Five Reasons Nigeria Is Not Growing. Solution

by ThankGod Ukachukwu

Insecurity

Insecurity continues to plague Nigeria, from reports of tens of soldiers killed by Boko Haram to the jihadist insurgents capturing towns in the North East, maiming and killing fleeing citizens and exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian disaster of internally displaced citizens. Herders-farmer clashes have claimed thousands of citizens in the middle belt leaving blood and cries and a subdued citizens who groan for respite and a return to normal life to continue farming which is the main occupation of the soil rich region. Banditary as has not been seen in decades is raging in Zamfara and adjoining states. Kidnappers snatch travellers in large numbers on Abuja-Kaduna axis and demand ransom killing those that fail to meet their demands. The security state of Nigeria is worse than when President Buhari came to power.

Corruption

Thomas Mösch writing in DW Germany noted that Buhari’s second main theme which was anti-corruption has been all but successful. Nigeria has tanked in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index down to 148th consecutively down from where it was in 2015 underscoring the fact that the anti-corruption drive has been a farce. The anti-corruption crusade which has been one-sided absolving anyone who is the good books of Buhari has failed to achieve results. Corruption allegations against members of President Buhari’s party and government are dismissed as frivolous.

Muhammadu Buhari

Failed Economy

On the economy, Buhari has recorded abysmal performance such that businesses are groaning under stifling economic conditions. Though meeting a slowing economy, the administration has not been adept at economic management. There was lack of urgency towards economic management which was imperative. There is no convincing economic strategy. The government's dysfunctional economic plan aimed at bolstering the economy was dismissed by Bill Gates as inadequate for lifting Nigeria out of  doldrums when he was invited to its flamboyant launching by the government earlier in 2018. Nigeria became the poverty capital of the world in 2018 with 87 million people in poverty. Over 8 million unemployment since 2015 and over 10 million out of school children in Northern Nigeria. On the issue of diversification of the economy, the government has failed to implement policies which will boost agricultural fortunes of the country. The mono-economy, dependence on crude oil persist. The government is not amenable to ranching which has been suggested as the panacea to the herders-farmer clashes and necessary to move pastoral farming in Nigeria to the mechanized level. The government has failed to initiate and carry out large scale agricultural programs solely or in partnership with commercial farmers.

Unemployment

Over 7 million Nigerians were out of jobs from 2015 till date and youth unemployment is highest. Nigerian youths are in despair as reported by National Bureau of Statistics. With thousands leaving university annually and not finding jobs and there's no hope with President Buhari at the helm of affairs. Companies have been laying off staff since the recent recession.

Democracy Under Threat

In recent times, the United States have warned of violence in the next election. The whole nation watched in aghast when armed men of the state security blockaded the National Assembly precinct. A democratic coup was averted but the threat to Nigeria democracy remains. The issue of the structure of the country has been on the front burners. President Buhari is averse to making changes to the constitution which will move Nigeria towards federalism. This has become a very important issue going into elections. The structural deficit of the country needs to be addressed.

Our Solution: #GrowNigeria

Failure to make progress in any of these areas and more which were not elucidated have stunted growth and the country needs a lifeline. We need a president who will solve these problems and #GrowNigeria. Dr Bukola Saraki is poised to tackle these issues head on with his vision and innovative leadership.

On security, the plan is to secure Nigeria by redesigning its national security architecture, while adequately equipping security agencies to fulfil their primary role of protecting lives and property.

In reviving the economy, infrastructural deficit through aggressive financing initiatives including mutually beneficial PPP arrangements, regular floating of bonds and other financial instruments, which will ensure stable, adequate and reliable funding to see to the completion of core projects especially road, rail and power. The stimulation of growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is critical to boosting the economy and to create wealth for Nigerians, especially the youth. Growing Nigerians out of poverty through diversification of the economy will be achieved through deliberate partnership with farmers in commercial agriculture such as the Shonga Farms model stated by Dr Saraki in Kwara State.

The fight against against corruption won’t be a selective fight . The emphasis will be on strengthening institutions, with a particular focus on deterrence. We cannot afford to compromise our institutions with proxy wars against perceived political opponents. We see the fight against corruption as crucial to Nigeria’s economic development.

To tackle unemployment, #GrowNigeria will employ a private sector led growth of the economy which will ensure businesses which have shut down are given the conducive environment resuscitate their operations and expansion. Attraction of foreign direct investment through multinationals which will commence operations and create employment.There will be  adequate policies to spur industrialization to transform Nigeria from an import dependent to an exporting country.

