posted
Quid pro Quo? Now the picture is getting clearer!
quote:IBB Picks Senate President, Nnamani, As Vice President.
Nigerian Tribune DATE : Sunday, 21 May 2006 SENATE President, Chief Ken Nnamani, has been reportedly tipped as the running mate to former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), for the 2007 presidential race. General Babangida declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2007 a few weeks back, and he was reported to have stepped up his campaign, following the stopping of the tenure elongation agenda by the National Assembly.
The decision to have Nnamani on the Babangida’s ticket was reportedly taken by the Babangida political camp about three weeks ago at a meeting which, unknown to the conveners, was taped. Nigerian Tribune findings revealed that Nnamani accepted the offer in principle, and this reportedly accounted for his decision to join forces with the opposition to stop the incumbent president from getting an extension in office.
Nnamani had, contrary to his earlier resolve, allowed voice vote in stopping the constitution amendment bill from scaling the second reading. The deal was said to have been finally sealed shortly after the Senate dumped the bill, at another meeting, which was also reportedly taped.
It was revealed that it was at the second meeting that the group decided to dump the South-South geopolitical zone in the zoning of the first three top positions at the federal level. The reasoning at the meeting, according to a source who is in possession of the records of the meetings, was that the South-South, despite its agitation for the presidency, would not pose any problems for the camp in executing its strategies for the presidency.
It will be recalled that the South-South geopolitical zone is the only zone in the country that has not produced the nation’s leader. Apart from taking the vice-presidency position beyond the zone, the Nigerian Tribune learnt that the Babangida camp had also zoned the Senate Presidency beyond the zone.
All calls made to Nnamani’s spokespersons, Austin Adamu and Reginald Okochi, went into their phones’ voice-mail box, and as at press time, there had been no feedback from them. When Max Gbanite, the spokesperson of Project Nigeria, the umbrella campaign group of Babangida, was contacted, the response from his phone showed that he was out of service area of the provider he uses.
One of his associates told the Nigerian Tribune that he might have gone abroad. However, Babangida might be playing a double game with his choice of vice-president, because there are indications that he might have promised another ex-Senate President the plum job. The former Senate President had reportedly met in Abuja with emissaries sent by Babangida, but a source could not say whether the former Senate President accepted to run with him.
Was this why the senate president suddenly became a "bold and courageous man?" Enquiring minds want to know.
Posts: 110 | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
I was wondering how long it would take before the vultures began to circle. No sooner had this throughly upright fellow maintained a firm stand on the side of the people than these ne'er-do-wells began to intensify efforts to get him 'onside'. May they be struck down where they stand. Twits.
___________________ Free Uwazurike Now!
Now is the winter of our discontent...made glorious summer by this [rising] sun of York. Posts: 325 | From: London | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
Folks Does IBB think an average Biafran/Nigerian is stupid? IBB's attempt to return as the president is nothing but an insult to our collective intelligence. At the present level of exposure in that country, is it true that people will support this crazyman's bid to run for the office of the president?
Whoever supports IBB's ploy to return to power need to have his head examined. This guy (IBB) who is supposed to be doing time in jail has the effrontery to talk of running for the office of pesident in Nigeria? This guy is a big joker.
Posts: 524 | From: USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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You must have cotton wool for grey matter if you believe this story. Why must some of you Yoruba folks agonize over every Igbo man who stands for decency ? Having tired of disparaging Chukwumerije, Nnamani is now your new target because he refused to help the slow thinking Ota warrior conquer the senate.You should be ashamed of yourself for posting that rubbish here.
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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why not check the source of this story, Have you two forgotten Nigeria Tribune of 70s and 80s. Have many of you forgotten How tribune used to distroy anybody that was against Baba Awo. Can't you see that Tribune have dust off their propaganda machine now that another Yoruba man have been checkmated. Remember how Tribune tried to distroy Zik in 1979 because NPP formed alliance with NPN to tip the presidency over to shagari instead of their Founder Awo.
Now fast forward to 2006, another Igbo son have checkmated the Yoruba war lord, all of sudden their propaganda machine is at work. Listen to all the instinuation on that piece by Tribune and read between the line. The Yoruba and the tribune can not stomach, the fact that there are still some Igbo people who will choose principles over bags of Ghana must go full of naira.
posted
With Lanre’s claim to democracy it becomes even more disturbing that someone who ran for office with western ideas would now be upset that the right thing was finally done in his country for the first time. The inference from the poster’s inquiry is, had he won that his state’s 2003 gubernatorial election, he would today be part of the bad news otherwise why is he riled that Hon. K. Nnamani threw that bogus amendment out?
