Eddy Ogunbor

Saturday, 21 September 2013

How Nigeria Security Agents Slaughtered Innocent Poor Squatters In Abuja Believed To Be "Boko Haram"

Uncompleted building where squatters were slaughtered by security agents

Bloody wall inside after the killings

Sleeping mats of the squatters

By SaharaReporters, New York

SaharaReporters can authoritatively confirm that the eight persons shot and killed by Nigerian security agents in Abuja today were in no way linked to the dreaded Boko Haram sect as claimed by the spokesperson of the Nigerian secret police, Marilyn Ogar.
The scene of the massacre was an uncompleted building at Bamanga Tukur Street in the Apo Legislative Quarters.
Seventeen of those who survived the pre-dawn onslaught by uniformed men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) spoke to us on their hospital beds in Abuja, all of them vehemently denying being members of Boko Haram.
One of the survivors said they are day labourers who work in the city to make ends meet, and later squat in uncompleted buildings by paying the guards attached to those buildings. This morning, he said, they were woken up by a surprising hail of bullets from the uniformed soldiers.
Providing some background, he disclosed that an emissary of an army general had given them a five-day quit notice but that today’s slaughter was carried out before they could move from the building.
SaharaReporters saw sleeping mats and cooking utensils belonging to the squatters as well as blood splattered on the walls of the building from the unusual attack on innocent civilians by the Nigerian military claiming to be fighting Boko Haram.
Nigerian security agents insist that they killed the civilians after they first came under attack while trying to dig out weapons hidden underground by the insurgents, but one of the injured squatters told SaharaReporters categorically that the soldiers fled the scene after finding out they had killed innocent civilians.
“It was after the attack that some policemen and the SSS came to the scene and even tried to help those of us that survived to get to hospital,” he said.

Jonathan Inducing Lawmakers With $25,000 Each, Says Baraje Group

Kawu Baraje

By SaharaReporters, New York

The Abubakar Baraje-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today alleged that the Bamanga Tukur faction is attempting to pursue President Goodluck Jonathan’s ambition of running for the presidency again by bribing members of the House of Representatives with $25,000 each.
In a statement in Abuja, the group advised President Jonathan to call his men to order so that they do not plunge the country into avoidable chaos and in order to avoid portraying his administration as promoting corruption to high heavens.
It said that the advice had become necessary following the uncovering of the plot to bribe the Representatives to get them to pass a vote of confidence on President Jonathan, as well as quickly impeaching Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and some other principal officers for their alleged sympathy for the faction.
The statement was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Chukwuemeka Eze. It further alleged that the Tukur faction is working with some Presidency officials on the scheme.
"Part of their strategy is to place advertisements in major national newspapers in the country starting from next week, praising a non-performing Presidency to the high heavens so as to water the ground for President Jonathan’s expected declaration for the 2015 presidential contest,” it said. “Each member is expected to receive 25,000 USD (about N2.5M) to sign the advertorial endorsing the President.”
It said the plan also includes commencing the impeachment of principal officers of the House after the publication of the adverts. “We are aware of the identities of those involved in this shady business being coordinated by an influential member of the discredited Tukur faction from the Southern part of the country.
"Sadly, this is happening at a time when poverty is ravaging the land and our children are kept at home because of the refusal of the Federal Government to keep the agreement it reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities since 2009.
"Passing a Vote of Confidence on President Jonathan and celebrating him in the papers as these undemocratic elements plan to do is not only insensitive but also amounts to celebrating the death traps called federal roads and celebrating darkness after the billions of naira squandered on a non-functional power sector."
The group added that the impunity associated with the Tukur-led PDP is yet another proof that the party is now in a desperate situation where the failed politicians are capable of doing anything in order to achieve their evil aims, adding, “But they will surely fail.”
It urged its members all over the world to continue with fasting and prayers as they collectively seek God’s face on how to resolve the orchestrated crisis in their great party and thus minimize the heavy toll which it is taking on the Jonathan administration.

