By *Dennis O. Balogu, Ph.D., M.P.A.

During the launching a new Microfinance policy Framework prepared by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Abuja, yesterday, President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria used a very short stanza to correctly state the modus operandi of his macro-administrative style which appeared to mimic the styles of one of America’s greatest Presidents, Ronald Reagan. Macro-administrative style establishes the essence of democratic and presidential system of government that encourages the president to select apolitical professionals with the expertise needed to provide the citizens the best affordable service. In this regard, the execution of policies in the interest of the citizens will become of paramount importance to the chief executives. Under this circumstance, political supporters of a president are encouraged to run for elected offices. So, it appears that the President of Nigeria is continuously shying away from the normal practice in African countries where political allies of the President are compensated with ministerial appointments.

Opponents of the President have (it appears) not been able to present to the public alternative programs and issues. Instead, accusations against the President that are primarily, unsubstantiated are thrown to the public through the media. President Obasanjo seems to echo the lack of substance in the accusations made by his opponents when he said:

"My adversaries who say Obasanjo is doing nothing must admit that Soludo is doing something. They must agree that Ngozi Iweala is doing something. They must agree that Oby Ezekwsili is doing something. They must agree that Nuhu Ribadu is doing something. One thing they failed to recognise is that I am at the background to create the enabling environment for those who are doing something to do something. Obasanjo who is not doing anything has the job of seeking those who can do something and are doing something," . . . President Obasanjo.

These are the stuff with which great leaders of democracies are made. Great leaders (Chief Executives) set their mission, goals and prioritize objectives; employ and empower expertise and chief operations officers to accomplish the mission through achieving the objectives. The President appeared to have mapped out his objectives and prioritized them since 1999 --: (1) He employed the right people to redirect, reorganize and reprofessionalize the Nigerian Armed Forces; (2) He held the country together; (3) Nigeria is now being respected in the world arena. (3) With the right expertise, he is re-building Nigeria's economy and increasing its food and resource base; (4) With the right people, he is fighting corruption to a stand still -- Governors, Nigerian Governors are no longer traveling all over the world and squandering State funds. Leadership includes knowing the challenges ahead, knowing the times to tackle each of them, establishing the required policies, and getting the right people to implement them. President Obasanjo has met these required based on available information.

We should be proud that Nigeria now employs highly qualified Nigerian professionals (including Diaspora Nigerians), the likes of Soludo, Ngozi Iwuala, Mallam el-Rufai, Nunu Ribadu and others to successfully implement policies which are emancipating Nigeria. There are several other highly qualified Nigeria in Diaspora professionals in the areas of Medicine, Engineering and Agriculture who are available and able to work to make Nigeria greater. Let the Presidency give them opportunity to serve Nigeria so that our sick citizens will no longer seek healthcare services overseas. Give the engineers the opportunity to work in Nigeria to build durable roads and bridges, and improved environment. If the Presidency give Agriculturists opportunity in Nigeria, you will predictably see the Groundnut Pyramids reestablished in the Northern cities of Kano and Kaduna; cocoa and plantations will come back in the West; while produce (palm oil, cassava and fruits) will flood the Eastern ports of Port-Harcourt and Calabar ready for export.

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*Prof. Dennis O. Balogu is a professor and international affairs officer at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR 71601, USA.

Robot  # 1 | 17.12.2005 14:42

By*Dennis O. Balogu, Ph.D., M.P.A.During the launching a new Microfinance policy Framework prepared by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Abuja, yesterday, President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria used a very short stanza to correctly state the modus o...Read the full article.

Unregistered  # 2 | 17.12.2005 15:38

"...Instead, accusations against the President that are primarily, unsubstantiated are thrown to the public through the media...." =================================================== What a load of cobblers! I can see that there is plenty of competition for Fani Kayode's job but am pretty sure Chief Tony Anenih Snr has not declared a vacancy in Aso Rock yet. Dr Balogu the team has never been the problem of Nigeria. It has always been the political leadership and am afraid it still is. Eminently qualified Nigerians are legion and have served every administration in recent memory. This adminstration is indistinguishable from others in this respect. In another respect it is also indistinguishable from other regimes in terms of the vast majority of the people not feeling any positive impact from its tenure. What discredited Nigerian leaders have consistently done over the years is surround themselves with very articulate and intelligent Nigerians in the hope that this would give their regimes a vista of much needed credibility. Babangida was particularly good at this. Again this government has not distinguished itself from the others in this regard. Most of the mess this government has concerned itself with are of its own making. Most of the corrupt politicians it has been pursuing is corruption perpetrated under its watch. Meanwhile we still do not have light, we do not have water, we do not have roads, we do not have hospitals, we do not have security, we do not have good leadership. These are the things that count for the vast majority of Nigerians and if you cannot give it to them, you have no business being in office sir. Six years is enough time for us to expect to see a difference. Instead we have aircraft falling from out the sky, radio stations are shut down on a whim because they do not like its message, the media are hounded, soldiers are used to hound the people and evict tenants in a civil matter between landlord and tenant, court judgements are ignored, armed robbers are even more brazen, hypocrisy is the order of the day etc etc. When the President stated that the aviation sector was riddled with corruption, did he substantiate? When he rails against Nigerians and calls them all manner of names, does he substantiate? When he accused his deputy in public, did he substantiate? Would it matter if his critics substantiated their claims? Would he change his style? Would the leopard change its spots? Give us a break. Please tell Mr President that we are not his adversaries. We are his constituents who pay his wages and pay for his priviledges. He has been at his abusive best in insulting our intelligence. He has failed us with his traumatic government and the earlier he be gone the better we shall all be. Aluta! Gwobezentashi

