SHOWDOWN: Possible outcome of 2011 elections

ANCHORED BY: CHIDI CHINEDU

GUESTS: ILEMONA ONOJA (A Lawyer and social activist)
FAVOUR AFOLABI ( Political commentator)

Chidi: To discuss the issues here in the studio today we have two vibrant men. My quest on this show "the youth are not smiling" but i think today we have a reason to smile because the (IGP) Inspector General of police said today in the news that people could use their camera phones and gadgets at election sites. Isn't that interesting?

Onoja: It is in many ways objectory for people who intend just to have free and fair election, but due to financial problems to enforce discipline, ensure that no rigging at the polls and to collate evidence to show where any rigging had occurred and how to use that videos and pictures taken as concrete evidence.

Afolabi: when I heard the news on the web, I was so surprised it was true the IGP said no phones and device are allowed in the first place.

What exactly are the people looking for in the 2011 elections? Many people said we want the PDP out of power, and some other people are saying we want good governance. So what should the youths be looking at is it the PDP or a good leadership?

Onoja: I will think we are looking for good governance, in this election we are going to be voting personalities and not parties. We need to look at candidates that are available across the political parties and pick the people who authored good governance in terms of accountability, integrity, and proper application of our resources.
Why i refuse to agree that PDP is not practicing good governance. I agree to some peoples' opinion. We had very good performing PDP governors like the Cross River state governor. With all the governor has done, I think the place is a better place now.

Afolabi: In my own case. I think young people should be careful about unnecessarily drawing into partisanship. I have heard a lot of young people saying they are voting for PDP at the national level, and at the same time voting for ACN in Lagos.

So I asked my self that what exactly are we looking for. Are we looking for good governance or a party? We are looking for good governance.
People need to be careful about blind partisanship.

Now we are looking at the new development in the political clime. In view of the elections. Yesterday we had the MDG debate session and it was more or less like a monologue for the vice presidential aspirant of the PDP. Do you think the political parties that pulled out were justified?

The allegation made by these parties is that the President had access to the questions to be asked at the debate. If we look at it from another perspective we will say they were trying to be safe, not wanting to go to a particular place and have the results embarrassed. But then again in this campaign, it must be a clearly mapped campaign. I think they made quite a lot of mistake. It's been thought they were better than the president if there message was we are better than the president at the moment and we seek to take his job.

Do you think primarily they should have focused on the interest of the Nigerian people?

Yes. The debates were not about President Jonathan. The debates were about 150 million Nigerians who want to hear from their current leader and people aspiring for political office. Good number of people have said since this people are being arrogant definitely there is noting different between over the issue of attending debates.

In your opinion do you think we can actively prevent rigging in elections?

We can do is to we come out in mass to vote.

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SHOWDOWN : Security and crime

Date: 24th of March 2011

Topic: Security and crime

Guests: Deputy Supritendent of Police, Mr Jinadu Samuel . and Mr Wale Adedayo ( A seasoned Journalist and Political Consultant.)

Programme Anchored by: Mr Chinedu Chidi.

Chidi: Towards the 2011 general elections, how prepared are the police towards free, fair and credible election in Nigeria?

Jinadu: The Towards the forthcoming election We are ready to provide security. But the issue of providing good security should not be left to the police alone. We have to work with other security outfit to ensure free, fair and credible election.
We have had cases of pre-election violence , clashes and violence in Nigeria, what will the police do to have a better security system to ensure we do not have such events?
So many activities that can curb the spate of electoral violence has been put in place. Presently orientation of our officers and the INEC officials has been going on for some time, and we have succeeded in conducting interactive sessions and forums with the police officers. We are organizing this forum and training to help combat election violence and clashes in the 2011 elections.
Are the police and the SSS to handle the challenges
From journalistic perspective, looking at political assassinations in the past you will see that we are yet to get results. Are you confident that the police has the capacity to actually address the political challenges we have in terms of political crises?

Mr Wale: Yes I believe The Nigerian police have the capacity to deliver excellent results. The challenges we have is what other countries have. This is beyond democracy. People have lost hope in the security situation of Nigeria. We want the police to discharge their duties without fear or favor .We have want the police to be transparent in their investigations, if right justice is done, it will bring confidence to those who want to consider self help as the last option.

Jinadu: I want to assure Nigerians that the Nigerian police will perform beyond expectation in the 2011 election, we are going to try all our best in discharging our duties and providing good security for the citizens of this nation.

From objective perspective, how scare are you for the 2011 election?

Wale: I am not scared, I believe the police and the SSS would be on top of their game. We will have a peaceful election if these security outfits in question discharge their duties accordingly by providing adequate security. In doing this the police and the SSS would earn the trust of Nigerians.
As a journalist what do you think the journalists can do to contribute positively to the 2011 elections?

Wale: Well journalist will ensure to be positive as much as possible. But I need to say Nigerian government and the police should ensure justice, perpetrator of crimes should be brought to book. If the culture of fairness in justice is cultivated in Nigeria people will have confidence in the police and the rest of the security outfits.
What will you tell Nigerians concerning the forthcoming 2011 elections?
I will like to tell all Nigerians that the police are ready to give maximum protection, we will do all our best to get positive results in the 2011 election.

