"Even recently, we all used to think that our National development was inhibited by the fact that we never had a university graduate as leader of any national government in an executive capacity. This perhaps alludes only faintly to some of what I have discussed about the elite consensus but it is not quite the same. Thankfully, the myth for graduate leadership, desirable as it is has now been exploded. We now have two graduates, a Zoologist and an Architect at the helm of our National affairs and I think that the majority of Nigerians would tell you today that their lives are worse off today than they were 4 years ago. Clearly in my view there must be more to leadership than a University degree and educational qualification.
There are attributes such as character, vision, courage, empathy compassion and many more attributes that you simply would not find in a classroom or in a school. They are in the homes, in our communities and they are also in the value system of our society. Recently, our leadership has redefined empathy by inviting parents of abducted children, bereaved people to the presidential villa for commiseration. I find this really, really strange. I find it truly unafrican. How those this sound to you? "Hello Neighbor, I heard that your children were abducted. Please come and see me at home so I can sympathize with you". This is my way of paraphrasing what has happened. As if this was not bad enough, the event has been followed by another rounds of lies, about whether or not they tried to give the bereaved parents money. For me, it is a low point for leadership. It suggest the lack of empathy" he said
Full text of speech by Fashola
“THE CHALLENGE OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE” BEING TITLE OF LECTURE DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN ON THE BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF HIS EXCELLENCY TIMIPRE SYLVA
I think it is too elementary to attempt any formal definition of democracy.
It will serve our purpose to say that it is participatory governance in the sense that we all have a say, w...hether we vote or not.
It is also useful to remind ourselves that participation is largely by representation; in other words, those who are old enough to vote and those who are not, are represented by people elected to speak, think and act for us.
This part is very important because we all cannot be in Government, especially the Executive and Legislative arm, so we must elect or otherwise choose people to go there on our behalf.
The problem is compounded by size.
Can you imagine what a Senate or House of Representatives where all 160 million of us can sit will look like?
From this point we can see the inherent challenges that lie in a process of collective decision making.
In order to further highlight some of the challenges that lie in democratic governance, I will share with you a report of developments across the World published by Newsweek Magazine on August 23 & 30, 2010 edition titled “the Best Countries in the World”, Newsweek Top 100.
An article by Rana Foroohar posed the following question before delivering the report of a survey of 100 nations:-
”If you were born today, which country would provide you the very best opportunity to live a healthy, safe, reasonably prosperous and upwardly mobile life?”
In the answer, Finland was number 1, Nigeria was number 99, Ghana was number 86, South Africa was number 82, Brazil was number 48, Singapore was number 20, USA was number 11, United Kingdom was number 14. Greece, with its recent economic and debt crises was number 26, Russia was number 51.
The United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, that are not democracies in the contemporary sense of the western conception were rated 43, 53, 54 and 64 respectively.
Out of the 53 African countries on the continent, only 18 made the ranking, the highest being Tunisia 65, Morocco 67 and Egypt 74.
South Africa, which is reputed to be arguably the best democracy in Africa and at the time, the largest economy ranked lower than these “undemocratic” North African countries at 82.
As if this was not bad enough, earlier this year on a business trip to Abu Dhabi, I was forced to enter into conversation with a middle aged man of Arab extraction.
It was in the evening in our hotel. He had come out to the restaurant to dine and unwind. I ended up on the same table with him and he was insistent on making conversation while he drank a glass of red alcoholic wine.
In the event he sought to know where I came from and when I said Nigeria, he accused our Government of pauperizing our country when we have oil like his own country, Saudi Arabia.
When I told him that he was not supposed to drink alcohol he asked me if I was going to report to his country.
When I reminded him that his country was not democratic, he hit me where it hurts most.
He asked what the value of democracy is to my own countrymen when his own countrymen can build hospitals that we bring our own ailing presidents to.
As if this was not enough, he rounded off by saying to me that in his country they see what their leaders are doing with their money, building roads, bridges, new airports, schools, hospitals, rail, shopping malls and generally driving development, and he at least did not care about democracy.
Although I felt hurt that he thought very little of my country, the idea of freedoms, to think, to speak, to act and to ask questions is too valuable for me to exchange for development under an autocratic or undemocratic government.
So I worry as we must all worry, when I hear some people say that it is part of their achievement that they allow us to express ourselves. Utter Rubbish!
They seek to re-define the relationship in the social contract. They are to serve us and not the other way round. It is not a privilege for us to complain when they do not deliver.
If the only options left to choose from were between freedom and development, I for one will rather surrender development than freedom.
However, I am however convinced beyond doubt that democracy can deliver development and this is the central theme of my presentation.
Political Parties
In order for this to happen, the vehicle of politics, the political parties must be developed as first class institutions.
The first thing to seek is the “idea” behind governance (this is often contained in the program of a political party).
This is very important because the extremes of left and right ideologies have now converged around the centre.
If China and Russia are democratizing, no matter how imperfectly, it is clear that the communist or socialist ideologies of economic exchange have proven to become unsustainable.
Conversely, capitalism in its purest sense has also had to reinvent itself to remain viable.Therefore it moved from cash to credit and credit almost killed it.
The question of ideology is important because it lies at the heart of choice making for the people who participate in election to choose their representatives.
At all times, the welfare of the people is the central theme for the canvassing of votes. It is the ideology, often on economic outlook, sometimes on social outlook that helps to crystallize the difference between the political party machines.
Before concluding on party ideology (because it can be the subject of a full lecture itself) let me say that while some people still delude themselves that there is no difference between our political parties, especially the ruling party and the main opposition, the differences are emerging daily for those who are discerning enough to notice.
If on major policy issues such as power, security, agriculture, corruption and unemployment the main opposition has disagreed with the party in Government and has criticized its choices, I wonder what else the party needs to do to prove that there is a difference.
If you look at the level of progress and development (World Bank poverty index) in the States governed by old and new opposition Governors, there is clear daylight in terms of development.
For example, it is no coincidence that only 2 (two) States, Lagos and Rivers, governed by APC Governors are executing rail projects on their own as a mass transit solution.
The party in government has lied about when there will be stable electricity for 16 years, and an APC state, Lagos led the way in showing what is possible with its power initiatives in Egbin, Akute, Lagos Island and Alausa. Ikeja and Lekki will be commissioned this year.
Other APC Controlled states are clearly Pack Leaders in service delivery across the religious landscape.
The party in power prefers to continue to import fuel with the attendant disruptions, and monumental corruption. It cancelled its own concession of moribund refineries.
Lagos believes that in a strategic partnership where it provides land for a refinery, Nigeria can produce enough petroleum products for consumption and still have some to export in 4 (four) years.
The ruling party is now sending a clear message to the people. This is what they are saying:-
“We care about you, but you do not need development so we will not do any developmental work in 3 (three) years. In the 4th (fourth) year we will give you money, kerosene, and rice. Please vote for us, and use the money we give you to provide your own roads, schools, hospitals and security, until we see you again in 4 (four) years”.
In the last election in Osun, the APC candidate sought the peoples vote on a campaign anchored on first his record of 4 years, and a clear developmental and economic agenda to empower the people if elected.
For the candidate of the other main party, the election was going to be a war. So said no less a person than the Vice-President of our country. A leading member of that party. The candidate therefore anchored his campaign on an intention to CAPTURE Ekiti. For me there is clear daylight between these two approaches.
Anyone who still pretends not to see this major economic ideological difference will not see the tallest building in the world even if he stands in front of it.
People and members
I will start here with the quote of Bertolt Brecht who said:-
“The worst illiterate is the political illiterate. He hears nothing, sees nothing, takes no part in political life. He doesn’t seem to know that the cost of living, the price of beans, of flour, of rent, of medicines, all depend on political decisions. He even prides himself on his political ignorance, sticks out his chest and says he hates politics. He doesn’t know, the imbecile, that from his political non-participation comes the prostitute, the abandoned child, the robber and, worst of all, corrupt officials, the lackeys of exploitative multinational corporations”.
It seems that when opposition does its job will the Governmet panic and resort to a propaganda of lies.
It is part of the lies they have told us about the mismanagement of our National Security.
Their first story was that those behind it were within the Government. When the opposition pushed them to identify those people they have turned around to say it is the opposition.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is still regrettable that the majority of the members of our political parties and politicians do not yet include the critical elite of our society.
They still see politics as something too dirty.
Whether we like it or not, history has shown that the elite of any society, especially its professional cadre, and the very best of them decide the direction of the nation when they come to a consensus about the pathway for their nation, even if they belong to different political parties.
Where are all the people who have built things with their hands in our society?
What are they doing outside of Government?
Where are the founders of the big banks, businesses, telecoms in our body politic?
Are they just content to finance and yet remain unwilling to take the plunge?
There is unverifiable talk that they are willing to identify with the ruling party when they are in Abuja, and withthe party in Government in their states when they get to their bases for fear of reprisals?
What do our elite believe?
