Chief Audu Ogbeh has done his part by publicly admonishing President Obasanjo and calling for a change of attitude on the part of the regime regarding Anambra and the parlous state of the nation in general. Now is the time for the people to heed the call by the PDP National Chairman and salvage their country.
Please do read the thought-provoking commentary at the following link: The People's turn
This commentary reiterates some of the critical issues contained in the subject of the thread. As usual, it should be read with an open mind.
posted
Quote: -------------------------------------- "Now, with a few exceptions, the people you call "Nigeria's Democrats" seem to be the same people who cut their democratic teeth fighting in NADECO."---Kunle. ------------------------------
Kunle: That is simply not true. The opposite is rather the case, truth is that most of the non Yorubas who were members of NADECO prior to it being hijacked by some Yoruba bigots have always been against military (examples are, Ekwueme, Balarabe Musa, Solomon Lar, Onwuka Kalu, etc, etc) rule in general, ie, even before Abacha assumed office. So how come they had to "cut their teeth" by forming or joining NADECO? It's also true that NADECO on formation was conceived as a national body and seen by most Nigerians as such then, but sadly, like everything Nigerian some Yoruba bigots hijacked the organisation and from thence it became practically a tribal grouping; it can be conveniently be said that NADECO from then became another arm of Awolowo's UPN before it.
Quote: -------------------------------------- Those who had naively subscribed to the pro-democracy/pro-human rights rhetoric by the NADECO people have since cured themselves of their illusions.---MrOneNigeria. -------------------------------------
MrOneNigeria: That is absolutely true. Most truly democratic-minded Igbos who were party to forming or who later joined NADECO prior to it becoming a pro-Yoruba organisation that it later became deeply reget ever partnering with their Yoruba couterpart in that organsation. Infact, given another chance today under same circumstance, I am quite certain that most would either form an organisation of their own or simply allowed Abacha to rule till heaven come.
Quote: ----------------------------- Finally Nigeria is not the USA whose people came from the same backgrounds and had the unique opportunity to develop a brand new idea and grow it together...Rather African tribes are more like the Japanese who continue to view the Ainu of Korean anscestry who have lived in Japan for over 400 years as Korean"---Ukaobasi. -----------------------------
Ukaobasi: You are right on the money. Anyone who dreams of the day Nigeria will become another U.S.A. is simply a day dreamer. Me think instead of some socalled one Nigerians wasting their time pretending that we are "one", (which is not the case), what we all should do instead is to admit that we are different but try as much as possible to manage that differences by implementing the SEPARATE BUT EQUAL policy that has served most countires with similar multi-ethnic and multi-religious setting like Nigeria very well So apart from the option of total separation ( which in my opinion should be the last resort,) the only workable model I would recommend for Nigerians is what is obtainable in Switzerland. This is a system where the French-speaking, the Italian-speaking and the German-speaking people of that country have been able to live in peace and progress by having three completely autonomous regions (not like the Nigerian States that live on handouts from Abuja) that makes their own laws and collect their respective region's taxes without the intervention of the other or the central government. And to make the centre less attractive, they also have a non-excutive but rotational presidency that rotates among the three afore-mention nations that make up Switzerland. Put simply, Nigeria just as countries like Switzerland is a NATION OF NATIONS and should be so treated and governed. Anything short of this will be a continuation of the disaster that we have known Nigeria to have been, is, and may continue to be.
Posts: 997 | From: Germany | Registered: Mar 2001
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Chief Audu Ogbeh has done his part by publicly admonishing President Obasanjo and calling for a change of attitude on the part of the regime regarding Anambra and the parlous state of the nation in general. Now is the time for the people to heed the call by the PDP National Chairman and salvage their country.
MrOneNaija,
My brother in victimhood of geography, welcome!!! Goodmoooorrrning sah!
INCREMENTAL EPIPHANIES COUNT JUST AS MUCH!
For you, I notice that this is more about the celebration that one of yours finally got up and showed the integrity of moral stature for which Tarka was known, and equally watched by your further Northern neighbors with a microscope and condoned with reluctant toleration. I also note that somehow Zaki Biam remains a footnote to you as you seem to have left out the hijacking of the electoral votes for APGA in the entire East by PDP, and also of the entire AD Western states save Lagos.
Dont get me wrong, I celebrate this joy for you, even as I wonder why Ogbeh did not go all the way and point out PDP’s crime in all those other places I mentioned. This would have given him the greatest credibility in my eyes, but as Ojukwu rightly noted at a book signing ceremony, small awakenings; incremental epiphanies, are just as well worth celebrating, even when the overall vision yet looms large, beckoning for completion. Think about it! Had the rigging of 419 not occurred, and been condoned by Ogbeh, (and overlooked by such as your worthy self), APGA would have had a huge share of senators, representatives, Governors, etc. acting on the behalf of and under the microscopic glare of Igbos, with a mandate from their constituency, and accountability to them. Furthermore, multiply this with AD in the West, ANPP in the core North, and PDP in all those places like the Middlebelt where no one else seemed to be complaining about their misconduct (thus making Igbos, especially Ojukwu appear to be recalcitrant outsiders, always making trouble, even though saddled with a stable of charlattan 419ers like Kalu, Udenwa, Nnamani, Ngige, Egwu, Nzeribe X 2, Abanah, Nwagbara, etc.) one would have gained a truer picture of where the people stood, and any political outcome accruing from it whether good or bad for whatever group, or for that entire country, would have presented a truer picture of the challenges we face rather than the contrivance whose tip of the iceberg many still clamor to conceal, all in the name of nation building, social engineering, etc. for which this administration and its supporters have decided to claim monopoly.
