President.Goodluck Ebele JONATHAN...
INDEED, Nigeria will forever Celebrate You for Your Peaceful & Humane Disposition and most especially for creating A New Political Era where the Peoples VOTES COUNTS
OLOTU! I'M PROUD OF YOU!
WHAT A STATESMAN!!!
~Barr MOAgbajoh
#FiercelyLoyal2Jonathan
As the countdown closes on the coming 2015 Presidential Elections, it is only imperative to take a critical look at the scenario vis-à-vis a wholesome and objective evaluation of the ANTECEDENTS and PEDIGREE of PRESIDENT JONATHAN'S Administration which, hitherto, has formed the basis and justification of his aspiration for the Presidency of Nigeria #SecondTerm come May 29, 2015.
Interestingly, it is worthy to note and appreciate that against several diversed opinions, President Jonathan has significantly and impressively achieved a progressive Paradigm shift in the annals of Nigeria with his administration’s socio-economic and political development policies. Hinged on his Administration’s "Transformation Agenda", these impactful policies and initiatives have positioned not only his administration but also Nigeria as a ‘progressive society’ determined to emancipate its people from societal, economic and political lockjam we have found ourselves.
It will be recalled that in 2011, President Jonathan promised Nigerians an ‘All Round Transformation Agenda’; a thing he has lived up to. In all fairness, I am happy to say that this is the best civilian rule we have ever had in the history of Nigeria. President Jonathan has performed more than expected, I must confess. As we are all aware, he is a man that speaks little, yet does more.
During this Administration, we have seen the level of Transformation that has swept through major Sectors of Our Economy. Today, our AGRICULTURE Sector is one of the Best in Africa in terms of Government involvement in ensuring that those with the ability and interests to go into Agricultural business are encouraged and empowered with the needed apparatus. The Federal Government initiative to create JOBS through Private Sector business has been producing so much. One of which is the FG’s ‘You Win Programme’ with over 20 Thousand Nigerian Youths as beneficiaries of grants to start their business. Today, most of them are their own Boss and have employed others into their businesses.
This, according to the Transformation Agenda of Mr President, is to create solid platform to diversify the stream of Employment in the Country and also empower the Leaders Of Tomorrow. I can go on and on, about the numerous accomplishments achieved by the Leadership of President Jonathan.
As a reminder, you can recall that under President Jonathan, our beloved Nation Nigeria became the Largest Economy in Africa with overwhelming increase in our GDP. Just recently, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced that the FG, Just in 2014 has created about one million jobs for our people. What more can we ask for that, the President Jonathan led administration is not already doing?
The SECURITY Master Plan drafted by this administration has shown the true strength and capability of our security apparatus to comb out terrorism in Our Country.
Meanwhile, I must not forget to remind you that, as we speak, President Jonathan has revived our RAIL SYSTEM and Constructed several ROADS across the Nation, to improve on our Transportation Industry.
For INTERNATIONAL Investment, President Jonathan has created an enabling platform for new and old businesses to thrive. Currently, we have Innoson Motors Nigeria and Hyundai have already started their Car Assembly line in Nigeria, which is among the over 12 Firm’s Vehicle Assembly Plants in Nigeria. Through this Initiative, Millions of Jobs are being created for Our People.
President Jonathan is an ACHIEVER and a TRANSFORMER He is a Man that sees the Future from the Beginning so easily. Also, I believe so much in this Administration because I have seen what a NEW NIGERIA can become under the Leadership of President Jonathan.
We are all familiar with the divine ‘MYTH’ associated with President Goodluck Jonathan’s political journey to becoming the President of Nigeria; a political development many have described as a rare feat in the life of a man. Despite this ‘divine intervention’ in his political life, President Jonathan has further demonstrated his physical political motive coupled with his impressive giant strides already recorded in the history of his administration so far.
Against the background of diverse thoughts and opinions being expressed and proffered by Nigerians at home and in diaspora over the incessant issues confronting his administration, a la socio-economic, political and most especially security, his administration has shown considerable resolve to be fully committed to delivering its Transformation Agenda to Nigerians as promised despite contending distractions.
"Most importantly, especially at this critical stage of Our democracy, it is of utmost priority for us as a people to resist every attempt to allow Gen. Mohammadu Buhari to become the next President of Nigeria as this mistake will surely return us to the Dark Days of War Against Human Rights and abuse of Power. The Born To Rule mentality must be rejected at all costs and sent to the bin. The Buhari, as we all know has nothing to offer to Nigeria and Nigerians; and it is even more laughable that he is talking about 'change' when he has not Changed?
#VOTE WISELY!
#VOTE 4 CONSOLIDATION!!
#VOTE JONATHAN AGAIN!!!