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Showdown presidential debate with Bashorun Dele Momodu

Guest in the studio is: Mr Dele Momodu presidential aspirant of the National Conscience Party (NCP)

Panellists are:
Adedunmade Onibokun

Temitope Atiba

 Toyosi Akerele

Mr Dele Momodu; I urge Nigerian to come out and vote because the ruling
party has been in power for 12 years, and twelve years of hardship and no action, so for a change all we just need is just to go out there and cast our vote.

Toyosi: If you become president of Nigeria today, how would you empower Nigerians to hold you accountable just in case don't deliver on our aspirations?

Dele Momodu: It will be impossible for me to be a president and not deliver. I am a
technocrat who is going to use the platform of politics to change Nigeria. So if you look at it 15 years ago, I promised Africans that I will deliver the best magazine in the world. I did it, it's about track record.

Toyosi: Young Nigerians will like to know how exactly would you empower Nigerians to hold you accountable?

Dele Momodu: To be a leader it is by trust, everyone who knows me know that when I say
something I will do it and I am always effective in all I do. In 1993 I worked with Chief M.K.O Abiola during the June 12 election and when that
election was annulled I was among the one of the first people that was arrested by the Babangida regime. He left me Abacha came and charged me
for treason, all this did not deter me from identifying with the people. So we are looking at consistency a lot of who are coming into politics today have
no pedigree.

Temitope Atiba: Ovation magazine is known to celebrate wealthy people in the society, and some people that were celebrated over time are the people we generally see
as corrupt. With the cordial relationship with this people, how do you intend to bring them to book?

Dele Momodu: A good reporter is to report without fear or favour.  In fact Ovation has
promoted Africans, Ovation has really helped and impacted positively in Nigeria. Ovation has also created employment opportunities for the youths
and for various calibres of people like musicians and so on.

Unknown to you, I am the most consistent writer, writings essays about issues
affecting Nigeria since 1987. So there is no way I could be biased.

Adedunmade : Despite billions that have been invested in the power sector there seems to
be no viable change.  How do you intend to put an end to the power
generation problem in this country?

Dele Momodu: I will be a leader who from day one make the best use of what we have at hand, after that we can now implement institutions that will look into what has been done in the past. When a country has a good leader then there will
be enough facilities to work with.

Adedunmade: Are you saying that you are not going to look into those people that have
collected such contracts, to verify if they were actually executed or not?

Dele Momodu: My immediate priority is to is to redeem this nation from its present state
the country. …if I decide to probe everyone a lot of  time would  be spent on that and at the end of the day I might not be able to deliver anything.

Toyosi: There are so many challenges in the country. The lecturers are on strike,
there is cultism in our universities, and there is no job around. Can you tell us some of the strategies you will use in tackling these nagging problems?

Dele Momodu: As you know I am a young man, and the only candidate today who has publicly announced that I will create 200,000 jobs if elected in the 2011 elections. That is why Nigerians should stop listening those who have been their
performances right now. Nigerians must learn from successful people who have
done successful businesses. We will encourage people to have a feasible business plan. Another plan is to invest into farming to produce billionaire farmers in the country.

Toyosi: When you decleared to contest for the presidency in the 2011 election, how did your constituency and Nigerians react to this?

Dele Momodu: That is the problem Nigeria is facing with the media, the media in Nigeria
believes that when you are in government, then you are not a successful man. I assure that miracle will happen in Nigeria because most of the
people you call youth leaders today are just hypocrite who are lying to the youths.

Toyosi: How do you plan to solve the problems in the education sector?

Dele Momodu: To alleviate the problem Nigeria is facing in the education sector, my
government will ensure three basic things are done. Number one is to upgrade all our schools nationwide because it is important for students to learn in a comfortable and conducive environment.

The second action plan is to re-train our teachers. We will create avenue for teachers to acquire more knowledge. And the third plan is to revive and
restructure the whole academic curriculum.

Adedunmade: What are your plans for the nagging problems in the Niger Delta?

Dele Momodu: The only solution to the problems in the Niger Delta is to provide the basic
amenities like good roads, clean water and other necessary things for people of the region.

Toyosi: How will you rate the performance of President Good luck Jonathan in the
past 9 months?

Dele Momodu: I will say nothing has happened in the past 9 months, we have no good roads,
no electricity, and everything is just the same.
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SHOWDOWN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

GUEST: Dr Chris Nwokobia (Presidential candidate for the Liberal Democratic party of Nigeria)

PANELISTS IN THE STUDIO: Ms Toyosi Akererele Managing Partner of RISE networks

Mr Tope Falade (Youth Advocate)

Mr Adekunle Sanusi.

Presidential Interactive Session
Program organised by Toyosi Akerele, Managing Partner of RISE Networks
Aired on the Channels Television Lagos.

Anchored by: Chinedu Chidi

In the studio today is the presidential candidate for the Liberal Democratic party of Nigeria, Dr Chris Nwokobia.

