As part of Nigerian Village Square's interview series with all aspirants for the 2011 Presidential election, former Head of State, General MUHAMMADU BUHARI sat down for an hour-long interview with members of the NVS editorial team. Below is the unedited transcript of the interview.
OPENING STATEMENT
 The institutions that support democracy have been compromised... So, what we are saying is that we are going to take the fundamental things and try and rebuild the country.  |
Question: Thank you for taking the time to be on the NVS HotSeat. General, we will start right away. You are talking to two Nigerians of a certain generation, who went through all the experiences of military rule in Nigeria. I mean if you look at the bracket from 1983 to 1999, that is a huge chunk out of the life of your two interviewers, so they come to this with a certain mindset about former military leaders wanting to come back as civilian presidents. But that notwithstanding we thought we should give you the opportunity to earn your first two votes today. Why should Pius and Moses who are interviewing you - why should they vote for you?
General Buhari: Well, they made not be living in Nigeria, but I believe that their concern about Nigeria is as genuine as that of those of us who are here. Firstly, the physical and material insecurity in the country. The most important and fundamental thing that any government can do from 2011 is to secure this country. There is so much abduction and assassination. There is so much corruption. The institutions that support democracy have been compromised: the Nigerian police, the judiciary, the other law enforcement agencies, the civil service. Infrastructures have gone. You know it very well— there is no power, factories have closed, people have lost their jobs, [and] there are no roads. So, what we are saying is that we are going to take the fundamental things and try and rebuild the country. This is what we are saying.
VISION FOR NIGERIA AND SPECIFICS
Question: Well, thank you for that answer. This is Moses. You talked about a number of problems that the country currently wrestles with. Those are familiar problems that require immediate solutions, but projecting into the future, the issue with Nigeria is that we don’t just need to act today to solve our immediate problems; but we also have to develop strategic plans for the future. So, along those lines, let me ask you this question, General. Where do you see Nigeria, what is your vision for Nigeria in the next 20 years— say in the year 2030?
General Buhari: Yeah, if you will look at population projections, you look at social institutions, especially education, health care, infrastructure and, above all, power… [We need all these] so that factories can re-open, people can get employment, there will be less unemployment and consequently there will be less crime and [we can have] the other infrastructure [such as] health care, drinking water, good roads.
Now, in 20 years’ time we want to see that relative to the growth of the population, that at length, that the resources, both human and material, have to meet to make sure Nigeria makes the necessary impact in the global community. We have the people. We have the resources. Therefore, there must be the discipline, the leadership that can inspire and lead the people to make sure that there are achievable economic conditions that will provide employment and material security to generally uplift the country.
Question: Okay, thank you General. This is Pius. So far you have spoken in broad terms about what is wrong with the country? You have identified the problems and you have articulated what needs to be done [and] where we need to go. But the problem is that you need to tell us how you are going to do some of these things concretely. Let me take you back. You said factories need to reopened, for instance. Now we need to know how you hope to reopen the factories. Just give us an example. The textile industry, for example, in the north - how would you move from step A to B to C to D and ultimately ensure that these factories reopen and not just reopen haphazardly but in a sustained manner. What are your plans?
General Buhari: Well, I am still within the textile industry where I have an idea about…. The textile industry was employing about 300,000 Nigerians five, six years ago but now are employing less than 25,000. Why? A number of reasons. You are asking me how we can get them reopened to employ people and provide goods and services.
ON POWER  Power is the number one priority ..five years is long enough for Nigeria to see any impact and we haven't seen any yet. If the money (on Power) had been judiciously used, the results would have surfaced - there would have been a lot of factories open, there would have been a lot of people working - under an effective leader. |
We have to do something drastic about power because they will have to be able to operate effectively and at least break even. Now, without power, with the [current] state of power, it is almost impossible. There is a lot of publicity in the last four years or so that there has been money voted—about seventy billion naira— to help the industry to do so. It is just like throwing bad money after good money unless there are infrastructures in place for these industries to become viable and sustainable. So power is the number one priority. What is happening to our power stations? What is happening to our hydro power stations- Kainji, Shiroro, Jebba? What is happening to the planned Mambilla hydro power station to complement the thermal power station and integrated into the national grind, and so on?
There are a lot of stories about it but five years is long enough for Nigeria to see any impact and we haven't seen any yet. So what the next government will do, if it is a responsible government, is to make sure that whatever resources has been voted on this issue of power is used judiciously and all the infrastructures must be made to be working again, and then new ones are commissioned and sustained. This is our only way out because we don’t have the technology to provide power by solar, but what we have on the ground we should get them working and then build new ones.
Then, the money voted for it we have to find out where it is, because a lot of money has been voted for it. We have been hearing of hearings in the National Assembly about the money voted relative to what is happening in the power sector itself. All this has to be done very quickly.
WHAT MAKES YOU MORE QUALIFIED THAN OTHERS?
Question: Okay, General, this is Moses again. You have outlined a number of things that we need to do, that the next leader needs to do to resuscitate our industries and to get people back to work. My first question… I’m going to ask a two-part question.
The first one is, what makes you more qualified than, say Atiku, Ibrahim Babangida, Goodluck Jonathan and all other contestants for the presidency declared and undeclared? What makes you more qualified to do these things than they?
The second part of my question is, you talked about power being very central to the resuscitation of our industries. I’m sure you are aware of how much has been spent by the Obasanjo regime, the Yaradua regime and how little, if any, power generation improvement we got from it. So, how is your approach to power different from the approaches of Obasanjo and Yar’adua and how do you intend to fund that approach?
 We will expose the incompetence of the ruling party |
General Buhari: Well firstly, there is no limit to the number of Nigerians that can aspire to lead the country, based on the constitution and the Electoral Act. Now, according to the Nigerian constitution , political parties are the platform, and you mentioned Jonathan, Atiku, Babangida and myself and why I feel that I may be better than them. Well, they belong to their own party, I belong to my own party. It is up to my party to nominate me and it is up to Nigerians to accept me by the way I try to I sell myself to them, to ask for their vote and I think ditto for the other aspirants.
So, I think under the constitution it is very clear, legitimate and there is nothing to worry about. The only thing is to let Nigerians listen to and understand our manifestoes and ask from the ruling party what they have done in last 10 years, what they have done to Nigeria, whatever they are going to do next they have to base it on that because they have been responsible. For us that are contesting with them, we will try to expose the incompetence of the ruling party and therefore produce an effective manifesto which Nigerians will listen to, that we are going to do better. I think this is the normal thing. Now your second question on— if you can remind me.
POWER
Question: On power. What will you do differently from the Obasanjo and Yar’Adua approaches and how would you fund your approach because funding it is very crucial.
General Buhari:Well, I have just told you that there has been a hearing in the National Assembly about the resources, the amount of money voted during the Obasanjo regime and the Yar’Adua regime on power. That hearing or the recommendation of the hearing has never seen the light of the day and we need to know. But that, we cannot wait for. What we need immediately is to look at what is on ground and what can we do to salvage the situation. That will be the focus of our manifesto on power.
