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