₦airaland Forum

Written by Isaac Shobayo, Jos, with Agency Report Thursday, 27 May 2010
POLITICAL leaders from the North on Tuesday visited the leadership of the National Assembly to protest against the perceived plans by President Goodluck Jonathan and some stalwarts of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to jettison the zoning arrangement of the party for the 2011 election.

The northern politicians, who met with Senate President, David Mark, on the issue, stressed that the removal of the zoning formula would erode the peace and harmony existing in the country.

The visit was against the backdrop of calls from several quarters urging the president to disregard the zoning formula and contest the 2011 election, though the North was yet to complete its tenure started by the late President Umaru Yar'Adua, under the zoning arrangement of the PDP.

Under that arrangement, power was to remain in the North until 2015 but it shifted to Jonathan who is from the South-South following the death of Yar’Adua last month.

However, the northern leaders, under the umbrella of Northern Elders Assembly, emphasised at their meeting with Mark that the removal of that agreement would not augur well for the country as they feared it would “erode the existing unity existing among the federating units of the country.”

Spokesperson for the group, Alhaji Bello Kurfi, urged the Senate President to persuade President Jonathan to respect the arrangement which gave him the vice-presidency in the general interest of the country. They also called on him to prevail on the president not to undermine the principle of federal character in federal appointments in the country.

Kurfi charged the president to rather focus on his electoral reforms agenda to guarantee credible elections in 2011.

Responding, Mark said that President Jonathan was very mindful of the diverse nature of the country and would not do anything unconstitutional to undermine the sanctity of its unity.

Senator Mark stated that Jonathan, who ran a joint ticket with the late President  Yar’Adua for the present presidency had also emphasised  the principle of the rule of law as his guide.

He also vowed that National Assembly would continue to be guided by the constitution and rule of law and urged Nigerians to see the nation beyond ethnic or regional consideration.

[b]However, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has called on President Jonathan to contest the 2011 election, saying the nation has outgrown the zoning arrangement in place in the country.

The governor stated this when the traditional ruler of Mopumland and other elders of the area in Pankshin Local Government Area of the state paid him a visit at the RayField Government House in Jos.

According to him, it was high time the nation did away with zoning in order to promote good governance, adding that as a nation, it was time to be seen to have outgrown zoning system in the polity.

Governor Jang then called on President Jonathan  to contest the 2011 election, adding that for Nigeria to move forward, it needed a good leader with passion for governance and development.

The governor urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to allow the best candidate to emerge on the ticket of the party, irrespective of tribe and religious affiliations for the sake of the unity and progress of the country.

He stated that the people of Plateau State would support the presidential bid of Dr. Jonathan if he decided to contest the 2011 election on the ticket of the PDP.

Governor Jang used the occasion to appreciate the role of the people of Mopum in the development of Plateau State and encouraged them to sustain it and as well their rich cultural heritage against outside influence.[/b]

Earlier,  the traditional ruler of Mopumland, Da Nuhu Dashwep, in conjunction with  the speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Honourable Istifanus Mwansat, thanked the governor for witnessing the Mopum Cultural festival and his assurance to complete road projects and pledged support for the Jang administration.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/6009-jonathan-cant-run-in-2011-north-warns-he-can-run-jang

hollandis: i remember yugoslavia thrashed us 7-1 and holand upset us 4-1 enroute france 98.we went to d w.cup to disgqace spain couple of days later.guys there is hope

pikadily: Please we are referring to the 2003 election.When Atiku wanted to contest.

pikadily: I think Power has always been synonymous with certain group of people in Nigeria.I dont have to define anything.Who said its difficult to unseat a seating president.[b]Towards the end of Obasanjos first tenure in 2003 who did he run to?The same northern Governors we are talking here.[/b]Who did he beg for his chair? Atiku Abubakar.Why because Atiku at the time has the support of the king makers.He specifically mentioned that in a  BBC interview that he is under pressure to contest,we here knew what he was talking about.The governors wanted to kick Obasanjo out.Although he was the president then,he OBJ knew he was nothing.Infact it was the late Stella who was very dear to Atiku then that made change his mind.If you still think they cant unseat the accidental President Jonathan now,its free a world.