Barr. Mary Oyibocha-Agbajoh wrote;
DELTANS WELCOME JONATHAN...
To Warri South-West LG #Ogidigben
As the hour draws near for Nigeria to DECIDE the Great People of Delta State is basking in readiness for her Son (Goodluck Jonathan) who has done them proud since the assumption of office in 2011.
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved (Today) March 26, for the Groundbreaking of the $16 billion Export Processing Zone, EPZ, in Ogidigben, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.
Having ascended the No1 Seat of our Great Nation, Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has taken upon himself the duty of Transforming the Nation from the ugly state it was before to a refined Nation
DELTANS support is based on the backdrop that, for the First time in the History of Nigeria people are happy that they are Nigerians as almost all Sector of the Economy is fully operational in line with the Transformation Agenda of this Administration.
THUS, Deltans are in exciting mood to celebrate his laudable achievements which has not only impacted in the lives of the Youths and Women in the Region but also spread across the Nation to the redefinition of Almajiris, the Reviving of Railways, the Building of 12 Brand New Federal Universities that brought the Petroleum University (FUPRE) to Effurun, Delta State.
President Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda for Delta State and indeed the Niger Delta Region is to ensure that the Region is not only seen as a Region that produces Oil (Lay The Golden Eggs) but also a Region that is capable to handle and manage her Resources and exploring other Resource based sector like Agriculture to create jobs and wealth for the people. These have been evident in the increasing of Food production in the State where Deltans have pitched their tent on development that is not only Oil based. It is reassuring that Mr President has Re-Ignite confidence in the heart of Deltans.
#DELTA BEYOND OIL
Indeed, Nigeria is BETTER with Mr President than any other in the Race.
DELTANS MAKE UNA VOTE 4 UNA SON Ooh
WARRI NO DEY CARRY LAST ABI?
~Mary Oyibocha-Agbajoh
WHEN Muhammadu Buhari overthrew a democratically-elected government in a coup d”etat in 1983, Sani Abacha declared in his infamous radio broadcast: “(Our) health services are in shambles as our hospitals are reduced to mere consulting clinics without drugs, water and equipment.”
However, Buhari did not address the shambolic Nigerian health system in his two years in power. In a Vanguard article of 7th February, 2015, Ambassador Ignatius Olisemeka said of Buhari: “He entrusted to me the care and welfare of his family- he sent his wife and two children to me in Washington D.C. for medical treatment. His family were with me in Washington D.C. when the General was overthrown in a coup d’état.”
Thus, while Buhari was grandstanding as Mr. Fix-It, he sought medical care surreptitiously for his family in the United States, instead of fixing the Nigerian health system. This typifies the hypocrisy and insincerity of Buhari as an agent of change. It is all smoke and mirrors. It is the same duplicity whereby he claimed to be the apostle of anti-corruption even while being complicit in the smuggling in of 53 suitcases at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos in the middle of a currency
Buharinomics
Buhari’s grandstanding must not be allowed to go unchallenged today, now that he is seeking election under the same kind of democratic system he truncated and trashed in the past. We must not allow Buhari to sweep his ignominious past under the carpet of a bogus mantra of “change.” Indeed, there is something anomalous about presenting a 72 year-old former military dictator as a change candidate. What kind of change can be represented by an old has-been?
In his first coming, the “changes” Buhari brought were to Nigeria’s detriment. Under him, the Nigerian economy went from bad to worse. Our national debt rose from $14 billion to $18 billion in less than two years; with the result that Nigeria was no longer able to meet its financial obligations to global bankers. We had to queue for essential commodities, such as bread and milk, which were hard to find. Raw materials and spare parts needed to keep factories running were scarce. Rather than create jobs, tens of thousands of workers lost their jobs. Inflation rose to the astronomical level of 40%; while it is now 7.9% under Jonathan.
When Buhari seized power in 1983, Nigeria’s GDP was $444.45. When he was overthrown in 1985, Nigeria’s GDP had dropped dramatically to $344.14. That is not the kind of change we want. When Goodluck Jonathan became president in 2010, Nigeria’s GDP was $369. By 2014, it had grown dramatically to $510.
Buhari is going around complaining about the recent devaluation of the naira. However, when he took over in 1983, one dollar exchanged for 0.724 naira. But by the time he was overthrown in 1985, one dollar exchanged for 0.894 naira. That is 23% devaluation in barely two years. However, when Jonathan took over in 2010, one dollar exchanged for $167 naira. Five years later, it is now $202.55. That is a devaluation of 21% in five years.
It is not surprising, therefore that, when Buhari was overthrown in 1985, there was wild jubilation throughout the length and breadth of the country.
