Patience Jonathan’s Attitude Cost Us Defeat — PDP Chief (Mr. Osom Makbere)

Bayelsa State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Osom Makbere, has said President Goodluck Jonathan lost the March 28 presidential election due to international and domestic conspiracies.

Makbere, who is also a lawyer, stated this in an exclusive interview in Yenagoa on Friday.

He said the division in the PDP fold and the overbearing attitude of the President’s wife, Dame Patience, also contributed to the president’s loss.

Giving insight into the failure of the President at the poll, Makbere said, “History has stated that no failure, defeat or loss is a product of a single factor. Jonathan’s loss could be blamed on a multiplicity of interwoven causes.

“Jonathan was a victim and target of international cum domestic esoteric codes and conspiracies. On the international level, the passage of the anti-gay legislation led to criticisms and face-off with the US, and the West.

“The strides made in the economic sphere, especially domestic rice promotion, calculated by the Jonathan administration to flip economic growth, and boost import substitution, also negatively alerted the West. The shift to China for our railway transformation, and recently, the migration to Russia for arms and ammunition to quelling the insurgency also signalled to the West that Jonathan had started constituting a self-reliant and dependent nation-state, a feat seen too tall by the US and their allies in the West.

“The aforesaid international factors found room to flourish given the obstinacy and impudence on the part of Mrs. Jonathan. The end result of her personal ambition to plant ‘self-made’ governors triggered face-offs with some governors.”

Makbere also opined that the All Progressives Congress will perform worse than the PDP at the centre.

He said, “I can tell you that this APC will be worse than the PDP as there is already imminent fear of implosion.

“In Kano, for instance, the APC got all 40 constituencies. This meant that none of the PDP candidates were popular enough to emerge but, the PDP maintained their calm and stoicism.

“We do not know what the APC wants. Whenever they win, the PDP congratulates them, but whenever the PDP wins, the APC would induce the election observers and the electoral officers to call for a re-run or cancellation. That is the zenith of desperation.”

But Secretary, Bayelsa APC, Mr. Marlin Daniel, said the statement that APC would perform worse than the PDP was misinformed and unfortunate.

He said that APC parades men and women of proven integrity and impeccable track records of performance.

He said, “It is obvious Nigerians have seen the people in the APC. The international community knows the pedigree of people in APC leadership. When you go to states controlled by the APC you will see what is on ground.

“The President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, is an incorruptible man. So, for anybody to say that APC will perform worse than the PDP is a child’s talk, mere campaign of calumny and propaganda.

“APC is a revolution and nobody can stop it. God’s hand is in this revolution that is why the PDP lost despite all the money they spent to remain in power.”

Copyright PUNCH.

Statement by the U.S President Obama on the Nigerian Elections (April 1, 2015)

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary | April 1, 2015
The last few days have shown the world the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.  By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully.

I commend President Goodluck Jonathan and President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari for their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign.  President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating President-Elect Buhari on his victory.  I look forward to working with President Jonathan throughout the remainder of his term, and I thank him for his many years of service and his statesmanlike conduct at this critical juncture.  I urge President-Elect Buhari and President Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the election outcomes, focus on unifying the country, and together lead Nigeria through a peaceful transition.

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega, deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote.  I commend INEC for its extensive efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.  Looking ahead to the gubernatorial elections on April 11, it is imperative that national attention turn to ensuring isolated logistical challenges are overcome and peace is protected, even in the most hotly contested races.

On behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations to the people of Nigeria and to President-Elect Buhari and look forward to continuing to work with the newly-elected government on our many shared priorities.

The official statement by president Jonathan after the announcement of the results of presidential election

Fellow Nigerians,

I thank you all for turning out en-masse for the March 28 General Elections.
I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word. I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure.

Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.

As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.

I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going through the process of the March 28th General Elections with the commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.

I also commend the Security Services for their role in ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and violence-free.

To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your support. Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning. We have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.

For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation.

Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism.

I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.

I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.
May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I thank you all.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

TRUELY DEMOCRACY: Gen. Buhari, Jega and Goodluck Jonathan eats together in Aso Rock

If you can be moved by this, that means you can purchase fufu as phone at Computer Village in Ikeja.

So sorry to disappoint you…………………………………….its APRIL FOOL

NIGERIANS TRULY DECIDES #NigeriaDecides – Ayinla nox Idris

Election in Nigeria in the year 2015 seems to be the most anticipated election ever after the 1992 election between SDP and NRC. Similar rivalry occur this time too, though we got multiple parties this time around but two of them look like the strongest and the most followed parties, which are PDP and APC.

Its like a football match, people are co-glued to their screens. They do not want to miss any part of the final collation process despite many breaks during the process.

Its a sign of confidence in the thumb of so many Nigerians. They wanted to see their votes counts and Prof. Attahiru Jega did so much well before the election commencement, during the election and even in the results collation processes. He was able to handle all issues on desk and he is prepared to tackle urgent and unexpected problems. Much credit to Jega. Nigerians are calling him man of the year already though.

Election takes place in 37 states including the FCT. PDP were able to pick 16 states while APC witnesses victories in 20 states with the highest votes (1,903,999) coming from Kano state. People Democratic Party did have a huge figures from a controversial votes in Rivers state, which the APC also wrote a petition on but was quickly attended to and resolved by the INEC chairman. By states and by figures, the All Progressives Congress won the presidency position.

General Muhammed Buhari was shown love by Nigerians, people from all part of the country imputed their efforts to ensure the results comes in his favor.

