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That ought to clean it up a little bit. Amadi O.

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According to Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, former Deputy Leader of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) in the House, the plan is predicated on the belief that some progressive northern political leaders who opposed third term would be willing to trade in an extra two years for the President in return for presidential office at the end of the two years.

He said: "If they accept it, then they will have insulted their region and the people they represent as well, just like some of us from the South-East and the South-South have insulted our people and our region by going along with this nonsensical third term agenda.

"Why would the President or anybody want or even imagine that another of their countrymen can solve the nation's problems in six years. Why will a man who was asking for eight years plus four or more, wake up all of a sudden and want to think that another man can solve those problems in just six years? This is selfish agenda and it's all about the President and all the promises of state creation for the South-East and increased derivation for the South-South were all parts of the deception," said Arigbe.

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He claimed that their argument would be that “since Section 9 of the (1999) Constitution states “alteration”, and since the (Constitution Amendment) bill is entitled Constitutional “Amendment” and not alteration, the bill does, not, therefore, come under the purview of Section 9 of the Constitution.”

However, the pro-third term group is said to be having difficulties finding the appropriate senator to argue out the semantics of “alteration” and “amendment”, an argument on which the campaign for treating the constitution amendment bill as a “normal” bill is premised.

It was Senator Jonathan Zwingina (Adamawa South), a third term supporter, who first drew the attention of the Senate to the so-called differences between the two terms.

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Meanwhile, Aso Rock was like a ghost town yesterday as Presidential aides were in shock disbelief about how the whole third term project ended.
But the drama at the Villa actually begun on Monday morning when AIT and Ray Power radio aired a two-minute pro-third term jingle which sought continuity for the Obasanjo administration on the basis of its achievements.
In the jingle, said to have been approved by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, activities of certain members of the economic team were highlighted with their photographs.
These members include Solid Minerals Minister and former Head of Due Process office, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Immediately the first broadcast was aired, however, the AIT Abuja Studio Manager got a message from Ezekwesili, asking why her name should be lent to the jingle she did not believe in without anybody consulting her.
When told of the source and that it was an advert, an angry Ezekwesili was said to have demanded of AIT management its stoppage or that her name and photograph be edited from the jingle in the event that it must be aired again.
Apparently taken aback by this demand, the AIT officials contacted Anenih who ordered that the jingle should continue to be aired, adding that if Ezekwesili called again, the AIT people should tell her to resign and that the jingle was from the presidency.
Anenih further told the AIT management that he would report Ezekwesili's action to her boss, meaning President Obasanjo.
But the news of Ezekwesili's effrontery had spread within the Presidential Villa and that may have emboldened other aides to state openly that the tenure elongation scheme would damage the president and rubbish the economic reforms programme.
Given such crack within the fold, especially among those regarded as Obasanjo's 'apostles', it was apparent to those pushing the third term agenda within Aso Rock that the idea was doomed.

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Ibrahim Mantu(PDP)

Ibrahim Mantu, Deputy Senate President, who was the Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on the Review of the Constitution from day one, had a mandate: To ensure that third term became a reality. And this he did to the best of his ability until he submitted his report to the National Assembly recently. But not with his head high as he came out of the assignment with scandal and allegations of massively enriching himself. The allegations are still on the table of the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee.
Now that the third term project for which he was a key member has failed, Mantu may have a lot of questions to answer from his colleagues.

Dalhatu Tafida(PDP)

Senator Seriki Dalhatu Tafida is a Prince of the Zaria Emirate who has been the Senate Leader since 1999. He has remained the cat of the senate who has served in this capacity while four Senate Presidents fell.
His role in the third term issue has not shown him as a prince of the much respected Zaria emirate. He has indeed, been a disappointment not only to his revered royal family but to the entire constituency which he abandoned for selfish aggrandizement.

Jonathan Zwingina (PDP)

Senator Jonathan Zwingina is not new to treachery. In the 1993 presidential elections, he was the Director General of Choice '93, the campaign outfit of late Chief M.K.O Abiola. When the mandate suffered some setback, Zwingina abandoned the ship and joined the military.
Again, he rode to the senate on the back of the Vice President's political machinery only to stab him on the back by joining forces to fight the Vice President. His sojourn at the senate has been greeted with all kinds of controversy all bordering on greed and selfishness, top among being the allegation of the FCT Minister against him and the Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu.

David Mark (PDP)

Senator David Mark who is driven by inordinate ambition and greed to be the governor of Benue State found himself on the losing side today. He was severally linked as the main man in all the dubious acts of the third term. Greed did not allow him to identify with his home governor and other associates like Dr. Ayu and former PDP national chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh.
Jerry Gana (PDP)
Prof Jerry Gana, the president's political adviser is indeed, not used to being part of any populist project as he always schemes to be part of any government in power. His role in General Babangida, Abacha and Obasanjo governments shows his consistency in unpopular projects.