To deal with threat to our democracy, protection of all Nigerians and defence of their constitutional rights and freedoms is at the core of the vision. Adhering to the principle of the rule of law, which is the bedrock of democratic governance is the mantra. A plan to for inclusive governance. A country where every citizen has inalienable right to feel a sense of belonging, no matter their background, no matter their background or creed, what part of the country they come from.

Lastly in the words of Dr Bukola Saraki:

“This will be a dynamic government of action that will pursue the growth of Nigeria with doggedness, determination and conviction. I will lead a result-driven administration. We shall set targets with clear timelines to ensure that anticipated deliverables are met. You can benchmark us and hold us accountable. In short, I assure you that I will deliver on all promises. What I envision is a new chapter in governance in this country. We will be driven by what is best for Nigerians.”

~ ThankGod Ukachukwu is a Consultant and Current Affairs Analyst.

The Only Candidate That Can Save PDP from Defeat is Dr Bukola Saraki ~ Emma Ikumeh

Former INEC chief, Prof Attahiru Jega recently made a case for competent leadership over strong man leadership. The latter was one of the major pivots on which Buhari achieved victory in 2015, bearing in mind the alleged 2 million controversial votes awarded to the APC and Buhari in Kano State.

Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki

The two major political parties that would most likely produce the next president of Nigeria - the anchor point for political leadership - are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Congress (APC). The APC being the party of Mr Buhari is set to give him the 2019 presidential ticket unopposed. However, as things stand, the APC has failed to deliver on its campaign promises consequent on the leadership failure of Buhari. In effect, except the APC rescinds it decision and prevails on Mr Buhari to jettison his ambition, the party stands a big chance of losing out to the PDP which remains Africa’s largest party and the last hope of the common man to rise from growing poverty.

In recent times the PDP has had its political fortunes enhanced by the defection of prominent members of APC who moved from the PDP prior to the 2015 elections. Comparatively, it has a pool of candidates who possess the leadership acumen to unseat Mr Buhari and has gone into a coalition known as the Coalition of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) to wrestle power from the APC. It is no gainsaying to unambiguously propose that PDP has a better chance of winning the presidential election in 2019 than APC but its choice of presidential candidate is a crucial variable in this political permutation.

Up until Dr Bukola Saraki, the Senate president hinted to Bloomberg News that he is considering running for president, former VP Atiku Abubukar had been the touted choice for the PDP ticket. Mr Atiku is very vocal and audacious on national issues and has successfully deployed social media especially on twitter to criticise the present government. But the emergence of Dr Saraki in permutations has taken political watchers by surprise as many expected him to seek reprieve from the constant attacks on his person and office of the Senate President by the APC who saw him as its main adversary because of his growing political profile. His political dexterity awes the politically savvy as they long to have a man of his pedigree and sagacity take a shot at the presidency. He officially declared and threw the hat into the ring to contest the 2019 presidential primary of the PDP when he addressed the #NotTooYoungToRun advocacy group in a political parley with youth aspirants of the PDP.

Without doubt in the PDP, the battle is between Saraki and Atiku; and for the PDP and APC, it is Saraki or Atiku versus Buhari. However, the Senate president embodies a fresh perspective to leadership, which is imperative at this juncture in the journey to development of Nigeria and set it on the path of progress. He has tagged his campaign #GrowNigeria. And I intend to advance the premise on which I believe Saraki appears most likely to be at the helm of affairs of Nigeria in 2019 with a victory in the presidential elections provided the PDP gives him the ticket.

Dr Saraki is accorded recognition as the father of modern governance in Kwara State given his type of politics which is devoid of rancour and acrimony; focused on the good, development and advancement of the people of his state and Nigeria. His political prowess is visible in how he has galvanized Kwara politically; as governor of Kwara State for eight years, Dr Bukola Saraki started a revolution to tackle the problem of food security and pragmatically implemented diversification of the economy, which has remained lip service at national level because of over-dependence on crude oil as major revenue earner. 

Based on a PPP model with 13 large scale Zimbabwean farmers, the Shonga Farms project was initiated and today is a major supplier of cassava to Nigerian Starch Mills Limited and provides fresh milk to WAMCO to produce Peak, Three Crowns milk and Nutricima. It is also a major supplier of chicken to most restaurants in the country, including Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and bananas from the farm can be found at Shoprite stores. Replicating the Shonga Farms model and empowering farmers across Nigeria requires a person who has led such ground-breaking transformation in the agricultural sector.

