Dear Nigerians, keep on Believing

Hello Nigerians,
    Its 55 years today, since our fathers, our heros emerged victorious in their quest for an independent nation. They gave their 'all' in their struggle.  So that their Children yet unborn would be emancipated from the trauma of colonial imperialism, they gave their all because they were driven by a vision and a mission, they gave their all because they believed in the PROJECT NIGERIA.
    We have gone through a lot in our history as a nation. From the Civil Wars of the 60's down to the Boko haram crises of the present times. In all of these, we sure have come to the realization that violence is never a panacea to any dispute. We've realized that that the smiles and health of our children cannot be traded in exchange for sad, hungry faces of our children ridden with kwashiorkor. Never!!!!
    We've come a long way to let the selfish and foolish desires of certain group put our Unity into question. The insecurity challenges , the poverty, the corruption are but a test of our faith and belief. In the Words of the great American Author and Evangelist Robert Schuller -"Tough times never last, tough people do".
    Fellow Nigerians, It is true that we may not have had the best of governments or that we are not were we ought to be. But that shouldn't stop us from believing. Believing that one day we would one day look back in amazement at those years Bokoh haram insurgents ravaged our lands, those years of little or no electricity, those years of suffering and struggle. The America we admire today never had it funny through their history. The had their own challenges and here they are today because they kept on Believing.
    The road to greatness is never easy. Only the strong and dogged can attain it. Let us set aside ethnic and religious differences and  remain resolute and commited in our our quest for a greater Nigeria. The much anticipated change we clamour for cannot be actualized by the government alone. It can only be actualized  by the concerted and relentless efforts of You and Me. Knowing that the first step towards change is by changing our very own selves. Before i go let me live you with the Words of Abigail Quincy Adams (Former First Lady Of The United States).
   
                "It is not in the still calm of life or the repose of a pacific ocean, that great characters are formed . The habits of  a vigorous mind are formed in contending  with difficulties".

    Keep on Believing!  #Nigeriamustbegreat
By Joshua Jesse Kelvin

Snowden Joins Twitter, Follows Only NSA

Fugitive US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden has opened an account on
the social network website Twitter.
His opening tweet was: "Can you hear me now?"
In his profile , Mr Snowden says he "used to work for the government. Now I
work for the public". He quickly gathered thousands of followers.
So far, Mr Snowden, who is wanted in the US for leaking secrets, only follows
one other Twitter user - the US National Security Agency (NSA).
He is believed to be living in Moscow where he is sheltering from US
prosecutors.
In his second tweet - a reply to US astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson - Mr
Snowden joked: "Now we've got water on Mars! Do you think they check
passports at the border? Asking for a friend."
And in another tweet he said: "Hero, traitor - I'm just a citizen with a voice."
The @Snowden account was verified by Twitter and within two hours of joining,
Mr Snowden had accumulated more than 266,000 followers.
In June, former Olympian and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner became the fastest
person on Twitter to reach one million followers - in just over four hours.
Mr Snowden left the US in 2013 after leaking to the media details of extensive
internet and phone surveillance by US intelligence.
His information made global headlines when the Guardian newspaper reported
that the NSA was collecting the telephone records of tens of millions of
Americans.
Mr Snowden is believed to have downloaded 1.7 million secret documents
before he left the US.
Although some consider him a traitor for his revelations, many others around
the world say he is a champion of civil liberties.
In the US he faces charges that could put him in prison for up to 30 years.
Earlier this year, speaking via video-link to a Geneva audience, he said he
would like to be granted asylum in Switzerland.
He has previously worked in Geneva undercover for the CIA.
Regarding a possible return to the US, he told the audience that authorities
there had given him no assurances of a fair trial.
"The only thing they've said at this point was that they would not execute me,"
he said. "That's not quite the same thing as agreeing to a fair and open trial."

I Paid Ransome -Olu Falae

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, on Monday admitted that “certain amount of money” was paid as ransom before he was set free on Thursday by his abductors.

Falae’s statement contradicted the claim by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, that no ransom was paid before the elder statesman was rescued.

Falae, who was kidnapped by some suspected Fulani herdsmen on Monday, September 21, and released on Thursday September 24, 2015, however, did not disclose the amount paid. But he said it was when the money was fully paid that he was freed.