Dr Chris Nwokobia: Historically the most vibrant age is the age of the youth, We live in a highly progressive world where the challenges of youths are more significant than adults, and that is why I salute what you are doing, that is why I am on, being the youngest presidential candidate in the camp, and the first person to start on this. Some few days ago I was forty years old, and that is our basic constitutional will for contesting for the presidency. I want that we should see the age of youth as an age of change. We have had 50 years of waste, in democracy we've had 12 years of failed promises, and so I have reasons to be challenged.
More than ever before, we need a new era, a new day, a new dispensation and a new hope. I am passionate about a new Nigeria, I am passionate about a new dawn, I am passionate about a new republic, and that is why I am contesting.
Chidi: Are you campaigning at all?
I have volunteers across the country, I have dedicated Nigerians across the country, who are willing and ready to volunteer service across the 120,000 polling centres without being paid a dime.
What are some of the things you noticed in the Nigerian society and how do you think you will make a change?
About solution to Nigeria's problem, don't you think you should have started from a low process rather than the presidency?
The challenges of the highly productive is for change to come from the front. If we begin to think of sparking off a change from the minute level, we may never get to achieve anything.

The straggliest presidency in the world is our presidency, that's why we need a man who really cares about the country, we need a man who is patriotic, and that is what I believe I represent and also the challenges that has occupied and optimized my candidacy.
Countries like the Benin republic and Ghana have conquered power problems, but we still have epileptic power problem in Nigeria.
I am saying if am voted in as the president in the 2011 general elections, that I will supply and provide power in 12 months

Toyosi Akerele: Politicians have made promises and broken promises. Will you like to share the strategy actualizing the plan if voted in as the president in the 2011 elections?

Based on assumption that you already know is wrong with our examination bodies like WAEC, NECO, JAMB. Why is the division in what the schools feed the students and what is being released as results?

The truth is that we don't need examination bodies like JAMB and Nigerians know that. We don't need an examination body to sell 2 million forms for spaces that can only accommodate 250,000 students. The solution to the problem in this area is to set curricular for these schools and allow them to set entrance examination themselves, rather than taxing people to pay and pass examinations and at the end of the day not getting admitted.
If you should take a look at the corruption from 1999 to date, are we making progress or is it a case of retrogression. What is your opinion?

The fight against corruption has been dramatic, it has move from reality and uprightness for example, in the era of the former president Olusegun Obasanjo. The anti corruption agency were against those that were perceived as the enemy of president while those that were the friend of the president had some kind of shield that protected them.

In my regime, the fight against corruption is going to be intensive like it is being practiced in the U.S and Canada. For example if a man becomes a Councillor, a local government chairman or a governor with just 2 cars in his garage, and after four years he owns 13 cars then he must be able to give an account of those cars.

What are your plans for job creation?
About 5,000 companies has folded up in 2 years because of lack of power in the country. So when power is restored we will have 5,000 companies back on track. If 5,000 companies come back into production in Nigeria we will have nothing less than 5 million jobs.
What we need in Nigeria is to restore the energy sector first. Our three points of agenda goes in line with this vision. It is called the 3Es. Energy, Education and Employment/Empowerment.

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YOUTH CORPERS;Our only way of getting things right.

History has shown that elections in Nigeria are always marred by violence and wide scale election rigging,that's why unscrupulous politicians who have the best rigging machinery always end of winning elections. Nigerians are shouting ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and demanding that elections be free and fair but what they fail to understand is that, there is no iota of integrity in the politics of today and if we want free and fair elections we must monitor april elections and resist election rigging in whatever form.

Coincidentally or may I say by an act of God we youths are in the exact position to determine if this april elections would be rigged or not. It is a common technique of election rigging that the ballot papers are snatched or collected,thumb printed in the privacy of enclosed environs and later returned to INEC for counting,if the ballot papers cannot be snatched,the INEC agents are then bribed to thumb print all the ballot papers in the favour of a political party,video footage was shown recently in the last Governorship elections in osun state,where 2 men all by themselves thumb printed all the ballot papers in favour of PDP while a 3rd man put them into the ballot box.

Answer the following question;
which group of people would be kept in charge of ballot boxes in the coming april elections?. The answer is INEC officials who are members of the NYSC,that's right,youths like you and I have been the ones selling away our birth rights for 2000 naira. NYSC members have consciously aided politicians rig elections,even many of them have been arrested and charged to court for these offence.

What is the essence then of raising our voices against corruption or no power supply or of lack of jobs,we sold our birthright for chicken change and now we suffer in our foolishness. As long as NYSC members and other youths continue to help rig elections,the coming april elections would therefore be no different from what has transpired over the years and we all just better settle down for another four years of heavy suffering even amidst plenty of resources.

During the 2003 elections,I happened to be an undergraduate and witnessed one of such recruitment. On the friday evening before the election,a bus drove round my campus (O.O.U) and a young man was enticing guys with the words easy money and runs. All the people who volunteered were taken to a local food canteen where they were served food and cheap alcohol till they could eat and drink no more,they were housed in a cheap guest house and early on the day of election,they were distributed 2 persons to each polling centre and armed with cutlasses with which they threatened and molested the crowd,others were given guns and asked to snatch ballot boxes. Upon completion they were each paid 1,500 naira and because of that amount they elected a Governor who did not maintain the infrastructure in their schools,there was no security and thus they were often attacked and killed by indigenes of the town,2000 people were asked to use a lecture hall with a capacity for 500,their certificates are rejected as substandard, Why do they now complain when they caused it with their own actions.

