Truth is bitter but it must be said in the interest of Nigeria. The Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) is threatening the unity of Nigeria by reinventing tribalism in the nation’s politics. In all cases, it is the minorities that suffer the brunt of tribalism. This was the reason why the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro took up arms to attempt liberating the minority Ijaw ethnic tribe in 1966. It is also true that the unfortunate Nigeria Civil War of 1967 to 1970, where over five hundred thousand people lost their lives was mostly fuelled by tribal sentiments. More than forty years after, many families and communities from both divides of the strife have not been able to recover from the consequences of the war.
Painfully, the Adamu Chiroma-led NPLF is returning Nigeria to the pre-civil war era with its bitter pro-north campaigns. With due respect to PDP’s zonal arrangement, it will be unfair to ask Goodluck Jonathan not to step into his boss’ shoes. This will make the presidency appear to be a false bond.
The Niger Delta people will definitely not find it funny if the NPLF succeeds in coercing the north to vote against Goodluck Jonathan during the April presidential polls. It will help to confirm the fears in many quarters that the northern military and political leaders are only interested in the mineral wealth of the Niger Delta region.
Jonathan has demonstrated in just nine months that he is capable of leading Nigeria out of the woods. There is now an unprecedented peace in the Niger Delta region. This has led to optimum oil production and export, thereby improving the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. For the first time in many decades, the price of fuel has remained uniform in all parts of the federation. A big feat indeed! Critical moribund industries and sectors have been revived through deliberate fiscal policies. The all-important power sector has improved drastically over the last six months. The full implementation of the power sector roadmap will see Nigeria overcome electricity problem in the very near future.
In addition, the nation’s mono economy is being diversified through deliberate efforts that have led to attracting DFIs. There are massive investments in the solid mineral and informal sectors. Only recently, the federal government kick-started the revitalization of the moribund rail transport infrastructure to stimulate easy and cheaper movement of goods and people across the country.
The banking sector has been stabilized through the AMCON legislation. This has helped to boost local and foreign investor confidence in Nigerian banks. With the establishment of six new federal universities, more Nigerian youths are now offered opportunities to secure tertiary education. The foundational action to help fight poverty, ignorance, and crime is the spread of educational opportunities among the youth populace. This is the reason why the planned effort by the present administration to deploy a special educational programme for the almijiris in the north is very commendable. It will not only fight ignorance and reduce poverty; the special educational programme will change the face of political development in the north. This is one reason why some northern elites are fighting Jonathan. They want to continue exploiting the largely ignorant populace for their parochial gains.
Unknown to many, one of NPLF’s major grudge against Jonathan is the latter’s choice of Architect Namadi Sambo as vice president. Right from the onset, Sambo has shown that he is not a fan of “Two Nigerias.” The NPLF would have preferred a northern vice president that will be in Aso Rock to pursue the interests of a few northern elites. The average northerner is now wise enough to read the handwriting clearly on the wall and has decided to jettison the “old order” that had previously confined them to the dustbins of their few selfish elites in the corridors of power.
It should gladden the heart of every true northerner that the Jonathan- led administration has resuscitated the moribund textile and leather industries in the north. This is what dozens of northern military and political leaders refused to do. Who then is the true enemy of the north?
President Jonathan has directed that oil exploration activities in the north that was abandoned many years back be restarted. More River Basin Authorities and dams are being developed to promote commercial agriculture in the north. Furthermore, President Jonathan has sent an executive bill to the National Assembly seeking to establish the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to cater for the needs of the host communities of Nigeria’s hydro power plants just like the NDDC is doing for the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region. Furthermore, dredging of the River Niger is a top priority of the Jonathan administration. This project is geared towards promoting economic and commercial activities in the north through the citing of a port in Lokoja. Northern voters should ignore the self-serving antics of the apostles of tribalism and vote for candidates that have their interests in mind.
Above all, Jonathan has demonstrated that he is a leader Nigeria desires. He was not born rich. Through hardwork, patience, and luck; Jonathan was able to rise from nothing to something. His story is that of hope. Jonathan has given hope to more Nigerian youths than ever before. Those who know him can attest to the fact that he is humble and gentle. That accounts for why he has “no enemies to fight.” Everybody is his friend. This is how leadership should be.