He stated this when a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alani Akinrinade, paid him a visit at his Oba Ile, Akure, Ondo State residence on Monday .

He said, “There were six of them with three or four guns and every half an hour or so they will say, ‘Baba we are going to kill you; if you don’t give us money we are going to kill you.’

“On Wednesday one of them came and said, ‘look we are going to leave here on Thursday morning. Since we cannot leave you here alone, if we don’t get what we want, we are going to kill you.

“And they said they gave me until 3pm, and if at 3pm they don’t get the money, they would execute me. I thank God that at 21 minutes to 3pm, one of them came and said, ‘the money don complete.’

“When the hoodlums came, they slashed me with their cutlasses; they said I was not cooperating. They dragged me barefooted into the bush. After dragging me around for about two hours, they stopped somewhere and asked me to phone my wife and tell her that I had been kidnapped and taken out of Ondo State and that was a lie.

“It was about 2.30pm on Monday that we started walking with very few stops until 2am the following morning. I suspect that I must have covered a minimum of 15 kilometres. That morning, I did not eat anything. So all day I had no food, no water and I walked close to 15km. How I survived, I cannot really remember. At some point one of them gave me rubber slippers. We walked until about 2am. At some point they called for an okada (motorcycle). At about 2.30am the okada man took me way down; I had no clue where we were going. Finally they dumped me somewhere, where I was until I was released on Thursday.

“In that place, we all slept on the floor on leaves. Unfortunately, the rain came in the night and I was thoroughly drenched. One of them brought a small umbrella to cover my head, but the rest of my body was not covered. They offered me bread, but I told them I could not eat it. I asked for a bottle of coke, which was what I drank everyday to have the requisite strength to survive and to continue on the march, because they were permanently moving. They were changing locations at two to three times a day. I suspect because they did not want the police to succeed in tracing them.

“The day they said I should go, one of them stitched my buba, which was in tatters. When I came out of the bush, I was able to find an okada rider, who took me to Owo. The place was about 10km from Owo town. The place was between Owo and Ifon. I walked most of the distance from my farm to that place. Miraculously I was not tired, I was not hungry and I was not afraid of them at all. Each time they said, ‘Baba we will kill you,’ I will tell them, ‘no, insha Allah, you will not kill me.’

“It was when I got back home that I became completely exhausted. But I am now 80 per cent fit and I know that in the next few days, I will be up again.”

This contradicts what the IGP, Solomon Arase said on the day Olu Falae was freed.

On the 23rd of September, Arase went to the state on the order of President Muhammadu Buhari to secure Falae’s release, said he was happy that the septuagenarian was rescued “hale and hearty.”

On how Falae was rescued, the IG said, “I cannot tell you, it is not for you. It is purely a security matter, but I am happy he is rescued alive.

“The most important thing is that baba has come home safely, that is the mandate the President has given to me and that is exactly what I have done.

“On the arrest made in connection with the crime and the amount paid as ransom, the police boss said, “I will let you know about arrest later, but no ransom was paid.

