The first time I heard of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu was when he was appointed Chairman of the EFCC. Like many Nigerians, I didn’t care much. To me, he was just another appointee who wouldn’t deliver.
During his term as the chairman of the anti-corruption agency, I read news reports on how he prosecuted corrupt politicians and businessmen. Then, the fear of Ribadu and the EFCC was the beginning of wisdom. People would make jokes such as “I’ll report you to EFCC” “Ribadu is coming after you”, etc. Gradually, Ribadu’s story aroused my interest; it was refreshing to know that someone was at least making an effort to fight corruption in Nigeria.
I quickly formed an impression of Nuhu Ribadu; a good impression. A few months after that, fresh stories of how he was being used by President Obasanjo evolved. Naturally, these stories gave me mixed feelings. A part of me thought “Well, all the public officers in Nigeria are the same, what did I expect; the other part thought “But all the people Ribadu goes after are corrupt and guilty in some way.
I made up my mind; I chose to believe that if anyone is as much as exposing thieving politicians in Nigeria, that person is an honourable man. I liked the idea that our so called “Big Men” could be brought to book. I decided to turn a deaf ear to the negative stories. For me, a person who takes on the difficult task of fighting corruption is courageous knowing full well that “when you fight corruption, corruption fights back”.
Amid the rumours and news reports, I took it upon myself to read up on Nuhu Ribadu. I found that he’s a lawyer who decided to become a policeman because he wanted to serve his nation. That strengthened my already positive opinion of him.
Last year, I attended Professor Wole Soyinka’s 76th birthday lecture organised by the National Association Seadogs (NAS) at the Muson Centre in Lagos. Ribadu was the keynote speaker. I listened to him speak with passion about how great our country should be. He wasn’t the greatest orator but I felt his message. I listened with rapt attention and thought to myself “This man truly loves Nigeria. He spoke about his years as a policeman and how seeing an officer stop to carry an abandoned corpse off the road prompted him to join the force. I whispered to the person sitting next me “this kind of person should be President, you know?” The man smiled and nodded in agreement.
After his speech, my guardian and big daddy, Mr Felix Adenaike, a veteran journalist, introduced me to Ribadu; a totally unassuming gentle man. I had previously heard that he’s arrogant and quite stuck up, so I was a bit hesitant. Meeting him, I observed nothing of the sort. He spoke softly and allowed some of the guests take pictures with him. I left the event with a better impression of Nuhu Ribadu.
As the 2011 elections neared, I read that Nuhu Ribadu had declared his intention to run for president. I was elated, first because the idea had crossed my mind at Professor Soyinka’s birthday where he was the keynote speaker. There was no question, Ribadu was my candidate. I was thrilled by the fact that a young courageous man was stepping out to become Nigeria’s president. A friend of mine said to me “I like him too, but what are his chances? You know they won’t let him win”. That didn’t matter to me; I was ready to queue up behind an honourable man and lose than join the bandwagon.
So, the race began and my mind was made. Soon after, I joined Team Ribadu, a group of young intellectuals across Nigeria who believed in Ribadu’s ability to lead Nigeria. We gathered at a camp in Abuja and assigned ourselves roles. I enjoyed the brainstorming session with my peers. The camp was motivating; agents of change from all over Nigeria shared ideas on how to galvanize more youth to support the Ribadu campaign. While I was there, I met Ribadu again and he immediately recognized me. I thought it was quite intelligent of him given the number of people he meets every day. He spoke to us about his plans for Nigeria and how he would implement them. Tears came to my eyes as I listened; his concern for Nigeria was genuine.

