The Team Ribadu Phenomenon

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Nuhu Ribadu and his youth voliunteers named "Team Ribadu"
By Chido Onumah

A few months ago, I wrote about the prospects of a Ribadu presidency and the great excitement it had generated. If that possibility seemed like a fantasy then, it looks more like a reality today thanks to the extraordinary efforts of young Nigerians.

Perhaps in response to the admonition of the philosopher and revolutionary, Franz Fanon, that each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it, Nigerian youth seem poised to take up the gauntlet to salvage Nigeria. They have come together to undertake this onerous task under the banner Team Ribadu.

Team Ribadu is a youth driven, flagship volunteer movement for the Nuhu Ribadu 2011 presidential bid. It is “a political movement, founded in recognition of the legitimate thirst of Nigerian youth for a new kind of leadership marked by integrity and competence. It seeks to harness and support the tidal wave of young people, who are eager to get involved in the electoral process, in order to create political and social change”.

To achieve this, Team Ribadu plans “to build a groundswell of motivated, committed and capable volunteers to not only ensure the right leaders are voted into political office in 2011, but also to ensure that these leaders are held accountable for their promises once elected into office”.

Clearly, more than anything else, the 2011 election will be a battle between the old order and the new; between whether we want change or more of the same. What these youth – some of them professionals, many of them students, and many more unemployed -- seem to be saying is they want to reclaim Nigeria and they have the capacity to do so.

These indefatigable young Nigerians are calling 2011 the Year of the Nigerian Youth Voter. According to a post on the team’s Facebook, “in 1993, IBB and his cabal annulled the popular will of Nigerians. Many of us were too young to vote then. But not anymore! We are conscious of the task that history has placed on our shoulders. If the task of our grandparents, many of whom were much younger than we are now, was to liberate our nation from the evils of colonialism, the task of our parents was to build a strong, prosperous, and united nation, an egalitarian society founded on the principle of social justice and freedom. Unfortunately, they failed woefully in that calling.

“But it is not enough to bemoan our situation or to perpetually play the blame game. We have the future of Nigeria literally in our hands. The question is: do we want to live the second half of the Nigerian century in darkness? The world is now electing young and visionary presidents with broader foreign policy perspectives, with notions and ideas of integrity, and above all with models of the future.”

Those behind the novelty, Team Ribadu, see in Nuhu Ribadu, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a once-in-a-generation opportunity to confront our problems as a nation. Ribadu brings compassion, integrity and a strong vision of the future. What else can one ask for in a country where the bankruptcy of leadership is the rule rather than the exception?

Team Ribadu is poised to be the most elaborate and sophisticated attempt by Nigerian youth to be a part of the democratic process. Understandably, it is gradually turning into a pop culture phenomenon. This weekend about 400 volunteer members across the country will gather in Abuja, the first of its kind in our tortuous political history, to parley with the man, Nuhu Ribadu, and fine-tune strategies for their roles in what will be, for most of them, the greatest opportunity as well as challenge of their lives. 

Of course, our youth have the vote and they know the power to make a difference is literally in their hands. Unlike other platforms that seek to mobilise Nigerian youth with money and other forms of gratification, the Team Ribadu platform, according to its founders, is powered by the conviction that young people can bring about the kind of change we desire in Nigeria.

I agree with the founders of Team Ribadu that the battle cry as we count down to 2011 should be register, vote, defend your vote!

Who says a New Nigeria is not Possible?

conumah@hotmail.com

 

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OGA TINUBU DONT DESTROY WHAT YOU HAVE BUILT

Oga Tinubu, you have really worked very hard, most especially in building the ACN party. You arte very lucky to have people like Chief Bisi Akande working with you. Ribadu is a game changer and an election anytime but I dont need to be a prophet to know that with this issue to a running mate, all you have built will crumble before you. I can understand, you want to recoup what you have spent and that must be the reason why you want your former commissioner Ben Akabueze to be the running mate, so that you can still have a bit of control. Why dont you for ones do things for the nation and not just yourself. The nation will forever be grateful to you because we know that if ACN wins, it is purely by your tireless and selfless hardwork.
Okonjo Iwela being a running mate to Ribadu will almost automatically earn you the votes of all the learned and very active youths of this country. All those that want probity, accountability and good governance will also cast their votes for your party. Even if there is something between you and Okonjo Iwela that we dont know and you cannot tell us, we can understand. But instead, why dont you nominate a performing governor like Babatunde Fashola regards of the fact that he's from the south west. I think we should really allow common sense to prevail here, instead of playing a kind of politics that will never allow you or your party to ever taste power. A word they say is enough for the wise.

please chose Ngozi Okonjo-iwela as your VP

Mallam Ribadu,
please ask Mrs Ngozi- Okonjo Iwela
to be tour VP candidate; and you will win handily.

The role of the youth in the national developmeent!

This is the time, that Nigerian youths should come out and join hand with the real youths Champion(Nuhu Ribadu)of our present generation.
Ribadu, welcome in the race for highest post in the land, the Nigerian youth will support you!