THE GIANT STRIDES OF PROF NJODI

Virtually anyone if not everyone who had managed to transverse the
length and breath of the University of Maiduguri, either by chance or
convenience. Will testify to the remarkable rate of developments and
improvements currently being witnessed in the institution. Both in terms of
infrastructure and academic standards. Njodi is now the name on the lips of
almost every one in the school - From the students in the campus to the staffs
and lecturers down to the parents/guardian, he is now seen as a beacon of
hope.
Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi was born fifty years ago at kaltungo LGA
of Gombe State to a very humble background.He attended LEA primary school
Kaltungo from 1967 -1973 and later Ecwa primary school kaltungo from 1973
-1975. From where he proceeded to the gov't teachers college Jama're in
Baluchi State from 1975 -1980. He obtained his B.sc degree in physical and
health education from 1981 -1985. He then participated in the mandatory
National Youth Service Corps from 1985 -1986.
Prof. Njodi Joined the services of the University of Maiduguri as a graduate
assistant in 1987 and enrolled and completed his MSc degree from 1988 -1991
still at the University of Maiduguri. He then proceeded to the prestigious
University of Nigeria,Nsukka for his PhD in public health education from 2000
-2003. And rose to the rank of professor in 2006.
He has also held various academic and administrative positions within and
outside the country. And has contributed articles in academic journals
worldwide.
Prior to his appointment as the V.C of the institution he served as the
D.V.C Academics. Prof. Njodi was duly appointed to the post of the V.C in a
keenly contested election. Somewhat controversial in the manner in which it
went. In a poll of 11 candidates, he secured the highest percentage of 90.1 to
defeat his closest rivals prof. Marte of the University's Pharmaceutical Dept and
prof. Kundiri to 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
Upon his appointment he promised to move the institution forward. And
also promised to correct the discordant academic calendar that the school had
observed as a result of the security challenges facing the state. At the time of
his assumption of office the institution was suffering from massive
infrastructural decay coupled with poor population of students and mass exodus
of lecturers which was a direct result of the security challenges.
Today, the situation is different in the University of Maiduguri. In spite of
the challenges confronting the state, the University has witnessed a new turn of
life thanks to its dynamic and vibrant leader. Roads being constructed across the
school, new buildings being erected, hostels and classrooms being renovated
and machineries and equipment which were hitherto in a deplorable state are
being revived. In fact the V.C takes time out of his tight schedule to visit and
encourage the students in their hostels and even in classes while reading at
night. What a man!
There was a tale of how a student was in a class reading one night
when he was tapped from the back only to discover it was the V.C to his
amazement. Due to his simple and down to earth nature it sometimes difficult
to detect him in the company of his students. During one interview session he
disclosed to his interviewee that he tries hard not let his students know he is
travelling. So as not to displease them. This shows the level of relationship he
enjoys with the students. Who never fail to heap praises on him. They even
crafted a song on his behalf titled "Doro Njodi" which was a remix of the
popular "Doro Bucci" by the Marvins crew.
Under his tenure the school has indeed witnessed tremendous achievements. From
the construction of new roads to the renovation of hostels and erection of new
buildings amongst other laudable achievements. Just recently the University
succeeded in securing a broadcasting license for its radio station from the the
Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and also signed an M.O.U with
Universitat Hamburg in Germany. Most notable among his achievements was
bringing into proper setting the faulty academic calendar the University had once
observed. Thus fufilling a pledge he made on assumption of office.
His goodwill and leadership qualities has not gone unnoticed by his
kinsmen. He was accorded the title of "Dan Rimin Kaltungo" by the mai
kaltungo and also the chairman Gombe State council of emirs and chiefs Alhaji,
Sale Muhammad Umar, OON, earlier this year. For his numerous contributions
to the development of education. Both within Kaltungo and beyond.
An epitome of excellence and sheer commitment, this great leader has
continued to awe his critics, against all odds. His unique and exemplary
leadership qualities will continue to endear him to many. And hopefully he will
continue to steer this great institution to greater heights.
 Joshua Jesse Kelvin Writes from Lagos Twitter @JJ_Kelvin

Military rulers better equipped for leadership than civilians - Ogbemudia

Elder statesman and two-time former governor of old Bendel State, Dr
Samuel Ogbemudia, celebrated his 83rd birthday penultimate Thursday in
Benin-City. The birthday celebration climaxed with a lecture entitled:
Towards Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria: What is a Political Party?,
delivered by the governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. The elder
statesman spoke with Sunday Vanguard ahead of the celebration during
which he narrated his experiences during the civil war. He shared his
perspectives on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, why
former President Goodluck Jonathan failed, his search for Governor Adams
Oshiomhole’s successor, relationship with women and other issues.
Excerpts:
We are blessed as a nation with a lot of heroes even in the military but it
seems Nigeria abandoned these heroes. What do you think?
No doubt in my mind that the officers of my days were high grade officers.
They have my respect and, if there is any reason or anybody who wants to
honour them, I will join him. We had soldiers . like W.W. Bassey who was
West African number one officer and later became Nigeria’s number one,
Aguiyi Ironsi number two; Adebayo, Kulu Mohammed, Bama Larry, all those
were extraordinary officers, but the coups did what they did to get rid of
them; seven of them, but the reason up till today I don’t know because they
were not supposed to die. We have lost great men whether soldiers or not.
Military officers and men with distinguished character, we have lost them
and Nigeria owes them gratitude thank you at any time, whether now or in
the future.
You military officers always believe you will do better in governance than
civilians. Why do you have such feeling?
Because the military officer is better trained than his civilian counterpart.
What an army officer will do in geography in his first year in the military
school is what they do at the degree level in the university. I asked a
geography lecturer some questions on map reading, he didn’t know; he said
that was not his field. That same year three or four others said the same
thing but the young army officer does that in his first year, the first three
months. So the army officers and soldiers are better trained than civilians. I
have always said that a good sergeant in the army stands a better chance
than a director because very many directors do not control more than 10
persons whereas a sergeant can control up to 200 and lead them into the
battle and return.
Are saying people like IBB, Obasanjo were better equipped as leaders than
Jonathan, the immediate past President?
IBB is an extraordinary soldier, he led the Reece squadron and he was
always at the forefront of the battle with his ferret, he did it for me and
many others. Obasanjo initially was an engineer but he later converted to an
infantry officer and he did well because of his training. Jonathan didn’t have
one tenth of the training Obasanjo had but he is educated. Education in the
army is not all; there are many more things that make a leader than
education.
Culled from Vanguardngr.com