What is on the ground Nigerians know, but what has been spent by the previous administration that you mentioned Nigerians don’t know because they didn’t see the improvement, but they were told of the money spent, but what we will do is to immediately proceed to improve power. We cannot wait for the investigation that will show that the money was judiciously used or not. If the money had been judiciously used, the results would have surfaced - the issue of power in Nigeria now should be a different thing. There would have been a lot of improvement in power, there would have been a lot of factories open, there would have been a lot of people working - under an effective leader.
ON CORRUPTION Nigerians are fed up with the indiscipline and the corruption of governance, and this is our greatest hope against next year’s elections - that they need change. They need a serious team to be in charge of the country Corruption has become institutionalized and cutting it down is going to be quite painful, but I assure you that it has to be done There must be some decency in the amount of money public officers are paid. National and state assemblies should accept a downward review of payments and allowances |
CORRUPTION
Question: General, this is Pius again. The immediate threat, as the greatest threat to your vision for Nigeria, as you have articulated it thus far is the problem of corruption, and the thing with corruption in Nigeria is that you don’t even know where to start. So, my question is what do you propose to do differently? How do you plan to tackle corruption beyond what I will call drop-in-the-ocean approach of the EFCC that we have had thus far? How do you plan to move against…?
General Buhari: Yes! As you said, it is an established fact that Nigeria is notoriously corrupt. Most of the institutions have been compromised, but mercifully Nigerians are fed up with the indiscipline and the corruption of governance, and this is our greatest hope against next year’s elections - that they need change. They need a serious team to be in charge of the country, they want good governance and I assure you (that one thing I know) is that Nigeria is not short of rules and regulations about accountability and transparency in dealing with government businesses.
What we have to do is to ensure that our institutions from day one will go back to our rules and regulations about accountability whether it is public funds or private ones. Institutions have to account properly and clearly according to the laws. We have adequate laws. Our problem is implementation, and the implementation is the corruption of the institution. The elite has compromised the country as a whole. We will persuade the Nigerian elite that they have the capacity to turn the country around because they are knowledgeable they are energetic - All they need is to be encouraged and believe in the country and therefore deliver the institutions they are managing. So we have to secure this country and manage it.
Question: Thank you general. I have a quick follow up in terms of specifics. I am Pius again. I am happy that you mentioned the elite. My problem is that elite corruption as we have written previously in our editorials in the NVS. Elite corruption; there are many dimensions to it, and one dimension is legalized or institutionalized corruption where what they are doing is perfectly legal. For instance, the issue of the allowances, the outrageous allowances of the members of the National Assembly. There is no doubt about the fact that there is corruption, and you will be operating in this setting and not in a military setting, but in a democratic setting where your ability to intervene in what they are doing is severely limited. So how do you propose to go about issues like that: where corruption is perfectly legal, it is built into budgets and institutions of state? That aspect of corruption is just as dangerous as all the other features of corruption. So how do you propose to handle this institutionalized and legal corruption ?
General Buhari: Well, the institutions that you have commented on, that work on payments and allowances of the legislature their allowances and so on, they are playing a constitutional role of indexing salaries and allowances according to the country’s earnings. The same institution will have to be asked to review it and this must be given a lot of publicity which Nigerians will support what our government will do if we are elected to make sure that money realized which should go for social service, get industries up, infrastructure, should not be given to the people in the National Assembly and their counterparts in the 36 states of the federation.
So I think this is a very serious issue, and it has been topical here back at home and I think it will form part of the election campaign manifesto, which will be really articulated and sold to the public. There must be some decency in the amount of money public officers are paid. We can't just sit here and allow public officers to just share our revenue and kill all social services. That is not how to rule the nation and I believe that whoever eventually becomes members of the national and state assemblies should accept a downward review of payments and allowances.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL
Question: Thank you General. Finally, tell us something quickly about the freedom of information bill. How do you propose to enhance the process as part of your anti-corruption drive? Obviously, the more Nigerians are informed of governance and what they propose to do…
General Buhari: Well, this issue, from what I saw from the Nigerian press, has been on for a number of years. I am afraid that when we get there we have to look at it and see what is happening in other viably democratic countries and perhaps make some changes. But from my experience, what I will appeal to the press is to do a lot more investigative journalism when it comes to issues of corruption of institutions and individuals in high places.
Nobody, either in Nigeria or outside, can deny the fact that the Nigerian system is very corrupt, and this is extremely unfortunate. So, for that reason I think it needs an honest effort on the part of the press to do their investigative journalism so that real cases of corruption can be exposed, so that institutions like ICPC and EFCC can get a lead from the press who gets a lot of public opinion. This is an extremely important part of our campaign and manifesto.
SECURITY
Question: Thank you general. It's Moses. I want to ask you about security. One of the things you mentioned earlier is the insecurity of life and properties and the situation has worsened recently with kidnappings going on, with armed robbery, with all kinds of insecurity. As a person with military background, if you are elected as the president, how would you approach insecurity within a democratic environment, that is, using tools that do not violate the human rights of people and do not incense the human rights and civil society communities, that is protective of the right of the Nigerians but at the same time going after the bad guys, putting them in jail and making sure that they longer terrorize Nigerians? How would you balance those two seemingly conflicting aspects of your profile while still being effective in tackling the security issues?
General Buhari: Yes, I am sure when we started this interview I said our manifesto mentioned how we are going to secure and manage this country. By that it should have rang a bell that Nigeria is insecure physically and materially. Physically, as you mentioned, the kidnappings, armed robbery, and then materially, we are looking at systematic looting of the treasury in all the three tiers of the government - local state and center.
The corruption has become institutionalized and cutting it down is going to be quite painful, but I assure you that it has to be done because, resources of the country must be judiciously used for social services. There is no point allowing people to take the money out of the country and leave the country high and dry.
I believe we will get the cooperation of all Nigerians to ensure that The Police, the EFCC, the ICPC should do their job. They should be constitutionally ready to do their jobs. I believe they are well staffed. They are being well-funded. And also the police, there has to be retraining, re-equipping and seriousness should be encouraged by promotion and those that crime persists in their area of responsibility should be in position to answer for their inefficiencies.
SHARIA AND ETHNIC/RELIGIOUS CRISES
Question: General, this is Pius. I am almost tempted to ask you point blank what your current plans on Sharia and perhaps you know that it is one of the most polarizing issues that we are facing in this country now. You have been associated in the past with some controversial statements with regards to that. So how do you propose to create a framework, a national framework, for religious harmony in the country and a framework that could ultimately take care of all the flashpoints and the crises that we have from time to time? So Sharia and ethnic tension in the country, what is your take on that, General?