DEMOCRACY MINUS DEMOCRACY WAHALA: A TYRANTS DREAM
Yes, to all those who believed that the Igbo voice represented in respectable numbers by APGA, were “sectarian” and irrelevant including Ogbeh and yourself, PDP or ANPP would most likely have carried their states, and most likely Buhari would, or yet again Obasanjo would still have become your president.
In that case, a president whose task though being more challenging, by virtue of having to balance disparate forces with less political capital, would have inclined him a little more to think deeper, and seek deeper solutions for your “Nigeria” ie if he were really interested in keeping it unified and re-igniting a spirit of belonging and patriotism. Is’nt that how the notion and machinery of “Democracy” was supposed to apply?
WHAT APPINNED? (AS SOMEONE I KNOW IN LAGOS USED TO SAY)
Yet in articles you penned at Gamji immediately after 419, you appeared as eager as Omo-Omoruyi to want to sweep discordant tune under the rug with eagerness to forge on ahead and usher in continuity (ie if you are really Aonduna Tondu whose occassional common sense approach and eloquence I readily acknowledge), of these discordant voices as usual Ojukwu was one of tops, and as usual, Igbo concerns of which us Jingoists around here approve his advocacy were typical first casualties.
What has now changed about that Ogbeh and this Ogbeh?, about that Tondu, and this Tondu? Had’nt Zaki-Biam and Odi and Okigwe and Mbaino already occurred by then? Was Buhari more of an Ogre than Obasanjo? Was that it? Had’nt the rigging already occurred, and was’nt it plain for Ogbeh to see? Should’nt the standard of “Moral activism” awards be placed higher than the mere fact that Ogbeh finally spoke out, against a “leader” who was treating him with increasing arrogant disregard.
Many have been scarred, and many killed, many sidelined and treated with scorn and derision as mere “jingoists” by a combination of the parapo press (whose sense of responsibility to throw a loincloth around their disgracefully naked tribesman is understandable) and other intersecting interests who at a convenient point of convergence are content to play the good cop, at the expense of the seemingly perrenial Igbo ogres even when moral principle is being violated against those percieved Ogres. Who rewards those moral activists and when shall the plight of those they have persistently represented finally gain acknowledgement? Or are we going to use Anambra just because of the gross violations Aremu has been obsessed to comit, and forget Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, with all the violations PDP has committed against them? Are we going to forget Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, not to talk of the coutless prominent politicians assasinated. These are what Ogbeh must now see through in order to earn the award you seem to wish to confer upon him.
CELEBRATE CAUTIOUSLY SOME OF US HAVE BEEN THERE BEFORE!
So, as I celebrate your joy, I remind you to stay cautious. I already see Ojo Maduekwe (one of the Efulefu Igbos tolerated by this administration for the anti Igbo roles they are used to perpetrate), and one Nuhu Something (maybe Ibrahim apparently a core Hausa-Fulani), calling for Ogbe’s head, with such vehemence, that you would think Ogbeh had personally administered a generous slap each to their respective cheeks.
I also see the parapo press sharpening their swords waiting to consolidate their forces as usual with that of convergent interests to cushion the rough edges of this deplorable incident while they ride it out once again with time. You may look for one of those competing scandals such as the Oshiomole type strikes right about now. The Enyimba victory in which millions were doled out did’nt quite remove the Ogbeh/Obasanjo news from the mouths of “Nigerians”, so just keep your eyes peeled.
Now you know why us jingoists reside here and why we irritate the heck out of those (including many Igbo beneficiaries of this jamboree called PDP) who just wish we would evaporate!
From one close minded “jingoist of the insular kind”, to another, Good luck!
___________________ YA CAIN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN :) Posts: 1182 | From: TEXAS | Registered: Oct 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Nwa Aro: Me think instead of some socalled one Nigerians wasting their time pretending that we are "one", (which is not the case), what we all should do instead is to admit that we are different but try as much as possible to manage that differences
Mazi/NwaMazi NwaAro,
Nwanne mmadu, Ndeewo Oo!
Failure to recognize the above is what gets me! especially by Black brothers from that geographical expression (be they Igbo or otherwise) who have travelled out to other places and must have at one time or another wondered what was missing, and what are the obstacles?
As you rightly gave the example of Switzerland, a nation which has pondered their own question and come up with two answers
1.) IDENTITY 2.) STRUCTURE
among other answers. You may be surprised that many now leading "Nigeria", that geographical accident of colonial racism are fully aware of the model of Switzerland but lack the sincere good faith, will, and competence to make it happen.
There is no structure in place to define the modalities of interaction between groups, and many have decided to take it upon themselves to blur the identity of others using State might and paraphenalia. In this, Obasanjo seems to have taken it as a special task to destroy or re-engineer the Igbo nation in his own ugly image, and other groups have seemed to benefit from it and condone its perpertuation, until some of them have finally started witnessing doses of it, and understanding that the object lessons dispensed by Obasanjo might mean that his succcessors would soon be bringing in their own twist to things based on their particular disposition and temperaments.
Igbos have had enough!!!