Access Bank Launches The Access In Betweeners

Access In Betweeners is a programme targeted at young and fresh graduates awaiting the mandatory NYSC. It is a graduate intern aimed developing the career experience of young graduates in the banking sector. For more information visit http://bit.ly/AccessInBetweener

Jeff Emerges winner of Mtn Project Fame 2015

Jeff is a Sound Engineering graduate from the SAE Institute, Cape Town
and has consistently wowed judges and the audience by going all the
way in each of his performances. He joins the likes of Iyanya, iMike,
Ayoola, Chidinma, Monica, Olawale and Geoffrey as a Project Fame
superstar.
Third runner up in the competition was Ada, with second runner up being
Anderson and Pearl being the first runner up.

N4bn uncovered in 470 accounts -El-rufai

                                                                                         El-rufai
The Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai said on Saturday that with
the adoption of the Single Treasury Account, the state had traced and uncovered
N4bn stashed in 470 different accounts in 23 commercial banks.
He noted that the Peoples Democratic Party administration had been operating
these (470) accounts in different banks over the years with various names.
According to the governor, but for the adoption of the Single Treasury Account
system, nobody would have traced and discovered the accounts or recovered
the said money.
El-Rufai, who spoke through his deputy, Barnabbas Bala, stated this at the
Third Town Hall Meeting, initiated by the government to interface with the
people of Southern Kaduna senatorial district.
It was held at Kafanchan, in Kaura Local Government Area of the state, on
Saturday.
The deputy governor, who represented his principal, said through the Single
Treasury Account, the government was able to trace and discover the said
amount in the banks.
He also told the audience that El-Rufai was on an official engagement outside
the country.
The El-Rufai administration, in early August this year, announced the adoption
of the Single Treasury Account and directed all commercial banks with the state
funds to remit such (money) to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The deputy governor while addressing the people of the zone, said the system
had begun to yield the state result as the government was able to trace and
discover N4bn.
The amount, he said, was in 470 different account names and banked in 23
commercial banks by the government of the PDP in the state.
He said the STA accounting system, which had been in operation since
September 1, was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in
governance.
He said, “With the system, we have been able to trace and discover the sum of
N4bn in different account names in 23 banks. The STA is to ensure that public
funds are traceable and for the sake of accountability in the state.”
He also disclosed that despite the autonomy given to local governments in the
state by the current administration, some councils in the state were highly
indebted.

Mourinho makes Guinness Book of Records

Jose Mourinho has had his name entered into the 2016 version of
the Guinness Book of Records.
To celebrate the honour, our manager was presented with unique framed
certificates marking his achievements at Cobham recently.
Mourinho’s five managerial records in the latest edition of the famous and
prestigious book are as follows:
Longest football unbeaten home run by a manager (nine years)
Most Champions League titles with different clubs (two)
Youngest manager to reach 100 Champions League matches (49 years 12
days)
Most points in a Premier League season (95)
Most games unbeaten at home in the Premier League (77)
Mourinho was pleased to be recognised by such an iconic publication.
‘The fact they gave me the awards in a way that I can put them up in my
office is nice,’ he said.
'It’s something fun and as a kid you could never imagine that one day you
would be in the Guinness Book of Records.
‘You know me, these awards are for something I did in the past and obviously
it’s nice, but for me what’s more important is what I can do in the future.’