Saharareporters

Ibori Confiscation Hearing: Mike Okiro The Most Despicable Inspector General Of Police, Ribadu Tells UK Court

Former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu

By SaharaReporters, New York

Pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, returned today to the Southwark Crown Court, London where he was cross-examined by lawyers for former Governor James Ibori of Delta State. At his first appearance yesterday to testify in a confiscation hearing over assets accumulated by Mr. Ibori with his loot, Mr. Ribadu told the court that the former governor, who is currently serving a 13-year jail sentence in the UK, had stolen as much as $500 million during his eight years in office.
At today’s proceeding, Mr. Ibori’s lawyer, Ivan Krolick, questioned the former EFCC boss on his testimony yesterday regarding $15 million bribe that the jailed governor had offered him. During cross-examination, Mr. Ribadu provided a more detailed account of the bribe which, in his testimony, was delivered to him in cash at the Abuja home of Andy Uba, a former domestic aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo. The former EFCC boss had also stated that he took possession of the cash and immediately deposited it at the Central Bank of Nigeria. He told the court that he wanted the CBN to count and hold the cash for the “people of Delta State,” adding, “I was very determined to return it.”
Mr. Krolick told the court that the bribe saga was “a plot hatched by Ribadu.” He insisted that “Ibori was not at the meeting at Andy Uba’s house, and no bribe was given by him. [Ibori] is in no way connected with this.”
A Nigerian legal analyst who watched the proceedings told SaharaReporters that the defense lawyer’s denial was “extremely weak and unconvincing,” adding that Mr. Ribadu’s account was corroborated by other EFCC operatives. “In addition, how could Ibori deny providing the funds when the physical cash is sitting at the Central Bank of Nigeria? Nuhu Ribadu’s evidence was compelling.”
Mr. Ribadu told the court that the EFCC under his control was extremely busy with more than 100 investigations on corrupt officials in Nigeria. He added that Mr. Ibori was both clever and determined not to get caught, recalling that as he and his team of investigators closed in on Ibori’s corrupt activities, the former governor made several overtures to befriend him. He testified that Mr. Ibori would telephone him “as much as 20 times a day; he was very persistent.” He further testified that the former governor became desperate as he feared that the investigation would make him “lose the governorship and the money.” He recounted that Mr. Ibori did not like EFCC investigators visiting his office and asking questions. In a telephone conversation, Mr. Ibori reportedly told the EFCC boss, “Stop it, stop it. Take the money and stop these investigations. I can give you more.”
Mr. Ribadu told the court that he played along with Mr. Ibori because he wanted to reclaim the bribe money for the people of Delta State. He added that he would have liked to catch the former governor in the act of handing him the cash, but Mr. Ibori enjoyed immunity from prosecution as a result of his office. The former EFCC chief told the court that he could not even question Mr. Ibori about the source of the bribe, adding that tracing its origins was an arduous task because of the huge number of banks in Nigeria.
He stated that then Governor Ibori offered to deliver the money to Ribadu’s home, an option Mr. Ribadu rejected. The former governor did not agree to deliver the cash to Mr. Ribadu’s office. In the end, according to Mr. Ribadu’s account, it was agreed to meet at Mr. Uba’s walled and gated “compound.”
He said the eventual meeting took place in the daytime on September 25, 2007, shortly after the former governor had lost his immunity from prosecution. He narrated how he met Mr. Ibori in a private room in Uba’s house, with only the former governor, his associates, and Mr. Ribadu sat. According to him, Mr. Ibori handed him the money after about 15 minutes. The cash was contained in dark-colored cases which Mr. Ibori opened to show the then EFCC chairman, before instructing his men to hand it over to Mr. Ribadu’s men who were waiting outside.
Mr. Ribadu told a riveted court that the money was immediately taken to the Central Bank of Nigeria and counted. He added that the CBN issued a receipt dated September 26, 2007 for $15 million.
The $15 million is still the subject of ongoing litigation between the federal government of Nigeria and Delta State. A Nigerian high court judge today deferred a ruling on the ownership of the funds till a later date.
The Crown prosecutors closed the confiscation hearing today by reading out the contents of an email exchange between Mr. Ibori and his UK lawyer the day before the bribe was delivered by the former governor. Mr. Ibori’s email read, “Just had a chat with my insider. Should [serve] as restitution…I can walk away, without a trace…”
Mr. Ribadu told the court that, shortly after the drama with Mr. Ibori, he was relieved of his EFCC post and ordered to attend a course at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies at Kuru, Jos.
He narrated to the court that the “despicable Mr. Mike Okiro took over as the head of police as the Inspector General of Police.” He told the court that Mr. Okiro ordered the removal of his car and bodyguard, leaving him exposed. He added that he knew he was being watched and followed all the time. In addition, he told the court that two attempts were made to assassinate him and his briefcase was stolen in “sinister” circumstances. He disclosed that the stolen briefcase contained his diary as well as laptop with his personal evidence and notes about aspects of his work, including meetings and exchanges with Mr. Ibori.
He told the UK court that he held Mr. Okiro unreservedly responsible for what happened to him, adding that the former IGP ran a cesspit of corruption. When asked by a prosecutor whether Mr. Okiro had any ties to Mr. Ibori, the former EFCC chairman answered in the affirmative. He said, “They are very, very close personal friends and Ibori recommended him for the post.”
The confiscation hearing continues on Monday.