Its now up to those who label themselves "Nigerians" to decide what "Nigeria" wants, and beating Igbos and Biafrans over the head with the empty words patriotism and sacrifice will get nobody anywhere fast. I dont know though if "Nigerians" and Obasanjo understand that yet, or if they are just still stuck, in their rosiest perceptions.
___________________ YA CAIN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN :) Posts: 1182 | From: TEXAS | Registered: Oct 2001
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quote:Had the rigging of 419 not occured, and been condoned by Ogbeh (and overlooked by such as your worthy self), APGA would have had a huge share of senators...
quote: Yet in articles you penned at Gamji immediately after 419, you appeared as eager as Omo-Omoruyi to want to sweep discordant tune under the rug with eagerness to forge on ahead and usher in continuity (ie if you are really Aonduna Tondu whose occassional common sense approach and eloquence I readily acknowledge), of these discordant voices as usual Ojukwu was one of tops, and as usual, Igbo concerns of which us Jingoists around here approve his advocacy were typical first casualties.
What has now changed about that Ogbeh and this Ogbeh?, about that Tondu, and this Tondu? Had’nt Zaki-Biam and Odi and Okigwe and Mbaino already occurred by then? Was Buhari more of an Ogre than Obasanjo? Was that it? Had’nt the rigging already occurred, and was’nt it plain for Ogbeh to see? Should’nt the standard of “Moral activism” awards be placed higher than the mere fact that Ogbeh finally spoke out, against a “leader” who was treating him with increasing arrogant disregard.
Many have been scarred, and many killed, many sidelined and treated with scorn and derision as mere “jingoists” by a combination of the parapo press (whose sense of responsibility to throw a loincloth around their disgracefully naked tribesman is understandable) and other intersecting interests who at a convenient point of convergence are content to play the good cop, at the expense of the seemingly perrenial Igbo ogres even when moral principle is being violated against those percieved Ogres. Who rewards those moral activists and when shall the plight of those they have persistently represented finally gain acknowledgement? Or are we going to use Anambra just because of the gross violations Aremu has been obsessed to comit, and forget Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, with all the violations PDP has committed against them? Are we going to forget Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, not to talk of the coutless prominent politicians assasinated. These are what Ogbeh must now see through in order to earn the award you seem to wish to confer upon him.
UKAOBASI,
Your concern about Audu Ogbeh not specifically speaking to the electoral charade of last year is understandable. Yet, a careful, between-the-lines reading of his admonition should surely reveal what I have referred to as the "all-embracing" character of his letter to Obasanjo. The brief but apt rendition of the Ogbeh message to the Nigerian people is primarily intended as a cautionary vehicle, though its overall prescriptive cum ameliorative purpose for the Nigerian polity per se is what stands out as its defining moment. This is pretty much the point I have sought to highlight in my commentary entitled "Audu Ogbeh as a Catalyst".
Now, I find at once curious and outrageous your allegation that "419" was "overlooked" by this writer.I should probably refresh your memory. "Obasanjo and his Pyrrhic Victory", "Prayers for Mr. president", these are just some of the articles I wrote denouncing the electoral charade of 2003. Ahead of that fraud, I wrote a powerful piece under the caption, "Letter to Fellow Nigerians on the April 19 Presidential Election". In it, I gave cogent reasons why Obasanjo was not to be considered as a legitimate candidate for the 2003 presidential election. Do a Google search and refresh your memory my friend!
___________________ God bless Nigeria! Posts: 27 | From: USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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Holding Nigeria one provides an opportunity to get rich quick while doing the right thing by division, will render some people very poor.
On a more serious note, where does Dr. Elex Ekwueme stand on all these "going-ons" in Anambra in particular and Nigeria in general? This silence he often maintains, is it a way to secure votes in future presidential bid or what?
Anyway, if Elex Ekwueme ever runs for the Presidency, I'll vote for a gorilla before I cast my vote for him. He is too quiet on issues affecting his State of Anambra.
Posts: 288 | From: California | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Mr.OneNigeria: It seems your ethnic loyalty carried you so fast that you couldn't see that you are dealing with Nigerian politicians. The reason why I didn't spare any time to read or address Ogbeh's self-serving letter is because I knew from the start that it was A SHOW for consumption by those who are neophyte as it concerns Nigerian politics.
If you are in doubt of what I am talking about, then please read the below statement coming from same Audu Ogbeh whom you want us to belive is a "Cataliyst". For the record, here is part of what your "Catalyst" is quoted as telling newsmen after his gra-gra:
Quote: ------------------------------------- Chief Ogbeh said yesterday that while he had the right to express his views in a democracy, he regretted the stress his letter to the President had caused the party and the nation. "They (NEC) said the whole thing has embarrassed them and caused the party stress. And I said we regret the stress, but that is not to say that we have no right to express our views," he told reporters as he emerged from a PDP NEC meeting. ----------------------
I think you really have to get practically deep into Nigerian politics before sticking your head for any of those who parade themselves as politicians in Nigeria as you seem to be doing for Mr. Ogbeh.
