“THE CHALLENGE OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE”, BEING TITLE OF LECTURE DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN ON THE BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF HIS EXCELLENCY TIMIPRE SYLVA
I think it is too elementary to attempt any formal definition of democracy.
It will serve our purpose to say that it is participatory governance in the sense that we all have a say, whether we vote or not. It is also useful to remind ourselves that participation is largely by representation; in other words, those who are old enough to vote and those who are not, are represented by people elected to speak, think and act for us.
This part is very important because we all cannot be in Government, especially the Executive and Legislative arm, so we must elect or otherwise choose people to go there on our behalf.
The problem is compounded by size.
Can you imagine what a Senate or House of Representatives where all 160 million of us can sit will look like? From this point we can see the inherent challenges that lie in a process of collective decision making.
In order to further highlight some of the challenges that lie in democratic governance, I will share with you a report of developments across the World published by Newsweek Magazine on August 23 & 30, 2010 edition titled “the Best Countries in the World”, Newsweek Top 100.
An article by Rana Foroohar posed the following question before delivering the report of a survey of 100 nations:-
”If you were born today, which country would provide you the very best opportunity to live a healthy, safe, reasonably prosperous and upwardly mobile life?”
In the answer, Finland was number 1, Nigeria was number 99, Ghana was number 86, South Africa was number 82, Brazil was number 48, Singapore was number 20, USA was number 11, United Kingdom was number 14. Greece, with its recent economic and debt crises was number 26, Russia was number 51.
The United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, that are not democracies in the contemporary sense of the western conception were rated 43, 53, 54 and 64 respectively.
Out of the 53 African countries on the continent, only 18 made the ranking, the highest being Tunisia 65, Morocco 67 and Egypt 74.South Africa, which is reputed to be arguably the best democracy in Africa and at the time, the largest economy ranked lower than these “undemocratic” North African countries at 82.
As if this was not bad enough, earlier this year on a business trip to Abu Dhabi, I was forced to enter into conversation with a middle aged man of Arab extraction.
It was in the evening in our hotel. He had come out to the restaurant to dine and unwind. I ended up on the same table with him and he was insistent on making conversation while he drank a glass of red alcoholic wine.
In the event he sought to know where I came from and when I said Nigeria, he accused our Government of pauperizing our country when we have oil like his own country, Saudi Arabia.
When I told him that he was not supposed to drink alcohol he asked me if I was going to report to his country.
When I reminded him that his country was not democratic, he hit me where it hurts most.
He asked what the value of democracy is to my own countrymen when his own countrymen can build hospitals that we bring our own ailing presidents to.
As if this was not enough, he rounded off by saying to me that in his country they see what their leaders are doing with their money, building roads, bridges, new airports, schools, hospitals, rail, shopping malls and generally driving development, and he at least did not care about democracy.
Although I felt hurt that he thought very little of my country, the idea of freedoms, to think, to speak, to act and to ask questions is too valuable for me to exchange for development under an autocratic or undemocratic government.
So I worry as we must all worry, when I hear some people say that it is part of their achievement that they allow us to express ourselves. Utter Rubbish!
They seek to re-define the relationship in the social contract. They are to serve us and not the other way round. It is not a privilege for us to complain when they do not deliver.
If the only options left to choose from were between freedom and development, I for one will rather surrender development than freedom.
However, I am however convinced beyond doubt that democracy can deliver development and this is the central theme of my presentation.
Political Parties
In order for this to happen, the vehicle of politics, the political parties must be developed as first class institutions. The first thing to seek is the “idea” behind governance (this is often contained in the program of a political party). This is very important because the extremes of left and right ideologies have now converged around the centre.
If China and Russia are democratizing, no matter how imperfectly, it is clear that the communist or socialist ideologies of economic exchange have proven to become unsustainable. Conversely, capitalism in its purest sense has also had to reinvent itself to remain viable. Therefore it moved from cash to credit and credit almost killed it.
The question of ideology is important because it lies at the heart of choice making for the people who participate in election to choose their representatives. At all times, the welfare of the people is the central theme for the canvassing of votes. It is the ideology, often on economic outlook, sometimes on social outlook that helps to crystallize the difference between the political party machines.
Before concluding on party ideology (because it can be the subject of a full lecture itself) let me say that while some people still delude themselves that there is no difference between our political parties, especially the ruling party and the main opposition, the differences are emerging daily for those who are discerning enough to notice.
If on major policy issues such as power, security, agriculture, corruption and unemployment the main opposition has disagreed with the party in Government and has criticized its choices, I wonder what else the party needs to do to prove that there is a difference.
If you look at the level of progress and development (World Bank poverty index) in the States governed by old and new opposition Governors, there is clear daylight in terms of development. For example, it is no coincidence that only 2 (two) States, Lagos and Rivers, governed by APC Governors are executing rail projects on their own as a mass transit solution.
The party in government has lied about when there will be stable electricity for 16 years, and an APC state, Lagos led the way in showing what is possible with its power initiatives in Egbin, Akute, Lagos Island and Alausa. Ikeja and Lekki will be commissioned this year.
Other APC Controlled states are clearly Pack Leaders in service delivery across the religious landscape.The party in power prefers to continue to import fuel with the attendant disruptions, and monumental corruption. It cancelled its own concession of moribund refineries.
Lagos believes that in a strategic partnership where it provides land for a refinery, Nigeria can produce enough petroleum products for consumption and still have some to export in 4 (four) years. The ruling party is now sending a clear message to the people.
This is what they are saying:-
“We care about you, but you do not need development so we will not do any developmental work in 3 (three) years. In the 4th (fourth) year we will give you money, kerosene, and rice. Please vote for us, and use the money we give you to provide your own roads, schools, hospitals and security, until we see you again in 4 (four) years”.
In the last election in Osun, the APC candidate sought the peoples vote on a campaign anchored on first his record of 4 years, and a clear developmental and economic agenda to empower the people if elected. For the candidate of the other main party, the election was going to be a war. So said no less a person than the Vice-President of our country. A leading member of that party. The candidate therefore anchored his campaign on an intention to CAPTURE Ekiti. For me there is clear daylight between these two approaches. Anyone who still pretends not to see this major economic ideological difference will not see the tallest building in the world even if he stands in front of it.
People and members
I will start here with the quote of Bertolt Brecht who said:-
“The worst illiterate is the political illiterate. He hears nothing, sees nothing, takes no part in political life. He doesn’t seem to know that the cost of living, the price of beans, of flour, of rent, of medicines, all depend on political decisions. He even prides himself on his political ignorance, sticks out his chest and says he hates politics. He doesn’t know, the imbecile, that from his political non-participation comes the prostitute, the abandoned child, the robber and, worst of all, corrupt officials, the lackeys of exploitative multinational corporations”.
It seems that when opposition does its job will the Governmet panic and resort to a propaganda of lies. It is part of the lies they have told us about the mismanagement of our National Security. Their first story was that those behind it were within the Government. When the opposition pushed them to identify those people they have turned around to say it is the opposition.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is still regrettable that the majority of the members of our political parties and politicians do not yet include the critical elite of our society.
They still see politics as something too dirty. Whether we like it or not, history has shown that the elite of any society, especially its professional cadre, and the very best of them decide the direction of the nation when they come to a consensus about the pathway for their nation, even if they belong to different political parties.
Where are all the people who have built things with their hands in our society?
What are they doing outside of Government?
Where are the founders of the big banks, businesses, telecoms in our body politic?
Are they just content to finance and yet remain unwilling to take the plunge?
There is unverifiable talk that they are willing to identify with the ruling party when they are in Abuja, and with the party in Government in their states when they get to their bases for fear of reprisals?
What do our elite believe?
It is only by their belief, that contributions can come in to fund parties, where members pay dues, where strong values restrain people from decamping whenever the grass in not green on their side again.
Truth be told, opposition politics is tough and only the committed and true believers see it through.
Opposition politics carries its own pain everywhere and has been the subject of a book called where Nigel Fletcher provides useful insight into the challenges of being in opposition and also profers useful tips.
The one I will share with you is sub-titled “choose your weapons wisely”, and this is what he says:-
“An opposition cannot compete with the Government on resources, so you must be inventive. In what is a David and Goliath contest, you can use the advantages of greater agility to aim your slingshot where it can do the most damage. Parliamentary ambushes, media attacks and effective research will wear down Ministers and help expose their mistakes”
As you may have also heard in this part of the World, the party in power will accuse you of trying to bring down the Government.
This is certainly not the same thing as bringing down the Country because the Government can be removed by LEGITIMATE and CONSTITUTIONAL means at the ballot box.
According to Nigel Fletcher:- “…bringing down the Government was a peculiar day job and it is. But that is really only the negative side of the job description. With equally lofty ambition, the positive side of opposition could be summed up as ‘trying to change the World’. This is surely something worth doing…”
Perhaps when all these issues have been put in proper place, can we then begin to talk of the people of the party and what defines it. This is different from a manifesto, which can change (discuss) easily.
It is the ideology of the party (what the Americans call the platform statement ) and what I call the DNA of the party that is very difficult to change. The nearest to it since the Action Group was formed in 1951 is the All Progressive Congress Code of Ethics unveiled at its inaugural summit on the 6th of March 2014.
It is important to repeat the codes here:-
“1. Our party considers the Nigerian people as our nation’s greatest asset, and will do everything to protect and preserve human life and dignity.
2. Our party upholds a Nigeria bound by the principles of freedom, justice, peace, unity and the rule of law.
3. Our party upholds and respects every individual’s choice of faith under God.
4. Our party has no tolerance for corruption and will manage Nigerian resources responsibly, with a commitment to accountability and the pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
5. Our party is committed to a strong system of government at the federal, state and local levels as the most effective vehicle for harnessing the diversity and preserving the unity of Nigeria.
6. Our party rests on the foundation of democracy, fairness and the pursuit of opportunity for all citizens, predicated on economic productivity, fair competition and the bridging of inequalities.
7. Our party pursues its objective of increasing economic opportunity, social welfare and progress through a government-led and private sector driven economy.
8. Our party upholds the principle of one person, one vote grounded in free and fair elections at all levels.
9. Our Party upholds and respects the interests of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups that constitute our Nation.
10. Our party recognizes Nigeria’s strategic role on the African continent and commits to the pursuit of a foreign policy that promotes peace, security and our national interest.”
The existence of these codes leads inexorably to how the parties are managed. Who leads them? What type of experience do they have? When and where are meetings held and how are decisions taken? (Night meetings).
Finally, what is the process of choosing representative of the party (officials) and its flagbearers?
What role do debates play?
What is the efficiency of primaries?
Where do we draw the difference between “godfatherism” and “endorsements”?
I have taken the trouble, even if in summary form, to highlight some of the bridges we must cross in order to deepen democracy.
These are only some of the challenges that democratic governance faces.
It seems to me that the countries that have managed to deliver development with democracy got one thing right – they built strong political parties (Not one in four years parties).
The makings were appearing in SDP and NRC until the annulment of June 12.
Thankfully, the APC provides the opportunity for a rebirth, with the broad base from which its coalition is formed.
That in itself is a challenge, which, if overcome and harnessed, provides very deep diversity from which to project strength and national unity.
Leadership of Government
Until recently, we all used to think that our national development was inhibited by the fact that we never had a university graduate as leader of any national government in an executive capacity.
This perhaps alludes only faintly to the issue of the elite consensus, but it is not the same.
Thankfully, the myth of graduate leadership as desirable as it is, has been exploded now.
We have two graduates (a zoologist and an architect) at the helm of our National affairs and I think the majority of Nigerians will tell you today that their lives are worse off today than they were 4 (four) years ago.
Clearly there must be more to leadership than a university degree and educational qualification.
There is character, vision, courage, empathy, compassion and many more attributes that you simply will not find in a classroom or school.
They are in homes, in communities and also in the value system of society.
Recently, our leadership has re-defined empathy by inviting parents of abducted Chibok girls, bereaved people, to the presidential villa for commiseration. I find this truly strange. Truly unAfrican.
How does this sound?
“I heard you lost your child to abductors. Please come and see me at home so I can sympathize with you”.
This is my paraphrasing of what has so far transpired.
As if this was not bad enough, there is a tissue of lies around whether or not they tried to give the bereaved parents money. It is a low point for leadership. It suggests the lack of empathy.
This is not the first lie that surrounds the unfortunate abduction of young girls in Chibok.
The first statement was to say that they had rescued the girls.
When pressed to show us the girls they issued a statement casting doubt on whether the girls were actually abducted. The new story, is that they now know where the girls are.
This is the same way they lied about the unaccounted for $48 Billion; when they say it was only $20 Billion as if it was good not to account for $1.00.
They have turned around to say no money was missing, but add that they have appointed “forensic auditors” to find out of the money was missing. It seems strange and illogical to be searching for what is not missing.
Where is courage?
The character to proceed even in spite of fear.
I think we will all do well to remember that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King led from the front in the civil rights movement, so did Mandela, so did Lee Kuan Yew in the agitation for Singapore‘s independence.
Barack Obama has been to the war fronts in countries where American troops (young men and women) are put in harm’s way, to inspire them.
As racially divided as America was in the days of Martin Luther King, he did not seek to divide the country and impose black rule over white.
He dreamt and worked hard to unify divided people.
Mandela sacrificed personal liberty for the emancipation of his people and surrendered presidential power for a higher power – a moral authority – that made him the father of a continent and a global leadership reference, when by clinging to power he could not have been more than a president of one of the world’s 196 (One Hundred and Ninety Six) countries.
Instead of dividing the ethnic Chinese, Malay and Indians in Singapore, Lee Kwan Yew united them by his housing and education policies, built a nation, and took them on a journey of dizzying adventure and development.
What we are witnessing now is a daily dishonor and discredit of the service of previous Governments. They tell us now that since Nigeria was created, no Government has done for us what they have done for us.
What would the nationalists who fought for our independence say to these inheritors? I wonder how the 7 surviving formers Heads of State and Presidents who attend the National Council of States feel, when they hear this kind of talk.
Yet their unmatched achievements has not delivered stable power whose delivery date has not escaped their lies. The date has shifted from month-to-month to year-to-year since 2011. The lie was even told to an International News Agency.
Instead of boasting that no previous leader of Government has done more for the country as our Government does, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the leader of Dubai whose achievements far surpass ours (at least for now) not only acknowledges the service of those before him, he sets new challenges for his Government and dreams new dreams for his people.
This is what he said in the book “MY VISION: Challenges in the Race for Excellence” at pages 44, 45, 46, 213 and 214. “Although Arab and world history abound with numerous examples of such leaders, if I were to review the history that I stood witness to, the leader I constantly think about is Sheikh Zayed”
“Sheikh Zayed earned the love of all those around him, out of their great respect for his hard work and achievements. He was also frank and expected people to be frank with him. This is something he taught me and this is how I came to respect him”
“How can I prove this? Well many people, from the United Arab Emirates and overseas, criticized Sheikh Zayed for drilling artesian wells in the desert and using the water for farming. They said this would deplete a non-renewable source, inflict heavy damage on the environment and disturb its natural balance. Although none of those critics ever knew the actual size of the underground water reservoirs, they continually criticized the idea.
As time passed, water remained abundant and none of the fears of critics materialized, while Sheikh Zayed was proven right. In the not-so-distant past, people travelling between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain would die of thirst if they did not have enough water for the long journey. Sheikh Zayed transformed the same journey into a fascinating drive on an ultramodern highway flanked by farms, palm gardens and endless greenery.
In fact, Sheikh Zayed transformed a large area of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi into the world’s largest oasis in one of the world’s harshest deserts. All this was made possible by the huge water reserves he put to good use and which are now expected to last many decades.
“I will never abandon one opportunity and wait for another. We have not reached the goal we are striving for. What you see now is nothing compared to our vision…just tiny parts of what lies ahead”
“I know the road to development and modernization is difficult; I know that it is long and I also know that the next stages will be even tougher and longer. But I have faith in God, I believe in my people, in the wisdom of our leadership and the future of our nation. I am confident we will realize our goals. Our vision is clear, our road is paved and the clock is ticking. There is no more time for hesitation or half-baked goals or solutions. Development is an ongoing process and the race for excellence has no finish line”
So until we find that kind of leader that believes in God and country, who truly loves the people, the leader who recognizes ‘service” not awards, self-adulation and national honours as the highest honour, until then will our democracy remain un-developing.
Certainly, without subscribing to any recklessness, I would think that if the leadership of any country is worth living for, it must be worth dying for.
Regrettably, such sterling leadership as we now so desperately need is not given to nations, frequently or in abundant supply.
In 236 years of the USA, she has produced 44 presidents (of which one was elected for 4 terms) and in about 500 years of British democracy, she has produced about 75 Prime Ministers.
How many of those Presidents or Prime Ministers do you remember off hand?
Why?
Many were either not outstanding or simply did not meet the developmental aspirations of their people.
In just about a decade, Britain has produced 3 (three) Prime Ministers, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron. Who knows what will happen in next year’s election?
This March 2014 in India, the ruling party, the Congress Party was defeated with the winning party, BJP having 31.4% of the votes against the then ruling party’s 19.5% of votes. The instructive message of this musical chair of leaders is that their people have always acted to vote out leaders who were inefficient, not trusted or simply unable to inspire their people. A number of American presidents served only one term, some voluntarily stepped down (e.g. Nixon) others were voted out after one term (eg. Carter, Bush Snr.). Recently, Gordon Brown only finished the term of Tony Blair and was voted out in the first election he called.