It is a rare opportunity that we youths are blessed with,to be shouldered with the responsibility of administering the Nation wide elections,it is a time we should use to prove men like IBB wrong,men that believe the Nigerian youths cannot be trusted with anything. It is a time youths should stand firm and support their advocacy with action, a time where we must all chose a path of integrity if we intend to save our Nation and better our lot in this country.

Help save Nigeria,talk to your brothers,sisters,cousins,uncles and friends who are youth corpers, they must all shun rigging,let all youth corpers stand together as one and say "THERE WILL BE NO RIGGING IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS,NOT ON THEIR WATCH.
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SHOWDOWN;POLITICAL PARTIES AND THEIR USEFUL PLAN

Nigerians advocate for young and bright minds in politics, Action Congress of Nigeria Minority Leader in the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, Mr. Ife Oyedele Congress for progressive change (CP C )Party member and Mr Raheem Ajayi the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Youth and Sports were the guest on the fouth day of the election Showdown aired on channels TV Lagos today.

Democracy is the buzz word for our political system. But is it really so? Is it democracy that a nation where a majority of population is below 40 elects a majority of people above 60 to power? Are we really satisfied with the way our country is being governed? Should it not bother us that at the age people generally take retirement and rest, our politicians actually become eligible to be at the helm of affairs? Why is it so that people below 50 years are considered as political 'kids'?
The youth is a source of dynamic energy and untapped power, which, if channelled in the right direction can do wonders to the current political setup.
There can be two reasons for this deplorable scene of Nigerian politics. One may be that the youth today are not interested in actively participating in the political field. They are content with what they are doing and how the country is being governed. But this reason seems to hold no ground seeing the discontent shown by the youngsters towards Issues like unemployment, power generation etc. The youth of Nigeria are aware of the problems facing our country. Given a chance they would be ready to change the political condition of the country for better.
Action Congress of Nigeria Minority Leader in the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Gbajabiamila stated clearly the Youths are to be blamed for not participating in Politics. He said political parties are meant for the whole generation and not restricted to the old people alone. He gave examples of countries that produced presidents below 30 years of age. He added that Action Congress of Nigeria has produced young, vibrant and intelligent people in Nigeria's politics.

Reacting to what Mr Oyedele said, he noted that to make positive impact on the lives of Nigerian citizen, it is not when the presidential candidate is full of energy and young as speculated.

He encouraged young Nigerians to get involved in politics, that the process of becoming a party member is an easy task.
Mr Femi Gbajabiamila said: "The party has two constitutional requirements for voting. The candidate must be up to 18 years old, and must be a citizen of Nigeria before a membership card can be issued."
He added that, "ACN promotes Youth participation which is evident in Nuhu Ribadu and Fola Adeola as the Party's Flag bearer.
ACN is glad to show that the young people are taking active and commendable lead roles in the activities of its party."

There is need to for a party to have an ideology. He brought to bare their Party Ideologies stating that the Action Congress of Nigeria shares the principle of true federalism.

Ways to recognise youth in the political scene in Nigeria was also discussed on the program.

Mr. Ife Oyedele from C P C expressed emphatically on the need for the Wisdom of the Old people and the combination of the Youth to take Nigeria to her promise land. He said our generation is not taking steps that will effect changes in the way we live. " if we don't take immediate steps on making the nation a better place, our children would spit on our graves when we eventually die.

He further lamented about the way which the country is being governed presently.
Oyedele on the programe also commended the presidential candidate of the CPC General Muhamad Buhari on his laudable record on achievements while he was the president of Nigeria. He added that he is a good example of people that Nigeria need for a viable change in the 2011 elections.
He implored Nigerians to vote for his party in the 2011 election, because CPC will to restructure the system of education in Nigeria.

Mr Raheem Ajayi, He said his party is the most flexible and youth friendly among all political parties in Nigeria today.

He also cited examples on how Nigerians were able to afford basic amenities in the past compared to the situation being witnessed at present.
Raheem said that he thinks young people cannot be given chance to handle sensitive positions in Nigeria. He added that," Right from primary school, they've been telling us that children are the future of tomorrow, but now they conclude we are not good enough to be leaders. How many opportunities have been given to the youths in any of these political parties?"

He added that that CPC Nigeria was formed by a group of intelligent people to help youths in Nigeria actualise their dreams and aspirations.
The dabate was rounded up by Mr. Ife Oyedele highlighting what the masses would benefit if his party emerged as the winner of the 2011 elections.

