quote:A mansion is not a houseWednesday, November 16, 2005 Aig Imoukhuede
Ordinary people build houses to shelter them from the elements; the not-so-ordinary build mansions to make a statement. A friend who has just observed mansion building at close quarters tells me that the best approach is to keep people guessing as to what the builder’s real intention is. It is important, he says, that right up to the moment the last nail is driven in, people should not be able to tell whether the edifice they are looking at is a cathedral, an impregnable fortress, a maximum security prison or, as is sometimes the case, a place in which to hide from the long arm of the law.
According to this friend, anyone planning to build a mansion should avoid a place like Lekki in Lagos where every third building is a mansion. A mansion is at its most impressive if it is built in a not-so-smart neighbourhood, preferably in a shanty town. The intending mansion builder should therefore select a piece of land that has once served as a much needed and much used children’s playground. One day, while no one is looking, four tipper lorries arrive loaded with sand, which they dump close enough to the road to cause an obstruction. A week later the lorries return, this time with gravel, which they dump where it blocks the drain. By then the people living in the area will realize that some Big Man has gone over their heads to acquire what is communal property.
The construction of a mansion follows a sequence that is quite different from that of an ordinary dwelling. When building a mansion, the first thing one does is to surround a piece of land with a high concrete fence, and install a gate that is massive enough to withstand the detonation of a medium-size bomb. Adjacent to the gate should be a gatehouse, made of reinforced concrete and looking like a fortified emplacement. At this point in the proceedings the neighbours’ curiosity is well and truly aroused. “He hasn’t even dug the foundation for the house yet,” one of them says, “and already he has put a fortified fence around the plot. He must be planning to hide something behind those walls.” “Perhaps,” another hints darkly, “he is constructing a dump for smuggled goods.” But weeks go by, and no smuggled goods arrive at the site. What does arrive is a rig for drilling a bore hole. Its arrival sets off fresh speculation.
“He is building a factory for packaging pure water,” one of the neighbours says, and makes a mental note to apply to be a pure water distributor. But it soon becomes known that the bore hole would only provide water for the construction of the mansion, that area being notorious for its dry taps.
The pace of work on the construction is slow, and the reason for this becomes clear when the mansion reaches the first floor level, rising above the enclosing fence. For the first time the sheer complexity and extravagance of its design is visible to the awestruck neighbours. Gazing up at what looks like a steeple over the west wing some say: “It is a cathedral.” Others, noting that the opposite wing has a flat roof, say: “That flat thing is, without any doubt, a helicopter pad.” “But why would a cathedral have a helicopter pad?” another says. “Besides, that thing is tilted at too crazy an angle for a helicopter to land on.”
“I don’t think it is a cathedral,” a third man says. “The whole structure looks too solid and graceless. There is too much concrete, and that thing in the middle looks like a battlement. What we have here must be a castle.” “Or a maximum security prison,” another man chips in. “Look at those stout bars in the windows, the heavy doors, the high fence topped with razor wire, and that solid gate. The place is designed to keep people in, not keep intruders out.” For several weeks work on the building continues apace. Once in a while the sound of a sledge hammer smashing into concrete rises above the other noises, indicating that some on-site modification to the original design is being carried out — like making a big gothic window bigger.
Then, one morning a trailer lorry arrives, loaded with what turns out to be sections of a mast. The following day a mobile crane trundles up and, before the unbelieving eyes of neighbours and, erects the mast. It is at least three times the height of a tall building. The puzzled neighbours get a crick in their necks as they gaze upwards at it. “That,” a man says, “cannot be just a mast for receiving satellite TV signal.” “You are right,” another replies, “The days of tall masts and giant dishes constructed to dwarf buildings and impress people are over. What we have here is either an FM radio broadcasting facility, or a television studio.” “I hope that mast doesn’t fall on our heads in a rain storm,” someone mutters to himself.
The very tall mast continues to dominate the conversation, until the day a 100 kva standby generator arrives. It takes more than an hour to lift it off the flatbed, and one week to install it. The test run lasts all night, its vibration causing the neighbours’ stomach cavities to thrum, its noise keeping them awake till dawn. The only things they find to cheer in all these are the mansion’s “security” lights, a dozen high-mounted halogen lamps that light up the entire area, something that the government had not been able to do in years.
The furniture begins to arrive soon after. As chairs and settees, beds and dressing tables are unloaded from trailers, neighbours tell each other that here, at last, is the solution to their puzzle. This monumental edifice with the unusual design really is a furniture store. No one person would need so much furniture for his own use. The last things to arrive are guard dogs, four of them, snarling and full of teeth. On the day of the house-warming party, invited guests who have been hoping to have a good look at the mansion from the inside are sadly disappointed. They are made to sit under canopies erected on the road outside the mansion. That does little to dispel the suspicion that there must be something in the mansion that its owner does not want prying eyes to see. Or perhaps he simply doesn’t want his N1,000 per square metre carpets trampled underfoot.