In the interim, Hon Ken Nnamani should without delays, disclaim this wicked rumor else it becomes factual and all he worked for tarnished! He must not allow illiterate mallams to be seen to have used his name. Ekwu chaa lam!
___________________ 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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Nnamani does not owe the Odua press any explanation. If the onus is placed on him to defend himself everytime the Ibadan press concocts a cinspiracy on account of his stance agains the Ota emperor that would be grossly unfair.Nnamani should feel free to ignore such people and continue to use his judgement which has been so far outstanding.
This new Babangida and Atiku are devils blackmail being propagated by frustrated third term advocates is silly and should be ignored.
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
I always knew the Ibadan press was up to no good,it is clear the Ota war lord is mad at Nnamani and wants to tar him.
-------------------------------------------------- Third term: My hands were tied – Nnamani
Yusuf Alli and Sam Akpe
The President of the Senate, Chief Ken Nnamani, has said that the death of the third term agenda in the Senate last week was a divine intervention that saved the country from a civil war.
He said that when the time for voting came, his hands were tied.
Nnamani also disclosed that up till Friday, he was yet to be told exactly how much the National Assembly had spent on the aborted constitution amendment.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Friday, Nnamani said that if the third term had succeeded, it could have led to a repeat of the June 12 bloodshed.
He said that the forces of history and the rules of the Senate made it impossible for him to excercise any personal discretion.
Scores of people were killed across the country by security forces during protests against the annulment of the June 12 election in 1993 by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. Chief M.K.O Abiola was widely believed to have won the presidential election.
Nnamani said that the quashing of the agenda through voice vote lifted a heavy burden from the shoulders of the people.
He added, “A burden has been lifted off me and off the nation because I think the constitutional amendment was something that appeared to have been bigger than the June 12 issue. It was being discussed in all parts of Nigeria.
“For instance, in my village, a certain person came to my constituency office not too long ago and said she had not been able to sell anything, that I should find her money.
“I asked ‘why haven’t you been able to sell?’ She said ‘there is something they call third term’. I cannot say she was an educated person, so she could not understand what third term meant.
“But she saw it as if it was an influenza, a problem, something like June 12. I started wondering what third term has got to do with a market woman not being able to sell. So, it has permeated everywhere. The burden is not only off me but the entire country.”
Narrating what happened on the floor of the Senate during the last day of the debate on the proposed amendments to the constitution, Nnamani said, “To be honest with you, if you heard us a short while ago, I was just chatting with my colleagues, that was what we were…doing what I may call post mortem on it.
“Because the senators…the chamber was full. The attendance was very high. When the question was put…by the way, we were at the Second Reading stage. That Second Reading implies general principles of the bill. We hadn’t got to the Third Reading or if you like, the clause-by-clause deliberation.
“Just before this Second Reading, the procedure is that I should put the question: should the bill be read the second time, either now or in future. We tried to see if we could do it in future through the motion moved by Senator Jonathan Zwingina. That was negative.
“Then Senator Yari Gandi came up with the motion that I should now put the question. And that is not open for debate. So my hands were totally tied.
“So I called on the Senate leader to go ahead and follow the normal procedure, that is to move a short motion that the bill be read the second time. He did and was seconded by the minority leader.
“Then it became my own role now to put the question, which I did and I was loud enough because everywhere was quiet. I said ‘those in support that this bill be read the second time say ay’.
“There was quietness. They were looking at me as you are now looking at me. I said ‘the answer is not here (pointing at himself), talk.’ They were all looking.
“When I said those against, every place went wild. I put it twice. Normally, it should be once. But I did it twice to make sure every person is carried along.
“So, that was exactly how it happened and it was good a thing it was being televised.”
While denying that he was offered any inducement by anyone while the issue lasted, Nnamani told our correspondent that he drew inspiration from the challenge of rebuilding peoples’ confidence in the Senate.
He said he was not afraid of being impeached as speculated since it was clear that majority of the senators were pleased that the debate was conducted with strict adherence to the rules as stated in the constitution and the Senate Standing Rules.
He added, “What some of us seem to have agreed is that there was a divine intervention that made it such that people did not want to belabour the issue any more.”
He said that he was able to withstand the pressure from many quarters during the debate because God gave him the strength.
He said, “I figured again that as long as I played the game according to the rules, I may not be penalised.
“If I stopped being an umpire and became a player, then the other group would now see me as somebody who has committed a very serious crime and will mobilise against me.
“Above all, I figured that all these things that happened, someday it would be written, people will tell it as a story, as a history of the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
“I wanted to be on the right side of that history because I think history will be kind to the National Assembly when the issue of the last two or three months will be analysed.
“You see, one other way the matter would have been settled would have been settling it on the streets by people burning tyres and breaking windscreens and throwing punches.