General Buhari: Well, the Nigerian constitution is very clear about that, and I believe as you know that there are twelve states in the federation that follow Sharia because the constitution allows it. The constitution allows that if their state assemblies agree on certain sharia laws to be implemented then those states are allowed to do it.
I'm afraid this court of sharia is being more politicized than..(coughs) or more political than religious because if you could recall there are cases in Sokoto and in one other state where a court overruled the decision of the Sharia court where a woman was to be stoned or to be executed, you know, for having sex outside marriage. So you can see that the constitutional courts which are not Sharia courts are superior to Sharia court, and people who have taken their cases from the Sharia court there have victory from it. So, really, there has not been a Sharia in the constitutional problem from the time some of the states in the country decide to practice Sharia. It is always the constitutional courts that become superior over Sharia courts, although sharia courts technically are constitutional so really, there has been more of politicking than religious issue of Sharia. People are just using it, but for whatever political reason they are using it I don’t know because the case of this woman in Sokoto and some other states where people have challenged the Sharia courts in the civil court and they won their cases. So I hope you are following this very closely because you are supposed to interpret or inform the people of what actually is happening about Sharia in Nigeria.
If you can go and study it further you will find out even when the British came and conquered the caliphate, they did not interfere with sharia - they only stopped two things - stoning and chopping of hands. They had to stop the chopping of hands for those who stole and stoning for those who have sex outside marriage. These are the only two things that the British stopped.
ON SHARIA those who are talking about sharia are failing to implement it because they would be the first victims of sharia because sharia does not tolerate stealing of public funds. |
So nobody ever interfered with sharia other than stopping the stoning, but sharia means so much discipline that those who are talking about sharia are failing to implement it because they would be the first victims of sharia because sharia does not tolerate stealing of public funds. It does not support injustice in any form. so those who making too much noise about sharia are afraid of Sharia itself. So, this is all I can say about Sharia. I don't think sharia has any more problems in this country, because nobody is stopping or denying Muslims from being ruled by sharia. It's more of their business now than business of other Nigerians.
Question: So, I have two quick follow-up questions. General, you mentioned the constitution and you do know that there is this saying that Sharia is incompatible with the constitution of the Federal republic and I was wondering if you have anything to say about it. I have even read people going as far as claiming that Sharia is secession by other means.
The second question is… religious violence. All these religious clashes we have had in the country, especially in the Northern part of the country. My fear is that part of the problems is that there is no discipline and punishment that comes through that and, as I know, from Maitasine down to the Boko Haram, nobody has ever been arrested, tried and jailed. So do you propose to have a workable format of discipline and punish for our problems of religious crisis?
General Buhari: Well, once again, you can’t blame people who abide by Sharia or don’t abide by Sharia. You blame the institutions, mainly the Police, to arrest and prosecute. For example, there is a certain story yesterday or the day before yesterday where the president has received a report on the crisis in Plateau State. Now, there has been at least five of these crisis. There have been around four reports. Where are they? Where are the reports? Why is the government at the state and federal level are afraid to implement the report of the commission they have instituted on religious and tribal clashes in the country which are more regular, I agree with you, more often in the North than in the other parts of the country.
You can’t blame the people there. You can blame the law enforcement agencies. If there is a crisis in Plateau or in Kano or in Ibadan, it is up to the police to investigate and prosecute and I am not aware of any state where the government, the Federal government which controls the police and the other enforcement agencies, has stopped them from investigating or prosecuting anybody. So why are the law enforcement agencies not doing it and why is the Government not making the law enforcement agencies to do it? You have to go back and put the blame on the Federal government, because if there were a crisis and 100 Nigerians were killed, the Nigerian police are constitutionally empowered to suppress the crisis, investigate it, arrest and prosecute. If they don’t do it, so why is the Federal government not enforcing it?
Question: General, I hope you’re aware that some years ago there was a controversy around a statement credited to you somewhere in Sokoto state in which you are reported to have said that Muslims should vote for Muslims. Now whether you were misquoted or not, whether you were misrepresented or not, that has caused some anxiety and some concern, understandably, to some Christians in the south of the country, in the Middle Belt, even in the north itself. So how do you intend to sell your candidacy to those people who have perceived you wrongly or rightly as a sectional candidate who is popular in the North because he is seen as the champion of Islam and Sharia? How do you propose to appeal to people who are concerned legitimately and anxious about you being a president who will implement Sharia nationally or who will limit the rights of Christians and promote the interest of Muslims? I want you to speak to those people.
General Buhari: Well, that perception remains. I know in 2003 I wrote to many Bishops and I could recall I visited (inaudible) in 2003 and 2007. As you said, it happened in Sokoto in 2000 before I participated in elections. The person who reported me by tribe is a Yoruba man, by religion a Muslim. He was not in Sokoto and does not understand Hausa, maybe he still doesn’t. How he got the story I don’t know. And the comment I made was that people in Sokoto know their people, that when the ban on politics is lifted they should choose the people that will represent them responsibly. This is common sense: if someone aspires to rule this country, he cannot afford to offend even pagans or even atheists—those who don’t even believe in God. These are the people that will vote. How can I say Muslims should not vote for Christians? Then do I expect Christians to vote me, a Muslim? I wrote to the Bishops. I explained to them, but I think, as you mentioned, perception, people hold on to their perception. Even the church leaders were careful to explain to their flock that there is no way any leader will, at the federal level, antagonize any of the religions. So, I wrote to the Bishops to explain but I am still very surprised that the perception remains.
So there is nothing I can do about it, but I will continue to explain my position. And I have backed it by facts that I have served the country’s military for 25 years. I did all the command and staff work, as a platoon commander to General Officer Commanding and the only still surviving officers that commanded three of the four commands in the Nigerian Army. And the Nigerian Army is about 75% Christian and nobody has ever said I took a decision against anybody because of his religion or his tribe. There are other tribes in the whole command. So, if for politically it sticks that I don’t like Christians, well it is very very unfortunate, but my performance in office at all stages has portrayed me as an impartial person, and I have believe that whoever is still bringing that case up, for whatever vote, will definitely fail in a free and fair election. The question of me being a sharia advocate and a hater of Christians has never happened and it will certainly fail.
INDIGENESHIP AND CITIZENSHIP
Question: OK, General, this is Farooq Kperogi formerly of Weekly Trust. I have a question on this controversy over indigeneship and citizenship, especially in the Northern part of the country, where I also come from. There is this enduring debate on who is an indigene and who is a citizen, and this manifested in the crisis in Plateau. But what happened in Plateau is an outward manifestation of a deeper trouble with every part of Nigeria, to be fair. What is your take on this? What do you think Nigeria should implement. People have emotional attachments to their communities and then the whole idea of citizenship is kind of new to us. It is not as enduring in our part of our the world as it is in the West. Do you think people have the right to indigeneship of places they are indigenous to or should everyone be free to contest elections anywhere, in any part of the country they are born? What is your solution to this lingering problem of indigeneship, settlership, citizenship?