It is only by their belief, that contributions can come in to fund parties, where members pay dues, where strong values restrain people from decamping whenever the grass in not green on their side again.
Truth be told, opposition politics is tough and only the committed and true believers see it through.
Opposition politics carries its own pain everywhere and has been the subject of a book called “How to be in Opposition. Life in the Political Shadows”,where Nigel Fletcher provides useful insight into the challenges of being in opposition and also profers useful tips.
The one I will share with you is sub-titled “choose your weapons wisely”, and this is what he says:-
“An opposition cannot compete with the Government on resources, so you must be inventive. In what is a David and Goliath contest, you can use the advantages of greater agility to aim your slingshot where it can do the most damage. Parliamentary ambushes, media attacks and effective research will wear down Ministers and help expose their mistakes”
As you may have also heard in this part of the World, the party in power will accuse you of trying to bring down the Government.
This is certainly not the same thing as bringing down the Country because the Government can be removed by LEGITIMATE and CONSTITUTIONAL means at the ballot box.
According to Nigel Fletcher:-
“…bringing down the Government was a peculiar day job and it is. But that is really only the negative side of the job description. With equally lofty ambition, the positive side of opposition could be summed up as ‘trying to change the World’. This is surely something worth doing…”
Perhaps when all these issues have been put in proper place, can we then begin to talk of the people of the party and what defines it.
This is different from a manifesto, which can change (discuss) easily.
It is the ideology of the party (what the Americans call the platform statement )and what I call the DNA of the party that is very difficult to change. The nearest to it since the Action Group was formed in 1951 is the All Progressive Congress Code of Ethics unveiled at its inaugural summit on the 6th of March 2014.
It is important to repeat the codes here:-
“1. Our party considers the Nigerian people as our nation’s greatest asset, and will do everything to protect and preserve human life and dignity.
2. Our party upholds a Nigeria bound by the principles of freedom, justice, peace, unity and the rule of law.
3. Our party upholds and respects every individual’s choice of faith under God.
4. Our party has no tolerance for corruption and will manage Nigerian resources responsibly, with a commitment to accountability and the pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
5. Our party is committed to a strong system of government at the federal, state and local levels as the most effective vehicle for harnessing the diversity and preserving the unity of Nigeria.
6. Our party rests on the foundation of democracy, fairness and the pursuit of opportunity for all citizens, predicated on economic productivity, fair competition and the bridging of inequalities.
7. Our party pursues its objective of increasing economic opportunity, social welfare and progress through a government-led and private sector driven economy.
8. Our party upholds the principle of one person, one vote grounded in free and fair elections at all levels.
9. Our Party upholds and respects the interests of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups that constitute our Nation.
10. Our party recognizes Nigeria’s strategic role on the African continent and commits to the pursuit of a foreign policy that promotes peace, security and our national interest.”
The existence of these codes leads inexorably to how the parties are managed.
Who leads them? What type of experience do they have? When and where are meetings held and how are decisions taken? (Night meetings).
Finally, what is the process of choosing representative of the party (officials) and its flagbearers?
What role do debates play?
What is the efficiency of primaries?
Where do we draw the difference between “godfatherism” and “endorsements”?
I have taken the trouble, even if in summary form, to highlight some of the bridges we must cross in order to deepen democracy.
These are only some of the challenges that democratic governance faces.
It seems to me that the countries that have managed to deliver development withdemocracy got one thing right – they built strong political parties (Not one in four years parties).
The makings were appearing in SDP and NRC until the annulment of June 12.
Thankfully, the APC provides the opportunity for a rebirth, with the broad base from which its coalition is formed.
That in itself is a challenge, which, if overcome and harnessed, provides very deep diversity from which to project strength and national unity.
Leadership of Government
Until recently, we all used to think that our national development was inhibited by the fact that we never had a university graduate as leader of any national government in an executive capacity.
This perhaps alludes only faintly to the issue of the elite consensus, but it is not the same.
Thankfully, the myth of graduate leadership as desirable as it is, has been exploded now.
We have two graduates (a zoologist and an architect) at the helm of our National affairs and I think the majority of Nigerians will tell you today that their lives are worse off today than they were 4 (four) years ago.
Clearly there must be more to leadership than a university degree and educational qualification.
There is character, vision, courage, empathy, compassion and many more attributes that you simply will not find in a classroom or school.
They are in homes, in communities and also in the value system of society.
Recently, our leadership has re-defined empathy by inviting parents of abducted Chibok girls, bereaved people, to the presidential villa for commiseration.
I find this truly strange. Truly unAfrican.
How does this sound? “I heard you lost your child to abductors. Please come and see me at home so I can sympathize with you”.
This is my paraphrasing of what has so far transpired.
As if this was not bad enough, there is a tissue of lies around whether or not they tried to give the bereaved parents money. It is a low point for leadership. It suggests the lack of empathy.
This is not the first lie that surrounds the unfortunate abduction of young girls in Chibok.
The first statement was to say that they had rescued the girls.
When pressed to show us the girls they issued a statement casting doubt on whether the girls were actually abducted.
The new story, is that they now know where the girls are.
This is the same way they lied about the unaccounted for $48 Billion; when they say it was only $20 Billion as if it was good not to account for $1.00.
They have turned around to say no money was missing, but add that they have appointed “forensic auditors” to find out of the money was missing. It seems strange and illogical to be searching for what is not missing.
Where is courage? The character to proceed even in spite of fear.
I think we will all do well to remember that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King led from the front in the civil rights movement, so did Mandela, so did Lee Kuan Yew in the agitation for Singapore‘s independence.
Barack Obama has been to the war fronts in countries where American troops (young men and women) are put in harm’s way, to inspire them.
It will serve our purpose to say that it is participatory governance in the sense that we all have a say, w...hether we vote or not.
It is also useful to remind ourselves that participation is largely by representation; in other words, those who are old enough to vote and those who are not, are represented by people elected to speak, think and act for us.
This part is very important because we all cannot be in Government, especially the Executive and Legislative arm, so we must elect or otherwise choose people to go there on our behalf.
The problem is compounded by size.
Can you imagine what a Senate or House of Representatives where all 160 million of us can sit will look like?
From this point we can see the inherent challenges that lie in a process of collective decision making.
In order to further highlight some of the challenges that lie in democratic governance, I will share with you a report of developments across the World published by Newsweek Magazine on August 23 & 30, 2010 edition titled “the Best Countries in the World”, Newsweek Top 100.
An article by Rana Foroohar posed the following question before delivering the report of a survey of 100 nations:-
”If you were born today, which country would provide you the very best opportunity to live a healthy, safe, reasonably prosperous and upwardly mobile life?”
In the answer, Finland was number 1, Nigeria was number 99, Ghana was number 86, South Africa was number 82, Brazil was number 48, Singapore was number 20, USA was number 11, United Kingdom was number 14. Greece, with its recent economic and debt crises was number 26, Russia was number 51.
The United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, that are not democracies in the contemporary sense of the western conception were rated 43, 53, 54 and 64 respectively.
Out of the 53 African countries on the continent, only 18 made the ranking, the highest being Tunisia 65, Morocco 67 and Egypt 74.
South Africa, which is reputed to be arguably the best democracy in Africa and at the time, the largest economy ranked lower than these “undemocratic” North African countries at 82.
As if this was not bad enough, earlier this year on a business trip to Abu Dhabi, I was forced to enter into conversation with a middle aged man of Arab extraction.
It was in the evening in our hotel. He had come out to the restaurant to dine and unwind. I ended up on the same table with him and he was insistent on making conversation while he drank a glass of red alcoholic wine.
In the event he sought to know where I came from and when I said Nigeria, he accused our Government of pauperizing our country when we have oil like his own country, Saudi Arabia.
When I told him that he was not supposed to drink alcohol he asked me if I was going to report to his country.
When I reminded him that his country was not democratic, he hit me where it hurts most.
He asked what the value of democracy is to my own countrymen when his own countrymen can build hospitals that we bring our own ailing presidents to.
As if this was not enough, he rounded off by saying to me that in his country they see what their leaders are doing with their money, building roads, bridges, new airports, schools, hospitals, rail, shopping malls and generally driving development, and he at least did not care about democracy.
Although I felt hurt that he thought very little of my country, the idea of freedoms, to think, to speak, to act and to ask questions is too valuable for me to exchange for development under an autocratic or undemocratic government.
So I worry as we must all worry, when I hear some people say that it is part of their achievement that they allow us to express ourselves. Utter Rubbish!
They seek to re-define the relationship in the social contract. They are to serve us and not the other way round. It is not a privilege for us to complain when they do not deliver.
If the only options left to choose from were between freedom and development, I for one will rather surrender development than freedom.
However, I am however convinced beyond doubt that democracy can deliver development and this is the central theme of my presentation.
Political Parties
In order for this to happen, the vehicle of politics, the political parties must be developed as first class institutions.
