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Politics / Re: Darkness Invasion In Asokoro Abuja by optimusprimer(m): 10:43pm On Mar 12, 2015
Youngzedd:
Even here in Calabar, na so we dey see am.


Buy generator bro. Although that will cost u money, just for emergency.

Na so o... Best option. After that u tackle fuel issue... God bless Nigeria
Politics / Darkness Invasion In Asokoro Abuja by optimusprimer(m): 9:11pm On Mar 12, 2015
It's unforgivably annoying that the residents of Asokoro in Abuja only enjoy darkness instead of light (electricity).
I moved to Jose Marti Street sometime last year and I must confess how terrible and inconsistent the power supply has been. I asked around and heard that they deliberately hold back d supply so that the government lodges can come and settle them monthly even after their monthly charge of over 300k (whether u had power or not).
Is this humane? In d same area are residences of d likes of the Min. For Energy, min. For Petroleum and other 'self glorified' dignitaries.
Aside this, Asokoro has d highest percentage of mosquito invasion in d continent. You need to see this mosquitoes, I doubt they do family planning cus I fumigated my house and d next day it was back to d feast of life like nothing happened.

Why should humans make other humans like themselves go tru hell just because of corruption? I asked myself, will we blame PDP for dis? Or is it APC? NO!!!! Some of us don't think about others nor think about tmw, it's always about what to eat now and how to make quick money.

I appeal to Nepa or is it phcn in asokoro to change their ways or face our wrath..... And for d Ministers.... I rest my case! Ur tenures will soon be over Na... Lets see how it goes.
My phone is about to go off cus even my power bank is dead and so is my laptop and inverter... If u know how I can charge with lunar (moon) power please tell me.
NB: I just had to get a mosquito net bfr dey suck me dry

1 Like

Politics / Re: School Kids Referred To Buhari. As President Buhari by optimusprimer(m): 3:27pm On Mar 12, 2015
dunkem21:
They omitted the word - "ex".

That's why they are kids though.
...
Was he ever a president?
Politics / Re: How Mark Ruled Ashafa Out Of Order And Approved Obanikoro As A Minister by optimusprimer(m): 8:29pm On Mar 11, 2015
In fact let's forget about the paper... To me it's an object of referral BUT are u guys now denying the whole #ekitigate issue?

Are u saying it's fake?
Are u saying Obanikoro is not involved?
Are u saying d ability of d gov to probe dis matter is an awesome development?

Some of us just will give anything just not to see apc in power. Hence, there's no difference between u guys and Fayose.
Politics / Re: List Of Presidents Who are/Were 70 Years And Above. by optimusprimer(m): 9:52am On Mar 11, 2015
QuiverBox:


One Man One Vote.

After 28 March , We shall Now.

Sure thing!
Politics / Re: List Of Presidents Who are/Were 70 Years And Above. by optimusprimer(m): 9:29am On Mar 11, 2015
QuiverBox:


The World has 195 recognized Sovereign States( Countries) and you just mentioned 32 that have 70 years and above President, that percentage is 16% ; logically 84% of countries of the world have below 70 year old president.

Why should Nigeria be amongst the 16% when we can be amongst the 84% of the world acceptable ratio of President below 70 years.

And Jonathan at 57 years old is young abi? U guys are unbelievable! Just yesterday u were shouting #bringbackourgirls now u ranting someone does not have certificate... Mind u he does and u know it. All dis ur shouts are just last kicks of a dying horse...
Politics / Re: List Of Presidents Who are/Were 70 Years And Above. by optimusprimer(m): 11:59pm On Mar 10, 2015
OREMUSSANCTUS:
I wanna believe de OP is a youth, and if ya in support of old men ruling us, wen is it ever going to be ya turn? Buhari and his bandits, 25 years ago called many of us d leaders of tomorrow, wen is d tomorrow if not now? Wise up bro!

I would passionately stick with an elder that Knows d way than follow a young mind that isn't ready to learn. Ur choice is urs, u will live with it. I made mine and so I'll live with it.