General Buhari: Well, I think this is a betrayal of the Nigerian constitution by local authorities and some states at various levels. And, again, this shows the incompetency of the administrators. There is the case in Plateau where some of the people don’t even know the states they came from - they don't know anything other than Plateau state because their parents and their grandparents were born there. They built houses there, they are business people. But because their names sounded like not a local name, they have problems in terms of education, employment at state and local government. It is an unfortunate situation which shouldn’t be tolerated. It shouldn’t be tolerated by the Federal Government, and again I am going back to the police.
The police in this place should have investigated these cases. We said that between 1991 and today there were 5 major clashes. None of the reports have seen the light of day. I squarely blame all the federal governments that were in power for, you know, for not having effective judicial inquiries into the issue.
Ideally, Nigerians have the right to stay in any part of the country and if they have stayed long enough in the area they can aspire to any political office by registering and participating in their constituency. I think we can only blame the Federal government that failed to investigate properly and prosecute those who perpetrate such evils against the federation.
Nigerians have the right to stay in any part of the country and if they have stayed long enough in the area they can aspire to any political office |
WAI, DECREE 4, EXECUTION OF DRUG TRAFFIKERS
Question: General, that was a perceptive response but let me very quickly ask this: when you were head of state between 1983 and 1984 one of your signature policies was the War Against Indiscipline (WAI). Another was Decree 4 and the killing of drug barons. What will you do when you become president? Will you return the War Against Indiscipline as a policy? What is your policy on drugs and what will your relationship with the media be?
General Buhari: Yeah, you are talking about a different system when we had war against indiscipline and the fate of drug traffickers in the country. Now, under the current democratic system, what is in the constitution is what will endure. It is what we will be superior. The only difference is style. I will insist that the Police do their job to arrest and prosecute and the judiciary will punish the offenders according to the constitution, I can’t do more than that under this system. In the military we have laws that guide our conduct in the form of decrees and edicts and we work according to them and those in charge of the country just have to endure. So it’s the same thing under a different setting. The constitution is all-embracing. So it is in the constitution what will happen to drug traffickers in Nigeria.
Question: Ok General, let me quickly ask a follow-up. Part of your attraction to a lot of young Nigerians that I am familiar with is your zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, your insistence on things being done right. Now if you are going to give in to the current system by saying that you will allow the police to do their job, that you are not bringing back the War Against Indiscipline, people will wonder what is the difference between you and other candidates. The only reason General Buhari is popular among a lot of young people is your policy; your war against indiscipline was successful, your fight against corruption was successful. So you are not going to bring in your past antecedents as head of state, things that make you popular? You’re going to be like any other president— to allow the constitution and things to go the way they normally are? Do I understand you to be saying that, General?
Well, I think I’ve answered this question. What we would do is to make the institutions functional, especially the police, the civil service and other agencies and the judiciary, because our constitution and other regulations are comprehensive enough and the people understand it. The problem is the execution, and what I am saying is that it is going to be a question of time. Our time would be zero tolerance for corruption, as you said, and we will also fight against indiscipline.
Indiscipline and corruption are the two great problems in Nigeria, and I think it has gotten to a level where Nigerians are fed up and really want a change. They want leadership. They want transparency. They want accountability. And these are what we are going to give Nigerians, God willing.
PRESIDENTIAL FLEET AND PRIORITIES
My concern about Nigeria is fundamental. |
Question: Thank you General. This is Pius again. Just to take off from where Farooq stopped. You also have a reputation for being a very simple man. I have heard people who know say, “He is a very simple man.” And I think you’re going to have a problem being a simple man if elected with 9 planes in your presidential fleet. There is going to be a problem, I think. The idea of a simple man who has 9 planes, that is the size of Ethiopian Airline in general and it seems that since General Obasanjo we have a practice of every president adding to their fleet, you know. He added 2, I believe, and Goodluck Jonathan is going to add 3. So how are you going to cope with the planes, sir?
General Buhari: This is a funny question. My concern about Nigeria is fundamental. What has the planes got to do with it? Our people cannot go to school. They cannot go to good hospitals. we don’t get our priority right in this country. When we don’t have electricity, when we don’t have drinking water, I assure you we will do away with wastage and get our priorities right.
CLOSING STATEMENT
Well my fellow country men and women, next year is going to be a watershed for us and our country. We believe in God. We want Nigerians to have the courage to exercise their fundamental right, to go and register, to go and vote in their wards, and to ensure that their votes count, which I respectfully demand from all Nigerians. Thank you very much.
 posted on 08-28-2010, 10:45:25 AM Mark Lar Re: Candidate Interviews: Politicians Would Be The First Victims of Sharia If Properly Implemented - BuhariIt is said that charity begins at home, and during the past two presidential elections the overwhelming majority of the voters in the core-north voted for Buhari. Could he not have used that mandate to influence policies that address the issues of rampart looting of public funds in his region of influence, the hordes of almajiris that seem to be the only symbol of the core-north, religious & ethnic intolerance of others, the meaningless slaughter of people seen to be different and the attitude that any candidate from the core north despite not having the vision, the qualities and qualification to lead is more qualified than all non Hausa-fulani candidates.  posted on 08-28-2010, 12:45:51 PM Johny has beenRe: Politicians Would Be The First Victims of Sharia If Properly Implemented - BuhariWow, a forcefully contrived, but failed political system that wards off the nation's first 11, but supports the continuous political forays/assaults by its tenth 11. posted on 08-28-2010, 13:58:32 PM KaparaKRe: Politicians Would Be The First Victims of Sharia If Properly Implemented - BuhariOf all the past heads of state, Buhari's administration is an exception. He came close but distant second to Obasanjo's in terms of credible achievements - in his case - maintaining some modicum of national discipline which Nigerians, in general lack. From the ideas he postulated above, he remains head above the rest of the current crop of politicians vying for office, Jonathan included.
