Bongo who has an number of terms with on limit, Compaore who is running again for a 3rd term in violation of the constitution of his country, Obasanjo who wants now a 3rd term.

Where is Africa going?

"Nigeria's presidents should be allowed a third term in office, a Nigerian Senate sub-committee has proposed."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4438648.stm

The panafrican.

I want to believe that President Obasanjo will not stoop so low as to go for a third term after repeatedly denying such an ambition. I would lose all my respect for him if that should happen, so I don't believe it will happen. No, it won't happen.

But if the current proposal goes through, will he run for a third term in office?

This is the same Obasanjo that want to head the UN.

This is why we keep having coups in Africa, sit tight politicians who don't know when to leave.

I think our politicians for the first time in the political history of Nigeria have found themselves in an unusual situation. Having to give up political power voluntarily.
Think about it we've never got this far before, in most cases the army will have ended the whole thing after the second 'election' like they did in 1966 and 1983.

So even though we had this same 2 term rule in the 79 constitution and the others drafted after, it was never put to the test because no one expected any civilian government to last past its first term. Now that OBJ seems to have broken that jinx (fingers crossed ) it seems our politicans are now getting too comfortable..

Anyway sha if OBJ decides to go ahead with a third term, my advise to him is to make sure he sleeps with a gun under his pillow, he should also refrain from drinking tea at Aso rock and ensure he has nothing to do with indian prostitutes

If Obasanjo can tackle Nigeria's decaying federal highway system and the unreliable electrical power supply as effectively as he revived the telecom sector and battled with counterfeit pharmaceutical importers and corrupt state governors, then maybe the prospect of a third OBJ presidency term shouldn't fill us with such dread. 

Of the various comedians vying for Nigeria's presidency in 2007, none are certain to do a better job of running the country, and some would even reverse good policies of the present government.  I'm no apologist for OBJ, and have never gained a red cent from his being prez, but if 2007 does see OBJ's exit, followed by the "election" of a Babangida puppet with hidden loyalties to the feudal theocratic north, our joy at seeing  Baba Iyabo's departure may be very short lived.

This are all speculation, and if he decide to go for it, he deserve what ever happen to him then. GREED

These politicians are giving the military boys veritable reasons to want to come back to power.

I have never support the present crops of politicains in Nigeria and i will never support them. Why must they think it's only a single person that can rule this country effectively in a country of 120 million people; are the rest of us all fools?

Marwa will make a good president if we can give him the chance (am basing my support for his candidacy based on his performance in the states he has administered before)

Me too can effectively run this country.

I am not rooting 4 anybody, but whatever is Obasanjo's and the senators' reason for a third term bid is all balderdash.
I just read that Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has supported them.
The senators have been given 100million Naira  share (for those who support the bid).
Bribery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! abi PUBLIC RELATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
Now, if they are allowed that, they will DEFINITELY seek for 4th term.
na satan go baptise dem.

Obansojo Should be a man of dignity and put a rest to the rumor and publicly deny the bid for third term, as him been silent on the issue could result to unrest in the nation.

we should stop this speculation, its only a rumour

The only person that can stop the rumor is MR President himself. He should come out publicly and tell all the nations he is not seeking a 3rd

He has said it several times, that he won't contest for a 3rd term!

Well could it be some people are just trying to stair up a flame?

Why are people worried about this?
Obasanjo will never, I repeat, never go for the 3rd time. He is a respected man. How did he get all his friends in international community?

He got them by being honest in 1978. he became the first military president to willingly leave office. The respect he still enjoy up till today.

Does Obasanjo think he's the only one with ideas on how to lead Nigeria to a higher level? Gosh, I can't even think of one significant thing the guy has done that impacted positively on the lives of Nigerians. <snip>

I must say here that I personally think OBJ has really done a lot in terms of trying to turn around the economy of our great country. He has tried to pick the best hands in the country to help him achieve this, (talking about the minister of finance, the governor of central bank, director general of NSE, BPE, NAFDAC, just to name a few). They've introduced policies that are geared towards the transformation of our dear nation. I have come to believe that we are marching steadily forward. although some of the results we expect to see will take a little time to materialise but i have faith.