I left the Team Ribadu camp all fired up. I engaged everyone who cared to listen -- family, friends, strangers, especially co-workers. I got into constructive debates with many. Some were of the opinion that he had no experience, some didn’t have a tangible reason, they just didn’t like him; which was expected and acceptable. I convinced as many as I could and my message was simple: vote for a proven track record. I didn’t declare that Ribadu is perfect as no-one is, but I preached that of all the contenders for the presidency, Ribadu was the one with the courage to break Nigeria away from the bondage of corruption without caring whose ox is gored.
The elections got closer and the campaigns went into full swing, Team Ribadu didn’t have sufficient funding, but we carried on. The the more I engaged Nigerians, the more I realized that many Nigerians were not ready for change. I asked a few young people why they wanted to vote for GEJ, they had no specific reason; they just wanted Goodluck and fresh air, simple. One of my peers asked me why I didn’t want to vote for GEJ. I said to him, “I like Goodluck Jonathan; he strikes me as one with good intentions, but I don’t think he can deliver the goods”. That was and still is my opinion.
Election day came. Naturally, I cast my vote for Ribadu. GEJ won hands down and by popular demand. The election was free and fair. The polls didn’t favour my candidate at all; I wasn’t happy, but I was fulfilled. I congratulated all my friends from the winning party and I prayed that God would give GEJ the grace to restore sanity to Nigeria.
Nuhu Ribadu on the other hand moved on, he was appointed by the United Nations to fight corruption in Afghanistan. The irony of a man being called to help fix the same crisis his own nation is plagued with. Regardless, I’m certain he’ll do an excellent job.
I miss Ribadu. I miss him especially because of the recent bombings and unending crisis in Nigeria: Boko Haram, kidnappings, etc. I cannot say that he would have performed a miracle but I imagine that we would have progress reports on matters affecting our security. I miss him mostly because I don’t see any passion and hunger for change around. It is so discouraging, I doubt that all the singers of Fresh Air are still as enthusiastic as they were pre-election.

Everyday I worry about the state of our nation and it breaks my heart. Nigerians are quick to say “it is well, let us continue to pray” (I wonder what else God is expected to do after blessing us with many natural resources; resources many developed countries don’t enjoy). We’ll keep praying. I pray for our President. Sir, you need to move with precision or you’ll come and go like the rest of them. Please do something, so help you God.
NR, you are sorely missed.

Ms Dolapo Abimbola can be reached at dollsmoi@yahoo.com

The early morning bombing on Friday at the United Nations office in Abuja, represents a dangerous security slide in the country, and a worrying escalation in a senseless pattern of intolerance that seek resolution of differences in the tragic slaughter of fellow human beings.

I join millions of fellow Nigerians who are committed to the universal ideals of the global family the United Nation represents, in condemning this pointless murder of innocent local and foreign workers who have chosen the improvement of fellow human beings as the primary description of their employment.

This is a trying moment for Nigeria and I urge all our compatriots, local leaders and citizens, to rally round in unity and solidarity to help us defeat this absurd strain of intolerance that has the capacity to destroy our standing in the global community, and our internal cohesion as a nation. I also call on the international community to show support and understanding by standing with our country at this difficult moment.

The United Nations, and its crop of civil servants, is testimony to an enduring high human ideal, and the aspirations of a valued commitment to the collective challenge to uplift the global community. For that reason, we cannot settle our local or regional problems by making it a target of hostility and murder.

In empathizing with the families of our dear departed ones, I also call on the Nigerian government to renew its believe in the lofty goals of the United Nations; to ensure that those killed are duly and adequately compensated; that the wounded are offered the best medical care; and, importantly, that the government moves urgently and seriously to resolve worrying lapses in our security preparedness that now appear to make misfortunes like this a tragic-normal.


Nuhu Ribadu
Abuja

Last October I picked up membership of the Action Congress of Nigeria, and with that move started an important journey, along with fellow compatriots, to help renew our dreams and our country. It was a journey and a challenge to correct what we diagnosed to be wrong and ill about governance in our country.

The moral dimension of governance in the country today remains indisputably negative, and this is not a construction in anyone’s head. The evidence speaks starkly of levels of poverty that is simply beyond belief; of a crumbled educational sector; a health sector that posts a terribly disgraceful score card; as well as an infrastructure and power sector that bear the vivid meaning of the word failure. Indeed, the picture in every sector remains one of shock, shame, and stoppage.

For the multitude of our youth that constitute 70 per cent of the population, their situation depicts a frightening reality of unemployment, and a furiously escalating surge of hopelessness, frustration, and anger.