Conclusion
So apart from building great parties, finding good people, and so on and so forth, the Nigerian people must find the courage to vote out an un-performing Government after its first term. This must be the mood when a Government lies about power, about security an about the economy which are the problems it was mandated to solve.
This is the strongest message of a desire for development that the Nigerian people can send to the incoming government as well, that we will vote you out if you also do not develop our lives. It remains or me to wish Governor Timipre Sylva, at whose behest this paper was written to commemorate his birthday anniversary, a very Happy Birthday and many happy returns.
I thank you for listening.
Babatunde Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State
If you SHARE Governor Fashola’s thoughts, why not send the message below via Twitter or Facebook or other social media platforms. All you need to do is COPY and PASTE (message below). Thanks and God bless.
Interestingly, Governor Fashola’s tenure in office is to end next year. I’ll like to introduce you to a quiet contender. His name is Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. What many may not know are his credentials as a serving commissioner in Tinubu’s cabinet as well as Fashola’s. He goes about his duties without noise and to many, he is unknown, just like Fashola was back then.
Please do read his letters and see what you make of this young man. Just turned 50. I love it when candidates talk policies and not personalities.
WHY EVERY NIGERIAN MUST READ THIS ARTICLE B4 2015 ELECTIONS. RETWEET 4 IT TREND
A Rejoinder by Mayowas Akinsola: Now, let us reason together and examine our pre-programmed mentality, fuelled by laziness of mind, that is damaging Nigeria.
Pingback: Wp Associate Goliath Scam | Secret Internet Marketing Blog
Great epistle! I can assure you that if every leader think like you, change would have taken us near to our promise land by now. I am willing to BE YOUR MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE WHEN YOU BECOME THE PRESIDENT, let us meet at the table by invitation!
Nigerian politics have been left to mediocre and we can’t expect great economic policy from them. Obama graduated with cum de la cum from Harvard likewise notable American presidents. The problem we have in Nigeria is that of illiteracy couple with ignorance. The simple analogy is this, no man in his right sense will drink water from the river he defecates and urinates. With education, we will know our right and we will ask the government on what it plans for us either through political debates or the party manifestos before voting any candidate of choice. It is this education that the government has taken away from us to give us stomach infrastructures.
Our founding fathers will be crying that the Nigeria of today was never their dreams at independence. Where are the great Awo’s, Ahmadu Bello, Azikwe’s? These people established universities,provided infrastructures, road and the rest without oil money,just from agricultural proceeds.
My lecturer told me that UCH ranked 4th among common wealth of nations when it was established but today, the UCH is shining with dilapidated structures.
Good a thing, oil prices have dropped in the international market may be this will make us think so that the labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain.
Hmmnnnn. Olaniyi, I can understand your frustrations and it hurts. All is NEVER EVER LOST! I am a firm believer in keeping on going. All you and I need to do as Nigerians is to open up the debate and inform as well as educate fellow Nigerians on how to use the most potent weapon we all have but unaware of how to use – the power of casting your vote in spite of a day’s inconvenience. We must continue to preach against STOMACH INFRASTRUCTURE. It just doesn’t make sense. Nigerian leader enslaving Nigerian citizens, that is what it all amounts to. We must get it right come 2015. We must.
Olaniyi, thanks for taking time to post your comment. Much appreciated. God bless.
I’m singing Hallelujah Politic of Nigeria.
A MAN BECOMES RESTIVE WHEN GOOD COMFORT PEOPLE ARE LEFT BEHIND FOR IMMEDIATE RISIBLE.
So, also it is when it comes to Nation, building in Nigeria we love and like to go for the Naughty of empty brain. and the brainless as our OGA at the TOP.
What do people and a Nation, that only love to baked bread but will never learn how to make flowers hope to achieve.?
The process is all the time strange and the calculation from all the dubious fellow this is way the like of TAUWBALE, name resonate this day like siren of the cockerel aden in Nigeria politic theme and template.
I beg not to be part of the MINNA and OTA jugular madness the holy erection of the PAPE of ROME and the ADISA Mohammed of MECCA and MEDINA Politic in Nigeria.
Absolutely brilliant….
The inspiring speech from an examplary leader. The keywords in the lecture on leadership trends are those found at homes, communities and above all moral conduct which the present heads (President and Vice President) lack despite going to school.
Pointe received Ibrahim. Thanks for your contribution.
As a Barrister and Solicitor of The Supreme Court of Nigeria, I am proud to be associated with Babatunde Fashola, SAN. His speech was very inspiring. Nigerian needs people like him who are forthright enough to say, loud and clear, how government is weaving tissues of lies and bluffing their way all along. He posed a question for any of the former heads of state to provide an answer: How do they feel when they hear that President Jonathan has performed better than any previous government?
I believe our eyes are now opened. There is insecurity left, right and center. No one is spared. The President never cared to address Nigerians in such crisis situations like the recent one in Mubi, and many more in the past. When govt cared to issue any statement at all, it had been one lie after another. Whether there has been any ceasefire with Book Haram is now anybody’s guess. Whether the kidnapped girls will ever be released is equally anybody’s guess. This alone is enough for the President to lose his seat, since he does have the honour to resign. It will be calamitous to return these set of people to power come February 2015.
Well written Abubakar. Rather than spinning half truths, non truths and scenarios closer to false than truth, its time for the government to be real with its citizens. But , one point all must realise is this; for as long as we take for granted the power of our vote, any government will take you for granted. Period!
Pingback: EXPLOSIVE MUST WATCH FOR ALL NIGERIANS: IN VIDEO, BABATUNDE FASHOLA’S INSPIRING SPEECH THAT SHOOK PRESIDENCY. | Jide-Salu.com
FASHOLA IS A CRIMINAL, TELL ME WHAT HE HAS DONE IN HIS 2ND TERM APART FROM STEAL LAGOS STATE MONEY WITH TINUBU TO FUND APC.
Charles, what an emotional reaction you have just posted. It is for remarks like yours that competent Nigerians shy from taking up responsibilities that can shape the lives of ordinary people for the better. I would have respected your views if you were able to provide evidence of why he is a criminal, rather than show yourself off as someone who can’t handle the truth. Charles, with such an extreme opinion of yours, I wouldn’t even begin to attempt to explain what the speech was all about because you simply wouldn’t get it. Well, I guess not all would. This blog welcomes all comments and I am happy to have disappointed you by approving your comments. I am certain your email address is fake anyway. Such a shame.
All political parties, all politicians, irrespective of the parties they belong to,talks and says very sweet things, have inspiring manifestos, but just give them upportunity and you will rethink. Al of them, are eggs that were in the same basket, you can not differenciate the good and the bad.
Really DD? So what do you propose? Seat, fold our arms and watch? I think not!
nice one bro
This is pleasant!
Pingback: EXPLOSIVE MUST READ FOR ALL NIGERIANS: BABATUNDE FASHOLA’S INSPIRING SPEECH THAT SHOOK PRESIDENCY. | oluseyiodelade
2015 is around the corner, the way we cast our votes in the coming elections is crucial. The party manifesto’s represents an ideology/vision and approach of how each party seeks to tackle the needs of the people, challenges of the nation and management of the nations resources in order to bring about peace, security and sustainable development. No matter how well written (the manifesto), it requires people to take action that will bring to fruition. I do not belong to any party, and I will vote for the personalties and not the party.
Election is fast approaching and I think it is important to revisit this part of Governor Fasola’s Speech.
“The ruling party is now sending a clear message to the people.
This is what they are saying:-
“We care about you, but you do not need development so we will not do any developmental work in 3 (three) years. In the 4th (fourth) year we will give you money, kerosene, and rice. Please vote for us, and use the money we give you to provide your own roads, schools, hospitals and security, until we see you again in 4 (four) years”.
As a statesman who is passionate about peace and development of Nigeria, the governor is kicking against a strong ill in the land which can derail our evolving democracy — mortgaging our future for kerosene, money and rice.
The people of Nigeria must resist this ploy to keep them permanently in poverty. We must participate and vote the leader that is credible, patriotic and have a vision and commitment to bring poverty to an end.
Voting along ethnic and religious lines will further divide us. The divide and rule tactics of the past is at play again. Don’t be deceived by these leaders who propagate ethnic and religious sentiments to muster support and votes from the electorate. Do they really practice what the Bible or the Quo ran say?. What have they done for the ethnic group they represent, not to consider the great people of this country.
The last four three years have been very eventful, while majority are suffering from insecurity, unemployment, poverty, business failures, those whom we elected to serve us and have simply served their own interest by enriching themselves. They have built mansions and warehoused money in foreign lands.They should be showed the way out. This we can do with our votes. We must shine our eyes!!!. Diligently search for the personalty that you are convinced is capable of delivering the dividends that we need individually, at community, state and national levels. We must bring to an end the era of misappropriation and embezzlement of the nations wealth by elected leaders and public servants.
Obasola, I couldn’t have written it better. ‘We must shine our eyes!!!”….Yes oh, we must all do that. The challenge is to get this message to the streets. It is on the streets where Kerosene, bread stuffed with N1k and rice are distributed. These politicians who are kleptomaniac will not approach you and I, because we are in the minority. They know who will go out and stay on the queue for hours under the scorching sun for a pittance. It is these people with this deprived mindset that we all need to focus our attention at. I thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Fashola don talk too much the light weh him talk we no see,the train projct still unfinised after 10 years,water for ordinary man we no see am, even security na every day gang star de kill demselves and innocent people for Mushin, Shomolu,Bariga,Lagos island,ikorodu etc Oga Fash u don try ur best so just go rest jeje no room for u and the Dictator for 2015,Nigerians can not afford to go from fry pan to fire, make una go rest every one of u na stomach politics un de play, oga wait make i ask u this for lagos which people get some of the best hotels, which people de get all the unfinished contracts i be tell us. APC kor PANADOL ni ether APC or PDP una bi de same.
Ekanem, all I have got to say is this ….if your mindset….rather,, if you no change your mind, n u think say e no go beta……y e go beta. if APC and PDP b d same….then 4 yur face make we just dey collect moni and vote 4 person wey pay past…..o boi….i no know bat u o…me i get hope…….Ekanem, e b like say u don give up…..i beg, no give up o….
Wao! Indeed BRF has said it all. There is no more insight needed to shape the decision of an electorate come 2015 than this one. This is a piece that everyone both young and old must read. Indeed Nigerians must decided wisely during the election so as to bring in the leader that will be God fearing, people oriented with vision and desire to change the bad image of this battered country. To make Nigeria a country where human lives are valued, leaders who will see themselves as called to serve and not demigods. We will get there by God’s grace.
Harmony, you have nailed it – “its a piece that must be read by all – young and old”. I pray we all read and react positively. The time is now. Thanks for your comments. sincerely valued.
Nice piece brooo @Harmony…. May the ALMIGHTY GOD help us as we approach the Election Year Ameen. Babatuned Fashola the Nigerian ever Best Governor I have Seen. So proud of him!!!
Many a time, i ponder on how life would have been if we never had the 5 sensory organs, which includes the Eyes, Tongue, Skin, Ear and Nose. Because i feel even if we choose not to see, we could have a taste or as well feel the heat or how audible the pains are before we can finally have a soothing breath and a shout of Eureka. “i know we shouldn’t be at this state, but the fact is that we choose to remain here, if not why are we here” may be we all should have a rethink and lets have a common Sustainable Goal. A uniform dream and a better life that we all aspire.
A BRILLIANT response. what more can I add. Moses, I thank you for sharing your thoughts. Cheers.
This a platform in which I wish for and long to see. Mr Fashola speech raises the need to think inward. I presently reside in Abu Dhabi with my family, I can tell you with all fairness, I will rather choose freedom to development…. in my freedom lays a deep sense of responsibilities for development. Mr. Jide Salu send me an inbox and I assure you I will make myself readily available to discuss very fundamental means to our reconstructive notions of nation building. Nigeria is never a nation….. Nigeria is a diversified state having nations within its community. Until we go back to the agreed true federalism our forefathers signed for on our behalf… it will be for us a recycled intentions.
I am just 31years old and I have very deep understanding and well researched facts that proves that societies we now look up to today are developed with individual founding truth. We cannot depend on Oil and centralized financial allocations and expect serious minded initiatives. Decentralize the Nigerian state and I will tell you our beloved country will sit among the first 5 in 10(Ten) from today.
We can do it, We have done it during the regional governments, we have proven it yet with Mr. Fashola Government and the ideology as presented by his party.
I believe the ruling party has people oriented ideologies as well but the question is the people implementing those ideologies.
I believe in Nigeria… I strongly believe and I am willing to be part of these fundamental changes.
I am from Ekiti State yet I disagree with resource allocation which makes governance so lazy and corrupt… these things are the root cause of our failed governance. We can do it, we can leave resources for which ever state that owns it and look inward to ourselves in our own states or we surrender our statehood in the fate of inability to survive, its the honorable thing to do.
I am Abiola Olofinjana
Comments such as yours make my ‘belly jump’ for joy. I am and will remain hopeful with the likes of you who are still passionate about Nigeria. I am as well. Thank you so much for your thoughts, really appreciate. Cheers
Reblogged this on CHOP ALONE UNLIMITED.
Lagos account rating equals Federal rating…., what then is the difference,…..lets agree that most part of his speech where above party lines….and should have been left that way, he compromised, with the comparism and swipe at the govt, which he has the right to do, but then we are made to now believe the spirit of the speech was non partisan, pls lets us honestly pick the truth in what he has said and run with it for our collective good, and don’t defend the speech being colored along party lines, BRF created the opportunity to question his sincerity. Then where is the integrity of the leadership we are seeking with this call to action, which i think is a good call anyday. The enlightening does not have to be colored for it to be a good piece.
This is a quote from BRF……, same difference below
“Your state is safe, its finances are secure. It has a Fitch International credit rating of BB-, stable with a positive outlook, which is the same as that of the Federal Republic. Just last month, Fitch upgraded the state’s National Long-Term rating from AA to AA+ with a stable outlook which is an indicator of the financial resilience of Lagos.
– See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/10/lagos-spent-n160-bn-world-bank-loan-fashola/#sthash.z1BjLovI.dpuf
BRFis still my best choice as an individual politician, i which we can have independent candidates.,
Daniel, I read you loud and clear. Nigeria is still battling with multi party elections and will not recognise Independent candidates yet alone vote for one. we have to refine and make do with what we have right now. Thanks for posting and God bless.
This would have been the best lecture I had since the days of Prof. Nnoli if Gov Fashola’s only objective was NOT to promote his party against PDP. Maybe that was the forum since it was a gathering of APC members, but the message definitely was not for Nigerians.
Chisom, there had to be a forum to deliver the speech. I am glad, your focus is on the content and not the environment. Nigeria is RIPE for politics of policies and not personalities. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers.
True talk!
If APC/ Nigerians are really serious about development then someone like Fashola should be tipped for the presidency not vice. Making a vice to someone who is not Y2K compliant is won’t do any good.
Sam, sam….you made me laugh mehmmmm….”Y2K compliant” …please don’t kill me with laughter ….Thanks….lol
On a serious note though, you could check our a VICE by the name of IDIAGBON…then you know a VICE can impact Nigeria….
Brilliant Piece from Governor Fashola. This country seriously need a birth of freedom from the hopelessness that engulfs it at the moment. We need young hard working and visionary leader like Fashola to turn this country around and he can do it. The people of Nigeria should rise up and demand for him to be slated as a presidential aspirant we should’nt wait for the politicians to do that for us.
Debo, I wish every young Nigerian who finds himself or herself in a position of power should carve a legacy. On rising up and be counted, we are still found wanting in this department. Thanks for stopping by.
Pingback: A REJOINDER (YOU MUST ALL READ): THAT EXPLOSIVE MUST READ SPEECH BY FASHOLA AND THE THINGS LEFT UNSAID. | Jide-Salu.com
While there is definitely a lot that is commendable in this speech – particularly like the hard home truths the Saudi Arabian told Fashola…but isn’t it ironic that his words were spoken to commemorate a man like Sylva? http://www.sabinews.com/all-news/speech-fashola-things-left-unsaid-ayisha-osori/
I must welcome the esteemed writer Ayisha Osori to Jide-Salu.com. When commentators such as yourself notice what we are trying to do on this platform, read and take time to post comments, we appreciate. Your post, which I had to post on the front page surely raised some valid points, however, as my observations pointed out, it generated for me a few questions which are as follows;
What do you think of Ayisha’s rejoinder?
Do you think she was on point or off point?
Do you think her focus ought to have been more on the content of the deliverer and less on the political party of the deliverer?
Do you think the occasion or location of the delivery of the speech diminishes the significance of the message the speech intended?
Would you say Ayisha, may have generated valid points not unique to a specific political party in Nigeria, in this case APC?
Aiysha’s Post can also be read here.
Ayisha, thanks for taking time to post your comments. I would be delighted if you could find time to address my observations.Much appreciated.
Our country is great with good leadership, ideas and concepts, that’s what makes Nigeria different from other countries, pls we all know the truth but will this save us that’s the question.
All parties are playing the same game with different cloths.
What an inspirational speech from a genuine leader. BRF has renewed my belief that, perhaps, one day, the Nigeria of our patriots’ vision shall materialize. With such leaders around, I cannot afford to lose hope in the Nigerian project.
What d governor said was right. Wit d new development on d use of motorcycle on federal roads, i.would suggest more trains shld be made available nd affordable. I lrnt d train fare is #750 in lagos. Pls Mr Jide Salu, can u clarify dat.
