₦airaland Forum

News Report: Nigeria's Foreign Reserve drops to $33 Billion while Oil prices rise to $108 per barrel! Is there something wrong with this picture?? This man (GEJ) and his motley crew of buccaneers, profiteering cannibals and highway robbers are going to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. If they created this much havoc in a year, what would they do given another 4 years??

For those who have doubts and second thoughts, please read this insightful and balanced analysis!

I guarantee that you will have clearer thoughts after. God bless Nigeria.

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-636746.0.html

Without any doubt, my vote will go to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Bakare.

If we put aside sentiments and stop peddling unfounded rumours about other candidates - people will see the true nature of GEJ!

For an insightful and deep analysis on all the candidates, please take the time to read this excellent and unbiased article:

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-636746.0.html

Without any doubt, my vote will go to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Bakare.

Let us put aside sentiments and stop peddling unfounded rumours! For an insightful and deep analysis on all the candidates, please take the time to read this excellent and unbiased article:

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-636746.0.html

Without any doubt, my vote will go to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Bakare.

Let us put aside sentiments and stop peddling unfounded rumours! For an insightful and deep analysis on all the candidates, please take the time to read this excellent and unbiased article:

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-636746.0.html

My vote will have to go to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Bakare.

Pls read this insightful analysis and let us open our minds and eyes!

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-636746.0.html

Well, it has been brought to my notice that Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau does have a website and indeed I have now seen it. I just want to acknowledge my error and correct the wrong impression I created. Somehow, I could not find anything earlier and now I stand corrected.


- Olumide Iluyomade

Please read this and after you have read it pls leave a comment. In leaving a comment or opinion we can keep the discussion thread relevant and alive so that it does not get relegated to the bottom of the list!

Everyone is entitled to an opinion and your opinion is relevant, just like your vote!

God bless Nigeria.

Pls feel free to share and leave your opinion.

2011: A NATION AT CROSSROADS
by Olumide Iluyomade




In a few days and not weeks, Nigerians will be going to the polls hopefully to choose its fourth tenure of leadership in a democratic dispensation that has lasted 12 years so far! In the current transitional process, however, Nigerians are noticeably faced with the dilemma of choice! Is the choice really between the fiery furnace of the red horned devil and the bottomless pits of the deep dark abyss?? There seems to be no middle ground …, or is there any??'

For this round of national election, much is at stake! The promise of a brighter future and the hope of 150 million citizens lay in the balance and is predicated upon the outcome of this election. I daresay, never before has any nation been confronted with such stark and miserable realities and such a bleak future. Without equivocation, I must say that unless the correct choices are made in this election, there would be no guarantee for the existence of a nation called Nigeria tomorrow!

And now therefore, the million dollar question is; “Whither the way forward?” I have been asked this same question on several occasions and on a few more occasions I have had to ask myself the same question! My thoughts on the question have been a long way coming. I have had to allow the formation of my thoughts to be slow in coming forth, allowing it to pass through a full cycle developmental processes and in so doing I have been able to gain greater insight and perspective on the positions and personalities of the various candidates. I will therefore proceed by giving a personal but candid opinion and assessment of each candidate and then proceed to give my personal verdict (if any)!

1.     Dr Jonathan Ebere Goodluck:

Here is our incumbent president. A man who seemingly shies away from the spotlight and is the reluctant beneficiary of the most recent debacle in the nation’s political circus! The ostentatious pomp and swank flamboyance that comes with the office seems to leave him completely out of harmony and in great discomfort! JEG is also suppose to be a well educated man who has acquired more degrees, including a PhD, than any other aspirant to date in the nation’s presidential history! If the mark of great leadership and desirable qualities were measured in college degrees and good fortune then JEG would win this election hands down. Sadly, it is not!

Jonathan Goodluck is a man upon whom fate has smiled more than once, most recently bestowing upon him a truly priceless and incredible opportunity – a rare opportunity to exhibit his leadership skills, demonstrate his nation building abilities and orchestrate his vision and master plan for our beloved nation within a very generous period of 12 months! But alas, what have we?? We have a man who has just spent a year in the seat of power but is yet unwilling to engage and debate his own challengers nor is he willing to answer to questions about his own stewardship!

JEG has spent the last year instead, demonstrating a remarkable reluctance to make clear cut decisions, playing politics with ‘sacred’ bald vultures in the corridors of power and currying political favors at the expense of any form of fiscal direction or discipline and at great cost to national development. His unique and remarkable approach to the boat load of problems Nigeria seems to be sinking under, is to get on Facebook, highlight and accentuate every little irrelevant decision, bask in delight at every twist of obsequious compliment thrown in his direction and show absolutely no leadership, no vision and no direction in an administration that is completely bereft of any ideas or ideals!

In truth, JEG has been about as effective a leader, as a basket would ever be in draining a tub full of water! In every facet of leadership quotient, JEG has been a woeful failure! It was the great Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius that once listed the 5 virtues of great leadership as Wisdom, Justice, Courage, Temperance and Fortitude. Now, …, I could never dream of using such puritanical and embellished standards to measure a leader of contemporary status. However, for one already lacking both courage and strength of character, JEG’s leadership style, further reveals him to be also devoid of the astuteness, vision and sound judgment required to move the nation forward!

Today, we all stand witness to the best ability of the man in the past one year. Much more importantly, we have seen his ideals, his standards and his choice of lieutenants – and nothing speaks deeper of a man’s qualities than these! The mettle of this man has been tested and been found wanting! As a man, JEG is the very definition of absolute mediocrity and inert indifference. Neither moral principles nor character nor charisma nor conduct nor capabilities nor prudence nor convictions stand him in good stead! Whether JEG's limited capabilities are further reduced, decimated and rendered impotent by his participation on the depraved platform of PDP is not for me to decide and is for history to judge.

At this critical and delicate stage of Nigeria’s development, it is of vital importance for the nation to elect leadership that is capable of delivering on the crucial issues that have so doggedly plagued us and decimated us as a society  – chief amongst which is viral corruption! It is therefore imperative for the nation to choose a leader whose very credentials accentuate qualities which will help overcome these problems. As such, Nigeria needs a leader with an irreproachable anti-corruption stance, one who is absolutely competent and understands the crucial need for competent subordinates, one with sound moral conviction, demonstrating astute and disciplined policies while exhibiting prudent and articulate leadership! Suffice it to say - none of these virtues are in GEJ’s mightily thin playbook!

2.      Mallam Nuhu Ribadu:

Here is a man on whom many place their hopes for a great change and a better Nigeria. In my own opinion, the man is over-sold, over-exposed and out of his depths! Ribadu's only claim to fame is his controversial, lopsided and spotty performance in EFCC. His character and role in trying to expunge the debilitating malaise of corruption from the comatose nation also begs much more questions than answers! I simply do not buy into the EFCC racket!

Given what we saw of his methods and the broader disparity in the effectiveness of his mandate in achieving the set goal under an equally dubious master, one will have to question the sincerity, motives and credibility of Mallam Ribadu. Ribadu’s crusade was only effective in cases involving public officials who had fallen out of favor with the incumbent President. Was this a mere coincidence or was the EFCC boss himself a watchdog and a mere agent of terror in the hands of a diabolical master who pulled strings and orchestrated who got prosecuted and who was acquitted?? I will leave posterity to answer that question, however I am convinced that any man could have achieved just as much, given an equal measure of the federal mandate and presidential support!

