₦airaland Forum

What do you expect from an accidental president?

omenka:
I keep asking myself how we ended up with a guy like Jonathan. Intellectually, the guy is just too damn handicapped. He seems to be absolutely ignorant of the least requirements of leadership, let alone, possess same. Then what baffles me even more is how anyone with a brain of a human could support a guy like this to preside over the affairs of a state.

The quote above summarises all there is to the person Jonathan.

Whilst he may have failed in those roles, he still makes a lot of sense. The mentality of the president that number of private jets show progress is same with the people where individual materiality of the few is valued over the collective good.


You mention volkswagen, please te me how many other car manufacturers operate in Nigeria? Dunlop etc all dead, why? Are all the people involved in those companies failures or is it due to the very very difficult operating environment in Nigeria where the focus had been on oil at the detriment of other sectors. Do you mean all the ceos of failed industries have no say anymore?

You mention platinum bank. Do you really think banking in Nigeria is all about sound business management? No it is not. It is all about deposits deposits deposits. Those with connections get deposits from government institutions and rich people, others turn staff into slaves and prostitutes with targets.

My point is his failure in those roles in my opinion actually equips him to criticise the government as be has seen first hand how the bad policies are killing business. Go and ask the textile industry.

What he said about politicians not learning is very true and he doesn't have to have successfully run volkswagen to see that or say it. I can see it and agree.

As a side note I highly respect Utomi and always believed he was a better economist than business man or politician.

Splashme:
[size=13pt]1) Pat Utomi was handed the popular Volkswagen Nigeria and he run it aground

2) Same Pat Utomi managed Platinum bank. The bank was weak and forced to merge with Habib to become Bank PHB. Even the Bank PHB, where is it now? We are now hearing of Keystone bank owned by new owners because Patitos gang could not manage it properly.

3) My point is, 'talk is cheap'. Nigerians love to criticise alot especially while outside of government. Pat himself could not manage very minute aspects of the economy to profitability. If Okonjo, Reuben Abati etc where not in govt there would probably be criticising too[/size]

Before we go all on our on conspiracies and what is legal or not, there is a good chance the Nigerian army is aware as the article states all 4 countries around the Chad basin are working together.

In a sane country, there will be official communication of what is happening, but in Nigeria the government prefer to leave things unconfirmed so Nigerians who are very imaginative focus on developing conspiracies and adding salt and pepper to need.

doctokwus:
Is patently illegal and in saner climes with a president that knows his left from his right,enough to spark a diplomatic crisis with even the risk of military confrontation.
How dare u invade another country's airspace talkless of carrying out military operations in it.But a situation where u have a president that is as clueless as his face,its going to go down without even a whimper from the Nigerian govt.
He has so neglected Nigerian military in preference to touts like asari and tompolo that even ordinary chad that should be seeking military and financial assistance from us has turned us to a laughing stock.

Haha true talk.

Oh one more thing that works, churches and their ability to take in money.

JustCurious:
Not Health Sector
Not Power Sector
Not Education
Not even Aviation
BUT
Political Party/Department (APC, PDP, APGA, KOWA) seems to be the only sector working efficiently as it should, in Nigeria. There's always enough fund for political intent, campaign etc. Application Form sales in Millions of Naira doesn't scare them. So many things seem to work so well in that sector. Such a good sector to invest rigorously, for higher dividend. Unfortunately, not even a charity organisation gets as much Billions as they get during Fundraising exercise. *sic*

I agree that it will be positive for APC to win even if just for some change, but I do not see either party or candidate as the Messiah that will make Nigeria relevant on the global stage.

Anyway I hope I am wrong and Buhari is the Margaret Thatcher of Nigeria.

dammytosh:
You know why Nigeria is better off with APC's team, they will be under scrutiny and under pressure to perform.


GEJ and his team will continue the disaaster they did not finish in first tenure and keep blaming America, Russia, Chad, South Africa and APC as their problem

As I said I hope I am proven wrong, but for a country of 170 million people to only be able to present Buhari and Jonathan is a shame as it shows a cabal still controls Nigeria.

There is no doubting buhari reputation, but let's be honest when he was a soldier it was easier to be a disciplinarian as he was a military head of state pretty much a dictator. It's a different ball game as a civilian president.

Also the man looks so old and frail and I still believe he does not have what it takes to drag Nigeria into the glory it deserves. This is not because he doesn't have good intentions, but I haven't seen anything he has said that impresses me and why are we still fielding a 70 odd president.

It's not just his age, I just don't see the drive and vitality required to have a country like Nigeria. Look at John McCain who ran against Obama. He is 78 but you can feel the energy and drive just watching him speak. He is up to date with the world now and will not make comments like I will stabilise oil prices. Even obasanjo looks stronger than Buhari.

