-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South threatens to boycott 2007 polls By Paul Odili & Tony Edike Tuesday, December 20, 2005 * Says no to power shift
ENUGU-SOUTHERN leaders rising from a one-day summit in Enugu yesterday, threatened to boycott the 2007 general election and opt for a confederal system if the 1999 constitution was not amended.
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They dismissed a suggestion that the alleged third term plot of the President was enough grounds to delay amending the Constitution. Speaker after speaker outlined five areas of interest to the three geo-political zones in the South, and these are: Revenue allocation/resource control, power rotation, constitutionalism, state creation, and census.
However, the third term agendum believed to be the main agenda of the meeting was not discussed, even though some speakers warned that endorsing term extension would break Southern solidarity being forged at the summit.
The meeting regarded as the largest gathering of political leaders, top notchers from the three geo-political zones of South-East, South-South and South-West, saw the coming together for the first time of their leaders to reaffirm their resolve to pursue a common cause on issues affecting the interest of their people. To demonstrate their determination to work as a team towards realising the set goals, the summit set up a 36-man working committee headed by Chief Matthew Mbu. The summit also set up a national secretariat in Enugu to coordinate its affairs.
The Southern Leaders Summit now christened "The Southern Forum," had 13 governors and other leaders in attendance. There was a palpable feeling of excitement by the leaders of the three geo-political zones, and these reflected in their endorsement of the agenda of the summit without any dissent.
The main point of the 10-page communiqu頵nanimously adopted and read by Governor Victor Attah:
That we are shocked, and therefore condemn, in its entirety, the clear attempts at polarizing Nigeria into North and South, which we understand are indications of stiff arrogance carelessly exhibited and indeed directed at elements, groups and institutions in Southern states of Nigeria in the last few weeks;
That we are baffled by this unbecoming stance and insistence of some political leaders from the Northern states of Nigeria that national political leadership, and indeed power, should be taken back to the North just after a mere eight years of a Southern Nigerian holding the power in over 45 years, an attitude we understand to represent a certain Northern position to keep the Southerners in perpetual political servitude;
That while the South, particularly the South-South, produces over 85 per cent of the national resources, it is surprising that the North objects to the humble and modest demand of a mere compensatory share;
That in effect, it is clearly known to all Nigerians, and indeed any interested party or observer, that the North held the presidency for 35 of the 45 years of independence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and cannot be justifiably asking for a return of the same power after a mere eight years (by 2007) it has been held by a Southerner;
That against these backdrops, we the Conference of Governors, legislators, ministers, traditional rulers, leaders of major political parties and leaders of socio-political organisations and bodies, plainly demand from Nigerians ?? North and South alike ?? the following:
That the constitutional review exercise embarked on should continue and should indeed continue to advance, conclusively, to seek to reflect physical, as well as fiscal federalism and further, Conference warns that the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly must not be intimidated, threatened, cajoled and/or blackmailed in the performance of their legitimate and constitutional duties and responsibilities of law making including constitutional amendment, in so far as these reforms advocated shall be on the basis of peaceful consultation and dialogue between South and the North or the South and other zones in the North;
That restated historically and anchored on unimpeachable facts, the presidency and ultimate executive leadership of Nigeria, had been held as follows: North-Central: 18 years; North-West: 11 years; North-East: six years (total of 35 years); South-West: nine years; South-East: six months; South-South: Nil (total of nine years and six months).