The question, i'm asking right now (and I'm sure a lot of us are askin too) is how come he waited till the 2nd term in office before implementing all these new and laudible policies. what was he doing the 1st time?
Now we're pressured for time as the clock is ticking for him and we desperately need time to consolidate. this is the "planting" season and the "harvest" is just around the corner. I'm just worried that all his hard work and good intentions might be thrown aboard by a new govt that we'll want to play to the gallery.

Thank u Bogoma, You are a nigerian living in nigeria and knows nigeria. Your write-up is a true reflection of Obasanjo's regime.
To my friend in Bolton, Haba! be fair about Obasanjo.
We are looking at Pre 1999 Nigeria and post 1999 Nigeria.
HE HAS DONE WELL

Bogoma you have articulated my view point far more effectively than I did in my earlier post.  We will never be able to quantify the number of lives saved NAFDAC, Nigeria's Food and Drug enforcement agency created by the Obasanjo regime and headed by a very brave woman, which has been locked in a bitter war against pharmaceutical counterfeiters both in Nigeria and in India where most of the bogus drugs originate. 

Similarly we will never be able to estimate the number of Nigerians who owe their lives to the simple expedient of having a working phone at hand.  This writer hid in a cassava plot some time ago, summoning the police by cell phone as armed robbers prepared to lay siege on my residence.  As the suspects were led away after the timely arrival of the police, I profusely thanked Baba Iyabo for giving Nigeria phones that work, as many in the past promised and failed to do.   

Please let The Big Masquerader of Aso Rock continue his rampage, for there were none before him who have done as much that DIRECTLY impacts those on the ground in Nigeria, and there are no assurances that the ranks of the "new brooms" contain anyone worthwhile voting in.

Akolawole:

To my friend in Bolton, Haba! be fair about Obasanjo.
We are looking at Pre 1999 Nigeria and post 1999 Nigeria.
HE HAS DONE WELL

I'm sorry Mr Wole, I have my reservations about our President. I have not been in Bolton forever and I keep pace with what is happening back home. I'll be fair on him when after 6/7/8 years of his rule, Nigeria's Electricity can boast an acceptable level of stability. I will be fair on President Obasanjo when Nigerians can drive on Safe roads, when Nigerian students can learn in condusive environments. Do I go on? The current cost of living is considerably higher than pre-Obasanjo. He's ruled for four years and now two more, yet we can not boast one refinery in the biggest nation in Africa, that is working to full capacity,for starters. The news is always reading something like "The govt. is SET TO implement so and so". I don't buy it. Most places can not boast something as basic as clean water. I just don't see how "well" he has done cos poverty levels have increased significantly.
What made him base most of his previous appointments on sentiments? It's when his tenure is winding to a stop that he knows there are professionals who can do the job, better than Politicians and whatever.
He should not think of running again. It will simply set us back another few years. If he has put in place very EFFECTIVE structures, I'm sure whoever comes in after him will be hard pressed to implement them.

Hello my Friend in Bolton,
1) NAFDAC documentary was shown on BBC1 two months ago. Are u proud to be a Nigerian? Are u proud of Obasanjo's government in that regard?
2) I would need more clarification on that your "Sentimental appointments" and would like to know which part of Nigeria are u from ? PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS.
3) You live in Britain, Do you know that the government of Tony Blair is only responsible for just 3 major things?
4) ANTI -CORRUPTION :Do u know that no Nigeria governor has visited UK since the arrest of Bayelsa governor?
We can criticise but CONSTRUCTIVE CRITITISM is needed in our country at this time.

Similarly we will never be able to estimate the number of Nigerians who owe their lives to the simple expedient of having a working phone at hand. This writer hid in a cassava plot some time ago, summoning the police by cell phone as armed robbers prepared to lay siege on my residence. As the suspects were led away after the timely arrival of the police, I profusely thanked Baba Iyabo for giving Nigeria phones that work, as many in the past promised and failed to do.