Saharareporters

England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland learn from Aregbesola’s O’MEAL

The Asiwaju factor in the nation’s evolving democracy

•Ayo OYOZE BAJE periscopes the passion and pedigree of Ahmed Tinubu in the evolving democratic dispensation and urges him to bring his wealth of experience to bear at the national level…

It came like a bolt from the blue, sending shockwaves reverberating across the nation’s variegated political spectrum and beyond. Justice Ayo Salami, leading four other judges at the Appeal Court in Ilorin, Kwara State had on October 15, 2010 proclaimed Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the Action Congress (now ACN) the eventual winner of the long-winding, gubernatorial battle for the soul of Ekiti State. He beat Dr. Segun Oni of the Peoples Democratic Party by 10,965 votes. By that singular pronouncement, he finally emerged the true choice of the good people of Ekiti State by the mandate they gave him freely on 14^th April, 2007. But the profound effect of that judgment would be a reference point for decades to come; and for some salient reasons too.

To millions of true lovers of democracy, outraged by the persistent violations of the ethos of people-driven governance, the judgment was like an exception rather than the rule. Truth, has, however, proved to be the long-distance runner over falsehood. Sheer persistence, perseverance and patience not only on the part of Fayemi but his stout supporters have won over the odium of might-is-right. The pendulum of power has finally swung, for once, in favour of the masses -as against the formidable, intimidating force of a power-hungry cabal.

As doubts gave way to wild jubilation, the salient message and import of the historic judgment started sinking into the psyche of Nigerians. It elicited several questions as well. How was it possible for AC, a political party, which, in numerical strength and geographical configuration, is far less than the PDP to wrestle political power in a state considered as one of the former’s strongholds? How was Dr. Kayode Fayemi able to muster the huge fees to sustain the legal battle for some 42 arduous months? What and who provided the pillar of support, the moral and financial bulwark to keep the dream going against the ogre of night, until it eventually saw the light of day?

Agreed, Fayemi was more or less like the Biblical David pitched against the giant of a Goliath that the PDP has come to symbolize in the minds of millions of Nigerians. But then, no one goes into a battlefield without some form of support from his base. There comes in Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the erstwhile Governor of the Centre Of Excellence- the commercial nerve centre of the country, Lagos.

Of all the prominent politicians now parading the nation’s landscape as democrats, Senator Bola Tinubu is a first among equals. He has stood firm and resolute in ensuring that the people’s political choices, aspirations and desires are given the fertile ground to flourish. At least in Lagos, Edo, Ondo and, most recently, Ekiti states. But for his steadfastness, doggedness and firm commitment to the ideals of democracy those who were never elected by the people would continue to hold the levers of political authority at the state level. And of course, feel no allegiance to serve the interests of the people but to the cabal and godfathers on whose shoulders they climbed to office.