Team Ribadu on Facebook

Isn't this Team Ribadu thing like few days old?

Its gotten almost 3,000 members already on Facebook.

RIBADU:THE MESSIAH OR NOT?

First and foremost may i commend the author of that flowng piece being introduced by an immortal quotation of all ages( from Frantz Fanon).Ribadu is equal to the task and i dont have any doubt in my mind that he is the Messiah the Nigerian Youths are long waiting to take us to the desired promise land of integrity,honesty,accountability,transperency,fairplay among many others.Like the Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi,SAM,SAN,Mallam Ribadu,Ride on!You have indeed immortalised your name in the minds of most Youths.Not forgetting the love the older generation has for you when you carved a niche for yourself as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC)

RIBADU WAY TO GO

A Ribadu presidency is music to my ears,i was ready to vote for anybody but an Obasanjo choice,but now with the possibility of a Ribadu presidency at least i get to cast my vote with confidence that i am doing the right thing for the country .keep me posted when the team need us.and i am ready to put my money where my mouth is!!.the opponents have a war chest so we will create one for our candidate.
yes he might have made mistakes as the EFCC helmsman but who is without sin,

Go Ribadu!!!

Well everyone is entitle to his or her opinion... but the probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not deter us from the support of a cause we believe is just - Abraham Lincoln so therefor is, i give my full support to Ribadu. LETS GO!!!!!!!!

Thank you Nasifi

I have asked so many people one question in Nigeria that care to give me a straight answer. What was Mallam Nuhu Ribadu's offence when he was being witch in Nigeria that he had to run abroad for a cover. Everyone in Nigeria was indicted but we are proud of this man that they can't find one evidence against him. Police humiliated him and those bastard were rejoicing over it but suddenly the table turned and he was reinstated. We have two set of people in Nigeria, those that claim to love the nation but eventually love their pocket and those that are truly committed to Nigeria state. We don't need to hear much from people like what did he call his name. Mallam Yakari or what you live to see Ribadu steer the boat of Nigeria to promise land. We have seen Ribadu's gut, that he will do anything possible irrespective of who you are to make things right. People Mallam Yakari are scare because they know with Ribadu in office the long arm of the law will catch up with them. Thank you let's keep the flag flying. 9jer live forever

THIS IS THE MAN ALL DECENT

THIS IS THE MAN ALL DECENT NIGERIANS YOUNG & OLD HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. 2011 BRING IT ON :-). RIBADU VS GOODLUCK ? RIBADU PLEASE ALL DAY ANY NIGHT HE IS THE MAN VIVAAAAAAA RIBADU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. NIGERIAN OBAMA YES WE CAN.

RE: Nigeria is not Niger , or Tonga Republic

I have never met Ribadu i don't think i ever will talkless of collecting money from him or the Team as i should call them.
Mallam Yankari out of fear i'm sure u refuse to write ur name anyone can be Mallam Yankari what u should be doing is trying to prove it u mentioned a single Vote then u will be in for a great Suprise my man u will be Suprised we the Youth will not Stand aside and watch Ur Godfathers Looting our country dry and giving people Like you senseless idiots, People that protect the interests of thier pockets not that of the Country people like you will be better of in a Psychiatric hospital where people want you to talk.
It's just that i don't want to talk anonymously i would have told you more u grabasstick piece of amphibian shit. I hate people like you if you didn't fight for Nigeria then for what will you Fight for which cause we the youth will rid the country of people like you.
You mentioned the CIA that made me sure that you are stupid you don't use that white thing inside your skull. CIA don't have to use Nuhu Ribadu to get to this country Nigeria got no Security any agent brought to Nigeria will not be afraid of capture then why a Man Like Ribadu CIA will not confront a patriot with such nonsense but people like you.
You want to Know who Nuhu Ribadu is ask people like us but if you are jealous or envious u should better stop go and read what the prophet (pbuh) said about envy Envy.Mallam Yankari in your family or hometown in the history of your family no one did what Ribadu did i think you should go to the Link i will provide below too so you will know who Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is
And for People who have read the above nonsense written by a stupid man i Know u don't believe it But Still follow this link and read under the Bribery and persecution Heading http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuhu_Ribadu
WE WANT CHANGE! WE WANT CHANGE!! WE WANT CHANGE!!!

A timely intervention

I am not only going to vote, i will campaign for this man so that Nigeria achieve her stultiifed dream

You have spoken the truth

You really understand the problems of the Northern Nigeria. You have spoken the truth. Please send this to the DAILY TRUST. It is one of the widely read newspaper in the north.

Ribadu is the right direction!

Is right to have the right dream and set the right goal for the right fulfilment by doing the right thing at the right time to achieve the right success for the right people with the right direction!Nigerians, let's join the right team on the right direction.

Quotes:
Voices For Good Governance, Nigeria

Ribadu is the right direction!

Is right to have the right dream and set the right goal for the right fulfilment by doing the right thing at the right time to achieve the right success for the right people with the right direction!Nigerians, let's join the right team on the right direction.

Quotes:
Voices For Good Governance, Nigeria

@Sani

Sani, God bless you. Finally a breath of fresh air from the north.

