Haven't blogged in a while. Lots to talk about but been pretty busy with the day job.
However the news yesterday that the taciturn, chronically ill Yaradua had been selected as presidential candidate for the PDP and then that Goodluck, governor of Bayelsa state by default following the impeachment of his predecessor the thieving Alamieyeseigha, had been picked as his running mate sent me into a deep depression.
As everyone points out, Goodluck's wife is currently under investigation for money laundering, millions of dollars are mentioned- not bad for a former university lecturer and civil servant.
Apparently these two have been handpicked by Obasanjo to replace him. Obviously he cares more about immunity from prosecution than anything else. So much for his oft-vaunted patriotism then.
Everyone seems to be resigned to the fact that these two are a shoo in. Whatever happened to protest votes? According to the news reports, there was little in the way of celebration even from the delegates who voted for Yaradua whoe were said to have left the convention venue gloomily.
Would that the opposition would rally around say a Donald Duke and give Nigerians a true choice and voice. But there are probably greater chances of me seeing a pig whizz past the windows of my 5th floor office.
Weep my beloved country.
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7 comments:
Commiserations on your depression. No, I don't think that Yar'Adua is the ideal president - apart from his health, I'm still unsure about how committed he will be to economic reform. I have even less confidence in Jonathan who still seems dazed and confused by his appointment.
But perhaps the problem is that you've had (unduly) high expectations of civilian democracy in its first few years. For me, I ask only of two things from any incoming administration:
1. Maintain political stability (so that people can have the confidence to make business plans for the future without worrying about whether some mad man will come into government and enact crazy policies
2. Push on with the economic reform program (even if it is at a snail's pace) and carry on with the privatisation programme started by the Obasanjo administration.
Anything else is a bonus. :)
Welcome back. The combination of Yar Adua and Jonathan seems like a nightmare. Maybe we will soon wake up to better news. For now, I have lost all interest.
Nigerian politics could take a funny twist sometimes though. I just cant bring myself past that nightmare of such a combination when there are other high profile, unquestionably competent candidate , seeing to the stability of the country in whatever aspect is their mission.
What has Musa Yar'Adua got? Evidence of what he's capable of doing , rather than lead the nation? that I dont know about. He was a governor of a states but what happened to his achievement for the 4/8 years that he was there?
Nigerian politics is far from electing people that are competent for the position.
But forget it, the ailing Yar'Adua doesnt seem like an under-dog to me.......
I like your thoughts concerning Nigeria. Can you also blog for us? Check us out at www.africanpath.com and then let me know.
Hmm...there just might be a twist to this you know. I don't really think OBJ wants PDP to win this election afterall. Do we know who is standing for AD?
.... and weep we do!
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