18 Likes 1 Share

Politics / List Of Presidents Who are/Were 70 Years And Above. by optimusprimer(m): 11:24pm On Mar 10, 2015
Please tell your friend who is accusing GMB
of old age to tell us which of these is GEJ
better than?
.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became President of
Liberia at age 70 in 2006. She was 75 in 2011. She will remain president till 2016, at the age of 80 years

• President Jacob Zuma of South Africa is 72
years old. He will be
president till 2019 at 77 years

• Nelson Mandela, born in 1918, became
President of South Africa in 1994 at the age of 76. Still president in 1998
when he stepped down
for Mbeki at the age of 80. If he had served
two terms, he would have been 84

• President Peter Mutharika of Malawi was 74 when he was sworn in on 31 May, 2014. He will be president till 2019 at 79

• President Alpha Conde of Guinea is now 76 years old. He was sworn-in in December 2011 when he was at 72

• President Jose Eduardo Santos of Angola is 72. He will be president till 2020

• President Abde Bourtefilka of Algeria is 77 years old, and will be
in office till 2020 and he will be 83 years old
then

• President Alasanne Quattara of Ivory Coast
was 72 years in 2012, and will be President till 2016

• Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has been
president since 1985. He won another seven years-term in 2013 , and will be president till 2020 when he is 84

• President Jose Mujiaga of Uruguay was 75 years old when elected. He is 79 years now

• President Tedoro Oblang Nguema
Mbasogo, Equatorial Guinea, was born on January 6, 1942. He is 72 years old and still going on

• President Michael Sata, Zambia, is 77 years old. He became president September 23, 2011 at 74, and will rule till
2016 when he will be 79

• President Paul Biya of Cameroon is 81
years old. He will be in office till 2017 at the
age of 84

• President Milos Zeman of Chech Republic is 70 years old and will be
in office till 2018 when he is 74

• Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia is 88 years old
and he assumed office
in 2014 at 87 years old

• Ronald Reagan, born on February 06, 1911,
became US President at 70, and served two terms before retiring in 1989 at the age of 78

• Abdul Halim of Malaysia is 87 years old. He assumed office in 2011 at age 84

• Karolos Papoulias president of Greece is 85 years old. He assumed office in 2005 at age 76

• Anerood Jugnauth Prime Minister of
Mauritius is 84 years old. He
assumed office in 2014 at age 83

• Raul Castro of Cuba is 84 years old. He assumed office in 2008 at age 77

• Artur Rasizade of Azerbaijan is 79 years old. He assumed office in 2003 at age 68

• Mahmud Abbas of Palestine is 79 years old.
He assumed office in 2005 at age 70

• Shimon Peres of Isreal was 90 at the time his term ended in 2014

• Eamon De Valera of Ireland was 90 years
when his term ended in 1973

• Joaquin Balague of Domican Republic was
89years old when his term ended in 1996

• Giorgio Napolitano of Italy was 89 years old.
when he resigned from
government in 2015

• Luis Alberto Sánchez Prime Minister of Peru
was 88years old when he resigned his appointment in 1989

• Girma Wolde-Giorgis of Ethiopia was 88 years old when his term ended in 2013

0 • Sandro Pertini of Italy was 88 years old when his term ended in 1985; Also,

• Obafemi Awolowo was 74 during his last
attempt at presidency in 1983.

• Nnamdi Azikiwe was 79 when he contested
for presidency in 1983

Courtesy: Unity and one - Nigeria forward

13 Likes 1 Share

Politics / See What People Are Saying About Patience Jonathan! by optimusprimer(m): 8:03pm On Mar 05, 2015
My dear peeps, whenever u feel depressed, or u feel hard done by, or that the sky is about to collapse on your head, or when u feel that u no longer have the strength or will to continue just remember that someone is married to Patience Jonathan!

1 Like

Politics / #pvcupdate. Collection Of Pvcs As At March 3rd, 2015 by optimusprimer(m): 2:06pm On Mar 05, 2015
This is a picture of how far INEC has gone with PVC distribution in Nigeria in preparation for the coming election.
This was provided by inec today.

1 Like

Politics / Who Is Dis GEJ Or GMB? Let's Vote by optimusprimer(m): 1:17pm On Mar 04, 2015
Saw this picture and it got me thinking and laffin out loud. Seriously hilarious.

Someone said this is what GEJ will face when he gets back to otueke... Hmmmm
OK na

Let's vote Na...

Autos / Re: Mercedes Benz 300 Coupe For Sale In Abuja @200k by optimusprimer(m): 12:13pm On Mar 04, 2015
Arysexy:
Please show interior picture, seat n dashboard.

