So Far... So GOOD?

School has been overwhelming so I apologize for not creating time for blogging.  Every time I read about Nigeria online its intriguing to see how much attention the April election is getting. The month is almost over so I would highlight the major event thus far.  This month was painted with campaigns and most importantly the series of debates. Even though I missed the debates when it aired live I am proud of myself that I took time out to watch the clips on YouTube. I encourage y’all to do the same.

The question is so far…so good? I watched the debate hosted by NN24 and the “What about us” which aired on Channels. Most of the front runners honored the invites but the GEJ ( the facebook  president) did not show up for both debates. If you remember the Vice President did not show up for NN24 debate.  Gen. Buhari, Mallam Ribadu, Bashorun Momodu and Mallam Shekarau all presented their cases.  I was neither too impressed by their responses nor disappointed. However it’s a gleam of hope that 2015 would be an interesting year.  I respect their confidence to speak to Nigerian unedited and unscripted unlike some GEJ.  Here are highlights from both debates:

                     
Most of the responses were not concrete and it left me wondering what kind of people they have on their campaign teams.  Mallam Shekarau based on some polls was declared winner of both debates.  The man is an incumbent Governor and he exploited his position by mentioning Kano in most of his answers. Look out for him.  His strategy (situational resource) was likewise employed by Gov. Fashola in the Lagos debate. 

In a related development, there is another debate to be conducted by BON (a government agency). President Jonathan is the only candidate to have honored the invitation.

Please check out the clips about and watch the full debates on YouTube.   Let me know what y'all think.

P.S

True G.O.O.D: So fly around the web

   It’s being an interesting month in Nigeria.  I read about different campaigns going on around the country almost every day.  Today’s True G.O.O.D is on the different websites and pages that I found this month.  Even though all these websites and pages have different administrators they all have something in common. They are creating awareness and getting youth home and abroad to get involved in the political atmosphere of our country. This I find absolutely great.  It has become obvious that the next election in Nigeria is about the youth. We make up 70% of the population.  We can achieve anything with the power of our thumbs. It is time we claimed charge of our destinies.  Every one of these sites is dope and on point. Without any further ado here are my picks in no particular preference:

Vote or Quench

   Vote or Quench is simply brilliant. This website was founded in 2010. It is managed by 4 like minded individuals who apparently haven’t being in the same place at the same time together.  The main objective of the Vote or Quench initiative is to have grassroots campaigns to empower, engage and involve Nigerian youth - at home and in the Diaspora –in the political process.   The founder  Nosarieme Garrick  wrote an open letter to the leaders of Nigeria on the CNN  program Amanpour. She is in the US but express her wish to return to a peaceful and safer Nigeria.  She has a great passion for a better Nigeria.   Not everyone can vote but we can always spread the word.  Are you going to Vote or Quench?

http://www.voteorquench.org/

Sleeves Up!

This website is about the saying do more talk less.  Sleeves up is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-partisan organization that presents a platform young Nigerians home and in Diaspora to get involved.  They are committed to making CHANGES driven by the simple notion that the youth ( 70% of the population) have the capacity to affect the state of affairs in Nigeria, if they stop TALKING and start DOING. Just as the name implies Sleeves Up! advocates for a more active role by the youth. Let us roll up our sleeves and win the future for and by ourselves!

 http://www.sleevesup.org/about-us.html

Enough is Enough

Enough is Enough  is an alliance of individuals and youth organizations around the globe committed to establishing  a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through advocacy, peaceful activism and the mobilization of the youth population .  Enough is Enough is focused on Nigerians that are between the ages of 18 and 35. There message is: Register, Select, Vote and Protect (R.S.V.P). The alliance has a vision that by 2015 10 million young Nigeria would be actively involved in the electoral process.

http://www.eienigeria.org/about-eienigeria

What About Us?

   There  is no doubt that Nigerian youth rock and since we  make up 70% of the population a coalition of various Nigerian Youth empowerment groups have come together to call for the first ever youth-focused Presidential Debate. The organizations are based in Nigeria and the Diaspora and represent a wide range of interests.  "What about us ?" as scheduled a debate for March 25 2011. This debate would be between Mallam  Nuhu Ribadu (ACN), Bashorun Dele Momodu (NCP), Pat Utomi (SDMP) and Chris Okotie (FDP). The President and candidate of the PDP as not made any comment about participating likewise Gen. Buhari. If the men need our vote, we need to be engaged in their plan for a better Nigeria. The debate is to be hosted by prominent writer  Chimamanda Adichie and Ebuka Ibe.
http://whataboutusnigeria.org/

Please spread the message. Say no to clueless politicians. Take time to check the sites out.  The future begins now with the youth of Nigeria.

True G.O.O.D: Short Film

  I discovered that I have started a trend of true G.O.O.D posts.  On Friday while surfing online to get my daily dose of Nigerian gist I found a very interesting video.  It came from one of the best stand up comedians out of Nigeria. It is no one but Julius Agwu.  The short film also features a veteran rapper and a nollywood artist.  It is an awesome feeling to see our celebrities getting involved in this movement for establishing good governance in Nigeria.

  In the video  Julius Agwu plays a role of a frustrated Nigerian who is apathetic to politics.  The rest is in the video. Take time to watch it.  I found it interesting!



Here is also a video for a song off his The Genius Album titled Good People Great Nation released sometimes last year.  It is quite deep and emotional. Enjoy.