The first thing to seek is the “idea” behind governance (this is often contained in the program of a political party).
This is very important because the extremes of left and right ideologies have now converged around the centre.
If China and Russia are democratizing, no matter how imperfectly, it is clear that the communist or socialist ideologies of economic exchange have proven to become unsustainable.
Conversely, capitalism in its purest sense has also had to reinvent itself to remain viable.Therefore it moved from cash to credit and credit almost killed it.
The question of ideology is important because it lies at the heart of choice making for the people who participate in election to choose their representatives.
At all times, the welfare of the people is the central theme for the canvassing of votes. It is the ideology, often on economic outlook, sometimes on social outlook that helps to crystallize the difference between the political party machines.
Before concluding on party ideology (because it can be the subject of a full lecture itself) let me say that while some people still delude themselves that there is no difference between our political parties, especially the ruling party and the main opposition, the differences are emerging daily for those who are discerning enough to notice.
If on major policy issues such as power, security, agriculture, corruption and unemployment the main opposition has disagreed with the party in Government and has criticized its choices, I wonder what else the party needs to do to prove that there is a difference.
If you look at the level of progress and development (World Bank poverty index) in the States governed by old and new opposition Governors, there is clear daylight in terms of development.
For example, it is no coincidence that only 2 (two) States, Lagos and Rivers, governed by APC Governors are executing rail projects on their own as a mass transit solution.
The party in government has lied about when there will be stable electricity for 16 years, and an APC state, Lagos led the way in showing what is possible with its power initiatives in Egbin, Akute, Lagos Island and Alausa. Ikeja and Lekki will be commissioned this year.
Other APC Controlled states are clearly Pack Leaders in service delivery across the religious landscape.
The party in power prefers to continue to import fuel with the attendant disruptions, and monumental corruption. It cancelled its own concession of moribund refineries.
Lagos believes that in a strategic partnership where it provides land for a refinery, Nigeria can produce enough petroleum products for consumption and still have some to export in 4 (four) years.
The ruling party is now sending a clear message to the people. This is what they are saying:-
“We care about you, but you do not need development so we will not do any developmental work in 3 (three) years. In the 4th (fourth) year we will give you money, kerosene, and rice. Please vote for us, and use the money we give you to provide your own roads, schools, hospitals and security, until we see you again in 4 (four) years”.
In the last election in Osun, the APC candidate sought the peoples vote on a campaign anchored on first his record of 4 years, and a clear developmental and economic agenda to empower the people if elected.
For the candidate of the other main party, the election was going to be a war. So said no less a person than the Vice-President of our country. A leading member of that party. The candidate therefore anchored his campaign on an intention to CAPTURE Ekiti. For me there is clear daylight between these two approaches.
Anyone who still pretends not to see this major economic ideological difference will not see the tallest building in the world even if he stands in front of it.
People and members
I will start here with the quote of Bertolt Brecht who said:-
“The worst illiterate is the political illiterate. He hears nothing, sees nothing, takes no part in political life. He doesn’t seem to know that the cost of living, the price of beans, of flour, of rent, of medicines, all depend on political decisions. He even prides himself on his political ignorance, sticks out his chest and says he hates politics. He doesn’t know, the imbecile, that from his political non-participation comes the prostitute, the abandoned child, the robber and, worst of all, corrupt officials, the lackeys of exploitative multinational corporations”.
It seems that when opposition does its job will the Governmet panic and resort to a propaganda of lies.
It is part of the lies they have told us about the mismanagement of our National Security.
Their first story was that those behind it were within the Government. When the opposition pushed them to identify those people they have turned around to say it is the opposition.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is still regrettable that the majority of the members of our political parties and politicians do not yet include the critical elite of our society.
They still see politics as something too dirty.
Whether we like it or not, history has shown that the elite of any society, especially its professional cadre, and the very best of them decide the direction of the nation when they come to a consensus about the pathway for their nation, even if they belong to different political parties.
Where are all the people who have built things with their hands in our society?
What are they doing outside of Government?
Where are the founders of the big banks, businesses, telecoms in our body politic?
Are they just content to finance and yet remain unwilling to take the plunge?
There is unverifiable talk that they are willing to identify with the ruling party when they are in Abuja, and withthe party in Government in their states when they get to their bases for fear of reprisals?
What do our elite believe?
It is only by their belief, that contributions can come in to fund parties, where members pay dues, where strong values restrain people from decamping whenever the grass in not green on their side again.
Truth be told, opposition politics is tough and only the committed and true believers see it through.
Opposition politics carries its own pain everywhere and has been the subject of a book called “How to be in Opposition. Life in the Political Shadows”,where Nigel Fletcher provides useful insight into the challenges of being in opposition and also profers useful tips.
The one I will share with you is sub-titled “choose your weapons wisely”, and this is what he says:-
“An opposition cannot compete with the Government on resources, so you must be inventive. In what is a David and Goliath contest, you can use the advantages of greater agility to aim your slingshot where it can do the most damage. Parliamentary ambushes, media attacks and effective research will wear down Ministers and help expose their mistakes”
As you may have also heard in this part of the World, the party in power will accuse you of trying to bring down the Government.
This is certainly not the same thing as bringing down the Country because the Government can be removed by LEGITIMATE and CONSTITUTIONAL means at the ballot box.
According to Nigel Fletcher:-
“…bringing down the Government was a peculiar day job and it is. But that is really only the negative side of the job description. With equally lofty ambition, the positive side of opposition could be summed up as ‘trying to change the World’. This is surely something worth doing…”
Perhaps when all these issues have been put in proper place, can we then begin to talk of the people of the party and what defines it.
This is different from a manifesto, which can change (discuss) easily.
It is the ideology of the party (what the Americans call the platform statement )and what I call the DNA of the party that is very difficult to change. The nearest to it since the Action Group was formed in 1951 is the All Progressive Congress Code of Ethics unveiled at its inaugural summit on the 6th of March 2014.
It is important to repeat the codes here:-
“1. Our party considers the Nigerian people as our nation’s greatest asset, and will do everything to protect and preserve human life and dignity.
2. Our party upholds a Nigeria bound by the principles of freedom, justice, peace, unity and the rule of law.
3. Our party upholds and respects every individual’s choice of faith under God.
4. Our party has no tolerance for corruption and will manage Nigerian resources responsibly, with a commitment to accountability and the pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
5. Our party is committed to a strong system of government at the federal, state and local levels as the most effective vehicle for harnessing the diversity and preserving the unity of Nigeria.
6. Our party rests on the foundation of democracy, fairness and the pursuit of opportunity for all citizens, predicated on economic productivity, fair competition and the bridging of inequalities.
7. Our party pursues its objective of increasing economic opportunity, social welfare and progress through a government-led and private sector driven economy.
8. Our party upholds the principle of one person, one vote grounded in free and fair elections at all levels.
9. Our Party upholds and respects the interests of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups that constitute our Nation.
10. Our party recognizes Nigeria’s strategic role on the African continent and commits to the pursuit of a foreign policy that promotes peace, security and our national interest.”
The existence of these codes leads inexorably to how the parties are managed.
Who leads them? What type of experience do they have? When and where are meetings held and how are decisions taken? (Night meetings).
Finally, what is the process of choosing representative of the party (officials) and its flagbearers?
What role do debates play?
What is the efficiency of primaries?
Where do we draw the difference between “godfatherism” and “endorsements”?
I have taken the trouble, even if in summary form, to highlight some of the bridges we must cross in order to deepen democracy.
These are only some of the challenges that democratic governance faces.
It seems to me that the countries that have managed to deliver development withdemocracy got one thing right – they built strong political parties (Not one in four years parties).
The makings were appearing in SDP and NRC until the annulment of June 12.
Thankfully, the APC provides the opportunity for a rebirth, with the broad base from which its coalition is formed.
That in itself is a challenge, which, if overcome and harnessed, provides very deep diversity from which to project strength and national unity.
Leadership of Government
Until recently, we all used to think that our national development was inhibited by the fact that we never had a university graduate as leader of any national government in an executive capacity.
This perhaps alludes only faintly to the issue of the elite consensus, but it is not the same.
Thankfully, the myth of graduate leadership as desirable as it is, has been exploded now.
We have two graduates (a zoologist and an architect) at the helm of our National affairs and I think the majority of Nigerians will tell you today that their lives are worse off today than they were 4 (four) years ago.
Clearly there must be more to leadership than a university degree and educational qualification.
There is character, vision, courage, empathy, compassion and many more attributes that you simply will not find in a classroom or school.
They are in homes, in communities and also in the value system of society.
Recently, our leadership has re-defined empathy by inviting parents of abducted Chibok girls, bereaved people, to the presidential villa for commiseration.
I find this truly strange. Truly unAfrican.
How does this sound? “I heard you lost your child to abductors. Please come and see me at home so I can sympathize with you”.
This is my paraphrasing of what has so far transpired.
