It is no more news that the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has undoubtedly squandered Nigeria's goodwill and left the nation in Chapter 11. The tumultous widespread and unchecked corruption, impunity, scandals in the oil sector, and delinquency put on public ballyhoo during the last six years with Jonathan on the mantle were perhaps the genesis of today's fiscal difficulties ravaging the Nigerian states coupled with dwindling oil prices in the global market. It is clear even to the blind that Nigeria as a nation has gone extremely broke, leaving several states governments and federal agencies unable to pay workers salary for several months and beyond.
Controversies and rejoinders trails the June 22 declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari that his government inherited a 'virtually empty treasury' from the past notorious regime of Goodluck Jonathan, one of interest was the plain denial by one Dr. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, an ex-Minister and Deputy Chairman of National Planning Commission (NPC) in which he claimed that the Jonathan government left ₦6trn (US$30bn) in the nation's treasury for the new regime of President Buhari as at May 29. Insisting that President Muhammadu Buhari's statements are “unscientific and unfair,” saying ex-President Jonathan “left behind close to US$30 billion.” And on this i set to opine; that the ex-minister isn't only misleading the gullible population but making mockery of our collective sense of reasoning.
In clarification, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister and Vice President of the World Bank, and also the co-founder of Transparency International, gave more insight into the raging controversy in a series of tweets, she said: the $30bn claimed by the ex-minister were the "balance of whatever Oil Revenue Dollars, Federal Government did not "sell" to CBN to get Naira that it save as Excess Crude Account and that Jonathan administration left only $2B" not $30bn in the ECA against Dr. Sulaiman claims. She elaborated that "when the Federal Government earns Oil Revenue Dollars, the government may not immediately hand over everything to CBN to give it Naira value and such balance is saved as Excess Crude Account (ECA). Mrs. Oby further queried who that ex-Minister could be who doesn't know that the $30Billion CBN reserve is no longer available for the Federal Government as it has already being collected and spent as Naira?"
Going by Dr. Sulaiman's recent outburst, it's veraciously clear that the ex-minister was either endeavoring to score some cheap political points or striving to bulwark those goats that ate our yams and garrison the series of financial devilments of the Jonathan administration or both. If not under the influence of some toxic substance, it's astonishing how any psychologically fit human who is conversant with happenings within the government domain will agree that the past regime of Goodluck Jonathan can leave behind a huge sum of ₦6trn in the nation's treasury, when in fact the regime left over ₦7.6trn (US$35bn) deficit?
It's on record that the Jonathan government was extremely broke that it had to borrow ₦473bn to pay workers salary for the months of April and May in particular. If there was ₦6trn in the nation's treasury as claimed by Dr. Sulaiman, why would the government borrow to pay salaries?
http:/www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/nigeria-borrows-to-pay-salaries-with-cash-crunch-worsening/
Is Dr. Sulaiman aware that at the end of May, Nigeria's External Reserve was far below $30bn? Then how possible could it be for a government that failed to strengthen the nation's foreign reserve to save such a huge sum of $30bn? As usual, the invisible achievements of the Jonathan government always and only exists on papers.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/nigeria-s-external-reserves-fall-below-30-billion/205171/
Does it make sense for any responsible government to borrow $1bn when it have $30bn at it disposal? Can Dr. Sulaiman also put in plain English why the Jonathan government acquired a loan of $1bn to fight insurgency in the north-east if at all there was $30bn in its coffers?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-28343074
Just of recent in January of 2015 and few weeks to the end of the immediate past regime, the then President Goodluck Jonathan requested to borrow ₦2.97trn (US$5.7bn) from several development partners to finance some of the remaining projects his government has started as he claimed. How can Dr. Sulaiman convince Nigerians that Jonathan government has ₦6trn (US$30bn) in its exchequers and at same time opted for a loan of just ₦2.97trn (US$5.7)?
http://www.punchng.com/business/business-economy/oil-slump-fg-may-borrow-from-wbank-others/
Moreover, the former President (Goodluck Jonathan) should have cut it short by clearing the air on the country's financial standings before leaving office which could have saved Dr. Sulaiman from unearthing his gross insincerity and dishonesty to the public domain. The ex-president could have at least - in his handing over speech or note - declared publicly how much was in the governments' accounts and how much was the government owing as at the expiration of his reign to ward off controversies and heated debates but howbeit, Jonathan was never known for accountability and as things stands, it's possible that the former President wasn't even aware of the actual figures or amounts of funds that his administration left behind in government treasury. If Jonathan can forenamed that he can't elucidate how trillions of Naira were spent in the ongoing fight against the bloodthirsty Boko Haram terrorists because 'he isn't incharge' of the Ministry of Defence, it's possible for him to be unaware of the nation's financial standings since he wasn't incharge of the Minister of Finance either.
Taking into account how desperate President Jonathan and his co-travelers were when it comes to accepting credits even for what they did not do and if at all the $30bn Dr. Sulaiman claimed his boss left in the nation's treasury were actually there. One must wonder why Jonathan's vuvuzelas formed deaf ears and decided not to say a bit in the whole controversy, neither Doyin Okupe nor Marilyn Ogar or any other Jonathan attack dogs was bold and courageous enough to counter-fact President Buhari's claims except one second-rated byproduct who's trivial throughout the Jonathan administration.
In a nutshell, Dr. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman should take some chilled water to digest his bitterness or hate against Nigeria's development and always speak with fact and figures to elude further fallacious claims. And by the same token, President Buhari must realize the gigantic task ahead and the burden of high expectations on him and therefore, Nigerians will not accept any excuse of inheriting an empty treasury, i expect the president not to capitalize on this reason (though I am confident he won't) and should head straight into action. Despite inhering an empty treasury, I strongly believed that by now Nigeria has earned enough revenue to takeoff governance and as such, Nigerians are expecting immediate actions from the people's president henceforth.
Sunday, 28 June 2015
Sunday, 21 June 2015
Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Ramadan Fast, By Usama Dandare
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and this annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Fasting is fardh ("obligatory") for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelers, the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers and those going through menstrual bleeding.
While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinks, smoking, backbiting, long arguments, lying, fighting and engaging in sexual relations; Muslims are also mandated to refrain from other behavior that could be perceived as sinful, such as swearing, engaging in disagreements, and unnecessary noise-making.
Several Muslims around the world observe fast between dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadan, they do so not for losing fat or any medical value, but for spiritual benefits as it is ordained by the Holy Quran in 'Q 2:183' which says:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed for those before you (i.e. Jews, & Christians) so that you may (learn) self-restraint."
But while fasting during the holy month remains an avenue for introspection and spiritual renewal for all Muslims around the world, fasting has several health benefits which was why even non-Muslims are encouraged to observe: during Ramadan, lunch is basically missed and take an early hour breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water for 12 or so hours is necessary for concentration of all fluids within the body, thus producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, improve longevity.
The physiological effect of fasting includes lowering of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for the treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity, and essential hypertension but on the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether type 1 diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempted and should therefore not be allowed to fast.
When fasting, you give rest to the gastro-intestinal tract, the sexual organs, the tongue, the eyes and ears, etc. The transit time for a bolus of food from the mouth to the end of the large intestine, called colon, is about 12 to 14 hours. In fact, fasting is an additional safety device for the regenerative processes of the body. The repair processes of the body and the brain, including the memory molecules which take place when the body is at rest, especially during the stage of deep sleep. Sleeping during Ramadan is much deeper than in other times. Two hours of sleep during Ramadan are more satisfying and refreshing than more hours of sleep otherwise.
Fasting significantly increases deep sleep and reduces the dreaming time, which takes place during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) in sleep, thus making it more beneficial for the elderly to fast because their normal hours of deep sleep in the non-fasting state are much less.
Through the beneficial effects of magnesium, fasting prevents the formation of atheroma as well as dissolves atheromatous plaques which are responsible for heart attacks and strokes. Hence, fasting takes an active part in the rejuvenating processes of the body through many channels.
Ramadan fast puts a healthy mind into a healthy body because fasting increased secretion of the growth hormone by the pituitary gland.. It is an anabolic hormone for synthesis of proteins and collagen, which produces a positive nitrogen balance. It also stimulates erythropoiesis, as well as collagen synthesis.
During the exercise of fasting, prayers and different spiritual experiences of Ramadan, certain endogenous substances are released by the brain and spinal-cord into the body called opioids, which include enkephalins and endorphins. These are responsible for euphoria, tranquility and serenity during such periods. Endorphins and enkephalins are natural painkillers. Endorphins may be responsible for the "feel nice" effects, experienced by many people after rigorous exercise. Endorphins and enkephalins are derived from beta-lipotropin. On release, it is cleaved to form three major active products: called met-enkephalin, gamma-endorphin, and beta-endorphin. Beta-endorphin is most active, and is about 20 times as potent as morphine. In addition to their pain killing properties, the narcoticanalgesics cause a profound feeling of well-being (euphoria). It is this feeling that is in part responsible for the psychological drive of certain persons who are fasting.
Muslims who have been fasting regularly since childhood have been exposed to different sleep/wake and light/darkness cycles on a daily basis in one annual lunar month. Hence, it may be easier for such persons to synchronize at a faster rate their circadian, circa-lunar and circa-annual bio-rhythms, under difficult conditions. Therefore, it is expected that Muslims who fast regularly would least suffer from jet lag and that health problems in Muslim shift-workers would be minimal.