Crediting Obasanjos adminsitration for liberalizing the telecom sector in Nigeria is a misplacement of praise. The praise is to the private sector. What he has only done is to allow them to do their thing as we are witnessing it.

What is it that is holding him back from expediting action on the selling of NEPA and NITEL or is he waiting for Transcorp to raise another fund for the purchase of NEPA and NITEL

I wonder why African leaders are so power hungry.

i sincerely think baba is interested in the 3rd term issue. else he would have in his usual style be quick to rubuke those apostles of 3rd term agenda. but he has not done so, so the question is: is he for or against third term? he's merely trying to test the waters to see how deep or shallow nigeria's will react to his 3rd term. but he just might get drowned. quote me: there's no way he's going to succed. he will again soon come and tell us he was "pressured" into the 3rd term debacle.

no magic will scale him through this,as for 3rd term project, it's not feasible. OKPARI

no magic will scale him through this,as for 3rd term project, it's not feasible. OKPARI

Oga sir you are totally wrong. The Transcorp guys control 95% of Nigeria's economy, since they are so close to baba i doubt if they will ever want him to leave office before consolidating their purchases. If baba should leave they will have to start all-over again.

Think about it, we don't have anyone left to challenge OBJ again. MAN, those stupid lawmakers etc are firmly in support of the 3rd term ambition, so what do you expect.

anything he see hope he should be able to face it.GREED. why didnt he finish in 8yrs?

Akolawole:

Hello my Friend in Bolton,
1) NAFDAC documentary was shown on BBC1 two months ago. Are u proud to be a Nigerian? Are u proud of Obasanjo's government in that regard?
2) I would need more clarification on that your "Sentimental appointments" and would like to know which part of Nigeria are u from ? PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS.
3) You live in Britain, Do you know that the government of Tony Blair is only responsible for just 3 major things?
4) ANTI -CORRUPTION :Do u know that no Nigeria governor has visited UK since the arrest of Bayelsa governor?
We can criticise but CONSTRUCTIVE CRITITISM is needed in our country at this time.

I'll take your points in the same order.

1) Yep, I saw it. They are doing a great job. That's one in like how many "agencies" we've got in Nigeria?. Of course, I'm a proud Nigerian. If I were not, I wouldn't be bothered. But Just so you know, I aint' proud of OBJ's government,period.

2) Let's be honest,man. We both know those government appointments are never made on merit. It's mostly based on political affiliations, relationship to the Presido and stuff like that. Hell, what bussiness has COLONEL Musa Mohammed got in the Sports Mnistry, Or even the guy before him?  Take a look at the "AMBASSADORS" we've got. We keep re-cycling them like there are no more competent people. Or do you want to talk about Jibril Aminu who has held almost every post in that country? This is somebody OBJ appointed as Exec. Sec of NUC in his first tenure (pre-democracy). Since OBJ came back as a civilian, this guy has held no less than 3 posts.
By the way, I'm from Akwa Ibom State. What has that got to do with anything, anyway?

3) Britain is my country of abode currently. That does not mean that I am from Britain. Tony Blair can do whatever he likes, for all I care. I'm a Nigerian and that's where concerns me the most.

4) Says who? You can as well say No Nigerian gov. has travelled out of the country since D.S.P's arrest.  Are you trying to tell me how effective EFCC has been? EFCC has been on board for how many years now? Ask the government contractors who have not been paid for over a year and half now, what the current situation is on corruption.

I do feel for my country, that's why it pains me that kids are being denied basic things like education, good food, good health care.  It's easy for us to see the rosy side of things probably because' we have enough to take care of ourselves and spare to throw around. But my friend, spare a thut for those Nigerian kids who go out everyday hawking stuff, or those parents that cannot afford food, health care, for their children b'because rise in the cost of living is not matched with equal rise in income.
If OBJ decides to go for a third term, we are definitely heading backward. What is he going to do in four years that he couldn't have managed in 8years?