That consequent upon the political realities of this conscionable historical data, we restate and firmly resolve that cognisance must be given and indeed, the presidency ?? post-2007 ?? zoned to, either South-South (the nation?s nest of fortune), which never tasted the plum job or the South East, which merely sniffed it for six months;
That Conference demands that the process of Constitutional Amendment/Reform must commence immediately and be concluded and effected prior to the 2007 elections, failing which the South shall boycott the 2007 elections and consider the reconstitution of the country as a Confederation on the basis of the six geo-political zones, with each zone retaining its resources and contributing to the centre on the basis of an agreed principle, failure of which the South shall stop forthwith resources derived from its geopolitical zone;
That an immediate review of the revenue allocation which should emphasize derivation be immediately undertaken, inclusive of all revenue from petroleum, solid materials, VAT, seaport, and airport usage, and that in furtherance, we restate the principle of inalienable right of states/zones to control their own resources, consequent upon which we demand and insist on 25 per cent, graduating, in five years, to 50 per cent derivation, to rightfully accrue to states/zones;
That as contained in the United Nation?s criteria for censuses, religious/ethnic data must form a part of any credible demography, upon which we insist that our planned national headcount must reflect data on religion, ethnicity and other facts, which are relevant in national economic planning and development;
That having been evidenced in the history of exercises in state?s creation, as totally negating equity and popular participation, since the creation of Mid-west in1963, we, therefore, firmly demand and insist on the creation of a state from the South-East geopolitical zone;
That the Southern states strongly commend and support not only the reform efforts of President Olusegun Obasanjo, but also acknowledge the laudable and rewarding crusade against corruption, the historic achievement of debt relief, and the unceasing and practical efforts at keeping Nigeria united and indivisible, such as in near sacrifice of his life to bring about democratic rule in Nigeria;
That the Conference commends President Olusegun Obasanjo as a truly detribalised and visionary Nigerian leader, who has initiated reforms and policies to reposition Nigeria within the comity of nations with a view to taking the nation to the promised land;
That failure to recognise and respond positively to the above positions and stand of the South, will leave the Southern states of Nigeria with no option than to seek a confederal arrangement for the geo-political zones, therein, to address this imbalance; lAnd finally, that Conference stands firmly for a united, peaceful, democratic and equitable Nigeria nation with mutual respect amongst its constituent members;
That this Conference, which is to be known as The Southern Forum, has set up a 36-man Working Committee and Secretariat for communications, furtherance of the principles, execution of elements of these resolutions and interactions/negotiations/discussions, with necessary persons, groups, organizations and institutions and of course, needy and willing geopolitical zones so desirous and qualified to be considered, in the continuous reviews of the foregoing." The governors in attendance were: Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Chris Ngige (Anambra), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi) represented by his deputy, Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia) represented by his deputy, Peter Odili (Rivers), James Ibori (Delta), Goodluck Jonathan (Bayelsa), Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom), Donald Duke (Cross River), Lucky Igbinedion (Edo) represented by his deputy, Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Segun Agagu (Ondo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Rashidi Ladoja (Oyo). Governor Bola Tinubu did not attend and sent no representative.
Other top Southern leaders in attendance were Chief Matthew Mbu, Comdr. Ebitu Ukiwe, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Moji Akinfenwa, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis, Chief Olabode George, Senator Francis Ellah, Chief Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Chris Uba, Dr. Kema Chikwe, Prof. Chike Edozien (Asagba of Asaba), Igwe Jeremiah Onovo, Chief Hope Uzodimma, Senator Udo Udoma, who represented Senate President Ken Nnamani, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, Chief Bode Olajumoke, Chief Jacob Nwokolo, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Senator Anietie Usen, Chief Frank Nweke Jnr., Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Chief Austin Okpara, Mr. Gilbert Nnaji, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Col. Joe Achuzia, Dr Joe Nwaorgu and Dr. Kunle Olajide.
Posts: 288 | From: California | Registered: Jul 2003
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Ok, we read this Rick, what's your input, what do you think, bro? Take it from there.
___________________ 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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My input is that we are taking the bulls by their horns. This tough stand against the North is what I have been expecting to see from our Southern leaders. And I hope that our Yoruba brothers can be counted on to stand for what is right and not waver.
If Yorubas can help make history for the first time in Nigeria, that will be great. The Southeast and Southsouth cannot do it alone without the support of the Southwest. It appears that they are now getting the message of the arrogant North. Their greed must be stopped by any means necessary.
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Somehow, I can't seem to find anyone in that long list that is opposed to Baba Iyabo's 3rd term agenda. It is a smokescreen, period!