U mean v6 engine?
Yes

Autos / Re: Mercedes Benz 300 Coupe For Sale In Abuja @200k by optimusprimer(m): 11:14am On Mar 04, 2015
lukaino:
Is it manual or auto gear?

Automatic gear
Autos / Mercedes Benz 300 Coupe For Sale In Abuja @200k by optimusprimer(m): 10:22am On Mar 04, 2015
This car is with its first body and is coloured black.
The car is in Abuja for inspection anytime.

The car has leather seats.
AC system but needs gas refill.
It has black alloy wheels
A very strong 6 plugs engine that is fuel economical.

Just some cracks on d windscreen and no other fault.

Price is at 200k and still negotiable for serious buyer.
Contact 08114212533 for more info n inquires.
Thanx

Politics / Buhari Is Human, Thank U For Reminding Me: by optimusprimer(m): 5:02pm On Mar 03, 2015
BUHARI HERE,
BUHARI THERE,
BUHARI EVERYWHERE
Buhari is old
Buhari is sick
Buhari is stern
Buhari has friends
Buhari has no friends
Buhari has no certificate
Buhari where is your wife ?
Buhari's wife has no certificate
Buhari's wife is a make-up artist
Buhari is an extremist
Buhari delegates
Buhari is a dictator
Buhari is at home
Buhari is in abroad
Buhari is poor
Buhari is a soldier
Buhari cannot compromise
Buhari 's plan is expensive
Buhari's plan not practicable
Buhari is this
Buhari is that
Well, just in case we missed it,
Buhari is human and thank God we can say,
Buhari is not a thief
Buhari is not corrupt
Buhari is not clueless
Buhari is not shoeless
Buhari is committed
Buhari is passionate
Buhari is a Nigerian
Buhari is a General
Buhari has been to war
Buhari is a movement
Buhari has true followership
Buhari is PDP manifestoes
Buhari is PDP nightmare
Buhari is clean
Buhari is disciplined
Buhari is persistent
Buhari is tenacious
Buhari is simple and above all,he was welcomed and appreciated in Chattam House.
Love him or hate him
Buhari has come to CHANGE Nigeria for
GOOD.
We deserves good governance.
I have decided

2 Likes

Politics / Re: List Of Eligible Voters In The 6 Geopolitical Zones by optimusprimer(m): 4:56pm On Mar 03, 2015
Uncletony:


Buhari will be the next president of cattle rearer association of Nigeria!. We need change there!.

Ohk now I get u..... So u be cattle Sha!
Wao!!! #MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU#
Family / Re: Dirty Talks During Sex!!! by optimusprimer(m): 4:51pm On Mar 03, 2015
1bkaye:

Yeah baby

Hmmmm... That's kinky
Coolies! Lucky for him den
Last time I tried it I ended up sweating like a running man... I ran actually I suppose... Yeah! It was epic.
#enter room n joins BAE in d shower# see ya lata... #slams door#
Politics / An Analysis Of The Past 5/6 Years... How Do U Rate GEJ? by optimusprimer(m): 4:49pm On Mar 03, 2015
VERIFIABLE FACTS !

For those who care to know, the following are Jonathan’s true achievements so far:

President Jonathan met the National Debt at $26bn, today it is $70bn..
Jonathan met Excess Crude account at $20bn today is $2bn.
Jonathan met unemployment rate at 11.8%, today it is 24%. Jonathan met debt servicing at 10%, today debt servicing today is 20%.
Jonathan met the Naira/Dollar rate at N119. The Naira/Dollar rate today is N225– N230.
Jonathan met the poverty level 54%, today poverty level is about 71%.
Jonathan met recurrent expenditure at 62%, today recurrent expenditure is 86%. Jonathan met the GDP Growth at 11%, today GDP Growth is about 6%.
Jonathan met petrol price N65, today petrol price is N87 following its recent reduction from N97.
Today the stock market that was thriving before Jonathan came is down by N3.4trillion in 12 months.
The prognosis for four more years under the same management looks dire. The choice is yours.

