CNN's Jonathan Mann To Co-anchor Nigeria's Presidential Debate. For or Against it? | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Saturday 12 March 2011

CNN's Jonathan Mann To Co-anchor Nigeria's Presidential Debate. For or Against it?

Jonathan Mann
Network News 24 Television (NN24 TV) is organizing a presidential debate, the one President Jonathan said he was too busy for...and the Network picked Jonathan Mann of the Cable News Network (CNN) and NEXT newspaper's Khadaria Ahmed to co-anchor the debate.

Some Nigerians are outraged by the selection of Jonathan Mann as a co-anchor for the debate, calling it an insult to the Nigerian broadcast media profession, while some support the choice of an outsider, saying a foreigner will be impartial and make the debate more fair and objective, devoid of intimidation and harassment.

What's your stand on this? Please share your thoughts.

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

For!!!!
Most of out broadcast journalists are not the great anyways. They are always trying to put on fake accents. Are usually too abrasive, and don't know how to conduct interviews in a more fuild manner. This guy has experiene. This presidential debate is important for the future in Nigeria, I want an experienced person to conduct it. I don't care if they are black, white or purple.

Adebola said...

I support the Idea. Plus the eyes of the world will be on us and hopefully this will make the leaders fulfill their promises. Jonathan you cant hide, you must debate!! People send messages to your people in the village, tell them no debate, not vote.
Buying them one bag of rice wont make their problems go away when the rice is finished. We need credible leaders, I dont mind where he comes from as long as he can deliver.
Nigerians want to hear from all her candidate.
Without proper interview, they cant get the Job, we need to know if our votes will count, How long it will take to fix the power problem. Enough of I will do this and that.
Nigerians stand up, from East to West, from South to North, we are all one in the struggle. Everyone has a family or knows someone who have died due to bad roads, due to poor health system, due to corruption, due to bad Governance,
We need to take charge. It is our time NOW!!!

Anonymous said...

There is no media professionals in Nigeria. Most if not all media houses in Nigeria are own by politicians or their associates. I gave up on Nigeria media a long time ago because of their constant display of lazy journalism.

The most important thing to me is for the anchor person to be objective and not ask some gotcha questions.So the Nationality of who the anchor man is should not be a problem.

Lola O. said...

Did American hire any external media personnel to cover debate. Are they not covered anyway??? Why the Big deal? We already have our independence from Britain. Why are we enslaving ourslevs to the Americans??? How free and fair is that. Corruption can not be monitored like this. Whose 'great' idea was this.

We can deal with our own issues, thank you very much. Na so we don yeye reach??? Do we really need to do this. WTF????????

dada said...

i'm all for it.... nigerian journalism aint so bad but partiality will be in their minds no matter what.... let an outsider who doesnt gain directly do it...my own opinion...nigerians are quick to feel insulted, who wud they have chosen anyways?

steezz.com said...

on behalf i, me, myself and the entire staff of steezz.com i say yes to it. It's those with little self esteem dat'll feel insulted by it. if a Nigerian were 2 be given such in America,we'll all hail it. i have the feeling Jona had a fore knowledge of the inclusion of Mann and dat scared him.

SitePaddy said...

Personally I think an outsider that doubles as a neutral party may facilitate a more credible debate (and let us see the candidates for who they really are and what they really want to do) but at the same time it is a bit insulting to have foreigners always come and do what we are supposed to be doing ourselves. I have watched some STV officials hold some blunt interviews with political figures so if NTA broadcasters weren't up to par, STV people could have been considered. By the way, who is the other anchor?

http://olori-beautiful.blogspot.com/

ChiChiLuv said...

Against! I would agree if I have ever seen a non American moderating the presidential debate, I will agree when I see one in 2012. Why oh why must we always look for outside approval? Is someone trying to tell me that in ALL of Nigeria, we don't have someone eloquent, intelligent and impartial enough to moderate a presidential debate? I REFUSE to believe it.