Me and my identity
As I am writing this, there lies in front of me a laminated piece of pasteboard measuring roughly four inches by two and a half inches. On it is a photograph of my face, with some information about me — my name (surname, first name and middle name, my date of birth, height, occupation, blood group, where I reside, the name of my home town and of my state of origin. In other words it contains all the information that may be reasonable required to identify me. That must be why it is called FEDEAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA IDENTITY CARD.
To become the proud possessor of this card I had to go through a process that took a total of three days. When on the first day I went to the registration centre nearest to my house, the officials who were to do the registering were not there, and after a long wait I returned home. On the second the officials were there, but they directed me to another centre one kilometre up the road, where my name couldn’t be found on the list. On the third day I found the right place, and the officials were present. So were scores of people, all struggling, shouting and shoving. It took me hours to get registered. Months later, when word went out that the identity cards were ready for collection, I went to the centre where I had been registered, believing that there was where my card would be. I had forgotten that, in Nigeria, things are never so simple or so straightforward. I had to visit three centres before finally collecting my card.. And now I find that the card is useless. I may just well not have gone to all that trouble to get it.
The other day I went to the office of the Registrar of a company that produces a popular brand of beverage. I wanted to formalise the transfer of some shares, and was asked to produce a banker’s confirmation of my signature. This confirmation should be made on the bank’s letterhead, with my passport photograph duly authenticated by the banker. Fearing that this could take a long time, I asked if it was all right to produce my national identity card and prove that I am really me. Nothing doing, I was told. Perhaps one day somebody will explain just what the national identity card is for.
HA ha ha, that’s for a banana county, nigeria!!
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2482 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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Fair question I should say. The ideal behind my posting articles by this intelligent man is to continue to show the criminal nature of the dirty country they call nigeria where things stand on end and nothing works. Maybe I shouldn't anymore? Cool.
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2482 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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The Nobel Laureate, Maazi Wole Soyinka continues to write a story that the nations that make up the ‘British Birthed Abomination – Nigeria’, will forever remember, even when he is gone to meet his fore-parents. When this madness is over and the New Republics that are born out of the DEATH of the abomination called Nigeria, you, Maazi Soyinka, will continue to be a shining example of what a true African must continue to be and stand for – standing for TRUTH and the good of the Collective, I salute you.
The greatest honor you can confer on any is to address him/her as one of yours, Maazi Wole Soyinka, Ndeewo, You are a man amongst men. The Nobel Committee was not wrong in conferring the Nobel Prize on you. Africa will forever be proud to have such a great son as long as you continue to fearlessly stand for the truth.
’To those more is given, more is expected.’ Not only do you continue to meet the expectations of all the nations that the British Colonial Masters contrived to put together in the evil empire called Nigeria, you meet the expectations of all true Africans, you do justice to the Noble Prize.
It is our hope that in the not distant future you will see the futility in embracing an abomination and shame, an unworkable union, an insult that was designed for one and only one reason, the RAPING of Mother Africa, what you call Nigeria. After more than 80 years, after the sacrifice of more than 3 million lives and counting, after the continuing dehumanization of more than 100 million fellow Africans that this ‘British Birthed Abomination’ called Nigeria continue to grind to the ground, will you not join those of us that have seen the light, to say, enough is enough?
Nigeria must die, so that the true African Republics can finally take their place, that, Soyinka is the only true Africa solution.
Join your brethren, and become a champion for justice as we join hands to rectify the mess made by the colonial masters, and return Africa to what it always was, a great continent!