As if this was not bad enough, there is a tissue of lies around whether or not they tried to give the bereaved parents money. It is a low point for leadership. It suggests the lack of empathy.
This is not the first lie that surrounds the unfortunate abduction of young girls in Chibok.
The first statement was to say that they had rescued the girls.
When pressed to show us the girls they issued a statement casting doubt on whether the girls were actually abducted.
The new story, is that they now know where the girls are.
This is the same way they lied about the unaccounted for $48 Billion; when they say it was only $20 Billion as if it was good not to account for $1.00.
They have turned around to say no money was missing, but add that they have appointed “forensic auditors” to find out of the money was missing. It seems strange and illogical to be searching for what is not missing.
Where is courage? The character to proceed even in spite of fear.
I think we will all do well to remember that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King led from the front in the civil rights movement, so did Mandela, so did Lee Kuan Yew in the agitation for Singapore‘s independence.
Barack Obama has been to the war fronts in countries where American troops (young men and women) are put in harm’s way, to inspire them.
As
racially divided as America was in the days of Martin Luther King, he
did not seek to divide the country and impose black rule over white.
He dreamt and worked hard to unify divided people.
Mandela sacrificed personal liberty for the emancipation of his people and surrendered presidential power for a higher power – a moral authority – that made him the father of a continent and a global leadership reference, when by clinging to power he could not have been more than a president of one of the world’s 196 (One Hundred and Ninety Six) countries.
Instead of dividing the ethnic Chinese, Malay and Indians in Singapore, Lee Kwan Yew united them by his housing and education policies, built a nation, and took them on a journey of dizzying adventure and development.
What we are witnessing now is a daily dishonor and discredit of the service of previous Governments.
They tell us now that since Nigeria was created, no Government has done for us what they have done for us.
What would the nationalists who fought for our independence say to these inheritors?
I wonder how the 7 surviving formers Heads of State and Presidents who attend the National Council of States feel, when they hear this kind of talk.
Yet their unmatched achievements has not delivered stable power whose delivery date has not escaped their lies. The date has shifted from month-to-month to year-to-year since 2011. The lie was even told to an International News Agency.
Instead of boasting that no previous leader of Government has done more for the country as our Government does, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the leader of Dubai whose achievements far surpass ours (at least for now) not only acknowledges the service of those before him, he sets new challenges for his Government and dreams new dreams for his people.
This is what he said in the book “MY VISION: Challenges in the Race for Excellence” at pages 44, 45, 46, 213 and 214.
“Although Arab and world history abound with numerous examples of such leaders, if I were to review the history that I stood witness to, the leader I constantly think about is Sheikh Zayed”
“Sheikh Zayed earned the love of all those around him, out of their great respect for his hard work and achievements. He was also frank and expected people to be frank with him. This is something he taught me and this is how I came to respect him”
“How can I prove this? Well many people, from the United Arab Emirates and overseas, criticized Sheikh Zayed for drilling artesian wells in the desert and using the water for farming. They said this would deplete a non-renewable source, inflict heavy damage on the environment and disturb its natural balance. Although none of those critics ever knew the actual size of the underground water reservoirs, they continually criticized the idea.
As time passed, water remained abundant and none of the fears of critics materialized, while Sheikh Zayed was proven right. In the not-so-distant past, people travelling between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain would die of thirst if they did not have enough water for the long journey. Sheikh Zayed transformed the same journey into a fascinating drive on an ultramodern highway flanked by farms, palm gardens and endless greenery.
In fact, Sheikh Zayed transformed a large area of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi into the world’s largest oasis in one of the world’s harshest deserts. All this was made possible by the huge water reserves he put to good use and which are now expected to last many decades.
“I will never abandon one opportunity and wait for another. We have not reached the goal we are striving for. What you see now is nothing compared to our vision…just tiny parts of what lies ahead”
“I know the road to development and modernization is difficult; I know that it is long and I also know that the next stages will be even tougher and longer. But I have faith in God, I believe in my people, in the wisdom of our leadership and the future of our nation. I am confident we will realize our goals. Our vision is clear, our road is paved and the clock is ticking. There is no more time for hesitation or half-baked goals or solutions. Development is an ongoing process and the race for excellence has no finish line”
So until we find that kind of leader that believes in God and country, who truly loves the people, the leader who recognizes ‘service” not awards, self-adulation and national honours as the highest honour, until then will our democracy remain undeveloping.
Certainly, without subscribing to any recklessness, I would think that if the leadership of any country is worth living for, it must be worth dying for.
Regrettably, such sterling leadership as we now so desperately need is not given to nations, frequently or in abundant supply.
In 236 years of the USA, she has produced 44 presidents (of which one was elected for 4 terms) and in about 500 years of British democracy, she has produced about 75 Prime Ministers.
How many of those Presidents or Prime Ministers do you remember off hand? Why?
Many were either not outstanding or simply did not meet the developmental aspirations of their people.
In just about a decade, Britain has produced 3 (three) Prime Ministers, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron. Who knows what will happen in next year’s election?
This March 2014 in India, the ruling party, the Congress Party was defeated with the winning party, BJP having 31.4% of the votes against the then ruling party’s 19.5% of votes.
The instructive message of this musical chair of leaders is that their people have always acted to vote out leaders who were inefficient, not trusted or simply unable to inspire their people.
A number of American presidents served only one term, some voluntarily stepped down (e.g. Nixon) others were voted out after one term (eg. Carter, Bush Snr.).
Recently, Gordon Brown only finished the term of Tony Blair and was voted out in the first election he called.
Conclusion
So apart from building great parties, finding good people, and so on and so forth, the Nigerian people must find the courage to vote out an un-performing Government after its first term.
This must be the mood when a Government lies about power, about security an about the economy which are the problems it was mandated to solve.
This is the strongest message of a desire for development that the Nigerian people can send to the incoming government as well, that we will vote you out if you also do not develop our lives.
It remains or me to wish Governor Timipre Sylva, at whose behest this paper was written to commemorate his birthday anniversary, a very Happy Birthday and many happy returns.
I thank you for listening.
Babatunde Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State
He dreamt and worked hard to unify divided people.
Mandela sacrificed personal liberty for the emancipation of his people and surrendered presidential power for a higher power – a moral authority – that made him the father of a continent and a global leadership reference, when by clinging to power he could not have been more than a president of one of the world’s 196 (One Hundred and Ninety Six) countries.
Instead of dividing the ethnic Chinese, Malay and Indians in Singapore, Lee Kwan Yew united them by his housing and education policies, built a nation, and took them on a journey of dizzying adventure and development.
What we are witnessing now is a daily dishonor and discredit of the service of previous Governments.
They tell us now that since Nigeria was created, no Government has done for us what they have done for us.
What would the nationalists who fought for our independence say to these inheritors?
I wonder how the 7 surviving formers Heads of State and Presidents who attend the National Council of States feel, when they hear this kind of talk.
Yet their unmatched achievements has not delivered stable power whose delivery date has not escaped their lies. The date has shifted from month-to-month to year-to-year since 2011. The lie was even told to an International News Agency.
Instead of boasting that no previous leader of Government has done more for the country as our Government does, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the leader of Dubai whose achievements far surpass ours (at least for now) not only acknowledges the service of those before him, he sets new challenges for his Government and dreams new dreams for his people.
This is what he said in the book “MY VISION: Challenges in the Race for Excellence” at pages 44, 45, 46, 213 and 214.
“Although Arab and world history abound with numerous examples of such leaders, if I were to review the history that I stood witness to, the leader I constantly think about is Sheikh Zayed”
“Sheikh Zayed earned the love of all those around him, out of their great respect for his hard work and achievements. He was also frank and expected people to be frank with him. This is something he taught me and this is how I came to respect him”
“How can I prove this? Well many people, from the United Arab Emirates and overseas, criticized Sheikh Zayed for drilling artesian wells in the desert and using the water for farming. They said this would deplete a non-renewable source, inflict heavy damage on the environment and disturb its natural balance. Although none of those critics ever knew the actual size of the underground water reservoirs, they continually criticized the idea.
As time passed, water remained abundant and none of the fears of critics materialized, while Sheikh Zayed was proven right. In the not-so-distant past, people travelling between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain would die of thirst if they did not have enough water for the long journey. Sheikh Zayed transformed the same journey into a fascinating drive on an ultramodern highway flanked by farms, palm gardens and endless greenery.
In fact, Sheikh Zayed transformed a large area of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi into the world’s largest oasis in one of the world’s harshest deserts. All this was made possible by the huge water reserves he put to good use and which are now expected to last many decades.
“I will never abandon one opportunity and wait for another. We have not reached the goal we are striving for. What you see now is nothing compared to our vision…just tiny parts of what lies ahead”
“I know the road to development and modernization is difficult; I know that it is long and I also know that the next stages will be even tougher and longer. But I have faith in God, I believe in my people, in the wisdom of our leadership and the future of our nation. I am confident we will realize our goals. Our vision is clear, our road is paved and the clock is ticking. There is no more time for hesitation or half-baked goals or solutions. Development is an ongoing process and the race for excellence has no finish line”
So until we find that kind of leader that believes in God and country, who truly loves the people, the leader who recognizes ‘service” not awards, self-adulation and national honours as the highest honour, until then will our democracy remain undeveloping.