1 Like

Family / Re: Dirty Talks During Sex!!! by optimusprimer(m): 4:33pm On Mar 03, 2015
1bkaye:

Please, what is rough and radnor? cheesy

Meant wild
Politics / Re: Tinubu Arrested Twice In United States; Lai Muhammed Wears Pampers - FFK by optimusprimer(m): 4:20pm On Mar 03, 2015
This guy e no get am for ankali walahi

If Tinubu is corrupt and APC is a group of thieves (thif different from corruption remb?) as u claim den prove it Na.
Present ur mater and get them locked up or shut ur trap doo-doo hole of a mouth

Ffk so much believes that Nigerians are gullible, stupid and senseless with all this he's doing.
Sometimes I wonder if they think about the life they are preparing for their kids to live in. This dirty fighting is wrong... VERY WRONG!
WELL, #IHaveDecided #saybuhari #march4buhari
Politics / Re: Tinubu Arrested Twice In United States; Lai Muhammed Wears Pampers - FFK by optimusprimer(m): 4:13pm On Mar 03, 2015
cindicandy:
Buhari must pay for the blood he shed.

Hei slowpoke! Who will now pay for d BLOOD shed by GEJ?
UR FAMILY ABI?
Alaini ironu
Family / Re: Dirty Talks During Sex!!! by optimusprimer(m): 4:03pm On Mar 03, 2015
1bkaye:
I cannot stand the term 'making love', urgh

Whatever works for you, don't force it though


How do u mean?
Does it mean u like it rough n wild or something? Explain biko
Family / Dirty Talks During Sex!!! by optimusprimer(m): 8:07am On Mar 03, 2015
Is dirty talking during sex an ideal thing to do?
I've always been of the school of tut that there's a huge difference between f**kin and making love hence, I am not a dirty talker but can dis be introduced in an ideal relationship?
Some ladies believe it's a way to express themselves while some guys are reserved about it and believe only nasty baes do such.
What's ur opinion?
Politics / Re: List Of Eligible Voters In The 6 Geopolitical Zones by optimusprimer(m): 1:02pm On Feb 28, 2015
Imoy:


Nairaland look like Inec Headquarters?

Are u that confused?
Be guided o

1 Like

Politics / Re: List Of Eligible Voters In The 6 Geopolitical Zones by optimusprimer(m): 12:47pm On Feb 28, 2015
temitemi1:
Apc take note so that u won't be givin us any crazy figure later!! GEJ till 2019!!!

Its u and ur corrupt thieves (since stealing isn't corruption) that should take note.
U guys be acting d role of an opposition party.
Shio

13 Likes

Politics / Re: List Of Eligible Voters In The 6 Geopolitical Zones by optimusprimer(m): 12:45pm On Feb 28, 2015
Imoy:
OP were is ur source?

Inec is my source.

1 Like

Politics / Re: List Of Eligible Voters In The 6 Geopolitical Zones by optimusprimer(m): 12:44pm On Feb 28, 2015
OREMUSSANCTUS:
Its better for dis country to split dan for buhari to win dis election. Let dose a*boki go to suck dem cow milk, and not dying and killing demselves over oiye

U can start by moving first Na... Mchew. I doubt if u see beyond ur nose Sha.

16 Likes 1 Share

Politics / List Of Eligible Voters In The 6 Geopolitical Zones by optimusprimer(m): 12:30pm On Feb 28, 2015
INEC Press Statement, Be Informed. This is the total number of eligible voters in each Six Geopolitical Zone in Nigeria by INEC

SOUTH EAST:
Abia 1,481,191
Anambra 1,758,220
Enugu 1,301,185
Imo 1,611,715
Ebonyi 876,249
TOTAL = 7,028,560
------------------------------------------------------------------SOUTH WEST:
Lagos 6,247,845
Ogun 1,869,326
Osun 1,293,967
Ondo 1,558,975
Ekiti 750,753
Oyo 2,577,490
TOTAL=14,298,356
------------------------------------------------------------------SOUTH SOUTH:
Edo 1,412;225
Delta 1,900,055
Bayelsa 472,389
Akwa Ibom 1,714,781
RIvers 2,419,057
C/Rivers 1,018,550
TOTAL 8,937,057
------------------------------------------------------------------NORTH CENTRAL:
Benue 1,415,162
Kogi 1,215,405
Kwara 1,115,665
Nassarawa 1,224,206
Niger 721,478
Plateau 1,983,453
TOTAL 7,675,369
------------------------------------------------------------------NORTH EAST:
Adamawa 1,714,860
Bauchi 1,835,562
Borno 2,730,368
Gombe 1,266,993
Taraba 1,308,106
Yobe 1,182,230
TOTAL 10,038,119
------------------------------------------------------------------NORTH WEST:
Jigawa 1,852,698
Kano 5,135,415
Katsina 2,931,668
Kaduna 3,565,762
Kebbi 1,603,468
Sokoto 2,065,508
Zamfara 1,746,024
TOTAL 18,900,543.


http://musicnestradio.com/total-number-of-eligible-voters-in-each-six-geopolitical-zone-in-nigeria-by-inec/

4 Likes 2 Shares

Politics / Re: President Jonathan’s Attire At Asagba Of Asaba's Palace (Photo) by optimusprimer(m): 6:55pm On Feb 27, 2015
ishiamu:
Correct man.... Our leader till 2019.... No weapon fashioned against our presido by apc shall prosper....