It was that never-say-die spirit of Tinubu that must have kept Dr. Fayemi going from the 17^th May,2007 (petition at the Election Petition Tribunal), through the 28^th August,2008 (Justice Usman Bwala’s controversial judgment in favour of Oni), to the 17^th February,2009 (Appeal Court’s cancellation of election results in 63 out of 177 wards). After these came the 2^nd June, 2009 (petition against the disputed 27^th April and 5^th May, 2009 re-run polls) that eventually led to the 15^th October, 2010 landmark judgment in favour of Fayemi. In all of this, lesser minds would have either capitulated or simply joined the PDP fray. But he stood his ground. Such indefatigability for a Tinubu who has no military background still baffles and indeed, inspires not a few aspiring politicians who want to throw their hats into the ring for the 2011 electoral contests.

From Tinubu, such rookie politicians would have to emulate the leadership qualities of vision, courage, candour, compassion and clout. These, he has amply exhibited by identifying the likes of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and of course, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti. This singular attribute can be compared to that of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who, in his political wisdom, was able to fish out the likes of Chief Lateef Jakande, late Pa Adekunle Ajasin and late Chief Bola Ige, who similarly excelled as state governors during the Second Republic.

Nigeria is truly desirous of people who, buoyed by their inner conviction, feel that only the best, in terms of men and materials, is good enough for this country. Few they are, but they still hold aloft the torch of hope in the dark firmament of mass ignorance, political apathy and ignorance. They are the ones who point the way forward to what true democracy represents, or should. One great factor that marks the Asiwaju out as the beacon bearer is his proud pedigree as a consistent fighter for the cause he believes strongly in. This rare attribute of stick-to-itiveness is what Albert Einstein, the late great physicist/mathematician, identified as one of the unfailing ingredients in the potpourri of greatness. Yet, for Tinubu, it started years ago. Not a few friends of his would for long remember and of course, remain grateful for the unflinching moral and financial support he offered the pro-democracy activists who were in exile during Abacha’s rampaging dictatorship.

Yet, the challenges he would face in his defence of democratic values would still be put to test. Becoming the governor of Lagos state in 1999 was one thing, having to keep the flame of democratic principles burning was quite another. Beyond laying the template for the infrastructural and institutional achievements that have been recorded in the over a decade of democracy, Tinubu’s administration stood resolute against the refusal of the Chief Obasanjo-led administration to release funds meant for local government councils, for years. Political pundits and economists still wonder how his government was able to weather the storm, taking great strides in infrastructural development, in the fields of education and health as well as political re-engineering during that delicate period of crass illegality.

It was such that has added to the beauty of democracy in Nigeria in recent years with the influence of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), led by Tinubu. The party has stood its ground against the one-party monopoly of the PDP, foisted on us by the eight-year rule of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Close watchers of the nation’s hard-won democracy have often wondered at the series of socio-political aberrations that have characterized the polity and asked when we shall ever get it right.

However, Nigerians have the ACN to thank for rising to the occasion each time the nation was confronted with such anti-democratic forces. From 1999 till the moment, we have had querulous issues such as massive electoral fraud, the use of anti-graft agencies for politically-motivated witch hunt and undue altercation between the executive and the legislative arms of government. Others include the clarion call for electoral reforms by supporting the Justice Uwais-led Electoral Reforms Committee’s position for true independence for INEC. Following the protracted illness of late President Yar’Adua, the AC was at the forefront of those who clamoured for the current President Goodluck Jonathan to be empowered in line with constitutional provisions. And it also raised justifiable alarm over the short-time INEC under Jega would have to achieve a credible voters’ register and conduct free and fair poll.

Similarly, the AC under the guiding steps of Tinubu, has shown a commendable sense of history. It has been consistent in canvassing that Nigerians learn lasting lessons from the free and fair elections of June 12,1993 and be ready to replicate or surpass it. Nigerians should also glean lessons from the crude annulment that trailed it. Delivering a lecture entitled: June 12: The obligations of electoral reforms at the instance of Independent Newspapers Limited on June 10, 2010 at Ikeja Airport Hotel, Tinubu had this to say: “It was on June 12 that Nigerians from every part of this country rallied to pronounce that this country can be truly united, truly free, truly democratic, truly just and truly equitable.”