Only 8 years ago, the man was a police officer for crying out loud! It would be interesing to find out what level of decadence and tolerance one must possess in other to survive and rise in the ranks of NPF It is foolhardy and telling, when a nation gets to a stage where the hope of national leadership is placed on a man who has spent the last 25 years working in one of the most dishonest, despicable and disreputable organizations in the world! Not only does he show himself to be a man who does not have the credibility to stand by his own documented statements, but also revealing himself to be an opportunist who would very hastily discard principles over convenience when it becomes obvious that his earlier statements stood the risk of jeopardizing his political ambition!

It remains baffling to me that even after the recent presidential debate, quite a lot of seemingly intelligent people are still canvassing for this man. This man has been exposed by the debate to be infantile, clueless and most dangerously incompetent when exposed to the world of complex and multi-faceted problems of national dimension. His naïve strategy, at least that much I can deduce from his debate, is to first grab hold of power, hold meetings and then earnestly seek solutions to pressing National problems, once in power! Whatever happened to the concept of party ideologies and policies, detailed manifestos and strategies? Most importantly, what is his vision?? What are his methods and strategies for achieving this vision??

In an effort to answer my own questions, I spent a couple of precious hours reading and assimilating Ribadu’s sixteen (16) paged vision for Nigeria – something that can be interpreted to be a form of manifesto. I must confess to the fact that I went in not expecting much and indeed I came off the experience feeling rather deflated and with considerable exasperation! It is one thing to state goals, milestones and objectives for the purpose of convincing others about your vision as a leader, and it is quite another thing to outline the policies, methods and strategies that will be applied, adopted and implemented so as to accomplish the set goals! The latter actions are infinitely of more value and importance – constituting a greater asset to leadership than the former! Ribadu’s ‘manifesto’ can best be described as a compilation of dreams and the ‘Wish-list’ of an aspiring politicians and does not necessarily transpire into performance or Vision until implementation details are divulged - And those details are very noticeably absent! I might add that if wishes were horses, beggars may ride……

These people kick around the fate of a nation in their hands as if it were merely a casual hobby that requires no serious deliberation or lengthy meditation! Fifty (50) years after Nigeria’s independence from foreign rule, the nation still stands at the crossroad of misery, despair and delusion! Yet, never have we been more capable of self-redemption – pulling ourselves up by the bootstrap, lifting ourselves out of the rot in which we have wallowed for the past 30 years! To accomplish these however, we must first take seriously the mandate to find ourselves a credible, astute and visionary leader!

Amidst all the clutter and political gibberish going on, I can assure you of one thing – that leader is certainly not Mallam Nuhu Ribadu! Furthermore, Nigeria can no longer afford the great cost of naïve and experimental leadership! Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s ambition and purpose would be better served if he were to set his lofty aim for a lesser office, like that of a governor or a local government chairman, where he can garner experience and amplify his latent abilities locally and perhaps with better credibility.

3.     Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau:

This candidate remains the wild card of the lot. As the incumbent governor of Kano state, Ibrahim Sherakau presents us something of value - some form of precedence with which to measure and assess his qualifications. I have spent some time observing his administration’s works and accomplishments in Kano state and must say that the man is a lot more active, motivated and engaged than 75% of our incumbent governors!

During the last presidential debate, Sherakau also proved himself to be intelligent, poised, engaging and articulate! The governor gave thoughtful responses and showed decisive insight with respect to some of the more challenging questions, such as Electricity and Niger-Delta issues.  Sherakau has also shown courage and willingness to confront issues in his State and find possible solutions while mostly keeping his administration out of the gaping chasm of ubiquitous corruption charges and financial misappropriation scandals - something that has come to plague and define most projects and governorships in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, a closer look at Sherakau’s leadership style and accomplishment reveals a fundamental flaw and an unfortunate truth. Ibrahim Sherakau is an unapologetic and uncompromising Islamist and hence the reason why I expect him to fail in his national quest. Sherakau has failed to demonstrate a firm understanding of the fundamental principle of the Constitutional mandate, which separates the apparatus and powers of State from the function of religion!

In Kano State, we have been witnesses to the relentless onslaught of the religious police set up by Sherakau’s administration against non-indigenes and non-muslim citizens. It remains the responsibility of any State apparatus to not only uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian but also to uphold and defend the rights of the minority in the face of an opposing and oppressive majority! Sherakau would however go on to boldly defend the actions of his religious police without a pause or a single acknowledgement of the possibility of abuse and malfeasance on their part.

A cursory glance at his records and a perusal of Kano State website reveals an endless stream of unconstitutional policies and actions perpetuated by his government. You have a State government using the apparatus of the state to build numerous mosques, paying salaries to Islamic clerics, funding state-wide religious police and several other Islamic organizations, using Islamic laws to prosecute and persecute people of opposing faith and non-indigenous origin. And many more actions that are all in direct contradiction to what the Federal Constitution states!

These are the kinds of parochial, bigoted and insular policies that have helped ensure the backwardness of a state that was once considered somewhat cosmopolitan and progressive. It is both interesting and alarming to note that we also have a presidential aspirant here, who has never considered it important or necessary to gain any of life’s experiences outside of his home state of Kano! If Nigerians have ever had any fear of a religious extremist getting to power, such a fear should be predicated on this man’s ambitious and arrogant interpretation of his mandate as a State Governor - something which will no doubt be repeated if ever he were to be president! More recently, his position has been further fortified by his ascension to the position of Sardauna of Kano – a role which effectively portends his objective of national Islamic preeminence!

Mallam Sherakau acting in his role as the governor of Kano state in 2004 also publicly denounced and opposed the polio vaccination of Kano state indigenes on the grounds that the vaccination campaigns were actually attempts to make Muslim women infertile! It is worthy of note that, assuming those allegations were to have any merits at all, the good governor’s primary concern was not for all citizens of his State, but was reserved for Muslim women only! The Mallam’s prejudices, actions and policies may go down well in Kano state and indeed make him a superstar in the same State where 90% of denizens are muslims and less than 25% have higher than a secondary school education. However, it does not translate to a position of national admiration and popularity nor does it remotely endear him to other parts of the diverse Nation which he now proposes to lead!

Most importantly, Governor Sherakau needs to recognize and understand that the interests, concerns and demands of a diverse Nation like Nigeria precludes him from a leadership role based on his bigoted and prejudiced records as a governor and as a leader. He will also need to understand that the old and tired model and methods of governance as exhibited in Kano – a model whereby the State acts as a paternalistic entity whilst distributing food, shelter, drugs and whatever may, is no longer considered useful, sustainable or relevant to the modern needs and aspirations of a 21st century Nation!

It is worthy of note that Mallam Sherakau has not considered it important to put up a dedicated website to help diffuse information about his intent, aims and objectives in his aspiration for the lofty office of the president of the federation. At least, I could not find any such website. Perhaps, this is an oversight or maybe it is just another important indicator of ineffective leadership style that is firmly entrenched in old ways of doing things!