In fact, prior to 2007 election, OBJ tried to convince Buhari to join PDP cuz Nigerians need iron fisted leader to continue the reform of which OBJ's admin laid the foundation but Buhari then felt secured in the weak ANPP. If Buhari had been in the PDP, we would have been campaigning for his re-election today. However, it is not too late if all the 50+ rinky-dink opposition parties could sheath their inordinate ambition & coalesce into one mega-party; a Buhari-Duke or Buhari-Utomi ticket would be legitimate & tough enough to beat this insipid Jona-Sambo ticket, thus wrenching political monopoly from the grips of PDP and setting Nigeria on its way to eventual growth, competitive polity, and maturity. In fact, I would prefer to vote for Buhari on the premise that the devil you know is better than the so-called "new breed" waiting to show their fangs - judging from how Jonathan, Bankole, Kalu, Oshiomhole, Tinubu, Saraki, etc have turned out to be major disappointments. Nevertheless, are Nigerian educated illiterates, a la Ndibe, Olumhense, Aluko, etc and their mentor, afro-toting, photo-op septuagenarian wOleFRN Soyinka, smart enough to encourage their less educated folks to think beyond their flat noses and monkey thought process? I am waiting this time around to be surprised, pleasantly, I hope. posted on 08-28-2010, 15:08:28 PM AwesomeO2Re: Politicians Would Be The First Victims of Sharia If Properly Implemented - BuhariQUOTE:
Did you really need to throw insults like the above to make a point? I, personally, think this is a habit some of us should ENDEAVOR to throw into the recycle bin of our brains. Just because we can say or write certain things does not mean that we should say or write them. It belittles our intellect to stoop this low. Feel free to disagree with people but do not make every disagreement personal. If you so much desire to do so, then by all means, use your full names and picture like the names you enumerated above. Just my 10 cents worth. posted on 08-28-2010, 17:59:20 PM AguabataRe: Politicians Would Be The First Victims of Sharia If Properly Implemented - BuhariI still have a soft spot for Buhari for his work at PTF. But after reading this interview I now understand the ethnocentric allegations.(I've always been slow at learning) I figure he has a really soft spot for the north and Islam which isnt wrong for an individual but not appropriate for a national leader. He is genuine but unsophisticated. I expected him to give a more evasive answer on sharia as he has been alleged to be a bigot. e.g he could have said that sharia wont be necessary once our institutions become stronger rather he went nostalgic over the respect the white man had for sharia.
Assuming our votes do count what will you do when Atiku, IBB, JEB are smiling down on you at a polling station? We need better people!!!! At least Utomi!!!!!!! Or has Sanusi snuffed out his little earnings from the banks..... posted on 08-28-2010, 18:48:06 PM OtitoRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariKaparak wrote:
"However, it is not too late if all the 50+ rinky-dink opposition parties could sheath their inordinate ambition & coalesce into one mega-party; a Buhari-Duke or Buhari-Utomi ticket would be legitimate & tough enough to beat this insipid Jona-Sambo ticket, thus wrenching political monopoly from the grips of PDP and setting Nigeria on its way to eventual growth, competitive polity, and maturity". ============================================== I still think this man occupies a unique position when it comes to someone who can competently handle the goat-like political elite we have in Nigeria (dont even see how the word elite applies to them). Religion apart; integrity should be one of the foremost qualities we should be looking at now; as some of our so called young generation tend to pose more threat to the development of our nation than for example this General. The opposition parties if they have the good of the nation at heart should come together and weigh up the pros and cons of presenting Him as an opposition candidate. posted on 08-28-2010, 19:11:53 PM KaparaKRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - Buhari@ Awesome02, I thought Nigerian educated illiterates have no shame when we lump them with and for aiding & abetting daylight-armed robbers. I am only paying the named individuals in the same coin they have paid former President Obasanjo despite his indefatigable and valiant efforts to rescue this ungrateful nation from armed and pen robbers.
Unlike all the rest "see notin'g, say notin'g, do notin'g" heads of state we've had, so far and their supplicating media goons on the take. If "shilence ish golden" is the mantra of what Nigerian "Elder Statesmen" thought they ought to be, then I have a teachable moment of a Nigerian Proverb to learn y'all, i.e., "Agba ko'ni wa lo'ja ki ori omo tuntun ko wo." To non-Yoruba speakers "an Elder will not sit quietly in a market to observe & allow a toddler's head go wobbly on the back of the mother without saying or doing something." A responsible Elder must correct the erring mother. That is the incorruptible African culture & our way of life until the Whiteman corrupted you minds with ass licking out of greed yet expecting respect. When former President Obasanjo called on the mighty Efo-tete (vegetative) YarAdua to do the right thing by stepping down, or when he labeled the gangsters of armed robbers in the NASS unconscionable allowances as corrupt - what did the NASS (den of hyenas) leadership, via their worthless talking heads & media goons call the greatest reformer we ever had? I guess the educated illiterates have a special freedom of speech to slander & libel without facts that we poor folks lack. Now see how painful words could be. Listen, you barawos, if you still don't get my points, come back for more & I will be more than happy to "learn ya." Respect & civility my foot. When you earn it, you'll get it. Now, git! posted on 08-28-2010, 20:43:48 PM IgweRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariQUOTE:
This man has my admiration!!! He's spot on. He knows what our problem is. He tried to solve it before. He was very effective. He could do it again. Ka Chineke mezie okwu! posted on 08-28-2010, 21:34:39 PM ExxcuzmeRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariQuestion: Thank you General. Finally, tell us something quickly about the freedom of information bill. How do you propose to enhance the process as part of your anti-corruption drive? Obviously, the more Nigerians are informed of governance and what they propose to do
General Buhari: Well, this issue, from what I saw from the Nigerian press, has been on for a number of years. I am afraid that when we get there we have to look at it and see what is happening in other viably democratic countries and perhaps make some changes. But from my experience, what I will appeal to the press is to do a lot more investigative journalism when it comes to issues of corruption of institutions and individuals in high places. Nobody, either in Nigeria or outside, can deny the fact that the Nigerian system is very corrupt, and this is extremely unfortunate. So, for that reason I think it needs an honest effort on the part of the press to do their investigative journalism so that real cases of corruption can be exposed, so that institutions like ICPC and EFCC can get a lead from the press who gets a lot of public opinion. This is an extremely important part of our campaign and manifesto. nullnullnull This man is not different from Objoke and other egoistical elitist that have been ruining us. In fact, when Objoke was asked similar question on what he thinks about education, his answer was that when he got to power he would discuss with all the stake holders when education is a right or a priviledge. Buhari does not believe freedom of the press. He believes the press are out to get him. So if he gets to power, he will be like other Nigerian leaders, he will continue to have disdain for the press. At his age, I believe he wants power because he felt he was cheated out of his birth right. He has no genuine ideas to move Nigeria forward. All his answers are bland. After many tries to head Nigeria again, he should be sponsoring someone else to carry out his idea. But, he does, just like Maradona Babaginda does not believe in the capabilities of younger Nigerian. posted on 08-28-2010, 21:42:44 PM IyeRe: Politicians Would Be The First Victims of Sharia If Properly Implemented - BuhariQUOTE:
The koko of the matter.....you have my vote for now!! posted on 08-28-2010, 23:41:43 PM N.A.R.Re: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariWhile I like Buhari, he is and remains a has been. What he should have been doing all these years was to produce a formidable united opposition that would have now been legitimately challenging for Aso Rock, but he did not. Now knowing Naija style, everyone in the opposition would now rush to form a coalition in 2-3 months and expect to win and cry fowl when they loose. Also I was thoroughly disappointed with some of his answers, they leave a lot to be desired and also still betray the fact that he has a soja mentality, just like IBB where you are expected to obey before you question. On corruption he says: QUOTE:
It is abundantly clear to all of us that Nigeria has the structures to stamp out corruption, we have so many agencies it is almost a duplication of efforts. How do you just wake up and say you will have "zero tolerance" if you do not plan to abuse people's rights? Will he be patient enough to go through the judicial system and then allow justice to take its course? or is he going to force zero tolerance on Nigerians. How does he rid corruption in the Nigerian Police force? My answer, pay them good salaries and professionalize the force. But that brings a new question, how do you pay for the good salaries for the policemen? Where do you get the large sums of money you need to pay, equip and maintain that force? He gave good general answers, to me, not good enough. not for a man who plans to fundamentally change Nigeria. I am surprised that none of the interviewers, whom I suspect like the man anyways, asked him about him chairing an illegal duplicative organization like the PTF!!! At the time, we had the NNPC dealing with petroleum, then I believe we had at the time, the Ministries of Works, Housing, Transportation and Roads, how come a whole new parallel agency needed to be created to bring about development? And yet the FG continued to pay the salaries of those in the ministries noted above? Then why did he accept to serve in the illegal administration of the dark goggled tyrant? This is another example of where Nigerians including many of you here are two faced. You will praise his work at the PTF, but you will not extend that praise to Abacha that appointed him to the job. Look the man should go and invest in a Buhari Presidential Library and Research Commission and let him become a noted senior statesman and he should allow Nigeria to move ahead. What did he forget in Aso Rock...wait O!, Ma bad, ah him neva enjoy dat Aso Rock, no wonder president still dey hungry de man. posted on 08-29-2010, 00:51:13 AM Big-kRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariQUOTE:
..hmmm..good questions. I wished you had raised them when we asked villagers to suggest questions [url=http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/main-square/56730-questions-prospective-presidential-candidates.html]Questions for prospective presidential candidates[/url] Not too late though..we hope to drag other candidates into the HOTSEAT soon... posted on 08-29-2010, 01:10:06 AM N.A.R.Re: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariQUOTE:
I was hoping against hope that you would take my suggestion for a call in podcast and then we can pose the questions directly. I will add a few to that thread...lol posted on 08-29-2010, 01:21:11 AM Big-kRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariQUOTE:
Sorry o...I wasn't aware you were "hoping"..lol. Its tough technically and logistically to co-ordinate a LIVE call-in show when you have just one hour and you have so many prepared questions - we couldn't even cover the ones we had on hand and the man was in-between meetings. I look forward to adding your questions to the list. posted on 08-29-2010, 03:37:56 AM LalakokofefeRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariI listened to the podcast this morning. And, is it me, or did anyone else feel that he didn't really answer many questions [B]directly? Most of his answers were general talking points! I was particularly interested in his response to 2 of the questions...[/B] QUOTE:
General Buhari: Yeah, if you will look at population projections, you look at social institutions, especially education, health care, infrastructure and, above all, power [We need all these] so that factories can re-open, people can get employment, there will be less unemployment and consequently there will be less crime and [we can have] the other infrastructure [such as] health care, drinking water, good roads. Now, in 20 years time we want to see that relative to the growth of the population, that at length, that the resources, both human and material, have to meet to make sure Nigeria makes the necessary impact in the global community. We have the people. We have the resources. Therefore, there must be the discipline, the leadership that can inspire and lead the people to make sure that there are achievable economic conditions that will provide employment and material security to generally uplift the country. Very general response... And this one... QUOTE:
General Buhari: "...Well, they belong to their own party, I belong to my own party. It is up to my party to nominate me and it is up to Nigerians to accept me by the way I try to I sell myself to them, to ask for their vote and I think ditto for the other aspirants." I mean, what kind of answer is this? They belong to their own party and i belong to mine. This, from someone who wants to lead 150 million people? It is clear that Buhari is not bringing anything new to the table. His campaign team needs to regroup urgently! It is almost as if he doesn't have any new ideas. "We will fix power, Nigeria has human and material resources..." the same lines we have been hearing for decades!!! And to the interviewers, don't just accept any bland response from them. This series is called the HOT SEAT for a reason! If they give you general talking points, ask for specifics. That is what will let voters distinguish one aspirant from another. LKF ps... Admin, i also think there should be a call-in segment, probably for 10 or 15 mins. A conference call format may work... posted on 08-29-2010, 03:47:00 AM DenkerRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - Buhari..right now na only dr. goodluck we know...,no more ex soldiers and no more ex custom officers plus ex police officers!...frankly, me no make any sense out of dis interview...gotta no deep...au revoir! posted on 08-29-2010, 06:59:17 AM AwesomeO2Re: Politicians Would be the First Victims of Sharia if ....- BuhariQUOTE:
@ KaparaK, Rendering yourself guilty of the same crime you castigate others for speaks volumes. To some, that would sound like hypocrisy and places you directly in the company of those you are so intent upon "learning" and "paying" back in the same manner they treated Obasanjo. Yet most people on this forum will tell you that Obasanjo is not the saint you make him out to be. All I can say to you is, to each his/her own. I was hoping that in trying to teach a lesson, you come "better" prepared. You will get tired eventually. You have just found this site and showed up here, I think, simply trying to make some waves. Have a wonderful stay. posted on 08-29-2010, 09:07:42 AM IyeRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariQUOTE:
Lala, Im so with you on that oneI wanted to hear him sell himself real good but Maybe he was distracted or he didnt understand the question real good. Moreover, our politicians are not used to having to defend their intentions. Admin, please we need features to rewind and fast-forward the podcastthanks  ---------- Post added at 07:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:40 AM ---------- QUOTE:
I just weak for you sha  posted on 08-29-2010, 09:25:38 AM KaparaKRe: Candidate Interviews #1: The elite has compromised the country - Buhari@awesome, Geez! You must truly be a gorilla who came back for more to whine to each his/her own oh! mini me, meaning for us to turn the other cheek and allow the educated illiterates to continue to postulate rumors, innuendoes, and outright lies against the greatest leader Nigeria ever had. I can understand if you hit me once, and I turned the other cheek and you do it again. Heck no! I aint Jesus; I am going to hit right back, HARD so that youll never do it again. I am not your yeye NGAs that will sit there and keep taking it.