ThisDay Soyinka: Mr. President …Just Go! By Philip Ogunmade, 01.20.2006
The alleged move by President Olusegun Oba-sanjo to stay in office beyond 2007 received a further setback yesterday as Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, advised the President to vacate office immediately. Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Soyinka, however, said if the President wishes to serve out his term, which expires May 29 next year, then he must begin a reversal of all “unconstitutional acts” that have been perpetrated by his administration. The Nobel Laureate who narrated how he met President Arap Moi of Kenya a few years before his (Moi) retirement from office and had urged him to plan life after leaving office also urged Obasanjo to “leave quietly, peacefully, take your quite considerable successes in governance policies with you.” “Make it possible for us to call on you in retirement as a respected elder statesman. Do not leave the nation with such lacerating memories, with such a bad taste in the mouth that the people dismiss even your successes as mere accidents, as flashes in the pan or the work of others. Leave now, pleading governance exhaustion, age, betrayal, resentment at the ingratitude of the governed, anything at all but – leave. Leave today, right now. “If you do wish to serve your term however, which is predictable, then you must begin a reversal of unconstitutional acts. You must begin by obeying the decisions of the courts to the letter. No hedging, no trimming, no renewed delaying tactics – just obey them, and get on with the positives of your administration. Anything less will be unacceptable”, Soyinka said. He also fingered the President as the architect of the crisis rocking Oyo State, which last week culminated in the unconstitutional impeachment of Governor Rasheed Ladoja. "This is no time to beat around the bush. The presidential hand in this affair is blatant. Obasanjo has openly endorsed violence as a means of governance, embraced and empowered individuals whose avowed declarations, confessions and acts are cynically contrary to the democratic mandate that alone upholds the legitimacy and dignity of his office. Let me repeat this: the contempt of President Obasanjo for the demands for a democratic self-realisation by the electorate is no longer in doubt, and can be proved, chapter and verse - from Anambra to Oyo. “First in Anambra, and now in Oyo State, the President has crossed the line of political toleration. You failed in Anambra, but you felt you had learnt certain lessons in the use of state coercion. Hence the armed takeover of Bayelsa’s state radio by federal might during the Bayelsa impeachment saga, an illegal and unnecessary act that merely pandered to presidential ego and lust for domination. “You felt that you had been too subtle in Anambra in the use of the police – poor Ige (late AIG Raphael Ige) was a mere fall guy – and so, in Oyo, you decided to go the brutal distance with what overt state power can do. If you succeed in Oyo, the nation will be at your feet. The nation? No, the state maybe, but not the nation. Even less likely, the people. Do not be fooled by appearances. “The authorship of the on-going illegalities and abuses of the Nigerian constitution in Oyo State - this being only the latest of such manipulations - lies squarely within the Presidency. There are only two relevant questions: has the police, by its actions, not flagrantly set itself above and against the judiciary, whose decisions it is lawfully bound to enforce? And the second question follows from this: who gives the Inspector General his orders? The finger points in only one direction - President Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo's misuse of the Police to enforce his private political vendettas has become a notorious governance perfidy that screams for remedial action”, the Nobel Laureate added. Soyinka said the president has “mangled the constitution and turned its polluted pulp into a weapon of offence against the rights and legitimate expectations of the people”. “We are confronted by a mind that has gone awry, a mind that is subject to no order except that of the crudest, most despotic notions of dominance in a primitive society. Nigeria is not a primitive or private fiefdom. It is governed by law. The respectful ‘Baba’ accolade has turned to be yet another Baabuism, mimics the culture of the ‘dons’, literally actualised by Obasanjo as that of a Mafia godfather whose hand you either bow and kiss, or receive the kiss of death. “Let me ask this of our president: are you proud of what you have unleashed? When the Chairman of your political party insults the Nigerian people by referring to a state as a garrison, and instructs elected representatives to obey orders, do you voice any disapproval? And was Chairman Ali’s pronouncement merely the arrogant advance notice of the well-laid conspiracy to destabilize that state? “Did you watch by any chance, yesterday’s NTA news at 9pm - Wednesday, January 18, 2005? Did you watch the raucous debate on the Oyo State imbroglio? Is this what you planned? Is this what you wanted? Is this the crowning glory of the politics of your second term in office”, Soyinka asked. The social critic stated that, impeachment, the instrument for the removal of a sitting president, is laid out in the constitution and “if this presidential conduct persists, we have an obligation to call on our legislatures to rescue that instrument of constitutional remedy from current debasement and apply it to the author of our present predicament”. “And so, I urge the nation to commence plans for an orderly convergence on our elected representatives from all parts of the nation to compel them to act. We know that the instruments for coercion are in the hands of one man, whose rationality we now have every cause to question, but the presidential rampage must be stopped. “If anyone has more effective ideas, we would gladly consider them, and would most contentedly follow any lead, as long as such a lead takes into consideration the daily consolidation of anti-people power by one who is now convinced of his divine immunity and blatantly tramples on the conditions of association that hold this nation together. A campaign of civil disobedience is another option - it remains a legitimate instrument of resistance against governance by illegalities”, he added. He therefore urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organisations and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), civil rights movement not to let the people down. Soyinka quoted Obasanjo to have commented, when former military president Ibrahim Babangida was trying to cling to power, that “When you see a mad bull in a china shop, you must find ways of leading it out gently so as to avoid destroying the contents of the shop”. While saying the situation today is identical, he asked if the NLC would accept the responsibility of “leading this bull, through peaceful mass action, out of the china shop that is called Nigeria? It is not the responsibility of the labour movement alone, however, but that of all the civil rights movements, the professionals, student organisations, the clergy of every faith, women movements…indeed of every citizen who cherishes decency and justice in governance”. Soyinka said while people wonder that at his old age of over seventy, he has refused to rest, he stated that his response has always been that "if another old man of seventy conspires against a nation, there should be enough old men of seventy to say no". “So, desist, I urge, so we can all go into peaceful retirement. Retire, so I can visit you in your farm and resume our days of both harmless and pungent controversies over pounded yam and egusi. “But your conduct robs me of sleep, deprives me of my planned retirement, encroaches on my normal preoccupations, plays havoc on my concentration within my own field but most of all – desecrates all I have ever believed in, fought for all my life, including those years when you had one foot at the very edge of the grave. “In the name of that very God whom you thank for yanking you back from abyss, I implore you - Go! Go while it is still possible to forgive you for robbing us all of our earned retirement. Go! Just Go!" Soyinka stated. But Presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode told last night that there is no iota of truth or suggestion that Obasanjo is behind the crisis in Oyo State adding that more than anybody else, the president has made effort in the past to settle the rift between the two groups. “It is most unfair and uncharitable for anyone, especially the distinguished and highly respected Prof. Wole Soyinka, a man I have great respect for, to say such of Mr. President. Let me assure that if it is the desire of anybody to pull down this government or disgrace Mr. President or impute or attribute to him such, such people will fail. “And despite all these, Mr. President will remain focus on the good work that he is doing and he will continue to take Nigeria forward”, he said.