There is an urgent need in our nation for leadership that is completely liberated from the jurassic shackles of religious and backward ethno-cultural influences. Furthermore, Nigeria today needs someone with superior broad-based cosmopolitan perspective, in action and in thoughts. Someone with an astute understanding of the great responsibilities and possibilities, seizing on opportunities while calming potential dangers that may be presented by the broad spectrum of social and economic indices and resources made available to him as the head of a sovereign National Government.

4.     Gen. Muhammadu Buhari:

General Muhammadu Buhari is a candidate whose military background and history is well known. He also has the distinction of being the candidate who has run for the office of the president the most times! The reticent general is however no stranger to the corridors of power and the responsibilities that comes with it. Having had the privilege of serving Nigeria in various capacities, along with being a former military Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari presents us with a wealth of background information and historical antecedents with which to assess and weigh his presidential aspirations.

Buhari  is most noted for his military administration’s iron fisted handling of the Nigerian nation state. It was his administration, masterminded by his stern deputy – Tunde Idiagbon that introduced the austere but effective social engineering policy called War Against Indiscipline (WAI). Prior to the introduction of (WAI), Nigeria had just been subjected to an extended period of social disorder, political chaos and economic meltdown – one brought about by extreme episodes of malfeasance, acute corruption and mindless political wrangling! It was against this backdrop that Buhari was forced to act and restore some semblance of sanity, order and credibility to public discourse.

Interestingly enough, the situation and state of affairs almost 30 years ago, was not unlike the situation that we now face in Nigeria today. I will make bold to say that the magnitude of indiscipline, chaos and corruption experienced today is much more extreme than it has ever been at any other time in the nation’s history! For his role in history, Buhari has been subjected to much criticism from his detractors for his dictatorial and harsh approach to the social issues in those years! The man however maintains that his stern approach was not only critical and necessary at the time but it was also performed under the terms of military dispensation! Hence we have a man who is loved by many, hated by others but yet respected by most!

At the ripe age of 69, Buhari is closer to the label of being a septuagenarian than that of a youthful and vibrant leader. He alone stands as the oldest of the current crop of aspirants – a dubious distinction that may not necessarily serve him in good stead when being considered by Nigerian voters. Nigerians have come to the point where they are rightfully tired and weary of any representative from the very same degenerate generation that has wasted and squandered the nation’s future away for decades! As Nigerians, we are tired of dealing with the same faces, the same names and the same old ideas!

The demographic orientation of the nation today is youthful and the aspiration of the youth demands dynamism, vibrancy and change. Nigerians now demand and clamor for old ideas to be discarded while new and fresh perspectives are embraced in an effort to find solutions to the socio-economic deadlock that the nation has been saddled with for so long! It is our candid expectation that along with old ideas, the old, sacred and fat vultures of the old order will have enough wisdom to take a back seat and retire into oblivion.

If the truth be told however, Gen. Buhari has much greater credibility than any other person currently on offer! Buhari may be a dinosaur, he is however a credible dinosaur! And we must remember that above all other things, credibility is the one thing that is missing and most needed in our public discourse today. The long list of sensitive positions and offices that this man has held and served in bears witness to a principled, credible and honest but uncommon valor.

Buhari has served in positions ranging from being the Head of State to leading the nation's oil corporation(NNPC). From his service as a governor to his role as a petroleum minister. At the peak of its existence, the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which Buhari headed, was acting as a parallel national government and disbursed funds that was in excess of several billion dollars! Yet over the years, there has been no worthwhile allegation or credible accusation of misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement by this man – this is not to suggest that the man is a saint by any means! But much rather, his commitment to duty and principle is a breath of fresh air when held up in comparison to the current crop of decadent, reprobate and acutely corrupt public officials and politicians!

Today, Nigeria’s biggest problem is not the issue of civil unrest, it is not the issue of national security, it is not the Niger-Delta issue, it is not the absence of decent physical infrastructure, it is not even the issue of inadequate power supply! The single biggest problem that the nation experiences and suffers from today is that of corruption! Yes…,  viral and acute corruption!! Corruption which has become all pervading and has thus taken on a life of it’s own. Corruption which has become so deeply entrenched in our national fabric and institutionalized in our value system that the core of our collective and national well-being has been ruptured and compromised! It is this same corruption that has provided an ideal platform of decadence, making it possible for all the aforementioned issues to fester, spread and grow into prominence! More than any other candidate that is currently on offer, Muhammadu Buhari stands a better chance to plug the alarming treasury leaks that we currently experience and rid the nation of the deadly and debilitating malaise of corruption!

The pressing needs of Nigeria today, may start with the eradication of viral corruption from public offices, however, that on its own may not catapult the nation to its lofty aim of regional dominance and global preeminence. Alongside credible and sincere representation, Nigerians have a right to expect a whole spectrum of governmental policies, programs and strategies to help achieve the stated objective. Like with the other aspirants, I have taken the liberty of checking on the manifesto and stated vision of the Buhari/Bakare ticket. I must say that the scope and depth of the proposal came to me as a pleasant surprise!

Aside from the fact that the document covers the usual gamut of to do ‘wish list’ voiced by every aspirant. The manifesto went on to detail specific policies, programs and strategies that will be pursued in other to achieve its taunted goals and objectives. Notable amongst these are the proposals to constitutionally eliminate divisive and useless statistical elements such as ‘State of Origin’ and ‘Religion’ and replace it with ‘State of Residence’ – this singular policy if accomplished will thrust the Nation into a new age of post-ethnic harmony, national involvement and an era of unprecedented participation. Other notable proposals include the removal of the' immunity clause' from the constitution and the requirement for full disclosure and transparency in government.

Finally we have a ticket that is willing to take a honest look at the latent inadequacies and limitations of the current federal constitution with regards to the nation’s current needs. The team boldly takes a stab at the current dispensation and makes several promises to amend the constitution to correct multiple instances of constitutional inadequacies and weaknesses. The team also recognizes the need for a leaner, more efficient government while promising a constitutional amendment that guarantees devolution of powers and responsibilities to Local and State governments. Lastly, there is the promise to find a constitutional and lasting solution to the embarrassing issue of national land use act and its attendant problems.

In presenting his team for the current ticket of CPC, Buhari reveals himself to be a man of supple intellect and adaptability. As a person whose antecedence has raised questions about his tendency for Islamic prejudice (whether this is founded or unfounded is another issue), Buhari has gone on to establish beyond all reasonable doubt that his aspirations has no religious slant by choosing a strong, articulate and willful vice presidential candidate from the other side of the religious aisle. The choice of Pastor Bakare is a particularly smart decision which makes the ticket strong in areas where the reticent general was hitherto known to be weak - notable amongst this is in self-articulation, constitutional law and religious tolerance! The general has once again shown a remarkable understanding of the need to choose competent, qualified and complimenting public officers with his very first choice!

Conclusion and Verdict:

The Buhari/Bakare ticket may not be everything to everyone and it certainly is not the solution to all our problems. Nevertheless, it presents a good and solid start. I have always maintained that the bulk of Nigeria's problems is constituted in 40% policy and 60% implementation! The Buhari/Bakare ticket proposes and promises a leadership that understands and recognizes the fundamental need for effective policy and implementation in nation building. Are there things I will like to see improved in the manifesto?? – most certainly! For example, the economic plan is more of a ‘wish list’ than a detailed economic strategy and some more work is needed in this area and some other areas!