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SHOWDOWN DAILY REVIEW

2011 Elections Young Professionals Prepare Government and INEC for Technology Revolution.

Yesterday marked the third day of the commencement of election Showdown aired on channels TV in Lagos. Featuring Mr. Nwoye Osita , Mr. Busayo Akanro and as discussants
The participants discussed the role of social media and technology as viable tools of change in electoral reform. The show was anchored by Chinedu Chidi.
Chinedu Chidi got the participants into discussion by asking how ready Nigerians are for the 2011 Elections using the Social Media?
Mr Busayo Akanro, a A Nation Builder estimated percentage of the ICT growth in Nigeria at about 60%. He emphasized that masses can produce contents that have positive impact on the media like text messages, and videos and upload them on social networking platforms on the internet with the use of today's cutting edge technology.
He also gave insight on how the internet can be a useful source of free information while enabling users to be in control of whatever information they wish to share. He added that the anonymity of the internet and some technology devices further makes it easy to share information as no permission, licence or information bill is required to disseminate information.
The guest Osita Nwoye, Internet Consultant argued the perception that the internet can or technology can do everything as sighted by Bisayo. In his words, "There is no amount of what we do electronically for example on Blackberry of Facebook that can replace how it could be done in reality.
He agreed to the fact that, the social networking platforms are going to be very useful in this period of elections, because it is going to be used to monitor activities at the polls to prevent electoral frauds. He said " We will not leave it in their hands, we will tweet, facebook, send sms, and pictures to find out if there is electoral violence or not. Clips of video taken will be posted on youtube communicated across to the people. So that anyone that rigs would be disgraced on Facebook,Twitter and all the internet blogs. This is to ensure that people are carried along and not waiting for INEC."

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A FEW GOOD MEN 2

Major-General Buhari was selected to lead the country by middle and high-ranking military officers after a successful military coup d'etat that overthrew civilian President Shehu Shagari on December 31, 1983. Buhari was appointed Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and Tunde Idiagbon was appointed Chief of General Staff (the de facto #2 in the administration). Buhari justified the military's seizure of power by castigating the civilian government as hopelessly corrupt, and his administration subsequently initiated a public campaign against indiscipline known as "War Against Indiscipline (WAI)." Despite authoritarian tendencies, the campaign is still lauded by many to have instilled the most orderly conduct of public and private affairs in Nigeria since its independence in 1960

Buhari was himself overthrown in a coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida on August 27, 1985 and other members of the ruling Supreme Military Council (SMC) ostensibly because he insisted on investigating allegations of fraudulent award of contracts in the Ministry of Defense. If that investigation had been carried through, it is believed that many senior military officers would have been implicated. Buhari's insistence on this investigation was to become his fait accompli. A Palace Coup was planned and carried out by Gen Ibrahim Babangida and some senior military officers whose necks were heading for the chopping block following the conclusion of the investigation.[citation needed] Without a doubt, this would have become Buhari's and Idiagbon's most bitter and shocking lesson on how endemic and widespread corruption had become in Nigeria.

Buhari served as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, a body created by the Government of General Abacha, and funded from the revenue generated by the increase in price of petroleum products from , to pursue developmental projects around the country. His transparent and efficient handling of this agency endeared him to Nigerians.

Buhari is the only former head of state who has never really been accused of public embezzlement or corrupt practises. His integrity endears him to the hearts of young people across Nigeria.,who look up to him as a role model.

Retired General Muhammadu Buhari, who is also the presidential candidate for one of Nigeria's main opposition parties, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) will now face other Presidential candidates in the upcoming April 2011 general election, amongst them are President Goodluck Jonathan of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

(Culled frm Wikipedia)
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Disaster in Asia

On the 11th of march,an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 hit the northern coast of japan and triggered a tsunami that caused major destruction.

Thousands of lives have since been reported dead or missing.
As the world watches,we cannot begin to understand what these people are presently going through except we have once experienced same.

As we count our blessings in Nigeria for having never experienced such,we must continue to reach out to the people of japan in our prayers and support,a lot of us even have families there.
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SHOWDOWN PRESS RELEASE

YOUTH OPEN A NEW CHAPTER IN REVOLUTIONARY ELECTORAL ADVOCACY AS RISE NETWORKS LAUNCHES DAILY PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHANNELS TELEVISION AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.
For Immediate Release:
A leading Youth Development Firm in Nigeria, RISE Networks has concluded plans for a Television Program tagged Nigeria's 2011 Elections SHOWDOWN with the slogan, "anything about without us is not for us" to be aired on Channels daily at 3.15pm - 4pm on weekdays from March 14th till April 22nd.
The focus of the Program is for Young Nigerians to match advocacy with action through a peaceful revolutionary platform and the pivotal role of RISE is to inform and enlighten young people on their fundamental rights as major determinants of winners and losers in the electoral process while also demanding accountability from elected office holders at all Levels of Government. The ignominious state of Nigeria as a Nation of educated illiterates, Jobless Graduates, Crime, poverty and an unstable economy is as a result of the hitherto abysmal failure of Leadership in Nigeria and its attendant saddening impact on the citizenry, especially the most significant voting bloc, the Youth who form 55percent of the entire Nation's population. Speaking in Lagos at a World Press Briefing in the week, Toyosi Akerele, the Executive Director of RISE Networks explained to Press men that one of the major purposes for conceptualizing and hosting the Television Program is to institutionalize credible and accountable Leadership at all levels of Government through Mass Sensitization using all available Media, online and offline, local and international. She added that Rise has impactful and massive presence in about 15 Nigerian States across all the 6 geo-political zones and they will leverage on this advantage to deploy relevant electoral and advocacy information to all classes of young people in various communities in the Country. While responding to some of the questions posed by Youth Stakeholders present at the press briefing.