In his back we dey till 20019 when we will handover to david mark

Insha allah

Maka chukwu ;DCorrect man.... Our leader till 2019.... No weapon fashioned against our presido by apc shall prosper....

In his back we dey till 20019 when we will handover to david mark

Insha allah

Maka chukwu

It's not April 1st yet na... Stop decieving yasef
Politics / General Buhari's Speech At Chatham House Earlier Today by optimusprimer(m): 1:03pm On Feb 26, 2015
Permit me to start by thanking Chatham
House for the invitation to talk about this
important topic at this crucial time.
When speaking about Nigeria overseas, I
normally prefer to be my country’s public
relations and marketing officer, extolling
her virtues and hoping to attract
investments and tourists. But as we all
know, Nigeria is now battling with many
challenges, and if I refer to them, I do so
only to impress on our friends in the
United Kingdom that we are quite aware
of our shortcomings and are doing our
best to address them.
The 2015 general election in Nigeria is
generating a lot of interests within and
outside the country. This is
understandable. Nigeria, Africa’s most
populous country and largest economy, is
at a defining moment, a moment that has
great implications beyond the democratic
project and beyond the borders of my
dear country.
So let me say upfront that the global
interest in Nigeria’s landmark election is
not misplaced at all and indeed should
be commended; for this is an election
that has serious import for the world. I
urge the international community to
continue to focus on Nigeria at this very
critical moment. Given increasing global
linkages, it is in our collective interests
that the postponed elections should hold
on the rescheduled dates; that they
should be free and fair; that their
outcomes should be respected by all
parties; and that any form of extension,
under whichever guise, is unconstitutional
and will not be tolerated.
With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989,
the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the
collapse of communism and the end of
the Cold War, democracy became the
dominant and most preferred system of
government across the globe. That global
transition has been aptly captured as the
triumph of democracy and the ‘most pre-
eminent political idea of our time.’ On a
personal note, the phased end of the
USSR was a turning point for me. It
convinced me that change can be
brought about without firing a single
shot.
As you all know, I had been a military
head of state in Nigeria for twenty
months. We intervened because we were
unhappy with the state of affairs in our
country. We wanted to arrest the drift.
Driven by patriotism, influenced by the
prevalence and popularity of such drastic
measures all over Africa and elsewhere,
we fought our way to power. But the
global triumph of democracy has shown
that another and a preferable path to
change is possible. It is an important
lesson I have carried with me since, and
a lesson that is not lost on the African
continent.
In the last two decades, democracy has
grown strong roots in Africa. Elections,
once so rare, are now so commonplace.
As at the time I was a military head of
state between 1983 and 1985, only four
African countries held regular multi-party
elections. But the number of electoral
democracies in Africa, according to
Freedom House, jumped to 10 in
1992/1993 then to 18 in 1994/1995 and
to 24 in 2005/2006. According to the
New York Times, 42 of the 48 countries
in Sub-Saharan Africa conducted multi-
party elections between 1990 and 2002.
The newspaper also reported that
between 2000 and 2002, ruling parties in
four African countries (Senegal,
Mauritius, Ghana and Mali) peacefully
handed over power to victorious
opposition parties. In addition, the
proportion of African countries
categorized as not free by Freedom
House declined from 59% in 1983 to 35%
in 2003. Without doubt, Africa has been
part of the current global wave of
democratisation.
But the growth of democracy on the
continent has been uneven. According to
Freedom House, the number of electoral
democracies in Africa slipped from 24 in
2007/2008 to 19 in 2011/2012; while the
percentage of countries categorised as
‘not free’ assuming for the sake of
argument that we accept their definition
of “free” increased from 35% in 2003 to
41% in 2013. Also, there have been some
reversals at different times in Burkina
Faso, Central African Republic, Cote
D’Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho,
Mali, Madagascar, Mauritania and Togo.
We can choose to look at the glass of
democracy in Africa as either half full or
half empty.
While you can’t have representative
democracy without elections, it is equally
important to look at the quality of the
elections and to remember that mere
elections do not democracy make. It is
globally agreed that democracy is not an
event, but a journey. And that the
destination of that journey is democratic
consolidation – that state where
democracy has become so rooted and so
routine and widely accepted by all
actors.
With this important destination in mind, it
is clear that though many African