I started this exercise without the slightest faith in the entire gamut of presidential aspirants, but the need to find answers to nagging questions has led me on a journey and an adventure of fact discovery – what I have found is not nearly as hopeless as I had earlier presumed! Nigerians have come to a critical crossroad in the story of our national development and the choices made today will impact the lives of generations to come! Therefore, let every Nigerian vote with the understanding that the sum of our collective success is infinitely of greater worth than the selfish aspiration of the individual! There can be no truly great Nigerian without the success of a great Nigerian society! How we make our choices today is history in the making – whether for the better or for the worse! Whether in damnation or in praise, history and posterity will judge this generation based on the actions and the choices of the moment!!

2011: A NATION AT CROSSROADS
by Olumide Iluyomade

In a few days and not weeks, Nigerians will be going to the polls hopefully to choose its fourth tenure of leadership in a democratic dispensation that has lasted 12 years so far! In the current transitional process, however, Nigerians are noticeably faced with the dilemma of choice! Is the choice really between the fiery furnace of the red horned devil and the bottomless pits of the deep dark abyss?? There seems to be no middle ground …, or is there any??

For this round of national election, much is at stake! The promise of a brighter future and the hope of 150 million citizens lay in the balance and is predicated upon the outcome of this election. I daresay, never before has any nation been confronted with such stark and miserable realities and such a bleak future. Without equivocation, I must say that unless the correct choices are made in this election, there would be no guarantee for the existence of a nation called Nigeria tomorrow!

And now therefore, the million dollar question is; “Whither the way forward?” I have been asked this same question on several occasions and on a few more occasions I have had to ask myself the same question! My thoughts on the question have been a long way coming. I have had to allow the formation of my thoughts to be slow in coming forth, allowing it to pass through a full cycle developmental processes and in so doing I have been able to gain greater insight and perspective on the positions and personalities of the various candidates. I will therefore proceed by giving a personal but candid opinion and assessment of each candidate and then proceed to give my personal verdict (if any)!

1.      Dr Jonathan Ebere Goodluck:

Here is our incumbent president. A man who seemingly shies away from the spotlight and is the reluctant beneficiary of the most recent debacle in the nation’s political circus! The ostentatious pomp and swank flamboyance that comes with the office seems to leave him completely out of harmony and in great discomfort! JEG is also suppose to be a well educated man who has acquired more degrees, including a PhD, than any other aspirant to date in the nation’s presidential history! If the mark of great leadership and desirable qualities were measured in college degrees and good fortune then JEG would win this election hands down. Sadly, it is not!

Jonathan Goodluck is a man upon whom fate has smiled more than once, most recently bestowing upon him a truly priceless and incredible opportunity – a rare opportunity to exhibit his leadership skills, demonstrate his nation building abilities and orchestrate his vision and master plan for our beloved nation within a very generous period of 12 months! But alas, what have we?? We have a man who has just spent a year in the seat of power but is yet unwilling to engage and debate his own challengers nor is he willing to answer to questions about his own stewardship!

JEG has spent the last year instead, demonstrating a remarkable reluctance to make clear cut decisions, playing politics with ‘sacred’ bald vultures in the corridors of power and currying political favors at the expense of any form of fiscal direction or discipline and at great cost to national development. His unique and remarkable approach to the boat load of problems Nigeria seems to be sinking under, is to get on Facebook, highlight and accentuate every little irrelevant decision, bask in delight at every twist of obsequious compliment thrown in his direction and show absolutely no leadership, no vision and no direction in an administration that is completely bereft of any ideas or ideals!

In truth, JEG has been about as effective a leader, as a basket would ever be in draining a tub full of water! In every facet of leadership quotient, JEG has been a woeful failure! It was the great Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius that once listed the 5 virtues of great leadership as Wisdom, Justice, Courage, Temperance and Fortitude. Now, …, I could never dream of using such puritanical and embellished standards to measure a leader of contemporary status. However, for one already lacking both courage and strength of character, JEG’s leadership style, further reveals him to be also devoid of the astuteness, vision and sound judgment required to move the nation forward!

Today, we all stand witness to the best ability of the man in the past one year. Much more importantly, we have seen his ideals, his standards and his choice of lieutenants – and nothing speaks deeper of a man’s qualities than these! The mettle of this man has been tested and been found wanting! As a man, JEG is the very definition of absolute mediocrity and inert indifference. Neither moral principles nor character nor charisma nor conduct nor capabilities nor prudence nor convictions stand him in good stead! Whether JEG's limited capabilities are further reduced, decimated and rendered impotent by his participation on the depraved platform of PDP is not for me to decide and is for history to judge.

At this critical and delicate stage of Nigeria’s development, it is of vital importance for the nation to elect leadership that is capable of delivering on the crucial issues that have so doggedly plagued us and decimated us as a society  – chief amongst which is viral corruption! It is therefore imperative for the nation to choose a leader whose very credentials accentuate qualities which will help overcome these problems. As such, Nigeria needs a leader with an irreproachable anti-corruption stance, one who is absolutely competent and understands the crucial need for competent subordinates, one with sound moral conviction, demonstrating astute and disciplined policies while exhibiting prudent and articulate leadership! Suffice it to say - none of these virtues are in GEJ’s mightily thin playbook!

2.      Mallam Nuhu Ribadu:

Here is a man on whom many place their hopes for a great change and a better Nigeria. In my own opinion, the man is over-sold, over-exposed and out of his depths! Ribadu's only claim to fame is his controversial, lopsided and spotty performance in EFCC. His character and role in trying to expunge the debilitating malaise of corruption from the comatose nation also begs much more questions than answers! I simply do not buy into the EFCC racket!

Given what we saw of his methods and the broader disparity in the effectiveness of his mandate in achieving the set goal under an equally dubious master, one will have to question the sincerity, motives and credibility of Mallam Ribadu. Ribadu’s crusade was only effective in cases involving public officials who have fallen out of favor with the incumbent President. Was this a mere coincidence or was the EFCC boss himself a watchdog and a mere agent of terror in the hands of a diabolical master who pulled strings and orchestrated who got prosecuted and who was acquitted?? I will leave posterity to answer that question, however I am convinced that any man could have achieved just as much, given an equal measure of the federal mandate and presidential support!

Only 8 years ago, the man was a police officer for crying out loud! It would be interesing to find out what level of decadence and tolerance one must possess in other to survive and rise in the ranks of NPF It is foolhardy and telling, when a nation gets to a stage where the hope of national leadership is placed on a man who has spent the last 25 years working in one of the most dishonest, despicable and disreputable organizations in the world! Not only does he show himself to be a man who does not have the credibility to stand by his own documented statements, but also revealing himself to be an opportunist who would very hastily discard principles over convenience when it becomes obvious that his earlier statements stood the risk of jeopardizing his political ambition!

It remains baffling to me that even after the recent presidential debate, quite a lot of seemingly intelligent people are still canvassing for this man. This man has been exposed by the debate to be infantile, clueless and most dangerously incompetent when exposed to the world of complex and multi-faceted problems of national dimension. His naïve strategy, at least that much I can deduce from his debate, is to first grab hold of power, hold meetings and then earnestly seek solutions to pressing National problems, once in power! Whatever happened to the concept of party ideologies and policies, detailed manifestos and strategies? Most importantly, what is his vision?? What are his methods and strategies for achieving this vision??