Thx
Hello Temitope, thanks for stopping by. You can verify ticket fares on Nigeria Railway Corporation website. I must mention, judging by the website, rail travel in Nigeria has truly been upgraded. Kudos on Goddluck’s administration. I always give credit where its due.
Temitope you are but the train is run be the federal government not the state, Lagos state is about to start running his own train service
Am not a politician….but what His Excellency have pointed to is the actually reality we cannot shy away from. And this will definitely shape my decision come 2015. Please Mr. Jide Salu, send me a private mail while I discuss an important progressive issue with you on business and leadership collaborations. God bless you, God bless NIGERIA
Thanks David Gold for taking time to post your views. These are serious issues we must not shy away from, I agree with you.
The situation in Nigeria is chaotic, being president, governor or local government chairman can be very challenging. Especially when you emerge through the current political party structures. The reality on ground is that you need to lobby, pay your way through, or get the blessings of the godfathers. Party ideals and manifesto is not so important.
So most people who run for political offices are already compromised. Hence, amidst pressures from godfathers, electorates, and the need to recoup invested funds, governance is initiated on an unstable foundation. Unfortunately the weakest link in the political equation is the gullible, non-nonchalant and ignorant electorates who are accepting the propaganda that what they need is development of stomach-infrastructure ( Kerosene and Rice), instead of employment and basic infrastructure (road, water, hospitals, shelter, etc)
So when a performing leader emerges despite these limitations, we should encourage such a leader. Governor Rotimi Amechi was such a leader. Even though his progressive activities has slowed down in the state as a result of the political issues rocking the state, a visit to Rivers State would convince you.
The governor of Lagos State, BRF has led by example. He should be the pride of all Nigerians. Given the circumstance in which he finds himself (party interests viz a viz god-fatherism and the peculiarity of Lagos as a State) he has tenaciously worked towards his goal of transforming Lagos. Although a lot still needs to be done to move Lagos to the status of places like Dubai, Shanghai, Vegas, etc.
This not withstanding,, beyond APC, Babatunde Raji Fashola’s indelible foot prints serves as a ray of hope to Nigerians and establishes the fact tha we can do it. Lagos State now has a minimum benchmark for performance that the next Lagos State governor must surpass.
I have been involved in so many discussions on who should the opposition party put forward as their presidential and vice presidential candidates. The calculation favours the North as president and the South West as Vice president. While the choice for who should emerge as presidential candidate is on, most Nigerians would favour the emergence of BRF as Vice President in order to provide the much needed support for whoever emerges as President. So why is Fashola not been pushed for Vice presidency?
They say it will be muslim-muslim ticket, some say they should allow a south-south person to emerge, some god fathers can’t sacrifice their ambition for the future of .the country.
We must base our selection of leaders on the basis of track record of the candidate and benefits that such a leader brings to the table. It is sad to note that the reason for our underdevelopment still hovers around religious, and ethnic sentiments., coupled with greed and selfish ambitions of a few people who want to hold on to power at all cost.
Again Babatunde Raji Fashola as Governor of Lagos is accepted by both Muslims and Christians. This is because he has focused his energy and talent on the developing the state and empowering the people irrespective of tribe and religion.
Performance, maturity, integrity and passion for this great country and love for the people of Nigeria should be the key consideration for selecting people to leadership positions.
The situation in Nigeria is chaotic, being president, governor or local government chairman can be very challenging. Especially when you emerge through the current political party structures. The reality on ground is that you need to lobby, pay your way through, or get the blessings of the God Fathers.Party ideals and manifesto is not so important. So most people who run for political offices are already compromised. Hence, amidst pressures from God fathers, electorates, and the need to recoup invested funds, governance is initiated on an unstable foundation. Unfortunately the weakest link in the political equation is the gullible, non-nonchalant and ignorant electorates who are accepting the propaganda that what they need is development of stomach-infrastructure ( Kerosene and Rice), instead of employment and basic infrastructure (road, water, hospitals, shelter, etc)
So when a performing leader emerges despite this limitation, we should encourage such a leader. Governor Rotimi Amechi was such a leader. Even though his progressive activities has slowed down in the states as a result of the political issues rocking the state, a visit to Rivers State would convince you.
The governor of Lagos State, BRF has led by example. He should be the pride of all Nigerians. Given the circumstance in which he finds himself (party interests viz a viz god-fatherism and the peculiarity of Lagos as a State) he has tenaciously worked towards his goal of transforming Lagos. Although a lot still need to be done to move Lagos to the status of places like Dubai, Shanghai, Vegas, etc.
This not withstanding,, beyond APC, Babatunde Raji Fashola’s indelible foot prints serves as a ray of hope to Nigerians and establishes the fact we can do it. Lagos State now has a minimum benchmark for performance that the next Lagos State governor must surpass.
I have been involved in so many discussions on who should the opposition party put forward as their presidential and vice presidential candidates. The calculation favours the North as president and the south west as Vice president. While the choice for who should emerge as presidential candidate is is on. Most Nigerians would favour emergence of BRF as vice president in order to provide the much needed support for whoever emerges as President. So why is Fasola not been pushed for Vice presidency? They say it will be muslim-muslim ticket, some say they should allow a south-south person to emerge, some god fathers can’t sacrifice their ambition for the future of .the country.
We must base our selection of leaders on the basis of track record of the candidate and benefits that such a leader brings to the table. It is sad to note that the reason for our underdevelopment hovers around religious, and ethic sentiments., coupled with greed and selfish ambitions of a few people who want to hold on to power at all cost.
Again Babatunde Raji Fasola as Governor of Lagos is accepted by both Muslims and Christians. This is because he has focused his energy and talent on the developing the state and empowering the people irrespective of tribe and religion.
Performance, maturity, integrity and passion for this great country and love for the people of Nigeria should be the key consideration for selecting people to leadership positions.
Please, how about refining your English before you comment publicly ? Or at least read over what you write !
Hi Muddy Waters, a bit unfair on David Gold.. I understood his message, and so do you, I hope. It may have irritated you a bit whilst reading, but we must endeavour to accommodate all views. Some express it better than others. Don’t you think so? I do.
Mr Fashola may have given a good speech but there is nothing new in his speech. Nigeria as a nation was badly conceived and faulty constructed. The remedy lies in its reconstruction.
Bonnie, thanks for participating in this discussion. what bothers me though is when i read comments such as ‘there is nothing new in his speech’, what is that suppose to mean to Nigerians? That we should just fold our arms and give up? I don’t get it Bonnie. I urge you to do better and come up with something inspiring. surely you can do that. if the foundation of your house is faulty, you will make up your mind on the next line of action to do. You suggested the remedy is reconstruction. Reconstruction of what though?
@Jide, I wonder o. All what Fashola said here,is the truth that every Nigerian must think about not the issue of Williams lets put sentiment apart and do something that will move this country forward. Thanks
The times of pointing accusing fingers at personalities must be backed up with lack of implementation of policies. what have our leaders failed to do for the people. That ought to be the question asked.
Fashola has made valid points that I think all of us should read over and over again though we cant outrightly adjudged him innocent of it all. Like Jide Salu had said we should look at it objectively outside political parties. Change will definitely come to Nigeria as desired but all of us must take our stand on what is right. For me, we are yet to have any credible leaders that fit into all Fashola has said from 1999 till date. how I wish our constitution would permit Nigerians to contest for elective offices without any political party, that would have solved a lot of problem and perhaps encourage genuine leaders to come on board. How are the political parties funded in Nigeria? They are funded on corruption because they feast on this same national cake.
I sincerely long to see a new Nigeria void of corrupt practises across board, backed with good governance, not self enriching like all our political leaders today, quality leadership, Accountability and leaders with the fear of God.
The revolution begins from all of us. Our porblem is not our leaders but all of us in Nigeria. Once we decide to stand for the truth, we will see a new Nigeria. I see a Nigeria taking the lead for other countries to follow
“The revolution begins from all of us. Our porblem is not our leaders but all of us in Nigeria. Once we decide to stand for the truth, we will see a new Nigeria.” Olajide, these are true words. I am so blessed to read so many comments from Nigerians with hope and from those who have given up hope. Ours is to give hope to the hopeless and galvanise all efforts to ensure Politicians can no longer get away with corruption. With social media, smart phones, etc, it has become easy to expose corruption. As long as we believe it is possible, nothing will stop us from forging ahead. Olajide, thanks for taking time to post your thoughts. God bless you.
Governor Fasola’s Lecture has sparked up interesting and rich views. This platform is good as it encourages participation in Nation building. The leaders and their advisers can at least get a feedback or some sort of opinion poll on what Nigerians think.
Pursing ideals is good because it helps us stay on course. An ideal situation is where males marry females, pursuing this would minimize the problem of same sex marriage. Today in Nigeria ideals are being thrown in the trash can, it is normal to be an ex-convict or persons indicted in a messy scandal and still be bold enough to run for political offices. Examples of these are numerous and I want to restrain from mentioning cases and names. The question that comes to mind, and which patriotic Nigerians must seek to correct is/are:
“who are our leaders?
What do they stand for?
Can they take us to the promised land (the Nigeria of your dream)?
Unfortunately, majority of people in power are self seeking, unpatriotic, and pay lip service to the agony and suffering of the people. Their actions speak volume… They maim and kill to retain power, embezzle states funds and bank their loot overseas. The Ebola outbreak is yet another opportunity to milk the nation. They will exaggerate it (blow it out of proportion) and allocate huge funds to combat this deadly public health challenge. I am not saying there is no Ebola outbreak. I am just emphasizing that these people will exploit every possible avenue to enrich themselves. Their mission is to save enough for themselves and families before the final scramble and partition. They obviously (from their actions)do not believe in the continuous existence of this entity called Nigerian.
Our attitude of playing passive roles in politics and governance is the reason why these tyrants are in power. Rephrasing what Governor Fashola said, … They offer us kerosene, and rice instead of steady power, portable water, good roads and sound infrastructure in general in exchange for our votes. This is evil. We cannot continue to adopt the “s don look (sit down and look) approach’.
This discussions and exchange of ideas would be a waste if people do not know how to participate.
The coming 2015 elections is yet another time to perform our civic responsibilities. It starts from now, we must be registered, we must obtain the voters’ card and vote. The God fathers or parties will present candidates by parties (APC, PDP, Labour, APGA, etc), and then we must insist that they debate and address us the electorate. This way we would have an idea what they are made of. We cannot continue to vote blindly. Let us use use our votes to kick bad guys out of power.
As suggested in my last submission we must insist on quarterly feedback sessions with our leaders in order to assess their performance and ensure that they are on track, instead of waiting for four years to complain about their failure. Leaders can be impeached if they loose public support.
Paying lip-service to development and taking the back row in the struggle to rescue Nigeria from the tyrants in power would be counter productive. The least you can do is to start by frowning at these tyrant, enlighten people in your immediate environment, and become an example of the change you expect in our leaders.
Hello Obasola, you surely have good ideas and i hope a majority of us are as passionate as you are. With 2015 elections less than 7 months away, this platform shall endeavour to engage the key players through interviews, etc. we will also, with your co-operation send in questions, hoping they will honour us with replies. we have to be pro-active NOW! Thanks Obasola for your thoughts.
I must confess, most sincerely, that after going through this BRF speech I have decided to renew my belief that there is, indeed, light at the end of the tunnel for our dear country Nigeria. His speech is highly inspirational and patriotically motivating. Only a genuine leader of his people can harbor such dreams and beliefs for his country. I have long ago given up on the Nigerian Project but this one leader, Gov Fashola, has resuscitated my patriotic vision of one day, this country, my country Nigeria, will measure-up to my ideal hope of becoming a truly great nation. I have lost hope before but now I am a born-again Nigerian. So help me God.
Bello sarkin Fulani, that is the spirit. we can’t afford to give up on Nigeria. we all must be pro-active and educate the desperate Nigerians amongst us. Thank you for posting your thoughts. Most appreciated.
People like Gov. Babatunde Raji Fashola will remain a hope of common man in this nation. I will always repect him for his struddness, leadership capacity and ability. If he ever show interest in vieing for the Presidential seat, I will give it all my best to support. But alas, he is human, he won’t send us the right message in all his conversation because one way or the other, 1. He is a party man and 2. He has to sell his party. He shouldn’t see me as being dicilussioned for not sharing in some of his opinion because some of it are utterly wrong. Amechi performed well as a PDP governor not as APC. He has used part of second term chasing shadows. But you know Gov. Rotimi Amechi will forever have my respect for the little he is able to do for his people. I don’t buy the opinion of these two parties are different. Because they are not. Gov. Fashola is in Government, he can’t see what most of us are seeing. It is time we work with individual that share our quest for a better nation irrespective of their party affiliation. Not all PDP governors or members are bad neither APC. God bless my Gov. Raji Fashola, God bless Nigeria
Thanks for your contribution Flygold. I love diverse views. I know the path to political success in Nigeria is not narrow and should never be confined to strict ideologies. I welcome your view that Gov. Rotimi Amechi performed well as a PDP governor. The WORD i liked most in that statement of yours is …guess what? PERFORMED!
This is what I am looking for. For leaders, elected leaders to know that they HAVE to PERFORM. Its no longer a choice, it is COMPULSORY. I also agree with another statement which goes thus – “Gov. Fashola is in Government, he can’t see what most of us are seeing.” Again, this is POINT ON. This is why, we must be proactive in getting our views across. We must, as concerned Nigerians, speak up, and not wait till electioneering season to read the riot act. That habit must end now.
We must endeavour to be less personal in making our points. I have often wondered if this is a Nigerian thing. The moment you start causing, you loose the point, albeit brilliant and constructive one.
Thank you once again flygold for your contribution.
This is a thought provoking speech that will be forever engraved in the sand of history.
We must be the change we wish to see in the world.
We must do away with ethno-religious sentiment and vote for people with integrity, vision, and character.
Although the timing of this speech is absolutely right because 2015 election is around the corner- A country with 63million adult illiterates obviously needs to be politically educated. But the location/ or place is wrong looking at the person of Timipre Silver, who jumped from PDP to APC in order to score a political point against President Jonathan.
According to Acemoglu and James Robinson- ” The reasons why nations fail is hinged on Economic and Political factors- Its political institution that determines the economic prosperity of a nation”.
Stephen Ameachi
Stephen well written. Thanks for this. We, MUST BE THE CHANGE. We have to play our role as the enlightened. I engage drivers, cleaners, hawkers, etc every time I am in contact. I yearn to know their thoughts, their views, their political affiliation with reasons. The responses I get are in itself enlightening. Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts.
Magnificent speech. However there are some stalwarts, leaders and godfathers of APC whose past and present performances cannot stand the test of Probity, Honesty, Vision Of National Developments and Selflessness. I would rather not comment on the other party now. One bad apple in the barrel will cause the decay of all the apples in the barrel! History will always be the judge.
Hi Adebola, I thought the speech was an eye opener to every reading Nigerian. I refused to look at the speech, strictly from a party ideology. and I agree with you, many politicians, dead or alive wouldn’t be able to stand so many tests. Hence, the rally call is for us to IDENTIFY the ‘bad apple’, VOTE OUT the ‘bad apples’ and EXPOSE all the rotten apples. Once this message, which has been read by an unbelievable thousands of Nigerians, we will have a chance to fulfil our potential as a GREAT country. Adebola, thank you for your time. God bless you.
I’m proud on this day that I’m priviledged to hear such brilliance from a Nigerian, I was starting to believe that minds like Tafawa Balewa et al was totally extinct. Now if we will only aligne our thought with Mr Fashola, and be realistic about what our expectations are we can shoot for the stars. I am firstly a black man, then I’m an African then I’m a Nigerian, before I’m an Ebira man and then a christian, in that order of priority. I don’t root for any political party in particular. I’m all for the man that can deliver on his promises. Inasmuch as I won’t let a brain surgeon pilot my aircraft becaue he’s a christian or because he’s from my state, I won’t give my vote based on religious or tribal sentiments. #ThisRevolutionIsTelevised
Dear David, may I just say a big thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts.
Mewhnnnnn, I just love this line – “I won’t let a brain surgeon pilot my aircraft becaue he’s a christian or because he’s from my state, I won’t give my vote based on religious or tribal sentiments.” That is deep. The mind REVOLUTION has truly begun and you and i can make it happen by following up with these thoughts. Let us educate and educate many others. Infectious mindset. I appreciate you.
Ederly says ” he that can not think deep will never go far” what a deep thought. I know we will get it right one day, we will get there one day as a country and as a people. I beleive in Nigeria and most importantly I beleive in God.
Niyi, hi….I also believe so. Its all about changing our mindset about how we participate in politics in Nigeria. Thanks for your positive thought. Much appreciated. Gpod bless.
An action-centric approach must be adopted to transform Nigeria to a safe, stable and prosperous economy. Gov. Fashola succeeded in highlighting the importance of good leadership, and why citizens must participate actively in politics. We must be alert and alive to our civic responsibilities. We must all work tirelessly to debunk the propaganda that leaders, that are voted to serve us are doing us a favour. We must rise above religious and ethnic sentiments to elect leaders that are credible, patriotic and committed to serve. We must be develop keen interest in how our leaders allocate our resources. We must hold leaders accountable. Leaders must set achievable milestones (Considering resources available they must set practical deliverables within 4 years). Leaders can be put on check when citizens set up a vehicle to monitor their deliverables and spending.