Moreover, the social contact during taraweeh or qiyam (long night prayers) and other social spiritual activities should act as a zeitgeber (from German 'time-giver') which regulates any desynchronized biological rhythm. This amounts to gentle physical exercise, involving each and every muscle in the body and the night prayers utilized approximately, 200 calories. Perhaps, more additional exercise utilizes several extra calories ingested at iftar (meal for breaking the fast) approximately 1-2 hours earlier. Simultaneously, the blood glucose is steadily rising in the blood from the ingested nutrients; the circulating glucose isoxidized to CO2 and H20 during the prayers.
The physical movements during qiyam prayers also improve flexibility, co-ordination and relaxation response. It again reduces stress-related autonomic responses in normal persons and relieves anxiety and depression. Adrenaline and noradrenalin are secreted during the physical exercise of qiyam. They are responsible for the consequent dynamism, which now combines with the tranquility and the serenity, due to the secretion of enkephalins, endorphins, dynorphins and others.
The strain put on the forearm, during prostration in lifting the body from the ground, increases the bone mineral content of the forearm. The varying load during the different postures causes a lubricating effect and a protective flow of synovial fluid into the joint cavity. The reinforcement of the calf muscle pump by active ankle movements prevents deep veinthrombosis, which is a common cause of chronic ulcers of the legs in the elderly.
Exercise of qiyam improves mood, thought and behavior. Memory for short-term events deteriorates with old age. Prayers improve memory in the elderly, forshort-term events, by keeping the memory pathways in the brain open and communicating with each other, especially with constant repetition of the verses from The Holy Qur'an and other supplications of Allah (swt's) glory. This also helps to screen the mind from other incoming thoughts.
There are also psychological effects of fasting as well. There is peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan as personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. Aggression across borders in some countries is at a stand-still due to Ramadan because Muslims take advice from the Prophet (saw) who said, "If one slanders you or aggresses against you, say I am fasting."
Understanding what Ramadan is and the sanctity of the fast is of paramount importance to all of us whether we are Muslim or non-Muslims. The goal of fasting is to teach patience, discipline, modesty and spirituality. Whoever is observing a lengthy period of fasting must stay healthy, eat wisely and sleep enough.
It is an effective detoxification therapy as toxins will break down and pass out of the body. Also, fasting is ideal for both the overweight and underweight. Fo rthe overweight, deposited fat gets used and burns down, facilitating weight loss. For the underweight, fasting also normalizes the digestive system and equips a body to digest and assimilate nutrients. Fasting can also clear many skin problems. This is because of the elimination of toxic materials. Fasting also has advantages in getting rid of addictions and habits like smoking and drinking alcohol.
Conclusively, these few tips below may help one maintain a balance and healthy life throughout this holy month of Ramadan and beyond:
* Avoid eating an excess of carbohydrates.
* Avoid an intake of excessive sugary and spicy food, and also stay away from caffeine drinks such as coke, coffee or tea.
* Avoid snacks high in salt like chips or nuts.
* Take dinner only before Ishaa and after Taraweeh prayers, so the time afterwards is spent in Ibaadah, prayers and dhikr.
* Women should not be made to cook all day: hence, keep the meals simple and humble, so they too can get the time to engage in equal Ibaadah and prayers, during their day, and post-Iftaar as well.
* When considering dinner, it's very important to include food varieties like: Meat/Bean, Bread/Cereal, Milk, Vegetable, Fruits among others.
Finally, i wish all my readers, friends, well-wishers, colleagues, family and the entire Muslim umma a blissful, bountiful, glorious and a happy Ramadan fast. May the Almighty Allah - the God of Muhammed, the God of Jesus Christ, the God of Moses and the God of Abraham - accept all our Ibaadah and spare our lives to witness more and more Ramadans ahead.
Reference:
www.khanapakana.com
www.masjidtucson.org
www.islam-usa.com
www.nature.com
www.nhs.uk
While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinks, smoking, backbiting, long arguments, lying, fighting and engaging in sexual relations; Muslims are also mandated to refrain from other behavior that could be perceived as sinful, such as swearing, engaging in disagreements, and unnecessary noise-making.
Several Muslims around the world observe fast between dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadan, they do so not for losing fat or any medical value, but for spiritual benefits as it is ordained by the Holy Quran in 'Q 2:183' which says:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed for those before you (i.e. Jews, & Christians) so that you may (learn) self-restraint."
But while fasting during the holy month remains an avenue for introspection and spiritual renewal for all Muslims around the world, fasting has several health benefits which was why even non-Muslims are encouraged to observe: during Ramadan, lunch is basically missed and take an early hour breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water for 12 or so hours is necessary for concentration of all fluids within the body, thus producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, improve longevity.
The physiological effect of fasting includes lowering of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for the treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity, and essential hypertension but on the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether type 1 diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempted and should therefore not be allowed to fast.
When fasting, you give rest to the gastro-intestinal tract, the sexual organs, the tongue, the eyes and ears, etc. The transit time for a bolus of food from the mouth to the end of the large intestine, called colon, is about 12 to 14 hours. In fact, fasting is an additional safety device for the regenerative processes of the body. The repair processes of the body and the brain, including the memory molecules which take place when the body is at rest, especially during the stage of deep sleep. Sleeping during Ramadan is much deeper than in other times. Two hours of sleep during Ramadan are more satisfying and refreshing than more hours of sleep otherwise.
Fasting significantly increases deep sleep and reduces the dreaming time, which takes place during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) in sleep, thus making it more beneficial for the elderly to fast because their normal hours of deep sleep in the non-fasting state are much less.
Through the beneficial effects of magnesium, fasting prevents the formation of atheroma as well as dissolves atheromatous plaques which are responsible for heart attacks and strokes. Hence, fasting takes an active part in the rejuvenating processes of the body through many channels.
Ramadan fast puts a healthy mind into a healthy body because fasting increased secretion of the growth hormone by the pituitary gland.. It is an anabolic hormone for synthesis of proteins and collagen, which produces a positive nitrogen balance. It also stimulates erythropoiesis, as well as collagen synthesis.
During the exercise of fasting, prayers and different spiritual experiences of Ramadan, certain endogenous substances are released by the brain and spinal-cord into the body called opioids, which include enkephalins and endorphins. These are responsible for euphoria, tranquility and serenity during such periods. Endorphins and enkephalins are natural painkillers. Endorphins may be responsible for the "feel nice" effects, experienced by many people after rigorous exercise. Endorphins and enkephalins are derived from beta-lipotropin. On release, it is cleaved to form three major active products: called met-enkephalin, gamma-endorphin, and beta-endorphin. Beta-endorphin is most active, and is about 20 times as potent as morphine. In addition to their pain killing properties, the narcoticanalgesics cause a profound feeling of well-being (euphoria). It is this feeling that is in part responsible for the psychological drive of certain persons who are fasting.
Muslims who have been fasting regularly since childhood have been exposed to different sleep/wake and light/darkness cycles on a daily basis in one annual lunar month. Hence, it may be easier for such persons to synchronize at a faster rate their circadian, circa-lunar and circa-annual bio-rhythms, under difficult conditions. Therefore, it is expected that Muslims who fast regularly would least suffer from jet lag and that health problems in Muslim shift-workers would be minimal.
Moreover, the social contact during taraweeh or qiyam (long night prayers) and other social spiritual activities should act as a zeitgeber (from German 'time-giver') which regulates any desynchronized biological rhythm. This amounts to gentle physical exercise, involving each and every muscle in the body and the night prayers utilized approximately, 200 calories. Perhaps, more additional exercise utilizes several extra calories ingested at iftar (meal for breaking the fast) approximately 1-2 hours earlier. Simultaneously, the blood glucose is steadily rising in the blood from the ingested nutrients; the circulating glucose isoxidized to CO2 and H20 during the prayers.
The physical movements during qiyam prayers also improve flexibility, co-ordination and relaxation response. It again reduces stress-related autonomic responses in normal persons and relieves anxiety and depression. Adrenaline and noradrenalin are secreted during the physical exercise of qiyam. They are responsible for the consequent dynamism, which now combines with the tranquility and the serenity, due to the secretion of enkephalins, endorphins, dynorphins and others.
The strain put on the forearm, during prostration in lifting the body from the ground, increases the bone mineral content of the forearm. The varying load during the different postures causes a lubricating effect and a protective flow of synovial fluid into the joint cavity. The reinforcement of the calf muscle pump by active ankle movements prevents deep veinthrombosis, which is a common cause of chronic ulcers of the legs in the elderly.
Exercise of qiyam improves mood, thought and behavior. Memory for short-term events deteriorates with old age. Prayers improve memory in the elderly, forshort-term events, by keeping the memory pathways in the brain open and communicating with each other, especially with constant repetition of the verses from The Holy Qur'an and other supplications of Allah (swt's) glory. This also helps to screen the mind from other incoming thoughts.
There are also psychological effects of fasting as well. There is peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan as personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. Aggression across borders in some countries is at a stand-still due to Ramadan because Muslims take advice from the Prophet (saw) who said, "If one slanders you or aggresses against you, say I am fasting."
Understanding what Ramadan is and the sanctity of the fast is of paramount importance to all of us whether we are Muslim or non-Muslims. The goal of fasting is to teach patience, discipline, modesty and spirituality. Whoever is observing a lengthy period of fasting must stay healthy, eat wisely and sleep enough.
It is an effective detoxification therapy as toxins will break down and pass out of the body. Also, fasting is ideal for both the overweight and underweight. Fo rthe overweight, deposited fat gets used and burns down, facilitating weight loss. For the underweight, fasting also normalizes the digestive system and equips a body to digest and assimilate nutrients. Fasting can also clear many skin problems. This is because of the elimination of toxic materials. Fasting also has advantages in getting rid of addictions and habits like smoking and drinking alcohol.