pikadily: Jonathan cant and will never be president why if you ask me? Because of “numbers” I will tell you.The numbers just wont add up,any one can do the maths he just cant rack up the votes period.Besides we all know that the northern governors are the king makers and they are united in their contempt for the wanna be president.Ask a real politician not faceless cyber militants is it possible for a president to emerge in Nigeria without the support of the Northern governors.The answer is na.For me I strongly believe it will be easier for a camel to pass thru the eye of a needle than for Jonathan to emerge as president.Peace out!

Nigeria's richest man, billionaire Aliko Dangote, on Monday denied media reports that he was considering buying a 16 percent stake in English Premier League soccer club Arsenal.

Britain's Sunday Times newspaper and other media reported that Dangote had registered his interest in buying a stake being sold by Nina Bracewell-Smith, the club's fourth biggest investor.

"I am a longstanding supporter of Arsenal Football Club and have been involved in conversations around investment in the past," Dangote said in a statement.

"However, I can say categorically at this time that I have no intention of investing in the club and will not be acquiring a stake. I wish Arsenal Football Club the best for the future and will continue to follow the team as a fan."

source:http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5572332-146/nigerian_tycoon_says_no_plans_to.csp

Nigeria's richest man, billionaire Aliko Dangote, on Monday denied media reports that he was considering buying a 16 percent stake in English Premier League soccer club Arsenal.

Britain's Sunday Times newspaper and other media reported that Dangote had registered his interest in buying a stake being sold by Nina Bracewell-Smith, the club's fourth biggest investor.

"I am a longstanding supporter of Arsenal Football Club and have been involved in conversations around investment in the past," Dangote said in a statement.

"However, I can say categorically at this time that I have no intention of investing in the club and will not be acquiring a stake. I wish Arsenal Football Club the best for the future and will continue to follow the team as a fan."

Big B1:
FYI:The percentage of Nigerians that hate IBB isn't much and the percentage of Nigerians that continue to attack IBB via internet is less than .2%. Do not fool yourselves, the majority of Nigerians that will cast their votes for IBB do not have internet access and can careless what you bloggers have to say.

As soon as IBB picks up his ticket, it will be over.
There is no doubt on my mind that IBB is going to be our next president; Nigeria and Nigerians deserve it.

Kobojunkie:
uumm - -  you mean we should believe Jonathan was able to accomplish all this writer claims in less than a year? If you believe that to be the case, then why do you feel people ought not to believe he could accomplish all he has said so far he would do in one year

Kobojunkie:
Well he chose them ( 23 March 2010), but I don't see how that ought to take away from the main question he asked.

Kobojunkie:
Changes that HE promised but I think can honestly be finished off in 1 year? I think you are asking the wrong person here. I AM NOT THE ONE who made the promises knowing I probably have 6 months or less left of this administration; I AM NOT THE ONE speaking of building flying/floating cities when I know I have less than a year to get whatever it is I need to do done. He is, so why am I the one to answer for him? I think you should URGE him to only speak of that which he is sure he can complete in 1 year rather than continue to make promises WHICH YOU DO NOT THINK he can finish in 1 year.

CyberG:
I said the same thing in another thread! You are very right I think, hopefully, you and I (and many others) are wrong! This guy is as useless and clueless as Yaradua. Pray, how much money/effort does it cost to have the electoral report implemented? Appoint a useful and credible EFCC chairman. Remove the forger at customs, keep Nigeria moving for a few weeks, getting used to the new, good changes. In the meantime, be ready for another major positive announcement before we recover from the previous one??

Kobojunkie:
Can we please get a list of his accomplishments in that time?