As I said I hope and pray I an wrong, but I have not been impressed with either candidate and I maintain my stand that Nigeria a country of over 170 million can provide more credible leaders if only the rule of law was allowed to drive the course of the election.

barcanista:
Officer Gen Muhammadu Buhari is neither lesser nor greater evil. He represents anything and everything worthy of emulation. For you to think that the amiable Major General will be controlled by "Tinubu and co" shows your level of reasoning. A General of admirable reputation and impeccable integrity like Muhammadu Buhari can neither be moved nor shaken by external forces. He is firm, resolute and people-driven. He is My General and Your General. He is My Incoming President and Your Incoming President. He is General Muhammadu Buhari!

And you wonder why America has been trying to distance itself from nigeria and it's army.

I hope I am wrong, but watching Buhari and he just looks like another yara dua type figure head for tinubu and co.

He is not the same buhari of old and I just don't see him having what it takes to pull Nigeria screaming and kicking into glory.

As I said I hope I am wrong, and btw I do not support Jonathan. I don't think he has what it takes to lead as well.

Seems it's a case of the best of 2 evils for Nigerians which is a shame given we are a country of 170+ million people.

After reading this story, I have one question, what works as it should in Nigeria?

See below the wording of the 7 year concession. States early it will only be applied where it is not reasonable to send the boy back e.g. if he was going back to war torn Afghanistan or Syria or something. It's not automatic that 7 years and you automatically get right to remain.


is under the age of 18 years and has lived continuously in the UK for at least 7 years (discounting any period of imprisonment) and it would not be reasonable to expect the applicant to leave the UK;

Busybody2:
You cannot compare students who have to apply for a visa "from" elsewhere to Rafeeq. Rafeeq was born in UK, the only thing he is not entitled to is a BRITISH PASSPORT. He is entitled to EVERYTHING ELSE a British citizen is entitled to. As soon as he is born, if his parents wants to take him out of UK, his
parents can apply for a Nigerian passport for him/her, get the same visa category as them, but make sure he does not spend more than "Bleep" amount of time outside UK, and when his parents wants to renew their visa to come to UK, all they have to do is include his passport...until he gets to full time education...OR his parents can live him in UK...This is why Illegal immigrants even send their children to school in UK, do you think the Government is not aware of this!

As a child age 5 entitled to full time education, if he starts attending and starts missing classes or attending erratically, his mum/parents would be subject to fines or imprisonment...that should tell you how compulsory/important education is.


He was born here, and has spent his formative years here so sending children aged 5 and above back affects them psychologically because all they have known their whole lives is UK.

This is not a generally known case because it came on the back of another case whereby a Portuguese lady and another lady followed their husbands. When their hubby returned to their respective countries, the mum applied for right to stay and were granted SOLELY on the basis that the children were aged 5 and above, in full time education, had spent their formative years here so sending them back home would affect them psychologically and of course they are still young children so need someone to look after them and ideally the mums are the best in this case. And you know EU laws is universal....what is good for the goose is good for the gander...UK are legally bound to apply the same rule and they did this hence reason they took out the "7year residency rule" and replaced it with nothing...read through any case involving children, you would see that even if they want to deport overstaying parents, and issue them separate letters of intention to pick them up/surrender to UKBA, there is always a "subtle" separate clause in the last paragraph of the children's letters of the extra rights "qualifying" children has...

The law is very clear, being born in the UK doesn't make you a citizen, if his parents are illegal then he is illegal as well so I don't get what you mean by he is entitled to everything aside citizenship.

What is he entitled to may I ask?

His mother was arrested in 2007, she was jailed for using false documents to work and told she had to return home. She kept trying to buy time and play the system by applying for a asylum etc which all got rejected then she has a baby for another illegal immigrant and you tell me he is entitled to remain in the UK?
Even the 7 year rule is a concession and not a law which means it can be applied based on compassionate grounds, but it is not a law or right as you make it sound.

While I feel for the boy, I do not agree one bit that he had any right to remain in the UK
You and I know the mother was just trying to play the system and I know how Nigeria lawyers here advice to have a baby so you can get papers on compassion etc
In this case it failed as she had the baby years after she was arrested and obviously the home office are not stupid to wait for 7 years.

Regarding your point about education, yes be has a right to education, but that right does not extend to being granted leave to remain in the UK. He can and will get educated in Nigeria the country of his citizenship.

Regarding the Portuguese story, while I do not know the details, EU law is separate from UK immigration laws so that doesn't apply here.