Conclusively, these few tips below may help one maintain a balance and healthy life throughout this holy month of Ramadan and beyond:
* Avoid eating an excess of carbohydrates.
* Avoid an intake of excessive sugary and spicy food, and also stay away from caffeine drinks such as coke, coffee or tea.
* Avoid snacks high in salt like chips or nuts.
* Take dinner only before Ishaa and after Taraweeh prayers, so the time afterwards is spent in Ibaadah, prayers and dhikr.
* Women should not be made to cook all day: hence, keep the meals simple and humble, so they too can get the time to engage in equal Ibaadah and prayers, during their day, and post-Iftaar as well.
* When considering dinner, it's very important to include food varieties like: Meat/Bean, Bread/Cereal, Milk, Vegetable, Fruits among others.
Finally, i wish all my readers, friends, well-wishers, colleagues, family and the entire Muslim umma a blissful, bountiful, glorious and a happy Ramadan fast. May the Almighty Allah - the God of Muhammed, the God of Jesus Christ, the God of Moses and the God of Abraham - accept all our Ibaadah and spare our lives to witness more and more Ramadans ahead.
Reference:
www.khanapakana.com
www.masjidtucson.org
www.islam-usa.com
www.nature.com
www.nhs.uk
Sunday, 14 June 2015
PDP And The Burden Of Confusion, By Usama Dandare
Drawing on a conceptual distinction between Nigeria's ruling party - the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the leading opposition party - the People's Democratic Party (PDP). This article is not about whether PDP years of leadership were fruitful or not, but to examines the performance and contributions of the latter toward making a vibrant democracy. The central point of argument is however focused on the short duration of time the PDP has so far spent in the opposition, it's therefore imperative to address some disturbing questions like; have the PDP shown enough courage to play the role of a responsible opposition? How well is the party playing its cards in the game of opposition politics?
The role of a viable and formidable opposition in any democratic government cannot be overembellished, it is perhaps one of the strongest component of democracy and there cannot be anything near democracy where one-party system exist but in a pitiful situation where opposition is absent, then totalitarian and anarchy will rule the land.
Also in a rather situation like ours where opposition is present but lacks focus and determination, then the opposition party most performs the role of a clueless malingerer to the ruling party and become as useless as the last three letters in 'queue' without presenting any strong challenge to the ruling party, thus scrutinizing every personal moves made by the ruling class while failing to direct their critique on importance national issues.
In the last 16 years, the People's Democratic Party and it unique strengths of manipulation has been the substratum behind the its success in previous elections since the return of democracy in 1999, though the party has enjoyed 16 uninterrupted years on the mantle of national leadership but some significant structural weaknesses inherent in the party's formation present numerous insurmountable problems that made it long-term reign in government a total failure which equally influenced the party's tremendous defeat in the just concluded general election and perhaps, diminishes it chances of a possible political relevance in the near future.
Any smart bystander that's conversant with Nigerian politics should be able to recognize that there is a serious absence or defalcation of political marketing from the opposition party and other opposition movements in the country. As a matter of fact, the weaknesses of the PDP are the grounds on which the opposition builds its confidence but to everyone dismay, the PDP has failed to even identify those weaknesses of the ruling party not to talk of capitalizing on them but instead, they are busy scanning people's body and estimating the cost of their wrist-watches.
In an article i wrote shortly after the 2011 general elections titled 'The Ills Of One-Party System In Nigeria', I made mentioned that "the biggest calamity to have ever betides Nigeria is having PDP on the mantle of leadership and the greatest threat to the sustainability of a long lasting democracy is when PDP become an opposition party." As forecasted, my fears are now gradually coming to light; with the level of impunity, mismanagement, corruption, gross irresponsibility and dereliction to duty put in display during the last 16-years of PDP's mischief, i seriously doubt if it can present a vibrant and responsible opposition that will force the ruling party to stand on its toes.
Since the unprecedented electoral misfortune it suffered in the just concluded general elections of March 28 and April 11 respectively, the PDP have been struggling to live with the reality of loosing power and adjust to life in the opposition which most of the party members had never tasted before. Apart from losing the presidency, the party also lost its majority in the National Assembly both in the upper and lower chamber which automatically transformed it from the biggest political party in Africa to the biggest opposition party in line with the party's transformation agenda. The PDP also failed to take control in states leadership as they only won in 10 states out of the 29 states where gubernatorial elections were held, thus losing all its strongholds especially in the North-west and North-central. And as such, the PDP as a political party became totally displaced and as usual, accusations and counter accusations of what and who is responsible for the failures at the general polls began making daily headlines. While the party was battling to reconcile its in-fighting crisis, intrigue and wrangling, then come a mass exodus of party members to other political platforms coupled with blame-game and name-calling among party chieftains, to an extent the National Chairman of the party alongside his counterpart in the Board Of Trustees and several leaders of the party resigned their positions while many aggrieved members including some state governors went out strategizing and working on plans to float a new party. This prompted Nigerians to wonder if at all the PDP can solve its internal crisis and be able to present a responsible and a tougher opposition.
In many countries, however, political parties fail to respond to citizens’ concerns and are widely distrusted by the public just as in the case of Nigeria. When public confidence in political party became compromised, the entire democratic process suffers. In all sustainable democracies, the party system must be deeply engaged in changing the socioeconomic situation of a particular environment toward improving the well-being of the common masses in accomplishment of a common goal.
Wherever you have an unfocused and clueless opposition; baseless arguments, cheap blackmails and character assassination targeted at individuals replace issue based campaigns in line with national interest and generates unnecessary hot debates, similar to what we witnessed few weeks ago when President Buhari was pictured standing alone at the gate of No:10 Downing street in United Kingdom. Another disgusting development buttressing the fact that PDP is far away from being a responsible opposition was the unnecessary arguments over the price of a Cartier Baignoire Folle wrist-watch which Aisha Buhari (wife of the president) wore to her husband's inauguration event. This irritating blazon of opposition isn't only portraying the PDP as a confused opposition party but also not ready to give APC (the ruling party) anything near a strong opposition, and if things should continue on this path, one shouldn't be astonished if along the way PDP began challenging President Buhari for being taller than all previous Presidents.
I watched with adore the drama of Tuesday, June 8, 2015 at the National Assembly and the plethora of confusion emanating from it during the inauguration of the 8th Assembly, with the election of Bukola Saraki as the Senate President, and Yakubu Dogara as the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the PDP and some of its supporters confusedly claimed victory because the opposition lawmakers immensely contributed in defeating Dr. Ahmed Lawan and Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila whom were surmised to be chosen by the ruling party over Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara. Much as i align myself with the fact that our democracy is the chief beneficiary of the whole brouhaha, it's also a sort of defiance against meddlesome intercession by some party leaders and nothing victorious on the side of the opposition. I must go forth to remind my brothers and friends that the role played by PDP lawmakers which saw the emergence of Saraki and Dogara as senate president and speaker of the house of representatives respectively isn't a victory in their favour as earlier believed but rather another unforced error (as we say in tennis) from the opposition; the two contestants only capitalized on the gullibility of the PDP lawmakers and used them to achieved a desired mission just to pleased their self interest not the interest of the PDP. To be frank, if what transpired at the National Assembly on Tuesday is what the PDP called opposition, i am sorry but we are not there yet, not even on the right path.
I must say with all sense of fairness that the category of individuals within the PDP are habitual of eating free yam than going to the farm to plant or harvest yam, and now that the yam have been shifted to another delicatessen, do you expects such people to play the game of opposition against the custodian of the new delicatessen where the yam was transferred to? No, they will all pledge solidarity and allegiance to the custodian of the new delicatessen.
In developed democracies, the end product of the significant actions of the opposition made it the ray of hope for the citizens who desire a positive change to the way they are being govern especially in a scenario where the ruling failed to improve on the socioeconomic condition of that particular environment, as the people were often offered the unique avenue of making a choice of leadership. In the course of electing choice leaders, the electorate either vote out a failed government and hand over the keys to the opposition or give green light for the incumbent to continue on power where the incumbent party put on an overwhelming performance, but however, it wasn't so in Nigeria before now.
The main issue is that the PDP have, so far, failed to communicate any plausible programmes that persuade people to either follow or support the party except promoting ethnic and religious differences which divides the electorate to the party's uttermost advantage; the reason is that PDP keep repeating the same messages of blackmail and cheap allegations to their audiences without being able to play a real issue based politics in the nation's interest.
As such, Nigerians became bored and lost faith in the party since it cannot focused on issues that will bring fundamental changes to the political system, society and the economy which will positively make impacts on the lives and well-being of the citizenry. This is probably the main root of PDP's leadership and opposition failure.
In the interim, the future appears very bleak for the PDP and it is clear that a heavy commotion awaits the party in the coming years, it is therefore of paramount importance for the PDP to re-strategize it approach in the best interest of Nigeria and for a sustainable democracy by offering credible opposition to put the ruling party on its toes; there's the need for the PDP - being a political party hit by mass exodus of members - to consider mergers with other smaller parties of same ideology to regain its lost values in order to strengthen the party.
They should also develop a very realistic communication strategy directed at their audiences because the PDP isn't sending the correct message to the larger population and rely on reasonable programs of political, social and economical relevance within the country’s democratic context.
Furthermore, a gradual approach is needed from the PDP to convince all and sundry that the party wants to establish a sustainable democratic process and a shift in direction from the usual politics of bitterness must be adopted as at this moment: because PDP opposition strategy only depends on either sending false fabrication/cheap blackmail that everybody already knows to be false or character assassination targeted at the government and the ruling party members.