For those nursing anti-Jonathan sentiments because of his close relationship with former president Obasanjo, I want to note that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is a true Nigerian. Take him for what he is- not for where he is coming from. The difference between Jonathan and the rest is that the Bayelsa-born president of the federal republic of Nigeria does not believe he knows all. That is the reason why he is succeeding. He has decided to engage and believe in the abilities of tested professionals.
Let Nigerians give GEJ an opportunity. He will deliver because he knows where he is coming from.
Showing posts with label NPLF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NPLF. Show all posts
Friday, April 8, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Why some northern political leaders fear Jonathan
For the very first time in many decades, northern political leaders were told the home truth. This was made by no smaller a personality than the Sultan of Sokoto himself, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Saàd Abubakar. He was of the strong opinion that northern political leaders have failed the north; pointing out that the late premier of northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, “sacrificed his life for the North and Nigeria in the pursuit of the ideals which bind us together as a nation.” He was therefore forced to ask his northern brothers this direct question: “...what has happened to Sardauna’s cherished legacy of unity in diversity and being your own brother’s keeper?” In the Sultan's opinion, hatred has taken over the place of love, while violence has become very fashionable.
The same sentiments have been raised by youths from the northern part of the country. Under the leadership of Mallam Ibrahim Waiya, the Northern Youth Assembly blamed political leaders from the north for being responsible for the sad tale of underdevelopment and widespread poverty in the region. Sultan Abubakar stated this during a courtesy visit to Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State.
Since assuming the presidency about nine months ago, President Goodluck Jonathan has made concerted efforts to reform the nation's social, political, and economic sectors. Unfortunately, many individuals and organisations have hidden under different platforms to sabotage these noble efforts. The opposition of Jonathan's candidature even after the PDP primaries is one of the efforts aimed at salvaging the north from the claws of a few but powerful cliques that has for centuries thrived on the ignorance of the masses.
One can clearly see the influence of Robert Greene and Joost Elffers' "48 Laws of Power" in the way and manner most northern political leaders have related with the masses. In the book, law 11 states that, "To maintain your independence you must always be needed and wanted. The more you are relied on, the more freedom you have. Make people depend on you for their happiness and prosperity and you have nothing to fear. Never teach them enough so that they can do without you." The ongoing reforms will put an end to all of these and the apostles of "48 Laws of Power" in the north are not comfortable with this emerging trend. Fearing that their foundation would be unearthed, they resorted to hiding behind all sort of banners to derail the good intentions of the president.
Education is a foundational effort to fight ignorance and poverty. President Jonathan appreciates this fact and decided to liberate the Almijiris with a special educational programme aimed at improving literacy in the north. In order to reduce poverty in the region, the president also approved the release of about N30b to bail-out the textile industry based mostly in the north. A similar fiscal policy has been extended to the leather sector also in the north. The lower Niger is being dredged to stimulate massive economic activities in the north. President Jonathan has also directed that oil and gas exploration activities be intensified in the north. This is aimed at increasing the nation's foreign exchange earnings and also indirectly improve the federation account allocations to mineral-producing states in the north.
Furthermore, President Jonathan has sent an executive bill to the National Assembly seeking to establish a Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to cater for the needs of the host communities of Nigeria’s hydro power plants just like the NDDC is doing for the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region.
With all the above and other noble efforts of the president in mind, it will be safe for one to argue that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is more Hausa/Fulani than the immediate past and present generation of northern political leaders. He has shown enough will to liberate the north from social, political, and economic bondage. It will be rewarding therefore for the north to support his presidential ambition.
Unknown to many, one of the strongest reason why a section of northern political leaders are against Jonathan's candidature is the latter’s choice of Architect Namadi Sambo as vice president. Right from the onset, Sambo has shown that he is not prepared to promote the "old order" in the north. Groups like the NPLF would have preferred a northern vice president that will be in Aso Rock to pursue the interests of a few northern elitist "old brigades." The average northerner is now wise enough to read the hand writing on the wall and has decided to jettison the “old order” that has confined them to the dustbins of their few selfish elites in the corridors of power. This is a new Nigeria. This is the reason why most northerners are singing, “I am Goodluck Jonathan. I was not born rich. If he can make it, I too can!”
