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Principles and Politics with Governor Deval Patrick -Dr MJ Yushau

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2 years ago

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Professor Deval Patrick

 

By Dr. Muhammad Jameel Yushau

Thursday was the first day of class with Professor Deval Patrick on “Principles and Politics.” Unlike most classes that take place twice a week at HKS,Deval Patrick’s class will hold on Wednesdays only from 4:30pm to 7:15pm.

I was attending the editorial meeting of The Africa Policy Journal when I realized it was five minutes to class. So we rounded up the meeting, and I rushed to the class. As I entered, the class was full. Everybody was seated. I started scanning the room looking for a seat, i found one on the front row. I greeted Deval on the way, shook his hand, and to my surprise, he said “Hi Jameel.” Perhaps he has recognized me from the shopping day when I asked him a few questions.

The class began with a poll as many professors do to gauge the understanding of concepts or help them clarify issues. Ahead of the class, we have watched several videos of Ted Kennedy’s interview launching his presidential campaign in 1979, as well as his convention speech after he lost the primaries to President Jimmy Carter. We also watched Ronald Reagan’s video launching his campaign in 1979.

HKS Diary (25): One holiday, eight cities

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The class went straight into analyzing the ‘why’ in the desire of of both Kennedy and Reagan to seek for public office. What were their motivations, desire for impact, vision and readiness to seek for the presidency? How authentic were they, and whom were they targeting?

Students shared multiple perspectives about modern day politics. What I found most intriguing in the discussion is the similarity in the challenges faced by many countries. Students who spoke came from several countries, including Argentina, Costa Rica, Nigeria, United States and more. The challenges of campaign financing contributing in breaking the ethos of politics and how legislators spend more time seeking for campaign financing rather than focusing on the job resonated with many students. If you think your country is the only one facing challenges, you need to spread your net of learning. Neither developed or developing countries have a political system that is perfect. Nor do they have public office holders who are flawless. Every country is a work in progress within the realm of their development.

Unlike many classes, Professor Patrick provides ‘refreshment’ to the 100 students taking his course. The class might be late in the day, but it provides both intellectual refreshment and a light dinner to keep the energy level going. Next week, he will be inviting two former presidential candidates to speak to the class.

A little surprise for me after I commented in the class about politics in Nigeria, Professor Patrick told me he once lived in Kaduna, and he has visited my home town of Kano, in fact he has the ‘kaftan’ that he received during his visit.

Takeaway: Learning does not come from the teacher alone. You learn a lot from fellow students. That was the atmosphere established by Deval Patrick on Thursday.

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International

Donald Trump Breaks Over 130 Year History, Stages Comeback Like Grover Cleveland

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2 weeks ago

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November 6, 2024

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Abbas Yushau Yusuf

With America’s history of democracy begining from 1789 with George Washington as the pioneer US President ,American politics is now 225 years with some Presidents assassinated while others are defeated in an election .

For example after succeeding Richard Nixon due to wateralgate scandal President Gerald Ford did not win election into the White House in 1976 but was defeated by Jimmy Carter while Jimmy Carter could not get reelected in in 1989 and was defeated by Ronald Reagan,the same with George Herbert Bush who could also not secure reelection in 1992 but was defeated by Governor of Arkansas Mr Bill Clinton .

There are were also other American Presidents who were assasinted like Abraham lincoln after the American civil war of 1846 and President John Kennedy who was also assassinated in 1961.

Now the most unique in American politics was the issue of its former President Grover Cleveland who is the first American President to serve two non consecutive terms in office ,between 1885 to 1889 and between 1893 to 1897 serving as the 22nd and 24th President of the United States .

Grover Cleveland staged a comeback in 1893 by defeating his old rival President Benjamin Harrison who only served one term as America’s 23rd President since then over 130 years ,President Trump who was defeated by Democrats Joe Biden in 2020 has now won the 2024 elections and to serve as the 45th and 47th President of the United States like Cleveland who was the only American President that carry that medal but now jinxed by Donald Trump

 

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International

Trump, Harris Secure Votes as First Results Emerge in U.S. Presidential Election

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2 weeks ago

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November 5, 2024

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The first results in the U.S. presidential election have emerged, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump tied at three votes each.

The early count comes from Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, a small town with just six voters.

Dixville Notch is famous for its tradition of being the first to finish in-person voting, a practice that began in 1960.

Voting reportedly began right at midnight. Meanwhile, votes were counted, and results were announced just 15 minutes later.

Harris, the Democratic candidate, and Trump, a Republican, have been close in the polls leading up to election day.

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International

ActionAid Nigeria Commemorates International Peace Day with Cultural Festivities

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2 months ago

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September 26, 2024

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By Naziru Idris Ya’u

Celebrating Peace: ActionAid Nigeria/Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative Commemorates International Peace Day with Cultural Festivities

On a radiant day marked by vibrant cultural displays, ActionAid Nigeria/Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative commemorated the International Day of Peace with an event that brought together communities in a celebration of harmony and resilience.

The Peace Fiesta, held in honor of this significant occasion, showcased various cultural troupes that performed traditional dances, songs, and skits, emphasizing the theme of unity amid diversity.

Speaking at the occasion, Andrew Amebu, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, articulated the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and sustainable peace in communities. “Today, we celebrate not just peace, but the ideals of brotherhood and the importance of understanding across cultures and nations,” she stated. “This event is a reminder that our shared commitment to peace is groundbreaking for the futures we want to create.”

Over the past 20 months, ActionAid Nigeria has made significant inroads into building community resilience against violent extremism. The organization recently provided livelihood equipment worth 100 million Naira (approximately 71,428.5 USD) to 600 youth and women across Kano and Kaduna States. These beneficiaries, trained in seven different vocational skills, are a vital part of the organization’s effort to promote socio-economic stability and discourage violent extremism.

Hajiya Dankabo highlighted that over 15,000 direct beneficiaries have been engaged in sensitization programs, cultivating a culture that values peaceful coexistence and embraces diversity. The ripple effect of these programs is evident in the increasingly harmonious interactions within these communities.

Partnering with the Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative (DRDI), the event also featured novelty football matches aimed at improving peace and social cohesion among community members. “Sports have emerged as a vital tool for unifying people, transcending differences, and creating a peaceful environment,” remarked the Executive Director of DRDI, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Yahaya, who noted that such initiatives are crucial for strengthening communal ties.

International Peace Day, observed annually, is a global call to action that encourages individuals and communities to prioritize peace above all differences. The day resonates deeply with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), both of which are instrumental in fostering a harmonious world.

This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” served as an impetus for ActionAid Nigeria to mobilize communities against ethnicism, discrimination, and intolerance. Supported by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) in collaboration with Global Peace Development, the organization has been implementing the System and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalisation to Violence Extremism (SARVE III) project. This initiative has resulted in the establishment of 24 women’s safe spaces along with Peace Clubs and Local Conflict Management Alliances aimed at enhancing early warning capabilities for conflict and promoting peacebuilding efforts.

The cultural extravaganza at the event was a fitting highlight, demonstrating how art and tradition can symbolize and signify the ideals of peace and stability in communities. Each performance served as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that binds communities, encouraging them to embrace their differences as a source of strength rather than division.

As the sun set on the event, the atmosphere lingered with hope and the promise of ongoing efforts toward building resilient, peaceful communities throughout Nigeria. ActionAid’s initiatives reflect a broader commitment to weaving peace into the fabric of society—an endeavor that requires continuous collaboration, engagement, and education for lasting impact.

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