In an effort to answer my own questions, I spent a couple of precious hours reading and assimilating Ribadu’s sixteen (16) paged vision for Nigeria – something that can be interpreted to be a form of manifesto. I must confess to the fact that I went in not expecting much and indeed I came off the experience feeling rather deflated and with considerable exasperation! It is one thing to state goals, milestones and objectives for the purpose of convincing others about your vision as a leader, and it is quite another thing to outline the policies, methods and strategies that will be applied, adopted and implemented so as to accomplish the set goals! The latter actions are infinitely of more value and importance – constituting a greater asset to leadership than the former! Ribadu’s ‘manifesto’ can best be described as a compilation of dreams and the ‘Wish-list’ of an aspiring politicians and does not necessarily transpire into performance or Vision until implementation details are divulged - And those details are very noticeably absent! I might add that if wishes were horses, beggars may ride……

These people kick around the fate of a nation in their hands as if it were merely a casual hobby that requires no serious deliberation or lengthy meditation! Fifty (50) years after Nigeria’s independence from foreign rule, the nation still stands at the crossroad of misery, despair and delusion! Yet, never have we been more capable of self-redemption – pulling ourselves up by the bootstrap, lifting ourselves out of the rot in which we have wallowed for the past 30 years! To accomplish these however, we must first take seriously the mandate to find ourselves a credible, astute and visionary leader!

Amidst all the clutter and political gibberish going on, I can assure you of one thing – that leader is certainly not Mallam Nuhu Ribadu! Furthermore, Nigeria can no longer afford the great cost of naïve and experimental leadership! Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s ambition and purpose would be better served if he were to set his lofty aim for a lesser office, like that of a governor or a local government chairman, where he can garner experience and amplify his latent abilities locally and perhaps with better credibility.

3.     Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau

This candidate remains the wild card of the lot. As the incumbent governor of Kano state, Ibrahim Sherakau presents us something of value - some form of precedence with which to measure and assess his qualifications. I have spent some time observing his administration’s works and accomplishments in Kano state and must say that the man is a lot more active, motivated and engaged than 75% of our incumbent governors!

During the last presidential debate, Sherakau also proved himself to be intelligent, poised, engaging and articulate! The governor gave thoughtful responses and showed decisive insight with respect to some of the more challenging questions, such as Electricity and Niger-Delta issues.  Sherakau has also shown courage and willingness to confront issues in his State and find possible solutions while mostly keeping his administration out of the gaping chasm of ubiquitous corruption charges and financial misappropriation scandals - something that has come to plague and define most projects and governorships in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, a closer look at Sherakau’s leadership style and accomplishment reveals a fundamental flaw and an unfortunate truth. Ibrahim Sherakau is an unapologetic and uncompromising Islamist and hence the reason why I expect him to fail in his national quest. Sherakau has failed to demonstrate a firm understanding of the fundamental principle of the Constitutional mandate, which separates the apparatus and powers of State from the function of religion!

In Kano State, we have been witnesses to the relentless onslaught of the religious police set up by Sherakau’s administration against non-indigenes and non-muslim citizens. It remains the responsibility of any State apparatus to not only uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian but also to uphold and defend the rights of the minority in the face of an opposing and oppressive majority! Sherakau would however go on to boldly defend the actions of his religious police without a pause or a single acknowledgement of the possibility of abuse and malfeasance on their part.

A cursory glance at his records and a perusal of Kano State website reveals an endless stream of unconstitutional policies and actions perpetuated by his government. You have a State government using the apparatus of the state to build numerous mosques, paying salaries to Islamic clerics, funding state-wide religious police and several other Islamic organizations, using Islamic laws to prosecute and persecute people of opposing faith and non-indigenous origin. And many more actions that are all in direct contradiction to what the Federal Constitution states!

These are the kinds of parochial, bigoted and insular policies that have helped ensure the backwardness of a state that was once considered somewhat cosmopolitan and progressive. It is both interesting and alarming to note that we also have a presidential aspirant here, who has never considered it important or necessary to gain any of life’s experiences outside of his home state of Kano! If Nigerians have ever had any fear of a religious extremist getting to power, such a fear should be predicated on this man’s ambitious and arrogant interpretation of his mandate as a State Governor - something which will no doubt be repeated if ever he were to be president! More recently, his position has been further fortified by his ascension to the position of Sardauna of Kano – a role which effectively portends his objective of national Islamic preeminence!

Mallam Sherakau acting in his role as the governor of Kano state in 2004 also publicly denounced and opposed the polio vaccination of Kano state indigenes on the grounds that the vaccination campaigns were actually attempts to make Muslim women infertile! It is worthy of note that, assuming those allegations were to have any merits at all, the good governor’s primary concern was not for all citizens of his State, but was reserved for Muslim women only! The Mallam’s prejudices, actions and policies may go down well in Kano state and indeed make him a superstar in the same State where 90% of denizens are muslims and less than 25% have higher than a secondary school education. However, it does not translate to a position of national admiration and popularity nor does it remotely endear him to other parts of the diverse Nation which he now proposes to lead!

Most importantly, Governor Sherakau needs to recognize and understand that the interests, concerns and demands of a diverse Nation like Nigeria precludes him from a leadership role based on his bigoted and prejudiced records as a governor and as a leader. He will also need to understand that the old and tired model and methods of governance as exhibited in Kano – a model whereby the State acts as a paternalistic entity whilst distributing food, shelter, drugs and whatever may, is no longer considered useful, sustainable or relevant to the modern needs and aspirations of a 21st century Nation!

It is worthy of note that Mallam Sherakau has not considered it important to put up a dedicated website to help diffuse information about his intent, aims and objectives in his aspiration for the lofty office of the president of the federation. At least, I could not find any such website. Perhaps, this is an oversight or maybe it is just another important indicator of ineffective leadership style that is firmly entrenched in old ways of doing things!

There is an urgent need in our nation for leadership that is completely liberated from the jurassic shackles of religious and backward ethno-cultural influences. Furthermore, Nigeria today needs someone with superior broad-based cosmopolitan perspective, in action and in thoughts. Someone with an astute understanding of the great responsibilities and possibilities, seizing on opportunities while calming potential dangers that may be presented by the broad spectrum of social and economic indices and resources made available to him as the head of a sovereign National Government.

   
4.     Gen. Muhammadu Buhari:

General Muhammadu Buhari is a candidate whose military background and history is well known. He also has the distinction of being the candidate who has run for the office of the president the most times! The reticent general is however no stranger to the corridors of power and the responsibilities that comes with it. Having had the privilege of serving Nigeria in various capacities, along with being a former military Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari presents us with a wealth of background information and historical antecedents with which to assess and weigh his presidential aspirations.