countries now hold regular elections, very
few of them have consolidated the
practice of democracy. It is important to
also state at this point that just as with
elections, a consolidated democracy
cannot be an end by itself. I will argue
that it is not enough to hold a series of
elections or even to peacefully alternate
power among parties.
It is much more important that the
promise of democracy goes beyond just
allowing people to freely choose their
leaders. It is much more important that
democracy should deliver on the promise
of choice, of freedoms, of security of
lives and property, of transparency and
accountability, of rule of law, of good
governance and of shared prosperity. It
is very important that the promise
embedded in the concept of democracy,
the promise of a better life for the
generality of the people, is not delivered
in the breach.
Now, let me quickly turn to Nigeria. As
you all know, Nigeria’s fourth republic is
in its 16th year and this general election
will be the fifth in a row. This is a major
sign of progress for us, given that our
first republic lasted five years and three
months, the second republic ended after
four years and two months and the third
republic was a still-birth. However,
longevity is not the only reason why
everyone is so interested in this election.
The major difference this time around is
that for the very first time since
transition to civil rule in 1999, the ruling
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing
its stiffest opposition so far from our
party the All Progressives Congress
(APC). We once had about 50 political
parties, but with no real competition.
Now Nigeria is transitioning from a
dominant party system to a competitive
electoral polity, which is a major marker
on the road to democratic consolidation.
As you know, peaceful alternation of
power through competitive elections
have happened in Ghana, Senegal, Malawi
and Mauritius in recent times. The
prospects of democratic consolidation in
Africa will be further brightened when
that eventually happens in Nigeria.
But there are other reasons why
Nigerians and the whole world are
intensely focussed on this year’s
elections, chief of which is that the
elections are holding in the shadow of
huge security, economic and social
uncertainties in Africa’s most populous
country and largest economy. On
insecurity, there is a genuine cause for
worry, both within and outside Nigeria.
Apart from the civil war era, at no other
time in our history has Nigeria been this
insecure.
Boko Haram has sadly put Nigeria on the
terrorism map, killing more than 13,000
of our nationals, displacing millions
internally and externally, and at a time
holding on to portions of our territory the
size of Belgium. What has been
consistently lacking is the required
leadership in our battle against
insurgency. I, as a retired general and a
former head of state, have always known
about our soldiers: they are capable, well
trained, patriotic, brave and always ready
to do their duty in the service of our
country.
You all can bear witness to the gallant
role of our military in Burma, the
Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra
Leone, Liberia, Darfur and in many other
peacekeeping operations in several parts
of the world. But in the matter of this
insurgency, our soldiers have neither
received the necessary support nor the
required incentives to tackle this
problem. The government has also failed
in any effort towards a multi-dimensional
response to this problem leading to a
situation in which we have now become
dependent on our neighbours to come to
our rescue.
Let me assure you that if I am elected
president, the world will have no cause to
worry about Nigeria as it has had to
recently; that Nigeria will return to its
stabilising role in West Africa; and that
no inch of Nigerian territory will ever be
lost to the enemy because we will pay
special attention to the welfare of our
soldiers in and out of service, we will
give them adequate and modern arms
and ammunitions to work with, we will
improve intelligence gathering and border
controls to choke Boko Haram’s financial
and equipment channels, we will be
tough on terrorism and tough on its root
causes by initiating a comprehensive
economic development plan promoting
infrastructural development, job creation,
agriculture and industry in the affected
areas. We will always act on time and
not allow problems to irresponsibly
fester, and I, Muhammadu Buhari, will
always lead from the front and return
Nigeria to its leadership role in regional
and international efforts to combat
terrorism.
On the economy, the fall in prices of oil
has brought our economic and social
stress into full relief. After the rebasing
exercise in April 2014, Nigeria overtook
South Africa as Africa’s largest economy.
Our GDP is now valued at $510 billion
and our economy rated 26th in the world.
Also on the bright side, inflation has been
kept at single digit for a while and our
economy has grown at an average of 7%
for about a decade.
But it is more of paper growth, a growth
that, on account of mismanagement,
profligacy and corruption, has not
translated to human development or