However, this does not mean that the government shouldn't be criticized where it goes contrary to the rules of engagement or performed poorly but unrealistic claims and campaign of calumny must be left aside with all sense of urgency, as well as deliberately making negative judgment on each governmental action just to deceive the electorate.
Interestingly, the twists and turns making headlines in recent days regarding our political development will surely determine where our democracy will be in the nearest future with 'Change Agents' on the pilot seat.
The role of a viable and formidable opposition in any democratic government cannot be overembellished, it is perhaps one of the strongest component of democracy and there cannot be anything near democracy where one-party system exist but in a pitiful situation where opposition is absent, then totalitarian and anarchy will rule the land.
Also in a rather situation like ours where opposition is present but lacks focus and determination, then the opposition party most performs the role of a clueless malingerer to the ruling party and become as useless as the last three letters in 'queue' without presenting any strong challenge to the ruling party, thus scrutinizing every personal moves made by the ruling class while failing to direct their critique on importance national issues.
In the last 16 years, the People's Democratic Party and it unique strengths of manipulation has been the substratum behind the its success in previous elections since the return of democracy in 1999, though the party has enjoyed 16 uninterrupted years on the mantle of national leadership but some significant structural weaknesses inherent in the party's formation present numerous insurmountable problems that made it long-term reign in government a total failure which equally influenced the party's tremendous defeat in the just concluded general election and perhaps, diminishes it chances of a possible political relevance in the near future.
Any smart bystander that's conversant with Nigerian politics should be able to recognize that there is a serious absence or defalcation of political marketing from the opposition party and other opposition movements in the country. As a matter of fact, the weaknesses of the PDP are the grounds on which the opposition builds its confidence but to everyone dismay, the PDP has failed to even identify those weaknesses of the ruling party not to talk of capitalizing on them but instead, they are busy scanning people's body and estimating the cost of their wrist-watches.
In an article i wrote shortly after the 2011 general elections titled 'The Ills Of One-Party System In Nigeria', I made mentioned that "the biggest calamity to have ever betides Nigeria is having PDP on the mantle of leadership and the greatest threat to the sustainability of a long lasting democracy is when PDP become an opposition party." As forecasted, my fears are now gradually coming to light; with the level of impunity, mismanagement, corruption, gross irresponsibility and dereliction to duty put in display during the last 16-years of PDP's mischief, i seriously doubt if it can present a vibrant and responsible opposition that will force the ruling party to stand on its toes.
Since the unprecedented electoral misfortune it suffered in the just concluded general elections of March 28 and April 11 respectively, the PDP have been struggling to live with the reality of loosing power and adjust to life in the opposition which most of the party members had never tasted before. Apart from losing the presidency, the party also lost its majority in the National Assembly both in the upper and lower chamber which automatically transformed it from the biggest political party in Africa to the biggest opposition party in line with the party's transformation agenda. The PDP also failed to take control in states leadership as they only won in 10 states out of the 29 states where gubernatorial elections were held, thus losing all its strongholds especially in the North-west and North-central. And as such, the PDP as a political party became totally displaced and as usual, accusations and counter accusations of what and who is responsible for the failures at the general polls began making daily headlines. While the party was battling to reconcile its in-fighting crisis, intrigue and wrangling, then come a mass exodus of party members to other political platforms coupled with blame-game and name-calling among party chieftains, to an extent the National Chairman of the party alongside his counterpart in the Board Of Trustees and several leaders of the party resigned their positions while many aggrieved members including some state governors went out strategizing and working on plans to float a new party. This prompted Nigerians to wonder if at all the PDP can solve its internal crisis and be able to present a responsible and a tougher opposition.
In many countries, however, political parties fail to respond to citizens’ concerns and are widely distrusted by the public just as in the case of Nigeria. When public confidence in political party became compromised, the entire democratic process suffers. In all sustainable democracies, the party system must be deeply engaged in changing the socioeconomic situation of a particular environment toward improving the well-being of the common masses in accomplishment of a common goal.
Wherever you have an unfocused and clueless opposition; baseless arguments, cheap blackmails and character assassination targeted at individuals replace issue based campaigns in line with national interest and generates unnecessary hot debates, similar to what we witnessed few weeks ago when President Buhari was pictured standing alone at the gate of No:10 Downing street in United Kingdom. Another disgusting development buttressing the fact that PDP is far away from being a responsible opposition was the unnecessary arguments over the price of a Cartier Baignoire Folle wrist-watch which Aisha Buhari (wife of the president) wore to her husband's inauguration event. This irritating blazon of opposition isn't only portraying the PDP as a confused opposition party but also not ready to give APC (the ruling party) anything near a strong opposition, and if things should continue on this path, one shouldn't be astonished if along the way PDP began challenging President Buhari for being taller than all previous Presidents.
I watched with adore the drama of Tuesday, June 8, 2015 at the National Assembly and the plethora of confusion emanating from it during the inauguration of the 8th Assembly, with the election of Bukola Saraki as the Senate President, and Yakubu Dogara as the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the PDP and some of its supporters confusedly claimed victory because the opposition lawmakers immensely contributed in defeating Dr. Ahmed Lawan and Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila whom were surmised to be chosen by the ruling party over Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara. Much as i align myself with the fact that our democracy is the chief beneficiary of the whole brouhaha, it's also a sort of defiance against meddlesome intercession by some party leaders and nothing victorious on the side of the opposition. I must go forth to remind my brothers and friends that the role played by PDP lawmakers which saw the emergence of Saraki and Dogara as senate president and speaker of the house of representatives respectively isn't a victory in their favour as earlier believed but rather another unforced error (as we say in tennis) from the opposition; the two contestants only capitalized on the gullibility of the PDP lawmakers and used them to achieved a desired mission just to pleased their self interest not the interest of the PDP. To be frank, if what transpired at the National Assembly on Tuesday is what the PDP called opposition, i am sorry but we are not there yet, not even on the right path.
I must say with all sense of fairness that the category of individuals within the PDP are habitual of eating free yam than going to the farm to plant or harvest yam, and now that the yam have been shifted to another delicatessen, do you expects such people to play the game of opposition against the custodian of the new delicatessen where the yam was transferred to? No, they will all pledge solidarity and allegiance to the custodian of the new delicatessen.
In developed democracies, the end product of the significant actions of the opposition made it the ray of hope for the citizens who desire a positive change to the way they are being govern especially in a scenario where the ruling failed to improve on the socioeconomic condition of that particular environment, as the people were often offered the unique avenue of making a choice of leadership. In the course of electing choice leaders, the electorate either vote out a failed government and hand over the keys to the opposition or give green light for the incumbent to continue on power where the incumbent party put on an overwhelming performance, but however, it wasn't so in Nigeria before now.
The main issue is that the PDP have, so far, failed to communicate any plausible programmes that persuade people to either follow or support the party except promoting ethnic and religious differences which divides the electorate to the party's uttermost advantage; the reason is that PDP keep repeating the same messages of blackmail and cheap allegations to their audiences without being able to play a real issue based politics in the nation's interest.
As such, Nigerians became bored and lost faith in the party since it cannot focused on issues that will bring fundamental changes to the political system, society and the economy which will positively make impacts on the lives and well-being of the citizenry. This is probably the main root of PDP's leadership and opposition failure.
In the interim, the future appears very bleak for the PDP and it is clear that a heavy commotion awaits the party in the coming years, it is therefore of paramount importance for the PDP to re-strategize it approach in the best interest of Nigeria and for a sustainable democracy by offering credible opposition to put the ruling party on its toes; there's the need for the PDP - being a political party hit by mass exodus of members - to consider mergers with other smaller parties of same ideology to regain its lost values in order to strengthen the party.
They should also develop a very realistic communication strategy directed at their audiences because the PDP isn't sending the correct message to the larger population and rely on reasonable programs of political, social and economical relevance within the country’s democratic context.
Furthermore, a gradual approach is needed from the PDP to convince all and sundry that the party wants to establish a sustainable democratic process and a shift in direction from the usual politics of bitterness must be adopted as at this moment: because PDP opposition strategy only depends on either sending false fabrication/cheap blackmail that everybody already knows to be false or character assassination targeted at the government and the ruling party members.
However, this does not mean that the government shouldn't be criticized where it goes contrary to the rules of engagement or performed poorly but unrealistic claims and campaign of calumny must be left aside with all sense of urgency, as well as deliberately making negative judgment on each governmental action just to deceive the electorate.
Interestingly, the twists and turns making headlines in recent days regarding our political development will surely determine where our democracy will be in the nearest future with 'Change Agents' on the pilot seat.
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Kaduna State: Back On To The Path To Greatness, By Usama Dandare
For close to about two decade since the return of democracy in 1999, there has been an increasing distress about the socioeconomic condition of Nigeria and the level of mismanagement on the part governance at both the federal, states and local governments level but one particular state of interest that's generating lots of criticism and attention is Kaduna state - being it the headquarter and center of the northern region.
Kaduna state has witnessed different kinds of leaders each with an individual style of leadership but at the end, they all proven to be reckless, corrupt, inept, incompetent, insensitive, irresponsible and less concern to the yearnings and aspirations of the electorate. All the previous regimes so to say have appeared to be ill-founded and undemocratic while those in the corridors of power were seemingly bereft of ideas, they woefully failed to rescue the state out of misery and untold hardship.
A lots of people in the state have since adrift hope of a better future while those giving them (leaders) benefit of doubt were left seethed with rage, thus forcing vast number of the people migrate to other states in search of opportunities and to live a better life.