The same sentiments have been raised by youths from the northern part of the country. Under the leadership of Mallam Ibrahim Waiya, the Northern Youth Assembly blamed political leaders from the north for being responsible for the sad tale of underdevelopment and widespread poverty in the region. Sultan Abubakar stated this during a courtesy visit to Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State.
Since assuming the presidency about nine months ago, President Goodluck Jonathan has made concerted efforts to reform the nation's social, political, and economic sectors. Unfortunately, many individuals and organisations have hidden under different platforms to sabotage these noble efforts. The opposition of Jonathan's candidature even after the PDP primaries is one of the efforts aimed at salvaging the north from the claws of a few but powerful cliques that has for centuries thrived on the ignorance of the masses.
One can clearly see the influence of Robert Greene and Joost Elffers' "48 Laws of Power" in the way and manner most northern political leaders have related with the masses. In the book, law 11 states that, "To maintain your independence you must always be needed and wanted. The more you are relied on, the more freedom you have. Make people depend on you for their happiness and prosperity and you have nothing to fear. Never teach them enough so that they can do without you." The ongoing reforms will put an end to all of these and the apostles of "48 Laws of Power" in the north are not comfortable with this emerging trend. Fearing that their foundation would be unearthed, they resorted to hiding behind all sort of banners to derail the good intentions of the president.
Education is a foundational effort to fight ignorance and poverty. President Jonathan appreciates this fact and decided to liberate the Almijiris with a special educational programme aimed at improving literacy in the north. In order to reduce poverty in the region, the president also approved the release of about N30b to bail-out the textile industry based mostly in the north. A similar fiscal policy has been extended to the leather sector also in the north. The lower Niger is being dredged to stimulate massive economic activities in the north. President Jonathan has also directed that oil and gas exploration activities be intensified in the north. This is aimed at increasing the nation's foreign exchange earnings and also indirectly improve the federation account allocations to mineral-producing states in the north.
Furthermore, President Jonathan has sent an executive bill to the National Assembly seeking to establish a Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to cater for the needs of the host communities of Nigeria’s hydro power plants just like the NDDC is doing for the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region.
With all the above and other noble efforts of the president in mind, it will be safe for one to argue that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is more Hausa/Fulani than the immediate past and present generation of northern political leaders. He has shown enough will to liberate the north from social, political, and economic bondage. It will be rewarding therefore for the north to support his presidential ambition.
Unknown to many, one of the strongest reason why a section of northern political leaders are against Jonathan's candidature is the latter’s choice of Architect Namadi Sambo as vice president. Right from the onset, Sambo has shown that he is not prepared to promote the "old order" in the north. Groups like the NPLF would have preferred a northern vice president that will be in Aso Rock to pursue the interests of a few northern elitist "old brigades." The average northerner is now wise enough to read the hand writing on the wall and has decided to jettison the “old order” that has confined them to the dustbins of their few selfish elites in the corridors of power. This is a new Nigeria. This is the reason why most northerners are singing, “I am Goodluck Jonathan. I was not born rich. If he can make it, I too can!”
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
NPLF, JONATHAN, NORTH, AND THE REST OF NIGERIA
It will be difficult to dispute the widely held opinion that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s emergence as Nigeria’s president is a divine interjection. In less than one year as president, the Bayelsa State born president has given hope to the mostly disillusioned Nigerian masses. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, fuel is being sold at a uniform price all over the federation. Electricity generation and distribution has improved significantly. By the time the sector is fully privatized, power outage will be a thing of the past.
With a population of about 150m, Nigeria is unarguably the most populous Black Country on earth. This massive population presents an attractive climate for commerce and foreign investments that would have driven away unemployment and poverty. Unfortunately, poor infrastructural development has greatly hampered the country’s socio-economic growth. This could be conveniently linked with the high level of corruption in government businesses and the deep culture of tribalism.
For most part of Nigeria’s fifty years as an independent nation, successive governments have been run like secret societies. The level of secrecy in government businesses has made it almost impossible to effectively fight corruption and other social maladies plaguing the country. In most cases, it is members of the ruling “cartel”-not the constitution that decide the fate of the nation.