___________________ Awo's political idea was based on the assumption that any town beyond Owo was Igbo or Hausa. Awo was not socialised; he was not a good mixer because he did not have the opportunity, which the secondary school offered. ~TOS Benson, Baba Oba of Lagos Posts: 2644 | From: United Kingdom | Registered: Apr 2001
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quote:That Conference demands that the process of Constitutional Amendment/Reform must commence immediately and be concluded and effected prior to the 2007 elections, failing which the South shall boycott the 2007 elections and consider the reconstitution of the country as a Confederation on the basis of the six geo-political zones, with each zone retaining its resources and contributing to the centre on the basis of an agreed principle, failure of which the South shall stop forthwith resources derived from its geopolitical zone;
and this...
quote:That failure to recognise and respond positively to the above positions and stand of the South, will leave the Southern states of Nigeria with no option than to seek a confederal arrangement for the geo-political zones, therein, to address this imbalance; lAnd finally, that Conference stands firmly for a united, peaceful, democratic and equitable Nigeria nation with mutual respect amongst its constituent members;
Finally an ultimatum from Southerners declaring that Nigeria, its people, and resources are not the exclusive possession of the North. Now this is what I call exciting news. What remains to be seen is whether the resovle of these leaders will stand the test of time. I am a bit surprised to see Chris Uba mentioned as a dignitary at this conference. One wonders if this ultimatum will actually live up to its language, and not rather end with a third term for Obasanjo, a "Southerner." Let's have no tricks this time.
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 660 | From: Valle del Sol | Registered: Nov 2004
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quote:Finally an ultimatum from Southerners declaring that Nigeria, its people, and resources are not the exclusive possession of the North. Now this is what I call exciting news. What remains to be seen is whether the resovle of these leaders will stand the test of time. I am a bit surprised to see Chris Uba mentioned as a dignitary at this conference. One wonders if this ultimatum will actually live up to its language, and not rather end with a third term for Obasanjo, a "Southerner." Let's have no tricks this time
Rick
You should know better, this is an exit strategy for Obasanjo, note that the usual OBJ supporters are in the forefront of it.
I am sorry but the likes of Ubah do not represent anybody but Obasanjo. Ndigbo are not asking for a Southern cage to replace the BiafraNigeria cage. This is just part of the third term plot with some so called leaders being coopted.
[ December 20, 2005, 07:46 PM: Message edited by: chiboy ]
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quote: Two former chairmen of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Solomon Lar and Mr. Audu Ogbeh have confirmed the existence of an unwritten agreement that power should shift to the north in 2007 after the South must have had its turn for eight years.
Speaking at a lecture titled: “The North and the Future of Democracy in Nigeria,” organized by the Arewa Media Forum (AMF) in Kaduna at the weekend the two erstwhile PDP chairmen recalled the sacrifices the North made in 1999 when it stopped all Northern aspirants from contesting the presidency to allow Obasanjo from the south-west to emerge as president.
They also recalled how in 2002, a similar sacrifice was made by the PDP caucus to allow Obasanjo have a second term by discouraging northern candidates including Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from contesting.
Mr. Audu Ogbeh, who was the guest speaker said it was an unwritten agenda by nearly all Northern delegates at the 1994-95 constitutional conference without exception, the decision was taken in order to heal the wounds of June 12 that no Northerner should contest the 1999 election as president.
“It was one of the far reaching political decisions ever taken by the North in the overall interest of peace and national healing.
Eight years equal forty years going by awusa mathematical calendar! No wonder islam never encouraged scientific minds. This is just an arrogant stench of atypical northern minion! If this crap is not offensive, then nothing should be henceforth! According to their warped and demented mathematical calculations, six years of obasanjo’s comical leadership equaled forty years of the northern feudal rule that sent nigeria on irreversible coma, right? The north should hereon practice a little humility when speaking on issues that affect the rest. Who told these efulefus in the first place that whatever the hell their obfuscated mind told them was unwritten was acceptable to us? What’s happening to them now is what happens when people are so arrogant not to realize and appreciate the other’s intelligence. They took obasanjo for the same fool he was when he usurped the democratic process by letting a munchi semi-illiterate take over in 1979 instead of letting the Electoral College that would have been favorably disposed to Pa Awo resolve the logjam as stipulated by the constitution. After these many years and their numerous civil rights violations, they want obasanjo to forget so soon what they did to the southerners. When this political harlot called ogbeh was dining with the tiger he developed anesthesia about events, his twisted memory only came back when the killwe dealt him and his kinds decisive blows. Even their crazy constitution recognizes SIX GEO-POLITICAL ZONES in the country so why must it continue to be north, north and more wicked north?? Bloody idiots are what these guys, ogbeh and all, are!