Unleashing the dogs and the baboons
One of the first things Buhari did when he seized power in 1984 was to gag the press. Decree 4 was promulgated making even the publishing of the truth a criminal offence. Under it, Nduka Irabor and Tunde Thompson were jailed maliciously in a manner designed primarily to intimidate the press.
Under Buhari, the SSS came looking for me because I published an article in National Concord entitled: “Counter-trading Nigeria’s Future;” criticizing the government’s return to the stone age economic policy of trade by barter which resulted in even greater fraud than import licensing. Buhari is now angling to return to power under a democratic setting. But has this leopard changed its skin? In spite of his carefully crafted makeover by his American handlers, has Buhari changed from his anti-democratic ways?
All the evidence suggests he has not. Buhari is not even president and he is already fighting the press. Recently, he threatened to back out of the Abuja Peace Accord concluded with Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP because he was upset about the insults and attacks he was receiving. He warned that no one should regard his “patriotic commitment to maintaining national peace” for weakness.
Buhari’s handlers declared: “We cannot continue to guarantee the tolerance limit of our teeming supporters nationwide who are daily being inundated with death wish commentaries on the person of General Muhammadu Buhari.” What exactly does this mean? Is Buhari now going to unleash his infamous dogs and baboons on Nigerians? This is why it would be foolhardy to mortgage the freedoms we have come to enjoy under the democratic dispensation by handing power back to a man who is intolerant of criticism.
The myth of Buhari’s northern popularity
One of the lies of the Buhari campaign is the pretense that he has cornered the Northern vote. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, in this election, Buhari is not the choice of the North. The Northern political elite don’t want Buhari to be president. The North did not vote for him in the APC presidential primaries. The Northern vote went instead to Rabiu Kwankwaso and Atiku Abubakar. Buhari was elected primarily with Southern ACN votes.
Let me ask some pertinent questions. How many Northern elites have we seen recently campaigning for Buhari? We have seen Tinubu following Buhari around. We have heard Obasanjo and Soyinka pitching their tents with him. But the Northern elite have largely kept mum. Governors Fashola, Oshiomole and Amaechi of the South have been busy singing choruses of praise about Buhari, but Northern governors are mute. Atiku and Kwankwaso have largely kept their distance from him.
Why are they not shouting on the rooftops for Buhari? The truth is that the Northern elite have never liked Buhari. Therefore, it is not in their interest for him to become president. Buhari’s grandstanding on anti-corruption resonates with the poor, but not with the Northern elite. Should Buhari become president, most of the current Northern presidential hopefuls can no longer be president in their lifetime. Eight years of Buhari presidency would swing the presidency back to the South for another eight years. But these Northern bigwigs don’t have 16 years to wait in the wilderness. Some of them would even have kicked the bucket by then.
With all the noise about Buhari’s popularity with the talakawa in the North, we have not heard anything that he has ever done, or would do, for them. When he was head of state between 1984 and 1985, he did absolutely nothing for them.
The man who has Transformed the life of the poor in the North has been Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan built 125 Almajiri Schools in 13 states in the North; something Northern rulers like Buhari failed to do. At the commissioning of the first Almajiri Model School in Gagi, Sokoto State, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, observed that Jonathan’s action was unprecedented in the history of Northern Nigeria.
Jonathan also established Ten New Federal Universities; Seven of them in the North. Jonathan has made far more appointments of Northerners than he has of Southerners. His Transformation of Agriculture from subsistence to commercial farming has been of primary benefit to the Agrarian North.
Therefore, it will come as no surprise if President JONATHAN WINS more Votes in the North in 2015 than he did in 2011.
FELLOW NIGERIANS, BE WISE!
VOTE JONATHAN 4 A BETTER FUTURE...
~MOAgbajoh
Dec 18, 2014 12:30
kanayo Azuka Odum wrote a comment;
@ Mary what do think this Buhari of a man forgot in Aso Rock Villa 30 Years ago? Jonathan is very kind, if about a Million of us should plead passionately with him, he will allow him to come and carry those things he buried @ the Villa which is troubling him now. Buhari has nothing to offer the present day Nigeria. He cant bring us back to ANALOG Age in a DIGITAL Age. I was in my late 20's when he misruled this country then and of course by force with the late Idiagbon. In this present age, progressive leadership can only be found in the age bracket 40-65. Anything outside that portends DANGER for any progressive nation like Nigeria. His children should be the ones aspiring for positions of leadership and not him.
Elders in his age bracket should advise him properly lest he brings reproach to the Elders forum.
FELLOW NIGERIANS, BE WARNED!!!