Using the vehicle of our party, the Action Party of Nigeria, A.C.N. we transverse the broad stretch of our land retailing the message of hope, of social rebirth, and of generation change.

The elections have come and gone, and at moments like this when the results appear not to match up our expectations, the tendency is high to lapse into self-blame, and hasty but untested judgments about how we had invested in a failed project; and about how politics is too dirty and too evil.

We need to focus more on the goals of a better society and the vision of creating a community of opportunity in our country. Invariably, in that journey, disappointments and reversals will accompany us but with it will also come critical lessons, better clarity about means and ends. Ultimately we must remember that the conclusion of elections always raises the expectations of the people that things will change for the better and this election will not be different.

The truth is that the elections offered us lifetime and wonderful opportunities to encounter the vivid living realities of our people. It fundamentally challenged our received notions of development regarding one of the riches nations on the face of the earth but which nonetheless still ranks in the bottom file on all the human development indices. The election also built our resolve to be more committed to the challenge of constructing a modern, united, tolerant, just, and equitable nation on the best traditions of democracy.

Above all, however, the election also offered great opportunities for our young compatriots to partake in the civic service of helping to consolidate democracy in our nation. Some of the youngsters projected this faith by offering to serve as the brave and heroic NYSC election managers, but many more simply as voters seeking to use their thumbs to change the world.

I personally feel humbled by their role in my campaign and would like to specifically mention Team Ribadu and express my appreciation of the efforts and incredible sacrifices of these very special young men and women. I ask them to keep their vision, their hope of a new Nigeria alive, because the future belongs to them.

To those who contributed in one way or the other to the campaign, I want them to know that they earn my boundless gratitude. Many people worked tirelessly to ensure the success of our campaign; many donated their money, their precious time, family time and resources, election materials, and just so many other items too many to be listed. I am truly grateful.

But the lead heroes of this process are the near three million voters who trooped out to cast a vote of support to our vision of a new Nigeria as defined in the policy document, pathways to a New Nigeria. I thank them earnestly; also urge them to continue to show keen interest and greater awareness of the importance of their votes by demanding accountability from those to whom they have bestowed the authority of leadership from local to federal institutions.

Yet we cannot loose sight of the fact that this opportunity to serve is only possible because of the faith, the vision, and generosity of spirit of our great party--the Action Congress of Nigeria.


In thanking the Action Congress of Nigeria for granting me the privilege of being their flag-bearer for this election, I also thank the leadership and members of our party who toiled and laboured for a great Nigeria knowing fully that their hopes for a better fatherland will be best served if we do not loose sight of the future.

In this journey, my good friend, Fola Adeola, who consented to be my running mate brought in lasting values of companionship, trust, loyalty, and organisation. I thank him and his wonderful family and wish them well in the days ahead.

Finally, I wish to express my profound appreciation to my wife Zara, my children and other members of my family for their support and encouragement throughout this campaign.

Nuhu Ribadu

The Presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, today begins a three-week country governance audit of Afghanistan as part of a six-man international monitoring team set up by the United Nations under the “Afghanistan Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee.”

Mr. Ribadu left Nigeria for Afghanistan last Tuesday, May 3; joined five other team members in Dubai; and traveled into Kabul at the weekend where they are expected to fine-tune the strategy of curbing corruption in the troubled country.

The committee’s duties, according to briefing papers from the Department of Foreign International Development, DFID, and the United Nations Development Programme office, include a review of the social, political, economic and cultural conditions giving life to corruption in the country, which they tag “drivers of corruption,” and a sustainable proposal on how to curb the crime and moral ill that has ravaged the image and international standing of the conflict ridden country.

Aside from offering best “approach and principles” of fighting corruption, on a legal basis”, the monitoring team, according to its mandate, is also expected to propose ways of ensuring that international aid and development financing to Afghanistan meets with the country’s “national priorities.”