Noting the grave implications of the annulment, Tinubu said: “Seventeen years after June 12, 1993, we have witnessed the political cruelties, the economic adversities and the social disasters that can be caused by the annulment of a people’s mandate.” As a true patriot, he does not want us to tread that thorny path again. Said he, “I have joined with other democratic forces and patriots to mobilize our people to ensure electoral reforms as the basis of re-creating, re-building and sustaining our democratic heritage. Without that what we have and what we will continue to have is mere civil rule and not true democracy.”

On that score, many of Tinubu’s admirers have seen the need to bring his clout and charisma to the federal level. Hence, they have mooted the idea of him joining forces with one of the credible candidates such as General Muhammad Buhari to breathe life into the aberrant democratic structures on ground. By that, the duo would give Nigerians not only a sense of direction but harvest the much-delayed fruits of democracy, which he, along with other patriots, have fought assiduously to realize. Some of them, however, feel that Tinubu should take the lead in enthroning internal party democracy in CAN. The recent reported altercation between Tinubu and Governor Fashola paints a disturbing picture about the internal party mechanism. Perhaps, those managing the image of the party still have a lot of work to do.

•Baje is a member of the Editorial Board of Independent Newspapers Limited.

Catholic knights back Buhari's presidential ambition

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo

THE presidential ambition of former Military Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has received a boost as the Catholic Knights of Saint John have collectively resolved to work for his victory in the forthcoming elections.

The knights, who came to Jalingo, Taraba State capital, from various states of the northern Nigeria under the umbrella of the Jos Grand Command for their annual sports competition, urged Nigerians to discard religion, ethnicity and political affiliation to ensure victory for the founder and presidential flag-bearer of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buhari, whom they said had, stood out in the area of corruption.

Grand president of the Jos Grand Command of the Knights of Saint John International, Brig.-Gen. Tony Okechukwu, who made this known while answering questions from journalists, said they gave their support because "the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential aspirant, Buhari, has remained one of the most credible candidates that could be trusted with the mantle of the leadership of this country".

Elated by the decision of Buhari to serve the country, he admonished Nigerians to eschew hypocrisy in attempting to foster unity and development of the country, which he said, had been slow due to the lukewarm attitude of those piloting the affairs of the nation.

Nigeria, according to him, "is our project. And if you look at the antecedents of Muhammadu Buhari, you will notice that he is still very disciplined and decent to the core".

He observed that apart from the fact that Buhari had never been found wanting, especially in the area of corrupt practices during his tenure as military officer and as a public servant, his regime with the late Tunde Idiagbon, according to him, remained the most "decent and disciplined" administration the country ever had.

Piqued by the high rate of corruption especially among the elected leaders, he suggested the immediate introduction of corruption studies in the school curriculum nationwide.

According to him, if this curriculum is adhered to, corruption would be reduced to the barest minimum as the next generation would eschew corrupt practices.

Okechukwu said the country would develop fast if the citizens avoided religious bigotry.

According to him, the two major religions (Christianity and Islam) contain more of "join us together than divide us".

He also advised Nigerians to ensure the emergence of leaders that would spurt the development of the nation.

Jonathan should just go – Rev. Moses Iloh

By GABRIEL DIKE

One of the nation’s firebrand preachers, Reverend Moses Iloh, has expressed fear over next year’s general elections. He particularly expressed reservations about the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the elections.
Rev Iloh said President Goodluck Jonathan should have concentrated on conducting credible elections instead of being a candidate in the polls. He expressed preference for former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari as president.
Iloh spoke on these and other things.