On education, Dr Bukola Saraki established Kwara State University (KWASU) a state-owned university which did not exist despite Kwara being one of the oldest states in Nigeria. Saraki’s leadership envisioned an egalitarian Kwara state where citizens are educated to the highest level. In furtherance of that grand goal, the Ilorin Aviation School is one of the laudable projects initiated and completed by his administration which afforded indigenes of the state to acquire high tech knowledge in aviation. To be vindicated in his area of education as a medical doctor, he established Kwara Advanced Ultramodern Diagnosis Centre. On the nagging issue of electricity, the Ganmo Power Generation Plant, hundreds of ordinary power substations and some injection Substations were built. These are just a few of the accomplishments of HE Saraki as a state governor. Massive road and infrastructural projects were initiated and completed. In terms of state government administration, Saraki stands out. He was the chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s forum and his good leadership as governor was felt nationally.

On the national scene, the victory of the APC in the National Assembly and presidency brought yet another era of insight to the political enigma and colossus Saraki is. The election of the opposition to the presidency instead of unifying the opposition threw up a leadership tussle, which required a great deal of wisdom and maturity to handle. The first point of consternation was the election of the principal officers of the NASS. The leadership of the APC had its preferred candidates leaving out the nPDP headed by Saraki which was strategic in delivering the partnership which gave APC victory in the polls. The APC till date embodies lack of internal democracy, which negates equity and fairness.

The writer being a keen curator of the polity desired that the APC leave the NASS leadership open to internal democracy post -victory in 2015, which was imperative for deepening democracy in the larger polity. But the APC, which mistook its victory as isolated from the nPDP that joined their fold schemed to shortchange some consequential members of the party. Saraki delivered a political masterstroke which remains an important epoch in the annals of political history of Nigeria, a subject for political scientists and students to study. He brought coalition politics into the senate where he made concession to the opposition party PDP, garnered their block votes, with some loyal APC senators, he was elected the Senate president. Nigerians were relieved. The PDP which was wallowing in bitter election defeat heaved a sigh of relief while the South East which was almost schemed out in this dispensation got a top position in Senator Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate (PDP) and it helped quell dissenting voices. It is no gainsaying to call Dr Bukola Saraki the unifier, a bridge builder and a man who radiates the true meaning of one Nigeria.

The 8th Senate under HE Saraki has been the most successful of the fourth republic with groundbreaking bills and amendments passed while working harmoniously with all and sundry to ensure that our democracy is protected. The Senate under Saraki has passed over 200 bills in all facets of Nigeria as a country such as the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) and Electoral Amendment Bill.  Specifically, as at its 3^rd anniversary, on June 9, 2015, it passed 213 bills, cleared 138 petitions from members of the public. In all the consternations, which have simmered in recent times, he has emerged as the face of democracy recognized by world powers most recently, UK and European Union during the recent siege by Nigeria’s Secret Service on the National Assembly. After the recent siege on the Senate, he addressed a world press conference to assure the rest of the world that Nigeria is still committed to democracy and rule of law despite cynical forces that are bent on torpedoing progress.  

Dr Bukola Saraki is the link between the old and the new generation. He best captures the aspirations of millennials and is an embodiment of modern governance. Nigerians are disillusioned with the current administration but what is missing is the linkage who will harness and galvanize the dreams of many most Nigerians to actualize a progressive country.  He was instrumental in ensuring the #NotTooYoungToRun bill which lowers the age for several elective positions was passed into law. He is Youth eccentric, one of his major trademarks. The other two leading candidates, Atiku, PDP (71) and Buhari, APC (75) are septuagenarians and the desire for a paradigm shift for fresh leadership has never been more than today. Saraki will be 56 in 2019 and fits into the picture Nigerians desire.

Emma Ikumeh, a member of the PDP, writes from Abuja

@emmaikumeh

2019: Voting Buhari Out, Difficult Not Impossible.

Nigeria’s 2019 General elections are less than a year away, and the candidates are emerging. For the Presidential race, there is no doubt that incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari currently runs the show and holds the ace, unfortunately. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has never  hidden its lust for power and its ability to be callous in attaining and retaining Power no matter the consequences. This has been evident in the APC’s style of governance at all levels; even its own internal administration has not been spared. As an opposition party pre-2015, the APC and its members were a vocal lot, they made allegations, threats and utterances against former President Jonathan, acts that could have thrown Nigeria into flames but for the gentle nature of Jonathan. Today, APC is in Power, and have still not given up their old methods.