“An action-centric approach must be adopted to transform Nigeria to a safe, stable and prosperous economy. Gov. Fashola succeeded in highlighting the importance of good leadership, and why citizens must participate actively in politics. We must be alert and alive to our civic responsibilities. We must all work tirelessly to debunk the propaganda that leaders, that are voted to serve us are doing us a favour. We must rise above religious and ethnic sentiments to elect leaders that are credible, patriotic and committed to serve. We must be develop keen interest in how our leaders allocate our resources. We must hold leaders accountable. Leaders must set achievable milestones (Considering resources available they must set practical deliverables within 4 years). Leaders can be put on check when citizens set up a vehicle to monitor their deliverables and spending”…..Obasola M.Olatunde I have had to copy and paste your comment because that is how on point you are. For me, YOUR SUMMARY of Fashola’s inspiring speech has been one of the best posted. Thank you so much. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts Olatunde.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti summed the Nigerian situation as “Suffering and Smiling ….Everyday na the same thing…. ” The status-quo has remained the same. More people are dying of hunger and preventable diseases, and , now terror has been introduced to the picture with no solution in view. I am an employer of Labour and I am active in the market place. I interact with tradesmen, market people, fresh graduates and and I can say authoritatively that the feedback emanating from these groups of people is hopelessness, Yet governments say they are performing. They seem not to be in tune with millions of Nigerians who voted for them. They are preoccupied with looting the treasure. I don;t blame them since Jonathan’s is probe=phobic and doesn’t want to rock the boat. He prefers to maintain the status quo of corruption. The oil subsidy scandal, pension fraud, CBN’s allegation of missing funds have been trivialized. Tambuwa the leader of the House of Assembly once said Jonathan body language shows that he is not disposed to fighting corruption. The issue of corruption is a national problem, it is prominent in the wards, local government, state to federal levels of government. The elected officers are complacent because it favour them. They are able to exploit the loop holes in the system and amass enough wealth that will last a “life time”
The onus is on Nigerians, you and me to say no to the looting of our commonwealth. They are meant to serve not to loot. If we fold our arms it will continue. I propose once again an action-centric approach. The setting up of a citizen-leadership forum at all levels of Government. The principal activities shall be interactions between leaders and the people they lead so that they are carried along and their views are also heard. This way leaders are put on check as they have to prepare quarterly reports for these meetings. They have to align funds received, with their spending and their promises to the people during campaign. I believe this is a good starting point.
Once again Obasola M. Olatunde, your contribution resonates with me. kindly keep us up today (and I will as well) of forums where we can further enlighten Nigerians and be pro-active. The more Nigerians who are able to change their mindset towards electing leaders, the better it will be for Nigeria. Its not a far fetched dream. This is a reality that can be achieved. Thanks once again for your contributions.
Wrestling power from these tyrants
Governor Fasola’s Lecture has sparked up interesting and rich views. This platform is good as it enourages participation in Nation building. The leaders and their advisers can at least get a feedback or some sort of opinion poll on what Nigerians think.
Pursing ideals is good because it helps us stay on course. An ideal situation is where males marry females, pursuing this would minimise the problem of same sex marriage. Today in Nigeria ideals are being thrown in the trash can, it is normal to be an ex-convict or persons indicted in a messy scandal and still be bold enough to run for political offices. Examples of these are numerous and I want to restrain from mentioning cases and names. The question that comes to mind, and which patriotic Nigerians must seek to correct is/are:
“who are our leaders?
What do they stand for?
Can they take us to the promised land (the Nigeria of your dream)?
Unfortunately, majority of people in power are self seeking, unpatriotic, and pay lip service to the agony and suffering of the people. Their actions speak volume… They maim and kill to retain power, embezzle states funds and bank their loot overseas. The Ebola outbreak is yet another opportunity to milk the nation. They will exaggerate it (blow it out of proportion) and allocate huge funds to combat this dealy public health challenge. I am not saying there is no Ebola outbreak. I just emphasizing that these people will exploit every possible avenue to enrich themselves. Their mission is to save enough for themselves and families before the final scramble and partition. They obviously (from their actions)do not believe in the continuous existence of this entity called Nigerian.
Our attitude of playing passive roles in politics and governance is the reason why these tyrants are in power. Rephrasing what Governor Fashola said, … They offer us kerosene, and rice instead of steady power, portable water, good roads and sound infrastructure in general in exchange for our votes. This is evil. We cannot continue to adopt the “s don look (sit down and look) approach’.
This whole discussion and exchange of ideas would be a waste if people do not know how to participate. The coming 2015 elections is yet another time to perform our civic responsibilities. It starts from now, we must be registered, we must obtain the voters’ card and vote. The God fathers or parties will present candidates by parties (APC, PDP, Labour, APGA, etc), and then we must insist that they debate and address us the electorate. This way we would have an idea what they are made of. We cannot continue to vote blindly. As suggested in my last submission we must insist on quarterly feedback sessions with our leaders in order to assess their performance and ensure that they are on track, instead of waiting for four years to complain about their failure. Leaders can be impeached if they loose public support.
Paying lip-service to development and taking the back sow in the struggle to rescue Nigeria from the tyrants in power would be counter productive. The least you can do is to start by frowning at these tyrant, enlighten people in your immediate environment, and become an example of the change you expect in our leaders.
Pingback: Explosive Must Read For All Nigerians: Babatunde Fashola’s Inspiring Speech That Shook Presidency - NewsRescue.com | NewsRescue.com
We need good leaders that will positively transform this Nigeria for a better tomorrow.
I agree with you Abraham. Thanks for stopping by.
JS, am sorry to say this because it won’t taste palatable. So far I can’t see APC unseating GEJ come 2015. Not with the likes of Buhari and Atiku. If APC can field BRF and Tambuwal or Mark as his VP then Aso rock is open for them. The core north should forget about presidency for now, it is reaping time for terrible leadership and misrule of the past years. I stand to be corrected come 2015.
Olufemi, well what can I say? There is a myth that suggests incumbency can’t be unseated. Its up to the opposition party and the electorates to decide the future of Nigeria. We shall see soon. Thanks for stopping by.
Please Amechi Rotimi Williams is not of Apc please na PDP Him be you people should stop Fooling us
One Day the rain shall come it will be hot very hot to Red to behold they that survive should live but there is gonna be too manycasualties
man of God…lol……I don’t care about personalities. That is not what this discussion is about. Its a distraction. Read between the lines, let us learn from what Gov. Fashola has suggested. being philosophical about the plight of participants will make you a perpetual spectator if you get my drift. if we stay back and watch, waiting for the bad leader’s downfall, you may wait for a very long time. Man of God, na pray and work o….even fasting set no go fill stomach o.
What i think is not the man himself but nigerias should able to know that the country need a change. Am not a politician but u cannot pls everyone where in goverment lets read it and think of what u can do to help our great country NIGERIA
Sunday, what a rally call to all Nigerians. That is the spirit. That should be our renewed mentality. It is not about party affiliation here, far from it…..check out the politician and judge by promises and not cheap attacks. We have to move on from all the immature political sentiments. We have to see through the many paper weight politicians representing Nigeria. I rest my case. Sunday….mehnnn. thank you for your contribution. You truly understood the message. it wash no way a party political message.
Dear Jide Salu, I must commend you specially for the great job you have done so far on this blog, moderating varying contributions and aligning every single thought to the objectives of this blog which is to have process re-thinking and re-engineering towards the 2015 general elections and making sure Nigerians are well-advised to make their votes count by ensuring leaders who fear God, are accountable and passionate to serve and protect the people and deliver dividends of democracy are voted into power. This is a great job you have done so far. Sincerely, I get worried when I see that people’s reactions to educative articles such as the BRF’s are divided along the lines of tribalism, religions and political parties and I notice most of the reactions are sponsored by opposition groups. This is why I commend you. Great job! For me, I have been waiting earnestly for a time when Nigerians will begin to act objectively and not subjectively. Everything said in BRF’s article are without mincing words and only require only liberated minds to appreciate. I agree absolutely with the contents of the article and Nigerians should realize that today, APC is the main opposition, tomorrow it may be PDP or another party. We should remain indifferent. This is what Jide Salu is advocating if I am right?
Thank you and God bless Nigeria!
Abiodun….Wow! Wow! and a million Wows!!!!
ladies and gentlemen, I haven’t paid Abiodun for his comments, I can assure you.
You could not have surmised Gov. Fashola’s speech better. You nailed it. This speech is a dream come true for me to de-clutter political minds of Nigerian. We have to get it right this time Abiodun, we really do. If we keep on doing the same thing, having the same way of looking at our politicians, staying away and pointing fingers, shouting ‘thieves’ from afar, we will keep on getting the same results every election cycle.
We have to ask the right questions. i have been accused all my life as a realist and I make no apologies for this sentiment. i am so passionate about Nigeria, it is unreal.
Check out all the brilliant minds that have contributed to this discussion, it fills me with hope.
Gov. Fashola is not a one-off. it is the calibre of politicians Nigerians have permitted and tolerated that is turning him into a one-off. Don’t get me wrong, the man is full of ideas and was at the right place at the right time. The man is not a saint. However, the man has talked the talk and walked the walk. He hasn’t always got it right, but this leader has tried his best. He has tried to put into practice his theories. He is not only well read, he is educated.
Through his speech, he, in my opinion, has tried to change our mindset. There has to be a paradigm shift if we are ever going to realise our potentials as a gifted country full of gifted people. Surely there must be something wrong if we are unable to produce a gifted leader.
Permit me to share with you and readers some rambling that I literally transcribed onto a sheet of paper early this morning. Here it is;
RESULT
Every word you speak yields a result.
Every action you take produces a result.
Every thought set in motion leads to a result.
Every seed sown produces a fruit which is a result.
Every day you wake up to leads to a result.
Every thing you ignore leads to a result.
Every love you give receives back love which is a desired result.
Every hate dished out leads to an undesired result.
Revenge breeds a result.
Aim for a result you desire because it’s how you have been designed.
Be result driven
Finally, Abiodun, take time to read this inspiring read – Shaikh Mohammad – A role model for Nigerian leaders – which I posted yesterday evening. If it can be achieved in a desert, how much more in Nigeria.
….You got me going there Abiodun….thank you so much. Hope to see more of you with your comments of course. take care and God bless.
Having gone through Fashola’s speech i noticed 2 major issues there ie, governance & politics. All he said about governance is correct. But one thing is clear to me, i will always vote 4 Fashola for any elective post he vies for including d presidency. And this includes the likes of him. But i will not do same for Tinibu, who at best is a distraction to a purposeful & people oriented leader like Fashola. Then coming to politics. If u read b/w d lines u will observe that his speech is like asking u to debate on THE TEACHER & THE DOCTOR who is more important to d society or even less important, cos u will have more than enough materials to swim in any direction u so decide. Having said that, I think d greatest thing his speech has done is to once more sensitize us to what SERVICE to d people is all about or should be. And that should be our guide wen the chips are down.
Dear Emeka, thanks for your contribution. I will reiterate your point on the essential element of an elected leader, which is SERVICE to the people. Emeka you are right in making this point. Once the reader can pick up this very important point, you will suspend party politics for a minute.
I want readers not to get me wrong. i really do not care which party politics you play as long as this all important point – that is if your ultimate GOAL is to serve the people that voted you in. if that is your over riding objective, then every Nigerian would be richer for it.
So readers out there, who are picking on Fashola because of the manner in how he came to office or the role of the previous leader before him, my ask of you will be to judge him for not how he came to be, but for what he has done for the people. and if you seat and blame him for things he is yet to do, that is a different matter. A majority of Nigerians believe he has achieved a lot as a Governor while some other school of thought believe he has been deemed to have over achieved because of lack of ‘Fashola – like’ leaders in Nigeria. To or fro, the chap has led and history will judge him fairly in my opinion. Good on you Emeka for your line of thoughts. Hope to see you back with more incisive thoughts. God bless.
Thanks Jide, i am on d same page with u absolutely.
im amazed with the quality of thoughts of BRF.WE NEED YOUR LIKE ON THE SEAT OF OGA AT THE TOP.
well said, well directed but only meant for the WISE.
Shittu, thanks for stopping by. These quality thoughts are MEANT for EVERY NIGERIAN in my opinion. Those who us who get it must ensure we EDUCATE and ENLIGHTEN those who do not have a clue. It is our role. More of a duty. I have always said that I do not need a stage to make an impact. It just so happens this platform has given me the opportunity to do my little bit. We all, as Nigerians MUST find a tiny platform to effect change. I speak to all, be they drivers, house help, hawkers, cleaners, etc. I drop a wise crack and follow it up with a thought. It usually works and it does change attitudes. Shittu, spread these quality thoughts. Thank you so much for posting your comment. It means a lot to all of us. God bless you.
Seriously! If Nigeria Don’t respect people we have lost to get to the stage that Country is at the moment. Then; I will call Gov. Fashola hypocrite and President Goodluck Jonathan an Escapist!…..I am an Escapist too…I will always admire that in a Leader. I think What Gov. Fashola should do right now..is to dug up Marwa’s manifesto for Lagos State + Jakande’s Agenda….then I can swear to God Almighty…come fire or heaven or hell moving…he will become Vice President on a ticket with Former Vice President Atiku as the Presidential Candidate! I picked Atiku because I saw fear in his eyes after we lost Abacha and Abiola…He knows and understand worth of Human lives…Nigerians will mean much to Atiku and Fashola….! Atiku as been proven(He worked against OBJ when he knows the truth)-I was a Yoruba man then; i supported my clan but now….Atiku & Fashola will move mountains..if Gov. Fashola-dug up Marwa’s manifesto for Lagos State + Jakande’s Agenda & carry it out!
Oludare, thanks for stopping by. Much appreciated.
Very inspiring speech.. If only the Governor could at least complete most of his abandoned projects all around Lagos then we might be able to hear and understand him better. Nobody praises the Government at the center for there little accomplishment but the States are no exception for not delivering the dividend of democracy to their people. Revisiting the huge debt profile of Lagos and Rivers, one could ask if the level of development commensurate the money borrowed, federal allocations and Internally Generated Revenue. We all know what the answers are and efforts been made to attract public sympathy come 2015. As you rightly said Mr. Excellence, it’s time successful professional answered the clarion call of to serve their father land.
Reblogged this on prayzgeorgee and commented:
Very Sincerely…if we have but a few reasonable Nigerian in the top government,i tell you,Nigeria will rule America.
Hello Prayzeorgee, thanks for re-blogging. Let us keep this message alive. and i honestly believe once we begin to get it right, it will have a positive effect on the continent of Africa. I will pop over to say hi, I promise. take charge and hope to see you back. God bless.
A good one.
The man Fashola’s mind is always hungry of development.
I don’t see him as a Nigerian who uses any opportunity to sell himself like most others.
His is the urge to see his country developed like many others.
Sadiq, thanks for stopping by. We need leaders that can stand up and be counted. Leaders that can criticise and be comfortable when criticised. We need leaders that will stand up to speak and make Nigerians all over the world rise up in excitement.
i guess it sure bet for all to see that we don’t need BRF speeches again. this is its last lap. we have heard more speeches like this and even more better than what his writers penned down for him to deliver. statistics sometimes don’t matter. it about the National treasure interest from APC. Economically lagos is Big. But has it affected the general populace of the state. they live it late to buy the people through reduction of school fees, Arrest is now minimal, Lastma now apostle of advice and peace. no more incisive fines, turning bread winners into bread seekers, shop owners into shanties owners, even the civil servant has a lot to say, but because of fear of sack and sanction. they have resorted to keep silent.
take a visit to surulere, you will agree with me that some are still being patience for their area to be touched “SELECTED GOVERNOR” on road repairs and building new ones. how can you explain why some street are left untarred and the next one is well tarred, simply because the Governors friends and Associate stay on the tarred ones. TAX payers money in action indeed.
BRF u are fortunate to rule this great state. i hope posterity speaks well for you on resources and state treasury that you plunder with your Godfather……. recently you declare 18billion in TAX alone and your friends and associate talk positively about it for days in the media (paid advert). how can that be. who is responsible for the collection of the TAX? how did you arrived at that figure? are you being sincere with the IGR declared by your govt?
If i may quote you from the above mentioned speech;
Where is courage? The character to proceed even in spite of fear.
I think we will all do well to remember that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King led from the front in the civil rights movement, so did Mandela, so did Lee Kuan Yew in the agitation for Singapore‘s independence.
Barack Obama has been to the war fronts in countries where American troops (young men and women) are put in harm’s way, to inspire them.
My question to BRF is? Where is your courage to face ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU?
TOO MANY QUESTION, NO ANSWER.
HPE.
HPE, thank you so so so much for your thoughts. I really appreciate your time to pen this and participate in the discussion. Let me point out here to you and other readers that i am not in anyway representing Gov Fashola. I discovered the Speech and posted it because it resonated deeply with my long held thoughts. And judging by readers comments, I am not alone. Thank God.
…I started reading your comment and got to the part where you wrote….”we have heard more speeches like this and even more better than what his writers penned down for him to deliver. statistics sometimes don’t matter. it about the National treasure interest from APC.” >>>that made me stop. You lost me there I am afraid. I got impatient with your line of thoughts that I had to hit the reply button to let you know>>>>> Anyone that is unable to see through what Fashola has said inn hois speech must read it again without prejudice. For a few minutes, set aside your party affiliation and read between the lines. The beauty of Fashola’s line of thought is that, what is advocating can in fact be applied under any party in government. So to say that his speech is uncommon in Nigeria is unfair to say the least, and that is been polite. Now let me go back to your comments (bare with me, I shall be back)>>>>>
Statistics matter a lot for that matter HPE. Statistics don’t lie. They never lie. I write no more.
You asked Fashola – “Where is your courage to face ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU?”