STRATEGIC PLAN
SHOWDOWN
Focus: Young Nigerians match advocacy with action

What, Why and How?
Inform and enlighten young people on their fundamental rights
Demand accountability from elected office holders at all Levels of Government

What is the Issue?
Nigeria's Failed Leadership

What is the Vision of Showdown?
To institutionalize credible and accountable Leadership at all levels of Government through Mass Sensitization using all available Media, local and international
Scrolling on-screen during the Show
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ANNOUNCEMENTS DURING THE SHOW:
Ways you can be part of SHOWDOWN:
 Participate in our Election Poll. Go to www.risenetworks.org/showdown and vote for who you will want to be Nigeria's President. You can also vote through by sending us sms through our short code. Daily Results will be announced and shown on Channels Television
 We will like to invite objective and change driven Young persons who are non-partisan as Discussants with some of the Presidential candidates on the Program, if you are interested, send a mail containing your name, phone, state of residence to info@risenetworks.org. Please note that if you are coming on the Show from outside Lagos, you will have to take responsibility for your travel and accommodation expense.
 We need your inputs and ideas on anti-rigging measures to be implemented during the forthcoming elections
 For your Showdown Advocacy Materials, rush to www.risenetworks.org/showdown or call 0706.054.5017, 0706.054.5018 or email rise@risenetworks.org or info@risenetworks.org
 Use SHOWDOWN LOGO as your Blackberry, Facebook and twitter profile photos and status updates.
 As at today, apart from Channels Television as our Lead Sponsor who donated our Airtime for this Program completely free of charge for 30 straight days and other supporting Media Firms such as bellanaija.com, Lindaikeji.blogspot, The Nation and The Sun who have donated full pages for our daily analysis and reviews, we haven't received and financial contribution from any Corporate Entity nor Individual as yet. We need young people to join forces with us and donate their services and expertise to showdown in any little way possible. Thank You!

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Take Off Police Caps and Put ON a Thinking Cap.

My Dear IGP,
I think I might have to request for a sabbatical leave from the Police Force because lately I have been having this senseless thoughts in my head. Sir, I consider them senseless because they do not conform with Your wisdom let alone any rational thinking. Sir, I have admired with greatest sense of respect the way Ў☺ΰ have starred the Affairs of the Police force since Ў☺ΰ resumed office.
My admiration assumed it's peak when I heard of your response to the crime rate that has made our society a high risk area. I am very impressed by the new policy that all tint should be removed so that we can see through the glass of every vehicle. It is a very lofty idea to take down all tint, tint permit or not, compassionate grant of tint permit or not, government officials or not and notwithstanding cost.
At a first and pedestrian point of view that is gallant and unbiased, especially since kidnappers have been hiding behind tinted glasses.
However Sir, since we started going out to implement this policy some stupid Nigerians have been knocking irrational thinking into my knuckle head. The other day, while removing a man's tint as Ў☺ΰ instructed, He stood by and folded his arms, He appeared to be a good fellow calm and Law abiding I was even wondering why such a gentleman did not comply before it got to this, then he engaged me in a conversation
Gentleman:
"oga police' do kidnappers make their victims seat conscious and comfortable in the car while they drive them away?"
Oga Police:
(I responded with utmost police pride) Of cause not! Some of them no dey know say them they kidnap them until later sef, if they are conscious they will restrain them and put them in d boot.
Gentleman:
Really? Cos I was just imagining how removing my tint solves that problem especially since I was granted a permit on compassionate grounds. But now that Ў☺ΰ have removed my tint Ў☺ΰ'll allow the sun to blind my eye and u sef no go see kidnappers way Ў☺ΰ dey find. Ў☺ΰ no go see kidnappers and I no go see road that way, Police is still as blind and I stand a great risk of loosing my sight.
Oga Police:
Ok... Na because of your eye them give Ў☺ΰ tint permit?
Gentleman:
Yes, I duly applied with medical report and was made to Pay N12,000. I know many people that payed even more to get their tint permit from the police force.
Oga Police:
Na Abuja Ў☺ΰ collect am?,
Gentleman:
Yes,
Oga Police:
No wander, because if na lagos or other states na 15K,
Gentleman:
I wonder if the Police authorities calculated the cumulative cost of all tint permits that will be destroyed before commencing this exercise?
By this time I was done taking down his tint. He was so calm and wore a smile on his face as he shook my hand and introduced himself as Daniel.
Sir, as he drove off, I paused for a while to meditate on duty Sir, I apologise but it occurred to me that if we paused to meditate before implementing policies, maybe we'll do things differently but I have come to understand better now Sir, it is I who has the problem because many things became clearer to me after the meditation.
This removal of tint undermines the credibility of all tint permit ever issued. It goes to show that the police has rubbed the public of funds (N12,000 per tint). Because if the process of issuing tint permit was credible in itself, this operation will not be necessary. Instead, at police checkpoint all we'll investigate is whether or not the car has tint permit and the authenticity of the document so that where the document is certified OK, the officer in line of duty is rest assured that the owner has no ulterior motive for "tinting" his car. And where the document is not available or forged, the driver becomes a suspect and can be detained so that it even affords the police a chance to thoroughly interrogate him which of cause could help curb a wider spectacle of crimes apart from kidnapping.
Sir, I even foolishly considered it more reasonable that instead of removing tint and letting drivers go, we can issue a notice to say that in view of crime rate all tinted vehicles should be stopped and searched and holders of tint permit are encouraged to cooperate with police in verifying the authenticity of tint permits. It occurred to me that this measure will be fair to all, the cumulative cost incurred in securing tint permits does not go to waste, the credibility of tint permit will become more credible, the integrity of the police will be preserved and Police does not compromise compassion which is good PR and a means of assuring the Public that police cares about their eyes and other health hazards related to harshness of weather conditions.
I was brought back to consciousness by the bleating sound coming from the horn of macopolo the road giant. I shook my head as if to shake off the thought and put back on my police cap to resume duty.
Sir I did not arrive at any logical conclusion as to what to put in my report on the exercise until I got home exhausted that night and took off my cap for the second time that day so I decided maybe I need a leave so I can take off the cap for a while perhaps I'll arrive at more logical conclusions.
Before Ў☺ΰ approve my leave Sir, do Ў☺ΰ think I'm sane?