Afghanistan (ranked 176th) is the third most corrupt country, with a CPI (corruption perception index) of 1.4 according to Transparency International, with only Somalia (178) and Myanmar (176) ranked worst. Nigeria is ranked 134 with a CPI of 2.4 among the 178 countries ranked
Members of the committee who were appointed late last year commenced work on April 21 with a teleconference on the task at hand and how to achieve their mission.

The monitoring and evaluation is expected to help the Afghanistan government in its fight against corruption and also guide the international community on how best to relate with the country.

Though the committee is expected to complete its work in two years, media aide to Mallam Ribadu, Ibrahim Modibbo, said that the task will not affect Mr. Ribadu’s national priorities and his continued commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria.

“It is Mr. Ribadu contribution to the global fight against corruption that has gotten him this recognition. This will however not deter him from playing his roles as a responsible citizen and political leader in our country.”

“You know, his party, the ACN, controls six states and Mr. Ribadu will do all he can to ensure that the governors of those six states bring the dividends of democracy to their people in order to let Nigerians know that the ACN is the best party to rule the country” he added.

Nigeria will be great again!

Nigeria is truly a great country. We are blessed abundantly with both natural and human resources. We are blessed with very hard working people, who if given a little opportunity will excel in any endeavour. But the opportunities are simply not available. We have the will and the capacity to do better and improve our lives, but the environment is not conducive for such.

In every society, social change is driven by a particular subset of that society. Today, this change for a new Nigeria is driven by the youth. This group is made up of young people; school leavers, job seekers, young professionals, and technocrats, whose collective dream is to see a better Nigeria. The older generation may claim that the young lack experience but time has shown this to be false.

When Obama came out and ran for the American presidency, he was said to be too young; that he lacked experience. His opponent, John McCain, was assumed better suited for the job, with years of political experience and a sitting governor for a running mate! The change that swept America, swept them away. When Louis Ignacio Da Silva of Brazil ran for president in his country, he too was assumed to be too young, and inexperienced. Today, the change he wrought in Brazil has seen the Brazilian economy soar and country move from international back stage to the limelight.

Today, in Nigeria, there are people who also see Nuhu Ribadu, the presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as being too young and inexperienced. But Nuhu Ribadu is the epitome of the youth; a champion for the dream of a new Nigeria. He believes that if the youth are properly integrated into our leadership processes and become part of it, that Nigeria will be a better place for everyone.

For a leader to truly champion a cause, he/she must believe in the cause. Nuhu Ribadu represents a visionary and dedicated leadership, determined to change the fortunes of Nigerians for the better. For despite all our God-given natural and human resources, Nigeria still lags behind in the comity of nations. There are many issues requiring attention in Nigeria, the most pressing being youth unemployment. Young people 30 years old and below make up 70% of Nigeria's population, yet youth unemployment is rampant. Up to 50-60% of our graduates are unemployed, to the point where parents and children now question the value of education.

The Nigerian economy is performing below its potential and is not creating enough jobs for our fast growing youth population. Though the economy is growing at around 6% per annum, it could grow at a much faster pace and more importantly it could create more jobs if the right policies are pursued.

The economy has to be managed with fiscal prudence so that our expenditure does not exceed our revenues. The fiscal deficit kept at 3% of GDP from 2003-2007 has now doubled to 6%, implying a great deal of spending without much impact or results on the ground. At the end of 2008, the Excess Crude Account (ECA) had the equivalent of US$20 billion in savings to cushion the country against a "rainy day".

Much of that money has now been shared between federal, state and local governments. What is left is less than US$500 million. Our foreign exchange reserves have come down from a peak of more than US$50 billion a couple of years ago to US$38 billion now. Our domestic debt has climbed to the level of Naira3.76 trillion or the equivalent of US$25 billion (from DMO website as of June 30 2010).

This in an abuse fiscal responsibility and it has serious impact on our domestic economy, especially as some of the states borrowing may not be in a position to fully service their debt. All the borrowing and use of our domestic revenues has not led to better services on the ground. The position of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is that we must budget within our means and keep overspending to a minimum. This means bringing the fiscal deficit back to 3% of GDP.