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo declare assets

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, have
declared their asset.
A statement by the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the
President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu said “the documents
submitted to the CCB, which officials say are still being vetted and will soon be
made public, show that prior to being sworn in on May 29, President Buhari had
less than N30 million to his name. He also had only one bank account, with the
Union Bank. President Buhari had no foreign account, no factory and no
enterprises. He also had no registered company and no oil wells”, the statement
said.
The statement further added that “the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo
(SAN), who had been a successful lawyer before his foray into politics declared
a bank balance of about N94 million and 900,000 United States Dollars in his
bank accounts”.
It added that President Buhari “had shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and
Skye Bank”.
The documents also revealed that “President Buhari had a total of five homes,
and two mud houses in Daura. He had two homes in Kaduna, one each in Kano,
Daura and in Abuja. One of the mud houses in Daura was inherited from his
late older sister, another from his late father. He borrowed money from the old
Barclays Bank to build two of his homes.
“President Buhari also has two undeveloped plots of land, one in Kano and the
other in Port Harcourt. He is still trying to trace the location of the Port
Harcourt land.
“In addition to the homes in Daura, he has farms, an orchard and a ranch. The
total number of his holdings in the farm include 270 heads of cattle, 25 sheep,
five horses, a variety of birds and a number of economic trees”.
The documents also showed that the retired General “uses a number of cars,
two of which he bought from his savings and the others supplied to him by the
federal government in his capacity as former Head of State. The rest were
donated to him by well-wishers after his jeep was damaged in a Boko Haram
bomb attack on his convoy in July 2014.
The same forms, according to Mr Shehu, notes that ” Vice-President, Professor
Yemi Osinbajo’s asset declaration include his 4-bedroom residence at Victoria
Garden City, Lagos and a 3-bedroom flat at 2 Mosley Road, Ikoyi. The Vice
President also has a 2-bedroom flat at the popular Redemption Camp along
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and a 2-bedroom mortgaged property in Bedford,
England. Aside from these, the Vice President has no other landed properties on
the form.
“Apart from his law firm, known as SimmonsCooper, the Vice-President also
declared shareholding in six private companies based in Lagos, including
Octogenerium Ltd., Windsor Grant Ltd., Tarapolsa, Vistorion Ltd., Aviva Ltd. and
MTN Nigeria.
“His personal vehicles are one Infinity 4-Wheel Drive SUV, one Mercedes Benz
and a Prado Jeep.
“As soon as the CCB is through with the process, the documents will be
released to the Nigerian public and people can see for themselves,” Mr Shehu
said.
SHARE ON

Woman Jailed after refusing to issue licences to gay couples

                                                                              Mrs.Davids
A federal judge has ordered a Kentucky clerk to jail after she refused to issue
marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Kim Davis, a clerk in Rowan County, was found in contempt of court on
Thursday morning. She has said granting marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples would "violate God's definition of marriage" and infringe on her personal beliefs as an Apostolic Christian.
Davis, in tears, said on the stand that she could not comply with the judge's
order. U.S. Marshals later took her into custody.
advertisement "Thank you, judge," Davis said as she was being led out.
District Court Judge David Bunning has said Davis is bound by an oath of office to perform her duties under the law, and ordered that she be jailed until she complied with his order to grant licenses.
Bunning has upheld the Supreme Court's decision in June to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide, and wrote last month after the contempt lawsuit was filed that the state is merely forcing her to do her job within the law.
Before the hearing, dozens of protesters on both side of the issue clashed
outside of the federal courthouse in Covington, some in support of Davis for
standing up for her beliefs.
While clerks in other states have made similar refusals, Davis' defiance is the
most prominent — leading GOP presidential candidates to weigh in and casting a spotlight on her personal life, too.
It was revealed this week that she was divorced three times and had children
out of wedlock before a religious awakening became a turning point in her life.
Davis, a registered Democrat, had worked as a deputy clerk for 27 years before voters in Rowan County elected her as clerk last November.
As an elected official, she can only be removed in a vote by state legislators,
who don't reconvene in the State House until January.
Despite her political leanings, she's likely to get much support from Republicans lawmakers.