Now, I have come better prepared to set the record straight with just 10 of OBJs many accomplishments hoping you can counter with just one from any other Nigerian leader since 1960 to the present, combined: 1. As one of the founding fathers of Transparency International, OBJ created EFCC and lionized Ribadu to go after corrupt officials, which is unheard of in a deeply corrupt society the reason yall hate him. 2. He turned $38 Billion debt he inherited in 1999 into $55 Billion saving he handed over to Yar in 2007, now you are back in the red up to $6 debt AGAIN within 3 years. 3. GDP growth was hovering around 8% annually from 2003 thru 2007. What are rates now 2.1%, at best? 4. He encouraged Soludo to institute Bank Capitalization, which was hailed at home & abroad. Its a mess now, thanks to Shanushi. 5. The Banana Peel was the fear of corrupt NASS members; Ministers were been fired left and right for ineptitude and corruption, even the Inspector General of Police in handcuffs for crying out load. 6. The Khaki boys stayed put in their barracks they nearly came back out in 2009. 7. Transcorp was one of OBJs idea of a national corporation (similar to what Korea & Taiwan did to jumpstart their nations' development in the 1970s) with the goal to attract Nigerian stolen loot stashed in foreign banks back into the country for domestic investment. 8. Nigeria earned respect when President Obasanjo represented both ECOWAS and AU as its Chair, twice and was invited to the G20 summit twice during which he led the African delegation. 9. Naija even lunched a satellite into space for Pete's sake. 10. Dont forget Operation Green Revolution during OBJs first coming between 1976 thru 1979 when the economy was so dynamic a Naira exchanged for $1.49 during his tenure. 11. The first Army General to voluntarily relinquish power to civilians who promptly ruined the nation for the next 20 years until OBJs 2nd coming to rescue you prodigal sons once more. In short, with Obasanjo in charge, nobody dared mess up - all hands were on deck to ensure national progress that drove the sticky-fingered-duo of Atiku & Babangida into envy thinking that if Obasanjo could bring back Happy Days, they too could do it. Now see where you are back in the gutter again where you all belong, you bastards. Want some more? I'll learn ya some more. posted on 08-29-2010, 09:55:38 AM AdminRe: Candidate Interviews #1: The elite has compromised the country - BuhariToday's Guardian QUOTE:
posted on 08-29-2010, 10:06:32 AM IyeRe: Candidate Interviews #1: The elite has compromised the country - BuhariI think the presidential candidates should pay to be on the Hotseat as this is turning out to be publicity for them. posted on 08-29-2010, 11:35:03 AM CenturyRe: Candidate Interviews #1: The elite has compromised the country - Buhari@Kaparak
"Now, I have come better prepared to set the record straight with just 10 of OBJs many accomplishments hoping you can counter with just one from any other Nigerian leader since 1960 to the present, combined: 1. As one of the founding fathers of Transparency International, OBJ created EFCC and lionized Ribadu to go after corrupt officials, which is unheard of in a deeply corrupt society the reason yall hate him. 2. He turned $38 Billion debt he inherited in 1999 into $55 Billion saving he handed over to Yar in 2007, now you are back in the red up to $6 debt AGAIN within 3 years. 3. GDP growth was hovering around 8% annually from 2003 thru 2007. What are rates now 2.1%, at best? 4. He encouraged Soludo to institute Bank Capitalization, which was hailed at home & abroad. Its a mess now, thanks to Shanushi. 5. The Banana Peel was the fear of corrupt NASS members; Ministers were been fired left and right for ineptitude and corruption, even the Inspector General of Police in handcuffs for crying out load. 6. The Khaki boys stayed put in their barracks they nearly came back out in 2009. 7. Transcorp was one of OBJs idea of a national corporation (similar to what Korea & Taiwan did to jumpstart their nations' development in the 1970s) with the goal to attract Nigerian stolen loot stashed in foreign banks back into the country for domestic investment. 8. Nigeria earned respect when President Obasanjo represented both ECOWAS and AU as its Chair, twice and was invited to the G20 summit twice during which he led the African delegation. 9. Naija even lunched a satellite into space for Pete's sake. 10. Dont forget Operation Green Revolution during OBJs first coming between 1976 thru 1979 when the economy was so dynamic a Naira exchanged for $1.49 during his tenure. 11. The first Army General to voluntarily relinquish power to civilians who promptly ruined the nation for the next 20 years until OBJs 2nd coming to rescue you prodigal sons once more. In short, with Obasanjo in charge, nobody dared mess up - all hands were on deck to ensure national progress that drove the sticky-fingered-duo of Atiku & Babangida into envy thinking that if Obasanjo could bring back Happy Days, they too could do it. Now see where you are back in the gutter again where you all belong, you bastards. Want some more? I'll learn ya some more. This is not the first time this Kaparak of a man has listed what he hallucinates as Obasanjo's achievements between 1976/79 and 1999/2007. Reading this again shoulfd convince Villagers that Kaparak is a sick man that needs help. Joining issues with him only worsens his problem as can be seen from his reaction(s) to bloggers who comment on his bizarre opinions regarding Obasanjo's achievements. Kaparak must see a Psychiatrist. Seriously speaking! Is there anyone in the Village who can help? posted on 08-29-2010, 11:49:27 AM DenkerRe: Politicians Would be the First Victims of Sharia if ....- BuhariQUOTE:
..of course, if ya can teleport dat chap to me am gonna cure him of dat monstrous obsession of dat old goat, Obasanjo..maybe him eyes can clear small...  posted on 08-29-2010, 13:02:42 PM EaceRe: Candidate Interviews #1: The elite has compromised the country - BuhariWhen someone has had the distinct priviledge of leading a country, s/he should go and discharge his experience in another portfolio. That's why universities and other academies of learning, international agencies and organisations, NGOs, philantropic institutes, etc exist.
For those who wish to discharge their consciences and correct whatever mistakes they think they made, the other side of life will be a perfect opportunity - there is heaven, hell or nothingness (for those who do not believe in the first two). Regardless of a past leader's best wishes, the seat of Head of State is not a seat where one redeems him/herself. posted on 08-29-2010, 14:09:23 PM AuspiciousRe: Candidate Interviews #1: The elite has compromised the country - BuhariQUOTE:
*sigh!* I have a love-hate relationship with Obasanjo. Sometimes I like that he was around to manage things, And at other times, I just want curse the living daylight outta him. The most privileged leader in Nigerian history coulda done a whole lot more. But not only did he achieve less than he easily could, but he dared to 'succeed himself'! Still, without Obasanjo's craftiness, we'd still be at the mercy of those Northern megalomaniacs.. Whom he most daringly upstaged, effectively changed the political equilibrium of the Federal Republic. For that feat alone, amongst some other small ones, I heave a heavy sigh of relief after all the hopelessness! -- posted on 08-29-2010, 15:25:48 PM BobRe: Politicians Would be the First Victims of Sharia if ....- Buharii wanted to pay buhari a visit while he was under house arrest in daura.