Weak and unfocused leadership is inevitably responsible for the backwardness of Kaduna state in recent history. Ill-founded administration on the other hand is absolutely the major determinant of unsuccessful leadership and most specifically determinant of a state’s failure rating in the midst of others. This prompted several debates and arguments on how the menace of irresponsible leadership - that has stagnanted the growth and progress of Kaduna state - can be brought to a halt, the general opinion was that for Kaduna to attain speedy progress: there's perhaps the need for focused and patriotic people of integrity in leadership positions.
Historically, Kaduna state is blessed with numerous resources and abundant talents, including professionals whom had in one way or the other excelled in all aspects of human and social development both at home and abroad, stake-holders therefore unanimously agreed that the only possible way for Kaduna to be rank higher is by having into leadership positions persons of integrity not of doubtful character, people who are civil, conscientious and trustworthy individuals of substance that will work tirelessly for the progress of the state without any personal interest: there's the need for a reliable, dependable, altruistic, focused, hard-working, result-oriented people and those that are very much unlikely to yield to influences for evil or bad practices to lead the state forward.
In a nutshell, Kaduna state has been dangerously polluted by weak leadership in all areas of developmental indexes and what one can only notice on arrival is the open presence of nurtured corruption, ethnic jingoism, political jobbery and impunity while the authorities look powerless to handle or halt the unwanted escalation of such ugly conducts. Indeed, what Kaduna needs is a meaningful government that can bring about positive development and re-insert confidence into the people at all level of governance irrespective of tribe, age, religion or gender.
The once proudest people of Kaduna state - having been fed up with devilish leadership, and so desperately in search of a positive change to their worsening socioeconomic condition - joined their counterparts across the nation on April 11, 2015, to elect a new leadership that will pilot the affairs of their state at least for the next four years and indeed, history was made; the power of the thumb has undoubtedly brought the long awaited change to Kaduna state following a spectacular decisions by the electorate to put aside their differences and collectively fight against our common enemies, so as to free themselves from the burden of confused and unfocused leadership, they overwhelmingly casted and guarded their ballots until their votes counted. They wisely voted into power a tested and trusted democrat who distinguished in all aspects of human and social capacity, an intelligent, reliable, dedicative, patriotic and an honest man of substance who always set his heart for Kaduna state first before anything else. He's no other than the smartest and perhaps the all-time most performing minister throughout Nigeria's history of ministerial office holders, in the person of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
'Mai Rusau' - as nicknamed by his mammoth supporters - is a rare leader of one in a kind and a selflessly committed servant of God and humanity who has devoted his all to the service and prosperity of Nigeria and going by our recent political history, El-Rufai is absolutely a beacon to rely on.
Ambitious people like him are very few and difficult to find in Nigerian and indeed, African politics as a whole. Hate him or not, you cannot dispute the fact that he is truly a symbol of absolute honesty, modesty and patriotism, whom at this critical moment in time became the best possible option if only if we want Kaduna state to elude the possibility of a total shutdown after spending about 16 years in hibernation mode.
May 29, 2015, came as a surprise to many during his inauguration ceremony when the newly sworn governor of Kaduna state and his deputy lay their own comfort on the altar of the common good by announcing their spectacular decision to take a 50% pay cut in their salaries and allowances, in recognition of the difficult financial challenges facing the state and as part of their efforts to improve the state's fiscal situation and their readiness to lead by example. I wasn't surprised in anyway likewise everyone familiar with Mallam won't be surprised either, whomever knows him will testify that he has no interest for material gain when it comes to serving the people and has always led by example, he's only passionate about how he can turn Kaduna state/Nigeria around on to the path of greatness and cares nothing about self enrichment.
His antecedents during his stay as the Director General of The Bureau of Public Enterprises to his days as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory are there to speak for him: he led such a disciplined and well-organized administration throughout his career both in the public and private sector and it’s only if we want to be hypocritical that we will doubt El-Rufai's ability to positively turn things around as he has always did. Going through his academic record of excellence starting from the prestigious Barewa College Zaria, Ahmadu Bello University to Harvard University and his track-records of service both in public and private sector, you must concur with the palpability that Mallam cannot and can never be comparable with all previous governors who had ruled Kaduna state except by looks, he's completely incomparable with all of them when it comes to competence, ability to deliver, integrity, trust and selfless patriotism. I am of the confidence that under El-Rufai, the interest of the common man would be place above any other interest and Kaduna would be serve rather than some selected power mongers in the name of statesmen or political godfathers.
With El-Rufai, the long embarrassing structural, social and economic condition in Kaduna state has been endangered and will possible be extinct in a matter of soon. It's shameful that once a great state - the pride of northern Nigeria - could not boast of a regular supply of clean drinking water despite billions of Naira that have been spent on the same problem in the last 15 years not to mention of a standard education or healthcare delivery. The most disgraceful of all is the dilapidated road networks in the state which cannot be compared to anything short of a death trap - despite the state was onetime governed by an architecture few years back - and one must wonder where all the huge funds budgeted for such purposes went to if at all they haven't grown wings and flew away.
Notwithstanding, below are the "five point agenda highlighted by the government of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai" that will guide the regime and provide both magnitude and direction to where the government is heading to and the best possible way to arrive at the desired destination at a particular point in time:
* Investment in education, healthcare and social welfare.
* Fostering security of lives and properties.
* Responsive public service with zero tolerance for corruption.
* Rebuilding and expansion of decaying infrastructure.
* Promotion of agriculture and food security and reform of land administration.
Above are roadmap which the El-Rufai administration will follow in delivering democratic dividends to the people of Kaduna state based on the yearning and aspirations of the electorates without any segregation. These five agendas are what the masses should lookout for and judge El-Rufai's performance at the expiration of his first tenure come 2019, they equally reserved the right of refusing to re-elect him (if at all he will seek re-election which i very much casted doubts on) if at the end he fails to deliver on these agendas. Because i am 100% sure that with El-Rufai's sincerity of purpose, hardworking, dedication and the team of patriotic professionals that will constitutes his cabinet, Kaduna would definitely be rescued out of coma and indeed, will attain a state of rapid structural and economic growth.
Though the ignoramus had severally argued that El-Rufai cannot record an excellent performance similar to what he did while serving as FCT minister, because Kaduna is not Abuja taking into account its ethnic and religious differences, but those familiar with his leadership abilities and qualities had always shown faith and confidence that Mallam is up to the task and will surely deliver. He will deliver, no two ways about that and with the bright political future ahead - you can call me a prophet of doom if you like - but I can see Mallam majestically relocating from Kashim House to Aso Rock Villa if not in 2019, then 2023.
Finally, I am optimistic that Mallam will put smiles in the faces of all and sundry as he does whenever and wherever he's called upon to lead and amidst huge tales of challenges, he always succeeds where others failed.
Ride on Mallam, you are indeed the right man for the job at the right time, though a little bit late but nevertheless, it's better to be late than never.
Kaduna state has witnessed different kinds of leaders each with an individual style of leadership but at the end, they all proven to be reckless, corrupt, inept, incompetent, insensitive, irresponsible and less concern to the yearnings and aspirations of the electorate. All the previous regimes so to say have appeared to be ill-founded and undemocratic while those in the corridors of power were seemingly bereft of ideas, they woefully failed to rescue the state out of misery and untold hardship.
A lots of people in the state have since adrift hope of a better future while those giving them (leaders) benefit of doubt were left seethed with rage, thus forcing vast number of the people migrate to other states in search of opportunities and to live a better life.
Weak and unfocused leadership is inevitably responsible for the backwardness of Kaduna state in recent history. Ill-founded administration on the other hand is absolutely the major determinant of unsuccessful leadership and most specifically determinant of a state’s failure rating in the midst of others. This prompted several debates and arguments on how the menace of irresponsible leadership - that has stagnanted the growth and progress of Kaduna state - can be brought to a halt, the general opinion was that for Kaduna to attain speedy progress: there's perhaps the need for focused and patriotic people of integrity in leadership positions.
Historically, Kaduna state is blessed with numerous resources and abundant talents, including professionals whom had in one way or the other excelled in all aspects of human and social development both at home and abroad, stake-holders therefore unanimously agreed that the only possible way for Kaduna to be rank higher is by having into leadership positions persons of integrity not of doubtful character, people who are civil, conscientious and trustworthy individuals of substance that will work tirelessly for the progress of the state without any personal interest: there's the need for a reliable, dependable, altruistic, focused, hard-working, result-oriented people and those that are very much unlikely to yield to influences for evil or bad practices to lead the state forward.
In a nutshell, Kaduna state has been dangerously polluted by weak leadership in all areas of developmental indexes and what one can only notice on arrival is the open presence of nurtured corruption, ethnic jingoism, political jobbery and impunity while the authorities look powerless to handle or halt the unwanted escalation of such ugly conducts. Indeed, what Kaduna needs is a meaningful government that can bring about positive development and re-insert confidence into the people at all level of governance irrespective of tribe, age, religion or gender.
The once proudest people of Kaduna state - having been fed up with devilish leadership, and so desperately in search of a positive change to their worsening socioeconomic condition - joined their counterparts across the nation on April 11, 2015, to elect a new leadership that will pilot the affairs of their state at least for the next four years and indeed, history was made; the power of the thumb has undoubtedly brought the long awaited change to Kaduna state following a spectacular decisions by the electorate to put aside their differences and collectively fight against our common enemies, so as to free themselves from the burden of confused and unfocused leadership, they overwhelmingly casted and guarded their ballots until their votes counted. They wisely voted into power a tested and trusted democrat who distinguished in all aspects of human and social capacity, an intelligent, reliable, dedicative, patriotic and an honest man of substance who always set his heart for Kaduna state first before anything else. He's no other than the smartest and perhaps the all-time most performing minister throughout Nigeria's history of ministerial office holders, in the person of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
'Mai Rusau' - as nicknamed by his mammoth supporters - is a rare leader of one in a kind and a selflessly committed servant of God and humanity who has devoted his all to the service and prosperity of Nigeria and going by our recent political history, El-Rufai is absolutely a beacon to rely on.