Fowler and task of repositioning the Tax systems

As the new boss of the federal inland revenue ( FIRS) assumes his place, it is
obvious that the dwindling fortunes of crude oil in the country have now opened the eyes of many on the relevance of tax as a veritable source of revenue to the government.
Mr. Fowler, who no doubt earned his call to this very demanding position.
Based on the reputation he acclaimed while he served as the boss of the Lagos state Board of Internal Revenue. He is of course not new new to the system and is expected to deliver on this mandate.
Nigerias tax revenue to GDP have continued to remain at a staggering low.
Studies revealed by indexmundi an online site revealed that tax as a %
percentage to GDP in Nigeria was at 1.56% as of 2012. It went further to state
that its highest value over the past years was 5.46% in 2008 while its lowest
value was 0.91 in 2004.
Similarly, last year Dr.(Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-iweala whilst speaking at the
inauguration of FIRS Multi purpose training school in Abuja said that the
countries revenue rate had reduced from 20% of the proceeding year to 12%.
She equally noted that out of the 12% only 4% was derived from the non oil
sector.
The new FIRS boss has a lot to do in strengthening tax systems and making
it as viable as it ought to be. Away from the lingering problem of tax
administration there is the need to shift focus from the Petroleum Profit Tax
(PPT) and pay more attention to the non oil sectors like the Corporate tax and capital gains tax as well as Property taxes . There is need for proper tax
education particularly at the grassroots. Tax authorities should ensure strict
adherence to tax regulations whilst also ensuring violators of such laws be
brought to book.
There is also the need for the review of tax polices and practises in view of
the current economic realities. Currently our Value Added Tax rate is one of the lowest in the world if not the lowest at 5% it is nowhere compared to that of fellow African states like South Africa (14%) Kenya (16%) and Ghana (17.5%).
Furthermore, there should be a very robust and healthy relationship between
tax authorities, customs and immigration officials. So as to ensure that
consistent and efficient revenue from custom duties.
Lastly, the recent report by the Action Aid and Tax Justice Network Africa in
which they stated that we spend about 2.9 billion dollars on tax waivers more than our annual budget allocation to the education sector, cannot have come at a better time. It goes along way in telling us that a lot needs to be done on the task of repositioning our tax systems towards economic growth and prosperity.