Muhammadu Buhari                                                 Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo

It is no longer news that the Nigerian Presidency under Muhammadu Buhari has been a complete failure; under normal circumstances voting him out in 2019 should be a no-brainer, it should be the easiest job for Nigerians since Buhari’s failures are there for all to see. But, it isn’t. Truth is, President Buhari has become a formidable Presidential candidate in spite of the ridiculous failures his government has recorded. Reasons why Buhari’s 2019 prospects remain high can be traced to a. Poor quality opposition and b. Pride, Ego and Arrogance of many erstwhile Buhari supporters, too ashamed to admit that he was never a Messiah. Then we also have the rise of sinister ‘Third party’ advocates that are either consciously or sub-consciously trying to institutionalize voters’ apathy by pushing forward a RED CARD agenda. 

This so-called Red card movement is calling on Nigerians to boycott the two major political parties PDP and APC; this movement has neither proposed any alternatives nor proffered real solutions. Some schools of thought believe these Red-carders are covert political mercenaries encouraging Voter’s apathy in order to give the incumbent President Buhari an undue advantage.

The main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has done well thus far in picking up the pieces after losing its 16year grip on Power and surviving a major Chairmanship tussle. But many admirers of the PDP are not satisfied with the quality of opposition it has given to Buhari - they want more fire. Many want PDP to delve into the very dangerous form of opposition that the APC imposed on former President Goodluck Jonathan. While it is true that in order to get rid of Buhari in 2019, the PDP needs to put in place a well thought out strategy, extreme caution must be taken.  Former President Jonathan’s core support base was in a way more enlightened and could stomach the conventional and unconventional APC-inspired criticisms which came their principals’ way. Buhari’s core support base in the deep North is a direct opposite, religion is also a factor and the tendency to resort to violence is high.

Defeating Buhari and APC can only be achieved if the PDP and all other opposition parties, including all lovers of democracy come together and rally round one major Presidential candidate in 2019. This candidate must be a unifier, someone that is not coming with in-built grudges, vengeance and hatred for any part of Nigeria. Our ideal 2019 candidate must be a wealth creator, not one whose sole aim is how to share Nigeria’s Oil revenue. Corruption must be fought with institutions and modern technology, this, our ideal candidate should know. On our part as Electorates, we must drown the voices of imposters and for-hire intellectuals waving their Red cards and distracting us. 

Nigeria has about seventy political parties but the reality on ground shows that only PDP and APC have the nationwide structures and financial capabilities needed to bid for Nigeria’s Presidency. What this means is that (for now) the only party that has a realistic chance of overthrowing APC in 2019 is the PDP. Still, the PDP cannot do it alone; a consortium of genuine Democratic forces need to align. We must call out fraudulent intellectuals in our mist pretending to be fencists but subtly trying to sustain the Buhari status-quo. We must brush off certain young Clowns that are presenting themselves as Presidential candidates all in a bid hoodwink young voters and lead them right back to Buhari.

It is difficult to believe that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under an APC government will have the integrity to organize free and fair elections in 2019, but we must keep the faith. As we continue to encourage Nigerians of voting age to collect their Permanent Voters Cards, we must also prepare ourselves to defend our votes with sweat and blood, if situation demands it.

A President's Herdsmen And The Little Shithole.

Nigeria is a land of the absurd and Muhammadu Buhari's Presidency has taken that absurdity to heights never imagined. Let us forget the incompetence, monumental failures in all economic sectors, nepotism and world-class sycophancy; it may take Nigeria another decade to recover from Buhari's four-year rule post 2019, and two decades if Buhari wins a second term. 

Never in the history of Nigeria has any failed Leader attracted so much patience, understanding and silence from sections of distinguished Nigerians that have been critical of all governments since 1960. We also now have a new breed of Presidential media aides that have surprisingly held their ground and in an awkward way romanticized Buhari's failures. I used the word ‘surprisingly’ because Presidential Media aides of former President Jonathan were a useless Train Wreck even though with hindsight, it is clear Jonathan’s administration recorded better achievements.