quote:This tough stand against the North is what I have been expecting to see from our Southern leaders. And I hope that our Yoruba brothers can be counted on to stand for what is right and not waver. – Rick
Mazi, here we defiantly stand. We’ve had enough of the nama droppings of the mallams. Sometimes I wonder why these drawbacks refuse to join their brodas in Niger, Chad and all the other back tottering awusa lands. I have this feelings that our Yoroba neighbors are realizing all their follies of the past though belatedly. If it’s within my powers I did say let a no bull minority southerner, someone who’s not afraid to give them hell takeover in 2007. Hopefully this may lead the awusa who are like whites never like taking orders from a black person, to commit a political suicide by staging a violent protest that will lead to independent nations out of the present accident scene.
___________________ 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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One-nigeria may be coming to an end. Any solution short of independence for Biafra is a mistake. -------------------------------------------------------------
What this indicates is that the grounds are possibly shifting in Igbo politics. The various forces are possibly coming together for the first time in the last 20 years. Indicators are rife of possibly, the final re-opening of the true Nigerian question abandoned at the Benin meetings in 1967, and long since papered over by subsequent "one Nigeria" authorities - whose meaning of "one Nigeria" really is the conquest and subjugation of the old east, with the subsequent emasculation of what used to be called the Mid-West - all for oil. But both the local and international realities are finally shaping the outcome of the Nigerian question: key is the security of oil sources, and the realization within the "international community" working on the "axis of evil" theory about the real complexity of the Nigerian state. In whose hands are Nigerian oil fields most secure? That is the question within the White House and Whitehall today. Two, the meeting of Southern Politicians in Enugu is not accidental. It is indeed rife with symbolism. That it took place in the capital of Southern Nigeria - yes Enugu was the capital of Southern Nigeria prior to 1945 - is far more symbolic than most people currently understand. That it came on the heel of the unprecedented meeting of EU diplomats in Enugu - where they made the rather curious and highly undiplomatic statement that, "the east is the future of Nigeria" is very significant. We vmust also put all these in context with the recent visits of key leaders of the South with whom the American government had consultaions: e.g. Odumegwu Ojukwu came here for very strategic consultations on the veil of a medical visit; so did Ekwueme; and we have to put all these in perspective, with the many visits made to Eastern/South-South governments by representatives of the US government in the past year. Fnally, we read in the papers recently, the suggestions by Jemibweon et al, that Nigeria should be broken into three countries. These movements are not as isolated as they seem. There is no serendipity in the serious affairs of state. The flier is on for a six-state confederacy with a weak center as the solution to the intractable problem of statehood in Nigeria. The North is up in arms (see Northern States meeting last week), and Buhari and co, came to Washington DC under the Council of Foreign Relations to make their own case/consultations. Ndigbo, what is clear is that we have returned to status quo ante vide 1967.
Speculations are rife about a true national conference, and a true transition in 2007, leading to a possible restructuring of the state. There are a few suggested possibilities: the Confederation of Nigeria, which South-Eastern Nigerian governors suggeted earlier in their very first post-election meeting in 2000, but which was squelched by Obasanjo. They tucked in their tails, under threat, and ran. There is also the suggestion of de-coupling the North and the South of Nigeria, with a possibly independent Southern Nigeria, with HQ in Lagos or Enugu. But the Six possible confederal states, based on the current zonal structure seems the ultimate outcome of the horsetrading going on.
Here is where the Igbo must get their actstogether. If we do not return the old structure of the East, then the Igbo must argue for a redrawing of the regional maps: all Igbo communities in the current Cross Rivers, Delta, Benue, Kogi, Rivers, Edo, and even Bayelsa must be returned and kept in the South-Eastern region. In other words, while the South-South will grow from the old Mid-west region and expand to include former Eastern regional entities currently in Cross Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, and Bayelsa, the East must secure the Igbo end of Rivers, including PH, and the Anioma/Ika Divsions of the old Midwest, in exchange for these old parts of the East to be excised into the new South-South. Here, is where Ojukwu's negotiating skills, and Ekwueme's diplomatic skills will aid the Igbo. Ekwueme has access to the Bushies through the old Georgie Bush who was VP when Ekwueme was VP and they struck a good rapport. They should exploit all possible nostrums of contact. The meeting in Okpara House, at the Umuahia GRA, former State House of Biafra, is equally symbolic. Perhaps, in the end, something might come out from all these. Ndi Igbo should be vigilant. A sea change is in the horizon; its shoreline is 2007 - a very impossible year.