I asked about your origin because i know of a section of Nigeria who want 2007 presidency at all cost and they do give opinions with a closed mind and eyes. I KNOW U ARE NOT LIKE THAT.
I was unable to vote in 1999 but i make sure i campaigned vigorously against OBJ but he won. I have never like him but i must call a spade no other name but spade.
1) You wrote " Kids are hawking..... Is there anything bad in hawking ? All my brothers and sister had hawk before, Awolowo and Abiola had experience it, So whats the big deal
2) SENTIMENTAL APPOINTMENT : Can you tell me which political parties the following Obasanjo Leuitenants come from? CHRISTOPHER kOLADE(High Comm. UK), Dora Akinyuli(NAFDAC), El- Rufai Akin Olujimi Okonjo-iwela and Ribadu.
Note that all over the world, appointment were made only to party's input. OBJ break all that which is why he's never been liked by his party.
3) Recyclying e.g Jubril Aminu: Political appointment will remain political a political appointment. It has never been a position of an expert. It is to administer. Recall Tony Blair recycle a disgraced Friend in Blind man David Blunket TWICE.
4) Thank God u acknowledge that NAFDAC performed well YET you said U've never see anything good in OBJ's government. Is there anything of such b4?
5) What do u mean that cost of living is higher?
Thank u

The way some people portrayed Nigeria makes me laugh at times. Although there's visible poverty here but am yet to see anybody who can't get something to eat no matter how small it may be. Education up to Senior Secondary School level is more or less free. Most of the people abroad saying all these rubbish about Nigeria don't really know what's presently obtainable back home.

I personally i don't see anything with hawking things for someone's parent, although i did not do that when i was young but my sisters used to. When children hawk it makes them to have an idea about buying and selling, it also makes them to be more prudent since they know it's not so easy to earn money. And by the way most of the children that are hawking own their own the proceeds they only use it to supplement their family income.

The only criteria that can make me to endorse Obasanjo for a third term is if he can sell off NEPA before June 2006. But saying that he is the only capable hand that's available right now is a stupid assumption.

Mr Kola, I really do not understand your stand on this 3rd term bid.
Are you saying because he's your personal MESSAIAH he shld be your life President.
Please, lets call a spade a spade.
He promised "stable power supply for year 2005", what is happening now?
He has increased petroleum prices for up to 6 times since he came into power (doesn't include his tenure as military head of state) as if petroleum price is the problem with Nigeria.
Our Tertiary educational sector now been meant for rich dudes because school fees has been skyrocketed. What we have now are school drop-outs and half-baked scholars.
What about the transportaion sector and the medical sector, have they faired well for the past 8 good years?
NAFDAC survived because Dr. Akunyili refused to  bow to pressures even from Mr President himself.
Are you now telling me he's the only person that can salvage Nigeria in 4 years time?
Shebi he asked IBB what he forgot in Aso Rock he wanted to go and collect, I really want you to tell me WHAT OBJ HAS NOT COLLECTED IN ASO ROCK FOR EIGHT YEARS HE WANTS TO COLLECT IN 4 YEARS TIME?

I think he wants to become late in office just as his wify Stella did, though it is not a prayer ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

For all u guys clamouring for OBJ. I am sure Baba wants a ceremonial burial for himself while dying in Office. U know he has not in no occasion denied the fact. Did he?

I am not clamouring for a 3rd term bid for OBJ. Infact i think this will seriously threaten our democracy and set us back seriously. its just that we are between the devil and the deep blue sea. we need time to begin to enjoy the fruits of the new policies implemented and time is what this government doesnt have. but an extention of tenure in office in any form or manner is un-constitutional and as such despicable. the rippling effect it will have on our political landscape is better imagined. all the governors, senators, house of reps members, etc will all want the same thing too and Nigeria will be worse off for it.
so what do we do? what choice do we have? considering the system we have where one administration goes its policies, ideas, etc whether good or bad goes with him and the new man starts afresh.
what choice do we have, considering what the ruling party PDP is like.
what choice do we have?