If she wanted to use the baby as an excuse to stay, she should have had a baby with an EU or UK citizen not another illegal immigrants.

Busybody2:
You cannot compare students who have to apply for a visa "from" elsewhere to Rafeeq. Rafeeq was born in UK, the only thing he is not entitled to is a BRITISH PASSPORT. He is entitled to EVERYTHING ELSE a British citizen is entitled to. As soon as he is born, if his parents wants to take him out of UK, his
parents can apply for a Nigerian passport for him/her, get the same visa category as them, but make sure he does not spend more than "Bleep" amount of time outside UK, and when his parents wants to renew their visa to come to UK, all they have to do is include his passport...until he gets to full time education...OR his parents can live him in UK...This is why Illegal immigrants even send their children to school in UK, do you think the Government is not aware of this!

As a child age 5 entitled to full time education, if he starts attending and starts missing classes or attending erratically, his mum/parents would be subject to fines or imprisonment...that should tell you how compulsory/important education is.


He was born here, and has spent his formative years here so sending children aged 5 and above back affects them psychologically because all they have known their whole lives is UK.

This is not a generally known case because it came on the back of another case whereby a Portuguese lady and another lady followed their husbands. When their hubby returned to their respective countries, the mum applied for right to stay and were granted SOLELY on the basis that the children were aged 5 and above, in full time education, had spent their formative years here so sending them back home would affect them psychologically and of course they are still young children so need someone to look after them and ideally the mums are the best in this case. And you know EU laws is universal....what is good for the goose is good for the gander...UK are legally bound to apply the same rule and they did this hence reason they took out the "7year residency rule" and replaced it with nothing...read through any case involving children, you would see that even if they want to deport overstaying parents, and issue them separate letters of intention to pick them up/surrender to UKBA, there is always a "subtle" separate clause in the last paragraph of the children's letters of the extra rights "qualifying" children has...

See below the right of a child to education. Nowhere does it say it is a right to be educated in the UK or gives right to remain in a country because you are in school there. If that was the case people who study in the UK on student visas should be automatically awarded citizenship.

Unless you can prove to me that he cannot continue his education in Nigeria, that argument holds no water for the home office.

Education is a human right which ought to be accessible to everyone, without any discrimination. All children must be able to go to school, and thereby benefit from the same opportunities to build a future. Additionally, educational instruction must be equally gratuitous so that children from disadvantaged environments will be able to enjoy their right to an education.

Busybody2:
Yeah I read that he got deported.

But it's under "UN convention on the rights of a child to education" legislation and can also be challenged under "Human Rights" to education. A child in full time education in UK should not be deported. It's illegal to send that child to Nigeria.

Apart for the fact that he has been sent back to Nigeria already, I don't see what the right to education has to do with his right to stay in the UK. Are you saying returning him to Nigeria means he will no longer go to school?

He is now in Nigeria and there is nothing stopping his mother registering him in school to continue his education.

Right to education has absolutely nothing to do with right to remain in the UK.

Busybody2:
Why not Every child has a fundamental right to full time education once they get to age 5, although some start reception aged 4.

A child that age has spent their formative year in UK, so sending them back would affect the child emotionally. Rafeeq is not going anywhere, his Mum needs to re-instruct her Solicitors if they don't know this...

They are busy bullying bus drivers to get free rides and beating civilians on the street.

omenka:
Much as I applaud the conquest, I must say this is a huge slap in the face of our armed forces. Whatever happened to our ever gallant khaki Boys

Nigerians and salt and pepper. On Linda ikeji they said he was driving how car, parked on the bridge and jumped. Here they say be was in bus and forced bus open.

Why is there so much misinformation and confusion.

As usual blame America and not your inept government. Was it Obama that called Boko haram our brothers or was it bush who instead of equipping out military over the years decided to chop the money and leave us with an ill equipped military with low morale and motivation to fight?

The true story about Nigeria cancelling the training was because there was lack of trust between both parties as the American military believed there were Boko haram sympathisers within the military and they were not comfortable sharing intelligence with them. Also the Americans were pissed that after offering you free training your soldiers turned up with no equipment expecting America to proceed weapons for training as well. But the naija government spun it as America said we should remove weapons from boko haram.

Nigeria and Nigerians needs to take responsibility for their country and stop blaming everyone.

Please tell me how much you have that you are promising America? Is it your crumbling economy solely dependent on oil which they are after? Please stop all this blaming and conspiracy.

Besides is this not where your government agencies should investigate and clear the air with fact to avoid all these conspiracies flying around? But nah they rather sit there thinking how else they can chop money. What is the use of a your military intelligence and sss?

bamosagie:
covert operation of uncle sam, thats the way they bring down government by creating unrest.
the question is how much did the opposition promise the USA?

