Name : Catalyst4real

Institution : A.B.U Zaria


Topic: The Extinction Of Godfatherism In Contemporary Nigerian Politics -- A panacea for effective leaders.

Stance: Against


I unequivocally recognize the presence of the unbiased judges, the coordinators, my honourable colleague, Abuklaw, the tenacious opponents and my intelligible audience.

What is Godfatherism? It can in clear context be depicted from the word "god" and "father"
Meaning godly in nature and fatherly in principle.

I implore you to let that echo in your minds, the architectural motive behind the evolution of godfathers is to have an experienced role model to look up to, who is godly in nature and fatherly in principle.

>>>>>>>>>>>The Inception<<<<<<<<<<
Godfatherism is as old as politics itself, it gained popularity following the movie "THE GODFATHER" directed by Francis Coppola

As the movie depicts, godfathers were never pioneered to select leaders, but to direct leaders, not to mesmerise leaders, but to orient leaders, not for the purpose of embezzlement, but for the furnishing of the elect, not to gratify self desires and personal needs or greed, But to uplift and build a nation.

Godfathers were established to serve as mentors, as role models and as guides to the succeeding leaders, to nurture and to train; All for the promotion of good governance and in exchange for "NOTHING" other than National progress.


>>>>>>>>>The Misconception<<<<<<<<<<<
With utmost assurance, at this stage, I expect my opponents to have garrulously and intricately divulged on how Godfatherism is a sole malignant engineer of political corruption in contemporary Nigeria.

And I couldn't agree more, but about it's extinction I am resolutely defiant .

The symbiotic relationship between democracy and godfatherism started eons ago. Democracy, politics and godfatherism have been the three major and harmonious elements of governance. So, in a true democratically oriented political environment, the trio work hand in glove.


Owing to political ossification, some eggheads are groaning beneath godfatherism, depleting it's prior motive and tarnishing it's sole purpose; Nigerian politics has dilapidated this sublime culture and zapped the nectar from it's life force.

Godfatherism has been abused and manipulated for personal gain, it is now a field for the exasperation of greed and an avenue for wealth acquisition. How pitiful!!!

As perversely as this culture may have been re-engineered, it's dilaceration will be more inimical than logical.

There was a time when godfatherism stood for mentorship, that is the very time we need to relive, relay and rediscover.

It is characteristic of humans to look for who to blame or what to blame when things acutely take an ugly turn.

The corruption and manipulation in Godfatherism is what we need to extinguish, not godfatherism itself. If we suddenly start eliminating every tenets of the society that have been stained by corruption, then we'll wake up someday to have nothing left. Corruption has it's roots in almost all branches of this country, even in the grass level; I believe in change.

>>>>>>The Way Forward<<<<<<<<<<<<
It is highly preposterous to think that the elimination of godfatherism ultimately open doors to producing effective leaders; No!!! That is not the answer we seek, we need competent leaders; Selfless leaders who hunger for the growth and excellence of this great nation Nigeria, leaders who'll rather starve than watch this country dwindle and decay, leaders with national pride, leaders filled with immutable integrity and love towards uplifting Nigeria; And I do not in anyway see godfatherism standing in the way of the emanation of leaders with the above listed idiosyncrasies.

Prof. Kenneth Taylor, a H.O.D In a certain high institution walked into a 400L philosophy class and asked the students a simple question. "What would you do, if made the president of Nigeria for 24 hours?"
The responses he received weren't too far away from expectation; they were all self-seeking, stained with self acquisition, having no plans whatsoever to make this country a better place.
That's as bad as it has gotten.

Godfatherism is not the hindrance against producing effective leaders but our unpatriotism and lack of love for our nation.

The corruption, the manipulations, the crime, the insurgence, the vandalism, the perpetration and the animosity in Nigerian politics aren't really the problems pulling this country down, all these are symptoms; Symptoms of lack of love for Nigeria.

We're looking for a culture to eliminate? This is the starting point.

Quite frankly, when we look at developed countries like U.S.A, we get drenched in envy and all we see is the present glory, but behind all that glamour are leaders who have made sacrifices for their nation.
With love, comes sacrifice.