As far as I am concerned, Mr. Audu Ogbeh is no Catalyst of any kind. If I may ask, did Ogbeh really need to write any letter to Obasanjo if he truly believe that the party he is head of is drifting? Come on, you and I live in the west and you and I know that what a top public official does whenever his office is damaged or is in the process of being rocked by a scandal often do is to RESIGN. For your information, that is what the British Home Secretray just did this week when it was discovered that his former nanny was issued a visa without passing through the proper channel. He didn't go about writing USELESS letters as Mr. Ogbeh did. The fact that Mr. Ogbeh is still holding firm to his job and is now apologizing makes him a willing accomplice of whatever crime he accused Obasanjo of commiting in his self-serving missive.
Posts: 997 | From: Germany | Registered: Mar 2001
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Mazi ndewooo. I consume all ur write ups with delight. ur Swiss analogy was right on the money, but the Swiss did no go through what nija has gone through. The Swiss Experiment would work in nija if we have not already soiled and sold our future to a political class that will abuse and do anything to cling to power. Neverthe less, since what we have been doing has not been working, trying new things will be better than sticking our head in the same old way.
I agree 100% with u on Ogbeh, his letter and all was for a self serving measure. That is why i am now leaning on the side of conspiracy theory apologist. Where does IBB come in, in all these?
Nigeria polictians will cry crocodile tears when the sugar and honey in there mouth is threatened. They will condescend to any level to regain and keep what they already stolen. Remember Ogbeh mentioned been pennyless in his letter.
Rick:
Ekwueme is an example of a modern day Nigeria Polician. Hear no evil, see no evil, just incase!
Posts: 380 | From: US | Registered: Dec 2004
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Your cynicism regarding the Nigerian political class is duly noted. And I'm amongst the first to acknowledge what the Nigerian pol is capable of in the pursuit of interests that are anything but people-oriented. That is why I'm perplexed that you apparently failed to pay attention to the very first sentence in my commentary on the Audu Ogbeh letter in which I specifically warn against the likelihood of our cynicism deepening on account of the misconduct of the Obasanjo regime and the political elite in general.
As for your statement that Chief Ogbeh has recanted or moved away from the stand he took in his letter to Obasanjo, I think you're missing the essential remark the PDP chairman is reported to have made to the effect that he has 'no regrets' concerning his courageous position. 'No Regret'
The point has to be made that nobody in saying that Ogbeh is an emergent revolutionary hero about to singlehandedly transform Nigerian society from its status of economic backwater and bastion of sleaze to that as one of the world's pre-eminent democracies. Of course, what I'm doing in my article is asking the Nigerian people to seize the opportunity offered by the Ogbeh intervention to press for their rights, for a change! I suggest you pay close attention to this quote from my piece:
quote: And Nigerians should be vigilant if only because of the fact that Ogbeh has for so long been a member of Nigeria’s political establishment. The more desperate members of this group will not want to let Ogbeh have the last word. That is why Nigerians must intervene to reclaim the sovereignty of their collective will.
That nugget succinctly summarizes my commentary on the Audu Ogbeh message to the Nigerian people.
Now, in one of your most bizarre postulations here so far, you allude to what you refer to as my "ethnic loyalty" regarding Audu Ogbeh.
quote:Mr OneNigeria...It seems your ethnic loyalty carried you so fast that you couldn't see that you are dealing with Nigerian politicians.
I believe the quote from my commentary will debunk your ludicrous "ethnic loyalty" insinuation. And by the way, what "ethnic loyalty" are you talking about precisely?
___________________ God bless Nigeria! Posts: 27 | From: USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
Quote: ----------------------------- "...but the Swiss did no go through what nija has gone through. The Swiss Experiment would work in nija if we have not already soiled and sold our future to a political class that will abuse and do anything to cling to power."---Nwa-Afor. ------------------------------
Nwa-Afor: Thanks for ur kind words. But as a new entrant on board, I would advice that you feel free to also disagree with me when/where (as long as it is done with some civility) you have to.
As per your comment above, one does not need to be a political scientist to figure out that it is the none identification of a) WHO ARE WE, and, b) WHAT SYSTEM IS GOOD FOR US which is the root cause of Nigeria's social and economic problems. For beyond everything else, it is the failure to address those two critical questions that makes the Nigerian state produce the type of half-baked leaders (from local to national) you correctly described above. So you can agree with me that had Nigeria addressed those questions earlier, it wouldn't have had to pass through what we went through in the past, so the earlier Nigerians seat on a table to iron out these thorny issues, the better for everyone.
Quote: -------------------------------------------- "As for your statement that Chief Ogbeh has recanted or moved away from the stand he took in his letter to Obasanjo, ...MrOneNigeria. ------------------------------------------
To that I would only use the words of Bejamin Disreali who said, "Never apologize for showing feelings, when you do so, you apologize for truth". First and formost, it was what a nationally-circulating newspaper, the Vangaurd wrote that I reproduced here. It was not Nwa Aro who said what Ogbeh was credited to have said when he said inter alia, "... regretted the stress his letter to the President had caused the party and nation." How else could one apologize than what Mr. Ogbeh was quoted as saying? The fight over wordings apart, I make bold to say that a true catalyst NEVER join them because he cannot beat them (Ogbeh did that by taking up the PDP chairmanship when it was clear it has been infiltrated by thugs and bandits); he NEVER stay a minute when he sees that he is in the wrong company (Mr. Ogbeh should have left when it became obvious to the world that the 2003 elections was rigged by his party); he is NEVER selective nor cares whose ox is gnored when calling a spade by its name (why did it take this long for Mr. Ogbeh to realize he was in the wrong company?); most importantly, he NEVER apologize or show any feeling of regret for speaking the truth and nothing but the truth. Because by showing feeling when he said that he "regrets the stress his letter caused the President and the nation," Mr. Ogbeh has authomatically apologized for everything he said and for those he should have said before now. So if anything, his action calls for CONDEMNATION and not praise under any disguise.