Ambitious people like him are very few and difficult to find in Nigerian and indeed, African politics as a whole. Hate him or not, you cannot dispute the fact that he is truly a symbol of absolute honesty, modesty and patriotism, whom at this critical moment in time became the best possible option if only if we want Kaduna state to elude the possibility of a total shutdown after spending about 16 years in hibernation mode.
May 29, 2015, came as a surprise to many during his inauguration ceremony when the newly sworn governor of Kaduna state and his deputy lay their own comfort on the altar of the common good by announcing their spectacular decision to take a 50% pay cut in their salaries and allowances, in recognition of the difficult financial challenges facing the state and as part of their efforts to improve the state's fiscal situation and their readiness to lead by example. I wasn't surprised in anyway likewise everyone familiar with Mallam won't be surprised either, whomever knows him will testify that he has no interest for material gain when it comes to serving the people and has always led by example, he's only passionate about how he can turn Kaduna state/Nigeria around on to the path of greatness and cares nothing about self enrichment.
His antecedents during his stay as the Director General of The Bureau of Public Enterprises to his days as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory are there to speak for him: he led such a disciplined and well-organized administration throughout his career both in the public and private sector and it’s only if we want to be hypocritical that we will doubt El-Rufai's ability to positively turn things around as he has always did. Going through his academic record of excellence starting from the prestigious Barewa College Zaria, Ahmadu Bello University to Harvard University and his track-records of service both in public and private sector, you must concur with the palpability that Mallam cannot and can never be comparable with all previous governors who had ruled Kaduna state except by looks, he's completely incomparable with all of them when it comes to competence, ability to deliver, integrity, trust and selfless patriotism. I am of the confidence that under El-Rufai, the interest of the common man would be place above any other interest and Kaduna would be serve rather than some selected power mongers in the name of statesmen or political godfathers.
With El-Rufai, the long embarrassing structural, social and economic condition in Kaduna state has been endangered and will possible be extinct in a matter of soon. It's shameful that once a great state - the pride of northern Nigeria - could not boast of a regular supply of clean drinking water despite billions of Naira that have been spent on the same problem in the last 15 years not to mention of a standard education or healthcare delivery. The most disgraceful of all is the dilapidated road networks in the state which cannot be compared to anything short of a death trap - despite the state was onetime governed by an architecture few years back - and one must wonder where all the huge funds budgeted for such purposes went to if at all they haven't grown wings and flew away.
Notwithstanding, below are the "five point agenda highlighted by the government of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai" that will guide the regime and provide both magnitude and direction to where the government is heading to and the best possible way to arrive at the desired destination at a particular point in time:
* Investment in education, healthcare and social welfare.
* Fostering security of lives and properties.
* Responsive public service with zero tolerance for corruption.
* Rebuilding and expansion of decaying infrastructure.
* Promotion of agriculture and food security and reform of land administration.
Above are roadmap which the El-Rufai administration will follow in delivering democratic dividends to the people of Kaduna state based on the yearning and aspirations of the electorates without any segregation. These five agendas are what the masses should lookout for and judge El-Rufai's performance at the expiration of his first tenure come 2019, they equally reserved the right of refusing to re-elect him (if at all he will seek re-election which i very much casted doubts on) if at the end he fails to deliver on these agendas. Because i am 100% sure that with El-Rufai's sincerity of purpose, hardworking, dedication and the team of patriotic professionals that will constitutes his cabinet, Kaduna would definitely be rescued out of coma and indeed, will attain a state of rapid structural and economic growth.
Though the ignoramus had severally argued that El-Rufai cannot record an excellent performance similar to what he did while serving as FCT minister, because Kaduna is not Abuja taking into account its ethnic and religious differences, but those familiar with his leadership abilities and qualities had always shown faith and confidence that Mallam is up to the task and will surely deliver. He will deliver, no two ways about that and with the bright political future ahead - you can call me a prophet of doom if you like - but I can see Mallam majestically relocating from Kashim House to Aso Rock Villa if not in 2019, then 2023.
Finally, I am optimistic that Mallam will put smiles in the faces of all and sundry as he does whenever and wherever he's called upon to lead and amidst huge tales of challenges, he always succeeds where others failed.
Ride on Mallam, you are indeed the right man for the job at the right time, though a little bit late but nevertheless, it's better to be late than never.
Monday, 1 June 2015
Jonathan's Scorecard: How Well He Muddled At Full-Time, By Usama Dandare
Friday May 29, 2015, make it four years since Goodluck Ebele Jonathan became the president of Nigeria and perhaps the end of his stay in office following his inability to emerge winner in the just concluded March 28 presidential elections. As an elected government and typical of any regime, the administration must have celebrated its achievements and the legacies it left behind. Therefore, this is the right time to look at how well the Jonathan administration has fared so far in all it dealings, as four years are sufficient enough to bring about meaningful developments that can positively reflect on the lives of the electorate.
Assessing the Jonathan government will provide valid basis for the electorate to know if their choice in Jonathan had actually helped in improving their lives or not and perhaps provide answer to questions like: has the former president achieved what he was voted for? Did he delivered on the promises he made? Has he done enough to earn praises or made outstanding differences in positions of trust?
Perhaps the assessment process should begin by hand-picking some of the most critical sectors of our economy that needed special consideration before Jonathan came into power and how these sectors are now after spending five years on the throne, and appraise his achievements if any.
Below are my assessment of President Jonathan five years of leadership and grade his performances in some key sectors:
Talking about the all embarrassing power sector where the former president claimed to have made significant improvements but the level of darkness in which Nigerians were forced to endure speaks volume about Jonathan self-acclaimed performance in the power industry; inadequate power supply became even more rampant and worst under him than any regime we may think of, especially in his last few weeks in office. The Jonathan administration has lost both the battle and the war in the power sector, with total darkness all over the country as a result of decreased power outage in all the 36 states of the federation. This is contrary to what Jonathan promised Nigerians, he assured us of 20,000 megawatts of electricity before the end of his tenure but today (two days after the end of his regime), President Jonathan didn't only failed to increase power supply but successfully worsened the whole situation. Jonathan inherited over 4,750 megawatts of electricity in 2010, it decreased to about 3,700 megawatts in 2013 and 2014. At the beginning of 2015, power generation dropped to 2,700 megawatts and today, power generation fluctuates between 800-1,300 megawatts despite he huge sums of money Jonathan spent on power sector in the last five years, totaling about ₦8trn. 'F' grade is clearly what Jonathan deserved in the power sector.
Another critical area where President Jonathan deserved lots of scrutiny is security. Before Jonathan, Nigeria was relatively peaceful and calm if not some pockets of armed robbery and ethnic crisis but in just two years of Jonathan administration, Nigeria surpassed Mexico in kidnapping according to a United Nations report at the end 2013, recording the cruelest and second highest single abduction events in recent history. By the end of 2013 and in the first quarter of 2014, Nigeria surpassed war ravaged Syria, Libya, Iraq and Central Africa Republic (CAR) in deadly acts of terrorism and sectarian violence.
The Nyanya bombing was ranked the fifth worst bombing of its kind in world history. The Jos bombing, with over 200 reported dead in one attack, is second only to 9/11 and the disputed Syria chemical weapons attack.
According to the United Nation report, “In combined values, with about 80,000 people brutally massacred in four years of Jonathan stewardship largely unchecked Boko Haram activities and with over 4,000 killed in the first quarter of 2014 alone, Nigeria overtook other nations of the world in deadly terror. Nigeria’s leadership in December 2013 secured the world’s top position rating in insecurity and failure to protect life, and discourage terror, Nigeria had never been attained this shameful position in history, thanks to Jonathan insensitivity and less care altitude toward protecting the lives and properties of his electorate. Current rankings put Nigeria’s leadership under Jonathan second only to Hitler in terms of bloodbath, after surpassing Saddam Hussein.
Only under the insensitive leadership of President Jonathan that Nigeria lost control of its territories estimated to be more than the size of Belgium to the hands of some nuisance call Boko Haram, there was never a time when we ceded such a large territory since amalgamation. On security, 'F'.
The oil industry houses numerous controversies surrounding Jonathan administration: it is still a mystery how the cost of subsidy shot up to about ₦1.6trn annually despite a 50% cut in fuel subsidy during the last regime while the previous regime before it spent only ₦300bn per year. Yet, Nigerians were forced to adopt fuel scarcity as part of their daily lives and fuel prices sprout all time higher than any other regime in Nigeria's history. Pms sold at ₦65 per litre in 2010 when Jonathan took over but soared to ₦141 per litre in January 2012 and to ₦97 per litre after a nationwide protest, and later to ₦87 per litre in 2015. Surprisingly, Jonathan left office with pms selling between ₦150 to ₦550 per litre while failing to renovate even one out of the four existing refineries we have not to mention of constructing a new one as he promised to if elected president before the 2011 general election.
When Obasanjo left power in 2007, the Excess Crude Account was $80bn but when Jonathan came into power, he lavished the funds between federal and states governments in the name of excess crude oil revenue which should have been stored in our foreign reserve. Now at the end of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, Excess Crude account is merely empty and no single project to justify it spending. In the oil sector, 'F' is what Jonathan deserved.