Obi Nwakanma
___________________ achieve Biafra and show the difference Posts: 642 | From: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Nov 2002
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quote:The governors in attendance were: Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Chris Ngige (Anambra), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi) represented by his deputy, Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia) represented by his deputy, Peter Odili (Rivers), James Ibori (Delta), Goodluck Jonathan (Bayelsa), Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom), Donald Duke (Cross River), Lucky Igbinedion (Edo) represented by his deputy, Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Segun Agagu (Ondo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Rashidi Ladoja (Oyo).
Other top Southern leaders in attendance were Chief Matthew Mbu, Comdr. Ebitu Ukiwe, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Moji Akinfenwa, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis, Chief Olabode George, Senator Francis Ellah, Chief Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Chris Uba, Dr. Kema Chikwe, Prof. Chike Edozien (Asagba of Asaba), Igwe Jeremiah Onovo, Chief Hope Uzodimma, Senator Udo Udoma, who represented Senate President Ken Nnamani, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, Chief Bode Olajumoke, Chief Jacob Nwokolo, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Senator Anietie Usen, Chief Frank Nweke Jnr., Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Chief Austin Okpara, Mr. Gilbert Nnaji, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Col. Joe Achuzia, Dr Joe Nwaorgu and Dr. Kunle Olajide.--Rick
This is nothing but a list of names of efulefu looking for settlement and contract. the more you look the less you see
___________________ Biafra is inevitable.Illegitimis nil carborundum. Posts: 760 | From: europe | Registered: Jan 2005
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Mazi, this is an eye-opening article, at least for me. I would not at all be surprised if the West was secretly courting non-Muslim political elements within Nigeria as a bulwark against the domination of the international oil market by Muslim countries. It makes perfect sense for them to do so in light of projections by their own intelligence communities of the collapse of Nigeria within 15 years(14 now and counting). Also now, I hope critics of the pen will not fail to understand that BNW is serving as part of the barometer by which western governments have been measuring the pulse of the Nigerian beast, and this can be a good thing, leading them to make alternate plans for their own economic security.
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 660 | From: Valle del Sol | Registered: Nov 2004
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quote:Finally an ultimatum from Southerners declaring that Nigeria, its people, and resources are not the exclusive possession of the North. Now this is what I call exciting news. What remains to be seen is whether the resovle of these leaders will stand the test of time. I am a bit surprised to see Chris Uba mentioned as a dignitary at this conference. One wonders if this ultimatum will actually live up to its language, and not rather end with a third term for Obasanjo, a "Southerner." Let's have no tricks this time
Chiboy,
I wrote this, not Rick, but I believe you know this and was citing it to show Rick the error of his thinking. I did say that this was exciting news because it is the Yoruba, Igbo efulefu and the Northern muslims that keep present day Nigeria alive. It's exciting to see Yoruba and Igbo efulefu square off against Northern muslims because it may well tear the whole thing apart, leaving grass roots movements to inherit newly created power structures. At the least it will serve notice to the North that there is a rift in the polity too large to be ignored short of regional control of natural resources. But it is also obvious that Obasanjo has a hand(perhaps many) in this declaration.
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 660 | From: Valle del Sol | Registered: Nov 2004
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Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your last post? Come on. Go ahead and say what's on your mind. I'm sure Ochiwar won't mind.
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 660 | From: Valle del Sol | Registered: Nov 2004
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Sorry I attributed that to Rick, you are damn right Obasanjo is the hand behind this. You see baba now finds himself trapped in Aso rock and would wish to come out in one piece, hence the Anenihs, Iwuanyanwu's and all the professional jobbers are now calling for a DIVIDED Nigeria. It is no more treason to call for a divided nation. If the Ohaneze people are there by conviction, how do you then reconcile this move with Achuzia's moronic call for the continued incarceration of Uwazuruike who saw the future ahead of Ohaneze?
Trust me once OBJ is assured of a safe exit by the north, this so called South will die down. The movement must not pause one minute to make provision for these fraudsters. If however in the process they happen to hasten the implosion by mis calculating we take it as a plus but under no circumstance should anyone be under the illusion that freedom can come from an Obasanjo initiative.
