

First, there's a need to understand that the foundation of this country is inherently flawed.

Apart from the fact that there is no other massively self-contradictory country like Nigeria in the world, the contraption was intentionally designed for exclusiveness and extraction to the detriment of the collective. The only difference between what's now and what was in the 20th century is that our elites and the political class are now the internal oppressive and exploitative colonists. And the foundational contradictions are designed to divide the collective so they cannot unite against their oppressors. In fact, the entire system of political governance in this country is nothing but a reward system for the loyal elites. The implication is a vicious circle of distrust, hate and endless corruption but with a unified elite league.

So, in the final analysis, the contraption has a date with destiny. And the odds ate that it will not be funny. The future is bleak. This, in my opinion, means that the concept of "Aku ruo uno" is not the correct clarion call at this phase because na onye uno ya na agba oku anaghi achu nta oke. For this reason, our people should be covertly encouraged and incentivised to start consolidating their investments in safer and mosre stable/sustsinable climes outside this contraption - including the SE. The future game would be to move outside in; not inside out.

To me, again, the call for pan-igbo public sensitization campaign is unnecessary, unsustainable and ineffective. What we need now is a massive, BUT HIGHLY DISCREET institutionalized, multi-faceted global coalition for a rapid growth and sustainable development of our people and region. This initiative should be driven by the diaspora with very robust and strong institutional fronts in the following five critical areas.

1) Finance and Industry

2) Cultural Synergy

3) Compulsory Basic Education

4) Human Capital Development

5) Regional Infrastructure


FINANCE AND INDUSTRY

This is the alpha move. Everything else can only follow after this two-in-one combo is done. To put it mildly, we need a global bank linked to a national bank linked to a regional bank linked to a network of vibrant microfinance banks. These dynamo of interconnected banks will provide the incentives, funding and all the needed financial services fireworks needed to design, develop and drive our industries and the other four strategic efforts. They should interface between our regional government and global network/population.

Talking about industry, our people's inherent muse for commerce should be deliberately harnessed, organized and escalated into a multi-faceted export-centric manufacturing driven by science and tech. We have a massive diaspora population, we need to deliberately and institutionally put it to good use. In fact, the west - especially the US - has some amazingly favorable trade policies for Africa which is rarely being utilized now due to lack of capacity. The banks should direct SME investments or divestments with clear incentives.


The history of Hong Kong's economic rise is case study here. https://eh.net/encyclopedia/economic-history-of-hong-kong/

You may also want to see the documentary of called "The Entrepreneurs Who Built America".


CULTURAL SYNERGY

With apology to Pazienza, I insist that the future demands a deliberate institutionalisation of cultural synergy among the present day Anioma and the entire jurisdiction of the Old Eastern Nigeria. This is beyond ohaneze ndigbo (and all such ethnic cultural organizations). I'm talking about deliberate effort on regional cultural synergy across board funded by major institutions and driven by the academia. This cultural unification alone can do wonders for us even in the present scheme of things.


REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Speed rails should inter-connect the entire regions at varying levels both on land and to the sea. There should also be regional interstate roads, airways and waterways as well as a proliferation of power plants - just to name a few.

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Emphasis should be placed on science and technology. There should be innovation incubators and actual efforts to use tech to take our regional products global. Of course, that's without abandoning the usual under-appreciated local championship.

COMPULSORY BASIC EDUCATION

In a nutshell, education should be compulsory (subsidized or free) for all children until the age of 16.

CONCLUSION

Of course there'd be need to evaluate the political and legal side of things, but those are bridges that we can easily cross if we have the will. Fact is, rhetorics and exhibitionism are not going to cut it for us in this country anymore. We need a badass, macro-level global movement to trigger our redemption.

Funnicator:
I am in for the radio station.

But instead of campaigning for biafra.

It will be the sensitization and enlightening of the Igbos who still believe in us developing ourselves within the contraption called Nigeria.

When we sensitize them and educate them on the policies best for igbo land. They wake up from their ignorance and become able to hold their HoA representatives, LGA chairman and governors more accountable.