Peter Odili (PDP)

Governor Peter Odili's support for tenure elongation is not a surprise to many people. He is one man that has the president's ears. He has a special relationship with the president and he is always with him when it matters most. In fact, during a recent visit to the state, Obasanjo declared that the state was his second home. But his support for third term merely portrayed him as politician who speaks from both sides of his mouth. He was one of the key advocates of the South-South presidency. One of South South Peoples Assembly's biggest financial backers. Yet, he was deep into the third term campaign. Many in the South-South were not happy about this because it was to the detriment of the zone's 2007 presidential ambition.


Abdullahi Adamu (PDP)

Abdullahi Adamu is one governor who made no pretence about the 3rd term project. He even influenced the public hearing on the review of the constitution for his zone to Lafia instead of Jos, the traditional headquarters of the North central geo-political zone. He boldly took charge of affairs in Lafia. Those who opposed tenure extension during the public hearing had their presentation aborted and humiliated. He was the only governor from the zone who attended the hearing and bitterly criticised the other governors: "It is a civic responsibility which does not require the mandatory attendance of my colleagues. But, as leaders, we have a moral responsibility and we must show example to our followers. You teach a lot of people and they learn from it." Inspite of all these, Adamu was one governor with a hidden agenda. His target was believed to be the vice-presidency, and he had properly positioned himself for this. He must remain in the good book of the presidency to actualise his dream. For Adamu, boldly flying the third term flag is a sure way to remain in contention. It is also a sure way to remain relevant in the politics of Nasarawa State.

Tony Anenih (PDP)

This is not the first time Chief Tony Anenih will be playing ignoble roles in the nation's political system. At the time the country needed him most to defend the 1993 presidential election, Anenih traded it off to President Ibrahim Babangida. Thereafter, Anenih went into oblivion only for him to be resuscitated during Abacha era when he drummed support for the transmutation of the late general. Anenih, shortly after the inauguration of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, propounded the "No Vacancy" in Aso Rock theory and some government houses in 2003. This later resulted in the massive election rigging ever witnessed in the history of this country in 2003.
The same Anenih was in the forefront of the campaign to secure another term for Obasanjo. Only God knows how posterity will remember this man.

Ahmadu Ali (PDP)

Ahmadu Ali was Minister of Education under General Olusegun Obasanjo as a military head of state between 1976-79. He was forced into retirement following students' unrest in 1978 popularly known as "Ali Must Go". A three time senator, he became PDP chairman last year following the forceful resignation of Chief Audu Ogbeh. Since then, like a typical soldier that he is, Ali has been issuing out orders, bullying and cursing people who are not in his pro-third term team. Now that the third term project is dead for good, what will Ali now tell Nigerians?

Ojo Maduekwe(PDP)

Maduekwe is one politician many Nigerians have respect and regards for. Yet he has a knack for political suicides. His campaign for third term for President Olusegun Obasanjo is not the first. This is a familiar road for Maduekwe who in 1998 was one of the personalities who took part in the Abacha two million-man march. With the encomiums and eulogies Maduekwe poured on Abacha and what happened after, one would think he would have learnt sufficent lessons, but no. He was one of those who pushed the tenure elongation idea which has now blown up in his face.

Governor Ali Modu Sheriff (ANPP)

From Abacha-forever! to Obas-anjo-Must-Stay. Sheriff, the present governor of Borno State seems to make a living from sycophancy and lying to leaders that he can deliver life presidency. Despite being on the platform of the opposing All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Sheriff, a first term governor, is one of the northern governors who openly campaigned for the extension of the tenure of office for the president and governors during the last public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution. He even now attends PDP caucus meetings scheming Obasanjo forever. Was he running away from EFCC or just trying to prove that Obasanjo is another Abacha? Time will tell.

Saminu Turaki (ANPP)

Since the second term of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Jigawa State Governor Saminu Turaki has been more or less an errand boy of the President, graduating to a major third term campaigner, Although he was elected on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Turaki’s soul and heart have been with the PDP, a dual loyalty that has earned him the tag of a political Judas. Said to have secured several import waivers and concessions to finance the presidential third term bid. How much of this fund was actually spent on the campaign, however, remains to be seen.
Interestingly, Turaki's record in his first term of office as the most travelled governor remains unequalled. Therefore, for him, what mattered was to remain in office and enjoy immunity, hence his support for third term.
To be continued

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...don't be afraid, Nnamani tells colleagues

Posted to the Web: Wednesday, May 17, 2006

ABUJA—SENATE President, Chief Ken Nnamani, yesterday opened the debate on the proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution at the Senate with a rousing speech, urging his colleagues not to be incapacitated by fear.

He drew from the experience of the United States of America controversial election in 2000 that was resolved amicably, saying the process should be transparent.
Excerpts from the speech entitled: “Protecting Legislative Due Process”:

“Distinguished Senators, I take the liberty to open today’s deliberation on the amendment of the constitution with a brief statement. First, let me sincerely thank every distinguished Senator who has spoken during this debate. Your decorum and intelligent reflections on the issues before the nation reassure Nigerians that, in spite of the turbulence and traumas of building and sustaining democracy in Nigeria, the future of democracy appears bright.