“And we would not be here. The first victim would have been the National Assembly itself if we went wild about it.
“So to save that very crisis, to save that political warfare - we were already going into political crisis, we did not want it to degenerate or to graduate into political warfare - we felt that we should follow the rules.
“And as long as we did that, the outcome (and) history will judge us very kindly. That was the inspiration.”
In spite of the explanation by Nnamani, there was an indication on Sunday that security agents were probing an alleged deal between the President of the Senate and a former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) over the death of the constitution amendment bill. A source in Abuja said security agents had been working on the allegation that Nnamani was offered a ticket as a running mate to Babangida for the 2007 presidential elections.
The agreement was said to have been reached at a meeting in Abuja a fortnight ago.
“At the meeting, it was agreed that power should shift to the North with the next vice-president from the South-East. The South-South was rated as irrelevant in the scheme of things because most of its governors and lawmakers supported the third term agenda,” the source said. A source in Babangida’s camp however, said, “There was no deal between the former military head of State and Nnamani.
“It is just a figment of imagination. If anyone is probing how the third term bill was killed, he or she is only embarking on a wild goose chase.”
On his part, Nnamani on Friday said, “No person came to me regarding money because they know my position already that I wanted to be as transparent as possible. I said from day one, more than two months now, that when the time comes, every person would answer his father’s name.
“And when the media committee chairman organised a meeting in Lagos, I repeated the same statement before editors of various media houses in Nigeria. It was like a pledge. I don’t think anything was going to change my view on that.
“I was not trying to impress anybody. I was only trying to show that since we make the law, we should be able to obey it ourselves. “I have not thought about what happens in 2007. I am praying that God will give me the wisdom to complete the assignment now. When we get to 2007, we worry about that.”
On Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media, Mr. Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), denied any deal between Nnamani and Babangida.
Ndoma-Egba, who spoke on the phone, said, “The Senate President’s deal is with Nigerians and the deal is to uphold the constitution. He had no deal with anybody. The suggestion that he has a deal with IBB is most unfounded and most uncharitable. “That deal is a most laughable proposition that anybody could have ever made against the Senate President.”
THE PUNCH, Monday May 22, 2006
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote: The Yoruba and the tribune can not stomach, the fact that there are still some Igbo people who will choose principles over bags of Ghana must go full of naira
..Biafra
Blame not the Yoruba; We are just not used to that fact.
___________________ This war of attrition on the Igbo must end now! Posts: 441 | From: california, US | Registered: Jan 2003
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quote: “That deal is a most laughable proposition that anybody could have ever made against the Senate President.”...Chiboy
Chiboy, Tell me you dont believe that nonsense. Anyway, it does not matter one way or the other what Nnamani chooses to do with his political life, one only prays he is not quick to fritter away the immense goodwill generated by his principled stand on the Constitution review debate. I will be here to remind you of the fatwa issued against any Igboman accepting to run as an appendage come 2007, the world is watching with keen interest.
___________________ This war of attrition on the Igbo must end now! Posts: 441 | From: california, US | Registered: Jan 2003
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In fairness to Lanre, all he did was post a story that was carried in the dailies. Instead of crucifying him, I would rather we showed concern. Deep concern at this new development. As much as we should applaud Nnamani for his ethical stand, we should also remain watchful. If the story is true, it should take none by surprise. It wouldn't be the first time one of ours would have let us down so terribly. However, it is my fervent prayer that the story is untrue. For once, when it comes to the Igbo Senate Presidency, let Nd’Igbo hold their heads high for longer than five minutes. Ah, ah! Ogini?!!
___________________ Free Uwazurike Now!
Now is the winter of our discontent...made glorious summer by this [rising] sun of York. Posts: 325 | From: London | Registered: Jul 2005
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Did you read the second article I just posted ? Why will the Nigerian security forces be investigating such a ridiculous claim when no attempt has been made to prosecute the bribe takers ?I will crucify Lanre because of the motive that led to his posting the article. What do you understand by "quid pro quo" ?
Why are you more concerned about who Nnamani supports when the likes of Iwuanyanwu, Nzeribe and Irukwu are still parading the streets of Igbo land ?
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote: quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “That deal is a most laughable proposition that anybody could have ever made against the Senate President.”...Chiboy
Chiboy, Tell me you dont believe that nonsense. Anyway, it does not matter one way or the other what Nnamani chooses to do with his political life, one only prays he is not quick to fritter away the immense goodwill generated by his principled stand on the Constitution review debate. I will be here to remind you of the fatwa issued against any Igboman accepting to run as an appendage come 2007, the world is watching with keen interest.
Addy
I am sure it is very clear to everybody that the quote you have attributed to Chiboy was made by senator Ndoma Egba!!!