#MARCH28 VOTE A MORE "REFINED" ENERGETIC PRESIDENT, GOODLUCK JONATHAN (PhD)
~Barr. MOAgbajoh
Honourable Daniel Reyenieju (PDP, Delta State), Member of Federal House of Representatives, presenting Warri Constituency has single-handedly uphold the Transformation of his Constituency with the sole cooperation of Members of the community at the local level.
It has been observed that, one of the most difficult ways of representing a set of people is to clearly understand what they really needs, but in the case of Hon. Reyenieju; he has surpassed that level due to his primary connection and bond with his people in his representing at the centre of government.
Hon. Reyenieju, in the Politics of today, presents a section with clear Vision of how a public office holder must respond to the needs of the people.
For many years as a Member of NASS, he has shown full readiness for the job with evidence of numerous constituency projects being executed. These projects, many say are Community-Centric Projects which aimed at elevating poverty in the land and also creating means for the increase in standard of living for the people.
In fact, Hon. Reyenieju is Rewriting the history of Politics in Delta State and Nigeria at large. He has been seen clearly as a Special Gift to the Itsekiri kingdom. Through him, many Itsekiri Youths have been empowered through the Presidential Amnesty Programme, in formal Education Scholarship and other vocational Training.
Certainly, Hon. Reyenieju is the answer to the prayers of many citizens of the Itsekiri kingdom and Delta State at large; because his achievements cannot be hidden from the public. Some of the projects executed by him, aimed at supporting the socio-economic stands of the people; some of these project were carried out under the MDG’s Quick wins Projects. They include:
- 3 classroom block with VIP toilet Ubeji Secondary School
- 3 classroom block with VIP toilet Ode Itsekiri Secondary School, Big Warri
- Classroom furniture Ubeji
- Classroom furniture Ode Itsekiri
- Primary School books & Teaching Aids Ode Itsekiri
- WATER Motorized Borehole with overhead tank (Electrical) Ugbuwangue
- Supply of school furniture Ode Itsekiri (BigWarri) Warri South
- Supply of school furniture Ogidigen Grammar School Warri South West
- Supply of school furniture Ogheye Grammar School Warri North
- Supply of school furniture Abeugarodo Grammar School Warri North
- Supply of school furniture Opuama Grammar School Warri North
- Supply of school furniture Oporaza Grammar School Warri South west
- Supply of school furniture Ugbuwangue Secondary School Warri South
- Computer centre Iwere Grammar School Warri North
- Perimeter fence Yonwuren Secondary School Ugbuwangue Town
- Construction & Equipping of a Computer IT Centre Iwere Grammar School, Koko.
These aforementioned projects are just few of the numerous projects that have been carried out in Warri Federal Constituency under the leadership of Hon. Reyenieju.
No wonder, Hon. Reyenieju said recently “My vision is to put Warri Federal Constituency on the global map as the Heartbeat of the Nation’s Economy. You have a very important role in our realizing this vision and I urge you to get personally involve in my continuous efforts to reinforce and rejuvenate the positive peace we have jointly achieved in the Warri Federal Constituency.”
It is only a Man with the right thinking cap as a Politician would take up the sole responsibility for these enormous achievements for his people.
There is no doubt; Hon. Reyenieju has accomplished so much in his stay in the House Reps, representing his constituency most diligently. And with the records of achievement as stated above I wonder what more can be added, but to support his intelligent and energetic vision for Warri Federal Constituency to do even more laudable projects.
WHY CHANGE A WINNING TEAM?
With Hon. Daniel Reyenieju in the House of Reps, Warri Federal Constituency is WELL REPRESENTED!!!
~Barr MoAgajoh
Warri South, Delta State
Chief Dan Nwanyanwu Fmr.CHAIRMAN Labour Party (LP) also use this opportunity to admonish and warn Nigerians over the recent gange up by some vicious Political Parties #APC who have nothing to offer but chaos
In his words "If they truly want to make The CHANGE they claim, let them come up with ALTERNATIVES to the various programs instituted by the Jonathan Transformation Agenda.
Speaking in his local IGBO dialect saying "It's Not A Difficult Task to give MONKEY Water to Drink, but How to collect back the Cup is the issue"
The Fmr. Chairman of LP further, urged Nigerians to beware of Politicians who indulge Youths as thugs during Campaigns but later dump them after Election causing Unrest & Unemployment.
He finally added, that the Progress of Nigeria is Our Collective Responsibility, that No Nigerian is more qualified to be President thereby making Nigeria Ungovernable just because they don't like the Face of Jonathan...
#NigeriansBeWarned
#THINKAgain
MARCH28, VOTE JONATHAN AGAIN!