The Ribadu Plan seeks to bring our foreign exchange reserves to a robust level of US$50 billion or more; and work for a steady and attainable economic growth rate of 7-8% per year for the next five years and 8-10% per year for the years following that. This growth must be job-creating growth focused on both the oil and non-oil sectors of the economy. It will invest in infrastructure, in health and education, and in creating the enabling environment for investment in all key sources of growth in the economy, particularly agriculture, the extractive industry, manufacturing, housing and construction, financial services, information and communication technology (ICT), as well as arts and culture, and the entertainment industry.

That is the challenge facing us in the second half of the Nigerian century; and that is the challenge Mallam Ribadu will address if he becomes president.

-By Deshola Komolafe

Young Nigerians Finally Earn a Seat at the Table in Deciding Their Political Future; Mr. Nuhu Ribadu (ACN) Voted Winner of the What About Us? Debate

Abuja, Nigeria (PRWEB) April 2, 2011

About a week ago, on March 25th, a coalition of Nigerian youth advocacy groups bearing the moniker "What About Us?" hosted Nigeria's first ever youth-centered presidential debate at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Center in Abuja. Hosted by Big Brother Africa alumnus Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, and moderated by world renowned novelist Chimamanda Adichie, the debate featured questions crowd-sourced from young Nigerians around the world using email submissions, SMS short code and Google Moderator.
Based on a poll that ran on http://www.whataboutusnigeria.org, seven candidates were invited to engage in a direct dialogue with Nigeria’s youth, who account for more than 70 percent of the population. While Reverend Chris Okotie (FDP), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (CPC) and President Goodluck Jonathan (PDP) chose to be absent, three of the selected candidates, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau (ANPP), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu (CAN), and Chief Dele Momodu (NCP), were in attendance. Professor Pat Utomi (SDMP) who had initially accepted the debate invitation, apologized for pulling out due to extenuating circumstances.
The event was broadcast live on Channels TV and simulcast on the web powered by YouTube, allowing viewers across the globe to watch the event unfold in real time. Following, viewers cast their vote for ACN candidate, Mr. Ribadu, as the winner of the debate with 57 percent, Mallam Shekarau followed suit with 36 percent and Chief Momodu earned the remainder 9 percent.
“This was a major first step for Nigeria – not just for us. By sitting silent for so long, we have allowed our leaders to take advantage of our apathy but that stops now. The mission behind 'What About Us?' was to give the youth a voice in the political process, empowering us to better understand the issues that most affect our lives and enabling us to hold leaders accountable on the promises they make on the campaign trail. Whether we go out to vote on April 9th, tweet or use our mobile phones to report fraud at the polling booths or encourage friends and family to vote wisely in person or on Facebook, we must continue to play our role and reclaim our stake – because with more than 50 percent of the vote, IT IS ABOUT US,” the group said in a joint statement.
Several prestigious universities in Nigeria and abroad hosted viewings of the debate including the University of Abuja and Columbia University in New York. Media outlets including Sahara Reporters, Voice of America, and Bella Naija also streamed the debate live to a global audience.
About the “What About Us?” Campaign
What About Us? is a NON-PARTISAN coalition of several youth empowerment groups and blogs, including Vote or Quench, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Sleeves Up, and Stand Up Naija, calling for the first-ever presidential youth centered debate in Nigeria. The group's mission started on January 11th, 2011, with the #IfNaijaVotes donate your status initiative, prompting Nigerians across the globe to voice their predictions on the nation’s prospects if free and fair elections are held, The group sought out to further educate the Nigerian youth on the missions and motives of presidential aspirants through the debate and will continue to collaborate on various initiatives to drive voter awareness and participation.
The debate sponsors were Yar’Adua Center, Youtube, DigiPrints, RCCG City of David, CBC EMEA (Nigeria), Hawthorn Suites, Smoothie Heaven, Hi-TV, Trinity House, & Guiding Light Assembly.
More details on participating groups for the initiative can be found on our website, whataboutusnigeria.org or Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/whataboutusnigeria.

Response to General Muhammadu Buhari and his Party by Nasir El Rufai - 'Buhari should stick to facts'

The attention of Mallam Nassir El-Rufai has been drawn to statements from Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida purporting to be responses to the advice he gave both men to retire.