The future seems bright because this upper legislative house is filled with statesmen and women who understand that when the nation is passing through a crisis it is time for courage, heroism and sacrifice. Every one of us understands the challenge of this moment and the need to rise above partisan and alleged pecuniary considerations in making our decision.

“Distinguished Senators, while welcoming you to plenary session on January 17, 2006, I observed that the proposed constitution amendment has put thsearchlight on the National Assembly, especially the Senate. I remind colleagues of our responsibility to uphold the democratic rights of Nigerian citizens and strictly apply the procedures and principles in the Constitution and Standing Rules of the Senate. I want to reaffirm to every distinguished Senators that I will, at all times, strictly apply these procedure and principles. I will stick to constitutional due process because that is the trust I received from every Senator on April 5, 2005, when I was elected to preside over this Senate. A democratic society requires that those entrusted with political power uphold democratic procedures established by the constitutional and norms or equity, transparency and fairness.

“I have thought carefully about the process and the politics of amending the constitution. I have come to the conclusion that the historic responsibility, which the Almighty God has placed on my shoulders as the President of the Senate at this moment in our history, is to uphold truth, justice and principles of the rule of law. Democracies survive when citizens believe that the state can give them justice. Justice is not the assurance that you must win in your cause, but the assurance that the rules will be applied fairly. In a democracy, every political faction requires an assurance that those who exercise political power will treat its cause fairly and justly.

“As long as this assurance is not betrayed, political conflicts cannot fatally derail democratic governance. I want to refer us to the recent crisis of democracy in the United States. In 2000, the US democracy was put on trial because of an election that was fundamentally flawed. The confrontation between party chieftains was violent and feverish. But, as long as the Supreme Court – the highest institution of the rule of law-decided the matter according to legitimate processes, the political crisis was easily contained. I recall Prof. Larry Tribes, the lawyer to Democracy Presidential Candidate, Al Gore, disagreeing with the reasoning of the US Supreme Court but affirming his acceptance of its decision. Some Americans believed that the Supreme Court erred in its decision, but nevertheless, accepted that the contest was resolved democratically.

“The Supreme Court, just like this Senate, resolves a political conflict democratically when it transparently follows laid down procedures and principles of justice. If the US Supreme Court had wantonly abandoned its rules of procedures in managing the electoral crisis, it is doubtful if the crisis would have been well managed. If there is no transparency there is no legitimacy. And without legitimacy, a republic is likely to come to ruins.

“As a democrat, I believe that the core of democracy is legitimacy. Legitimacy is secured by publicity and fairness. As a presiding officer of this upper legislative house one of my responsibilities is to ensure that our decisions are legitimate. It is to secure the legitimacy of legislative process that I authorized that public broadcast of every deliberation relating to the amendment of the constitution.

“Today, every decision of this Senate on the amendment of the constitution is in the full glare of Nigerians who gave us the mandate to represent them and whose constitution is being amended. “Today, every decision of this Senate is made according to procedures in the constitution and Standing Rules of the Senate. We are following due process because we want to ensure that Nigeria survives this crisis.

“We are following due process because without due process, political conflicts easily graduate to political warfare. I will continue to strictly follow the letters of the constitution and Senate Rules as long as I preside over this congregation of senior citizens. This is, perhaps, the only way we can save the nation from the crisis of political succession.

“Distinguished Senators, now that we are at the threshold of concluding this historic debate on the proposed amendment to the constitution. I urge every Senator to rise up to the challenge of patriotism. We should not become political entrepreneurs who pander after personal gains, but rather delegates and trustees of the people who will preserve democratic governance. Let us remain guided by the highest ideals of legislative democracy. Let us protect democratic procedures no matter where our votes fall. In these circumstances, the process is more important than the result.

“I remain resolved to continue to guarantee transparency, publicity and fairness in every process of this constitution amendment. I pledge to continue to ensure that every Senator says his mind and votes his mind. I totally pledge to strictly follow legislative due process in amending the constitution. Regardless of how votes are cast, I will not short-circuit any of the provisions of our Standing Rules or the Constitution.

“Senator John McCain in his recent book, Why Courage Matters: The way to a Braver Life, states ‘that courage is not the absence of fear, but the capacity for action despite our fear.’ Let us do our duties to Nigeria with pride and with courage.”

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“I knew it would not succeed because there was no adequate consultation with Nigerians on the matter,” --Babangida as posted by Chei

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At the end, those in support of the earlier decision of the Senate to allow the committee treat the matter, were 51, while those who wanted the motion put in abeyance stood at 33, with surprise votes from Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu and Senate Leader Dalhatu Tafida, who, for the first time since the division in the Senate over third term issue, took side with the opposition.

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