On the area of debt management: when Jonathan came into power in 2010, Nigeria was almost free from any form of debt because the $30bn foreign debt that Obasanjo met when he came to power in 1999 was fully paid off, and President Yar'Adua didn't borrow a single kobo during his stay in office. So Jonathan inherited no debt but astonishingly, in just five years of Jonathan dispensation, Nigeria owes debt to the tune of more than $60bn with over ₦900bn being paid to service the debts annually (which amount to about 24% of the nation's annual budget). In terms of borrowing, if there's any grade lower than 'F', that is what Jonathan worked for.
One cannot sincerely major the achievements of any government without assessing it performances in job creation, as there are several evidence to suggest that the lack of economic opportunities for young people has often created enough discontent to start wars that tear nations apart, Sierra-Leone provides the best possible example.
When Jonathan came into power in 2010, the rate of unemployment was about 10.82% but within two years of his administration, unemployment rate increased to an all time high of 23.90% and before the end of his regime, unemployment rate jumped to an embarrassing figure of about 25.47% from the 5.82% it was in 2009. Astonishingly, the number of unemployed persons in Nigeria was given at about 80 million youths, more than the entire population of United Kingdom, according to a United Nations and World Bank report. The Immigration Service recruitment which made it into the Guinness Book of Record for being the most crowded recruitment exercise in world history is just a possible example of unemployment among youths. Today, seven out of every ten Nigerian youths are unemployed and with this, it's a clear 'F' grade for Jonathan in job creation.
President Jonathan efforts in poverty reduction or eradication were also nothing to write home about. When he came into power, poverty rate in Nigeria was estimated to be less than 50% in 2010 but at the expiration of his regime, poverty level has reached an embarrassing record-breaking statistics of 71%. The National Bureau Of Statistics reported in 2014 that over 112 million Nigerians were living in abject poverty. A report from the World Bank in April 2014 listed Nigeria among the five poorest countries in the world, with the world's highest number of people said to live on less than $1.25 a day, ahead of other nations like India, China, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Jonathan score in poverty eradication is a clear 'F' grade.
On the confusing state of economy: Nigeria's economy miraculously recorded an 87% growth overnight after undergoing a 'rebase' which set Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, while revealing the true economic position of Africa’s largest economy with 70% of the nation’s population living under a-dollar-a-day, this simultaneously substantiate the fact that Nigeria as a nation is in the top position for worst leadership in social welfare and opportunities for its people under the mismanagement of President Jonathan.
At the start of Jonathan leadership, "he met GDP growth at 7% from the 2% former president Obasanjo met. But GDP growth during the government of President Jonathan has been stuck at 6%-7% despite an unprecedented oil boom. Nigeria’s economy should have been growing at an annual rate of about 12% given the oil boom, and poverty and unemployment should have fallen dramatically if at all there was an existing government during the last five years. Inflation under President Jonathan rallied to an all time high figures at 37.5% though his economic fraudsters claimed inflation rate to be 28%, he continued to maintain a single digit inflation on paper throughout his regime.
Jonathan came into power and met $1 below ₦130 but as time went on, Nigeria's currency began to devaluate by the day to an extent where $1 became sold above ₦212 all under the same government claiming to have taken Nigeria to Africa's biggest economy.
Foreign reserves have followed a similar depreciating pattern like other indicators since the beginning of President Jonathan stewardship. In the Obasanjo and Yar’Adua eras, foreign reserves was high enough to finance on average over 7-10 months of imports respectively. However, during the five years of President Jonathan, it has declined to below 5.3 months of imports.
According to Will Ross of the BBC “He said he hoped a parliamentary investigation would also find out why the country's Excess Crude Account had fallen from $11.5bn to less than $2.5bn in a one year of Jonathan presidency - arguing that Nigeria's savings are a vital buffer against any drop in the global oil price and without this 'rainy day' account, the economy is vulnerable and exposed." This is one reason why President Buhari must not draw a line, several government officials hold trillions of stolen public funds and must be refunded.
Despite an impressive growth rate of 7%, making it one of the fast-growing economies in the continent, the economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas which is often extracted at source and exported, and wealth is concentrated in small port towns. In grading Jonathan administration on strengthening the economy, I think 'E' will be appropriate.
Health care was and still a critical sector lacking adequate attention by the government, health spending has increased in the National Strategic Health Development (HSHD) plan since the accidental emergence of Jonathan in 2010, but health outcomes remain very poor. In 2012, two years after President Jonathan took over, a UN Human Development Report ranked Nigeria 156 out of 187 countries against the much lower position it was before, almost 17 place lower while infant mortality rate was surprisingly put at 75 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it in the ten worst countries for infant mortality and the world's worst country for any child to be born. A recent report on global life expectancy by the World Health Organisation (WHO) rated Nigeria low in its report titled, “World Health Statistics 2014”. According to that publication, life expectancy for both men and women is less than 55 years in Nigeria.
The only visible record in the health sector during the entire five years of Jonathan dispensation was the huge sums of public funds the president, his wife and his cabinet members spent on medical trips abroad due to lack of a better health-care system while the poor citizenry were left with decayed hospitals and expired drugs. These buttressed the fact that health care was given less or no priority by the past administration and as such, i score the regime 'F' in the health sector.
On the educational sector: education must occupy one of the top three agenda of any government that wants to thrive successfully in any country of the world, and if only genuinely good intents can be translated into action. Under the past regime of President Jonathan, although the standards of education has fallen before his accidentally emergence as president but the late President Yar'Adua was active enough to lay a good foundation for the revival of our education before his demise.
Unfortunately in only two years of Jonathan leadership, the standard of education began moving from bad to worst with adult illiteracy standing at 57% compared to the 43% it was before he took over, overall illiteracy was put at 66%. Under Jonathan, more than 10 million out of the 30 million children of primary school age were left wasting at home in various states due to one form of strike or the other.
A United Nations Comparative Index of Literacy in 2012, stated that "40 million adults in a population of 170 million Nigerians are illiterate", ranking the country 161 out of 180 countries in respect to standard education, the report also stated that "only 26% of secondary school leavers gained admission into the universities and only 5% graduated as a result of prolong strike actions engaged upon by teachers of tertiary institutions across the nation.
Throughout Nigeria's history since amalgamation, the Jonathan regime was the only regime under which virtually all unions of educational institutions at all levels in the country had in one way or the other gone on prolong strike actions once or twice and some even more, while some spent about a whole year on strike while others going for only few months.
Being the first Nigerian President to have a Ph.D, Jonathan was the least I could expect to toy with education thinking he should understands the value of education than any other Nigerian president before him but astonishingly, he proven to be the worst performer in uplifting the standard of education as far as history is concerned. In general, over 25,000 students have stopped schooling owing to insurgency in the Northeast which Jonathan failed to promptly confront.
It will be unfair to assess Jonathan performance in the educational sector without acknowledging the infrastructural development in the nation's tertiary institutions and the re-establishment of a more advance method of embezzling public funds, courtesy of the so-called Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). In education, 'E' grade is what best described Jonathan performance.
Finally as you may all know, patriotism, trust, honesty, organization and careful management has often Led to the success and prosperity of modern man. But throughout Jonathan stewardship, all you can easily see or notice is the plain fact that the nation has "No Leader." And for leading Nigeria to this comatose state, one cannot be far from the truth if one says that President Goodluck Jonathan was a colossal failure, in terms of his leadership style but nevertheless, it's not bad for a man who had never been elected into any major public office in his own right. Amateur in action!
Assessing the Jonathan government will provide valid basis for the electorate to know if their choice in Jonathan had actually helped in improving their lives or not and perhaps provide answer to questions like: has the former president achieved what he was voted for? Did he delivered on the promises he made? Has he done enough to earn praises or made outstanding differences in positions of trust?
Perhaps the assessment process should begin by hand-picking some of the most critical sectors of our economy that needed special consideration before Jonathan came into power and how these sectors are now after spending five years on the throne, and appraise his achievements if any.
Below are my assessment of President Jonathan five years of leadership and grade his performances in some key sectors:
Talking about the all embarrassing power sector where the former president claimed to have made significant improvements but the level of darkness in which Nigerians were forced to endure speaks volume about Jonathan self-acclaimed performance in the power industry; inadequate power supply became even more rampant and worst under him than any regime we may think of, especially in his last few weeks in office. The Jonathan administration has lost both the battle and the war in the power sector, with total darkness all over the country as a result of decreased power outage in all the 36 states of the federation. This is contrary to what Jonathan promised Nigerians, he assured us of 20,000 megawatts of electricity before the end of his tenure but today (two days after the end of his regime), President Jonathan didn't only failed to increase power supply but successfully worsened the whole situation. Jonathan inherited over 4,750 megawatts of electricity in 2010, it decreased to about 3,700 megawatts in 2013 and 2014. At the beginning of 2015, power generation dropped to 2,700 megawatts and today, power generation fluctuates between 800-1,300 megawatts despite he huge sums of money Jonathan spent on power sector in the last five years, totaling about ₦8trn. 'F' grade is clearly what Jonathan deserved in the power sector.
Another critical area where President Jonathan deserved lots of scrutiny is security. Before Jonathan, Nigeria was relatively peaceful and calm if not some pockets of armed robbery and ethnic crisis but in just two years of Jonathan administration, Nigeria surpassed Mexico in kidnapping according to a United Nations report at the end 2013, recording the cruelest and second highest single abduction events in recent history. By the end of 2013 and in the first quarter of 2014, Nigeria surpassed war ravaged Syria, Libya, Iraq and Central Africa Republic (CAR) in deadly acts of terrorism and sectarian violence.