Posts: 166 | From: chicago | Registered: Jun 2003
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I sincerely hope that our friend bababoyz is not shackled somewhere in his country of origin nigeria where individual freedom and dignity means nothing to the cabal thieving everything in sight. Let’s hope that his absence is mitigated from being safely tucked somewhere in Dallas and environs and not as a result of anything sinister. In my mind's eyes, I can see him begging for his dear life, let's hope this is not the case.
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2482 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
Giving credit and accolades where it is merited and due is often times misconstrued and not taken well by few but nothing could be farther from the truth. Mazi Igbokwe’s appointment is only the beginning, others must follow this exemplary gesture in order for that dark country to head towards greater things. I doubt!
quote:Igbo in Lagos laud Igbokwe's appointment
LAGOS State Governor Bola Tinubu has been commended over his appointment of Joe Igbokwe as the general manager of the newly-created Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (IMRA).
The commendation came from the Igbo speaking community in Lagos through a letter signed by the group's spokesman, Sylvanus Okorie.
According to the letter, Igbokwe's appointment has demonstrated that Lagos is a centre of excellence and home for all.
He added that Governor Tinubu has taken due cognizance of the integrity of Igbokwe and his ability to render selfless service and above all, track record of impressive performance in the service of humanity.
He disclosed that the Igbo community is planning a civic reception for Igbokwe at a date to be announced later.
According to the Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency, which was recently signed into law, the agency is saddled with the responsibility of regulating erection of masts, towers, cables and poles across the state.
The agency would also supervise the use, repair, resurfacing and construction of damaged roads; ensure safety in the use of public rights of way by gas, telephone, electric cable companies and other persons.
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2482 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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Nonsense and no big deal. Igboman did not get the job in Lagos because he is Igbo, he got it because he gets the job done and he has more qualififcation than others. Whats the celebration about? There should be no jingle bell; Lagos state is for all Nigerians not for the Yorubas. Giving a job to an Igboman in Lagos civil government is no brainer but simply a pawn for politics of popularity. I hope you guys copy.
Hail Biafra
Posts: 1672 | From: Minnesota USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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For the amount of Tax revenue Igbos pour into Lagos, they should getting more than a token appointment. people forget that even without oil revenue allocation Lagos state is the the richest State because of her Tax revenue.
quote:Originally posted by Waypoint1Biafra: Nonsense and no big deal. Igboman did not get the job in Lagos because he is Igbo, he got it because he gets the job done and he has more qualififcation than others. Whats the celebration about? There should be no jingle bell; Lagos state is for all Nigerians not for the Yorubas. Giving a job to an Igboman in Lagos civil government is no brainer but simply a pawn for politics of popularity. I hope you guys copy.
One of the few times our resident psycho has made sense.
I don’t understand why the heck somebody is calling for celebration as if the poor guy has been appointed to replace the ridiculed outgoing World Head of State. This guy is a Nigerian for crying aloud, and if not for the warped system Nigeria operates, a qualified resident of a state should be able to aspire to the highest position in that state.
Governor, Senator, Asiwaju of Jeun soke Jeun sapo, Bobo Chicago Tinubu is just playing to the gallery and the mumus in the gallery are already forming a queue to buy the baloney.
quote:Governor, Senator, Asiwaju of Jeun soke Jeun sapo, Bobo Chicago Tinubu is just playing to the gallery and the mumus in the gallery are already forming a queue to buy the baloney.
___________________ Feel me? Ofu onye ana asi unu abia go. - Ednut Igbo-American . www.airamericaradio.com visit her. Posts: 2447 | From: Mother Earth | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote:Governor, Senator, Asiwaju of Jeun soke Jeun sapo, Bobo Chicago Tinubu is just playing to the gallery and the mumus in the gallery are already forming a queue to buy the baloney.
And the MUMU(S) that are celebrating it here too need to listen to bababoyz and WP1.