Certainly, without subscribing to any recklessness, I would think that if the leadership of any country is worth living for, it must be worth dying for.
Regrettably, such sterling leadership as we now so desperately need is not given to nations, frequently or in abundant supply.
In 236 years of the USA, she has produced 44 presidents (of which one was elected for 4 terms) and in about 500 years of British democracy, she has produced about 75 Prime Ministers.
How many of those Presidents or Prime Ministers do you remember off hand? Why?
Many were either not outstanding or simply did not meet the developmental aspirations of their people.
In just about a decade, Britain has produced 3 (three) Prime Ministers, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron. Who knows what will happen in next year’s election?
This March 2014 in India, the ruling party, the Congress Party was defeated with the winning party, BJP having 31.4% of the votes against the then ruling party’s 19.5% of votes.
The instructive message of this musical chair of leaders is that their people have always acted to vote out leaders who were inefficient, not trusted or simply unable to inspire their people.
A number of American presidents served only one term, some voluntarily stepped down (e.g. Nixon) others were voted out after one term (eg. Carter, Bush Snr.).
Recently, Gordon Brown only finished the term of Tony Blair and was voted out in the first election he called.
Conclusion
So apart from building great parties, finding good people, and so on and so forth, the Nigerian people must find the courage to vote out an un-performing Government after its first term.
This must be the mood when a Government lies about power, about security an about the economy which are the problems it was mandated to solve.
This is the strongest message of a desire for development that the Nigerian people can send to the incoming government as well, that we will vote you out if you also do not develop our lives.
It remains or me to wish Governor Timipre Sylva, at whose behest this paper was written to commemorate his birthday anniversary, a very Happy Birthday and many happy returns.
I thank you for listening.
Babatunde Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State
180 comments:
too long bt tru talk
Only a political "knight" can speak the truth! A governor that wears the armour of "credibility" and holds the spear of " sincerity" and sits on the horse of "diligence"...kudos Fashola
Fahsola to a large extent you have spoken the minds of Nigerians? But then he still remains the president of Nigeria and deserves some prestige and respect ..!!
The mantle to rule over a country isn't in the hands of mortal men sir ..thank God for the grace upon your own head..the president should be prayed for not openly insulted! Expt the lord watches over the city..we all watch in vain! Psalm 127:1. BishopDammy#
Am with Fashola 100%.He just hit the nail right on the head.The ship of Nigeria can only be sailed smoothly by a leader who has alotta attributes,aside from degree.GEJ is certainly not living up to my expectation and that of many Nigerians.He really has to redefine to meaning of fresh air he promised Nigerians.Not that APC is better anyway.
Am with Fashola 100%.He just hit the nail right on the head.The ship of Nigeria can only be sailed smoothly by a leader who has alotta attributes,aside from degree.GEJ is certainly not living up to my expectation and that of many Nigerians.He really has to redefine to meaning of fresh air he promised Nigerians.Not that APC is better anyway.
Na wa oh...
Linda I love reading a lot but not this kind type. You go waka far.
I nor thief person certificate
FASHOLA na mad man...what else do u expect frm a yoruba man?,upon their so called education dey nodey get sense..
Fashola should just shut his stinking mouth if he has nothing good to say. APC thugs can never make any better choice.
So Linda, na u write "how those this sound..."U better return your degree to wherever u got it from.
100% in support of what he said. Worse government I've seen so far is this present government. They talk more, full of emptiness, more corrupt and regional based not nationalistic at all. Security worsen under them.
Toothless and Bad gorvenance - GEJ/Sambo.
I cannot comprehend the fact that GEJ has a PhD! He is totally intellectually bankrupt. He has no clue whatsoever...Educated Illiterate! As a PhD holder, GEJ justifies everything that is wrong with the Nigerian educational system.
BrendaN
I'll read all that bcos it wht fashola thinks? Am sori, missed call...
APC U GUYS ARE JUST LOOKING 4 FAULT 4RM GEJ ANYSMOL TIN UNA GO NOTICE AM....FASHOLA U WEY DEY TALK ABOUT COMMON MAN DID ANY OF UR POLICIES IN LAGOS CHANGED THE LIFE OF THE COMMON MAN?????? NO!!!!! I NO DEY DEFEND GEJ OR SUMTIN O BUT I KNOW DIS IS JUST POLITICAL SO OGA FASH CARRY CHAIR WEY GET FOAM SIT DAN JOOOR...
dear fashola, your party has no sensible candidate. Beside only the two states mentioned have good apc governance, what makes you think your party can produce a good president? Alot of people have tried to make Nigeria ungovernable for president Goodluck all for their selfish reasons, not minding all the innocent lives that are being lost. for everyone that has tried to make Nigeria ungovernable may God judge you and your generations to come, may the blood of the innocent souls continue to haunt you and your families, may you feel the despair others have felt and may you know no peace for the rest of your miserable lives.
O well, I can't deny that there is obviously some truth in his speech even though I suspect it's still politically inclined! O Fashola wait till Jonathan gives his reply(cos I know he will) afterall thats what preoccupies him these days, replying his critics
Story story, story!
a.k.a EDWIN CHINEDU AZUBUKO said...
.
Mehn, i swear 2015 election go hot like die no doubt about that......
.
.
***CURRENTLY IN JUPITER***
Hmmmmm,okay
Hmmmm waiting for presidential rotweilers to pounce on him.
As for me GEJ disappointed many Nigerian youths who saw him as a change from the tradition of having old people at the helm of affairs, with his humble background, we thought he would go hard on corruption, but we were disappointed to see him romancing with those who were hitherto accused of corrupt practices.
And the long strikes by Universities and polytechnics, left us wondering if actually we have a former lecturer as the president of our country.
Not to talk of the continuous denial and blame trading approach of the government as it pertains some important issues in the country.
~BONARIO~says so via NOKIA LUMIA
My eyes will ache if I read thru,bt he had made a salient point 4rm wat I read on d xcerpts...Nigerian is truly worse off under GEJ administration. N 2 think dt he wants 2 re run,gosh! God save us all
Gov Fasola is very correct with all these points. But I don't think this should come out from his mouth as a serving Governor.
⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥♡thanks ⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥
Gov Fasola is very correct with all these points. GEJ has failed us big time. But I don't think this should come out from his mouth as a serving Governor.
⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥♡thanks ⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥
Lmao! @ how those this sound to u? Fashola really? Tonto don coach u? Nways I hate politics, na una know.
This one bad,how him keep mouth talk am
Well said sir. The head campaign manager. Your party has clear Islamic goals and would do ANYTHING to islamise Nigeria. That we don't want. And btw...was it better under obj except for the terrorism. abeg free GEJ and face your party...or islamic group.
Now, this is some intelligent man speaking.
I wish he'd contest for presidency.
First because he's done 'ok' for Lagos state and seems to know his onions about governance and character.
Second because I'm yet to see a better opponent to GEJ.
For the Pro Jonathan Movement,please before you make any negative comments about Fashola's statement i humbly ask you to please read the speech..Nigerians we need to take time out to read and analyse intelligently before jumping into any conclusion.
W.O.R.D.
i hope u dont expect me to finish reading all this! abeg fashola go chill for one place live my president alone.
Abeg make una read this Epistle/Sermon on the mount tell me wetin him talk.
we thank you sir,continue to pray.
onestly,am wt Fashola. He said it so well...Ni'ima
And what good has ur own leadership done to the citizens of ur state & lagos dwellers. You established LASMA for illegal extortion of money from the masses thereby enriching ur pocket more & more. Who made u judge over GEJ & SAMBO? kettle calling the pot black,mtcheeew. Linda post my comment if u like or prepare soup with it u don't wanna post it.
I couldn't agree more.
How i wish the blind and sentimental Nigerians would look beyond differences in political parties (PDP, APC e.t.c) as well as tribal differences and see the truth and sense in what Fashola is saying....Most of his points can be confirmed if you compare politics and governance in countries like Germany and Nigeria. For instance, German politicians campaign with plans on human capital development (because things like roads, power e.t.c. are basic needs and are provided for no matter how corrupt the German politicians want to be) while Nigerian politicians are still talking about how they built shopping malls and constructed roads or APC politicians using brooms to sweep the floor where PDP politicians stepped on during their political rallies (I saw a picture of such shameful attitude).