Common sense. You need to watch the documentary about the abuse metted out by the nice army.

Even before Boko haram, the Nigerian army abuses Nigerian citizens daily. Bullying and beating over small things.

LRNZH:
Says the clueless retardeen. Get a brain my friend..

Wake up and see the writing on the wall. GEJ has turned Nigeria to a caricature.

For those wondering why the US is behaving this way it is easy to decipher.
1. Those Chinook helicopters and other sophisticated weaponry will likely end up in Boko Haram hands. Nigeria has been dashing those terrorists arms since the insurgency started .
2. The Nigeria Army has leveled villages before irrespective of whether they're terrorists or civilians. Infact, during the Bama attacks, Nigeria fighter pilots attacked Nigeria ground troops.
3. GEJ is corrupt and has no will to destroy the insurgency, so no need to waste Nigeria's funds on weapons that will not be properly put to use.
4. GEJ and his supporting militants have been stockpiling arms for the eventuality of a GEJ electoral loss. Militants getting Chinook helicopters will be a disaster to the Niger Delta. US is avoiding such a scenario.

What is your country's obsession with America? Why are they still trying to buy American made weapons despite America making it clear Nigeria's human rights abuse prevents them using US weapon?

stinggy:
I'm at a loss too. What's their obsession with my country.
This present American government has dragged America's name in the muds in recent times.

It's very simple, they do not want Nigeria using American made weapons as the US constitution does not allow countries accused of human rights abuse to be sold US weapons.

As we all know the Nigerian army has been accused of human rights abuse in the fight against Boko haram. The US also believes there are Boko haram supporters within the Nigerian army.

The Nigerian government are in my opinion stupid for still trying to buy American made helicopters. They should focus on Chinese or Russian made weapons as even if Obama or Kerry wants to help, the US constitution does not allow unless Nigeria is confirmed to have sorted out the human abuse issues.

asadike:
What exactly do US really want?

Kpele. The secret is to wear layer. Wear 2 to 3 t shirts layered under your main wear and get thermal longs like leggings under your trouser.

You will get used to it. This year hasn't been really cold.

AskGodAnything:
Now in London! So freaking cold. I was shaking even inside the underground train and passengers were just staring. Lol..thanks to my bosses for the advice and confirmed info's making all possible.

You are wrong, the boy had no leave to remain in the UK as neither his father or mother was a citizen or permanent resident.

Yes if she kept him under the radar for 2 more years he may have been able to apply based on the 7 year rule, but the fact she had the baby after being arrested in 2007 to get sympathy from the home office and he was already on record as an illegal, the chances of the home office waiting for the boy to be 7 was slim to naught.

Akolawole:
There is little info on this matter.

1) The boy automatically have a 'leave' in UK by virtue of being born and staying there.

2) Once, the Mum obtain Nigeria passport for him, there may be problem. Without passport, he cannot be deported to anywhere.

3) The boy is NOT British neither does he have permanent residency.

4) Without her Mum's messy application(s), the boy could have gotten permanent residency in 2 years time.

Possibly. Shame the way it turned out wish them the best.

MrHardOn:
If she had stayed 2 more years under the radar...herself and her child will have been able to stay...using the 7 yr concession...with or without criminal conviction with the help of a good solicitor.

Seems there is a 7 year residency rule which may have helped if she was at to stay under the radar to he was 7, but this would not have applied to her as she had been arrested before she had the baby unless she was able to delay deportation for 7 years which the home office were obviously trying to avoid.

7 Year Child Concession

Since 9th July 2012, applicant’s can rely upon a provision in the law to remain in the UK if their children have been in the United Kingdom for a 7 year continuous period.

The Immigration Authorities will accept a human rights claim is where a child who is under the age of 18 has resided in the UK for the last 7 years.

Once it is proven that the child has lived here that long, the UKBA will grant them and their parents, and one assumes siblings under 18 status in the United Kingdom.

Please bear in mind that it is not enough simply to state that the child has resided for 7 years, this must be proven through documentation.

Where there is a British national child, the rules are slightly different, in most circumstances success can be achieved without the need for 7 years residence on the part of the child.

MrHardOn:
ttmacoy. She is not the only illegal with kids in UK. The child is not illegal in UK. D child been born in.uk and haven't travelled outside uk does not need a visa to stay in uk. He will only need visa if he leaves uk and is returning.
There are people with worse immigration history than hers...but they have been given stay outside the rules....even.at present. Some do.hide their kids for 7 yrs to apply under 7 yrs concession rule or till the child is 10 yrs. And the law states application should be considered in.the best interest of the child. Which in.this case was not followed. Consult with your immigration solicitor.