Buhari  is most noted for his military administration’s iron fisted handling of the Nigerian nation state. It was his administration, masterminded by his stern deputy – Tunde Idiagbon that introduced the austere but effective social engineering policy called War Against Indiscipline (WAI). Prior to the introduction of (WAI), Nigeria had just been subjected to an extended period of social disorder, political chaos and economic meltdown – one brought about by extreme episodes of malfeasance, acute corruption and mindless political wrangling! It was against this backdrop that Buhari was forced to act and restore some semblance of sanity, order and credibility to public discourse.

Interestingly enough, the situation and state of affairs almost 30 years ago, was not unlike the situation that we now face in Nigeria today. I will make bold to say that the magnitude of indiscipline, chaos and corruption experienced today is much more extreme than it has ever been at any other time in the nation’s history! For his role in history, Buhari has been subjected to much criticism from his detractors for his dictatorial and harsh approach to the social issues in those years! The man however maintains that his stern approach was not only critical and necessary at the time but it was also performed under the terms of military dispensation! Hence we have a man who is loved by many, hated by others but yet respected by most!

At the ripe age of 69, Buhari is closer to the label of being a septuagenarian than that of a youthful and vibrant leader. He alone stands as the oldest of the current crop of aspirants – a dubious distinction that may not necessarily serve him in good stead when being considered by Nigerian voters. Nigerians have come to the point where they are rightfully tired and weary of any representative from the very same degenerate generation that has wasted and squandered the nation’s future away for decades! As Nigerians, we are tired of dealing with the same faces, the same names and the same old ideas!

The demographic orientation of the nation today is youthful and the aspiration of the youth demands dynamism, vibrancy and change. Nigerians now demand and clamor for old ideas to be discarded while new and fresh perspectives are embraced in an effort to find solutions to the socio-economic deadlock that the nation has been saddled with for so long! It is our candid expectation that along with old ideas, the old, sacred and fat vultures of the old order will have enough wisdom to take a back seat and retire into oblivion.

If the truth be told however, Gen. Buhari has much greater credibility than any other person currently on offer! Buhari may be a dinosaur, he is however a credible dinosaur! And we must remember that above all other things, credibility is the one thing that is missing and most needed in our public discourse today. The long list of sensitive positions and offices that this man has held and served in bears witness to a principled, credible and honest but uncommon valor.

Buhari has served in positions ranging from being the Head of State to leading the nation's oil corporation(NNPC). From his service as a governor to his role as a petroleum minister. At the peak of its existence, the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which Buhari headed, was acting as a parallel national government and disbursed funds that was in excess of several billion dollars! Yet over the years, there has been no worthwhile allegation or credible accusation of misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement by this man – this is not to suggest that the man is a saint by any means! But much rather, his commitment to duty and principle is a breath of fresh air when held up in comparison to the current crop of decadent, reprobate and acutely corrupt public officials and politicians!

Today, Nigeria’s biggest problem is not the issue of civil unrest, it is not the issue of national security, it is not the Niger-Delta issue, it is not the absence of decent physical infrastructure, it is not even the issue of inadequate power supply! The single biggest problem that the nation experiences and suffers from today is that of corruption! Yes…, viral and acute corruption!! Corruption which has become all pervading and has thus taken on a life of it’s own. Corruption which has become so deeply entrenched in our national fabric and institutionalized in our value system that the core of our collective and national well-being has been ruptured and compromised! It is this same corruption that has provided an ideal platform of decadence, making it possible for all the aforementioned issues to fester, spread and grow into prominence! More than any other candidate that is currently on offer, Muhammadu Buhari stands a better chance to plug the alarming treasury leaks that we currently experience and rid the nation of the deadly and debilitating malaise of corruption!

The pressing needs of Nigeria today, may start with the eradication of viral corruption from public offices, however, that on its own may not catapult the nation to its lofty aim of regional dominance and global preeminence. Alongside credible and sincere representation, Nigerians have a right to expect a whole spectrum of governmental policies, programs and strategies to help achieve the stated objective. Like with the other aspirants, I have taken the liberty of checking on the manifesto and stated vision of the Buhari/Bakare ticket. I must say that the scope and depth of the proposal came to me as a pleasant surprise!

Aside from the fact that the document covers the usual gamut of to do ‘wish list’ voiced by every aspirant. The manifesto went on to detail sp
ecific policies, programs and strategies that will be pursued in other to achieve its taunted goals and objectives. Notable amongst these are the proposals to constitutionally eliminate divisive and useless statistical elements such as ‘State of Origin’ and ‘Religion’ and replace it with ‘State of Residence’ – this singular policy if accomplished will thrust the Nation into a new age of post-ethnic harmony, national involvement and an era of unprecedented participation. Other notable proposals include the removal of the' immunity clause' from the constitution and the requirement for full disclosure and transparency in government.

Finally we have a ticket that is willing to take a honest look at the latent inadequacies and limitations of the current federal constitution with regards to the nation’s current needs. The team boldly takes a stab at the current dispensation and makes several promises to amend the constitution to correct multiple instances of constitutional inadequacies and weaknesses. The team also recognizes the need for a leaner, more efficient government while promising a constitutional amendment that guarantees devolution of powers and responsibilities to Local and State governments. Lastly, there is the promise to find a constitutional and lasting solution to the embarrassing issue of national land use act and its attendant problems.

In presenting his team for the current ticket of CPC, Buhari reveals himself to be a man of supple intellect and adaptability. As a person whose antecedence has raised questions about his tendency for Islamic prejudice (whether this is founded or unfounded is another issue), Buhari has gone on to establish beyond all reasonable doubt that his aspirations has no religious slant by choosing a strong, articulate and willful vice presidential candidate from the other side of the religious aisle. The choice of Pastor Bakare is a particularly smart decision which makes the ticket strong in areas where the reticent general was hitherto known to be weak - notable amongst this is in self-articulation, constitutional law and religious tolerance! The general has once again shown a remarkable understanding of the need to choose competent, qualified and complimenting public officers with his very first choice!

Conclusion:

The Buhari/Bakare ticket may not be everything to everyone and it certainly is not the solution to all our problems. Nevertheless, it presents a good and solid start. I have always maintained that the bulk of Nigeria's problems is constituted in 40% policy and 60% implementation! The Buhari/Bakare ticket proposes and promises a leadership that understands and recognizes the fundamental need for effective policy and implementation in nation building. Are there things I will like to see improved in the manifesto?? – most certainly! For example, the economic plan is more of a ‘wish list’ than a detailed economic strategy and some more work is needed in this area!

I started this exercise without the slightest faith in the entire gamut of presidential aspirants, but the need to find answers to nagging questions has led me on a journey and an adventure of fact discovery – what I have found is not nearly as hopeless as I had earlier presumed! Nigerians have come to a critical crossroad in the story of our national development and the choices made today will impact the lives of generations to come! Therefore, let every Nigerian vote with the understanding that the sum of our collective success is infinitely of greater worth than the selfish aspiration of the individual! There can be no truly great Nigerian without the success of a great Nigerian society! How we make our choices today is history in the making – whether for the better or for the worse! Whether in damnation or in praise, history and posterity will judge this generation based on the actions and the choices of the moment!!

Hmmmm, ! Interesting points of view,

I have done quite a bit of travelling within Nigeria but in the the last 10years I haven't done quite as much, as I am no longer resident in the country. I have seen pictures of and heard about the horrible state of disrepair which Nigerian roads have fallen into. It is embarrassing and unfortunate that a succession of Nigerian leaders have allowed the situation to get to such a deplorable and hideous state, and allowed our roads to become death-traps!