~Barr. MOAgbajoh
THE WIND OF CHANGE has finally gotten to Nigeria. This is evident in the overwhelming Transformational Activities being meted under the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration and Agenda for Nigeria
Of A Truth and perhaps arguably, President Goodluck Jonathan has been able to, within a considerable period, inject a breath of ‘Fresh Air’ into the country’s continuous Transformation process as the diverse Socio-Economic and Political Sectors of the country vis-Ã -vis: Health-Care, Agriculture, Power Generation, Education, Works and Infrastructure, Housing, Roads, Communal Integration, Transportation and the overall shape of the Nation's Economy is Now wearing a NEW LOOK!
#ThinkAgain
#MOVENIGERIAFORWARD
#VOTE JONATHAN AGAIN!
~MOAgbajoh
NIGERIA MOVING FORWARD WITH JONATHAN...
THE WIND of Change has finally gotten to Nigeria. This is evident in the overwhelming Transformational Activities being meted under the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration and Agenda for Nigeria.
#ThinkAgain
#MoveNigeriaForward
#VOTE, JONATHAN AGAIN 4 A BETTER NIGERIA
~MoAgbajoh
According to the Book of Matthew 18:19 - "Truly, I say to you, whatever youbind on earth shall be bound in heaven..."
biblehub.com/matthew/18-18.htm
HISTORY has never failed the quest for knowledge and Wisdom; Chief Ebenezer Babatope Jan, 2013 revealed Pa Awo's Prediction of God raising a President from the Ijaw enclave hence the coming of President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan (GCFR) was not ordinary but in fulfillment of God’s word for Nigeria.
SADLY The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was locked up by Pa Buhari alongside other Yoruba Governors after overthrowing the Shehu Shagari Government. Which eventually lead to his death. #RIP #PaAwo
#Vote, GOODLUCK 4 God's Will Upon Nigeria
~MOAgbajoh
"My Story symbolizes My Dream for Nigeria. The Dream that any Nigerian Child from Kaura- Namoda to Duke town; from Potiskum to Nsukka, from Isale-Eko to Gboko will be able to realize his God-Given potentials, unhindered by tribe or religion and unrestricted by improvised political inhibitions"
'My Story holds out the promise of a NEW NIGERIA, A Nigeria built on the virtues of Love and Respect for one another, on Unity, on industry, on hard work and on Good Governance.
VOTE, GOODLUCK 4 THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN!
~MOAgbajoh
"My Story symbolizes My Dream for Nigeria. The Dream that any Nigerian Child from Kaura- Namoda to Duke town; from Potiskum to Nsukka, from Isale-Eko to Gboko will be able to realize his God-Given potentials, unhindered by tribe or religion and unrestricted by improvised political inhibitions."
'My Story holds out the promise of a NEW NIGERIA, A Nigeria built on the virtues of Love and Respect for one another, on Unity, on industry, on hard work and on Good Governance.
VOTE GOODLUCK 4 THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN!
~MOAgbajoh
"President Jonathan’s Transformation results are speaking for him ahead of his contenders in all ramifications. Even before the #March28 Elections, he is already been accepted by Millions of Nigerians across board"
Legal Icon and Slder Statesman, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN),
THE PRESIDENT...
Against the background of diverse thoughts and opinions being expressed and proffered by Nigerians at home and in diaspora over the incessant issues confronting his administration, a la socio-economic, political and most especially security, his administration has shown considerable resolve to be fully committed to delivering its Transformation Agenda to Nigerians as promised despite contending distractions.
Of a truth and perhaps arguably, President Goodluck Jonathan has been able to, within a considerable period sustain the country’s continuous transformation process as the diverse Socio-Economic and Political Sectors of the country vis-à-vis: Health-Care, Agriculture, Power generation, Education, Works and Infrastructure, Housing, Roads, Communal Integration, Transportation and the overall shape of the Nation’s Economy is now wearing a New Look!
#Export Raw Materials”.
“It has always been My Principle to build the people to build the Nation, if we do not give something to our Children, they will have nothing to give to the country in the future”, The President said, adding, “we must plan for our children and our grand children by providing quality education for them, what we can leave behind should be children with good education, children with good moral, spiritual and academic upbringing.” He noted that despite the 40 Private Universities complementing states and Federal Universities in the country, Nigeria still needs more Universities to cater for the teeming youths who are seeking for admission into institutions of higher learning.
Contrary to the perception of Nigerians, and since his emergence as the First University Graduate President of the Country on May 29, 2011, President Jonathan’s intellectual capabilities has freely, justifiably and obviously demonstrated him as a most resourceful and intelligent leader; a trait that has in no time, impacted on the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria under his leadership.
Concerning President Goodluck Jonathan’s streams of criticism and his second term bid,
Nigerians should cultivate the culture of appreciating or criticizing President Jonathan with verifiable facts and parameters. Even in the face of turmoil and security challenges, he still remains focused to transforming Nigeria.