TGIF. AUDI A6.
___________________ Feel me? Ofu onye ana asi unu abia go. - Ednut Igbo-American . www.airamericaradio.com visit her. Posts: 2447 | From: Mother Earth | Registered: Mar 2001
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All I can say to the see no good and hear no good is that sometimes it pays to acknowledge a deed no matter how little. While the awusa uncles of some of you are killing their neighbors who are also "nigerians," we have someone whose example ought to be encouraged and followed being trashed by pathetic mumus! How many non-indigenes are appointed to positions such as this in other states is the question real Igbo and Yoroba “mumus” must answer.
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2482 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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quote:This guy is a Nigerian for crying aloud, and if not for the warped system Nigeria operates, a qualified resident of a state should be able to aspire to the highest position in that state. BBB
Tell that to the Orji Kalus, the Ngiges, and all other regional governors in Nigeria. Please say something that makes some sense for once!
___________________ This war of attrition on the Igbo must end now! Posts: 441 | From: california, US | Registered: Jan 2003
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As Yoruba Nigerians stand up in total opposition to the third term for the Dictator Obasanjo, it is important we ask ourselves what happened to IGBO NIGERIANS?
Although misguided, we salute these our Yoruba brethren for their stance!
If Igbo Nigerians who have been the most vocal proponents of ‘One Nigeria’, are no where to be found, why should Ndi Igbo continue to take them seriously? If Igbo Nigerians do not have the backbone or spine to stand up for their belief, are they now not to be considered self-serving 419’ers?
Where are the Igbo in Diaspora? One begins to understand why they continue to refuse to step forward to seek justice for the GENOCAUST (genocide and holocaust) committed against them but preffer to wine and dine with war criminals and those that committed crimes against humanity - TUFIAKWA! How are the mighty fallen!
WE pled with our great Yoruba Nigerians, who continue to show that they are true Africans, even if they think they can breath life into the corpse called Nigeria, to do a rethink. If they can fight this hard for an entity designed from the beginning by its creator, Britain, to fail, an entity that was designed for only one purpose, to RAPE Africa, an entity that continue to sentence her children to a very painful death, what will an equal investment in ODUDUWA get them. Will a REPUBLIC of ODUDUWA not reward the Yoruba nation more, they should think about it. Why remain in an unworkable marriage, when they can help build an Oduduwa nation that will be as advanced as any of the Advanced nations?
The Guardian Sunday, March 12, 2006
Third Term: Soyinka, Others Protest To World Leaders BY IDOWU AJANAKU, CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, ALEX MONYE AND CORNELIUS ONUOHA
· How Opposition Fuel Agenda · Mantu Panel Prepares Bill · Bishops Warn Obasanjo
THE campaign by pro-democracy activists to check the alleged third term bid of President Olusegun Obasanjo may have shifted to international arena. The aim is to formerly protest alleged attempts by the President to manipulate the Constitution in order to secure a third term in office. Leading the train to the United Nations, the United States of America, the European Union (EU) and Great Britain is Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and former governor and factional chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Bisi Akande. Among others, mainly based in the United States, are Prof. Ropo Sekoni, Dr Joseph Oladokun, Solomon Olufelo and Adeola Odusanya. Besides, the local content of the campaign to stop third term gathered momentum at the weekend with individuals and different organisations expressing opposition to the agenda. Indeed, eminent constitutional lawyer and chairman of The Patriots, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN) has called on the citizenry and civil society to embark on mass action to stop the third term agenda. "During military rule, the civil society checkmated the military authorities, which had absolute power; they can still play the same role in this regard," the eminent constitutional lawyer and chairman of The Patriots he charged. The National Society Coalition Against Third Term Agenda (NACATT) yesterday in Lagos called on Nigerians and civil society organisations to rise against the third term agenda as it is a ploy to have Obasanjo stay in office for 20 years. "The whole ploy goes beyond a third term thing, because if allowed to continue, Obasanjo will, in his third term be working with a whole new Constitution which will allow him to run for another two terms," said the coalition of over 150 civil society organisations. To the Peoples Problems and Solutions (PPS) organisation, the third term agenda will have negative consequences for the nation if it eventually scales through at National and State Assemblies. It warned at the weekend that the approval of the elongation of tenure was capable of destroying Nigeria, noting the constitution that could sustain the unity of Nigeria and promote her development "is the constitution that has the inputs of Nigerians." And from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria is the counsel that even though its support for a review of the 1999 Constitution stands, the process must be open and fair. "Our country cannot live in hope if government engages in a monologue neither listening to the people nor to the international community," the Bishops said. Soyinka had alleged that some Western countries were propelling Obasanjo's speculated moves to continue in office because the economic reform of the present administration favours them. But he changed his position recently following what he called successful discussion with world leaders on why