I do remember that the Abuja - Kaduna road (dual carriage) was particularly good.
I expect that Kaduna - Kano will still be good (I am not sure)
I also hear that Benin - Warri expressway is still quite good.
I am not sure which other inter-city roads may still be good as I hear horrible stories about virtually every other road!

Ile-ife - Akure use to be very good and tempting but I hear the road is now in a state of disrepair,

I will like to know which routes or roads are still considered good - meaning: It won't destroy your car at a constant 120km/h!
Your inputs will be appreciated.

@P.N

You should improve on your mannerism and try to be less brash in your outbursts in future! You come across as someone who is ill-mannered!

The picture of the train in Greece was indeed a Electric Multiple Unit (EMU), however I chose that picture becos the particular train being shown there comes in both EMU variant and DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) variant. Most importantly, I chose the picture becos it presented a good illustration of how a simple train station and a rail-line can be constructed in between a highway (on a highway median) - this was what was being focused on! Like I said, Siemen Desiro comes in both EMU or DEMU, and the purchasers only have to specify what they need. (So there is no need getting worked up!). Your assumptions concerning DEMU are flat out incorrect!

Yes, a train that uses diesel is called a DMU, however, DMUs are trains that use huge diesel engines for direct propulsion - these are hardly ever used for transit or metro purposes. DMUs are usually used in heavy-duty rail systems. DMU technology is old and tested and is generally preferred and used for freight over long distances (inter-state). DMUs have several disadvantages which include slothful (very slow) acceleration, high sensitivity to track gradient, high fuel consumption, inefficiency, higher maintenance cost and high pollution factor! DMU's are still being used in third world economies for passenger transport. Countries such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria and numerous African countries are still heavily dependent of DMUs for all their rail service.

DEMU on the other hand is what can be referred to as a hybrid. Being newer and more efficient, DEMU's burn less diesel becos the diesel power-plants are not used for direct propulsion (connected to a transmission and unto the track wheels). The diesel power-plants in DEMU's are used like a special high voltage generator which produces power for the numerous high-capacity electric motors which then propel the train! (this is why they are called diesel-electric!). Electric motors are generally more efficient in delivering power and torque to the track wheels and they can cope more efficiently with the numerous undulating demands of the Metro system (stop and go, fast and slow). Whereas, the advantage of diesel powered trains is in having lower capital and infrastruture cost and simplicity of operation. DEMU's is the best technology that straddles both the inherent simplicity and low capital cost of a diesel powered train and also takes advantage of the superior performance, superior economics and lower maintenance cost of the electric propulsion system!

So P.N, before you go throwing mindless tantrums and insulting others, always try and find out why things were done in certain ways and stop assuming you have a monopoly of knowledge! You may accept my explanation of how a DEMU works or other people will do some reading and come and educate you further! I have also taken the time to explain why I used that picture in Greece inspite of the fact that the particular train in the image is really an Electric variant (EMU). I hope we are straight and square. God bless.

Siena attaboy! , go ahead and give us something new to drool over and while you are at it, , burn a few rings around those arrogant 'M3' brats!. By the way, I keep pining to see you and one of your eccentric creations on a TopGear episode - hanging out with Jeremy Clarkson and 'The Stig'! I will give an arm and a leg to see what the 'Stig' would have done with that B5 RS4 on the track before it was damaged! So, I hope and pray it will happen with this new creation??

It is obvious that splitting the 'classified advertisement' section from the technical discussion forum is the absolute best resolution to this matter. Perhaps someone who has access to Seun will kindly suggest it to him.

That suggestion seems to be a very workable solution. Perhaps someone could suggest it to the website host.

Siena, I have a very interesting proposal that would interest you. I have given it some thought and I think you will like it.
I will appreciate it if you email me at: [b][/b]. Or you may simply pass me your email.
Thanks.

Siena, I have a very interesting proposal that would interest you. I have given it some thought and I think you will like it.
I will appreciate it if you email me at: midas02@yahoo.com.
Thanks.

@Siena, in my opinion and in my experience, disruption of the smooth operation of MAFS (Mass Airflow Sensor) thru various means has been known to and could lead to engine stalling in idle.

@Sbm4real - Having read a lot of 'interesting' inputs here, I will suggest you listen to and work closely with Siena as he takes you thru the necessary elimination process. Since he is not there to go thru the elimination procedure himself, he will have to rely on you and your response to isolate the problem. It takes patience! You cannot keep jumping from advise to advise! you must follow an elimination process otherwise you will only compound the problem.

For what it is worth, I will suggest 3 possible culprits to Siena so that he can advise you accordingly. The lengthier explanation is only for the benefit of Sbm4real. Siena, please feel free to verify or eliminate as deemed necessary:

CPS (Crank Position Sensor): This is the most likely candidate. The CPS is particularly notorious for not registering any code on the ECM. Whenever you have a situation in which this component is malfunctioning, it makes starting your engine a sporadic and unpredictable affair. Eventually, the CPS will go completely bad and the engine will not start! Here is an extract of a recall that your car might have missed a few years ago! :
“The 2002 and early 2003 Nissan Altima's had a recall to replace the crank position sensor. The problem caused by the sensor would not allow the vehicle to start or would stall it. When I had my 03 3.5 SE I had to replace the sensor, although I never had a problem. According to an AP article, the government has had 29 more complaints of 03 Altimas that were not originally included in the recall. Nissan said it would fully cooperate in the investigation. Recall Info 2002 Nissan Altima Base Recall ID from NHTSA: 03V455000 Recall Date: 11/17/2003 Potential Units Affected: 630000 Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS. Defect Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S).”

MAFS (Mass Airflow Sensor): First of all, I hope the MAFS that you purchased is the correct and in good shape. Also I hope it was not pulled off some random Nissan vehicle with no means of verifying year and model specifics. Lastly, I hope you your mechanic knows that MAFS is not interchangeable btw different models or sub-models and it is best to buy it new. Most car's are designed with an air intake boot, this boot is used to transfer engine intake air from the MAF (mass air flow) sensor to the engines throttle body which leads to inside the engine. When an air intake tube fails it allows non-metered air into the engine throwing off the engine management system and causing the engine to stall at idle. Inspect the air intake boot by removing it and flexing the tube while looking at the folds in the flex joints, this is usually an easy task to perform. There should be no rips or tears in the tube, if so replace the tube with a new unit and recheck system. If the air intake tube checks "ok" proceed to the next step.

THROTTLEBODY: The engine throttle body is designed to control the air intake into the engine; along with the throttle body there is an IAC motor (Idle Air Control) which controls engine speed by regulating idle air volume. When your foot is off the gas pedal the car's computer adjusts this motor to allow more or less air to the engine to control engine idle speed. When this system develops coking (a light tar condition from mass amounts of air being processed) it will cause a poor engine idle quality and cause stalling. A throttle body and IAC motor service is required. Throttlebody and IAC should be cleaned frequently to avoid stalling (especially in Naija).

Here is some news on the development of the actual Metro system being proposed in LAGOS. The stated amount is being expended to build the Badagry-Lagos Island line (Blue Line).