Since Babangida libelled whole generations of Nigerian youth as being unfit for leadership, age has become an issue in the coming elections. While it is true that neither youth nor age supplies wisdom on their own, it makes sense to ask those who have been recurring decimals in our country’s sorry history to leave the stage. That is all El-Rufai asked of these men who seem to think that their failure to do their best for Nigeria when they had the chance qualifies them for a return to office. Our people surely deserve better.

El-Rufai is amazed that General Buhari cannot debate this matter without scurrying to the gutter, making claims that are baseless and unsupported by any facts. Mallam El-Rufai’s tenure as FCT minister was a period of stellar performance in remaking our federal capital. Despite the difficult decisions that had to be taken to restore Abuja, Mallam El-Rufai continues to receive deserved praise and recognition for his achievements in restoring the Abuja master plan, introducing Nigeria’s first computerised land registry and helping thousands of Nigerians achieve their dreams of home ownership in the federal capital. Buhari is perhaps one of a tiny few blinded by their prejudice from recognising the quality of El Rufai’s service.

That same prejudice accounts for the baseless claims of corruption Buhari levels against El Rufai. The fact is that Mallam El-Rufai served Nigeria with integrity and has never been convicted of any corrupt act. He is boldly contesting the false charges which the Yar’Adua government filed against him in court. It is strange that a Buhari who protests when unproven claims of N2.5 billion (about US $3billion in those days!) missing oil funds are levelled against him can gleefully elevate similar claims into facts when it concerns another. How would Buhari feel if the corruption allegations made against him by Group Captain Usman Jibrin, then a board member of PTF, are today reported as if they were proven facts? So much for “corrupt background” and “shoddy performance”.

Mallam El-Rufai wishes to remind General Buhari that he has remained perpetually unelectable because his record as military head of state, and afterwards, is a warning that many Nigerians have wisely heeded. His insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity and his parochial focus are already well-known. In 1984, Buhari allowed 53 suitcases belonging to his ADC’s father to enter Nigeria unchecked at a time the country was exchanging old currency for new. Against all canons of legal decency, he used retroactive laws to execute three young men for drug-peddling after they were convicted by a military tribunal and not regular courts of law. Buhari was so high handed that he gave himself and his officials immunity even from truthful reporting. That obnoxious Decree 4, against which truth was no defence, was used to jail journalists and attempt to cow the media as a whole. That tyrannical legislation shows the essence of his intolerance. These are facts of recent history.

The story of counter-trade and import licensing, the cornerstone of Buhari’s stone-age economic strategy and those whose interests it served, is a tale for another day.

Mallam El-Rufai respects both Generals Buhari and Babangida as elder statesmen. He believes their age, experience and guidance may contribute to the success of any future government. El-Rufai however believes that it is time for a new generation of leaders with new thinking and wholesome democratic attitude to move our nation forward. The vicious response by the Buhari camp to a simple statement that their almost-70 principal should retire is proof enough that a Buhari, the new Democrat, tolerant of views different from his own, is yet to evolve. And that is sad, for his fledgling party and its leadership. Buhari and his cohorts may wish to reflect that it will take more than attacks on personalities to become electable. Having seen his version of discipline, Nigerians are not likely to cherish an encore. But they will welcome an engagement with the issues and problems of everyday life that have hobbled the peoples of this land.

Muyiwa Adekeye
Media Adviser to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai
October 4, 2010