He is not only a Visionary, Leader; He's also a Performing Leader!
#ThinkWisely
#VOTE4GOODLUCK...Better Go follow U!
~MOAgbajoh
ANOTHER ROYAL BACKING & SUPPORT 4 JONATHAN -OBA OF BENIN Presents Red "Ododo"
VICTORY Assured...
As the hour draws near for another overwhelming Victory, A Royal Endorsement and Support from One of History Most respected Royal Father Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa1, The Oba of Benin Kingdom, is no doubt a very solid boost for the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan who has done so much beyond the imagination of Opposition.
It's no longer News that endorsements are coming from North, South, East and West in acknowledgement of his good Works; but coming from the Ancient City of Benin is unprecedented and Monumental.
Speaking at a recent outing The Prince explained that the Oba deliberately gave the President the material "Red Ododo" to pass a message. He said it was the highest Benin Traditional Attire and the Oba wore it when he had to go to court. “He wore it and trekked to the court to show he meant business,” Mr. Erediuwa said. “In Benin Kingdom, the “ododo” represents Success and it is a sign of VICTORY. Whoever wears it to the battle field must return home VICTORIOUS.”
Oba ato kpeee, Iseee!!!
~MOAgbajoh
By Femi Aribisala
IN all my years of studying elections, I have never seen a campaign as bogus as that of Muhammadu Buhari. It is amazing that, for a man who is running for election as president for a marathon fourth time, Buhari is so bereft of ideas as to how he would do anything if he were to become president. Campaigning in 35 states, Buhari has spoken for a total of less than 60 minutes in all. Surely, he wants to be president; but he clearly has no presidential agenda.
Buhari’s blueprint for the presidency is similar to his Cambridge/WASC certificate; it is yet to be discovered. It is an article of faith of things hoped for by his admirers, the evidence of things neither seen nor articulated. No man becomes president of Nigeria on the basis of vain platitudes. No man becomes president as a result of social media blogs and soundbites. No man becomes president by giving two-minute speeches in craftily-packaged rallies, one minute of which is spent introducing his entourage.
Empty Promises;
What would Buhari do differently to fight Boko Haram? He would study the situation and restore morale to the military. What would he do to restore the economy? He would increase the international price of oil single-hahnded. What would he do to create jobs? He would build interstate highways in the middle of a drastic slump in Nigeria’s income in order to energise motor-mechanics and bukaterias.
Buhari says: “I will revive and reactivate our minimally performing refineries to optimum capacity.” How does he propose to do this? “I will provide one meal a day for children in public primary schools.” Where is the money to do this? “I will generate, transmit and distribute electricity on a 24/7 basis whilst simultaneously ensuring the development of sustainable/renewable energy by 2019.” Is he now going to nationalise the GENCOS and the DISCOS?
“I will make direct cash transfer of 5,000 naira to the 25 million poorest and most vulnerable citizens, if they immunize children and enrol them in school.” My o my! Did Buhari do the maths before coming out with this pie in the sky? This amounts to a 125 billion naira handout; nearly equal to the entire annual income of Edo State.
Style Without Substance
Goodluck Jonathan’s APC opponents like to denigrate him as “clueless.” But what shall we say of Muhammadu Buhari, a general who did not know the name of his running-mate; calling him Yemi Osunbade instead of Yemi Osinbajo. Buhari referred to Imo State as Ibo State. In an interview on CNN, he called INEC the Independent Nigerian Electoral Commission. He also called his party the All Progressives Confidence. No wonder President Jonathan observed that Buhari cannot remember his own phone-number.
Let’s face it: General Buhari has become an embarrassment to the APC. He should not be allowed to become a Nigerian embarrassment. An absent-minded old man is not the kind of person we need as president. Electing Buhari amounts to jumping from the frying-pan into the fire.
Buhari’s campaign elevates make-believe over reality. It asserts the primacy of propaganda over commonsense. It proclaims the superiority of fiction over facts. Buhari and the APC need to be told some home-truths. You don’t build roads by attacking Goodluck Jonathan. You don’t create jobs by attacking the PDP. You don’t destroy the Boko Haram by undermining the authority of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. You don’t proclaim a mantra of anti-corruption slogans, while being surrounded and funded by corrupt politicians.
Shouting change changes nothing. Change is championed by the young, and not by a 72 year-old retired soldier receiving cheers from a coterie of dyed-in-the-wool political dinosaurs. How can Buhari represent change from the PDP, when a large chunk of his change-sloganising APC members are poached PDP turncoats? How does Buhari’s endorsement by Obasanjo, a former PDP president, commend him as an agent of change from the PDP?