In few years,it will gain more followers from Igboist and other Igbo online forums.

Before you know it. We have the attention of the respective governors. Elective positions will be held to and constitution drafted.

Any presenter who becomes compromised by politicians can be replaced and sacked from the organisation.

I'm in. Anything for my fatherland Alaigbo.

How about focusing on making the yourubas to vote their own numerous sons (and daughters) - Sowore and co instead of voting for a grossly incompetent dictator and disastrous illiterate?

What's your business with who the igbos vote for or not?
[s]

Legend007:
And I hope Igbos will support their daughter, sister and mother Obiageli Ezekwesili and not vote an internationally recognized thief called Atiku...

Yeye..

[/s]

Of course, it's clear hat they won't change it. Buy I like the idea of signing the petition because if it gets traction it will help to send a message that it is no longer business as usual. The electorates are woke.

Anambralstson:
They have common enemy which is APC, supporting APC is their last wish, even Dave knows, I hope you remembered what he did to APC a month ago in Abakiliki during their rally, what they are doing now is initial gra gra, Gov Dave Umahi is Obasanjo's boy,same with Chris Ubah he is Obasanjo's in-law and boy, Atiku is very matured in politics he told them yesterday he is traveling out of the country last night that he will meet them when he is back, at the end they will settle the rift, Obi is VP they can't change him.

To be clear, Peter Obi is the most strategic Igbo person in today's Nigeria to serve as the next VP. As such, H.E Alh. Atiku A. could not have made a better VP choice. Peter Obi is the only Igbo politician at the moment that has the adequate political/economic capacity, national clout, and international appeal to serve Nigeria to the utmost best; consolidate his future VP slot efficiently, and assertively use it as an effective springboard to transit into the first Igbo president (post civil war) that all Nigerians from all regions, religions and ethnicities would be so proud of.

Any other Igbo politician that takes that VP slot in 2019 can easily be eased out of the game either in 2023 or 2027. And as such, Ndigbo will lose this generational opportunity and fail to produce a formidable presidential candidate - even in 2027 - that can appeal to all Nigerians.

But it's so unfortunate that while people from all over Nigeria (including some top politicians and activists from other regions and ethnicities) were publicly rejoicing and commending the totally AMAZING and formidable choice of Atiku/Obi ticket, some backward and selfish PDP politicians from South East are busy conspiring to undermine this glorious combo. Badly, these pompous and self-centric men are professional politicians of Igbo extraction who neither care about Igbo interest nor the Igbo populace.

For this reason, I call on Ndigbo Worldwide (especially those in the South East, online and diaspora) to rise up, resist and remind these men (especially the governors of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Anambra - plus ALL the federal and state legislators from those 5 states) that the emergence of Peter Obi as the next VP should not be toyed with in any guise.

Our demands are simple:

1) All the South East politicians (especially the PDP governors) should come out fully and endorse Peter Obi publicly.

2) They should publicly debunk all the fake news that are being planted in the mainstream media and public domain to create the false impression that Ndigbo are divided on the choice of Peter Obi as VP.

3) They should be seen as working (both publicly and privately) to ensure the success of the Atiku/Obi ticket in 2019.

Our response to non-compliance:

VOTE OUT any South East governor or politician who fails to endorse Peter Obi. Campaign against them. They do not have our interest at heart.

Join Me on this Obi-ligation and bring in all your friends and family.


Please, kindly click here to sign the petition now : https://www.change.org/p/ndigbo-worldwide-vote-out-all-governors-in-south-east-who-fail-to-publicly-endorse-peter-obi-as-the-next-vp?recruiter=582114035&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=nairaland&utm_campaign=share_custom_choice

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[image credit: https://citizenbloggers.files. ]

By all means, be sure to vote. Use your PVC and make sure to mobilize your entire community to do your wish, whatever it is.

But spare the world your gross hypocrisy and crass pettiness.