I Share your Sentiment

Hi Sanni Mamman,
I am a Yoruba but was priviledged to serve in beautiful Bauchi State and I wholeheartedly agree with you. It pains me when southerners express anti-north sentiments. I believe the average northerner has been the worst hit by the years of misrule in Nigeria despite the great human and natural resources potentials of northern Nigeria. Given a sensible governor, Yankari Games Reserve will generate 25-50% of Bauchi State's annual budget expenditure and sustain various tourism and travel based businesses. This in turn will provide employment for tens of thousands of Bauchi youth. But corruption and mismanagement and a leadership bereft of ideas and vision will not allow such. I can only hope and pray that the light of truth and righteousness will shine across our beloved country Nigeria exposing the wickedness of the so-called elite and opening the eyes of the down-trodden to their God-given inalleniable right. Till then we just have to keep hope alive and refuse to give up on Nigeria. God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Team Ribadu

Noble idea with a Noble cause. I want to key into the main stream of this process.

Some people make things

Some people make things happen, some watch things happening,some wonders how things happened, for me I'm an agent of change.Every good innovations have its proposers and antics,for this, the founders of TeamRibadu should be mindless of any negative posts on our wall as these may be sponsored by the AntiNigerian.Change we need and THE TIME IS NOW.

YES HE CAN,YES HE CAN,GoOOO RIBADU GO. NIGERIANS, YES WE CAN.

We are waiting for you to unveil your vision,i support you Ribadu,the time is now.God bless Nigeria.

Wait Mr. Ribadu, it's not yet time

I would like to suggest that in as much as Mr. Ribadu has many fans all over the country wanting him to go for the presidency; it is not yet time for him to accede to this demand. Let him help the current administration in any way that he could and learn more about Nigerian politics and its people. Then in the next political dispensation (2015), he can go for the presidency.

I am sooooooooooooooooo

I am sooooooooooooooooo excited to get involved.

Ribadu is the best man for the Job

No body can stop an idea whose time has come. Intelligent,young,courageous and good, Nuhu Ribadu is the Obama of Nigeria; and God willing, he is going to be the president of a new Nigeria where tribe and religion doesn't matter.

Very CORRECT

NOW THE NORTH IS TALKING or are their youths waiting for us to talk for them as usual?

Now we are talking

I hope the youths in this enterprise are well represented by the North. Charity begins at home in Politics. Forget the Obasanjo magic of '99 That was thanx to Igbo magnanimity or folly anyhow... but right now I see a Northerner with some relevant qualification in the contemporary political landscape! Perish the deadwoods!!!!!

LEAVE RIBADU ALONE

It is this same flattery tongue that Nigerians spoke when GEJ ascended as the President of Nigeria after the death of Alhaji Musa Y'ardua.What are they talking now? Warning, is that Rabadu will not rule Nigeria alone but with the same evil politicians who will jetison anything good for the ordinary Nigerians except for themselves, their cohorts and families. Please, let him be cos time is not ripe for men of his calibre to ascend the Presidency of this nation

Ribadu, respond to this

Ribadu, respond to Keyamo by declaring your assets publicly. Yar'Adua did, so it is the least you can do.

FOR A BETTER NIGERIA

Interesting times are ahead, how on planet Earth can anybody Campaign for IBB. When the likes of Ribadu of EFCC, Amechi of Rivers are around. The likes of IBB are satanic. Spent fortunes on Non regenerative expenditures. (Aka Corruption) Could not even give us a mobile phone in 8 years of mis-rule. IBB Belonged to a class of Organised militants (army) with no difference to the Likes of Boy loaf ,Atake Tom leaders of a disorganised militants.

Sani Mamman I sympathise with you and all progressive brothers from the north. But the TALIBANIC Nature of the northern leaders will make it difficult for western style development, Education to take hold in the North.

NUHU RIBADU PLEASE WAIT TILL 2015

i LEVE HERE IN TEXAS AMERICA FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS NOTHING EXCITE ME MORE THAN NUHU PRESIDENCY ,AM READY TO GIVE ALL I HAVE FOR THESE PROJECT .
MY SUGGESTION IS FOR RIBADU AND OTHER PROGRESSIVES TO WAIT TILL 2015 THE DAY GOD HAS PROMISE TO DELIVER NIGERIA FROM CABAL FINALLY .NUHU PLS DONT RUSH LETS MAKE THE GROUND READY FOR 2015 WE PRAY TO GOD TO SPARE HIS LIFE AND OURS .
LONG LIVE PRESIDENT RIBADU LONG LIVE NIGERIA

A SELFISH WASTE OF TIME

..A BLOODY WASTE OF TIME BY A MAN DECEIVED BY FACEBOOK ADDICTION DURING HIS DAYS OF EXILE..TRYING TO BITE THE FINGERS THAT SAVED HIM FROM THE YARADUA CABAL...

Welcome

I hope that Ribadu's desire to contest in 2011 is not an April fool in an EMBER month. Welcome on board a true Nigerian for the right job.