From an Anonymous member of the Force called: Dayo Balogun(Not Tafa o!)

Written by: Dayo Balogun (Nigerian Lawyer and C.E.O Integrated Intel)
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SHOWDOWN

Before you understand the reasons for our showdown,you must first comprehend how actions of corrupt politicians directly affect you. In their hands they have Nigeria, they steal its resources,destroy its schools,sponsor chaos and cultism, paralyse its economy,fail to maintain its basic infrastructure and as a result we have no education,no good healthcare system,no power to generate energy,no jobs,no salary,no money,no food,no opportunities,no safety,dilapidated roads,and no moral value.

But they(POLITICIANS) have billions in their accounts,own property in major cities of the world,their children attend oxford and harvard universities,the family physician visits regularly from Germany,they ride in Helicopters, travel round the world for Holidays,they have 24hrs stand-by generations or use solar energy.

At the end,they groom their children to take over their positions. All these at your and my detriment. They say a revolution cannot happen in Nigeria,but why can't it,we are also suffering from similar problems like Egypt and Libya,we are being ruled by the same leaders that have been ruling us since 1966,the same leaders that for over 45years have continued to kill our Country and our future.

However as Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN said "it is not their age but the age of their ideas". They do not even realise that the revolution has already begun. It is time for a SHOWDOWN.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.

SHOWDOWN

Before you understand the reasons for our showdown,you must first comprehend how actions of corrupt politicians directly affect you. In their hands they have Nigeria, they steal its resources,destroy its schools,sponsor chaos and cultism, paralyse its economy,fail to maintain its basic infrastructure and as a result we have no education,no good healthcare system,no power to generate energy,no jobs,no salary,no money,no food,no opportunities,no safety,dilapidated roads,and no moral value.

But they(POLITICIANS) have billions in their accounts,own property in major cities of the world,their children attend oxford and harvard universities,the family physician visits regularly from Germany,they ride in Helicopters, travel round the world for Holidays,they have 24hrs stand-by generations or use solar energy.

At the end,they groom their children to take over their positions. All these at your and my detriment. They say a revolution cannot happen in Nigeria,but why can't it,we are also suffering from similar problems like Egypt and Libya,we are being ruled by the same leaders that have been ruling us since 1966,the same leaders that for over 45years have continued to kill our Country and our future.

However as Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN said "it is not their age but the age of their ideas". They do not even realise that the revolution has already begun. It is time for a SHOWDOWN.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.

SHOWDOWN 2011

Youths are finally taking a stand,we are moving from advocacy to
action. We are finally saying that youths are not smiling,we demand
that our leaders pay attention to Power,educational advancement, Value
orientation,employment generation and wealth creation.

This is finally a time for us to raise our voice,for us to champion
our cause and stand against unscrupulous politicians. Join 65 million
Nigerian youths as we vote to secure our future.

Watch SHOWDOWN on channels tv at 3:15pm everyday from the 14th of
March to the 22nd of April as we present the showdown youth
parliament,a program for youths by youths,where we bring before you
various candidates vying for political offices,you can ask them
questions that bother you and perceive their answers to determine
whether they meet your expectations.

Remember "anything about us,without us is not for us"

WHAT ABOUT US

The Political Landscape of Nigeria in the last 50 years of Independence has been captured and held to ransom by Godfathers, illiterate and ill meaning politicians and a Fraudulent Power drunk over-recycled group of people. The unimpressive performances of the old brigade political elite that has been characterized by ostentatious show of shame in different administrations has given rise to Ethnic, Religious and Political crisis consistently, Economic instability, jobless youths, dismal failure of our Educational System amongst several other hopeless scenarios.