We the spokespersons of the Presidential Candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP); the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) wish to clear the air on the matter of the presidential debate organised by NN24 so that our teeming supporters and Nigerians in general will understand and appreciate our position.
We had held series of clear-the-air meetings under the auspices of the organisers at which logical and other arrangements for the debate were exhaustively discussed.
The representative of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Dr. Doyin Okupe, was in attendance and actively participated in all deliberations.
It was at Dr. Okupe’s instance that the two dates earlier proffered by the organisers; March 8th and 15th as contained in the memorandum of understanding signed by the three candidates were rejected because according to him, those dates were not convenient for his candidate. Dr. Okupe, on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, suggested the March 18th date in which the debate was successfully held.
All of us accepted this date not because it was convenient for our Principals, but as our sacrifice to afford Nigerian voters an opportunity to assess and judge the candidates’ programmes as well as personality under the spotlight.
For emphasis, we had to adjust our respective campaign time tables at great logistics costs to us as our sacrifices for the growth of the culture of debate as an essential ingredient of the open society.
We indeed bent backwards for the office of the President even when we are fully aware that the occupant is no more than a co-contestant in the context at it were.
But the there is a limit to which we can subject ourselves to this sheer impunity of the ruling party which they have flunked on our faces as a people in the last 12 years. The PDP has a record of shunning every Presidential debate since 1999.
We are highly suspicious of the celebrated romance with the BON debate by the president Jonathan’s camp which shunned the NN24 debate without an apology. We can only hazard that since most of the agencies organizing the BON debate are government parastatals, the organizers may not be in a position to resist the request for advance questions being given to the debates in which the NN24 agreed with us because they were independent. This does not mean that the men and women running these agencies lack integrity but the awe some power of the presidency may be too much for them.
Our principals being men of dignity with high regard for the people of Nigeria will not be part of such orchestrated charade of a D. Banjis “kokolete” debate.
Like millions of other Nigerians, we consider this behaviour of the president as egotistical, condescending and unbecoming of a man seeking a mandate to govern Nigeria. Leadership entails humility and respect for others.
A situation where the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation deliberately set out to humiliate other Presidential Candidates by reneging on an agreement it proposed is unacceptable to us and the millions of our supporters.
Consequently, we state without ambiguity that our principals will not honour any debate session with president Goodluck Jonathan in the 2011 elections as he has arrogantly shunned the credible debate for which we made ourselves available.
Future presidents of Nigeria will have to be more careful in dealing with the feelings of others.

Signed:

Sule Yau Sule
Deputy Director Communications, Shekerau for Nigeria

Yinka Odumakin
Spokesperson for General Muhammedu Buhari

Ibrahim Modibbo
Director of Media and Communications
Ribadu Presidential Campaign Team

Dear Compatriots,

Every great journey in fulfillment of a dream begins with a single step. We have started ours and we invite you to join us to be part of this epochal journey. Our fathers fought and obtained independence for us. Their lofty dreams were built on the promise of a better tomorrow. For the past fifty years, we have hoped and struggled to make those dreams a reality.

Our nation’s recent golden jubilee celebrations, although marred by unfortunate loss of lives, provided the backdrop for a sober reflection on our journey these past fifty years, and also an examination of the policies of the ruling party since 1999. The overwhelming consensus is that we have underperformed given the country’s enormous endowment in both human and material resources. The nation’s social and economic indicators are startlingly weak. Regional and civil conflicts are on the rise, threatening social cohesion and national security. Ordinary Nigerians are beginning to question the value of democracy and even the necessity of staying together as one people in a country where things no longer seem to work.

We are on the threshold of another general election, the fourth since the restoration of democracy. I believe this is an opportunity for change, to orientate our shared values into restoring the foundations of our nation. I believe it is possible to build a united Nigeria devoid of ethnic or religious conflicts; a Nigeria where the well-being of the people is of paramount importance; a Nigeria that inspires the highest level of patriotism in her citizens. I believe that it is possible to ensure justice for the people, the security of lives and property, and the peace and stability which would engender growth and development.

Today, we have a great opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and make meaning of our political independence. We have embarked on this struggle because we believe in the lofty idea that every Nigerian should be proud to call this country home.

This is our chance as young and patriotic Nigerians to make a difference. We do not claim to be the only repository of knowledge and ideas of what this country needs to move forward, but we dare to dream. Come and parley with us so that together can find answers to our problems.

Join us at the Gamji Multipurpose Hall, Hassan Usman Katsina Park (formerly Gamji Gate) Swimming Pool Road, behind Police College in Kaduna on Friday, March 11, at 9.am.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Nuhu Ribadu

Presidential Candidate, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)