You know where it gets more interesting? America also practices godfatherism, it plays a huge role in United state's government, and yet, they thrive almost impeccably.
I assure you, godfatherism is far from the problem Nigeria faces in producing effective leaders.

Godfatherism use to be a glamorous umpire of good governance, an epitaph of beauty and admiration, a propellant and the very backbone of national reformation.

We live in a country where every leader comes in with a promise, void promises most of the time.
I can never blame godfatherism for our inability to produce competent, uncompromising leaders.
Until our love for Nigeria outweighs our differences and quest for self luxury, progress will remain mythical.






Reference
>(Godfatherism and Democracy)
phemmynaija..co.ke/2011/01/godfatherism-phemmynaija..co.ke-democracy.html?m=1

>(History of Godfatherism)
https://naudigitallibrary./tag/history-of-godfatherism-in-nigeria/

>(Influence of Godfatherism in Nigeria)
www.iproject.com.ng/political-science/final-year-project-topics/the-influence-of-godfatherism-in-nigeria-politics-in-the-fourth-republic-the-role-of-education/project-topics

5 minutes more....

I am encountering difficulty with my laptop, please bear with me and spare me more 5 minutes.

Abuklaw we wait...

Rebuttal stage starts by 6:50pm



Be at alert debaters...

I have posted on previous page

6:50 – 8:00pm – Rebuttals - A debater takes on his opponent’s view, puncturing his or her points - This the debater does by quoting the said comment and then countering it with his or her own views.




Abuklaw
Catalyst4real
ObiZEAL
Noskyboy


Judges questioning comes up in between.
Adeaks
Joseph1832
Jarus








[size=5pt]Lalasticlala[/size]

Let the show begin....




I believe our judges are very much around...



Adeaks
Joseph1832
Jarus

Mr. Catalyst4real, goodevening.
In Life, especially in politics, we judge people by their deeds and not their intentions, In the early part of your debate you said Godfathers have good intentions for our polity, but the situation inherent in our country Nigerias suggest differently, we have seen Godfathers lay claim on the treasuries of their godson's office and that is not compatible with effective leadership.
Sir, you also said you don't see Godfatherism standing in the way of installing credible leadership, I beg to disagree and I will do that by referring you to my debate where I outlined cases of Godfatherism, the general trend in nigeria is; the man with the most influential Godfather gets elected...so you can't say Godfatherism don't influence the installation of leaders.
And Lastly you spoke much about an ideal situation, but we are talking about the real situation that is obtainable in Nigeria as directed by the debate topic, so your whole argument is to an extent flawed and does not apply to the Nigerian situation.
The way forward for Nigeria, is to, among other reforms, extinguish political Godfatherism.

obiZEAL

In Christendom, a godfather is defined as a man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner and is responsible for the child’s spiritual needs and growth.

referencing this explanation of Godfather, don't do you think godfatherism should be reformed not removed?

Secondly, if Godfatherism was an illness one of its symptoms will be corruption, and like all diseases if left untreated will lead to death, but in this case, it will lead to death of effective leadership. In Nigerian politics, Godfatherism goes beyond the electioneering process, godson's are expected to show unwavering loyalty to their godfathers throughout their tenure. These loyalty has no definition nor limit, the godfather is at liberty to decides who gets what, he decides who is innocent and who is guilty, in some cases the godson even go as far as diverting the finance of his office to the pocket of the godfather and his cronies under the guise of phantom projects and contracts. These acts of nepotism, selective justice and financial mismanagement are all features of an ineffective leader, they are acts of corruption which blossoms under Godfatherism.
My opponents might want to argue that godfathers only play a financial or advisory role, but we are all aware of the common Nigerian idiom; nothing goes for nothing, it is he who plays the drum that dictates the dance moves.