And I ask you, where is your COURAGE to REVEAL your true identity and true affiliation?
We all have a role to play, be courageous to highlight the part you have played in developing Lagos state you appear to be passionate about. And if you had wanted to ask what I am doing, it may not be much, and it doesn’t have to be, but posting this article, taking time to reply almost every reader that has posted comments on this post, with my thoughts and passion, is my own tiny contribution to increasing awareness on the path we must take, come February 2015 elections. HPE, the mindset revolution is taking place. Join us, I beg of you. Go back and read the speech to realise the possibility we can achieve as a nation.
I very much look forward for your rejoinder. Thanks once again HPE for dropping by. God bless you.
Mind Revolution
I find your response to HPE interesting. Na wa for this faceless male or female O!!!!!
What struck me most is the term “mind revolution”. This is where the change should start from. People mindset must change if we are to emerge as a nation to be reckoned with. While leaving in this present time, with hindsight and experience, we must collectively chart a course for a sustainable future,
One Contributor also talked about reconstructing Nigeria. This needs to be addressed. The amalgamation of Nigeria was in the past, those alive today were not a party to it, unfortunately this is part of what we have inherited. I suggest he sheds light on how we must proceed to reconstruct Nigeria.
There is no denying the fact that there exist tribal and religious sentiments, however, the main challenge is with the selfish and unpatriotic citizens who somehow find themselves in political offices. There was a time when the system worked, there is ample evidence to buttress this. Today we have a total systemic breakdown, the military cant even be relied on, the kind of selective justice that Rawlins did in Ghana might not be possible in Nigeria, considering the population and level of compromised systems, For me the most sustainable and peaceful way to reconstruct Nigeria is to elect the right people who will make policy and constitutional changes that will protect the peoples interests and rights. Some leaders are already blazing the trail in this direction, what we need is a critical mass of people that are thinking right — and taking action.
Can Nigerian’s be united? Can Nigeria become one of the top ten countries in the world? For me the answers are Yes and Yes. .It starts with our attitudes and mindset. Some people can’t and don’t even attempt to lay the beds they sleep on. Their rooms are untidy so also their lives, and yet they aspire to lead. Such people should not be allowed smell leadership positions. In this era of Mind Revolution, we must focus on leading sustainable lives individually and as a nation. The onus is on us to select credible, knowledgeable and patriotic candidates both at party elections and at the general elections.2015 is around the corner please let’s get involved.
On the question of courage to face Tinubu, Fashola actually rose against Tinubu in his first term over an issue of the cost of a contract and propriety of which company to give it to, and this issue became a popular headline that lingered for almost two years in most dailies.. On Funsho Williams liquidation; Nigerians must put partisan affiliation engendered sentiments aside and remember that Obasanjo could not have swept the report of the probe under the carpet if Tinubu had been discovered as the hatcher of the plot. In all, Fashola has X-rayed the factors militating against our development- chiefest. among which is unprincipled and docile followership. Ayisha’s rejoinder, to me, lacks merit in the sense that it stands logic on its head to ask how an impoverished people can fight the bad government. In the first instance an unimpoverished people don’t even need to fight their government as their unimpoverished state means their government is a good one. The reason why Nigerians don’t fight to change their government is due to greed and the hope of getting to where the national cake is one day. In the states where people have voted out bad governance and rioted against such, are they on a higher minimum wage than the national N18,000?
Hmmmnnnn. Potent questions asked. Very deep indeed. Thanks for sharing. would have loved to have had a name behind these thoughts though. But never mind. I am grateful.
You must be a big fool to think the government can please everybody. The government couldn’t have asked LASTMA to extort people(those guys chose to abuse the privileges of their office) and likewise I’m sure you are not blind to the development witnessed in Lagos. How can you justify people selling on major roads? Have major roads turn to our markets? As you’re claiming breadwinners are daily turned to bread seekers. Grow up Mr.
MacDelsan, i am sure this is a response to a reader’s comment. I agree with you though. There is no place on earth the government can please all the people. What we can demand though is where they are taking the people! thanks MacDelsan. Much appreciated.
My support for BRF is not about his speech rather in the evidence of the works which are laudable in every part of the state. This is a type of leaders that my beloved country desire to take us to the promise land. Wish to see you in the affair of the federation of the country someday. God bless Nigeria
Hi Shola, thanks for taking time to post your comment. I will find it extremely difficult to disagree with your comment. The man is not perfect. I am almost certain he is aware of that. However, we need someone who Nigerians all over the world ail be proud to call a leader. Thanks and hope to see you back. God bless.
It will do us good to first of all know the problem of Nigeria before we tent to profer solution. I perceive that you have willed the fate of Nigerian nation into the hand of a single individual. so you can praise one representative and condemn the other.
Nigeria will never cross the red sea until the very law that governs Nigeria is made to serve the people and not to kill them.
The dual ideology that it’s rugging this nation is a time bomb that is already exploding and under these huge distraction we expect our leader to concentrate in development. ofcourse they will be distracted.
The purported inspiring speech of BRF suggests that will he will do better if he becomes the president of Nigeria, and i perceive that he might first of all defuse the bombs that is causing distraction here and there. That makes me kind of wonder that he can’t do any better except he had hands in the setting of the bombs which they all think they will defuse when they rule Nigeria-this is where APC comes into matter.
Back to the issue of dual ideology: your constitution says you have freedom of worship, the other parts says if you dare change religion you must die. Until Nigeria as a nation goes circular, a good person with must inspiring speech will fail woefully.
Their trap will soon catch them.
Peter, thank you for your thoughts. reading between the lines, I could tell you mean well as a friend of Nigeria. Every Nigerian knows the problem just as every American or Briton or Russian, etc. Solutions are cheap, but extremely expensive to implement. This is what makes this speech inspiring. An attempt by a leader in the current political set-up to prover thoughts that will make every meaning flu Nigerian to think differently.
I agree with this thought – “Nigeria will never cross the red sea until the very law that governs Nigeria is made to serve the people and not to kill them.” you expressed. This is why every Nigerian must now choose to be pro-active inn politics. We can no longer be spectators. I can’t clarify APC or PDP’s political strategies, but you know what, with this inspiring speech, Nigerians are now awake to read between the lines and demand more from our leaders.
On the issue of DUAL IDEOLOGY, I strongly disagree with your assertion. There should never be a cap on ideologies. All we ask for is to lead us to the RED SEA as you beautifully put it. Going the path of RELIGION is a NO NO for me. Once Nigerians choose to be open minded, the right people will be bold enough to contest for positions. Peter, this is our dream. thanks for stopping by.
STUNNING SPEECH NO DOUBT.
I LIKE THAT APC IS SPEAKING THROUGH A WELL RESPECTED DEMOCRATIC LEADER. NICE STRATEGY.
NEVER THE LESS, I CONCOR.
IN AS MUCH AS I WANT TO SUPPORT APC, THE FEW BAD EGGS SHOULD BE SHUT UP. ITS ONE THING FOR ALL THIS TO BE PUT ON PEN AND PAPPER AND A BRILIANT, STUNNING YOUNG MAN COMES TO DELIVER IT AND ANOTHER FOR IT TO TAKE PLACE AND MOST OF ALL, CONTINUITY.
THATS LIKE THE MAJOR FACTOR NIGERIA LACKS. I HOPE FASHOLA RUNS.
IT WILL BE AN HONOUR TO VOTE AND SEE HIM SEE THINGS THROUGH.
BACK TO THE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION.
IN LEW OF WHAT GOVERNOR FASHOLA HAS SAID, MY OPINION GOES DOS;
WHEN SEEKING FUNDS AND SUPPORT FROM ELITE’S, ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE THEM SECURITY AND PROTECTION? HIDE THERE IDENTITY FROM THE PRESENT RULING PARTIES.
IS POLITICS ONLY FOR THE ELITE?
I THINK AS YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN DOING, THE MEDIA IS THE BEST WEAPON OF WARFARE AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.
I SEE A FEW FAUSTRATED NIGERIANS EXPRESSING THEMSELVES BUT LIKE GOVERNOR FASHOLA RIGHTLY SAID, IGNORANCE AND NONE CHALANT ATTITUDE GOVERNANCE IS THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO ANY INDIVIDUAL IN A SOCIETY.
I SUPPORT APC AND ITS THEORIES KNOWING ITS BEEN IMPLEMENTED ALREADY BY MAJORITY OF ITS RULING STATES, AND HOPE IN CONTINIUTY AND NOT LAGING BEHIND.
FROM ME
FOLARANMI ALADE-DAUDA
Thank you Folaranmi for taking time to post your comments. So glad you are able to join the debate. The honest truth is that, for the duration of reading Fashola’s inspiring speech, I forgot the political party he belonged to. What Nigerians need to adopt, agree, this will be a paradigm shift for many, is to identify the reasons the politician wants power. What are the promises? The person canvassing for our voters must be able to make some promises and back them up with methodologies. Our leaders must know that they are accountable to its citizens. They must also have a paradigm shift to lead by example. It is possible. I honestly believe so. Thanks once again for stopping by. Kindly copy and paste the message below on twitter, Facebook,, etc. This message MUST be seen by as many Nigerians as possible. Thanks
WHY EVERY NIGERIAN MUST READ http://wp.me/pn3rt-68U THIS ARTICLE B4 2015 ELECTIONS. RETWEET 4 IT TREND #FasholaSpeech pic.twitter.com/jOKfK7pBOe
How could you possibly say you forgot what party he belonged to? It was obvious through out the speech, that to me was a turn off, because it did not seem like a critic based on difference in ideology but in party. I really don’t think APC is better than PDP, I';m indifferent to both of them. But I believe an individual can stand up to do the right thing in position regardless of what party he belongs to. What I want to see is a man who is ready to do the right thing for the country, whetherr PDP, APC , APGA or Labour Party.
…and I agree with you Chu. irrespective of party affiliation, just perform. let us have your policies. We must be clear what the leader believes in. This is the ideology that must be passed on. This EDUCATION has to start now. WHAT HAS HE/SHE GOT TO OFFER should be the question asked come any elution in Nigeria. let us decide base, not on party, or wealth, or family but on if the politician can deliver. Period. Thanks Chu for your contribution.
I am honestly impressed by his deep thoughts that brought about this lecture and have also heard so much about his achievements despite those who were villified by his policies. I only know in Nigeria, we will get there but there are more uncommitted folks out there who believes an opportunity should be exploited and that makes things worse. How I pray our outstanding governor will make a public declaration of his assets after tenure like a VC in the west who on completion of tenure declared his assets and said that if he had taken anything that does not lawfully belong to him…..
That I think would crown his efforts because when I see the sufferings of the average man and what politicians do, I just wonder if they are human beings anymore not feeling the pains of their citizenry. Only God will judge while one day we will have all it takes to make them account even to the 40years. God bless Nigeria
Kingsley, I have also been impressed with Gov. Fashola’s thoughts. Oh yes, I have hope for Nigeria. Always have, always will. Thank you for stopping by. Spread the wave of change. We can make it happen.Our next President should not be dependent on his state of origin but what he is able to offer. Take care and God bless.
What is Mr Governor’s point???
1. APC
2. THE NEXT PRESIDENT
I am a Nigerian, i am neither blind nor deaf nor dump or crippled. I see…i don’t need such elaborate speech to understand how HUNGRY for POWER all of you(APC, PDP, APGA…etc) have become. Don’t preach to us again, we are not interested until you all ACCEPT to STEP OUT of power and become ordinary citizens. Alas…non of you, not one can live a day after because your lungs are connected to the federation account. Listen…Mr SAN, whether you are DEAF or DUMP or BLIND or LAME or CRIPPLED; a DEFECT is a DEFECT.
That PDP loots money or APC sponors Boko haram or APGA assassinates, doesn’t make you defer from one another. You all the same. Committing varying degrees of crime.
My point is: spare us the speech, vote yourselves in and stop bugging us with unnecessary information. We have had enough. Lastly i wish to remind you that the WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING, ONE-DAY THERE WILL BE AN UPRISING & YOU ALL WILL EVENTUALLY BE WIPED OUT OF THE CORRIDORS OF POWER FOREVER. Then the Viberate Nigerian youths will have their rightful place in DESTINY because we are the PILLARS OF THIS GREAT NATION.
A learned man, dead or alive will never ever ABUSE the seat of Presidency…..Food for thought.
Signed
The Reading Leaders.
Engineer, I thank you for taking the time to release your frustrations. I am equally as frustrated, if not more than you. We all are. However, one thing is guaranteed, there will always be leaders. There will always be politicians and there will always be the bad leader. What we advocate if for the imbalance to change….we want more of the good ones than the bad ones. to seat and paint all politicians with the same brush is bait rich. Another point we must completely eradicate as Nigerians is to be personal. let us always stick to the issue. Engineer, for crying out loud, the only reason why this speech as resonated with thousands of Nigeria is because its different. So, i beg to differ if you paint all Nigerian politicians with the same brush. If you look closer, there are many differences and if we create the right environment, many off them will thrive. Would you label the Agriculture Minister Akinwumi Adesina, who was named Forbes African of the Year in 2013 useless? How about Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of Health.? Who has impressed all with his handling of the Ebola outbreak alongside his Lagos state counterpart Jide Idris. Dr Joe Abah, of Bureau of Public service reforms is another Director General who is heading reforms in the civil service. The outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhajhi Bukar Goni Aji is another Nigerian who had performed without any fanfare. Take time to read a book commissioned by the BPSR on his achievements – very impressive record. I will recommend all to take time to glance through his achievements which is GOOD NEWS and no body would talk about – http://bpsr-nigeria.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/excerpts-from-book-challenges-of_11.html
I appreciate your time and comments.
There is nothing new in this speech.It is the same old stories we have heard over and over.
Dear Peter, thanks for your taking time to post your thought. Did you read the whole speech? I know its lengthy! Nothing NEW in the speech you wrote? Could you kindly send me links of similar speeches you have read in your time. I would really appreciate that. When i read comments similar to yours, i am afraid, and please do not take this personal – a pathetic and lazy way of looking at the future. ‘Same old stories’ comments are normally heard in the salon or saloon. as Nigerians, we have to do better with our we view genuine ideas/thoughts. It’s an irritation to engage commentators that come up with your summation. Just my thought Peter, just my thought. Hope to read from you again. Cheers.
“A learned man, dead or alive will never ever ABUSE the seat of Presidency…..Food for thought.”
Take your time and re-read all that Gov. Fashola has said………..
Its high time we decide what we want for the future.
That’s the message.
DrBoa, thank youuuuuuuuuuu. the message is getting out. do you know what I haven’t asked readers to do, it is to tweet this speech, reblog, send emails to friends and let us us get Nigeria thinking again. DrBoa, you have just given me a new idea you know. Could I ask you to do that please?
On twitter, you can copy and paste this campaign – WHY EVERY NIGERIAN MUST READ http://wp.me/pn3rt-68U THIS ARTICLE B4 2015 ELECTIONS. RETWEET 4 IT TREND #FasholaSpeech pic.twitter.com/jOKfK7pBOe
Many keep talking about sit of president,it is an elected post not an inherited position,people elect hin there is acoountable to them, the power is confired on through consistution,so the people has riight to ask him question when he do not perform or do the right.been a president do not make you a king you are elected and you must be ready to face issue send to you by the electorate,please nigeria is not different from western world if we sais we are practicing democracy.LOok at what happen in usa of rescent the killing os the innocent harmless boy, the was challenged and he was answerable to the people for judtice,do we no how many peopl have been and publish on page of news paper whata answer did the president sit do, instead intimidate the electorate I repeat the presedent is is by election not inheritance infact the throne of king is more honorable before God than than president because they are directly answerable to GOd because is an institution establish by him why that if president is institution established by men and should be anserable to men who established iApplicantion for the post of assistant manager(maintenance department)t
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.
David, thank you so much for your contribution. Oh yes, I agree with you that the position of the President is not inherited. The president plus every other elected leader must be accountable to the people and every Nigerian must see it right. We must educate our brothers and sisters to stand up and question elected leaders. Thanks for your comment. Really appreciate it.
JS, yu seem to be very happy congratulating those yu share the same concerns with. What the issues may be, one should not direct them to the seat of power – arrant madness. Address the issues and guide the people to see where there is more space to Maneuver or at least make more use of the limited space there find themselves. God bless u all.
Jude, I don’t get….let me first CONGRATULATE you for stopping by and telling it as it is. Firstly Jude, you are right I congratulate those that have taken time to read the speech and read through the lines. On the matter of those who raise issues, of course there is no way i am able to address issues because I am not in the seat of power, and if i were to direct them to the appropriate department, these same people do not trust the leaders in charge.
So jude, what I amm focussed on doing is to encourage as many readers to not only read the speech, but to also suspend political sentiments for a moment.
My point is this. we all know the issues. Everyone does. so that makes it a non issue. The REAL ISSUE, in my sincerely humble opinion is the FOUNDATION. If the foundation is full of FAULT LINES, then why not correct ii. If we keep on inviting the same builder, how do you think the foundation will change. If people that have been at top of politics in the era of Awolowo, for example, still strongly influence decisions in Nigeria today, then there is a problem.
i want people to read and under the speech without [political sentiments. when we are able to change our mindset in selecting leaders, then we are able to throw questions at them and they will not insult us because they know that is what they have been chosen for, to answer to the people. This is my take Jude.
I have been partisan and I don’t intend to be. I am for good leadership and accountability. How proud do you think I would have been if the speech was read by pour own President? i would have gone gaga with excitement.
Jude thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts, much appreciated.