I agree with Ochiwar, the list of individuals from Igbo land is suspect. I notice Ekwueme and Ojukwu seem not to be on it, so also are people like Onoh, Nwabueze and Ndubuisi Kalu who have been calling for accountability from Ohaneze. I read that Ngige refused to sign because Chris Ubah was designated the leader from Anambra, so is this then a PDP convention or a so called southern gathering ?
Any serious attempt to reshape the position of Ndigbo in Nigeria must include MASSOB who are now the legitimate representatives of the Igbo grassroot. I am sorry but I await the reaction of the Obasanjo when the North plays it's own card.
[ December 20, 2005, 10:00 PM: Message edited by: chiboy ]
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Other top Southern leaders in attendance were Chief Matthew Mbu, Comdr. Ebitu Ukiwe, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Moji Akinfenwa, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis, Chief Olabode George, Senator Francis Ellah, Chief Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Chris Uba, Dr. Kema Chikwe, Prof. Chike Edozien (Asagba of Asaba), Igwe Jeremiah Onovo, Chief Hope Uzodimma, Senator Udo Udoma, who represented Senate President Ken Nnamani, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, Chief Bode Olajumoke, Chief Jacob Nwokolo, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Senator Anietie Usen, Chief Frank Nweke Jnr., Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Chief Austin Okpara, Mr. Gilbert Nnaji, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Col. Joe Achuzia, Dr Joe Nwaorgu and Dr. Kunle Olajide.--Rick
This list means nothing; totally useless.
___________________ achieve Biafra and show the difference Posts: 642 | From: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Nov 2002
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I think we are watching the beginning of the inevitable collapse of one nigeria -- the fraudulent ideology that only aids awusa/yoroba laziness, mismanagement and incompetence. It is in the best economic interest of America and Britain to help free Biafra and to permanently kill and bury nigeria. It will benefit all of mankind to make sure nigeria is dead. I hope America and Britain will rise up to this responsibility.
___________________ achieve Biafra and show the difference Posts: 642 | From: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Nov 2002
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As usual, and as I have come to learn, your analysis of this issue is one of keen insight, and unimpeachable by this reader. I only hope that the fallout from this ultimatum will overreach the projections of the proponents, and result in the total rubbishing of the status quo. Meanwhile, this push by Obasanjo's camp will have to go forward, unless, as you have also stated, OBJ can safely avoid personal repercussions of his mis-rule(e.g. criminal prosecution).
___________________ The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves... Posts: 660 | From: Valle del Sol | Registered: Nov 2004
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Ednut, sounds like you wouldnt know an efulefu from a loaf of bread. Go and read the names on that list well. Na efulefu who is who on the list, including your brother chimaroke.
___________________ Biafra is inevitable.Illegitimis nil carborundum. Posts: 760 | From: europe | Registered: Jan 2005
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Obasanjo needs to come out openly and state that he is not planning on running for a third term. He also needs to end his systematic interference with the business of the legislative arm. The arm twisting by Obasanjo (and members of his cabal) of ideas or people opposed to a possible third term informs the suspicion with which people view this bid to reform the constitution. How come this drive to fix the constitution is coming on the heels of the predetermined exit of these filchers?
This news isn’t anything to jump up about. This is because we have witnessed on many occasions the unity of Southern power-brokers dying premature deaths; being used only to the benefit of the corrupt Southern elite; being marred by suspicion and treachery ; or being unable to triumph over the unity of the North.
Obasanjo and his fellow highwaymen are looking for third terms. Everyone wants to sit tight. You know these politicians are not dunces. When people like Uwazuruike advocate for the collapse of the Nigerian State, these interlopers come down hard on him with treason charges. Now that their equally greedy Northern neighbors are asking Obasanjo (and by extension others in their second terms in power) to obey the constitutionally mandated rule of leaving peacefully after TWO TERMS IN OFFICE, these Southerners are now coming out to amend the constitution—the same undertaking these self-serving sharks have repeatedly shown a remarkable incapability at completing!