they should not throw their weights behind such moves. "From my recent discussion with the world leaders, they seem to have changed their position on the third term bid. I can assure you," he told The Guardian recently in Lagos. It was learnt that the outcome of the parley between Soyinka and the world leaders may have informed the American government's warning that Nigerians should stick to the current terms for political office holders in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Soyinka, who was in the country for the burial of Beko Ransome-Kuti, confirmed the move to protest Obasanjo's alleged third term to the Black Caucus in America Congress and other world leaders. He refused to give details. But Akande said that the visit would enable them to educate and expose alleged atrocities committed by President Obasanjo since 1999, and the likely implications of his third term on the polity. "Efforts have reached an advanced stage to present Obasanjo's 'atrocities' to the international community just like NADECO did during the Abacha era," Akande said. He, however, insisted that Obasanjo would not stay in office beyond 2007 because other leaders that had tried it in Nigeria failed. The chairman of NACATT and Lagos-based lawyer, Bamidele Aturu said if the Constitution permitted a third term in office, Obasanjo was likely to stay in office for a total of 20 years. Aturu, quoting from a book entitled, "No to Third Term Agenda: Don't Destroy our Unity with Third Term Agenda," held that the third term agenda was divisive in nature and capable of creating chaos in the country. He argued that those who claim that Obasanjo is the only one that can guarantee unity "must be embarrassed if they have any conscience concerning how the issue of a third term has badly divided our people. How united could Nigeria be under a real third term presidency of General Obasanjo?" He disclosed that NACATT has opened registers in its offices and on the Internet for Nigerians to sign against the third term. The PPS, in a statement signed by its National Co-ordinator, Dr. Wale Omole called on the Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevail on other governors "to ponder what posterity will say about them by staying in office beyond the specified two terms in office." "We believe that those who are clamouring for third term agenda are making mistake," Omole said. "It may suit them today. But certainly, any foundation laid on the threshold of falsehood can never last." The Catholic Bishops' Conference noted that "hope will be shattered if government ignores or stifles divergent opinions on important issues." "Hope will undergo a frightening recession if government believes might is right. Hope will be bundled into exile if arrogant use of power scares and discourages credible and competent candidates for political offices." The Bishops said what the country needs is a constitution that ensures a credible system of free and fair elections. On the issue of third term, they noted that it must not be a result of manipulation for self-perpetuation in office against the wish of the people. "Whatever the outcome of the debate, the eventual choice of president and governors in 2007 must be that of the people in a free and fair election," they said. "Even if a third term is made legal through a constitutional amendment process, those presently in power should consider whether it is ethical for them to change the rules to their advantage midway in the game."
Posts: 166 | From: chicago | Registered: Jun 2003
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Has it occured to you that despite the vagaries and uncertainties surrounding Obasanjo's third term bid, Ndiigbo political class with the exception of a few, made up their mind there is nothing wrong with a constitutional amemdment to keep Obasanjo and the S-East governors for another term? What's going on here, and what's wrong with Ndiigbo?
*Supporters, opposition woo undecided 15 * 71 in support, 22 against
Supporters of elongated tenure for President Olusegun Obasanjo and their antagonists are in a race against time for the votes of about sixteen wavering senators in the bid to actualise or scupper the proposed constitutional amendment for a third term tenure for the president and governors.
Sunday Vanguard tracking of senators based on comments, antecedents and political circumstances showed that not less than seventy-one of them are inclined to vote for the amendment and twenty two determined against it. There are sixteen senators, mainly from the North, who, at press time, were yet undecided and their likely voting intentions remained unknown.
Seventy three senators representing two-third of the 109 senators are required to pass the constitutional amendment in the Senate.
Some senators who confirmed their voting intentions as projected by Sunday Vanguard nevertheless said that the possibility of decisions being altered were very likely in the face of what they alleged were mouth watering offers.
One senator from the South-South already projected to vote yes, however, pleaded to be cast as undecided, jokingly noting that he wanted to be lobbied! All three senators from Kwara State are believed to be yet undecided in the face of alleged intensive lobby on Dr. Olusola Saraki, the pre-eminent factor in the political affairs of the state. Saraki’s group, the Northern Union, has been mounting a campaign against the third term proposal which the group believes will deny the return of the presidency to a Northerner.
Opposition to the third term agenda amongst southern senators is limited to a few senators in the South-East with only Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, known to oppose it, reportedly on principle.
Support for the third term amendment in the North is surprisingly in the affirmative with many senators from the area kowtowing to their governors. Senators from Jigawa, Borno and Yobe States, even though in the heart of the core North, are almost all in support and were not, opposing it owing to their own gubernatorial ambitions.