Mark Lar  # 3 | 17.12.2005 15:42

Dennis, your analysis and recomendation is a breath of fresh air to the usual doom sayers of this forum. I wonder what Abudlahi and Palamedes have to say about this, ofcourse the usual almajiri battle cry" power must return home to its citadel, the North"

Unregistered  # 4 | 17.12.2005 19:29

Many people will not disagree with your assertion that "discredited Nigerian leaders have consistently done over the years is surround themselves with very articulate and intelligent Nigerians in the hope that this would give their regimes a vista of much needed credibility." In President Obasanjo's case, he seemingly established the direction in which he would take the country, projected a convincing impression that he knows what it will take and has continuously employed qualified people with the right expertise for the right job. In the past, "very articulate and intelligent Nigerians" were brought into government to garner credibility for faltering regimes. They were not employed to provide professional services to the nation. My concern, my friend is that we have about 15 months to the next Presidential Elections and the opposition parties/persons have not presented to the nation, any articulated program(s) and issue(s) that are different from what the President is doing. Instead, they are interested in debating against third term proposals when the President and the constitution have not said that he will/can run. They should show us programs, show us issues, show us the suitable Presidential candidate that can replace President Obasanjo. That should be a positive direction to go than what we have now. Dennis O. Balogu

Unregistered  # 5 | 18.12.2005 00:33

A LEADER IS A PRODUCT OF HIS TIMES. For stats, President Obasanjo's ascension to power was a divine occurence. His people (Yorubas) for petty reasons said NO but thank God the others were objective. I am glad that Dr Balogu in this excellent piece reminds us of the raison d'etre for Obasanjo "transition" Presidency. I wholesomely agree that the President has met the bill. Everybody will see, how easy it is to have a consensus candidate in a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria. For emphasis, the reforms going on in our military is almost unbelievable and you can be sure that not only has he helped launder its image, foundation for a sustainable democracy is being laid by de-politicising it. This is the first time we have an all-inclusive Federal Govt in decades especially with the great picks he made from the womenfolk - Akunyili, Ezekwesili, Okonjo-Iweala, Chigbue and Okereke-Onyiuke. How true his quote is - these detractors hail these achievers to the skies but deny The President credit for their achievements! Our President is the recognised leader in Africa! Most of the rot in the polity and Society were inflicted by his predecesors but there cannot be progress without adressing them first. Problems which are attitudinal and sociological cannot be resolved overnight and success of economic reforms do not also manifest "with immediate effect". There still exist people whose role is to throw spanner in the works but Nigeria will have to move on inspite of them. We concede to them the freedom to imagine that they are fighting an Abacha or that they are living in pre-civil-war Nigeria. The "NOTHING" Gospellers make no point. In reality, these naysayers do not count they only pervert the media. The Presidential Quote will keep them shut for a while. But I daresay that history is repeating itself. At his first coming, he worked hard to shore up treasury reserves for the succeeding administration of Shehu Shagari which came and squandered it. The greatest challenge we face as a nation is to ensure a pro-reform successor to consolidate and manage resoures. President Olusegun Obasanjo will be vindicated by posterity but in the meantime we must continue to advance truth - to oppose error. Gratitude goes to Dr Balogu for the effort. ADEBAYO ADEJARE

Unregistered  # 6 | 18.12.2005 00:50

You guys appear very sick. Where is the constant power supply promised Nigerians when Obasanjo took over in 1999? This, despite billions spent on the Industry? You talk about reforms? Which reforms? Reforms that are tailored towards opponents. Balogu, or whatever, it is clear you are a propagandist. In this place, you'll fail as others before you have done. True, climate of democracy is apparent. But are we really in a democracy when police tear-gas innocent mothers protesting the loss of lives on Sosoliso? Is it democracy when the president and the police disregard court orders? Is it democracy when elctions are rigged and due process are not followed? All these comments posted are just megaphonic in nature and bear no semblance with truth and reality.