Some will say it took America about 200 years to get where they are, so Nigeria is still young and needs time...Yes, it took American 200 years because they built their own technology...All Nigeria has to do is buy theirs just like the Arab world, which has proven that you don't need 200 years like America to be developed....The essence of having role models is to achieve what they have achieved in half or less the time it took them to do that.
yeah right.. easy to say and criticize. he has tried in his own capacity but has not really delivered with the kinder wealth lagos has in 8years and still running... plus lagos is owing.. what about his predecessor "TINUBU jagaban", who turned lagos state to his state n turned APC to his own part, who hand picks who and who to rule. Amaechi was a pdp member before he decamped to Apc and i believe he has started that project then.. no doubt politics is dirty in nigeria.. Both the ruling part n Opposition party are dirty... The Election that brought FASHOLA to Power, What happened to "FUNSHO WILLIAMS" who was contesting under PDP, why was he murdered? who murdered him? Does he think he would hv won under Apc if not that FUNSHO WILLIAMS was killed...???????? Politics is dirty and all corrupt in Nigeria, both ruling party are all guilty... my Take....
May God bless you and prosper even your unborn generation. Mr.Fashola Babatunde SAN, your lecture note is one of the best i have considered in recent times. i'm not a fan of any political icon, but i think you've won my applaud. Why should Nigerians are suffering in the mist of plenty, if not for leaders who lack compassion, empathy, content and what true intellect is all about. I continue to weep for this nation...we need God's intervention!
Linda i dont always see my comment.
This man is an Apc man so what does one expect if not insults and long stories,all.of you are the same, no difference,if you were the president too, you won't be good
Wow,wat a piece,God'll see us through.
Fashola Please Run for President.Talking and criticizing GEJ won't change a thing. We need people like you to take this country to the next level.
U are absolutely right governor fashola, Nigeria is worst under Jonathan and Sambo regime, pdp is worst party ever, please we need peace, if u can't control this country, please seat back and stop putting us in fears in pain, in sorrow while u keep enjoying with ur family,!!!!! Pls Sooooo no to pdp and vote for Apc is the party, party of unity, party of peace.
Clap Clap Clap. That was a very very inspiring speech. Kudos governor Fashola.
In an ideal world or in place like USA, based on your leadership in Lagos, you will have been a shoo in for the presidency however our complexity in Nigeria might not allow for this.
The only criticism, I can offer however is the constant "porting" of PDP members to APC. These are the people that make up the party that we criticise. Why should we think they will be better off in the APC? I think that is why people like me think there is no difference between the two parties.
Another issue is that we hear the constant criticism of the PDP government by APC, which we all agree with but what is missing in this criticism is solutions and the different approach APC would take if it was in power.
What does the APC party stand for? Why should we trust the party? These are the questions Nigerians ask.
I agree with you that people that make difference to their countries are few but they do exist such as yourself. You have made a dazzling impression over the last 8 years that things can change and I thank God for your life.
My opinion is that it would be encouraging if an APC member like yourself sits down with the elites and youths and tell us how the party intends to change things, how the parties intends to correct things, so that we can all burn with a passion for our country again just like I did after reading your speech.
Thank you sir..
Fashola Babatunde should have been the president of this country, as big as Lagos and diverse, you have been able to initiate economic an political policies that have worked, allowing the dividend of democracy to be evident in Lagos. we have educated illiterate in the helm of affairs of this country, no wonder our plights have become worse off in a dispensation of first graduate leader in Nigeria.
See a learned person, gej can never have this thought in his head. We've tested pdp for 16yrs they have done nothing for us please lets try another party.
#VoteOutPdp
Linda I know your boyfriend na pdp top man but please post my comment.
word! He was spot on.
Is that all?
PDP is bad APC is not better
I hate all Nigeria Politicians
Is that all?
*yawns*
It about Fashola but facts- GEJ was a mistake that happened. GEJ govt lack the wisdom and vision to take Nigeria to the next level. The president have failed woefully as a leader
The amazing thing that cuts across all 'pro-jonas' is their inability to express their opinions in simple English with no grammatical blunders. And that goes alot when defining pedigree and intellectual capability.
compared GEJ and Fashola. they are INCOMPARABLE by margin. INTELLIGENT and CLUELESS.Phd holder that can not comprehend as good speech- sincerely just imagine Fashola as Nigeria president.
Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. GEJ does have what it take to rule this country. Can't imagine my president saying =''stealing is not corruption''=
We have a circle of corruption and impunity that is too strong.But can defeated when the Nigeria people are ready. Jonathan is a failure
Well Said Fashola! I couldn't agree more. For those of you that keep complaining that his speech is too long for you read, you need not comment, that's why you are all backward because you lack a reading culture.
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.GEJ & Sambo does not deserve to be our leader. they are so dumb
gej n sambo issue is simply education without wisdom = waste of time and resources.
Well, u r right in what u said but u r just speaking English, APC is the reason why we r having all this problem. Like u said the Nigerian pple found the courage and voted out the government of Buhari because he has not performed so why is he making the government of another person ungovernable. APC is not going anywhere with Buhari and any Aboki as president, u r just speaking long grammar till 2015...bunch of liars, the same pple...
Fasho... U are partially right but come o, hope u are not indirectly campaigning for urself?. #am Linda's newest boyfriend.
Real patriotism is a willingness to challenge the govt when it's wrong. Can all the IBO making noise please tell us any sector of our system that GEJ have improved in the last 6 years.
Well, u r right in what u said but u r just speaking English, APC is the reason why we r having all this problem. Like u said the Nigerian pple found the courage and voted out the government of Buhari because he has not performed so why is he making the government of another person ungovernable. APC is not going anywhere with Buhari and any Aboki as president, u r just speaking long grammar till 2015...bunch of liars, the same pple...
Well, u r right in what u said but u r just speaking English, APC is the reason why we r having all this problem. Like u said the Nigerian pple found the courage and voted out the government of Buhari because he has not performed so why is he making the government of another person ungovernable. APC is not going anywhere with Buhari and any Aboki as president, u r just speaking long grammar till 2015...bunch of liars, the same pple...
Politicians ehh! They are all the same. Give the presidency to him, i bet you he can't do more than GEJ. Presidents come and go, Nigeria remains same. Until corruption is tackled in this country, no president can make head way.
Linda anybody that wants to know Nigeria is finished should just visit your blog,simply because fashola is a yoruba nd apc guy some tribalistic idiots on your blog did not bother to read the message he was conveying,they are just insulting him..Una neva see anything
kettle calling pot black what has he really done for lagosians. all of u na d same thing so keep ur mouth shut
But how can Fashola be dinning with Timipre Sylva? doesnt he know who Timipre was and is? If he is a credible governor he should endevour to disassociate himself from criminals.ok i see! Timipre is now in APC, i wonder how this APC will be better than PDP because they keeping welcoming criminals from PDP.if APC really wants to show us that they are different,they should clear their foundation and laid solid foundation with citizens who have distinguised themselves.
APC govs Fashola,oshiomole, Okorocha, Amaechi, Amosun, Ahmed, Fayemi, Aregbesola have DONE WELL in their respective state. IMAGINE them as our PRESIDENT. PDP 15 years have lost to history
Former NSA Azazi said PDP is the root of boko haram, the remove him and his plane crash. Who is fooling who......
Fashola Babatunde should have been the president of this country, as big as Lagos and diverse, you have been able to initiate economic an political policies that have worked, allowing the dividend of democracy to be evident in Lagos. we have educated illiterate in the helm of affairs of this country, no wonder our plights have become worse off in a dispensation of first graduate leader in Nigeria.
Adisa alagon so who shud voice dis out?if not frm one of them when they youth of dis Nation can't protest nd make their voices heard,nobody wan die but all wan go heaven
Ola Brampton say so
i expect foshola to have the balls to check his predecessor, tinubu, until then......
So we should take another 4 years of madness, a child born in 1999 is already tall as u. Am tired of sour programmes
GEJ always see every views or actions as an attempt against his govt, This should be seen as general issue not against a person
Can u shut your tribalistic mouth up !
GEJ is too focus on 2015, but come rain come blood 2015 is a date. GEJ vs Right thinking Nigerians
Correct sir/ma
Ola Brampton say so
Foolish opinion
Ola Brampton say so
Well said Fashola.we need a someone like you as our president . Jonathan is a good man but surrounds himself with selfish and wicked people. He became a president when he's not prepared for it. He can't handle this country.
Bcos u are a lady does not mean u should be clueless now. No wonder kids are now failing waec. Our reading culture is dead
Better pikin
Ola Brampton say so
Hmm although he made a point, I am not a supporter of APC neither PDP but fashola how ur lagos be? No roads no light, so all of una na de same thing
Fool of d highest order,bcos u gat some change to buy data on ur fone has giving u no brain at all by asking who killed Funsho better ask Google or bing ode,or better still ask popo dem
Use ur filthy brain
Ola Brampton say so
Fashola run pls.....will vote for u 100%
Would have applauded you bobo Fash,but U are just a pot calling kettle black.u are all same.u be been irrational in thinking at one point or the other in office so allow Jonathan's irrational thinking too while we wait for him to come back to his senses like U did when U sacked Lagos state doctors.Ur leadership as president will be worse cos U're lawyer everything u do will be right even when u render people homeless and jobless.God is watching all of you.!!