Quote: ------------------------------------------ "...what I'm doing in my article is asking the Nigerian people to seize the opportunity offered by the Ogbeh intervention to press for their rights, for a change! -----------------------------------------
MrOneNigeria:
Does any enlightened Nigerian need any arousal from the likes of Ogbeh to know that life is really hard under Obasanjo's regime and that a change is urgently needed? Contrary to what you posited above, I think Nigerians should be congratulated for ignoring Mr. Ogbeh's self-serving call. How could you or anyone expect any reasonable person to heed to Mr. Ogbeh's call by rising up against the President while sparing the chairman of the same party on whose platform the latter rigged himself to power? Aint that like asking that a clerk of a bankrupt bank be sent to jail but suggesting retainment or elevation for the CEO?
Quote: ------------------------------ And by the way, what "ethnic loyalty" are you talking about precisely? --------------------------------------------
If I may ask , would you have been so quick to describe Mr. Ogbeh as a "catalyst" if he did not come from the Middle Belt like you?
Posts: 997 | From: Germany | Registered: Mar 2001
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Are you familiar with the Ogbe vs Gemade tussle for control of the PDP, and the role of Audu Ogbe in the triumph of the Obasanjo-Egwu camp over the Gemade-Anyim camp in Ebonyi State politics? It turns out that Audu Ogbe is just as corrupt as Obasanjo and Audu may be even more tainted in the PDP corruption machine than Obasanjo. Go figure.
Anyway, from this Guardian report, it seems that Ogbe has re-pledged his loyalty to Obasanjo:
quote:How Ogbeh Survived Removal Plot BY IDOWU AJANAKU
IF there is anything the feud between President Olusegun Obasanjo and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu Ogbeh, has brought into focus, it is the deep-rooted division within the ruling party.
This is especially among the governors and leaders of the party, who were sharply divided on Ogbeh's fate at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.
The Guardian learnt that the highly temperamental meeting began with a move to force the National Working Committee,NWC,led by Ogbeh to step down. Indication to that emerged when Dr. Tayo Dairo, an ex-official of the party from Ondo State, moved a motion for the dissolution of the NWC under Ogbeh to pave way for the investigation of the crisis between President Obasanjo and the national chairman.
But Professor Emmanuel Osamor, a member of the party's Board of Trustees countered that its contitution stipulates that a notice of at least two clear months should be given in writing for such motion to be valid.
However, a group led by Chief Tony Anenih, Governors Abdullahi Adamu, (Nasarawa), Olusegun Agagu (Ondo), Peter Odili, (Rivers) and Ahmed Makarfi, (Kaduna), insisted that the motion be thrown up for debate.
The move against Ogbeh thickened when the party's National Vice Chairman (South West), Chief Bode George told the meeting that the leaders of the party had lost confidence in the leadership of Ogbeh.
George said that the letter written by the national chairman had caused pain and embarrassment not only to the members of the party but also to the government. He thus supported Dairos's motion that since Ogbeh ignored the PDP's internal mechanism to communicate with the president and "embarrassed" the party by his letter, the National Chairman should quit.
Others who spoke on the need for the NWC to be removed also included Governor Abdulahi Kure of Niger State. But Governors James Ibori (Delta) Lucky Igbinedion (Edo) and Orji Kalu (Abia) strongly opposed the motion. Ibori reportedly warned those who thought they had the monopoly of knowledge that the PDP belonged to everybody Sources told The Guardian that Ibori pointed out that removing Ogbeh and the NWC based on an honest and open letter to the president would put the party in a bad light, stressing that the action would have confirmed the notion that the PDP had been hijacked.
Ibori, sources added, challenged those calling for the dissolution of the NWC to prove to the house whether some of the points raised by Ogbeh were true or not. At this point, a pin-drop silence decended on the hall.
It was further gathered that Ibori reportedly declared that many leaders of the party, particularly the governors were not doing themselves, the PDP and the Federal Government any good by refusing to point out mistakes for correction in the interest of all concerned.
The position was echoed by Governors Chris Ngige (Anambra), Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom) and Igbinedion who rose against the motion. At a point, it was learnt, the meeting broke down as the gladiators in the crisis were trying to push their positions.
However, tempers simmered when the national chairman rose to defend his action.
Ogbeh impressed it upon the members of the party that contrary to the general belief, he was not disloyal to the president. Although the national chairman acknowleged that mistakes were made, especially with the leakage of the letter to the press, Ogbeh insisted that he wrote the letter out of loyality and love for the president.
In an emotion-laden voice, Ogbeh said nobody, including those who were pushing for the dissolution of the NWC, was more loyal to the president than himself. He recalled the role he played in saving the president during the impeachment move by the National Assembly in the last dispensation. He also told the meeting how some of the governors, including those who were opposed to him, came to him on the need not to allow President Obasanjo run for a second term in 2003."Instead of taking sides, I encouraged Mr. President to meet one-on-one with you to explain his position. The rest is history today," Ogbeh said.