Let me know what you think on this one. There is power in our thumbs y’all.

Who Born the Maga: Thanksgivers

Here is the sequel to the "Who Born the Maga?" i posted a couple of weeks ago. When Olagunsoye Oyinlola  took over in 2003 it was a relief for many from the  AD/Bisi Akande government. The Akande Administration had relieved a lot of workers of their jobs and in 2003 pay back was a b*. Workers don’t forgive was the lesson I got out of that one. Oyinlola/Erelu  victory gave Osun hope. He fulfilled his campaign promise to reemploy. However the goodwill did not last. Osun sought a change but Aregbesola was denied his mandate.  We all know the story mind the mass rigging storm that took over in 2003. Litigation went on for 3 years and Aregebsola won the appeal. The whole process is history now. Let me get back to the point! Who born the Maga?

 On Sunday December 5 2010, PDP members from South West and other parts of Nigeria including former President Obasanjo, Governor Alao Akala of Oyo State, and Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State were in Osun State for a thanksgiving service. It was Oyinlola’s thanksgiving service.  He was giving thanks for the privilege to rule on stolen mandate. He got paid by the tax payers of Osun for almost four years on a stolen mandate.  Oyinlola is not the only one.  Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, had similar experience yet all the removed governors are free men today. No legal liability whatsoever for their actions.  Chief Obasanjo the initiator of EFCC and the brain behind the rigging storm was there to support his boy. Nigeria is truly waging war against corruption.

Recently, the George of the Jungle was released.  Apparently that is the new nickname for Olabode George. After sucking the Nigerian Port Authority resources he was sentenced to 2 years in prison. I really don’t think it was for the corrupt act but for some within party punishment. I say so because it was the same PDP government that sentenced him that celebrated his release.  Almost the same party members that attended Oyinlola’s thanksgiving were at George’s. The only difference is the president sent a representative. Is that an endorsement of corruption?  

Why haven’t we prosecuted any electoral officer since the court of appeal rulings last year? What about the governors (mostly PDP’s)? Nigerians are not fools and I take it as an insult if we are treated as one.  Who born the maga? Nigerians are not smiling! If the administration is really committed to a fight against corruption there should be a punishment for electoral mal practice. Imagine Oyinlola plansof going to the senate? Why should anyone be scared of rigging or stealing public fund if Oyinlola makes it to the senate or George being the new celebrity in town? Abeg  activate the power of  the thumb in April. Nigerians are not fools.

True G.O.O.D: Debate

   If it is true that a child’s name has influence on his behavior and actions then Lagos state is truly the center of excellence.  Lagos’ current political atmosphere is on another level compared to other states in Nigeria. I mean that in the most non-partisan way.  I watched the YouTube upload of the Governor’s debate held in Lagos last night.  If elections were to be conducted tomorrow the debate clearly paints the underdogs and the top dogs.I do not know of any other state that has conducted a debate. 

    

   Regardless of any further campaigns that might be conducted by each candidate, the debate last night has boosted some egos and almost killed some ambitions. Lagos is Nigeria’s industrial capital and it doesn’t come to me as a surprise that they are doing things differently. A lot is at stake in Lagos.  Lagosians I know for sure are smart people; they are active in government and seek for the best.  Lagos as passed that stage of shouting and directionless campaigns.  Professionals are taking charge. Every candidate is a professional.

     

   The debate gave Lagosians an opportunity to experience firsthand the candidates. Real issues were discussed. Some people woefully fumbled! Governor Fashola is certainly not the best individual Lagos can produce.  However, if other political parties can not present candidates that do not understand the dynamics of his policies and administration ACN will remain the dominant party. An example is the tax issue that kept coming up. Other candidates could not provide the percentage of the tax rate . All I remember is “harsh tax regime.” As an example,What about saying it was 6% four years ago and now its 13%? Attack his administration with concrete arguments! I don’t even get me started on Mr. Randle or the Divine revolution candidate.  Dr. Ade Dosumu and Dr. Dominic were more responsive and I respect their ambition.

   Even though the debate got personal at some points I enjoyed every bit of it.  Mr. Randle accused Mr. Fashola of not being accessible and the governor put the man’s business out on national television. Mr. Randle could not stop taking us back memory lane and telling us about his family history. Mr. Fashola reminded Dr. Dosunmu that there is a court order preventing him from presenting himself as a candidate.  Dr. Dosunmu didn’t let that slide by asking the incumbent governor how a 1km road costs 1 billion naira. It is a much to see! It is informative and dramatic! Here is the concluding part of the debate. Take note of what Mr. Randle calls BRF towards the end.

Hopefully the debate initiative spreads across Nigeria. I would like to see a presidential debate.  It is time we stopped business as usual.   Such debates would make Nigerians vote wisely.  The Lagos debate has given us the chance to evaluate each candidate regardless of party affiliation. Debates such as this would make parties do better research on who to present for elections. This reminds me of the Kennedy/Nixon debate ( I wasn’t around then o). Nixon was sweating! Kennedy’s victory cannot be mentioned without that debate.  Who knows what would happen if we had one in Nigeria.  please take time out to watch the Lagos debate. As an aside, I see Lagos producing the first female governor ( if the Sarakis don't  bet them to it). Here is the link to Channels YouTube page; http://www.youtube.com/user/channelsweb