You are making it seem godfatherism is peculiar to Nigeria. The role Bill Clinton played in the emergence of Barack Obama shouldn't be undermined. Godfatherism is practised through out the world. It only takes effective and rational thinking godsons integrity to neutralise the threats from godfathers.

catalyst4real, you said corruption and selfishness is what we need to eliminate not godfatherism how can we eliminate that when the godfathers are corrupt and selfish. you are painting an ideal picture not the reality.

obiZEAL:
Mr. Catalyst4real, goodevening.
In Life, especially in politics, we judge people by their deeds and not their intentions, In the early part of your debate you said Godfathers have good intentions for our polity, but the situation inherent in our country Nigerias suggest differently, we have seen Godfathers lay claim on the treasuries of their godson's office and that is not compatible with effective leadership.
Sir, you also said you don't see Godfatherism standing in the way of installing credible leadership, I beg to disagree and I will do that by referring you to my debate where I outlined cases of Godfatherism, the general trend in nigeria is; the man with the most influential Godfather gets elected...so you can't say Godfatherism don't influence the installation of leaders.
And Lastly you spoke much about an ideal situation, but we are talking about the real situation that is obtainable in Nigeria as directed by the debate topic, so your whole argument is to an extent flawed and does not apply to the Nigerian situation.
The way forward for Nigeria, is to, among other reforms, extinguish political Godfatherism.

To start with, I say nothing about intentions

And yes, Godfatherism doesn't in any way stand in the way of production of effective leaders.

You say the man with the most influential Godfather gets elected.
I have a question for you, "The 2015 presidential election, I believe president Buhari won because he had the most influential godfather, right? "

Mr abuklaw, you made understand that inefficient leaders are the problems not godfathers, but you have neglected the political economy involved in the emergence of leaders in Nigeria. the huge money involved in the process. only those with god fathers are likely to win, and these are corrupt. therefore they reproduce corruption and inefficiency.

noskyboy:
catalyst4real, you said corruption and selfishness is what we need to eliminate not godfatherism how can we eliminate that when the godfathers are corrupt and selfish. you are painting an ideal picture not the reality.

Good question, one way to eliminate the corruption is the promotion of transparency. You realise why no one can outrightly say the 2015 Election was an epitaph of perpetration, godfatherism and vandalism? Because it was very open and transparent.
Godfatherism will always take the blame when the electoral practices are done in close doors.

We are watching...

The major question however is what good do godfatherism hold for Nigeria, with regards to good leadership and development? The answer with seek is simple, godfatherism has done more harm than good to leadership in Nigeria, and the reasons being;
Godfatherism in Nigeria is a medium for investment rather mentorship. In the real sense, godfathers are meant to serve as mentors, advice and guide their godsons in the right way to lead, but the case in Nigeria is different, the idea and orientation behind godfatherism is totally different. Godfathers rather expect to be paid back for their support once success is achieved; therefore most rich and influential Nigerians see a less influential, less wealthy and willing leadership aspirant, as a business investment and profit making opportunity.

Godfatherism is indeed a potent tool of development when both godfathers and godsons are responsible to the masses-when they have the interest of the populace at heart.

The bold part, godfatherism practised by our founding fathers laid emphasis on political morality, accountability and responsibility to the citizens not them, godfathers.

This is a negative attribute of godfatherism in Nigeria because in most cases the godfathers like to dictate how the godsons would lead, who would be appointed and even how public funds will be spent therefore even if the leader has all the criteria of a good leader, he/she can't use them

noskyboy
you say when Godfatherism is present, a "good leader" won't be able perform.

I believe one of the qualities of a good leader is to remain uncompromising and indelible, bending to nothing that isn't directed to national interests.

If Godfatherism as a single factor is proficient enough to shield a good leader from performing his duties, how can you term such a leader as "good"?

Abuklaw:
Godfatherism is indeed a potent tool of development when both godfathers and godsons are responsible to the masses-when they have the interest of the populace at heart.

The bold part, godfatherism practised by our founding fathers laid emphasis on political morality, accountability and responsibility to the citizens not them, godfathers.

"when godfathers and godson are responsible" what if they are not? we can't deny that any godson who don't play according to the dictates of the godfather is likely to be sabotaged. take for example chimaroke nnamani's case

noskyboy:
Mr abuklaw, you made understand that inefficient leaders are the problems not godfathers, but you have neglected the political economy involved in the emergence of leaders in Nigeria. the huge money involved in the process. only those with god fathers are likely to win, and these are corrupt. therefore they reproduce corruption and inefficiency.