The national chairman said he wrote the letter to draw the president's attention to an impending calamity and not for any political reason,and that Ogbeh insisted that his interest for Obasanjo dated back to several years. To him, those who were claiming to be supporting Obasnjo today were doing so for selfish reasons.
He said: "A majority of those claiming to be fighting for Mr. President were indeed key actors during the government of Gen. Sani Abacha which jailed Obasanjo." Ogbeh closed his defence by appealing to the members to work together in the interest of the party.
Observers say the feud between the president and the party's national chairman may have provided a platform for the gladiators in the race for the 2007 presidential elections to seize the soul of the party: This, The Guardian learnt, must have informed the positions some of the leaders particularly the governors took.
But sources said last night that the moves against the PDP chairman might not have not ended. Although the hawks in the presidency who want Ogbeh out were unsuccessful in their bid on Thursday, fresh designs might have already begun, they noted.
I reiterate, that it seems Ogbe survived the plot by pledging his loyalty to Obasanjo. As Ogbe himself indicated in his letter to Obasanjo, appearances are everything.
___________________ The only solution is to divide BiafraNigeria. If not now, then when? If not us, then who? Posts: 173 | Registered: Mar 2001
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The report by the Guardian does not say that Chief Ogbeh has repudiated the principled stand he took in his letter to Baba and the Nigerian people. I'm amazed that both you and Nwa Aro seem to think otherwise. Why are you ignoring the story by Thisday online the link to which I provided earlier?
As for your insinuation of corrupt practices by Ogbeh involving a state wing of the PDP, you should perhaps tell us more so that we can make up our minds as to the veracity or otherwise of your claim.
Nwa Aro,
Why not just admit that you did make a gaffe with your unwarranted talk of my supposed expression of "ethnic loyalty" concerning the PDP National Chairman?
quote: If I may ask , would you have been so quick to describe Mr. Ogbeh as a "catalyst" if he did not come from the Middle Belt like you?
I'm not sure what to make of the above statement by Nwa Aro. It is disturbing that the same individual who, not long ago, was vociferously advertising his knowledge of the Nigerian polity would now persist in peddling myths or dubious positions. Again, how does the idea of Ogbeh and I coming from the Middle Belt translate necessarily to my showing "ethnic loyalty" toward the Benue politician? Are we to understand from Nwa Aro's curious position that "Middle Belt" = One and the same ethnic group? Even if that were the case, why would the fact of common ethnic origin automatically elicit "loyalty", "ethnic" or otherwise, regarding Audu Ogbeh?
___________________ God bless Nigeria! Posts: 27 | From: USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
MrOneNaija: I must confess that I love your clean and on-the-issue debating style. So for that reason, I second Kunle's earlier motion that you be elevated to the 'Senior Advocate' position or even be given a 'five star' general badge. Boy, joke apart, you surely deserve both and more.
Now back to the discussion:
First and foremost, I DID NOT "gaffe" in anyway by assuming that your subtle defence and indirect praise of Ogbeh had something to do with his place of origin. My "postulation" as you put it can only be cleared if you come out to say that both Obasanjo and Ogbeh are deep into the corruption and misrule that the PDP-led government has been associated with. But as long as you chose to see only Obasanjo's crime but refuse to see, expose or question those who question Ogbeh's sincerity (even when evidence is there for everyone to see that both are in same trouser), then be sure that most people reading us will also question your objectivity - yours or Ogbeh's place of origin notwithstanding.
Quote: ------------------------------------------ "As for your insinuation of corrupt practices by Ogbeh involving a state wing of the PDP, you should perhaps tell us more so that we can make up our minds as to the veracity or otherwise of your claim. ---MrOneNaija. -----------------------------------------
What other evidence of "corrupt practices" do you need other than the fact that Ogbeh's led PDP is a megamoth of corruption, banditory and misrule? I ask once again, how can the PDP and Obasanjo's government be corrupt but Ogbeh be so innocent? The onus is not on Umorem to prove that Ogbeh is corrupt, but on you to tell us how clean Mr. Ogbeh is and how corrupt the PDP or Obasanjo is. Over to you.
Quote: ------------------------------------------ "I'm amazed that both you and Nwa Aro seem to think otherwise. Why are you ignoring the story by Thisday online the link to which I provided earlier?--MrOneNaija. ------------------------------------------
It's not only Nwa Aro and Umorem or others before him who are questioning Mr. Ogbeh's sincerity of purpose. The fact that most Nigerians at home and in the diaspora also ignored Mr. Ogbeh's call should tell you that Nwa Aro and co are not alone in our reasoning.
Quote: ------------------------------ "It is disturbing that the same individual who, not long ago, was vociferously advertising his knowledge of the Nigerian polity would now persist in peddling myths or dubious positions. ---MrOneNaija. ------------------------------
Thanks for giving me the credit of having "knowledge of Nigerian polity." It's not that I am "advertising" anything, rather, what I do is to first go out there in Nigeria to meet one-on-one with people physically involved in Nigerian politics in order to know their mindset and why they reason the way they do and come here thereafter to share same with folks here and elsewhere. It is based on what I get from these interactions that I base my opinion of our politicians and politiy. Its for same reason that I still hold that it is not the fault of those politicians but the way the Nigerian polity is structured that is at the root of Nigeria's woes. So there's no "myth" when one says that Nigeria as presently structured is completely flawed. For the record, I never claimed to be an expert on Nigerian politics or a political guru of any sort.