The race to win the support of the undecided sixteen senators is generating much interest with repeated allegations of financial inducements being offered to members. Last week, as members of the Senator Ibrahim Mantu-led Constitution Review Committee arrived for the compilation of the reports of the public hearings at the just concluded retreat in Port-Harcourt, there were allegations of each member getting an allowance of $37,000. As the week dragged to an end, the figure for inducement was allegedly raised to N20 million per Committee member. Sunday Vanguard analysis of the voting intentions of the lawmakers is as follows:
SENATOR LIKELY VOTE COMMENT
ABIA Uche Chukwumerije No Implacable leader of the anti-third term agenda in Senate Adolphus Wabara Yes Will continue to appease Aso Rock Villa, perhaps it may yield a reprieve from the woes of the Wabara family. Chris Adighije U Close associate of Governor Kalu but could spring a surprise as Obasanjo is said to admire him for his honesty.
ADAMAWA Iya Abubakar No Inspirational leader of the Northern establishment and will not rock the boat. Jubril Aminu Yes If not, but to spite Vice President Atiku Abubakar Silas Zwingina Yes Will vote yes despite his gubernatorial ambition as he could bank on Gov. Boni Haruna going down with Atiku
AKWA IBOM Effiong Bob Yes Will not mind Governor Attah getting another term in office Bob Ekarika No He has his eyes on replacing Attah and would not vote to sustain him. Udoma Udo Udoma No Will on principle and family honour vote no.
ANAMBRA Ben Obi No Together with Chukwumerije lead the anti-third term crusade in the Senate. Ugochukwu Uba Yes It is a family project. Joy Emodi U Strong woman of principle who got her Senate seat fighting the Ubas and Governor Ngige but with PDP structure firmly under the Ubas, she is believably under strong pressure of supporters to vote yes.
BAUCHI Abubakar Maikafi U Baba Tela Yes Bauchi State position Bala Adamu Yes Will align his gubernatorial aspiration with State position of four more years for Goveror Muazu.
BAYELSA John Kojo Brambaifa Yes Initami Rufus Spiff Yes David Brigidi Yes
BENUE Daniel Saror No Will vote no on principle. David Mark Yes Espirite de corps. When duty calls, Brig-Gen. Mark could take instructions from Obasanjo, his former C-in-C. Ati Yes Even if it will hurt Atiku, but could benefit his immediate godfather, GovernorGeorge Akume. BORNO Omar Hambagda Yes A strong yes from the alleged author of the third term and himself from a rabid pro-third term State Mohammed Aba Aji Yes Recent statements on stability of polity indicate his support. Mohammed Daggash Yes Would have done anything up to voting No to spite Governor Sheriff, but with his Senate seat still dicey, will not want to create more enemies in Villa to join SAS. Will also be prompted to vote yes in for the sake of his friend, billionaire Aliko Dangote.
CROSS RIVER Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN)Yes A close associate of Governor Duke plays according to the rules in Cross River politics which is that continuity is good. Bassey Ewa-Henshaw Yes Businessman, would want ongoing reforms to continue Greg Ngaji Yes Even though allegedly with a gubernatorial ambition, will give heed to the Cross River State political establishment.
DELTA James Manager Yes Close associate of Governor Ibori and would cave in to Ibori’’s strong support for a third term. A third term could preserve the Governor in office and probably keep him away from Obasanjo’’s trouble. Patrick Osakwe Yes System man. Felix Ibru Yes
EBONYI Chris Nshi Yes State position Emmanuel Agboti Yes Will bury gubernatorial ambition to maintain State position and maintain Senate seat in 2007 Julius Ucha Yes State position.
EDO Daisy Danjuma Yes Hubby’s (Gen. Theophilus Danjuma) wish, Chief Tony Anenih’s instruction, State desire. Osherienmen Osunbor Yes Kassim Isa Oyofo Yes To preserve the system
EKITI James Kolawole Yes State position Clement Awoyelu Yes State position Bode Olowoporoku Yes Could have voted no to spite Governor Fayose, but would support in order not to give his enemies a strong reason to hang him.
ENUGU Ike Ekweremadu Yes To preserve the system Fidelis Okoro Yes If available will vote yes. Ken Nnamani --- Will likely not vote unless there is a tie and may not vote in support of the majority.
GOMBE As‘ad Mohammed Yes Will vote along State’s official position. Haruna Garba ` No Tawar Wada Yes Will vote along State’s official position
IMO Ifeanyi Ararume Yes Acclaimed linkman for the third term project,. allegedly used the influence of the Southern Senators Forum which he leads for that purpose. Reward could be Imo governorship in the face of Governor Udenwa’s alleged bad record in Aso Rock Villa. Eze Ajoku Yes Candidate of the Abuja politicians expected not to rock the boat. Arthur Nzeribe Yes Will vote yes for political survival, though he is unusually sidelined in such a controversial project as the third term campaign.