The Corruption going on in Buhari's Presidency, among his close Cabal, aides and associates has shocked the nation but instead of igniting mass outrage, what we have is limited outrage mostly on Social media, while the traditional media and larger society continue with their culture of silence. Then we have that segment of fraudulent intellectuals that find it convenient to sharply criticize 'those surrounding the President' while maintaining that the President's personal integrity is intact. In today’s dispensation, the Buck no longer stops at the Presidents’ table. Our erstwhile Activists, Civil societies, Intellectuals and Turning Point generation have shot the Buck dead on Buhari’s behalf.

In the first days and weeks of 2018, Fulani Herdsmen have shed unimaginable blood in the most gruesome manner. Now, this Herdsmen-Farmers crisis predates Buhari's current administration, it's been on for decades and previous Governments had tried and failed to provide lasting solutions. However, never in the history of Nigeria have Fulani Herdsmen under the auspices of its mother organization Myetti Allah, practically issued threats, carried out such threats, boldly claimed responsibility on multiple media platforms and nothing happens to them. President Buhari is Fulani, as father the nation, all eyes would naturally be on him to act decisively and prove to Nigerians that he belongs to everyone. 

Unfortunately, just like the nepotistic appointments that have defined his Presidency, the Buhari regime has treated the Fulani Herdsmen issue with kid gloves. No major arrests have been made; prominent Myetti Allah members that have come out publicly to defend their groups’ role in recent Benue massacres are still walking free. Herdsmen have continued to shed more innocent blood in Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa and parts of Southern Nigeria, yet nothing has happened. 

In response to the Benue massacre, President Buhari sent Nigeria's ill-equipped Police force to go handle the situation. This is the same President that sent the Nigerian Army to mow down unarmed Shites and IPOB protesters, groups that were non-violent. However, for a heavily armed Herdsmen Militia that had butchered hundreds, Buhari sends the Police to lead an imaginary onslaught, already the Herdsmen have slaughtered two Police Officers right there in Benue...nothing has happened. Instead, we’ve had Security agencies using their own Public relations machinery to subtly exonerate the Herdsmen and rationalize the entire crisis into a mere Communal clash. Whereas, what we truly have on our hands is a case of Ethnic cleansing and Land grab.

In spite of all these challenges, bloodletting, failures and incompetence exhibited by the Buhari Presidency, he and his party the All Progressive Congress are still pushing hard for a second term in office.

May God save Nigeria. 

Recently, it was rumored that American President Donald Trump referred to Nigeria and several other developing countries as 'Shitholes.' Who would objectively assess the current situation of Nigeria under Buhari's stewardship and not be tempted to agree with President Trump?

This is quite unfortunate, considering the fact that roughly three-years ago under President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria was ranked as the third fastest growing economy in the world by CNN money and other international financial organizations. Today, we are here debating Nigeria’s 'Shithole' status. 

Telon Nights' BLOODY BURLESQUE SHOW: A Halloween Special.

“UNDERNEATH THE LAGOS CITY LIGHTS, THERE IS A WORLD FEW KNOW ABOUT”

The city of Lagos is starting to embrace a new concept of entertainment as the stereotype in nightlife has become officially boring.

                                        Telon Nights presents 

                      

                  “BLOODY BURLESQUE SHOW” HALLOWEEN SPECIAL.

The anticipated night of raw and uncut display of pure vain ecstasy through the art of Burlesque by professionally trained performers, will take place on Saturday, 28th of October 2017 at C O V A (the roof top of Mega Plaza), Victoria Island, Lagos-Nigeria.

The 3rd edition of Telon Nights aims to tantalize your body and mind, bringing all 5 senses to a halt with live performances, spoken word, theatrics, and exotic cocktails by Remy Martin.

The Burlesque show will include mind blowing performances and will also double as a costume party, as guests are expected to show up dressed as their alter egos, super heros or just highly creative pieces put together. The guest with the best costume will be awarded gifts.

BURLESQUE:  The literary art of entertainment through a dramatic or musical work, is usually performed by professionals with a combination of sensual extravaganza intended to cause excitement, intrigue and laughter by re-enacting popular works, societal occurrences or movies. 

Telon Nights is a unique event that focuses purely on nightlife entertainment putting into consideration all exciting elements that fun seekers are deprived of. This show is produced and choreographed by A Seal Kamson Concept who put together the very first burlesque show in Nigeria.

Anticipate nothing but pure entertainment!

For more information:

telonnights@gmail.com