Besides, my little knowledge of Nigerian politics and politicians tells me that unlike in the West where people go into politics to serve and for national interest, sadly, from creation, Nigerian politicians has been doing the opposite. So away from all the lip-service talk of speaking or acting in the 'national interest', most Nigerian politicians (surely not all) go into politics to only serve themselves, their immediate family, friends and to some extend their respective communities. And you cannot convince me that Mr. Ogbneh is any different.
Haven said the above, as you must have known by now, I am NOT a one Nigerianer; I'm not one of those who believe that one need to wear any badge - be it 'Biafran,' 'one Nigerian,' 'a patriot,' 'a nationalist,' etc to know when good moves to wrong, when fair is fair or when injustice is been practiced, so I personally see nothing wrong in someone delving into politics to serve his/her people (I mean his/her region of origin) first. On the contrary, what I detest is this deceit by some Nigerians who want to have it both ways. On one hand they want a progressive, united and prosperous Nigeria but at same time they will overlook or even be in the fore to support evil and evildoers when others are at the receiving end. But as soon as it hits home, they then become self-sytled crusaders of change. It is in this light that I question your sudden change from being a die-hard Obasanjo supporter (I've been reading your posts at Nigeriaworld and other websites) to now Obasanjo's crusifier. Just like Ogbeh, inquisitve minds want to know when and how Saul became Paul. We are all ears.
Posts: 997 | From: Germany | Registered: Mar 2001
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Let me also commend you for sticking to the subject of the debate. And I should add that all those reading us must have happily taken note of the fact that you seem to have moved away from your untenable position that I'm expressing "ethnic loyalty" with Audu Ogbeh.
Isn't it curious that you have so far spent more time talking about my supposed ethnic affinities with Ogbeh and have either ignored or only sparingly alluded to the subject matter of the PDP chieftain's message as contained in his letter to Obasanjo? One is left with this nagging impression that you are more worried about the consequence for Obasanjo of the Ogbeh indictment than anything else. And the fact that I have consistently taken a dim view of Obasanjo's corrupt and incompetent misrule as is the case in my commentary on the Ogbeh-Obasanjo exchange seems not to be helping matters. My coherent and systematic denunciation of the current Obasanjo regime speaks for itself. You can re-read my rejoinders to Wacko and Kunle in this regard.
___________________ God bless Nigeria! Posts: 27 | From: USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
MrOneNaija: Sorry for my late entry. You know its weekdays and as such Nwa Aro has to look for his and his family's daily bread.
On the subject matter at debate, if you review from my first to my last missive on this thread, you will see that my consistent position was, is and remains that if Obasanjo should go as you suggested (which I agree 100%,) then Ogbeh and co should drown with the former. But should one (Ogbeh) stay as you seem to also suggest, then all of them should stay and continue enjoying the spoil of office while the country licks its wounds. Hope I have made myself more clearer.
I have to run. It's been great debating you. Peace!
Posts: 997 | From: Germany | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote: On the subject matter at debate, if you review from my first to my last missive on this thread, you will see that my consistent position was, is and remains that if Obasanjo should go as you suggested (which I agree 100%,) then Ogbeh and co should drown with the former. But should one (Ogbeh) stay as you seem to also suggest, then all of them should stay and continue enjoying the spoil of office while the country licks its wounds. Hope I have made myself more clearer.
Nwa Aro,
You seem to have confirmed the fears I did express in my last post here. Your statement in the above quote is the clearest indication yet that, for reasons best known to you, you are futilely trying to establish a moral equivalence between Audu Ogbeh's as well as President Obasanjo's respective roles in the terrible state of affairs in the country under this ghastly regime of Baba. So, according to you, if one does not apportion equal blaim to Ogbeh and Obasanjo, then the latter should continue to stay in office? Your stand should make the Aso Rock tyrant very happy. Incidentally, in his letter to Ogbeh, Obasanjo has adopted a similar attitude of blame toward Chief Ogbeh! One can therefore rightly conclude that you and President Obasanjo are on the same wave length.
___________________ God bless Nigeria! Posts: 27 | From: USA | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
MrOneNaija: If you still doubt Nwa Aro's understanding (not expertise mind you) of the chameleonic character of Nigerian politicians and why I will NEVER take them as serious as seem to do with Mr. Ogbeh, please read another claim by one of the players in the PDP-Anambra-Ogbeh-Obasanjo saga.