If this comment is coming from a Nigerian Youth then I fear the worst for our nation. Nevertheless its an opinion, albeit an angry myopic one. However there is an old saying “In the Land of the Blind the One Eyed Man is King” If that One Eyed Man happens to ride off the back of the APC, I’d rather place my bets there. So Kudos to Governor Fashola for having the vision on a One Eyed Man in a country of the BLIND political rulers.
Babajide, name sake….hmmmmnnnn, thanks foremost for stopping by and adding to the discussion. really couldn’t follow your chain of thoughts though. I agree, not everyone will agree with Governor Fashola, but like is customary with critics in Nigeria, I always have time for critics that can offer an alternative thought rather than long winded paraphrased dug up proverbs that hoping it will make them look academic. If you can deem what you read an ‘angry myopic one’, and you consider yourself a youth, then God help Nigeria. Moreso, offer a clear thought please. I will suggest you go back calmer, not angry and be open minded for the sake of Nigerian youths. I am assuming you are one. Thanks for stopping by namesake. Hope to read from you soon….and I mean it.
You are very correct sir, all ofif them are thieves looking for way to look federal account. I personally first thought APC are been established to fight for humanity n masses little did I know that they are even worse. Go to lusuth and see how you will be compulsory to run a test n scan at the so called BT Complex (Bola Tinubu Complex) at Times 5 of the original price. This meansthe hospital is no it for common man. Check out how Tinubu summon all LG in the state to contribute N25m each when ever there is election in other state. Only one man collects all most Lagos atate and APC states contracts all in the name of God Fatherism. I personally don’t really have issue with Fashola coz He who pays piper dictates its tune. We really need to wake up. All these people and party are really deceiving us. What have Fashola done his second term. Nothing and I can boldy say it. But they were just keep making money for next election. Sorry to say what Nigeria need now is God Fearing military that will deal with all these deceivers by putting them to jail so as to serve as a lesson for coming generations
Bayo, thanks for your comments. and I can feel this speech is gradually becoming partisan which isn’t our purpose here. My specific goal, what I intend to achieve by posting this speech is to bring Nigerians to the place that a leader in Nigeria has spoken on the way leadership ought to be. That he has given hope where we hitherto thought there was none. That there is HOPE if we believe so. That we can decide rather than let others decide for us. That every voter in Nigeria has the POWER in their VOTE to DECIDE rather than be PASSIVE and POINT accusing fingers.
So Bayo, you have rolled our a list of things that are wrong accusing some people in the process. my question to you is WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? ….and please do not say NOTHING because that has been the bane of our problems. It frustrates me to hear this very silly of excuses. The mother of excuses. We must always remember that the Tinubu(s) of this world that a majority of people pick as an easy target to get at MADE up his mind to do something. Now whether how he goes about it is to a satisfaction of a majority of Nigerians is another matter. the fact of the matter is that the guy got up from his ass and did. he has stood up to be counted, rightly or wrongly. So. please and please, I beg of you….Tinubu or Goodluck or any other politician is not the issue here and should never be.
The way politics is played in Nigeria is our downfall. we pick on PERSONALITIES instead of POLICIES, ISSUES and what matters to the ordinary man or woman on the street.
If anyone has specific issues, what I have am saying is, we have less than 6 months to spread the news, that we must have a change in mindset. VOTE FOR THOSE YOU THINK CAN DELIVER. VOTE OUT THOSE YOU THINK CAN’T. REPORT CORRUPTION. LET US CHANGE CORRUPT HABITS for we deserve the leaders that precise over Nigeria….enough said.
bayo, thanks for stopping by.
Reblogged this on Ajibola abiodun's Blog.
Thanks Ajibolabiodun for re-blogging. I shall pay you a visit soon….and trust me you will know I have been around…lol.
To support the ministry, re-blogged also @ http://newsportalng.blogspot.com/2014/08/explosive-must-read-for-all-nigerians.html
Hello Fela, I have checked out your blog and also left a comment. Thanks for spreading the message. I will also recommend you direct your friends to your blog and encourage them to post their views to encourage a debate, similar to the one taking place. Yes, we can all do it. Thanks for stopping by.
May Allah bless u for this amazing piece
Thank you Agava, I return the parents. Let us continue to act, educate others and spread the message of hope.
God bless you too.
God bless every reader of this inspiring article.
God bless Nigeria.
Words on Marble. Feel sorry for Nigeria.
Dear Olu, you don’t need to feel sorry for Nigeria. Nigerians all over the world who yearn for success and prosperity for its country wouldn’t feel sorry. Our situation wouldn’t get better by feeling sorry. Olu, you and I should get up and make a go of it. we must be hopeful. Giving up is not an option. Thanks for stopping by. Really appreciate it. Don’t give up on Nigeria just yet…..
The first time I had the privilege of being at a lecture by BRF (in 2011/2012), I said to myself, this is a man Nigeria needs to listen to. in the midst of professors, lecturers and academicians in a campus auditorium, he challenged the concept of maintaining courses in the curriculum without identifying their relevance in our modern day society with its new challenges.
The reality is that Nigerians need to stop running around for a minute, think of the Nigeria they would be ready to die for and start asking, even demanding for the things that will take Nigeria there. Highlighting the influence of the elites and technocrats is very important, but everyone is a part. People need to realise that we are all political beings and use that understanding positively.
Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences to human mind. A lesson tools for every nigeria.
I concur Joesy K……I concur.
…add, selflessness to the two you values you nominated.
Thanks Joesy for your thought. Much appreciated.
fashola has said it all. but the truth is that when he entered as the Lagos state governor, he entered as an individual desirous of a change and not as a political party. And today, Lagos state is now a place where we are all proud of. he transformed Oshodi, Mushin, Ikeja etc, and turned it around for good. he came in with a vision and a goal. but how many leaders in Nigeria have such vision and goal. i believe the moment we put aside tribalism, and political party away, that is when our Nigeria will grow. Today the United State if filled with different people from different backround, colour, race, etc, yet they came together to develop their country. One thing i noticed is that they love their country first before loving their colour or race. I believe come 2015, if we can vote for a leader that loves this country, then Nigeria will grow. we should vote for the individual not the party. After all, APC is not perfect, but i chose fashola because of is goal and vision not because of his political party. I am sure he faced several challenges especially in the hand of corrupt superiors and subordinate, yet he chose to put Lagos state first. we should not vote for the man that will appeal to our sense of pity or passion ( through spoken words) , instead to a man that desires the good of our country. i believe in Nigeria.
“We should not vote for the man that will appeal to our sense of pity or passion ( through spoken words) , instead to a man that desires the good of our country. i believe in Nigeria.” I reiterate that shout out Kehinde. Well articulated. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I smell an aroma of change, not along party politics, or party affiliations, but in political awareness, political ideology and choice of candidates. Nigerians are no fools. We must call our leaders to account. We must be more vigilant. We must educate (I will never be tired of writing about this particular duty for all) the vulnerable, the desperate and the unemployed who make emotional decisions based on there immediate circumstance. We have to break down to the vulnerable what the promises of the candidates are. We must filter candidates deceit. There has to be a change. We demand it and we must make it happen. However,we can’t do it alone. We must carry along the vulnerable Nigerians who are hungry and sell their vote in exchange for a meal for the day.
Kehinde thanks for taking the time to express your thoughts.
Today, if you feel the same energy that I do, if you feel the same urgency that I do, if you feel the same passion that I do, if you feel the same hopefulness that I do, if we do what we must do, then I have no doubt that all across our nation, we will reclaim our lost glory, its promise, and out of this long political darkness a brighter day will come. which is the reason to educate the electorate to come and vote not for a party but for a personality that will put party aside though not easy but will deliver the dividend of democracy to us all.
i stand for that man who can turn this nation around, just as the esteemed Governor has said, we all should join hand in passing the message on to the next person, especially our market women who for a cup of salt will sale their vote, the touts, the bus driver and conductor, the ordinary man on the street who knows next to nothing.
Ohhhhh J smic (would have loved to address you by your real name) never mind, you are speaking my language. This is the task for every reader of this rally call. The time of been passive in politics is over. You may ask yourself….but how can I help? You have just narrated how every Nigerian should tackle the task ahead. And I believe it can be achieved. I honestly believe so. Judging bu the many thousands on this site alone that has read this article and for those of you who are able to post comments, we all ought to be hopeful. Hope should be preached. Letting them get on with it is past tense. We must EDUCATE, EDUCATE and EDUCATE our fellow Nigerians who are under pressure to decide to ease the pain for today, forgetting the pain of tomorrow. This psyche has to change now. Thank you so much for these eloquent thoughts.
This is the type of forum is been looking for. Balanced, detribalised, educative, intructive, challenging and inspiring. I don’t line APC as a party nor PDP, but love Fasola for his different approach to governance.
Please link me to your blog Mr Jide. With people i read their comments here, i now see hope for our beloved country.
God bless you for this good work.
Hello Akin, so nice to have found this blog. I am glad you have been inspired by the speech and quality of views both for and against. All I am doing is to my little bit which is tp drive home the following points;
1. You can belong to a political party, which is your fundamental right, but don’t support blindly. Ask questions and know what the politician stands for.
2. To change our attitude towards politics. As long as we remain a spectator, the wrong set of people that know the rough ways to bully the desperate Nigerians will continue to buy votes and run this country aground.
3. We must EDUCATE, EDUCATE and EDUCATE the desperate Nigerians. Nigerians that only think of surviving for today and not tomorrow.
4. Keep this discussion going. 2015 elections must not be business as usual. We must send a strong message to every politician that Nigerians are no fools. Enough is enough.
Akin, thanks for taking time to post your comments. All you need to do to stay up to date with posts from this blog is for you to subscribe, the button is on the front page. This will enable you receive latest posts. Take care and God bless.
Nigerians voting for a man of ideas is one thing but if the man of ideas will EVER step out to contest is another thing entirely. Because like Gov Fashola rightly stated virtually all the intellectuals , disciplined people with both the fear of God and feelings for the people are not willing to step out and be a politician let alone contest .
Dear Oba, your question is so spot on! The men and women of ideas must begin to step out and be counted if we are ever going to realise the fruits of this long held tag called ‘POTENTIAL’. What do you think Oba? Thanks for dropping by.
Great Speech from creative and visionary leader. We need to work on this speech for actualization of True Nigeria.
Kay, I agree…we all need to work hard and we have an opportunity, come February 2015. Thanks for your comment.
BRILLIANT….its such a wake up calls..kudos sir
Joseph, I thought so too. Its truly a WAKE UP CALL for every living Nigerian. We can do it. I know we can.
hmmmm talk is cheap though but to make use of it is a bit hard…mr fashola hope all these is not because of 3rd term lol
BRF’s comment was obviously political so why are pretending to be neutral here…he mentioned nothing good about the present administration.I don’t listen to people that try to bring others down for their own selfish reasons.APC and PDP are filled with thesame kind of people and APC is even worse because its filled with agrieved PDP members.Who is the saint in APC is Tinubu,BUhari,el rufai and the likes…recently in osUn state,Oyinlola joined APC after all the things He did…APC is old wine in a new bottle.When I see a party with integrity I’ll give them my support and let me say PDP is not better either.
Ok Ezeoma. Firstly thanks for posting your comments. Really appreciate this.
Ezeoma, i don’t think you are more frustrated and aggrieved that an average well meaning Nigerian. I really don’t think so. these are my thoughts. We must leave sentiments alone and focus on what is right and wrong. We must move on from party ideologies because in Africa, dare I write, ideologies are deemed foreign. May be Africans did have ideologies before independence when it was forced upon us to believe in a unified thought.
My point being Ezeoma….BRF has valid points. There is no way he doesn’t. You and I are just frustrated because these brilliant thoughts are been vocalised by a politician. How would you have felt if these thoughts were espoused by our President?
I know talk is cheap, but do you also know that deep thoughts are hard to come by, especially from seating politicians. Let us give BRF some credit irrespective of what you perceive as pretence.
We are not talking about SAINTS here because you and I are not, and will never be.
Thanks for your honest contribution.
I think that was my basic problem with the speech. A lot of truths but a bit to party sided for me. APC has Tinubu. I entered a cab with an elderly car hire owner. a man who through hard work of driving from the 60s had trained his kids in the university and they have rewarded him by increasing his business from one car to three cars. As we drove round places in lekki and ikoyi, and I wondered at the some new buildings, he’d say “Tinubu, ori kan, (one head)”. He listed all the properties Tinubu is reputed to own and how Tinubu literairly owned Lagos. He said if it was hard work, he had been driving for 40years, how many buildings does he have? Indeed, the question for the only Governor I truly respect and would vote form him as a presidential candidate if he ran is, how will you answer this my old disillusioned taxi man who equates PDP and APC as the same therefore? I would be more swayed perhaps, if he left APC and formed a new party where the elite he asked about can join, where people can join and pay regular party dues and it would be enough and where we can critic the government objectively on a new platform.
Wow Gwen. Could I thank you for your contribution. Let me first point this out, that I am not in any position to answer on behalf of my esteem Governor, Babatunde Fashola. When you wrote a bit party sided, Gwen, what exactly would you rather; he couldn’t possibly write from PDP’s point of view because he is an APC card carrying member, neither would I expect Jonathan to put views across with a bias for APC. We mustn’t get carried away here Gwen. What is happening in Nigeria politically is only UNIQUE due to one main reason, in my humble opinion. Unaccountability. If this is tackled, every politician will contest with the aim to achieve and leave a legacy. The same Taxi driver who is obviously not a fan of Tinubu – and I bet he probably has many friends with similar thoughts – did not tell you how he has campaigned against the party in power, how he has educated his friends to take advantage and kick Tinubu and his supposed cohorts out of power. What the taxi driver failed to realise is power he possesses as a voter.What we ought to do is to educate these guys to form pressure groups and use it to force politicians at the local, state and federal levels to account for their actions. Enough of talk and pointing fingers. On your other point, our democracy is not ready for an independent candidate. Running for election is extremely costly all over the world. The elites are not openly partisan. They roll with the winner. Nothing stops us from critiquing our politicians policies right now. Nothing stops us. Gwen, thanks for taking time to post your comment.
I Think you are wrong even the westeen world have there own issue am not apc or pdp not even a card caring member of a part.the work of each lkeader speak for them, I agree with what fashola have sais see for yourself may I ask you when gani fawehime came out as president did you vote for him,if nO why complain when we see the right one we say they are tooo principle,infact the best of goverment and leader ship nigeria haa ever had was idiagbon buhari in few month we know what thet did, you complain Of rigility and dictatorship finally WE aRE ALL PART OF THE NIGERIAN PROBLeM DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY,fashola is right we vote in nigeria based on entnicity not based on personality and achievement, how can you vote for a person who cannot declare his asset. To talk but few, what happen to awolowo that even the world. Called the president nigerian never had,Please nigeria is not practising democracy at all. From david osho solomon.the real people are not vorted for in nigeria THE BEAUTIFUL ARE NOT YET BORN BUT THE URGLY REFUSE TO DIE,WHEN THE BEAUTIFUL ARE BORN THE URGLY WILl BE OUT OF SITE,until we change our metality nothing will change
Wow! Wow! Wow!!!
Thanks Engineer Solomon for your passionate comments. I believe it is not too late to make this elusive change for a BETTER NIGERIA possible. I honestly believe so.
About your quotation Engineer….hmmmnnnn “THE BEAUTIFUL ARE NOT YET BORN BUT THE URGLY REFUSE TO DIE,WHEN THE BEAUTIFUL ARE BORN THE URGLY WILl BE OUT OF SITE,until we change our metality nothing will change”.
I am not sure I concur entirely. I believe the beautiful are alive and kicking in Nigeria. You are one of the beautiful. Also, we can make, with EDUCATION and the power of our VOTE kick the UGLY out of site. Kindly copy and paste the message below on twitter, Facebook,, etc. This message MUST be seen by as many Nigerians as possible. Thanks
WHY EVERY NIGERIAN MUST READ http://wp.me/pn3rt-68U THIS ARTICLE B4 2015 ELECTIONS. RETWEET 4 IT TREND #FasholaSpeech pic.twitter.com/jOKfK7pBOe
Many keep talking about sit of president,it is an elected post not an inherited position,people elect hin there is acoountable to them, the power is confired on through consistution,so the people has riight to ask him question when he do not perform or do the right.been a president do not make you a king you are elected and you must be ready to face issue send to you by the electorate,please nigeria is not different from western world if we sais we are practicing democracy.LOok at what happen in usa of rescent the killing os the innocent harmless boy, the was challenged and he was answerable to the people for judtice,do we no how many peopl have been and publish on page of news paper whata answer did the president sit do, instead intimidate the electorate I repeat the presedent is is by election not inheritance infact the throne of king is more honorable before God than than president because they are directly answerable to GOd because is an institution establish by him why that if president is institution established by men and should be anserable to men who established
When, I say the beautiful are yet born,I mean there are good people what imean is tha the good young people should take over how can you called youth leader of tomorrow when in a party the youth leader is older than president himself,if youth are leader of tomorrow, what plan do they have for them no education and no plan I see president good luck jonathan talk about nigerian engineer,how many reasearch institute has been established,how many final year project in the university have federal goverment worked on the are all rusting,professor awojobi design an suv produce some for federal goverment military did they help him to grow no some years ago, the family sold the trade mark and design to an european company what did fedral govenment do,the name of the SUV is AUTO NOV 1 check it on google many more so nigerian engineer are doing great,no single individual project stand without the govenment support, talk of general motor,theere railway the goverment was involved how many have they been involve, right is government AMEB0 was design and constructed by NAF what has he done why blamin nigerian engineer, the best of them ran away to aviod brain drain, they work with microsoft,google etc
I remember my own project it would have help the military, telecom,radio station, defence, control tower,misile detection
I AM CHALLENGING THIS CABINET TO DEBATE ON THIS IF THERE ROOM FOR IT
He should stop comparing us with outside world they should put things in place
Engineer, you are speaking my language now and that of many other Nigerians I believe. Discussing issues. I couldn’t give answers to any of the issues you raised I must confess. i am not in power. But you know what Engineer, the more of us pick issues with our leaders instead of being personal….throwing cheap jives that will turn the issue at hand to a non-issue, the more our leaders will commit to perform. It is the only way forward Engineer. So good to have you return. God bless you. Please encourage more people to look at issues and less of personalities who go personal, give out money as gifts,etc to get into power rather than discuss what they will do for the people long term….anyway, Engineer, you get my point.