Counterfeit change
Instead of change, Buhari’s agenda is the “same old same old” of the mundane and the sub-standard. I challenge APC supporters to point out one; just one, single original idea that has emanated from him. The truth is that it does not exist. Buhari is the master of the fluff and the bluster. He will fight corruption, but he cannot say how. He will revive the economy, but cannot say how. He will end the Boko Haram insurgency in no time at all, but he cannot say how.
In effect, Buhari is asking Nigerians to elect him on the basis of some voodoo that he will only concoct after the election. Nigerians should not fall for this ploy. Buhari is an old has-been: banking on the forgetfulness of Nigerians and on our disregard for history. The APC has spent far more time strategizing on how to manipulate public opinion than on policy-formulation. Its manifesto is shallow and phony; a very poor cousin to Goodluck Jonathan’s well-articulated and unfolding transformation agenda.
On the basis of his performance in office, President Jonathan has done much better than any of his predecessors. His legacy is there for all to see in agriculture, aviation, road construction, education, health (especially Guinea Worm, Polio and Ebola eradication), railways, electricity and political reform through the National Conference. Those who are insisting he should not be given a second-term need to come up with cogent reasons why we need to change the stewardship of an economy recording one of the highest growth-rates in the world.
No wonder therefore that Buhari is running away from a presidential debate. His reticence confirms the view that he has nothing concrete to offer. Every excuse he and his handlers come up with only further exposes their vacuity. One thing is for sure; Buhari cannot agree to a debate because his campaign is all smoke and mirrors.
Chartham house
Indeed, nothing exemplifies the bankruptcy of the APC presidential campaign more than the decision of Buhari to deliver a vapid speech in London, rather than engage Jonathan in a presidential debate in Nigeria. I am still looking for someone to explain to me the relevance of Buhari’s London junket to a Nigerian presidential election. Britons don’t vote in Nigerian elections. Even Nigerians living abroad don’t vote. So what was the point of that charade?
Instead of giving a speech at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, Buhari chose the Royal Institute of International Affairs, in far-away London. Nevertheless, nobody would mistake Buhari for a scholar. The APC presidential candidate has never written a book. He does not even have an article in a journal or newspaper to his name. We have yet to sort out the nagging issue of his missing school-leaving certificate. Indeed, his trip might have made more sense if it had involved a dash to Cambridge to secure a bona fide copy of his fictitious 1961 WASC results.
Buhari’s Chartham House speech was intellectually empty. It was full of bells and whistles signifying absolutely nothing. There was nothing newsworthy in it. It only made the news abroad because there was protest against him in the streets. From beginning to end, his speech was a flimsy rationalization of his dubious transition from dictator to democrat; and from coup-plotter against democracy, to presidential candidate in a democratic election.
Buhari is certainly not a Maitama Sule or a Barack Obama. By no stretch of the imagination can he be called an orator. His delivery was poor and laboured. His heavily-accented diction mutilated the English language, as usual. It did not help that he read his prepared text word-for-word; scarsely looking up at his audience. It is too late now to advise his handlers that he should have been hidden behind tele-prompters.
Questions begging for answers
There were elephants in the room at Chartham House; nagging questions begging for answers. How would Buhari react as president if a military coup were to be undertaken against his government? Would he accept this in good faith, since he was also guilty of the same offence? The truth of the matter is that, as a former coup-plotter, Buhari does not have the moral right to seek election as president under a democratic dispensation.
How can he justify jailing Odumegwu Ojukwu in 1984, even though Ojukwu did not hold any political office? How can he justify jailing septuagenarian Pa Michael Ajasin, an honest and upright governor of Ondo State that did not steal any public funds? How can he justify seizing Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s passport, thereby preventing the old man from seeking medical attention abroad; while he sent his own wife and children for medical treatment in the United States?
How can he justify killing Nigerians for committing a crime that did not attract the death penalty when they committed it? How can he justify the jailing of journalists, even for writing truthful reports? Buhari is determined to avoid addressing such probing questions. But such questions are precisely what a political campaign is designed to answer. Frankly, Buhari’s past record is malicious and indefensible. He can keep running away from it, but he cannot hide from it.
Questionable health
One question was answered fulsomely at Chartham House: Buhari does not have the good health or stamina required for the job of president. After campaigning for barely one month, he needed a long rest in London. He literally disappeared for two weeks to recharge his batteries, bang in the middle of an election campaign. This is nothing short of bizarre. A man who cannot withstand the rigours of a one-month presidential campaign is not fit to be president of Nigeria.
Ekiti governor, Ayo Fayose, put it succinctly: “A man who campaigned for four weeks, speaking for less than one hour in all the rallies put together and needed to rest for 15 days should just stay at home and be playing with his grandchildren rather than struggling to take up a job that he does not have the required mental and physical strength to do.”