I vehemently say NO! to your assertion that only those with economics war-chest win election in Nigeria. The victory of Abiola Ajimobi in 2011 Oyo state gubernatorial election was actually in spite of Government money expended by Alao Akala. Their are so many cases of election won by those without godfathers in Nigeria. I will reiterate here again, that even when helped to secure political position by godfathers, a leader with the qualities discussed in my submission would never allow himself to be manipulated by a godfather.

Catalyst4real:

Good question, one way to eliminate the corruption is the promotion of transparency. You realise why no one can outrightly say the 2015 Election was an epitaph of perpetration, godfatherism and vandalism? Because it was very open and transparent.
Godfatherism will always take the blame when the electoral practices are done in close doors.

can you explain the role of Tinubu in the 2015 election? that's gofatherism my friend

Sir Abuklaw, I greet you.


You spoke extensively about how dishonesty and incompetence is to be blamed for Nigeria's problems, I can't agree more, but my point is that those bad leaders where/are always brought in by the influence of their Godfathers who are often very influential. You will agree with me that if Godfatherism is extinguished and all contestants are given an equal platform, the electorate will surely make the tight decision.
I was elated when you mentioned the drama that played out in Oyo state, we all witnessed the tussle that followed Ladoja's refusal, that one one of the negative effect of Godfatherism and how it renders credible men ineffective, the case of Oyo state is one of the principal reasons why Godfatherism should be eliminated.
You also mentioned cases of healthy Godfatherism that was obtainable in the 1st and 2nd republic, but you never mentioned any healthy relationship of Godfatherism in the 4th republic... And that is because there isn't.
I maintain my stand, the extinction of Godfatherism will see Nigeria soar to Greater heights.

noskyboy:


can you explain the role of Tinubu in the 2015 election? that's gofatherism my friend

This is hilarious, so In literal context, you mean, President Buhari won the elections because he had Tinubu as his godfather?

noskyboy:


"when godfathers and godson are responsible" what if they are not? we can't deny that any godson who don't play according to the dictates of the godfather is likely to be sabotaged. take for example chimaroke nnamani's case

I can't help but laugh at this junction. Sen. Rashidi Ladoja refused to give Lamidi Adedibu what he demanded. He was sabotaged but restored to power due to the overwhelming public outcry. He was restored a man whose popularity and acceptability soar due to that humane action of protect the populace against the selfishness of political godfather.

Abuklaw:
obiZEAL

referencing this explanation of Godfather, don't do you think godfatherism should be reformed not removed?

You are making it seem godfatherism is peculiar to Nigeria. The role Bill Clinton played in the emergence of Barack Obama shouldn't be undermined. Godfatherism is practised through out the world. It only takes effective and rational thinking godsons integrity to neutralise the threats from godfathers.

In my definition of Godfatherism, I was referring to an Ideal situation and not no what is obtainable in Nigeria.

Godfatherism is not peculiar to Nigeria, but its negatives is peculiar to Nigeria ( and other underdeveloped countries).
Nigerian Politics is more complex and shady than that of the US, Nigeria needs immediate and massive help, and we can't afford the luxury of Godfatherism and hence it should be discontinued.

Catalyst4real:

To start with, I say nothing about intentions

And yes, Godfatherism doesn't in any way stand in the way of production of effective leaders.

You say the man with the most influential Godfather gets elected.
I have a question for you, "The 2015 presidential election, I believe president Buhari won because he had the most influential godfather, right? "

Yes sir, Among other reasons Buhari won because he had the most influential Godfather.
Tinubu have never lost any election in Nigeria and he controls 90 percent of south west politics.
So I say he was invaluable in the 2015 election.

obiZEAL:
Sir Abuklaw, I greet you.