LAGOS TO SPEND N170 BILLION ON LIGHT RAIL

http://odili.net/news/source/2010/feb/3/606.html

I do not know if this response is belated or not. The problem you describe is obvious and like Siena said the problem is deep inside your transmission. YOUR TRANSMISSION IS GONE!!! The remedy is to either rebuild your transmission (details of which Siena has eleborated on) OR to do the simplest thing which is to replace your transmission completely. I will advise the latter. N900K or N1 million seems quite steep for a transmission, especially if you are not sure of the condition!

I could get you a nice, warranted complete transmission from the US. However it is imperative that I have the following information: Year, Model, VIN, 4X4 or 4X2, Tow package or no Tow package. Transmission can be Air-freighted to you in Lagos (a week) or it may be shipped via ocean (a month). I can let you know the price once I have the necessary information.

I hope you have a decent mechanic that can drop in the replacement transmission. It shouldn't take more than 2 or 3 days to do that (my boys do it in a day!). I wish you the best.

It is also critical to remember that in Nigeria - Diesel can be twice as expensive as Petrol! And not only that, diesel can be very difficult to find sometimes! Needless to say, most transporters avoid diesel fuel like a plague! The added cost of running on diesel fuel is further compounded by the lack of assurance of supply in whatever city you may find yourself while travelling!

This factors (Nigerian Factor), totally destroy and render useless any advantage that a diesel engined transporter might have had.

Luxurious bus companies are able to survive this disadvantages because a luxurious bus can often load enough fuel at the base to go to Abuja and back without refueling! Sometimes fuel capacity is up to 850 Liters and range may be in excess of 2000km! Also, Luxurious Bus companies have fleets and therefore often buy whatever available diesel there is in bulk (thru owners gas station or fuel depot).

@Siena,

I agree with your assessment of a V8 when compared to a Straight-Six Turbo Diesel. However, the assessment I was asked to make was based on the two type of vehicles that were readily available in the market. The Straight-Six Turbo Diesel engine is actually available in Ford Super-Duty Cut-away vans - these are based on a chassis similar to the one the vans are using but with heavier duty Trans-axle and Dually wheels for transporting 18 - 30 passengers (depends on model length).

In Europe, correct me if I am wrong, the turbo diesel engine will most likely be available in Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans, Iveco Ducati Vans and Ford Transit Vans. All these vehicles are quite common and inexpensive in the van format and rarer in passenger variant, however, that is something that can easily be retro-fitted! I have often wondered why there are not many of these Vans on Nigerian roads!

Recently, Mercedes Benz started selling the Sprinter Van here in the USA. It was re-badged as the Dodge Sprinter Van! However, it is still very expensive!

I have included the picture of a Cut-Away Ford Mass transit Van (It uses a 7.3L Straigth-Six Turbo diesel)

That is probably a 1987 model Honda Civic. The 1988 -1991 model (Gen IV) is sleeker and has a different body entirely. Anyhow, at the price you are asking, the year shouldn't matter as much as the condition. Wish you the best with your sales.

Sulazzi,

Diesel engines are quite different in design from petrol or gasoline engines. Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines do not need or use spark plugs becos the fuel is ignited by the heat generated when air is compressed to a very high pressure. Gasoline engines use either 'Otto' cycle or 'Miller' cycle for the process of internal combustion. Gasoline internal combustion engines can either be a 4 stroke design or 2 stroke design. Essentially, most gasoline engines used in cars are designed with a 4 stroke process which means - Intake, Compression, Combustion and Exhaust strokes or stages.

Diesel engines however use a diesel cycle and can be designed either as a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke process. Most automobile diesel engines use the 4 stroke process. However, the difference between the gasoline 4 stroke and the diesel 4 stroke is in the Compression and Combustion strokes. In the Diesel engine the air intake is compressed to a very high pressure consequently generating heat. Vaporized diesel fuel is injected at this high pressure causing it to ignite (because of the heat that was generated). Diesel engines use injectors with very sensitive nozzles (becos of the need to vaporize) and this is why replacing the diesel fuel filter is an important maintenance procedure.

I hope this information has been useful.

Abes,

This is one of those myths about cars that are unfounded.

Exhaust systems only have two functions:
1. To reduce and refine noise emitted
2. To reduce and refine harmful gas emission

When you have a bursted muffler or pipe, the worst that can happen is that your car will loose its ability to control one or both of those factors listed above (depends on where it is bursted). The engine is unaffected and therefore the rate of fuel consumption is not a factor and is consequently NOT affected.

As a matter of fact, under the right circumstance, a bursted exhaust system may bring about a decrease in back pressure which gives the engine a very slight increase in power output which may or may not translate to a very very slight improvement in fuel consumption! (although, it depends more on the driving habit).

Truth is, most people tend to floor the pedal with reckless abandon when the rumbling sound of a bursted exhaust rears its ugly head. (perhaps out of fustration or they simply love the loud menacing sound). Apparantly the rumbling sound is a catalyst that ensures more aggressive driving and the consequent reduction in gasoline economy. But generally speaking, broken exhaust systems simply DO NOT affect fuel economy!

Jolaogun,

The type of exhaust system a car is fitted with is a reflection of the objectives of the engineers. Like I explained earlier, exhaust systems create back pressure which robs the engine of a few horses (horsepower). If and when it is the objective of the engineering department to maximize engine output, then a less restrictive exhaust system which allows faster gas flow is specified and fitted. A less restrictive exhaust system always ensures an increase in engine output. When you see a vehicle with dual or quad(4) exhaust tips, it is most often the telling sign of a more powerful engine.

A 4 cylinder engine that is tuned to maximize power output will most definitely consume more fuel than another 4 cylinder that has been designed to maximize fuel economy. For example, a Toyota Corolla's engine is tuned for economy rather than maximum power and thus the exhaust system is consequently designed to handle the limited power. However, a Toyota Celica GT or a Honda Prelude SI, although both fitted with 4 Cylinder engines, are sport cars and thus have been designed to maximize their engine output by using free flowing dual exhaust systems along with a host of other high performance features and components.

Having said this, it is also important to remember that most cars that spot dual exhaust systems are 6 cylinders or even 8 cylinders! Most 6 cylinder engines are fitted with an exhaust manifold that channels the exhaust from each set of 3 cylinders into a single pipe (on different sides of the block if the engine is configured as a V6). You really can't expect any 6 cylinder to match the fuel economy of a 4 cylinder engine. In recent years, powerful V8 engines have been fitted with quad exhaust systems to handle the power output which is often in excess of 300BHP!

In conclusion, you need to remember that the exhaust layout is more a function of design and intent rather than a parameter for economy. The fact that dual exhaust fitted car's usually consume more fuel is really a direct consequence of the more powerful and potent engines with which they may be fitted and NOT becos the exhaust system itself causes more consumption! The type of exhaust system a car is fitted with stems from the type of engine car is equipped with! I hope this clarifies it.

I have never understood how anyone can price or negotiate for a car that you have not physically inspected or seen! I believe the correct procedure will be to call the seller arrange to see, test drive or inspect the car, AND THEN make an offer!

Personally, I never respond to or take seriously anyone that prices cars online. It is like trying to get engaged to a woman online!!