Of course, the people are simply watching the power-play. When the misunderstanding between purloiners snowballs into a threat to their collective loot, there is a real chance that the common man will benefit. I am not holding my breath on that anyway. It is more likely that there will be some negotiations of some sort unless of course, Northern elites want to prove that despite many years of administrative ineptitude, it can still wield local support MORE than the South can. Then, we better start getting ready for a theatre of horrors!
quote:Other top Southern leaders in attendance were Chief Matthew Mbu, Comdr. Ebitu Ukiwe, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Moji Akinfenwa, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis, Chief Olabode George, Senator Francis Ellah, Chief Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chris Uba, Dr. Kema Chikwe, Prof. Chike Edozien (Asagba of Asaba), Igwe Jeremiah Onovo, Chief e Uzodimma, Senator Udo Udomao represented Senate President Ken Nnamani, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, Chief Bode Olajumoke, Chief Jacob Nwokolo, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Senator Anietie Usen, Chief Frank Nweke Jnr., Senator Ekweremadu, Austin Okpara, Mr. Gilbert Nnaji, Senator Ifeanyi Ararumel. Joe Achuzia, Dr Joe Nwaorgu and Dr. Kunle Olajide.
I went home yesterday and all I thought about was the names on this obasanjo generated list then SHOOK my head in disbelief. Aru emee, these days even men of God loan their names to ungodly things and I’m told to listen to their bulls.h.i.t each time I visit a church? Not so fast buddy. I let common sense prevail upon me not words coming from a dangerously compromised “Bishop” simply because he’s standing in front of the pulpit.
Mazi Ken Nnamani was a no show being someone who had enough sense to know that nothing much could be achieved by a bunch of dumb efulefus from the Yoroba and Igbo areas. Kema Chikwe, too? Chris Uba? Iwuanyawu? Joe Irukwu? Can someone please pinch me hard to assure me I’m not in wonderland?
Honorable Anaedo,
From my little understanding of legislative protocol, the legislators are the ones to be feared by aremu and not the other way around. If anyone should be arm twisting they’re the ones in a position to break aremu’s shorty arms with a well drafted article of impeachment that should be seen through this time. Rather than do this, they continuously compromise their integrity with their excessive venality which efectively reduces their power to remove aremu. The scary thing about this southern charade is that while theirs will collapse with a little nudge, the northern solidarity will remain unshakeable till the end.
___________________ 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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It is probably true that what MeBiafran describes as "this southern charade" will collapse with a little nudge, which sentiment echoes the writings of other learned and erudite forumites. It is also true that the list of those who attended the conference in question leaves much to be desired in approximating true representation of the will of the people of the whole South; and quite noticeably absent are prominent persons(like Ojukwu and others) who have in the past been known as free thinkers rather than blind followers. It is also quite likely that the legitimatization of a third-term bid by the sitting President is at the top of the agenda behind the bold declaration of the South. Granted those things being the case, I seem to envision some unexpected results that many times accompany, and sometimes bedevil political brinksmanship, which is what we are witnessing at present.
I note that regardless of their efulefu or sycophant status, or how much many of them may be despised, these persons in attendance nevertheless hold a certain degree of power, whether rightly or wrongly, and are the only ones at this juncture from whom such a declaration would cause the North to raise an eyebrow. It should be remembered that the national dialogue debacle ended in a split along much the same lines as have been drawn by this declaration and ultimatum, that is, resource control and more regional autonomy. It is not hard hard to imagine that these concessions would be the quid pro quo for agitating against the return of power to the North. After all, such an arrangement would be a bonanza for the sitting governors of the affected states, assuming they would continue their policies of graft and corruption, or faithfully keeping the public trust(e.g. Ngige)as the case of each may be. In other words, just because Obasanjo may be seeking a safe exit by a third-term bid bluff, it does not automatically follow that governors and their power structures in the South, will lightly abandon what they have been canvassing for all year long and even before that. Also they are cognizant that the veil of their precious immunity from prosecution has been rent in twain by the extra-legal machinations in the Alams saga. Add to their disposition the unrest of their citizens and the security risk such unrest poses to their persons, and you have a formula for unexpected re-actions to result from what seems to be business as usual.
The big question seems to be what will these southerners do when the North provides for Obasanjo's soft landing. I wonder if there will be even one brave man among them, for that is all it takes to make cowards stand and fight. At such a point it is to be expected that Obasanjo will do an about-face and come out h
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