The only concrete way through which we can institutionalize credible, effective and impactful leadership is that youths have to be less confrontational, extremely mature and engage on a mass widespread campaign to drive awareness that will inform and enlighten Young people on their fundamental rights while we demand accountability from elected Office Holders at all Levels of Government.

The Youth of Nigeria form 55percent of the Country's population and should be able to influence decisions and be considered as a major force in the nation. For too long, they have been relegated to the background.

There is a TV-based Show that will feature analysis, engagement, election polls and debates from an entirely young people's perspectives and will air LIVE on Channels Television from March 14th through April 1st! 

Some editions of the Live TV Show will feature, amongst several others, Presidential and Gubernatorial candidates to interface and engage with select Young People in a LIVE Youth Parliament! There will also be a Youth Presidential Debate where Youth Representatives of all Presidential Candidates (or their Parties) will debate against one another in a bid to convince millions of youth all over the Country why their Principals should be the President of Nigeria.

You are please invited to join RISE as Researcher, Writer, Advisor, Associate Producer (doesn't require any technical skill just general coordination of the Program) Stakeholder or just please spread the word through all your Networks.

RISE welcomes the participation of Nigerians within and outside Nigeria in any capacity and we will be grateful to receive ADVICE, SUGGESTIONS, COMMENTS and PRAYERS all the way! Please be invited to our first Core Group Meeting for all Team Members at 3pm on Saturday 5th March 2011 at The RISE Place.

Anything about us, without us is not for us, SHIKENA!
"NIGERIA's 2011 ELECTIONS SHOWDOWN".
Live 3.15pm on Channels Television daily from March 14th!

Contact Details of The Showdown Secretariat are 07060545017, 07060545018
RISE BBPIN:21676F3E!
rise@risenetworks.org
www.risenetworks.org!
The Rise Place
20 Bayode Oluwole str
By Balogun Str
Off Awolowo way Ikeja Lagos Nigeria! 

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PHCN - Please Hold Candle Nearby

Quote: "Brazil built a power plant of 120,000 MW in 3yrs with a loan which they also paid bck in 3yrs! South Africa gave a contract for a 5,000 MW power plant at a cost of just $3b!! PDP spent $17b in 11yrs & generated less than 2,000 MW!!!~ Alaka Akin

The Ado-Ekiti Business District of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) said it has generated the sum of N133.9million as revenue between December 2010 and January 2011 in the state.

The Business Manager of the district, Engineer Patrick Okhiria made the disclosure in Ado-Ekiti at a special prayer session and award of excellence to members of staff of the company organized by the Ado-Ekiti chapter of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).

If one state can generate such amount in one month,how much would the entire PHCN company in Nigeria generate in a year? Why have all those monies not been used in rebuilding the sector. The Government just ran our economy to the ground and squandered all our funds. We need a change in Nigeria,don't forget to vote for it.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.

A FEW GOOD MEN I

In Nigeria today, almost all our leaders do not know what true leadership means, I am sure majority of them skipped the part that said "service to the people" is the true aim and sole purpose of leadership, especially when it comes under political leadership. However,due to experience every Nigerian knows these men have done nothing but splurge our countries wealth on themselves and their families. They neglected much needed infrastructural development and embraced dubious ways. Now we the people pay for it by attending mediocre schools, visiting unequipped hospitals, driving on bad roads and having no electricity to power our homes and businesses. However,we thank God not all these men are rotten, for we still have a few good men amongst them and one of them is Femi Gbajabiamila.

Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila is a Nigerian Lawyer,politician under the Action Congress of Nigeria and Minority Whip of the House of Representatives representing Surulere I constituency of Lagos State.

I met him on January 16,2010 at a public presentation of a book held in honour of Hon. Justice Niki Tobi Jsc Rtd held at Musa Yar'adua centre,Abuja. After hearing him speak for a few minutes I had no doubt in my mind that I was looking at a very intelligent person and when I got closer I could not help but notice his humility and respect for people.

Femi Gbajabiamila attended Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos, King William's College on the Isle of Man, United Kingdom, John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois, United States, and the University of Lagos.

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is an honourable statesman whose excellent leadership at the House of Representatives is only rivalled by his passion for sustainable democracy and good governance.

He was tagged a good example when he was seen on a queue at the airport while waiting to buy a ticket from Abuja to Lagos,he stood on the fairly long queue, awaiting his turn. When asked why he did not bring his influence to bear to save his time. His response was spontaneous: "It's my nature and besides, those I met there were human beings like me. To me, my social and political position does not give me the licence to jump the queue.

Hon. Femi criticised the National Judicial Council (NJC) over Justice Ayo Salami of the Court of Appeal. Opposition parties in the House challenged the response of the NJC, in its paid advert. They noted that it did not address the allegations made in court and sworn to by Justice Salami and its gravity, adding that the allegations were sworn to and made under oath at the risk of Justice Salami perjuring himself.

 
"It must be investigated if only to bring sanity and build confidence in our judicial system. The learned justices know too well that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done," he added.

It is the few good men like this that still make us believe in the eventual success and growth of our great Nation. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is a worthy role model and a true representation of what a real Nigerian should be.
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