When Buhari finally returned back home, APC was foolish enough to organise a so-called One Million Man March (attended by barely one hundred thousand people) in Lagos; when it knew its presidential candidate was too old to march. Buhari was glaringly absent from the event. To use the local expression, “he was nowhere to be found.”
JONATHAN IS STILL THE BEST MAN 4 THE JOB...
With less than 17Days to the Presidential Election and a day that Nigeria will record yet another Historic Victory at the polls for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; I am fully confidence that Nigerians have decided to move FORWARD>>>
There are over One Million Reasons while I am supporting the candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan for continuity. I will attempt to mention some of the basic ones; but it must be clear that my support is based on my conviction that since the return of Democracy in Nigeria, we have never had it this good in terms of development and human capital Transformation.
We now have an administration that is transparent and is very concerned about the progress of Nigeria to her full potential as the Giant of Africa.
The Goodluck Jonathan led administration has been focusing on creating Jobs, building Infrastructures, growing the Economy, expanding and adding value to our Education System, Empowering the judiciary, creating enabling environment for business to strive and increasing channels for Economic diversification.
Just in 2012, President Jonathan launched the Youth Enterprise with innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN) initiative which is the administration's job creation centre piece. On Thursday April 12, 2012, 1,200 Nigerian youths emerged winners of the competition following a transparent process. Each winner receives a business start-up grant of between 1 to 10 million Naira. This programme have given over one hundred thousand Nigerians the opportunity to own and grow their business while employing others into their business. By this way, this government plans to reduce the level of employment in the country and supporting the growth of SMEs.
I am also pleased to remind us that, under President Jonathan, our Non-Oil Exports from 2010 (standing at $2.3 Billion) and subsequent years are ten times what they were in 2000 (which were $200 Million) as a direct result of this administration’s intervention in the Textile Industry and Real Sector.
These kind of developments can only be recorded with a Visionary Leader who believes strongly in the Nigeria Dream.
President Jonathan’s Giant Stride in all Sector of the Nigerian Economy is worthy enough to wholeheartedly support him again for Re-Election as this Transformation must be allowed to CONSOLIDATE.
For His accomplishments are overwhelming to say the least...
On Roads Construction, Mr President’s performance has shown that, he is unstoppable and can achieve anything with the ultimate support from all Nigerians. Construction and beautification of many Federal Roads in the country, including the Lagos-Benin Expressway, Abuja-Lokoja Expressway, Enugu-Abakiliki Expressway, Onitsha-Owerri highway and most parts of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway. Also, the construction of the Second Niger Bridge between Onitsha and Asaba to relieve the pressure on the old Niger Bridge which was completed in December 1965.
And the Revival of the comatose Railway system of Transportation in the country is unprecedented happening under the current Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Thus, We must not also forget the return of our Trains, which was abandoned by past leaders over three decades ago. Indeed, the transformation agenda has cut across the 36 States in Nigeria and in all Regions.
This is heavily evident in the historic development of Almajiri modern Schools in parts of the North to curb Child-Street Begging. This system of education is aimed at providing sustainable system of education to these kids; as they are seen as the future of the Nation.
A support for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) is a support for Nigeria to MARCH FORWARD>>>
We must all join hands together to Move Nigeria Forward...
VOTE JONATHAN Again!
@MoAgbajoh
MR. PRESIDENT...#CRITICISM 2 Many
Leadership everywhere is a burden. It involves Hard Work, Vision and Sacrifice. In more developed societies, where levels of Idealism are perhaps more elevated, Leaders are commonly criticized and characterized in the vilest of terms.
So very clearly, popular criticism has come to be accepted as an additional burden of Leadership, Abi No Be So???
This has become exceedingly well established in Nigeria, and President Goodluck Jonathan has become its most widely recognized Victim.
No Nigerian Leader since Independence has been exposed to the amount of Hateful Vilification that has been President Goodluck Jonathan's lot. Either as Street-Level Criticism or as Partisan Challenges from the opposition, the trend has confused the landscape so profoundly, that his achievements have been concealed or distorted.
Hence; what we need NOW are
VOICES of Renowed Figures (Men & Women) to RISE UP in his defence and Favour;
VOICES of sane minds; to draw attention to the several ways in which his administration has Transformed Our Lives.
Most importantly, we must not allow the preponderance of vilification, to create the impression, that there is an absence of Idealism and Patriotic service in Our Country.
We must be reminded, that Mr. President along with several others, are providing useful Service, promoting infrastructure and sweating Day and Night to Transform Our Great Country NIGERIA! .
Barr. Mary Oyibocha-Agbajoh Wrote;
HEAR: Pete Edochie...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpy5fzhcZzM&feature=youtu.be