This is a great piece from a great Leader,Let the ruling party Call it bad news or lines frm an Opposition party member but really Fashola has really said it all.......Any educated man or woman should think well before 2015 election either to vote for a change or Not
Bishop please tell him..haba!
Oh, so you cant read it all? Too long? Too complex for your brain to take in? What are you? A graduate right? Is it longer than the thesis you copied and pasted in your final year? Lol
Shut up and read, ignoramus
There is no water in Lagos, whose fault is that? What world class hospital have u built? What about your roads (the actual ones where people live)? Pupils are still sitting on the floor. All of this under you. You are a governor. Hypocrite. Change things for your people. Jonathan is far better than all the former leaders put together. Is there no rail in Lagos now? What happened to your own? Abeg u can't deceive me.
Am glad i finished this. This man ιƨ soon point. Am glad an elite has made it public. Atleast they know we ain't fools. They've played us enough. To some, they wil say its a pdp and Apc thing ßut i say it ιƨ words on marble.
WOW this is all i can say....
Biko wat haf Fashola done in Lagos.or wat did Tinubu do.pls dis speech is jus as long as d list of different forces he put in place 2frustrate Lagosians,LASTMA n d rest.biko its all politics
I agree with the same bunch part. But note that no one is making Nigeria ungovernable, the idiot has simply no clue. There is crisis all over the world, yet how many leaders sit inebrieted and bleat about the nameless faceless people who are not letting him restore power, fight corruption, ensure safety and promote devt in his nation? It is only stupid nigerians that would pat a failure on his head not realizing that a bad workman always complains about his tools. GEJ shut up and deliver or get d hell out of our faces!!!!
All correct Sir, though I almost slept off..
queenreigneth@gmail.com
GOODLUCK are ingredient of life in nigeria .Goodluck is doing.Goodluck can do.2015 is GOODluck.
My sentimental Igbo brothers will not agree with this truth, we need leaders with good vision not those who depend on luck.
Best comment. Its not just to criticize,we all know how today's govt has failed. The question is what differences would they make and how do they intend to achieve them?
So on point gov Fashola. What am yet to see in dz leadership is courage to fight corruption n terrorism. Long live Nigeria
Fashola's a hypocrite,d monumental moral n financial corruption going on in n around d governor's office in Alausa stinks to high heavens!All these politicians need 2 be brutally murdered 4 a new Nigeria to emerge.Like PDP like APC
...Contest for president not presidency
Pls bishop shut up, it's people like u who hide under d shadows, suffering and smiling
Fashola is so on point
Gov. Fashola is an APC Governor and a Moslem. He has no respect for those in authority(The President )but cannot speak ill of Chief Bola Tinubu who has confiscated Lagos State to his personal Estate. At the party (APC) he single handedly picks candidates and imposes them on the party with impunity . To him (Gov. Fashola) that is an ideal leader. Your epistle no doubt has some ingredients but you have been brainwashed like a typical Muslim to think in the manner you have written. Remember that he who pioints an accusing finger on another has the reminding three asking (what about you) and the thumb saying ( there is Godoooo!).
Gov. Fashola is an APC Governor and a Moslem. He has no respect for those in authority(The President )but cannot speak ill of Chief Bola Tinubu who has confiscated Lagos State to his personal Estate. At the party (APC) he single handedly picks candidates and imposes them on the party with impunity . To him (Gov. Fashola) that is an ideal leader. Your epistle no doubt has some ingredients but you have been brainwashed like a typical Muslim to think in the manner you have written. Remember that he who pioints an accusing finger on another has the reminding three asking (what about you) and the thumb saying ( there is Godoooo!).
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself who the APC as a party depends on ? Alhaji Atiku, Alhaji Buhari, Alhaji Bola Tinubu,Alhaji Babatunde Fashola, all Muslims or Chief Rotimi Amaechi , Chief Timipre Silver and others who became irrelevant in PDPand moved to APC in controversial circumstances? I am not a politician and do not belong to any party but all those mentioned above have contributed to the woes of our Country yet are still hungry for power . Shame to all of them . If you are carried away with the write up of a serving Gov. that has no respect for his President then I don't know where our hopes reside.
well said....am not an APC follower but after reading i totally agree with the man.....so people read before ranting
I dnt lik insultn mi elders,bt wl tak an exeption 2dis.Fashola learn how 2encourag GEJ N his team evn though u're 4rm a diferent party.pls b +ive 4once
I wonder why nigerians do *stick to the devil u know*..This PDP government has been terrible..bombings,corruption,terrorism e.t.c. What else do we need for us to realise we need a change..And people that are saying they're not interested in politics,I guess they dont buy fuel or none of their relatives has been killed,because we're all affected directly or indirectly by their actions...so when sumbody is saying something sensible,leave tribal and religious issues and focus on the main message being passed accros..WE NEED A CHANGE..WE NEED TO MAKE THEM KNOW THEY'RE THERE TO SERVE US NOT THE OTHER WAY..
Leadership comes from the top to the bottom, unfortunately GEJ possess non of the qualities of a leader.He cannot even visit Chibok to give moral support to our troops, SMH. No vision, no gut no principle.Fashola i doff my hat for this epistle, kudos.
Fashola should shut the fuck up abeg, the standard of living for an average lagosian has reduced and he is talking nonsense. He he talk about people lands he has collected because they can't develop or tejuosho market he is selling for shop owers 3million which is impossible to get or how u have done nothing in alimosho LG for the 8yrs u ruled and 70 percent of votes are from here. So shut up
Fashola should shut that his trashy mouth. As if he could do better if he was the president. Has he made Lagos safe for everyone in Lagos. #APC maniacs.
First the non yorubas will support Jonathan. This country will move forward when we see ourself as one and forget about tribe and religion. Governor Fashola I always pray you become the president one day because you have shown what governance and democracy is by governing Lagos state. God bless you sir because all what you said here is the obvious truth. With everything going on in Nigeria Jonathan still wants to go for another term instead of resigning, what a pity. God bless Nigeria...
Yoruba people with bad belly.
Hmmm r u related to adc to GeJ
Idiot.
Fool!
FASHOLA FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!
Fashola go an die GEj is still better
You just showed how poorly educated, stupid and terminally servile you are. Your parents must be so ashamed of you.
tru talk
Uncle Fashola U hav spoken well but let me ask u a question. how hav ur govt benefited the pple of lagos st.?? The state where u and uncle tinubu remains the hook, the line and the sinker. The state wher u pay numerous taxes and stl pay toll gate.. the state where policies only favors u, ur family and uncle tinubu.. only ystrday u swallowed ur shame to reduced the university fee cos wit ur increment, u and uncle tinubu saw yourselves loosing election in 2015.. U go ahead and use ur little resources to make a difference by treating lagos pple well and leave brother Jonathan and his Abuja alone.
@Anon 4:30hope u aint talking abt Ahmed of kwarastate? if u r meeeeehhhhhhnnnnnn..... na jonzing ooo dt guy no fit contest for ordinary classrep for kwara and e go enta lailai.... he no do shigyn for d state.. SMH
Jaycee
Idiot like u keeps the country in this situation
This hypocrite bishop is a fool
You think Christianity is hypocrisy and associated kissing? Ode
If fashola and other governors have given the youths of their state employment then we will not have problem in this country. Are they not given allocation, what have they done with it? Their failure in their states e the cause of this problem. FG is just the roof while the LG (which are monitored by the state) SG are the foundation. Do ur part fashola and stop blaming GEJ.
Gud 4 them
No lie or doubt its all true...........
Politics..... But d truth has been told... Mr president is not getting it right at all his art of governance is very very poor or may be he's working with wrong ministers cos his have only two vibrant ministers.....1.agriculture 2.finance..but d woman is old enough to have rest. And if we all can trace Mr. President when he was gov of bayesupplsa he didn't achieve what he suppose to achieve as a gov. Another boredoms with our political settings are tribal sentiments and regional ties which can never take us any where if we the present generation cnt change it. Therefore, our dearly PREsident is not working at all since he is working with old corrupt politicians.
So that is what your oga Tinubu told you to say abi? Ok, but he is still our President and i love him.
Congo goat! What will you do? Can you lead ur home let alone your village. When the head is bad, what happens? Corruption in Alausa didn't start today nor wiv Fashola. Look inwardly and be wise. Am not concerned about the party, it's the person in leadership. People like you voted for GEJ... who had no shoe! Let's voice out to redeem our country than wallow in regrets.
Nwa Nsuka or what did you call yourself! Your name sounds stupid sef i dont av anything to tell you
Fashola may God bless you and your household.
Ewu Nsukka! Corrupt fools like you can't lead a village meeting. How many of ur village "theif" cam compose intelligent speech as this. Grow up. Olodo! Spare parts dealer like you don't know which way Nigeria.