Is there anything good about this administration? If you have ever travelled out of this country you wont say that cos we dont have a government. I mean Federal Government has failed for 15 years.
Hello Seun, you may say the Fed Government has failed for 15 years, but if truth is to be written, it is Nigeria that has failed. Nigerians have failed. If you are truly proud of your country, you ought to be tired of playing the blame game. Those times are stale. There is now a quiet revolution of the mindset taking place. The era when a politician that can’t string together a meaningful sentence or stand up to debate policies is over. We, as Nigerians must update our mentality. We must stop the blame game and ensure our leaders are accountable. Thanks for stopping by.
Can this man declare his asset now and before he become the governor of Lagos state? Can he tell Lagosians why Lekki-Ajah expressway was abandon only for them to come again to site when they know that 2015 is around the corner.
Ernest, you are always welcome on this site with your comments. Unfortunately I am not in a position to answer on behalf of Governor Fashola. What baffles me though is that whenever there is a re-think in policy, there is always a natural assumption its political.
For crying out loud, the policy was changed and as an electorate you have the power to select a candidate you deem capable. Thanks for stopping by.
Before you complain about lekki ajah ht road was a trunckey project, is a process where an individual or company want to use there money to execute project and be paid back indifferent way either by concession or any way, please that road is federal government road abandoned but it was ARM that took the project up not lagos state, only issue is that federal goverment gave the road to them do you. Ask yourself why should state goverment place a toll gate on federal road without federal compianing ask yoirself MR man so StoP blaming. Fashola ask FGN why did they allow it,what of the ikoyi bridge please ask the federal government if they don’t get anything as return because state, has no such power on federal if there was no agreement. I think we should rally round an achiever for better things.AsK them why did they allow state to creat toll gate on federal. I have much to say about ikorodu road please ASK FGN WHy,with whole many in central purse what did they doneo NOTHING
YOU ASK aBOUT TINUBU WHAT HE HAS done about, tinubu mind you fashola has done a lot EG in tax collection,ability for him todo what is best without been control by. AGOd father please see for yourself. I kEEp SAYING I An NOt APC or PDP but a man who thing about future,appreciate good work and praise good work that was how you complain about idiabgon/buhari and when they left you start saying they. Should have stay appreciate goog thiNgs
LET
BRF is slowly but surely making a case for himself as a viable Presidential candidate. Not because he is right in all his assertions but his ability to articulate his thoughts and visions for a progressive Nigeria -in a way that I have not seen GEJ even begin to attempt. In a way that sets him out as a great thinker. When the time comes to choose, it is visions such as this that will sway my vote. Not religion or ethnic extraction nor political party. Albeit, these are the things that guide most Nigerians. But we shall someday learn to look beyond these trivialities and move our nation forward
Dear Lalah, you have said it all. Well articulated comment. Thanks for stopping by.
If only he can ascend to that position. I would really like to see if he would still be as articulate and visionary.It is easy to judge from afar. Just saying
hello Simon, thanks for stopping over. I don’t get…..there we go again….judge from afar. What does that mean? Just saying….
Reblogged this on Jedidiah-Beloved's Blog and commented:
I always like BRF’s talks, sometimes I’m tempted to think that he cannot go wrong in his decisions but I know he is only human. We don’t have enough thinkers, in my own opinion, and for me theory informs practice. If we are not yet commonly thinking in some particular patterns of thought, we will not be able to achieve the level of development we travel oversees to experience. If we do stumble on the achievement, we will not be able to maintain, sustain or advance it without the right mind. I frequently ponder how to be constructively critical in my daily transactions and I do hope I get there soon. Knowledge for witty inventions and it’s duplication is my desire for myself and my fellow Nigerians as well as the right application of that knowledge. God truly bless Nigeria and I will always love my home.
Dear Yomi, I honestly believe you are on the right path to been a force in this country with your brilliant articulation. I know its difficult to think, hence reasons why millions are paid to consultants in a clutter-less office who earn DOSH for coming up with bright ideas. I really enjoyed reading your comment. Thanks for stopping by and I promise to pop over to your blog. Cheers.
It reads well, but I always feel some concern whenever I hear anyone who puts down another, in a bid to advance their own cause, despite whatever wrong the said party has done.
Dear Sena, if you espouse thoughts, there must always be an opposing thought. So…..should we then fault BRF for his? Of course not. I love to read beyond sentiments and this is what I will encourage Nigerians to adopt. Forget the party affiliation for a minute. Pretend the writer or speaker is a foreigner. Does the thought resonate with you or not? If it does, adopt it straight away. if it doesn’t, think deep for reasons why not and also let it be a principle. What do you think Sena? Thanks anyway for your comment. Appreciate it.
Hmm!! Let the words of thy mouth and the deeds of thy hands be compatible in your State, so help us Lord!! #students out of school for so long! Only backed down cos of Eletion failure in Ekiti State, many more will come to the fore as the politics heat up!!
Dear Bola, thanks for stopping by.
if Nigerians VOTE OUT politicians based on a score sheet of there tenure in office over the past years in power, these thoughts will never see the light of the day. it baffles me to read that a policy change has occurred because of up coming election. This is nothing new. It occurs all over the world. What doesn’t occur in Nigeria is accountability of politicians by Nigerians. This is what MUST CHANGE. The politicians must know that they are accountable to the people that voted them into power.
With due respect to every opinion here, i submit that a BLACK nation will be a hard one (but not impossible) to be ruled EFFECTIVELY by a BLACKMAN. Let alone one that has over 160 million divergent people. I hear people say that Nigeria’s problem is bigger than one person. i hear people cite being manhandled by LASTMA, KAI etc…. I hear also that it is a collective effort to build Nigeria and not the federal Government.
I say, Nigeria needs a selfless leader….. one who plans to leave the world a better place. One who is ready to die for the sovereignty of the Nation. We know Obafemi Awolowo never got there, simply because the negative and greedy powers who wanted to continue to chop for today and never seek the prosperity of the future prevented him. Like i said the black man only thinks for today. Similarly this same powers will not grant us (at least not my generation) the opportunity to have that leader….. except of course something drastic happens.
BRF, your ideals are too advance for the average blackman (note that i said average), similarly to what fayemi suffered in Ekiti…… His plans were too elitist……. he was way ahead of the times in Ekiti, and my blackman would rather settle for today. EAT TODAY AND TOMORROW WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF.
I worried for Osun state, simply because it would have strengthened the likelihood of a one party system in Nigeria, with the ruling party gaining more grounds South East had they won Osun as they did Ekiti.
While I am not Partisan, I believe in electing the right candidates into power.
It is time for real technocrats, captains of industries, genuine credible candidates to take full participation in the elective process.
BRF, you have made Lagos work…… the indices are there to see.
Never before have our roads been so good.
Now we have traffic lights at major stops
our streets are well lit, at least the major ones (even if they are powered by generators)
Our roads are safer and we have increasing faith in the policing system (even though it needs to be scaled up to the inner surbubs)
As mad as LASTMA is, thats the only language my people understand so LASTMA has to be MAD to make Lagos work
767 emergency number works…. its not a joke. they even call you back to find out how satisfied you were the last time you placed an emergency call
BRF, if you feel you can rule 160Million culturally, spiritually and morally diverse BLACK people, pls go Ahead….. those who want you under a free and fair election will vote for you…… otherwise, its their loss.
Kunle Oladehin
Nigeria needs a selfless leader….. one who plans to leave the world a better place. One who is ready to die for the sovereignty of the Nation. Dear Kunle, thank you so much for these thoughts. Fantastically written. I have spent the past hour replying comments and its amazing to read thoughts of Nigerians who want Nigeria to succeed.
Kunle, I also submit that a BLACK nation will be a hard one (but not impossible) to be ruled EFFECTIVELY by a BLACKMAN. I have first hand knowledge of how a deep thinker now well placed in one of the Federal agencies is working himself to get things done. he admitted it was a Challenge but not a problem that can’t be overcome. This young man has introduced reforms that having positive effects on the country.
So. it can be done. Kunle, once again thank you for stopping by.
The leaders we have in our country Nigeria don,t care about the led, they only care about their families and themselves . The only time they are interested in the led is when they need their votes. As spelt out above , we the led must be redy to partisans to determine our future. We must be redy to put fear in our pockets and step out for good governance . We must say YES to positive rapid development in our rural sector, we must develop a formidable structure that will orchestrate human and physical infrastructure and egalitarian society . The time is now and change is constant .
The time is now and change is constant Pius…well written. Thanks for stopping by and posting your comment. Appreciate it. God bless.
I saw BRF on TV and was lamenting missing parts of the speech! Tx God for FB I now have the full text! Let me say that I agree entirely with his proposition: Deliver or be voted out! Once politicians know this, all this grandstanding and penchant for dishing out half truths and outright lies will decrease! And development will take off! The call is for Nigerians to be development conscious! Good speech and good and timely paper!
An EPIC read… Inspiring words from an inspiring leader…
It took Fashola Years to reverse LASU fees. Hmm.. APC PDP na the same.
Grand politicking; I thought you came for a birthday party
…and your brilliant thoughts are?
Do you intend for Nigeria to change for the better? If yes, then just read, meditate on these words shut up if your mouth wants to speak before your brain reason out the words.
Wow Babalola Bakrin….lol…..I wouldn’t quite put it that bluntly, but hey, i am sure we all got to your. thank you so much….lol
Yes, let us develop a culture that points to development. A culture that says ” give us your manifesto, we will consider. If we feel that what you promise is good enough and are cinvinced that you can deliver it, we’ll vote you in. On the event that you could not deliver as you’ve promised, we’ll vote you out. That is the main point that BRF has made.
Tosin, that is exactly what BRF is saying to all Nigerians. Don’t we all get it? We have the power if we want it. Thanks for your taking the time to post your comment. Bravo.
Yet again, I see a man who hungers for a positive change but he is continuously more pained as he wishes, if he could muster power and authority to change things for the better.
I presume even in his own state he has tried to nurture, he has struggled through with the powers-that-be lurking behind; not to talk of his studied observance of the lack of the best utilization of authority and power at the centre of governance in Nigeria.
This is a man who sees himself as a student for life, no wonder the first place he rushed to- when he assumed office – was to meet the former leader of Singapore, the elderly Lee Kwan Yew to drink from his well of instructive wisdom. But he can only do much in Nigeria, sadly.
I guess Nigeria’s problems and blackman’s problem is about our values, warped one indeed and our inferior attiitude with attendant despair that we can no longer change our sad situation.
The people in the middle east, far east and china do not have such low esteem, so they keep at it for improved well being of their people. They have found that the secret is to be true to themselves and not necessarily pretend to ape an ideology of the West which may not be amenable to their own cultural and traditional nuances.
This we can do. Late Chief obafemi awolowo series of books, which were pre-indepence yet very very relevant today give us the path to take and there are other truly patriotic Nigerians today who if they are listened to, would proffer useful solutions to make us come out of the doldrums in less than 10years.
It’s doable. The teeming but angry young folks are waiting…
I am so blessed to have the opportunity to read thoughts of good intentioned Nigerians. “….the secret is to be true to themselves and not necessarily pretend to ape an ideology of the West which may not be amenable to their own cultural and traditional nuances.” is a profound statement. Of course it is do-able. Let’s get on with it Muyiwa. Thanks for posting your thoughts.
Stumbled here Jide. Will come around. Thanks for posting my thoughts.
Fashola for president………..Amen
Inspiring! Thanks for sharing. I always love to read from BRF, I love deep thinkers. The only problem? Most Nigerians refuse to read and love to live in denial. We def need courageous leaders and citizens to vote sycophants and mediocre OUT!
Thanks Debs, I thought it was definitely inspiring. The question is what would we do with Fashola’s inspiring thoughts? My take would be for each of us to do our little bit. We must remain calm, tolerant and educate others while we update our knowledge. Oh yes, we must also step out and offer our skill set. We must endeavour to reach the grassroots (housemaids, drivers, staff, hawkers, sales assistant, etc) who are in majority. These are the Nigerians that hold the keys to change. Thanks Debs for your contribution. God bless.
how will we do it you asked? i believe the moment we state taking responsibilities in whatever field or position we are in to fight corruption. i believe the moment we take Nigeria first before any tribe or language(after all, United State is filled with people from different race, religion, background, colour etc,), i believe when we put aside the thought that one tribe religion or language is better than the other. i believe the moment we do the right thing by voting a vision oriented leader and not the party( because i dont believe in any of the political parties in Nigeria), then Nigeria will move forward.
“I believe the moment we do the right thing by voting a vision oriented leader and not the party( because i dont believe in any of the political parties in Nigeria), then Nigeria will move forward.” – I agree with you 100% Kehinde. What does the candidate before us have to offer? It should no longer be about party politics but policies. It’s amazing that the opposition party does not have spokespersons for every Ministerial portfolio there is. Why isn’t this so?
For instance, there ought to be an opposition spokesperson for Health, Energy, Sports, etc then nothing can be missed and in the process Nigerians will know better the capabilities or incapabilities of the opposition. It will be an opportunity to campaign for years. Why leave it to the last few months to campaign!
kehinde, I hail you. Thanks for your time.
well said, a word is enough for the wise!!! but scripted with typo errors……..
Thanks Seyi for your comments. I am glad you ignored the typos errors and got the gist. No one is infallible. lol
It is very easy to point at other people’s error(s). Let us see what you can offer. Only God knows what grade you had in your WAEC/SSCE or how many times you sat for WAEC/SSCE before you could pass English language as a subject.
Shola, Shola, Shola…how many times have i typed out your name?
I will answer that…..3 times.
Let me thank you for stopping by and dropping your comment.
Ok, where do I start Shola…..what BRF has done was to give a speech on his ideas and how he thinks we ought to move forward as a people and a nation. When I read that it is easy to point out other people’s errors, of course they will be errors because they are so brilliant and it is not been practised. It is an ERROR in it self that these ideologies are not in practice.
Shola, do you know that you are GUILTY of the same error you accused BRF of? Think about it….
Point out your thoughts and leave sentiments out of the equation. what has WAEC/SSCE got to do with the matter at hand?
This is the beginning of good things to come. BRF, please speak more. We shall listen to you.
Couldn’t agree more with you sir. Thanks for dropping by Mr Rotimi
It gladdens my my heart when I see Nigerians talk, chat or debate like this. I am fully persuaded once again then, that there is hope for Nigeria. This is a discussion for greater Nigeria, not PDP or APC sympathizers to meddle in. If you cannot think NIGERIA, please, don’t comment. Just take a walk. It was a group of men that decided that America needed her freedom and they achieved it. Here, I see men that will speak with one voice to liberate Nigerians and truly make us free. Let the crusade spread that we need fearful men that will rescue this country and truly make her free.
Well articulated. It’s about time the mindset of Nigerians change. There has to be, I feel, an inner desire for change. As you rightly pointed out, it was a group of men in America that decided enough was enough. Another thing, we must speak with one voice to pull Nigeria in a positive direction. Enough of grandfathers, who couldn’t change Nigeria when they were bachelors to continue to drive the wagon called Nigeria to a destination called NOWHERE. Wealthrope, thanks for your comment.
Actually I lost hope for Nigeria but,not any more with the BRF message I now believe there is hope! Thank you sir.
Dear Ssama, many Nigerians have lost hope which shouldn’t be. When we drill deep into the core of our problems as a country, do you know its self inflicted? Let us keep this discourse going and speak with our VOTES. We can do it. Thanks for you contribution.
thanks for sharing a good speech. he does encourage us professionals to take part in governance and politics which is very correct. i think the subject (explosive…shook presidency) is a little too sensational and may lead to more of “us versus them” rather than productive intellectual discourse…. And then we’d lose the substance of the matter.
Dear Dewole, I thank you for your views. I also agree with you that the points Gov. Fashola raised in his speech are not only profound, but should encourage Nigerian professionals to come forward and be counted. Thank you very much for your contribution …..and oh, lest I forget, I am unapologetic for my headline. It was deliberate to serve a purpose and to be honest with you, believe me, the goal is still being achieved as I tap on….literally many many thousands have viewed this post and I am excited and glad to read quality comments from the likes of yourself. God bless.
It’s high time we started telling ourselves the truth and nothing but the truth. Any government that is inefficient should be voted out or impeached with immediate effect.
Daniel I agree with you 100%. The TRUTH ought to be told, however hurtful it may be. Thanks Daniel for dropping by.
And who the hell does fahola think he is talk is cheap anyway ,thank God for osun election and the ekiti defeat he wouldn’t have reversed lasu school fees because his children are not there let him seat down
Hello Kingpriest, firstly, could I say a big thank you for dropping by and posting your comments.