THE BATTLE FOR WHITE HOUSE

                                                                        Donald Trump
As expected the battle for White house has carried along the usual flair and
thrill anyone would have envisioned.
Expectations are high from the American electorates who seem to be
disapointed with Obama's apparent 'dovish' foreign policy style. Of course his party
no longer holds majority in congress as supposed. But they have a very
experienced and potent figure in Hillary Clinton. Mrs.Clinton though favourite to
clinch the party's nomination she faces a very strong opposition from within.
Perhaps even more with speculations wavering of Vice President Biden's
intention to run.
The republicans have not been left out either, though the outcome of polls so
far within the party have aroused many. Jeb Bush who many have tipped to be
the frontrunner has been left crippling behind real estate billionaire Donald
Trump. They are also equally stuffed with some real threats and game changers
in the likes of Texas Senator Ted Cruz, renowned neurosurgeon Ben Carson and
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.
As the thriller continues we take an X-ray of the candidates - particularly the
top guns and also access their chances.
DONALD TRUMP
Donald J. Trump, "Trump" as he is fondly called is an American Business man,
Real estate developer, TV personality and author. Trump is known for his
outspoken and polemical nature. In the runoff to the 2012 presidential election,
Trump questioned president Obama's proof of citizenship. He also questioned
whether Obama had good enough grades to warrant entry to Harvard Law
School. He had publicly speculated about 2012 presidential election. Though
he never did anyway. Trump formally announced his candidacy for President of
the U.S in the 2016 elections under the Republican platform on June 16, 2015,
from his headquarters in Trump tower in New York city. Since the kickstart of
his campaign, Trump has continued to edge his fellow republican counterparts.
A poll conducted by the CNN/ORC showed Trump in the lead at 18% support
among Republican voters beating the likes of Jeb Bush who polled 15%. In
another poll conducted by the CBS News from August 4,
Trump was again first with 24%, Bush was second at 13% and Walker was
third at 10%. Trump has slightly distanced himself from fellow republican
hawks. In 2003 he excoriated the US invasion of Iraq and argued that US
should pick it fights and targets more carefully. He also called into question
Washington's military commitments of Japan and South Korea , scolded
Germany's leaders for thinking the US would take on Vladimir Putin in Ukraine,
chastised China for currency manipulation and criticized Japan for its trade
imbalance with the U.S. Trump has also lambasted the nuclear deal negotiated
with Iran, but unlike his rivals, stops short of vowing to rip it up. He claims the
deal would lead to an arms race. He also bears a tough stance against
immigration promising literally to wall the country off and return millions
residing in the U.S illegally. His critics have opined that his egoistic exuberance
would cost America problems. They've also claimed
that he is politically inept and thus regarded as an 'outsider'. He has also the
fondness of literally howling punches at other candidates though it has worked
out pretty well for him. Outside politics he is seen by many as a misogynist.
Analyst say: He stands no chance of being the president even if he did win the
Republican nomination.
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary Rodham Clinton is the wife to former U.S president Bill Clinton and
former U.S secretary of States and senator. A lawyer by profession. Hillary first
came to limelight politically as the then 1st lady of United States. She played a
very central role in her husband's administration. She is regarded as the most
openly empowered presidents wife in American history. Some critics at the time
called it inappropriate for the 1st lady to play a central role in matters of public
policy. As first lady Clinton travelled to 79 countries breaking the mark of most
travelled 1st lady held by Pat Nixon. She went on to serve as a senator
representing New York for two tenures after her husband's administration. In
2008 she campaigned for U.S presidency under the Democrat but lost in the
primaries to Obama. Who subsequently nominated her as his secretary of
states after is triumph. On April 12, 2015 Clinton formally announced her
candidacy for the presidency in the 2016 election. Mrs. Clinton is seen as very strong contender for white house
based on the diplomatic experience she has gathered while serving as Secretary.of
State but critics are of the view that she has a very ineffective foreign policy
whilst the secretary of state. Another very challenging blow to her quest is the
email scandal. Where it was discovered that she had used her personal email
throughout her time as secretary of state, instead of departmental ones raised
security concerns amongst the American public. Polls so far conducted has
revealed that she currently leads fellow Democrats though with a very slight margin.
Analyst say: She has gaffes tracking her.
JEB BUSH
John Ellis "Jeb" Bush is the 2nd son of former President George H.W Bush and
the younger brother to former president George W. Bush. He served as a two
term Governor of Florida, from 1998-2007 under the republican party. He
declared his intention to run for the presidency in June 15, 2015. He
characterizes himself as a more moderate type of Republican who still has
conservative principles, promising mean immigration reforms. He is married to a
Mexican-Born wife which will appeal to many hispanic voters. He has managed
to raise more money than any of the contenders. Just recently it was reported
that he lost some of his top donors as a result of continual slip in the polls.
Which has so far shown him trailing behind Trump. Jeb is opposed to same sex
marriage.
Analyst say: He stands a chance only if he gets his acts well.
BERNIE SANDERS
Bernard "Bernie" Sanders is an American politician who currently serves as the
Junior United states senator from Vermont. Sanders is the longest serving