Anonymous said...

*I am For!!! he would be neutral...

sexy said...

oh! wat a pity! we are falling back to our colonial days! we are directly telling d world dat we are incapable of handling our issues. are we d only corrupt country in d world? does dis happen in oda countries? i weep for my country nigeria! cnn's jonathan mann to co-anchor presidential debate my freaking ass!

Pointless Celebrity said...

What kind of nonsense is this? Haven't we had enough economic exploitation and psychological slavery from these people? Must we keep letting this people insult us? Se na we referee for them during their own election? Whoever came up with this lousy, stupid and insulting idea, deserve their P45 slapped in their face. Oyinbo see Nigeria as corrupt and incapable of running their country and now my people wan come indirectly agree with them. Why? Can't we bloody handle our affairs without oyinbo interfering? No, I don't agree with this foolish idea. My ancestors don't want this. Its totally wrong and a massive insult. Just like a Chinese restaurant, I don't give a FORK about oyinbo. They must stay out of Nigeria business and Africa's. If oyinbo must get involve, then, whoever must be a Nigerian citizen. Why not get neutral people from fellow African countries, such as Ghana, South Africa, etc?

•••BD•••

Bebe said...

Chei!!! American Anchor??? Chei. Well, we have not been 'behaving' like Adults, Ngwanu nu, make una go polish una English well well, and get ready to make a fool of yourselves to the outside world.

Ths guy will just be laughing under his breath to the answers to various questions.

O set ti kwana nu.

It just feels like we dey cry out to the world to help us when we still have issues with them, Halliburton/Bush corruption comes to mind.

Anonymous said...

Why Should Goodluck Jonathan be scared of a debate that is anchored by Jonathan Mann? Is he not mann aenough? If he wants the job he has to be interviewed first.

Jonathan Mann has more than two decades experience in print, radio and television journalism. He currently anchors world report and hosts political mann. He has extensively covered international news from the fall of Berlin wall to the release of Mandela from prison.He has experience and quality, I have no qualms with him anchoring the Nigerian presidential debate. That should also fire our journalists up to stand up to their plates.

Anonymous said...

I thought Sambo refused to show up for the NN24 debate. What happened? Sambo was not serious at all. He was just like his boss.

Winnergal said...

I'm against it. Say 'NO' to modern day colonial slavery!

kinns said...

Against! it's not worth it. Besides what does the guy knows about us and our challenges as a nation? 'think NN24 is doing this for showmanship & self publicity.

NK said...

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't NN24 owned by CNN? If it's true, then I'm not surprised by this at all.

Anonymous said...

I am FOR!!!! As an outsider, there would be no partiality...

Anonymous said...

The wives of he presidenial contestants should also come out for debates and le us hear fro hem too.

Kay said...

Leave them

Shebi dem no want Nigerian journalist, no problem, that Jonathan Mann go TACKLE the candidates well well pass any of the Nigerian journalists!!

Yet still, he may not be able to ask some vital questions that Nigerian journalists may need to ask based on their better understanding of the problems of the Nigerian society.

Anonymous said...

OK, Alright

Uche said...

If we have struggled all the while in our history against racism , we should not be promoting it. For the nigerian elections to reach a wider audience internationally, it would be great to have a good mix of people. Diversity has led to the success of many nations and that is why the states as a country remains unbeatable. Nigerians who do not support this should get an education and exposure by traveling and meeting other folks so that they would not be set in their ways!!!

Anonymous said...

when one is narrow minded, one can only think of slavery... what a shame for our so called youths!

Alicia says... said...

i co-sign with chichiluv's comment. you are 100% CORRECT!

Anonymous said...

eyes on Nigeria. Bad side.. it'll show the level clue less ness of the Nigerian leader to the world.... hush hush..

Tatababe said...