And while you're at it, jidt know that you are not more yoruba than OBJ, Afenifere and Gbenga Daniels. Also you cannot force PDP to change their zoning arrangement just to suit your selfishness and childish crave for power.

Butterflyleo:
Now I am arrogant and delusional right?

When I was arrogantly being insulted and called a fool and slave and a zombie in a zoo my taunters were not arrogant and delusional abi?

Now I am the one who is delusional and arrogant right.

Well my PVC is also arrogant and delusional and it rejects my taunters and so do those of the majority if Nigerians.

Incidentally the areas of PDP weakness are the most registered voting zones.

Una go cry blood come 2019

No, on the contrary, Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB are just getting 100% justified and vindicated by the sheer volume of igbophobic reaction that's coming from some of you just because of the mere idea of an igbo VP.

The fact that you lots could get this angry at the mere possibility of an igbo presidency has further exposed your gross hypocrycy; and it ha also nullified all your rants AGAINST the Biafra agitation.

You hate it when igbos agitate for Biafra, yet you also hate it when igbos choose to assert their right to participate in Nigerian politics. My dear, that's the definition of witchcraft. You guys are just putting your amoral and diabolical core to a full display.

resurgent4oodua:
My brother I did oooo

Nnamdi Kanu must be turning in his shallow grave by now. He just wasted the lives of igbo youths for nothing. See how igbos are jubilating for the nomination of Obi as the vice Presidential ticket of PDP-a party in the "zoo"?

I am disappointed really!

Your arrogance cum delusion is really so sickening. But, guess what, this government is not coning back. So, you had better changed your stance now or just go ahead and schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist. You will need it.


[s]

Butterflyleo:
The SE have always had an entitlement mentality. Bunch if rètards who one minute want Biafra or death and want to start their own sovereign state right inside Nigeria and called both Yorubas and Hausa fools and zombies and slaves who are living in a zoo.

Now they are begging for the votes of the same people they called slaves and fools and zombies who live in a zoo.

Karma came full circle right on time.

We will give you your answer at the polls. That's when you will really realise just how inconsequential you are in the scheme of things.

[/s]

@UcheSecondus, first, I've explained why Atiku's VP must be an gbo person. Here's the thread: https://www.nairaland.com/4777116/pdp-atikus-vp-must-igbo

But, somehow, I hear that even someone as elderly as Bode George was asking the SE to concede the VP slot to SW so that SE can grab the presidency when ever it returns to the south. According to the report, his reason was that it will not be fair for the SE to produce VP and President back to back over a period of 16 years. This argument may sound valid on the surface, but it's nothing less than pure wickedness when you look at it closely.


For example, as I explained in my earlier thread, since the return to civil rule in 1999 (about 20 years ago) the south west has been given 8 years of presidency (in PDP) and 4 years of VP (in APC). This means that in the last 20 years, the SW alone has enjoyed 12 years of the topmost 2 positions in the country. All this while, the SE has not had a shot at either of the two. Now, if SE is to concede the VP slot to SW, that will automatically translate to SW having those two positions for 20 years (out of 28 years of civil rule) while the SE keeps waiting endlessly.


In other words, to Bode George, fairness means SW sticking to the highest levels of power for 20 years while the SE keeps waiting for the next elusive slot. How this sounds fair to anyone beats me.

Secondly, remember that Nigeria's official position on the civil war is "no victor no vanquished". . Yet, since after the civil war (about 40 years ago) Igbos have not had a shot at the presidency. The closest was the short-lived Ekwueme's VPship which was aborted by the head of the present admin and his then military friends. On the contrary, since after the war, the Yorubas have had the Obansanjo as both chief of staff and head of state. They also had the Oladipo Diyas of this world (who was virtually the VP to late Abacha). All these took place while the Igbos were not even an option for any of the top positions since the last 40 years. Yet, folks like George (in 2018) feels that a 16-year fast-tracked transition from VP to president is too much and unfair for igbos to have. Igbos totally disagree. And I believe PDP should too, othrwise PDP will lose the igbos NATIONWIDE. And this brings me to the 4 reasons why it is dumb to assume that igbos cannot dump PDP in 2019.