JIGAWA Muhammad Ibrahim Yes State’s (or rather Governor Turaki’s) position Bello Maitama Yusuf Yes -do- Dalha Ahmed Danzomo Yes -do-
KADUNA Ahmed Aruwa No Thrown out of JCRC for his alleged stubborn opposition to third term project. Isaiah Balat Yes Though with gubernatorial ambition, Balat could under the circumstances vote yes. Dalhatu Tafida Yes Allegedly a point man of the third term project in the North
KANO U. K. Umar U Umar had been thought to be a passionate anti-third term activist, but some colleagues say he is playing to the gallery of the Talakawas. Bello Gwarzo Yes A system man, friend of El-Rufai, Rabiu Kwankwanso, would vote yes.. Rufai Hanga No Kano sentiment
KATSINA Umar Tsauri Yes Would vote yes under pressure from the Yar‘Adua family. Kanti Bello No One of the trusted anti-third term activists in the Senate. Abu Ibrahim No With some political links to Atiku, Ibrahim also has his own gubernatorial ambition which the third term amendment could hinder.
KEBBI Farouk Bello U Usman Sani No Third term project could scupper the presidential ambition of his close associate, Gen Ibrahim Babangida Sani Kamba U Kamba could vote either way depending on the lobby effort of the yea and nay campaigns.
KOGI Tunde Ogbeha Yes Espirite de corps. Gen. Ogbeha would vote yes only if he believes his former C-in-C., Obasanjo, really wants a third term Mohammed Ohaire Yes A former MMRD activist, he is being through carrot and stick wooed back to the mainstream.
Nicholas Ugbane Yes Though sitting on the ANPP bench, he is alleged to be the points-man of the PDP chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, in the Senate.
KWARA Ahmed Mohammed U There are allegations that pro-third term activists are bringing undue pressure including blackmail on Oloye to get the votes of the Kwara legislators all of who will do as he instructs. But son, Governor Bukola, seems not to be forging along with Oloye’s anti-third term chorus Simon Ajibola U --do-- Gbemi Saraki U As daddy pleases.
LAGOS Olurunnimbe Mamora No Frontline anti-third term activist. Tokunbo Afikuyomi No Musiliu Obanikoro Yes Frontline pro-third term activist
NASARAWA Emmanuel Okpede Yes Even though with his own gubernatorial ambition, pressures from Governor Adamu would swing his vote to the yeas. Abubakar Sodangi Yes Trusted ally of Governor Adamu John Danboyi Yes Would succumb to Governor Adamu’s injunction.
NIGER Idris Kuta No Long term desire is power shift to North Isa Mohammed U Between state’s crave for IBB and personal loyalty to Obasanjo and PDP Nuhu Aliyu No Seeks power shift to North
OGUN Iyabo Anisulowo Yes Home turf for third term. Life cannot be better for Ogun State with another term. Tokunbo Ogunbanjo Yes Third term activist Ibikunle Amosun Yes Obasanjo’s Senator
ONDO Gbenga Ogunniya Yes Gives inspiration to the third term campaign Titus Olupitan U AD Senator, unapproachable, does not speak in the Senate, views unknown Hosea Ehinlawo Yes Will support PDP direction.
OSUN Iyiola Omisore Yes Third term strategist Felix Ogunwale Yes Enforcer for the third term project Akinlabi Olasunkanmi Yes
OYO Abiola Ajimobi U Ajimobi has gubernatorial ambition of his own and would be hard stretched to support it. Robert Kolesho Yes Teslim Folarin Yes Strongman of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu’s right hand man in the Senate.
PLATEAU Ibrahim Mantu YES For him nothing better has happened to Nigeria than Obasanjo Timothy Adudu U Could have voted yes, but at 40 years, he has his future bright and thus remains undecided. Cosmas Niagwan Yes A retired military officer, takes instructions from Gen. Obasanjo
RIVERS Azuta Mbata Yes Lee Maeba Yes Would do anything to please Governor Odili Ibiapuye Martyns Yellowe Yes
SOKOTO Mohammed Maccido No On the basis of principle Umar Dahiru No Desires power shift to North Sule Yari Gandi U Watching the situation
TARABA Abdulazeez Ibrahim Yes System’s man, a yes vote could soften the zeal of the alleged bribery case against him. Saleh Danboyi Yes The only temptation to vote no would be to spite Governor Nyame, but lacks the capacity to fight Nyame and Abuja at the same time. Ambuno Zik Sunday Yes
YOBE Usman Albashir U Has gubernatorial ambition to succeed Bukar Ibrahim. But with Governor Bukar now a fervent third term or life term enthusiast, Albashir is undecided. Mamman Ali No Has gubernatorial ambition but Bukar is now a stumbling block. Jisalo Darani Yes
ZAMFARA Saidu Dansadau No One of the committed anti-third term activists in the Senate. Lawali Shuaibu No ANPP leader Mohammed Anka No
FCT Isa Maina Yes Retired army intelligence officer and one of the Senate’s most reticent members. Obasanjo’s returning
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