Sensing that Goodluck Jonathan will not maintain the “old tradition”, this powerful “cartel” that has been running the country all these decades immediately went into battle against him. It started with a fierce attempt to prevent the then vice president Goodluck Jonathan from acting on behalf of his boss, even when it had become very inevitable.
When it became obvious that they have lost out to the Senate’s “Doctrine of Necessity”, the “cartel” quickly resorted to high level blackmail, intimidation, and slander. After all of their plots had failed, the “cartel” went on to instigate tribal and religious sentiments against President Goodluck Jonathan. It was at this sad point that the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) led by Mallam Adamu Chiroma came into the fray. The NPLF took the issue of zoning in PDP to the level that it gave rise to deep suspicions among many stakeholders in the north that prefer “One Nigeria” to the “Two Nigerias” literally being championed by the minority apostles of zoning. This was the strongest reason why the NPLF’s sole candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar failed woefully during the PDP presidential primaries.
Still refusing to accept the “One Nigeria” option, the NPLF went ahead to appeal to northerners to vote for only northern candidates even though Jonathan has the best of credentials among all the presidential aspirants. This is most regrettable. While not attempting to dismiss the zoning arrangement in PDP, the NPLF should not ignore the fertile fact that it is only God that gives power. The facts are clear enough for everyone to see that God has a hand in the emergence of Jonathan as president. It will therefore be proper that they accept what nature has arranged.
Perhaps, it will be necessary to note here that a greater percentage of northern political stakeholders do not even see the NPLF as a consensus body. They rather see it as an attempt to perpetuate the “old order”, where just a few privileged northerners walk the corridors of power and line their pockets and those of their cronies. This is responsible for why despite the clear fact that northerners have dominated Nigeria’s seat of power, the north is mostly underdeveloped. The vast majority of northerners are living in abject poverty and abandonment.
As part of efforts to address the problems of crass underdevelopment and poverty in the north, President Goodluck Jonathan has introduced a special educational programme to cater for the vast population of almajiris. As you read this piece, three new federal universities have been established in the north to address the educational challenges of the high number of youths seeking tertiary qualification. The federal government has also made available funds to resuscitate the moribund textile industries mostly located in the northern part of the country. Same thing applies to the leather industry. Dredging of the River Niger is also a top priority of the Jonathan led administration. The aim is to promote economic and commercial activities in the north through the citing of a port in Lokoja.
Furthermore, President Jonathan has sent an executive bill to the National Assembly seeking to establish a Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to cater for the needs of the host communities of Nigeria’s hydro power plants just like the NDDC is doing for the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region.
Clearly, President Jonathan has done for the north what nine northern heads of government refused to do for their people. Jonathan is a positive story of hope for the poor, ignored, and downtrodden. He represents the vision of our forefathers and that of future generations. President Goodluck Jonathan is a symbol of national unity.
Even though, Nigeria’s economy rest on oil and gas revenue from the Niger Delta region where he hails from, President Jonathan has never a day reminded Nigerians of this pregnant fact. This is because, he sees himself as a Nigerian- not an Ijaw man, not a Niger Deltan. This is the truth- so bitter that the Adamu Chiroma led NPLF has refused to accept.
Unknown to many, one of NPLF’s major grudge against Jonathan is the latter’s choice of Architect Namadi Sambo as vice president. Right from the onset, Sambo has shown that he is not a fan of “Two Nigerias.” The NPLF would have preferred a northern vice president that will be in Aso Rock to pursue the interests of a few northern elites. The average northerner is now wise enough to read the hand writing on the wall and has decided to jettison the “old order” that had confined them to the dustbins of their few selfish elites in the corridors of power. This is a new Nigeria.
Kali Gwegwe
2, Greenvilla-Customs Link Road
Biogbolo-Epie
Yenagoa
Bayelsa State.
08064074810
http://kali-gwegwe.blogspot.com
With a population of about 150m, Nigeria is unarguably the most populous Black Country on earth. This massive population presents an attractive climate for commerce and foreign investments that would have driven away unemployment and poverty. Unfortunately, poor infrastructural development has greatly hampered the country’s socio-economic growth. This could be conveniently linked with the high level of corruption in government businesses and the deep culture of tribalism.