1) SE is the only region in the country that has both governors and national legislators from 3 diffrent parties. This is despite the fact that the region has the least number of states than all other regions. This should tell PDP something.

2) In the recently concluded Anambra gubernatorial election, APC got more votes (though with loads of irregularities) than PDP. This should be a warning sign to PDP.

3) Despite the Rochas' pettiness and intimidation of his fellow party members in Imo, they've refused to decamp but instead have chosen to fight it out both phisycally and legally. This should tell PDP something. And let's not go into the call for election boycott.


Here's the moral of my story: Whist the Igbos remain PDP's strongest supporters ever, it will be insane to take them for granted or ignorantly assume that they have no option.

[s]

shugabasbn:
It seems that SE still don't understand the language, there is no but in politics but you bargain and negotiate.
And u looks for the one that will serve your interest most.

[/s]

Typical!

You could not dipute any of the points raised, so you have to try to derail the thread with your silly mischief.

Anyway, I don't interact with amoral bigots. So, no more response.


But I'm.also aware that you are capable of having a decent discussion when you're not driven by that your igbophobic and bigoted demon.

So, do let me know when you are sober and ready to discuss the issues I raised, without your littltle cap of bigotry.

Peace.


[s]

BabaRamota1980:
Yanminri sabi whine for Africa.

If there was a global whining competition Ibo must represent Africa. The Nobel Prize for lamentations must go to Ibo.

Look here....they said PDP gave us Presidency for 8yrs and then we turned our back, but they are rooting for Atiku who abandoned PDP after he enjoyed 8yrs VP on its flag.

These people have no shame. The first, second, third and fourth placements in your PDP primary were persons that rose to power on PDP and then abandoned it. How have you appreciated those who stayed the course and never abandoned the party? You rewarded them with losses at the primary, none of them were in first four.

Shame on Ibo and PDP both.

BREAKING NEWS!
Ibo get VP o, Ibo no get VP o....PDP is not coming in. Have you not seen the voters list by region? Wetin 7million people go do get you in a sea of over 65 million?

[/s]

Seems you are just 17 years old, right?

If the VP is inconsequential why then are you bothered about it not going to SW?


I really think the only thing that's inconsequential here is your childish opinion.

zombieTRACKER:
You are working tirelessly for the APC

My problem with you is why the pretence

Come out and stop hiding under Igbo VP to do so

VP in Nigeria politics today is inconsequential

Where is Matthew seiyefa that osibanjo appointed.. Gone... Nothing he can do about it

So Desist from mentioning Igbo in your analysis

Keep chanting sai barber like other zombies

You actually don't get it do you?


1) The fastest way for PDP to lose the 2019 presidential election (and probably all other elections going forward) is to deny Igbos the VP slot.

2) Many Yorubas will still vote against PDP even if you give them the VP slot.


3) Igbos have sacrificed more than enough already. It's high time every other region started reciprocating and making real sacrifices for the igbos.

4) It's better to vote en mass for APC in 2019 and hope for the presidency in 2023 (that's what the Yorubas did in 2015 - that's still their game plan, but you are too naive to see it), than voting for the PDP without getting the VP slot in 2019 only to hope for one vague and unrealistic presidency in 2027. You better wake up from your slumber.

Unfortunately, folks like you don't care about igbos or the country as long as you have your little tribal intrestts met.


Yorubas cannot wait or sacrifice the VP slot for once. But Igbos should sacrifice everything and wait endlessly for some imaginary presidency. Does that make any sense to you?

zombieTRACKER:
The North is not better off than the rest of the country even though they held power more ....

The Igbos don't need the presidency to succede
They just need a level playing field for all .. Justice and fairness... This is not obtainable under the current administration...

Removing the dullard from office is a task that must be achieved by well meaning citizens

And if sacrificing a mere VP office to sw will increase the chances of that happening.. I say why not..

I heard APC paid some miscreants in ohaneze to champion Igbo VP .. I think they have online miscreants as well