Please dont tell me that we must believe what Ogbeh says now that the cat has been let out of the bag but discard what those he worked with to rip Nigerians off are now saying:
----------------------------- How Ogbeh Concealed Fraud, By Uba • It’s absolute nonsense, says PDP national chairman By Tokunbo Adedoja in Lagos, Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Emmanuel Ugwu in Enugu, 12.22.2004
Anambra Polls
Chief Chris Uba, the enstranged godfather of Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State yesterday alleged that the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu Ogbeh, helped to conceal facts on the manipulation of the April 19, 2003 gubernatorial polls in which the party candidate was declared winner. While commenting on an earlier disclosure by President Olusegun Obasanjo that Ngige admitted that the PDP did not win the last gubernatorial polls, Uba in a seven-paragraph statement affirmed that he and Ngige had equally told Ogbeh that PDP did not win the election. He said Ogbeh asked him not to make any public disclosure of the facts when he wanted to. But Ogbeh in his reaction yesterday said Uba's claim was "absolute nonsense". He equally challenged the businessman-politician to send the evidence to back his claim on election rigging to Anambra Election Petition Tribunal which is still hearing the petition by All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Dr. Peter Obi. Also, Ngige reiterated his earlier position that he never admitted losing the election either in the presence of Obasanjo or Ogbeh. In the statement, Uba expressed regrets for his role in the manipulation of election results in favour of Ngige and asked for the forgiveness of the people of Anambra State. He added that after the governor made the confession before Ogbeh, the PDP chairman advised both of them to "keep quiet on the issue." He said that he is also in possession of the certificate of return of the governorship election and would at the appropriate time make copies available to the press. He explained that as one of the main activists in the entire saga, he believes the moment of truth and remorse has come. Expressing deep regret for what he called "my error and some of my actions in winning the election," Uba said "my mistake for which I asked for understanding stemmed from my belief that election is like a battle and since all is fair in war, I believe that the end justifies the means in an election. We did everything possible to put Ngige in power." The full text of the release reads: "As the truth of Anambra issue is being gradually revealed and denials and lies are being traded, I believe that as one of the main activists in the whole issue, the moment of truth and remorse has come. "First of all, let me express my heartfelt regret for my error and the activities involved with others in Anambra to put Ngige in power as the governor of the state. "In showing remorse, I sincerely ask for understanding and forgiveness of all our people in Anambra state and those Nigerian leaders and citizens who have been affected and insulted by the Anambra issue. "My mistake for which I ask for understanding stemmed from my belief that election is like a battle and since all is fair in war, I believe the end justifies the means in an election. We did everything possible, to put Ngige in power. In the presence of the President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, I asked Dr. Chris Ngige whether he actually won the election, he confirmed he did not win the election. The President drove us out. As from that point, he did not want to listen to our story again. "At another occasion after that, I had the opportunity, when Chief Audu Ogbeh invited Dr. Chris Ngige and myself to his House to tell the same story. Again Dr. Chris Ngige confirmed before Chief Audu Ogbeh that he did not win the election, when I asked him the same question. Because he was more attentive than the President, I told him that even the certificate of return of the Governorship Election was in my custody and at the appropriate time, I will make the copies available to the press. Chief Audu Ogbeh advised that we should all keep quiet on the issue of governorship election in Anambra. I obeyed. "As time goes on, the truth will be more and more exposed and I can only hope that justice will prevail. "Once again, I deeply regret my error and some of my actions in winning the election which in the end have caused some people inconvenience". The latest revelation follows the letter written by Obasanjo to Ogbeh last week where he alleged that Ngige, in response to a question from Uba, during a parley he had with them at the Presidential Villa, confessed that he did not win last year's Anambra governorship election. In the letter dated December 6, 2004, Obasanjo wrote, "I got the shock of my life when Chris Uba looked Ngige straight in the face and said: 'You know you did not win the election and Ngige answered 'Yes, I know I did not win.' Chris Uba went further to say to Ngige 'You don't know in detail how it was done.' I was horrified and told both of them to leave my residence". Ogbeh who reacted through his Special Assistant, Mr. Thompson Abu, said "this is absolute nonsense and if Chris Uba is a patriotic Nigerian and he has any evidence of any electoral malpractice, the right and proper thing to do is to take such evidence to the electoral tribunal that is properly constituted, rather than addressing press conferences and making noise." Ogbeh called on Uba to head for the tribunal and submit his evidence instead of threatening to address a press conference. The PDP chairman also reminded Uba to bear in mind that he is still an expelled member of the party and therefore has no obligation to protect the party's secrets. The Anambra State Government in its comment on Uba's claim signed by Fred Chukwulobe, the governor's Special Assistant on Media and Publicity stated that: "Governor Ngige has never admitted before anybody to have lost the elections. The claim by Chief Chris Uba that the governor did so before President Obasanjo and Chief Audu Ogbeh is untrue. This is not the first time Chief Uba is making this wild allegation; he did so in the US last September and later recanted it. "The matter of the elections is before the Election Tribunal and it is subjudice to continue to comment on it. The tribunal and the courts are there to adjudicate on the issues pertaining to the elections. We have confidence in the courts and believe they will do justice. "Chris Uba and Mr. Peter Obi of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) have a new alliance to unseat Governor Ngige and part of the plan is to employ media blackmail in order to intimidate and stampede the courts and the election tribunal. "The government believes in justice and is, therefore, waiting for the verdict of the tribunal." ---------------------------------------
Now that the long awaited "truth" (whether they are really the whole truth is denbatable) is coming out from the actors (from Ogbeh, Obasanjo, Ngige and now Ubah) in the 2003 (se)lection is it not right that we ask ALL of the actors to leave the scene for the true winners of the rigged elections to take their people-given mandate as Nwa Aro has insisted from the day the Anambra crisis started and now that Ogbeh is playing the "catalyst"? Or do you ever believe that as soon as Obasanjo alone gets out of the way and Ogbeh and co still remain in their office that the same cabal in Ogbeh's PDP will not manufacture another crook who will make Nigerians pass through another 2003-like debacle called elections?
NOW YOU CRASP WHY I SAID AND STILL SAY THAT THIS IS THE TIME TO RID NIGERIA OF ALL THESE CHARLATANS. Period.
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