I do agree she isn't the only illegal in the UK but that is not an excuse in court. That's like being arrested for stealing and saying you should be let go because there are people who steal worse.

Remember she has ready been arrested and charged for false documentation and already placed in line for deportation then she got pregnant. That will not change their minds because you are trying to circumvent justice by playing on the fact they are considerate with children.

Even with the 10 years rule, he will still have found it hard to get his papers because it is not a straight forward case of hey home office I've been here 10 years, and they say congrats here's your papers.

If the boys father was European or British it would have been better as he would have citizenship and then based on the fact they cannot deport him the home office will consider not breaking up the family. Her mistake was getting pregnant for someone without papers silly move imho

I also believe it would have been different of she had the child before she was arrested first time as they would be more considerate. Having a child after you have been arrested and told you will be deported to them means you are trying to play smart.

MrHardOn:
ttmacoy. She is not the only illegal with kids in UK. The child is not illegal in UK. D child been born in.uk and haven't travelled outside uk does not need a visa to stay in uk. He will only need visa if he leaves uk and is returning.
There are people with worse immigration history than hers...but they have been given stay outside the rules....even.at present. Some do.hide their kids for 7 yrs to apply under 7 yrs concession rule or till the child is 10 yrs. And the law states application should be considered in.the best interest of the child. Which in.this case was not followed. Consult with your immigration solicitor.

You are right if she had hid him properly for the 10 years he would have qualified. It would ha e been hard though cus that would mean she being deported and someone looking after the boy for her in the UK as she would still be deported.

yommyuk:
In reference to the BOLD above

The kid would have qualified if he was 10yrs or older.
The only alternative she had was to hide the kid away with known people which is not adviseable.

In the 70s, there was a max exodus of Nigerians who returned home and left their kids either in a state care home or nanny who would later adopt them. The very well known examples are the Fashanus( UK FOOTBALLERS) and Kriss Akabusi (the British Olympian )

The topic is misleading. The mother is being deported for being an illegal and obviously the child has to be deported with her as a minor and also he is an illegal as well. Despite being born in the UK be was born to an illegal hence be is nor entitled to citizenship.

creepsyme:
so why threaten to deport only the little boy and leave the mother as if he committed a murder offence or someting, I still dont get it.

Hasty? Since 2007 she was told she was illegal and she got pregnant after that and have a baby in 2010 with the hope it would mean she could stay.

It's harsh yes but the law is the law. When you start making so many concessions then it's a slippery road with no end.

MrHardOn:
The best interest of the child was not considered. There are loads of illegals living in UK, how is theirs a threat to the UK public that will warrant such a hasty evil deportation. Where will they start from and how do they expect a child who has never lived outside UK to cope. The child deserves the right to live in UK under humanitarian grounds even if failed asylum or discretionary leave outside the rules. No Judge will authorize the deportation of this child. Shame.

Reading the story she was arrested in 2007 and the boy was born 2010 so she probably got pregnant on purpose with the hope it would help get sympathy from the home office which failed.

I've seen people do that a lot here. Sometimes when kids are involved the home office are more lenient, but of you get pregnant on purpose after being caught nah OYO you dey.

Chief he cannot go back when he comes off age. As soon as he is deported out that is it. He is not a citizen and has no right and he probably will ways have to answer the question have you ever been deported from the UK in the future.

adorablepepple:
Uk is not deporting the boy ,rather deporting the mum! that headline is not it . she won't want to leave her son behind, definitely when he comes of age he can go back as a citizen. so u guys should stop saying it like it was the boy that committed an offence here the mother did n she is paying for it!

The parent must be a citizen of permanent resident at time of birth for child to be UK citizen

major466:
Same questions. A boy born in UK should be regarded as a UK citizen.

Based on what laws?

Busybody2:
The boy is age 5 and in compulsory full time education which he is entitled to by virtue of his "right to education", hence he is thereby "settled"...get your Solicitor to go through the rule books again ma...Rafeeq has earned the right to live in UK.

I disagree. Government had per head has nothing to do with being aware of where all countries in Africa are placed. Even I who grew up in naija can't place all African countries and I'm sure that doesn't mean I am daft.

It's just that I don't like when people use stereotypes. I agree Americans can be a bit close minded about the world outside America, but they have all they need. The country is massive so you can holiday all your life in America and still not go everywhere.

bebe2:
Yeah , dat maybe true.

But why are we comparing a country like Nigeria where the government expenditure per her is close to zero with a country whose education expenditure per head is probably $10k per annum?

For Nigerians they have an excuse, cant think of one for an American.