Personally, I think the Nigerian journalists are in a better position to know what questions the people of Nigeria want answered, not just because of their knowledge & understanding of the country's political history but also because of their experiences in it.
They bring much more to the table than a foreign anchor, besides, if they keep on giving jobs like this to foreign anchors, how are the Nigerian journalists expected to get as much recognition for their work as their international counterparts do?

Anonymous said...

i believe it should be a nigerian... there are some fearless , well educated journalist in our country who will be capable of conducing this debate. i believe sometimes as nigerians we have little faith in ourselves and our citizens..... we spend so much money on education outside the country , can we at least put our knowledge to good use. instead of going for a foreigner, let us do our research and find credible journalist , who we will conduct a fair debate.

Anonymous said...

Bottom Line....it is an insult! As we portray ourselves..so it is....

which country ever uses a foreigner for a presidential debate? Are we saying we cannot find an impatial journalist who is Nigerian?

Even if we do...can we get a co anchor who is Nigerian?

God help us oooooo

Anonymous said...

Linda, a beg try and organize a debate for wives of all presidential candidates. You must invite our madam bomber, the first lady. It will be a must watch and a good opportunity for us to choose who is going to be our first lady . Abi we no get right to choose who is going to be our first lady again? This time around, it will better if first ladyship is earned! We don suffer too much for their hands.

Anonymous said...

It doesn't matter who conducts the interview white or black the most important thing is what the candidates have to say

Lola Idije said...

My people, don't u think nigerian journalist haven't got that freedom of speech as claimed?

I work in d media (print), and once a true story is about to be printed...u know what happens? Phone call from d presidence or a top brass, promising to deal with u. ur editors and locking up of d media house.... Enough said.

Jonathan Mann, can b feed wit some of d most important questions we dare not ask...U know y?

Any how, i don't care who interview's who for the debate. And to pple talking jazz about modern day slavery, search urself...Cos d so called US green card lottery is one, and for the i no go gree's until i go/get UK or US passport.. wetin una call am (u av to pledge under oat, b4 u are given naturalization certificate)?

Hiss....

Anonymous said...

Like @Lola Idije said, Nigerian journalists are not bold enough to ask some questions because they are scared...

Mr Goodluck Jonathan cannot even face Nigerian journalists, so how would he face Jonathan Mann, a Jonathan like him?

The president is a failure in that regard. How did he defend his PhD thesis at University? I wonder o. So, anybody can really study to PhD level if they work hard at it.

Anonymous said...

@ Lola idije I am with you. I am surprised @ the level of ignorance shown here. Modern day slavery?? Our leaders have put us more in slavery than any colonial or western world has.
Nigerians it is time to free our minds, Nigerians reputation is bad anyway and it is good for someone like Jonathan Mann to conduct the debate as this will put us in the eyes of the world and this might make the Presidential candidate know that they cant just come and make empty promises, they must work.
The big question of corruption will be tackled by this man, as I know this is always the fear of most Nigeria Journalist, I am sure as he is not from Nigeria he will be fearless and ask questions.
Personally I am tired of us Nigerians being afraid of the truth and only the truth can set us free.
Our country is damaged and needs to be rebuilt.
No one is coming to enslave you in your own country, free your mind from mental slavery and intimidation. Journalist have always traveled round from country to country interviewing people of different nation.Our leaders have acted for so long like kids and should be treated like one, even Goodluck Jonathan as he agreed to debate, this like this could be covered by CNN to shame him, You want to become President in a democratic country and you are refusing to debate. Shame Shame
I am for this Man to Co-anchor the debate along with any other Credible Nigerian Journalist, they can learn alot form each other, that is if the debate will hold, read someone say Sambo didnt even show up for his own debate
It is time to tell our leaders it is not business as usual, if they dont debate, no vote, if they get elected and dont perform, there will be a revolution!!!

Anonymous said...

For...
i agree with Adebola, the eyes of the world will be on us..

Anonymous said...

The anchor or co-anchor is not the focus of the debate. Rather it should be on those running for the hot seat. For all I care it can be Riz Khan of Al-Jazeera or Vivian Irikefe of Silverbird!