Kunle  # 7 | 18.12.2005 03:51

Prof, You seem to have viewed the scenario from one side of the fence Sir.If out of the retinue of aids and advisers our president has handpicked a few as ''doing something'' is that not a direct admission that dead woods are in abundance in the sytem.I would rather professionals instead of beating chests and back patting should step up a drive for suitable and well qualified people to man our ailing posts.Aviation,education,health,transport to mention a few. tnx

Unregistered  # 8 | 18.12.2005 07:31

nice one Prof, Obasanjo is the best thing that has ever happened to Nigeria. If anybody is in doubt, let that person comes out with his own idea. BUHARI, BABANGIDA ARE ALL THIEVES WITHOUT ANY MORDERN DAY IDEA. they should not think of becoming president again in Nigeria. they are bunch of illitrate. Nigeria is bigger than any ***** from the northern part of Nigerian. We are in the 20th century. Welcome Dr Mrs Ngozi Ikonjo- Iwela, the new Nigerian President comes 2007 If Buhari and co want to die now, they must start to take poison Oke' Badan Agbe waooo

Odinaka  # 9 | 18.12.2005 07:58

I think that the first comment is quite ok. Someone had tried to point out in an earlier submission that Obj encouraged Ngozi to perform well and my response was that IBB also encouraged the late Prof. Ransome Kuti. In physics classes, we always hear of the concept of "net work done". Thus we say that work done = X, and X could be < 0, > 0, or 0. Now if you sum up all the works of Obj- the electoral act fraud, Odi, Zaki Ibiam, Anambrairistic chaos/Ubaism, defiance of court rulings,and appointment of some ministers whose only visible achievements were/are fighting with their state governors/elders etc ,on one side, and Soludo, Ngozi, Ribadu, Oby, Akunyili etc on the other side-, I wonder if you will not arrive at X = or < 0. Even if you arrive at X > 0, I bet you it will be just a little above Zero. In the summation exercise, please take into account the magnitude of each of his actions/ their long term effects. All the gains of Soludo and co will not be of any net benefit to the citizens of a country replete with all manner of lawlessness, electoral fraud and fascism.

TASLIM  # 10 | 18.12.2005 10:57

I Want To Thank You For Writing The Article And Bringing This Message To This Forum. I Agree That Not Everyone Will Agree With You But The Facts In Your Article Cannot Be Denied. I Also Wish To Commend Your Desire To Return Home To Improve The Lot Of The People In Your Country At A Time When Some Others Are Shouting " Destroy The Temple" My Problem With Most People , Just Like The Those Opposed To Obj Is That They Dont Provide Viable Options For Consideration And Their Arguments Shock Me Even Though Their Attention Has Been Called Several Times To The Dynamics Of Governance Of Today. Odinaka Actually Responded To My Statement That It Was Indeed Obj That Brought Mrs Oweala That They Were All Busy Celebrating On Another Thread. Then He Mentioned Ibb And Others. But The Truth Is That Ibb, Abacha, Etc Were Military Rulers. They Were Maximum Rulers With The Whole Country Being Their Constituency. Therefore If There Was A Problem With A School In Damaturu, Or Clinic In Eket Or Market In Oron, These Leaders Can Be Held Responsible. Afterall They Appointed The Military Governors Under A Chain Command. But We Are Now In A Democracy. The President, Indeed The Federal Government Is Responsible For Certain Thing While The States And Local Governments Are Responsible For Others. This Is Clearly Captured In Schedules 2 And 4 Of The Constitution. The President Cannot Be Held Responsible For Bad State Roads In Aba, Or A Bad Market In Ph, Or A Collapsed School Building In Jos. Each Tier Of Government Has Its Own Resources And Responsibilities. Honestly I Wonder Why It Is Difficult For People To Understand This. Even Power Generation Is Under The Control Of State Governments. Some Items Are Under What They Call Concurrent List - Joint Responsibility Of Both Federal And States. A Good Example Is The Ube Launched By The President. Even At That, The Federal Government Can Only Intervene In Or Fund The Scheme Through The States - It Cannot Go In Directly. I Am Not Annoyed Again With These People Who Talk Anyhow Because I Realised That Not Only Are They Not Properly Informed They Have Decided Not To Listen To The Words Of Wisdom And Knowledge. And For People Who Shut Their Hearts And Minds To Knowledge, The Bible Say They Shall Die. Finally Only Last Week The Former Speaker Of The House Of Representatives Agreed That The Third Term Issue Is Gathering Positive Momentum Because Of The Dearth Of Competent Opposition. This Was After General Buhari Congratulated Obj On His Anti-corruption Crusade. Those Who Matter In Nigeria, The Real Stakeholders Are Talking And Encouraging Mr. President So It Is Not Important What Some Janitors And Cab Drivers Somewhere Far From Nigeria And Who Apparently Do Not Even Know The Country's Constitution Say My Prof, May Your Days Be Long Taslim

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