For most part of Nigeria’s fifty years as an independent nation, successive governments have been run like secret societies. The level of secrecy in government businesses has made it almost impossible to effectively fight corruption and other social maladies plaguing the country. In most cases, it is members of the ruling “cartel”-not the constitution that decide the fate of the nation.
Sensing that Goodluck Jonathan will not maintain the “old tradition”, this powerful “cartel” that has been running the country all these decades immediately went into battle against him. It started with a fierce attempt to prevent the then vice president Goodluck Jonathan from acting on behalf of his boss, even when it had become very inevitable.
When it became obvious that they have lost out to the Senate’s “Doctrine of Necessity”, the “cartel” quickly resorted to high level blackmail, intimidation, and slander. After all of their plots had failed, the “cartel” went on to instigate tribal and religious sentiments against President Goodluck Jonathan. It was at this sad point that the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) led by Mallam Adamu Chiroma came into the fray. The NPLF took the issue of zoning in PDP to the level that it gave rise to deep suspicions among many stakeholders in the north that prefer “One Nigeria” to the “Two Nigerias” literally being championed by the minority apostles of zoning. This was the strongest reason why the NPLF’s sole candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar failed woefully during the PDP presidential primaries.
Still refusing to accept the “One Nigeria” option, the NPLF went ahead to appeal to northerners to vote for only northern candidates even though Jonathan has the best of credentials among all the presidential aspirants. This is most regrettable. While not attempting to dismiss the zoning arrangement in PDP, the NPLF should not ignore the fertile fact that it is only God that gives power. The facts are clear enough for everyone to see that God has a hand in the emergence of Jonathan as president. It will therefore be proper that they accept what nature has arranged.
Perhaps, it will be necessary to note here that a greater percentage of northern political stakeholders do not even see the NPLF as a consensus body. They rather see it as an attempt to perpetuate the “old order”, where just a few privileged northerners walk the corridors of power and line their pockets and those of their cronies. This is responsible for why despite the clear fact that northerners have dominated Nigeria’s seat of power, the north is mostly underdeveloped. The vast majority of northerners are living in abject poverty and abandonment.
As part of efforts to address the problems of crass underdevelopment and poverty in the north, President Goodluck Jonathan has introduced a special educational programme to cater for the vast population of almajiris. As you read this piece, three new federal universities have been established in the north to address the educational challenges of the high number of youths seeking tertiary qualification. The federal government has also made available funds to resuscitate the moribund textile industries mostly located in the northern part of the country. Same thing applies to the leather industry. Dredging of the River Niger is also a top priority of the Jonathan led administration. The aim is to promote economic and commercial activities in the north through the citing of a port in Lokoja.
Furthermore, President Jonathan has sent an executive bill to the National Assembly seeking to establish a Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to cater for the needs of the host communities of Nigeria’s hydro power plants just like the NDDC is doing for the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region.
Clearly, President Jonathan has done for the north what nine northern heads of government refused to do for their people. Jonathan is a positive story of hope for the poor, ignored, and downtrodden. He represents the vision of our forefathers and that of future generations. President Goodluck Jonathan is a symbol of national unity.
Even though, Nigeria’s economy rest on oil and gas revenue from the Niger Delta region where he hails from, President Jonathan has never a day reminded Nigerians of this pregnant fact. This is because, he sees himself as a Nigerian- not an Ijaw man, not a Niger Deltan. This is the truth- so bitter that the Adamu Chiroma led NPLF has refused to accept.
Unknown to many, one of NPLF’s major grudge against Jonathan is the latter’s choice of Architect Namadi Sambo as vice president. Right from the onset, Sambo has shown that he is not a fan of “Two Nigerias.” The NPLF would have preferred a northern vice president that will be in Aso Rock to pursue the interests of a few northern elites. The average northerner is now wise enough to read the hand writing on the wall and has decided to jettison the “old order” that had confined them to the dustbins of their few selfish elites in the corridors of power. This is a new Nigeria.
Kali Gwegwe
2, Greenvilla-Customs Link Road
Biogbolo-Epie
Yenagoa
Bayelsa State.
08064074810
http://kali-gwegwe.blogspot.com
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