The Nyanya bombing was ranked the fifth worst bombing of its kind in world history. The Jos bombing, with over 200 reported dead in one attack, is second only to 9/11 and the disputed Syria chemical weapons attack.
According to the United Nation report, “In combined values, with about 80,000 people brutally massacred in four years of Jonathan stewardship largely unchecked Boko Haram activities and with over 4,000 killed in the first quarter of 2014 alone, Nigeria overtook other nations of the world in deadly terror. Nigeria’s leadership in December 2013 secured the world’s top position rating in insecurity and failure to protect life, and discourage terror, Nigeria had never been attained this shameful position in history, thanks to Jonathan insensitivity and less care altitude toward protecting the lives and properties of his electorate. Current rankings put Nigeria’s leadership under Jonathan second only to Hitler in terms of bloodbath, after surpassing Saddam Hussein.
Only under the insensitive leadership of President Jonathan that Nigeria lost control of its territories estimated to be more than the size of Belgium to the hands of some nuisance call Boko Haram, there was never a time when we ceded such a large territory since amalgamation. On security, 'F'.
The oil industry houses numerous controversies surrounding Jonathan administration: it is still a mystery how the cost of subsidy shot up to about ₦1.6trn annually despite a 50% cut in fuel subsidy during the last regime while the previous regime before it spent only ₦300bn per year. Yet, Nigerians were forced to adopt fuel scarcity as part of their daily lives and fuel prices sprout all time higher than any other regime in Nigeria's history. Pms sold at ₦65 per litre in 2010 when Jonathan took over but soared to ₦141 per litre in January 2012 and to ₦97 per litre after a nationwide protest, and later to ₦87 per litre in 2015. Surprisingly, Jonathan left office with pms selling between ₦150 to ₦550 per litre while failing to renovate even one out of the four existing refineries we have not to mention of constructing a new one as he promised to if elected president before the 2011 general election.
When Obasanjo left power in 2007, the Excess Crude Account was $80bn but when Jonathan came into power, he lavished the funds between federal and states governments in the name of excess crude oil revenue which should have been stored in our foreign reserve. Now at the end of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, Excess Crude account is merely empty and no single project to justify it spending. In the oil sector, 'F' is what Jonathan deserved.
On the area of debt management: when Jonathan came into power in 2010, Nigeria was almost free from any form of debt because the $30bn foreign debt that Obasanjo met when he came to power in 1999 was fully paid off, and President Yar'Adua didn't borrow a single kobo during his stay in office. So Jonathan inherited no debt but astonishingly, in just five years of Jonathan dispensation, Nigeria owes debt to the tune of more than $60bn with over ₦900bn being paid to service the debts annually (which amount to about 24% of the nation's annual budget). In terms of borrowing, if there's any grade lower than 'F', that is what Jonathan worked for.
One cannot sincerely major the achievements of any government without assessing it performances in job creation, as there are several evidence to suggest that the lack of economic opportunities for young people has often created enough discontent to start wars that tear nations apart, Sierra-Leone provides the best possible example.
When Jonathan came into power in 2010, the rate of unemployment was about 10.82% but within two years of his administration, unemployment rate increased to an all time high of 23.90% and before the end of his regime, unemployment rate jumped to an embarrassing figure of about 25.47% from the 5.82% it was in 2009. Astonishingly, the number of unemployed persons in Nigeria was given at about 80 million youths, more than the entire population of United Kingdom, according to a United Nations and World Bank report. The Immigration Service recruitment which made it into the Guinness Book of Record for being the most crowded recruitment exercise in world history is just a possible example of unemployment among youths. Today, seven out of every ten Nigerian youths are unemployed and with this, it's a clear 'F' grade for Jonathan in job creation.
President Jonathan efforts in poverty reduction or eradication were also nothing to write home about. When he came into power, poverty rate in Nigeria was estimated to be less than 50% in 2010 but at the expiration of his regime, poverty level has reached an embarrassing record-breaking statistics of 71%. The National Bureau Of Statistics reported in 2014 that over 112 million Nigerians were living in abject poverty. A report from the World Bank in April 2014 listed Nigeria among the five poorest countries in the world, with the world's highest number of people said to live on less than $1.25 a day, ahead of other nations like India, China, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Jonathan score in poverty eradication is a clear 'F' grade.
On the confusing state of economy: Nigeria's economy miraculously recorded an 87% growth overnight after undergoing a 'rebase' which set Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, while revealing the true economic position of Africa’s largest economy with 70% of the nation’s population living under a-dollar-a-day, this simultaneously substantiate the fact that Nigeria as a nation is in the top position for worst leadership in social welfare and opportunities for its people under the mismanagement of President Jonathan.
At the start of Jonathan leadership, "he met GDP growth at 7% from the 2% former president Obasanjo met. But GDP growth during the government of President Jonathan has been stuck at 6%-7% despite an unprecedented oil boom. Nigeria’s economy should have been growing at an annual rate of about 12% given the oil boom, and poverty and unemployment should have fallen dramatically if at all there was an existing government during the last five years. Inflation under President Jonathan rallied to an all time high figures at 37.5% though his economic fraudsters claimed inflation rate to be 28%, he continued to maintain a single digit inflation on paper throughout his regime.
Jonathan came into power and met $1 below ₦130 but as time went on, Nigeria's currency began to devaluate by the day to an extent where $1 became sold above ₦212 all under the same government claiming to have taken Nigeria to Africa's biggest economy.
Foreign reserves have followed a similar depreciating pattern like other indicators since the beginning of President Jonathan stewardship. In the Obasanjo and Yar’Adua eras, foreign reserves was high enough to finance on average over 7-10 months of imports respectively. However, during the five years of President Jonathan, it has declined to below 5.3 months of imports.
According to Will Ross of the BBC “He said he hoped a parliamentary investigation would also find out why the country's Excess Crude Account had fallen from $11.5bn to less than $2.5bn in a one year of Jonathan presidency - arguing that Nigeria's savings are a vital buffer against any drop in the global oil price and without this 'rainy day' account, the economy is vulnerable and exposed." This is one reason why President Buhari must not draw a line, several government officials hold trillions of stolen public funds and must be refunded.
Despite an impressive growth rate of 7%, making it one of the fast-growing economies in the continent, the economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas which is often extracted at source and exported, and wealth is concentrated in small port towns. In grading Jonathan administration on strengthening the economy, I think 'E' will be appropriate.
Health care was and still a critical sector lacking adequate attention by the government, health spending has increased in the National Strategic Health Development (HSHD) plan since the accidental emergence of Jonathan in 2010, but health outcomes remain very poor. In 2012, two years after President Jonathan took over, a UN Human Development Report ranked Nigeria 156 out of 187 countries against the much lower position it was before, almost 17 place lower while infant mortality rate was surprisingly put at 75 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it in the ten worst countries for infant mortality and the world's worst country for any child to be born. A recent report on global life expectancy by the World Health Organisation (WHO) rated Nigeria low in its report titled, “World Health Statistics 2014”. According to that publication, life expectancy for both men and women is less than 55 years in Nigeria.
The only visible record in the health sector during the entire five years of Jonathan dispensation was the huge sums of public funds the president, his wife and his cabinet members spent on medical trips abroad due to lack of a better health-care system while the poor citizenry were left with decayed hospitals and expired drugs. These buttressed the fact that health care was given less or no priority by the past administration and as such, i score the regime 'F' in the health sector.
On the educational sector: education must occupy one of the top three agenda of any government that wants to thrive successfully in any country of the world, and if only genuinely good intents can be translated into action. Under the past regime of President Jonathan, although the standards of education has fallen before his accidentally emergence as president but the late President Yar'Adua was active enough to lay a good foundation for the revival of our education before his demise.
Unfortunately in only two years of Jonathan leadership, the standard of education began moving from bad to worst with adult illiteracy standing at 57% compared to the 43% it was before he took over, overall illiteracy was put at 66%. Under Jonathan, more than 10 million out of the 30 million children of primary school age were left wasting at home in various states due to one form of strike or the other.
A United Nations Comparative Index of Literacy in 2012, stated that "40 million adults in a population of 170 million Nigerians are illiterate", ranking the country 161 out of 180 countries in respect to standard education, the report also stated that "only 26% of secondary school leavers gained admission into the universities and only 5% graduated as a result of prolong strike actions engaged upon by teachers of tertiary institutions across the nation.
Throughout Nigeria's history since amalgamation, the Jonathan regime was the only regime under which virtually all unions of educational institutions at all levels in the country had in one way or the other gone on prolong strike actions once or twice and some even more, while some spent about a whole year on strike while others going for only few months.
Being the first Nigerian President to have a Ph.D, Jonathan was the least I could expect to toy with education thinking he should understands the value of education than any other Nigerian president before him but astonishingly, he proven to be the worst performer in uplifting the standard of education as far as history is concerned. In general, over 25,000 students have stopped schooling owing to insurgency in the Northeast which Jonathan failed to promptly confront.
It will be unfair to assess Jonathan performance in the educational sector without acknowledging the infrastructural development in the nation's tertiary institutions and the re-establishment of a more advance method of embezzling public funds, courtesy of the so-called Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). In education, 'E' grade is what best described Jonathan performance.
Finally as you may all know, patriotism, trust, honesty, organization and careful management has often Led to the success and prosperity of modern man. But throughout Jonathan stewardship, all you can easily see or notice is the plain fact that the nation has "No Leader." And for leading Nigeria to this comatose state, one cannot be far from the truth if one says that President Goodluck Jonathan was a colossal failure, in terms of his leadership style but nevertheless, it's not bad for a man who had never been elected into any major public office in his own right. Amateur in action!
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