Pls I wnt som1 on dis blog , especially dos supportin dis hypocrite to tell me how fashola in is 8yrs in office raised d living standard of d ordinary ppl of lagos state?
@anon 9:15,1st off ur father n d patriach of ur family's a goat which genetically makes u a goat.I'll rather cast my vote 4 late idi amin than vote 4 Jonathan.Myopic idiots like u're what is wrong with this country,always whipping up sentiments to cloud ur judgement and as a consequence'll never call a spade a spade.Jonathan,Fashola n all the current crop of politicians need to be assassinated brutally 4 a new Nigeria to emerge.Enjoy ur crumbs while it lasts crumbs-merchant!
Gbamest!
A billion likes
Yes! At least u can now pay one year rent conveniently in lagos. No landlord can evict u immediately after ur rent expires. All thanks to his policy.
Nwa nsukka as ur name implies,idiota that you are,you can't see more than ur igboitic brain,pipo like you stupid illitrates give igbos bad name.Go and eat shit in ur fucking god forsaken aba town,animale!!!
I believe you. No politician can work firmly when corruption is our motto. Let there be a strong law against any form of corruption. Death sentence, possibly. Flush out non political business men who eat deeply into our economy. Nepa" should be tackled 1st. Ban generator importation. Look into our oil sector. Job opportunities will surface afterwards. Let's start from there. Nigerians are not asking for too much. Give us the basics. There's corruption in other countries too but their citizens av the basics that can sustain them at least
It's obvious you strayed into Lagos. Go back to ur village. I will personally give you transport fare
I could bet you are a pagan. Complex issues cannot be resolved my miracles or delivered with anointing oil. Grow old quickly kid!
And so the summary of this very long speech is, Fashola may be interested in the 2015 presidential election. Anyway, I think Fashola has proven over time to be a credible leader who can be relied upon. This time am going to perform my civic responsibility, and if Fashola runs for 2015, am with him 199% (if there's anything like that) no more will I seat and watch while others cast their votes and later apportion blames when the rulership goes bad. This time my voice must be heard (and so does yours), Nigeria really needs a change, ENOUGH!!!
And so the summary of this very long speech is, Fashola may be interested in the 2015 presidential election. Anyway, I think Fashola has proven over time to be a credible leader who can be relied upon. This time am going to perform my civic responsibility, and if Fashola runs for 2015, am with him 199% (if there's anything like that) no more will I seat and watch while others cast their votes and later apportion blames when the rulership goes bad. This time my voice must be heard (and so does yours), Nigeria really needs a change, ENOUGH!!!
@ anon 9:15pm. If coruption in Alausa didn't start with Fashola, so also corruption in nigeria didn't start with GEJ. don't be bias in ur judgment. Fashola should concentrate on his state because he is part of this govt. As if lagos itself is better. With the money lagos state generates it can be used to take care of the whole nation. Lagos is the commercial center of naija, it suppose to be competing with Johannesburg in terms of infrastructure instead tinubu is busy siphoning lagos money.
@petra u r d bigger E-diot
And so the summary of this very long speech is, Fashola may be interested in the 2015 presidential election. Anyway, I think Fashola has proven over time to be a credible leader who can be relied upon. This time am going to perform my civic responsibility, and if Fashola runs for 2015, am with him 199% (if there's anything like that) no more will I seat and watch while others cast their votes and later apportion blames when the rulership goes bad. This time my voice must be heard (and so does yours), Nigeria really needs a change, ENOUGH!!!
And so the summary of this very long speech is, Fashola may be interested in the 2015 presidential election. Anyway, I think Fashola has proven over time to be a credible leader who can be relied upon. This time am going to perform my civic responsibility, and if Fashola runs for 2015, am with him 199% (if there's anything like that) no more will I seat and watch while others cast their votes and later apportion blames when the rulership goes bad. This time my voice must be heard (and so does yours), Nigeria really needs a change, ENOUGH!!!
And so the summary of this very long speech is, Fashola may be interested in the 2015 presidential election. Anyway, I think Fashola has proven over time to be a credible leader who can be relied upon. This time am going to perform my civic responsibility, and if Fashola runs for 2015, am with him 199% (if there's anything like that) no more will I seat and watch while others cast their votes and later apportion blames when the rulership goes bad. This time my voice must be heard (and so does yours), Nigeria really needs a change, ENOUGH!!!
Nigerians are still suffering for a mental and a sentimental slavery, @ Fashola has spoken the truth and nothing but the truth, i don't care if there is a Political intentions behind his speech but what i no is that you cant fight for Nigerians or they will fight against you. I am so disappointed in the comments i am seen here, i wouldn't say fuck Nigeria leaders alone but fuck Nigerians as well.
A well written constructive critcism.....Nevertheless we shouldn't be swayed by the current events that has befallen our nation to become insultive towards our president because all Nigerian leaders both past and present are responsible for the crisis in our country today. Instead, let us vote for a leader with a clear cut agenda for its people irrespective of his political party,age,social class,academic qualifications,religion or ethnic tribe. Cos that's the only way forward for this our country,Nigeria.
Fashola I am utterly disappointed in u! Did u do a background check on the druggie u were giving accolades? Timipre Slyva is the worst governor Bayelsa ever had and I dont even want to go into ur untouchable God father Tinubu. You guys are bunch of hypocrites. Is it a crime for the opposition party to help and move this country forward? What's with this nagging and propaganda filled criticism everyday. Pls channel this energy into helping to improve the country in ur own bit. If u also want to run for president pls do and leave GEJ alone. I never saw u criticize Obasanjo and he was not the best president we had. Gosh!!
So, how do you expect a president that says " Stealing is not corruption" to fight corruption?
I hate both parties , fools they have nothing to offer to Nigeria, may God send fire on you all killing poor Nigerians.
if it aint broke, dnt fix it.
Pertra, U r d Idiot here. GEJ deserves some respect, what happens when others talk like this to the president of a country, do u think there will be peace?
Nonsense opposition talk...what has he really done in Lagos?...APC tinz
Gbam!!!!! Agreed
This man is not asking you to vote for APC. All he is saying at the end is simple, PDP governed Nigeria for almost 16 years now, they haven't achieved anything. Things kept getting bad till date. You Nigerians are the people to bring a change with your votes. Do not vote for the APC, try something else. If they are not good enough, don't give them another term in office. As simple as that.
Hmmmmmn I wonder why some Nigerian's will remain blind to the truth and embrace lies well said fash leave the rest to God
fashola has no ryt to criticize his president wud he hv said this if he was in PDP?wats happning in nigeria 2day is a product of our past leaders nt jst d present he has his own blames though#fashola shud jst shut up he isnt better off#
dis IPC pple no wan make we rest 4 dis country.. keep blaming GEJ even when they hv failed dia State. nonsense
Only to be expanding roads and not even repair the existing ones
Who says so, come to the 'not so tush' areas and see if landlords don't fling out their tenants
Pls, could u help m list what he's done for lagos, for clarity purpose
Only to be expanding roads and not even repair the existing ones
Hey mister, stop being biased! Be objective and sincere for once.
The strikes u are talking about took place because Trade unions have seen a regime that is malleable and not brutish. A regime that can bend under pressure to give them what they want even when it hurts.
An average Yoruba is tribalistic in nature. They claim to be good if not best in respecting people but that's if you're a part of them.
When they turn friendly, be at alert because that's could be a deadly situation; they are just looking for the next person to back-stab in the name of STRATEGIC THINKING.
Beware!
I cry for this country.imagine the state of lagos roads and the so called mega city 70% of it is lacking pipe borne water. Fashola is a joke! Cos of election he decided to reduce LASU'S school fees - how does he expect pepper, ala kara, groundnut seller to afford such fees?
Again he is revisiting the ban of Okada riders all in an effort to gain support.
It saddens me that the likes of Atiku, Tinubu and others in APC clamoring for change.what did they do while in government?
PDP AND APC are birds of the same feather don't expect anything good from them both.
Oh my, Fashola is so sound. Imagine someone like this as our president. Not that mumu in undertaker hat.
Your education is a waste. You're no better than the thugs at the motor parks.
Delivering this speech at a thief's birthday is so ironic and perplexing like everything Nigerian
Fashola is d worst idiot I have seen as gorvernor. Humiliating people he gov wth lastma ,and toll gate fee. A tribalistic idiot,deporting citizens in there country. Islamic extremist sponsoring boko haram.
That's why your family is anonymous while Fashola is a great man. If you continue this way, your name will never be known by the world.
Ignorance is worse than Ebola.
The simple fact that you used "live" instead of "leave" shows that education as a whole not just reading is a big problem for you. So it's okay.
you critcize a government without showing us facts or statistics to show that 4 years ago we where better off as fashola said .i am getting tired of empty speeches and statement that are self serving.today if you are a northerner and you viciously attack president jonathan you become a darling bride of the north.you attack the presidency as a member of the APC you become a loyal party member.its quite unfortunate.
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