You are damn right Nnamani owes nobody any explanation as to his political future. Especially those who have refused to confront the numerous Judases in their midst.
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote: You are damn right Nnamani owes nobody any explanation as to his political future....Chiboy
Chiboy, You made Nnamani's and numerous other Igbo sons' political future our business when you openly declared any Igbo son or daughter who accepts a secondary role on a joint presidential ticket in 2007 a Judas. It's your word, not mine. We are waiting and baiting.
___________________ This war of attrition on the Igbo must end now! Posts: 441 | From: california, US | Registered: Jan 2003
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You are looking to wash off the shame Aremu has visited on you folks over his failed third term ambition. I personally am pleased Obj's political coffin was nailed by an Igbo. How painfull it must be for the messiah to be done in by an Igbo whom he helped rescue from the Hausa/Fulani during the war. Biggups for Nnamani, he can run for dog catcher for all I care.
Posts: 1532 | From: USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Chiboy Thank you, In this day and age of Television, idiot like Nzeribe wants something like that amandment not televised. No way not when the whole world are watching.
Absolutely right! If crooks like nzeribe, iwuanyanwu, ojo maduekwe, kema chikwe, chris uba, etc. can work for the semi-literate yoroba fraudster olusegun obasanjo against the Igbo nation, the ngwati press is in no position to dictate to Ken Nnamani who he chooses to serve.
However, the Igbo will make sure no Igbo working for either the yoroba or awusa stands a chance of influencing the politics of Igbo/Biafra going forward. The strategy for Igbo patriots now must be to produce a stalemate in nigeria that will finally free Biafra.
___________________ achieve Biafra and show the difference Posts: 642 | From: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Nov 2002
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Yes, I did miss your second post. While in the process of typing a response, I received a call, after which I continued writing and posted without checking for any update(s). My failing. It gladdens my heart no end that the allegation has been denied.
That said, if I seem more concerned about Nnamani than I am the others, it’s because he is worth ‘saving’. He, at least, has done something great in the name of Nd’Igbo that we all can point to. As for the others, well….
___________________ Free Uwazurike Now!
Now is the winter of our discontent...made glorious summer by this [rising] sun of York. Posts: 325 | From: London | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
IgboB, not quiet as you think. Lanre never meant well when he embarked on his trip to post something he wrongly thought would reduce the accomplishments of Honorable Nnamani. If this is untrue, why then did he end his post with: “Was this why the senate president suddenly became a "bold and courageous man?" Enquiring minds want to know.” – Lanre. You see, his sarcasm did not escape the hawkish eyes of some of us who saw where he was headed with that little snipe. Why was his bold and courageous in inverted commas? I’ll tell ya, it was for the only purpose to ridicule the gentleman’s fete and he knows it. About this Lanre dude whom I mistakenly thought was a decent fella at the time he was running as the gubernatorial candidate for his state, I actually was at the time rooting for him and what a disappointment he became. From his latest antics it is easy to see what he would have become had he won that election. Actually he may have won only to be rigged out by the same obasanjo whom he sees today as his god. What a crying shame!
All:
I’m kinda glad to a point that this wicked rumor has finally been parried. When yesterday I counseled that this be made sooner rather than latter, I knew it was the most efficacious way to debunk unguided lies. The necessity for him to do so if ignored would have given a black eye to his leadership with the subsequent embarrassment to the generality of Ndiigbo. He should never, I continue to say, be seen to romance that awusa IBB, the man is too dangerous to play around with. Now that a disclaimer has been put out there, I’m somewhat satisfied.
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2482 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
The lying Western Nigerian Press are at it again. How low can these so called educated democratic people go just to tarnish someone's image. From what I see, we are better of not reading any news article coming from that part of Nigeria, because they are nothing but a bunch of character assasins.
Aaah I'm so relieved, it is not true. Now Lanre and they rest of the clique, go hang yourselves if u can't handle the truth or just shut up. Shame on you.
I fully appreciate your point. It's just that for the present time, I am more concerned about the veracity of any allegation linked to Nnamani. I am, at this point, more interested in whether there is fire behind all the smoke...if you know what I mean.
___________________ Free Uwazurike Now!
Now is the winter of our discontent...made glorious summer by this [rising] sun of York. Posts: 325 | From: London | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
Mazi IgboB, I know perfectly what you mean, I read ya hence my post yesterday that ended with: "In the interim, Hon Ken Nnamani should without delays, disclaim this wicked rumor else it becomes factual and all he worked for tarnished! He must not allow illiterate mallams to be seen to have used his name. Ekwu chaa lam!"
Ya diri gi nma my brother!
___________________ 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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