shared prosperity. A development
economist once said three questions
should be asked about a country’s
development: one, what is happening to
poverty? Two, what is happening to
unemployment? And three, what is
happening to inequality?
The answers to these questions in
Nigeria show that the current
administration has created two
economies in one country, a sorry tale of
two nations: one economy for a few who
have so much in their tiny island of
prosperity; and the other economy for
the many who have so little in their vast
ocean of misery.
Even by official figures, 33.1% of
Nigerians live in extreme poverty. That’s
at almost 60 million, almost the
population of the United Kingdom. There
is also the unemployment crisis
simmering beneath the surface, ready to
explode at the slightest stress, with
officially 23.9% of our adult population
and almost 60% of our youth
unemployed. We also have one of the
highest rates of inequalities in the world.
With all these, it is not surprising that our
performance on most governance and
development indicators (like Mo Ibrahim
Index on African Governance and UNDP’s
Human Development Index.) are
unflattering. With fall in the prices of oil,
which accounts for more than 70% of
government revenues, and lack of
savings from more than a decade of oil
boom, the poor will be disproportionately
impacted.
In the face of dwindling revenues, a good
place to start the repositioning of
Nigeria’s economy is to swiftly tackle
two ills that have ballooned under the
present administration: waste and
corruption. And in doing this, I will, if
elected, lead the way, with the force of
personal example.
On corruption, there will be no confusion
as to where I stand. Corruption will have
no place and the corrupt will not be
appointed into my administration. First
and foremost, we will plug the holes in
the budgetary process. Revenue
producing entities such as NNPC and
Customs and Excise will have one set of
books only. Their revenues will be
publicly disclosed and regularly audited.
The institutions of state dedicated to
fighting corruption will be given
independence and prosecutorial authority
without political interference.
But I must emphasise that any war
waged on corruption should not be
misconstrued as settling old scores or a
witch-hunt. I’m running for President to
lead Nigeria to prosperity and not
adversity.
In reforming the economy, we will use
savings that arise from blocking these
leakages and the proceeds recovered
from corruption to fund our party’s social
investments programmes in education,
health, and safety nets such as free
school meals for children, emergency
public works for unemployed youth and
pensions for the elderly.
As a progressive party, we must reform
our political economy to unleash the
pent-up ingenuity and productivity of the
Nigerian people thus freeing them from
the curse of poverty. We will run a
private sector-led economy but maintain
an active role for government through
strong regulatory oversight and deliberate
interventions and incentives to diversify
the base of our economy, strengthen
productive sectors, improve the
productive capacities of our people and
create jobs for our teeming youths.
In short, we will run a functional
economy driven by a worldview that sees
growth not as an end by itself, but as a
tool to create a society that works for
all, rich and poor alike. On March 28,
Nigeria has a decision to make. To vote
for the continuity of failure or to elect
progressive change. I believe the people
will choose wisely.
In sum, I think that given its strategic
importance, Nigeria can trigger a wave of
democratic consolidation in Africa. But
as a starting point we need to get this
critical election right by ensuring that
they go ahead, and depriving those who
want to scuttle it the benefit of derailing
our fledgling democracy. That way, we
will all see democracy and democratic
consolidation as tools for solving
pressing problems in a sustainable way,
not as ends in themselves.
Permit me to close this discussion on a
personal note. I have heard and read
references to me as a former dictator in
many respected British newspapers
including the well regarded Economist.
Let me say without sounding defensive
that dictatorship goes with military rule,
though some might be less dictatorial
than others. I take responsibility for
whatever happened under my watch.
I cannot change the past. But I can
change the present and the future. So
before you is a former military ruler and a
converted democrat who is ready to
operate under democratic norms and is
subjecting himself to the rigours of
democratic elections for the fourth time.
You may ask: why is he doing this? This
is a question I ask myself all the time
too. And here is my humble answer:
because the work of making Nigeria
great is not yet done, because I still
believe that change is possible, this time
through the ballot, and most importantly,
because I still have the capacity and the
passion to dream and work for a Nigeria
that will be respected again in the comity
of nations and that all Nigerians will be
proud of.
I thank you for listening

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