i voted for him in 2003. i was shocked in 2007 when he approved of inec's preparations for the 2007 elections. i am not surprised some here have noticed he has 'no genuine ideas.' NEXT!!! posted on 08-29-2010, 15:42:24 PM KatampeRe: Candidate Interviews #1: The elite has compromised the country - BuhariBuhari still has a military mindset, at different times during the interview, he mentioned these words highlighted: "The most important and fundamental thing that any government can do from 2011 is to secure this country." "So we have to secure this country and manage it." "Yes, I am sure when we started this interview I said our manifesto mentioned how we are going to secure and manage this country." I think his word usage exposes how he perceives the problem of the country. But the problem is he is not going to be moving in an army of occupation of saviours that want to discipline erring members of the society, rather he wants to define a vision (where individuals have freedom and liberty to achieve their true potentials and not be restricted by feudal lock-down, nature of birth, or ethnicity) for the country and to do that he would derive his powers from the people and his functions as laid out in the constitution. In a democratic government, he won't have sweeping powers to secure, rather he would derive his powers from bargaining and compromises, and that can only happen on his strength of argument (intellectual and social), depth of vision and ability to envision a new society that the majority would buy into, and on these alone he would come to command respect, and further powers to be able to effect change. And maybe, just maybe in the moment of citizens democratic euphoria akin to religious fervour, also akin to nationalism, he might be able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. So far he seems out of depth with the challenges of the country and he lacks the qualities of a democratic leader. A leader in a democratic nation must have the skill set, the power of persuasive argument that draws on the Nigerians shared experiences and frustrations of the people, not catch phrases from IMF and World Bank like these: Corruption, Governance, Power, Elites and Population Projections. Haba! These phrases, his co-opted phrases are bonfires of ignorance, they hardly address anything. For example, in starting a pitch for a new nation, and envisioning a new society, you are better of starting from sketching the commonalities of people as human beings and this proceeds from the concept of their desires - the issues that alleviate the stressors of every day living like family,community, heritage , career, jobs, education, and employment. These are things, some of the things, that one can relate to as bread and butter politics. Unfortunately, we are over-educated to to know phrases, but are under-educated to understand the visceral economics of what works and what doesn't in navigating the terrain of language and communication.If we can't transport and interpret western concepts into our local contexts in wholesome manner, to the extent that they address and solve what they are meant to solve, then we really don't understand what those concepts mean. For instance, corruption is hard to define in a country that has no social safety net where people have resorted to clever ways/schemes of self-help to insure their future. There is this notion that the problem of Nigeria is with people, as in intrinsic , so you move to discipline and use jack-boot dictatorship to secure and manage human beings. What a sloppy thinking ! What about governance, what is governance? These are mere procedures and processes that brings administrative participation into the hands of ordinary folks. Let them perform oversight functions with the open information network that helps them assess benefits and costs of decisions with a feedback system. Make local government the contexts of implementation so people can have a sense of belonging. Governance and corruption are just a few of those catch phrases that are hardly understood that when people mouth them you think they have a serious understanding of the problem. The problem is enormous and the structures on which Nigeria exists has to be rebuilt, or reconstituted. When you start to have cracks in the walls of a building, or a sagging ceiling, it makes sense to start to look at the foundation, and in a realistic sense, when you are looking at a foundation defect, a serious one, underpinning (securing) might not work,you might actually be better with a new structure. We need to reconstitute Nigeria, put in place a realistic constitution and the best system of government that would make its people thrive best. It seems that is what those that want to secure Nigeria are running away from. "Bo pe bo ya" we will come down to it, but right now, we are dancing round a bonfire! Secure and manage ko, sectoral allocation ni! And to editorial board members, "E ku ise o, e de ku suru! posted on 08-29-2010, 16:15:10 PM N.A.R.Re: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariQUOTE:
LKF, Thanks a bunch! LWKMD when I heard that response to the question number 2 up there? This is why I remarked that his answers leave a lot to be desired and were not up to par. That was possibly the most important question he was asked in the interview and he completely and so severely goofed!!! Consider how if I WAS Buhari would have answered that question: A very good question. you might also indirectly be asking my why do I want to govern Nigeria so badly, it is my personal property? There are two parts to answers you question justifyably: First, you must understand that ANY Nigeria has the right to run for president, this is one of the many dividends of democracy that we love to talk about in Nigeria. The fact that in a Democratic society, everyone of of us have the right and some may say the duty, to aspire to the highest office in the land. Hence, like every Nigerian within and outside this country, we all have the right to run for president. The question becomes, how do you get the people to believe in you? Anyhow, that is the first part. Secondly, why me and not the others? Well you should also understand I have a set of unique credentials that I believe qualify me above my fellow aspirants to run the affairs of this country efficiently and for the positive development of our people and nation. You might say, I gained my current popularity as being an Ex-head of state of Nigeria. What many do not realize is that I am fortunate to have been privileged to have served at the helm of affairs of critical government institutions and organisations in Nigeria before I became Head of State, so I understand how this country works and what we need to do to correct the mistakes of the past. I understand how the common man feels daily and the hardships they face. I have in the past been the Minister of Petroleum in the 70's I was the founding chairman of the NNPC as I oversaw its development and creation, I have used a combination of military might and diplomatic tact to repulse Chad from trying to annex parts of Nigeria, I did have a stint with the PTF as you noted where I again oversaw direct development projects for all Nigerians in all sectors of the economy, Construction of roads, schools, bridges and hospitals and much more. And finally, indeed, I have been head of State in the past, so I am aware of both the local and international pressures and responsibilities that a president must face and what needs to be done to bring about positive change and development in Nigeria. Finally, as you know, my stay in office was truncated by ironically now, another presidential aspirant, so I have plans that have remained un-executed that I would relish the opportunity to complete for the greater good for all Nigerians, I have been and remain a selfless civil servant of the Nigeria people, this is why I have resolved despite the setbacks to continue to strive to submit myself for the presidency of this country. Now if you go back and compare my credentials and achievements with those competing against me, I am sure you will not find any other aspirant with as diverse a portfolio of qualifications as I have. I would love to go into further details with you on the challenges of governance, but I fear we do not have enough time to dwell on that during this interview. You might want to take a look at my manifesto and digest it and then we can do this again sometime soon. posted on 08-29-2010, 17:00:41 PM Big-kRe: Civil courts are superior over Sharia courts - BuhariQUOTE:
Hi LKF You'll notice that there was always a request for specifics each time Gen Buhari was talking platitudes, but there's little anyone can do if he wasnt forthcoming. The generalities itself gives any discerning observer insight into the quality of thinking of our prospective leaders. On Call-ins. like I mentioned to NAR..it will be great but difficult technically and logistically. As willing as the General was, he was still delayed by over an hour due to various people needing to meet with him. In all, I came away liking this man a GREAT DEAL - his infectious humility, and apparent honesty and the real sadness he felt on the sharia misconception got to me. However, I know that great personal qualities does not necessarily translate into leadership qualities, but stacked against the likes of IBB, Gen Buhari is the tallest of the dwarfs IMO. QUOTE:
Iye, drag the bottom bar with your mouse to navigate back and forth posted on 08-29-2010, 21:22:33 PM IgweRe: Candidate Interviews #1: The elite has compromised the country - Buhari@ Auspicious,
QUOTE: QUOTE: With due respect, I think it's the other way round. They used him, and then UNCEREMONIOUSLY dumped him when he wanted to succeed himself. For instance, even though he wangled Yar'Adua in, he was simply sidlined by the hawks in that administration. OBJ squandered a lot of goodwill. But to be fair to him, no one can give what he doesn't have. OBJ's two tenures as president represent a bad news. |
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