Kingpriest, I hope you read through the whole speech. If you did, you would have picked up several points, I personally believe will benefit every Nigerian if practised. Yes, Gov. Fashola has reversed LASU school fees, let us applaud him for doing do in spite of the millions of reasons electorates may come up with. Pride did not hold him back, neither has stubbornness. So what’s the issue here? That Fashola’s pointers are exclusively reserved for the developed world?
It’s about time elections in Nigeria are seen as a tool to change ineffective power.
What do you think Kingpriest?
A nation can only be developed by men and women who have a national vision. Long have we torn down ourselves in the name of personal and sectional interests. Yet, as the adage goes, when elephants fight, the grass suffers. The elephants in this case remain the sightless and lumbering collectives who claim to dominate our national landscape yet do not do a lot to better the lot of those hey remember to call upon to sustain them in positions of influence and ‘power’. One of the most powerful calls I hear in the missive above is for the people (the grass who are trampled), who depend on governance to wake up fully to their responsibilities with an especial reference to the elite who have followers by default of being the elite. Rather, we tend to flow with the latest ‘propaganda’ thrown out there while real activities continue, but are ignored, in plain sight. The entire idea of sustainability in a nation requires men and women who choose to ensure or actually carry out activities that will outlast them in impact. These we refer to as development. Allow me to illustrate with a poem I wrote in 2008…
I Come From A Country
I come from a country where any man can become a king, and hope is constantly alive
I come from a country where regardless of where you were born you are only limited by your personal vision
I come from a country where a single person can reshape his generation by the power of his ideas
I come from a country with some of the greatest natural resources in the world, its people
I come from a country whose potential is so vast that the world can only wonder if there are any limitations
And yet…
I come from a country where though tribe or tongue may differ, in brotherhood we do not stand
I come from a country that has fragmented its own soul
I come from a country that can fly like an eagle, yet chooses to crawl
I come from a country that was born great, yet trivialises that greatness
I come from a country that seems to have no vision of where it wants to go and what it wants to be
I come from a country that seems to have lost its way
My country is Nigeria
As a country, I Nigeria can only walk by the light I possess
It seems I might have walked in darkness or by very dim lights
Is it not time I had a vision that young and old, male and female, can aspire to?
Is it not time to renew the bonds that bind my people together as one nation?
Is it not time to take my rightful place on the world stage?
My name is the only brand I have
The world over, I am known
Is this knowledge good or bad?
It is time to decide and only you, my people can help me…
…Brand Nigeria
I have not yet seen what I saw then change, but I am quite willing to do my part to make it happen…
I rest.
Dear Babatunde,
Wow! Wow! I love this piece on Brand Nigeria. Absolutely thoughtful. I am hopeful, judging by the calibre of comments posted. I am indeed hopeful. Don’t let us all hold onto this passion for change. We MUST share it and educate others without fear and force. Thanks once again.
It reminded of a news story I read a while ago. I can’t remember the headline, but it was something like “World Bank Indicts Jonathan over Poverty and Unemployment in Nigeria”. I read through the story several times and did not find Jonathan’s name mentioned anywhere in the World Bank report. So I kept asking myself: how did the writers come to the conclusion that Jonathan was solely responsible for poverty and employment in Nigeria? Then it dawned on me: mentally, many Nigerians harbour this idea that the Federal Government is responsible for everything good and bad in Nigeria. I was sad.
Simply put, we think it is only the Federal Government that should be blamed when there is unemployment or poverty, even when we know that we run a federation where every tier of government has duties and responsibilities. The road in front of the house is bad? The hospitals are not working? The schools are in bad shape? There are beggars on the streets? Refuse has piled up? There is corruption? It must all be blamed on the Federal Government. With this mentality, states and councils are getting away with murder. (To be clear, when I say Federal Government, I am not referring to the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. I refer to any government in Aso Rock – past, present and future.)
Now, let us reason together. There are four major things that states and councils are not allowed to touch: monetary policies, defence, security and foreign affairs. Many of us don’t seem to know that states and councils are empowered by the much-maligned 1999 Constitution to make life better for Nigerians. States and councils are allowed to build roads, equip hospitals, create jobs, tackle poverty, fight corruption, and put policies in place to attract investment. States and councils are also permitted by the derided constitution to make as much money as they can make without having to rush to Abuja every month for federal allocation.
We keep proposing or opposing the motion for “true federalism” simply on the basis of federal allocation. Yet, with thinking governors, good policies can attract private investment and drive up economic activities that will generate tax revenue. A state can be collecting N2 billion federal allocation and making N10 billion internal revenue. Go through this our “bad” constitution again. It does not put a limit. It is a pre-programmed mentality, fuelled by laziness of mind, that is damaging us. We have been programmed to put every blame at the door of the Federal Government.
I know somebody is reading this and saying: No, you are wrong; the Federal Government takes the Lion’s Share of the revenue; the Federal Government holds the lever of power; the Federal Government makes the economic policies; the Federal Government controls the regulatory institutions; therefore, Simon, the Federal Government should take the blame for Nigeria’s stunted development. Oh yes, I have no objections to that. In fact, I hold the Federal Government, or Aso Rock, responsible for Nigeria’s underdevelopment. If it has been giving the right direction all along, our country would have been a far better place by now. I agree.
But I disagree. Every state and council collects its own share of the federal allocation every month. The Federal Government does not help them spend the money. They decide what to spend the money on. For whatever reason, though, we think it is only the Federal Government that should be held accountable. We complain about the recurrent budget in Abuja but say little about the recurrent budgets of states. We highlight the jumbo pay of the National Assembly but never bother to scrutinise how much state lawmakers allocate to themselves. We focus on how much has been budgeted for food in Aso Rock, but what about state governments? How much do they spend on phone bills? How much do they spend on chartered jets?
Habitually, the blame for corruption in Nigeria is often heaped on Aso Rock. If Transparency International rates Nigeria as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, automatically it is the Federal Government (or Obasanjo/Yar’Adua/Jonathan government) that has been indicted! Yet, how many commissioners have been fired and put on trial for corruption by the states? The State House of Assembly is empowered by the “bad” 1999 Constitution to impeach a governor for corruption without the help of the EFCC, but how often does that happen? Aso Rock has to take the blame for every act of corruption in Nigeria.
States are allowed to come up with policies that will create jobs and alleviate poverty. There is no law against it. If not for our federal allocation-based federalism, states should be thinking up policies to attract investment. For instance, there are over 120 million mobile phones in Nigeria. We import every handset. A thinking state government could create a large industrial area and give incentives to companies to set up phone assembly plants on its soil. Imagine what that will do in terms of jobs and poverty alleviation. Imagine the impact on local economic activities, the multiplier effects. Imagine the tax revenue from economic activities to be generated around that.
But our obsession is forever with Aso Rock. That is part of what is fuelling the tension and discord in the land. Nigerians have been so brainwashed – or have so brainwashed themselves – to think that the world starts and ends with Aso Rock. For emphasis, I will say again that I am by no means absolving the Federal Government of blame in the underdevelopment of Nigeria. In fact, I allocate at least 60 per cent of the blame to Aso Rock. But I object to our refusal to hold states and councils responsible for poverty alleviation, job creation and infrastructural development. You won’t believe it, ladies and gentlemen, but this “bad” constitution also allows states to fight corruption.
Mr. Akinsola,
If the ruling party states who happen most times to collect larger revenue allocation from federal sharing formula end up doing less than opposition states in terms of providing this same basic infrastructures for their citizenry, where opposition states are spending their part of the allocation as well as internally generated revenue to work on federal roads and build power stations, then i think we really need to look critically at the reality of BRF’S statements. This is not to say i fully support all said but in reality i believe the opposition if truth be told has performed better than the ruling party at the centre.
Ademola, thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your thoughts….
Brilliant argument I wonder why the moderator Jide Salu has nothing to say about it, or perhaps he’s a politician too and only speaks for APC
Ohhhhh, @Bekibele, say about what? I must have missed something here…. Who is the brilliant argument from Bekibele? I really would want to know…..lol…by the way, everyone is a politician. Some of us do not get paid for it while the likes of Fashola and Goodluck do…..and I do not speak for any party at this point in time. Thank you for the opportunity to reiterate this point. God bless.
I completely disagree with you. The National Assembly of about 500 people gets 160 Billion Naira annually and Ebony State of 2 million plus gets the same amount annually. The cost of maintaining public officials is ridiculous. The FG is responsible for a lot of stuff that has gone wrong. Between 2000-2012, Nigeria earned 49 Trillion, that is more than we earned between 1979-1999. This FG is a mess and I am committed to voting out Incompetent leaders. Resources abound but we do not have a leader of vision. It is a wealthy country that breeds penury. And leaders that make it a daily living to extract from Nigeria
Dear Ilsa, your point well received. The bit I am particularly pleased with is your commitment to vote out INCOMPETENT LEADERS. Nigerians that put themselves forward for election must NO LONGER SEE it as an opportunity to make money but to serve. It is you and I that can promote, educate and enforce this alien thought. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you, Ilsa. I stay on the same page as you. The way to go is to COMMIT TO VOTE OUT INCOMPETENT LEADERS!
Dear Joke, I concur with you and IIsa. we can no longer seat back and fold our arms and mutter generational causes with a lazy consolatory mouth offering “It is well”. We must be pro-active. We must educate the desperate ones amongst us. we must give hope. These are my beliefs. Thanks Joke for taking time to post your comment.
what an inspiring message to our leaders, its time for all nigerian to rise up and vote out the bad leaders.
Thanks Omolekan Taiwo, this is what should happen, ought to happen. We must all see to it that it happens. Educate, educate and educate others. Thanks for your contribution.
Thanks Lizzy for your contribution….not clear about ‘there is always selection of candidate everywhere’ thought line. Is that a good or bad thing? Or is it peculiar to African politics and its a methodology we must come to accept? If yes to we must accept imposition of candidates on electorates, then, i dare ask, will it still qualify as Democracy or Demo-crazy as Afro-beats legend, Fela kindly coined it. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
fashola is right through and through, any pdp apologist or apc ideologue is not welcomed here, its about nigeria and development, not about politicking, he has set the issues right and he has hit the nails of development on the head, chikena, lobatan,odi good.
Olusegun, you couldn’t have summarised it better. Thanks for dropping by.
Much said than done.. Let them lead by example afterall they are in power as it stands now.. Enough of public funds and properties syphoning/Embezelment.
Thanks Apostle Dr Yomi for your comment.
Nice read and brilliantly put. If only Nigerians knew what they want, it would pass for great developmental fare. But alas! Some people’s minds are blocked to reason. Yet, they scream loudest when things go wrong. BRF, you have walked your talk, with your tenure in Lagos, what leadership could do with dreams, focus, commitment, vision and above all, discipline. No, I’m not an uncritical fan; for truly I feel you could do with more compassion and higher emotional intelligence. Still, Lagosians — among whom I proudly count: Lagos indigene, Lagos born, Lagos raised and resident in Lagos — can clearly declare their lives and city are better than seven year ago when you took charge. Thanks for keeping the dream alive: that not all Nigerian leaders are mediocres and parasites. The Jonathan presidency has a lot to learn. But it wilfully blocks it’s mind, putting its salvation in lies, blatant blackmail to divide the people, even along explosive religious lines for political gain, and satanic assurance that it has a gullible electorate. Still, all this will pass.
Olakunle, thanks for posting your thoughts.
……the bit about “But it wilfully blocks it’s mind, putting its salvation in lies, blatant blackmail to divide the people, even along explosive religious lines for political gain, and satanic assurance that it has a gullible electorate…..” particularly resonates with me. Well written sir. Can I recommend this MUST READ post to you – (Any time a disaster is foretold, the attitude of the average Nigerian is to say: “It’s not my portion”; “I reject it in Jesus’ name”; “God forbid.” – by Azuka Onwuka – http://wp.me/pn3rt-6d1) …..I do hope you will come back with your thoughts.
Its unfortunate that some people are so blinded by sentiments to the extent that they cant even recognize simple facts. Fashola’s speach calls for sober reflection. I believe even d president by now will be thinking deep while some are here making comments that even those they are supporting will read and weep for them.
Collins, I am in TOTAL AGREEMENT with your thoughts. It is indeed time for sober reflection as you so brilliantly put it. Thanks for posting.
It is in Nigeria that democracy is not use to drive development, but to enmass wealth for few leaders.
…and Sola, the point is YOU and I can put a stop to all this mess. When semi-educated un-exposed politician puts himself forward to lead this great country called Nigeria.
Lets keep this discourse going….there are only 6 months to the next time every Nigerian can exercise his or her power to KICK OUT for good those that have let us down. We must however educate Nigerians who are easily persuaded by ‘Stomach Economy’, albeit Rice, Kerosine and bread. Thanks for your contribution Sola.
Is Lagos democratic with LASTMA and police officers who got on the driver’s seat of a bus and began to drive passengers who were heading elsewhere to another location – LASTMA office without any apology or instruction. I protested and I was being harassed and threatened with arrest. Luckily, I took it up with and made a few calls which had them begging. But if I wasn’t that influential, what would have happened. BRF should not talk without thinking so deeply on these issues.
Kunle, thank you for passing by and posting your comment. Don’t get me wrong Kunle……what Governor Fashola has done was to start a debate by espousing his political ideologies albeit his wishes and dreams for a country so blessed with natural and human resources. Just because his thoughts are not reflected in every scion of Lagos state’s democratic tree doesn’t make his inspirational speech less fertilising. What has LASTMA and police officers got to do with Fashola being lectured far away in Saudi Arabia about the value of democracy in Nigeria? Every Nigerian has a role to play in correcting the prevalent anomaly chewing away into the tissue of our democracy.It ought to be a source of concern to all in spite of political affiliation. I looked beyond the voice of the political party Fashola may have been representing, instead, I chewed, digested, hoping the meat of his thoughts would be nutritious to my ideology as a Nigerian. We all have a role to play to educate the uneducated, instead of allowing the uneducated to influence and pollute the environment. Food for thought Kunle.
Fashola is being unnecessarily sanctimonious. The APC does not have the magic wand. All we ask is for them to go to elections and defeat the PDP in a free and fair election not selection of which is the way and manner Ogbeni Fashola came to power. We don’t need to be lectured by the likes of pretenders to the throne. Fashola might if he wants present himself for the presidency. He will have to go through the likes of Buhari, Atiku, The Kwakwansonia brain drain, Yekini Ogunlere etc etc, to prove his mettle. No more grandstanding, let him put his money where his mouth is. The problem of Nigeria is bigger than any one individual. The real leadership for Nigeria will emerge but for now we will make do with the likes of what we have now. Anybody above the age of 70 and no university degree will not be eligible to run for the presidency. I rest my case.
I am yet to read your response in full…the opening line prompted me to post this immediate response and this is it….
The moment, as Nigerians, we begin to non-politicise issues or tips on how to make our country a better place to live, I honestly believe we will be richer for it…….
Now let me go back to your reply…
…actually sir, I have no further comments to your reply. Thanks for posting.
Fashola has succeeded saying nothing. Was it truly democratic that Funsho Williams was brutally edged out by his godfather so that he could be brought in to cover the corrupt terrain of Tinubu and others? Or is it another political gimmick of fantasizing himself to the presidency? We are all looking. Things will unveil itself with time. God deyoooooo.
Hello Johnson and thanks for taking time to post your comment. Your opening comment -“Fashola has succeeded saying nothing.” has made me take the decision that not to write (say) anything further because I am truly gobs marked, shocked to write(say) the least. Totally off the mark. As i respect all comments, bringing in Funsho Williams into this discussion is so off the mark. What has that got to do with what Fashola was trying to get across?
We do not have a perfect system in Nigeria and nobody is perfect. I dont care about APC or PDP and the predators that have usurped power in these parties. It is rather unfortunate, but I know that it is an evolving democratic terrain and if we stay focused we will get there.
Fashola has demonstrated competence//dexterity, most people seem to agree on this. Somehow he stands out from the crowd. This is the kind of personality we should seek to support. With the move to independent candidacy in the nearest future, candidates wont have to put up with parties that don’t fit their aspirations. No doubt, “The problem of Nigeria is bigger than one person” but we don’t have to make do with insecurity, unemployment, poverty, corruption, failing infrastructures and lawlessness. This is what we have now.
Please go out and feel the pulse of people. I will save you the trouble.. people are suffering. So many people need help. This suffering has to stop. and it can start from one person’s positive actions and good example. I remember on several occasions during the last six years when people made Lagos their reference point when challenging their governors….. they often said have you seen what Fashola is doing in Lagos? This spurred other Governors to step-up their games, because people now have a response of a working governor and a working state.
In essence what I am saying is this One person can be the inspiration for change. You personally can take positive steps that could influence your neighbourhood to embrace the right principles and concepts.
Please do not let us reduce this discussions to party politics. The interest of Nigeria is beyond PDP and APC. To say we can make do with what we have shows that you have not thoroughly assessed the facts and figures on ground. Please do through research, don’t listen to government propaganda, Check the poverty level, check government expenditure, check the level of unemployment, check the level of insecurity.
With this kind of leadership, The future is not bright Oooooooo as long as government at LG, state and federal levels continue to misappropriate funds. This is why I said check government expenditure and check poverty level., etc. The relationship seem to defy all the laws. More expenditure … increase in poverty and yet you say we should make do with what we have. Na wa O.
.
Hey Bro, a nice piece…enjoyed the read.
…a piece for the enlightened. Thanks for the read.