You spoke extensively about how dishonesty and incompetence is to be blamed for Nigeria's problems, I can't agree more, but my point is that those bad leaders where/are always brought in by the influence of their Godfathers who are often very influential. You will agree with me that if Godfatherism is extinguished and all contestants are given an equal platform, the electorate will surely make the tight decision.
I was elated when you mentioned the drama that played out in Oyo state, we all witnessed the tussle that followed Ladoja's refusal, that one one of the negative effect of Godfatherism and how it renders credible men ineffective, the case of Oyo state is one of the principal reasons why Godfatherism should be eliminated.

Thanks for accepting the fact the problem of effective leaders goes beyond godfatherism. The Extinction Of Godfatherism won't solve the problem because it was never the source of leadership inefficiency. Ladoja was removed by touts not the legislators, he was however restored by a competent court of adequate jurisdiction. The popularity that Ladoja enjoy today is as a result of refusing to compromise. You will however note, that, had it been he didn't place the interest of the masses above that of a godfathers- which is expected of an effective leader, he wouldn't have become a hero to majority of the denizens of oyo state.

You also mentioned cases of healthy Godfatherism that was obtainable in the 1st and 2nd republic, but you never mentioned any healthy relationship of Godfatherism in the 4th republic... And that is because there isn't.
I maintain my stand, the extinction of Godfatherism will see Nigeria soar to Greater heights.

What I am insinuating here is that, godfatherism had played a positive role in the development of Nigeria and that it shouldn't be extinguished but practised like our founding father's did. In the 4th Republic, we can't blame godfathers for their incessant demand but the godson that seek power at all cost. These people do not only use the influence of godfathers but also employ diabolic means of ascending leadership positions. They do these because they are only after power, fame and fortune not the service to humanity.

Judges start working on your questions if there is any.



Adeaks
Joseph1832
Jarus

obiZEAL:

Yes sir, Among other reasons Buhari won because he had the most influential Godfather.
Tinubu have never lost any election in Nigeria and he controls 90 percent of south west politics.
So I say he was invaluable in the 2015 election.

This is ridiculous, on a more candid note, I have to come to the realisation, that godfatherism will always be blamed for the dilapidation of Nigeria's politics and electoral processes
And it is this mentality that leaves us groveling in the mud; How swiftly we condemn the least of our heartaches

You've been spewing all night that Godfatherism has to be eliminated, how do you plan on going about that?

Abuklaw:
I can't help but laugh at this junction. Sen. Rashidi Ladoja refused to give Lamidi Adedibu what he demanded. He was sabotaged but restored to power due to the overwhelming public outcry. He was restored a man whose popularity and acceptability soar due to that humane action of protect the populace against the selfishness of political godfather.

During the period of the rift between Adedibu and Ladoja, the latter's rule was rendered ineffective because he left his primary duty and was engaging his erstwhile Godfather...that is why Godfatherism should be stopped, it creates distraction which yields ineffectiveness.

Catalyst4real:

This is ridiculous, on a more candid note, I have to come to the realisation, that godfatherism will always be blamed for the dilapidation of Nigeria's politics and electoral processes
And it is this mentality that leaves us groveling in the mud; How swiftly we condemn the least of our heartaches

You've been spewing all night that Godfatherism has to be eliminated, how do you plan on going about that?

Sir That question is a debate for another, I recommend it for the next round.
Now thank you agreeing with me that Godfatherism has to be eliminated and even goin a step further to seeking how to eliminate it...
That's progressive.

obiZEAL:


In my definition of Godfatherism, I was referring to an Ideal situation and not no what is obtainable in Nigeria.

Godfatherism is not peculiar to Nigeria, but its negatives is peculiar to Nigeria ( and other underdeveloped countries).
Nigerian Politics is more complex and shady than that of the US, Nigeria needs immediate and massive help, and we can't afford the luxury of Godfatherism and hence it should be discontinued.

Let me hear you say it again that politics in Nigeria is more complex than that of the USA. What I and my colleague are insinuating is that "cutting off the head is not the cure for headache." we are actually saying that, the positive elements obtainable in godfatherism as practised around the world and previously in Nigeria is enough reason to hold on to it. We are however campaigning integrity in leadership, accountability and sincerity from our leaders.

I hope you would agree with me that godfatherism doesn't poses much threat as the character flaws I pointed out in my submission.