Incumbent president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan also make a democratic impact by congratulating Buhari even when the electoral officials are yet to announce the winner.

Come May 29, General Muhammed Buhari will sworn in as the president of the federal republic of Nigeria.

By: Ayinla nox Idris

IMAGE: APC/General M. Buhari takes the lead #NigeriaDecides

EXCLUSIVE: Updated Preliminary National Presidential Election Results, Buhari Still In the Lead |

image: Sahara Reporters

PHOTO: Goodluck Jonathan visit Kastina State

He wrote: I visited our people in Katsina state and had the pleasure of being received by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk. May God bless Nigeria. GEJ.

President Goodluck Jonathan splashes cash on CHAN Eagles and His remarks

President Goodluck Jonathan splashes cash on CHAN Eagles and His remarks

1. Players – N1,000,000 each
2. Head Coach – N1,500.000
3. The 3 Assistant coaches – N1,000,000 each
4. Team Secretary – N500,000
5. Team Doctor – N500,000
6. Team Physiotherapist – N500,000
7. Chief Technical Officer – N500,000
8. Team Coordinator – N500,000
9. Team Media Officer – N500,000
10. Curator – N500,000

Here is the President’s remarks at the reception held in their honor.

1. I am delighted to receive the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who did the nation proud with their brilliant performance at the recently concluded 2014 Orange Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.

2. The team’s impressive performance adds to a memorable season for Nigerian football, starting with victories at both the 2013 African Cup of Nations and the FIFA Under – 17 World Cup competitions.

3. I am particularly proud of this Team, which, even though they placed 3rd at the Championship, exhibited an uncommon degree of resilience, discipline, commitment and patriotism throughout the competition. This is even more noteworthy considering that this is the first time that Nigeria is qualifying for this particular championship.

4. My dear Super Eagles, I keenly followed your performance from the group stage up to the last 3rd place match. I noted that you epitomized the true never-say-die Nigerian spirit, especially in the match against Morocco’s Atlas Lions where you came from a 3-goal deficit to win the match against all expectations.

5. You may not have won the Championship, but you performed gallantly, competed fairly and made all Nigerians proud. You also produced the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and, today, some of you are being sought after by renowned football clubs around the world. As the coach has confirmed, some of you may make our team to the FIFA World Cup in June this year.

6. Significantly, your exploits at the Championship further demonstrated the fact that the efforts being put into rebranding and re-invigorating the Nigerian Football League are yielding positive results.

7. Although there is still much more work to be done, it is gratifying to note that, today, our league is ranked among the best in Africa.

8. On behalf of all Nigerians, I would like to specially congratulate each and every member of the Team for your remarkable achievement. The glory and honour which you have brought our fatherland is greatly appreciated. You are a credit to Nigeria, your Clubs, and your families.

9. Let me encourage you all to remain committed. To take your game to greater heights, you must not forgo the discipline and all other qualities you displayed and the experience and exposure you have gained from the competition.

10. Let me also commend the technical team for their dedication in preparing this team for this commendable result. It is evident that we are reaping the dividends of our investments in the Sports Sector.

11. The Supporters Club deserves special commendation for the unflagging inspiration they continue to provide our national teams.

12. I will like to seize this opportunity to assure you all that our Administration will continue to give maximum support to our sportsmen and women to enable them optimally realize their potentials for excellence on the international stage.

13. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, as a token of our appreciation for the heroic efforts of these gallant patriots, we have decided to reward them as follows:

1. Players – N1,000,000 each
2. Head Coach – N1,500.000
3. The 3 Assistant coaches – N1,000,000 each
4. Team Secretary – N500,000
5. Team Doctor – N500,000
6. Team Physiotherapist – N500,000
7. Chief Technical Officer – N500,000
8. Team Coordinator – N500,000
9. Team Media Officer – N500,000
10. Curator – N500,000

14. Congratulations our Super Eagles.

15. Thank you and God bless you all

Nigeria’s Future, Jim O’Neil perspective

Nigeria’s Future, Jim O’Neil perspective

A very interesting analysis by the world-renowned economist, Jim O’Neil, was the subject of discussion last week. O’Neil is the well-acclaimed author of The Growth Map: Economic Opportunity In The BRICs And Beyond which I have read several times. O’Neil it was who coined the term BRIC nations, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2011 as alternative economic powers. Later, the name became BRICS to include South Africa. Some people even attempted to further expand the name to BRINKS, to include Nigeria but that didn’t work.

He has now coined another term, the MINT nations, comprising Mexico, India, Nigeria and Turkey, but O’Neil also said it will take 30 years for the MINT nations to join the world’s 10 largest economies. He had earlier predicted that Nigeria could emerge the 20th largest economy by 2025.

If O’Neil is postulating this fairly-rosy picture with our current third-rate leadership, what will then happen when we get civilised leaders who understand that nations are perpetually in competition with themselves for the future? If we are growing at an average of 7 per cent annually (though a funny growth without job creation) with a president like Jonathan, what happens if we solve our corruption problem? What happens when we start to benefit from our sundry natural resources that flood every single state in Nigeria? And what happens when we start taking advantage of our millions of hectares of arable land? What happens when the NNPC stops diverting Nigeria’s public funds? Indeed, what will happen by the time we get leaders who know that the most important priority for a nation is the qualitative education of its youths? What would happen can only be imagined. If we get such leaders, we will arrive there much earlier than O’Neil’s 30 years’ projection. But if we continued with presidents like Jonathan, we would never get there. In that case, O’Neil’s MINT could become the MIT nations. But God will not allow that.