Anonymous said...

No effin way! I'm against this ridiculous idea. We might as well official tell them to come and colonise us. Whether we get it wrong or right, this matter is African matter. History will not forgive Nigeria if it allows this. It's a bad idea.

Anonymous said...

waste of time and money.
Ghana must go will prevail at the end in the polls.
GEJ knows that these debates mean nothing,that is why he can afford to shun it.
How many peoiple watching it will vote.
The masses have no light to watch tv.
All they need is bags of rice and free t-shirt.
That PDP will provide.
Okotie and Utomi can speak all the grammar they like.
GEJ and Patience will kpoa there were to Aso Rock.
Mediocrity is our biggest curse as a nation.
Mann should just enjoy the estacode for what it is, free money.

NaijaScorpio said...

Nigerians don come again. So as we go school reach, dem no see any other Nigerian wey qualify to host the presidential debate? Hia!

Kevin Obosi said...

Just for the record the guy is CANADIAN.
Nigerian journalist are too scared to grill politician for obvious reasons..pls check out how our so called politician are questioned outside our shores, only then you'll know what journalism is all about. Anyway, Who's 'MAN' enough to anchor the debate?

Anonymous said...

Naija! Na wa Oo! It's only an Arsenal (arse-n-all) supporter could come up with this stupid and hopeless idea. There's no way a Manchester United fan could have come up with this weak idea. Smh :)

Anonymous said...

@ Kevin Obosi. I see your point. Okay, journalist could for fear of future retribution, etc, might not grill / ask hard hitting questions, etc. Then, if that be the case, it should be a panel and chaired by an anchor person, etc.

Anonymous said...

I totally disagree with that, it has to be done by a Nigerian. We have to be independent for one day..

Anonymous said...

people lets open our eyes and stop being myopic about such issues... we have been independent for over 50 years but search ur selves are we trully independent???? Journalists do not have the freedom to do their job very well in Nigeria even if they have the passion... either they are murdered etc An external person will be good for the debate as he/she will be able to ask questions that are direct without fear..Do note that though PDP will still win this election...but its a stepping stone as the international body will be more aware of April 2011 election in Nigeria and @ the end of the tenure the person will be able to be judged by the international world.i think Mann will be fearless and it has nothing to do with Slavery LOL.Our government have so terrrible that is y some Nigerian always think of Slavery at every chance.pls lets be objective here

Missjarola said...

First and foremost, we should ask our selves, what is the rational behind the debate?
We want our politians to bare it all, their plans, its not abt the interviewer.
If i read correctly, his co-achoring, with a Nigeria.
Mann, is an indepth Journalist, and what i think NN24 wants to do, it to have a foreigner, look @ it from a non Nigerian angle,foreign policies, international relations, etc.
The only thing that bothers me its why GEJ doesnt want to debate, "busy capaigning"to who? is it not the same Nigerian that want to see him debate.

Chilling said...

ChiChiLuv touché! Why can’t Frank Edoho do it? He’s eloquent enough. NN24 is owned by CNN and if they insisted a CNN anchor should do it, why not Isha Sesay. Are there no Nigerians working in CNN that can anchor this? It smacks of an inferiority complex IMO.

CC said...

Colonial mentality still rears its ugly head! Oyibo people will never do such rubbish, but somehow, like in all other facets of Nigerian society as long as it's foreign it's automatically better. What does Mann know about the nuances in the Nigerian political landscape? uggh I'm wasting my breath, look at the first two comments.

KAYMEE said...

na wa oo!!this NN24 pp sef, na only to the bring CNN pp dem sabi, to pay salary dem no fit 8mnths now dem never pay dia workers....SHAMEEEEEEEE

Femiluv said...

Against, I love J.Mann, but I agree with Tatababe. A Nigerian knows the questions we want answered. Frank Edoho would have been a great choice IMO. He's very eloquent - no faking, like most Nigerian journos.

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