independent in the U.S Congressional history. He views himself as a self
desciplined Democratic socialist who admires the Nordic model of social
democracy. He focuses on economic issues such as income and wealth
inequality, raising the minimum wage and universal health care. He was strong
opponent of the U.S invasion of Iraq. Polls reveal he is slightly trailing Hillary
Clinton.
Analyst say: He is the only one who could challenge Clinton for the Democrat
top spot.
MARC RUBIO
Marco Antonio Rubio is the junior united states senator from Florida serving
since January 2011. A member of the Republican party. He previously served as
the speaker of Florida's house of representative. He is a Cuban-American native
of Miami. On April 13, 2015, Rubio announced that he will run for president in
2016. He has stated that radical islamist terrorists posed the greatest threat to
the united states and that these radicals intend to impose their beliefs on the
world. He advocates for aggressive approach towards China. He is a sharp
critique of China's human right abuses, cyber theft and military expansionism.
Rubio accuses Obama of continuing to appease China's leaders despite their
misbehaviour.In the polls so far he is still behind Trump and Bush.
Analyst say: He's got what it takes.
SCOTT WALKER
Scott Kevin Walker is the 45th and current Governor of Wisconsin. He declared
his intention to run for presidency under republican party on July 13 via social
media. He is strongly opposed to abortion and same sex marriage. He also
advocates for strong immigration laws. He stated that securing U.S border with
Mexico is our "first priority". Mr Walker promised to cancel the Iran nuclear deal
on his first day in office. He promised to defeat the Islamic state and roll back
Irans influence. He criticizes Clinton as unfit for presidency for her role in
negotiating with Iran and her use of private email system. He is also a strong
contender for the Republican nomination.
Analyst say: He's a force to be reckoned with.
JOE BIDEN
As the current vice President Hidden has not formally declared his intention to
run for president. Though he is seen by many as a threat to top notch Hillary
Clinton in the Democrat. Seems like he is yet to fully recover from the shock of
his sons death. As he was quoted as saying " he is considering whether he has
the emotional fuel to run".
Analyst say: Quite favoured only if he makes up his mind.
BEN CARSON
Benjamin Solomon Carson is an American, politician and retired John Hopkins
neurosurgeon. Carson was the first surgeon to successfully seperate conjoined
twins joined at the head. He is popularly known for his Autobiography book
"Gifted hands". He declared for presidency on May 4, 2015 under the Republican
party. He is considered an 'outsider' along side Trump. Carson has a real
chance as just concluded polls in Iowa show following Trump closely. His major
weakness is being an outsider. His reputation as a neurosurgeon is one of his
best selling point.
Analyst say: He's no politician, so he's got no pedigree.
TED CRUZ
Rafael Edward Cruz is the Junior United States senator from Texas. A
Republican, Cruz was was elected senator in 2012 and is the first Hispanic or
Cuban-American to serve as a senator. Sen. Cruz has characterized the
economic policy of Obama as being misguided. He is a gun right supporter. And
like fellow Republican he strongly opposes the Iran deal
Analyst say: Very glim chance.
JOHN KASICH
John Richard Kasich is the Current Governor of Ohio. Elected to the office in
2010 and reelected again in 2014. On July 2015 he announced his candidacy for
the Republican nomination for President. Kasich is formally opposed to gay
marriage and abortion rights. Unlike many republican conservationist he is in
support of the Obama care Act.
Analyst say: He's good!
CHRIS CHRISTIE
Christopher James Christie is the Governor of New Jersey. A position he has held since January 2010 and was reelected for second term in 2013.
He has long been tipped as a potential Presidential Candidate. On June 30, 2015
Christie announced his candidacy under the Republican party platform. He
recently proposed an immigration policy where he planned to track migrants
like FedEx packages.
Analyst say: No signs.He's probably too fat.
Others are;
LINDSAY GRAHAM
Lindsay Olin Graham is a United States republican senator from South Carolina.
He is known in the senate for his advocacy of strong national defense,his
support of the military and as an advocate of strong U.S leadership in world
affairs.
MARTIN O'MALLEY
Martin Joseph O'Malley is the former Governor of Maryland and a democrat.
BOBBY JINDAL
Puyish "Bobby" Jindal is the current Governor of the state of Louisiana. He is
the first Indian American to elected Governor. He opposes same sex marriage
and abortion rights. He also criticizes illegal immigration.
RICK SANTORUM
Rick John Santorum is an American attorney and republican party politician. He
served as a United state senator of Pennsylvania (1995- 2007). He ran for
republican presidential nomination in 2012, coming 2nd behind Mitt Romney.
LINCOLN CHAFEE
Former Rhode Island Governor and Senator. He was known for casting
republicans lone vote against Iraq war.
CARLY FLORINA
Former CEO Hewlett-Packard.She's a Republican, known for throwing 'Jabs' at
Clinton during campaign.
JIM WEBB
Former United states senator and Secretary of Navy under Reegan. A persistent
critic of the Iraq War. On July 2, he announced he will be joining the race for the
Democratic nomination for president.
JIM GILMORE
Jim is a Republican and former Governor of Virginia.
MIKE HUCKABEE
Mike Huckabee is a former Arkansas Governor and also contested for
Republican nomination in 2008.
RICK PERRY
Former Texas Governor. Mr Perry is given the Republican nomination a second
shot after a 2012 bid that was filled with gaffes.
RAND PAUl
Son of former U.S Representative Ron Paul. He is Currently the United States
Senator of Kentucky. He's a Republican.
GEORGE PATAKI
George Elmer Pataki is a lawyer and former Governor of New York. He's a social
moderate republican, he supports abortion rights and pushed for
antidiscrimination rules for protecting gays.