Before long, the Isaac Boro Expressway was no longer the bushy axis of the state capital that it used to be. The forest rapidly gave way under the grind of earth-moving machines and that vast expanse of land was soon dotted with housing estates for civil servants, their bright new roofs gleaming in the noon-day sun. In like manner, the majestic structure of the first five-star hotel was soon growing out of the marshy ground, sited at the head of the Julius Berger intersection on Boro Way, the very first of its kind to grace the humble Yenagoa skyline.

From day one, he told the electorate that government would open up the state with four new roads, three of them leading to the interior of the three senatorial districts, while the fourth would create the much-needed gateway into Yenagoa from the East-West Road. The idea was to make the Mbiama-Igbogene access into the state capital unfamiliar before long, and eliminate the scandal of trespassing into the state through another.

What’s more, the Goodluck Governor decided to make life less miserable for commuters. Residents of Yenagoa woke up one morning and saw a fleet of taxis in the open grounds of the Armed Forces Remembrance Arcade opposite Creek Haven, painted in royal blue colours with a yellow strip, just waiting for their owners to pick them up. The owners claimed them, in a very final sense, and the taxis were no longer to be seen on the roads forever.

Like a concerned father, Goodluck Jonathan equally turned attention to civil servants in the state, seeking to ameliorate their sorry circumstances. In one bound, the government released all of one-and-half-year arrears to civil servants. The governor was determined not to owe any worker in the state, in keeping with the wealth creation programme of the government, and the workers couldn’t believe their good luck. All this he did within a five-month space, from the day he was sworn-in to take charge of Bayelsa, to the next Democracy Day. It was the kind of sparkling record that readily made hypocrites chant a love song:

Kobojunkie:
Should we not discuss this at all?

When Mr GJ inaugurated Ministers, Nigerians were promised blueprints from each Ministry indicating plan of action for the next 15 months so far 3 months passed away and yet nothing received. Does that not reveal the mindset and action of the entire team structure, I suspect it is business as usual.

Kobojunkie:
But the kind of changes you speak of, what are there? Are you going by Jonathan's Own list so far or what?

blacksta:
Dear Friend - I have nothing against Jonathan and I am praying that he does well but unfortunately GJ is toeing the former footsteps of the past presidents resulting in big words and no immediate and future improvements on the live of the masses.  I have always been been advocate of telling people to manage their expectations in regards to GJ. A man with very  poor service delivery while he was an[b] Assistant Governor , Governor , Vice President [/b] and Now President and all of sudden every one is hoping a leopard will change skin.  

As you are aware Mr GJ is making so many promises which you and I know cannot be achieved in 11 months while circumnavigating the real issues like Electoral Reforms, Major Power Reforms and etc.

When Mr GJ inaugurated Ministers, Nigerians were promised blueprints from each Ministry indicating plan of action for the next  15 months so far 3 months passed away and yet nothing received.  Does that not reveal the mindset and action of the entire team structure, I suspect it is business as usual.

My writings are not based on sentiments but on real facts.  Please prove me wrong.  Maybe i am just been cynical but i have learnt to manage my expectations so as to prevent more heart aches.

chisco82:
Untill she told me her church "Brotherhood of the cross and star"OOO

petebor02:
4 real a girl once ask me such question

Ultrame:
^^^^
LWKM what did u do? i guess u stayed up all night, in case she decides to prove it.

mikeansy:
I think this strategy is getting tired.

I am not a fan of IBB but anybody who thinks they would make a better President than IBB should be courageous enough to come forward and make a superior argument but allow the Nigerian people to choose their future.

I am of the view that in a free and fair elections, where enough time is devoted to credible and sane political debate about the future of Nigeria. IBB will come short. But what I don't agree with is potential candidates or interested parties scaring others from taking part in the elections just to narrow the field for themselves. Thats pure political cowardice.

It is up to the media to vet IBB's records towards the election and then inform the public so that they are aware of the issues. It is not up to the Government to use EFCC, ICPC or any panel whatsoever to narrow the field for themselves.

If IBB has questions of corruption to answer, then someone should bring him to justice or let him be. This business of probing IBB whenever he declares interest to run for President is not good for politics.