Next general elections have been fixed for April 2011. Do you think the nation is on the right track?
So far, I don’t think so. But there are two things about it. Nigerians are desirous of having elections, where their votes would be counted and sincerely declared. I am scared that the manipulators would blow it. One misfortune in the whole thing is the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan decided to run. I thought that Jonathan could have declined to contest and be committed to giving Nigeria free and fair elections. Now he is taking side. There is no way the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not play trick with these elections. I don’t think it would work, except Jonathan pulls out of the election. He can contest when he is not the one supervising the elections. If you look at what is going on, you will see that we are doing undemocratic things. My advice is that we should be democratic and allow Nigerians to decide who will be their leader.

Do you think that any of those who have indicated interest to be president could lead Nigeria to the Promised Land?
I want to say this, without any fear of contradiction, that I have looked at all the presidential aspirants and the only fellow I think bring us back to the track to true democracy and make us a viable and dignifying nation is General Muhammadu Buhari. Nobody else. I have looked at everybody and those who are opposing him are people who are on the side of corruption.

But Buhari is not in a popular party. How can he be president?
It will be very difficult for him to be in a popular party because one of the major religions in Nigeria is corruption and it involves people in Christian, atheist, Ogboni, Muslims and cults. It is a dreadful thing. However, decent Nigerians know that Buhari is the answer. This is one man who was the head of state and there is nowhere in this world that he has a mansion. He had every opportunity to steal money but he never did. Here is a man who was in charge of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and did not soil his hands. It is a pity that our politics is so monetised that Buhari stands no chance, but he is the right man for Nigeria. I will like to see the Nigerian youths come out and support him. The teeming millions of unemployed Nigerian youths should come out and work for him. If this happens, nobody would stop him.

But some people see him as fundamentalist. Don’t you think this will count against him?
What do you call a fundamentalist? I am a fundamentalist Christian. There is no way any Muslim can islamise Nigeria, in the same token there is no way any Christian head of state can Christianise Nigeria. It is not possible. If they say he is a fundamentalist, it means he is a disciplined believer in his religion and committed to it. I consider this a plus for him. But to tell me Buhari will islamise Nigeria is wishful thinking. There is no way this will happen.

Why do you think Babangida can’t be president in 2011?
Well, he should not. Don’t say he can’t. That is a dangerous statement. That guy can be, but he should not be. IBB is a smart guy, and he can be. You see, with all the confusion, I wouldn’t be surprised if, at the end of the day, he gets the ticket of PDP. I am telling you because the delegates will vote for IBB at the primaries. So, it is a dangerous thing. All I am saying is that he should not be. Let Nigerians reject him at the poll. If I had money to throw around, my entire crusade would be to make sure IBB does not have a platform.

Who among these candidates do you think can tackle corruption?
The only one who could do this is Buhari. He has an antecedent. There is no other candidate who would fight corruption sincerely. Have you had any one of them say they are going to fight corruption? But Buhari said he is going to tame corruption. He did it before. He was able to instil discipline in Nigeria, and he can do it again. Don’t forget that this guy has some democratic tendencies. During his time, he never banned any newspaper. He never stopped them from saying what they wanted. He is a disciplined person and I think he is the only one who can tame corruption.

Have you met Buhari in recent times, so that he would know how you feel about him?
No, I have not made any contact with him at all, but since I made my first favourable statement for Buhari, people have been calling. I tell you, almost everybody underground wants Buhari as president. I plead with them to come out openly and support him. He is a Nigerian, a civilian and has the reputation of discipline. He has the capacity to tame corruption. I think all those who feel this way should begin to speak up, so that more people would know the qualities of Buhari.

It appears you are particular about corruption. Why?
If we don’t tame corruption, we are going to be in serious trouble. Nigeria will be neither here nor there. We would have pushed the youths, who are unemployed, to the wall. And they would bounce back and attack. That’s why we need Buhari urgently. I will like to say we need Buhari like yesterday. We are already late. We need to get him now. Look at the support the youths are giving to Governor Babantunde Fashola, because they know what they want. They are saying that he’s their candidate. That is the same way I want them to talk about Buhari. I believe that if we miss it, it will be a big misfortune for Nigeria.

Are you asking the North to present him as the consensus candidate in 2011?
Yes. The North should be wise enough to present him as the sole candidate. I don’t want to look at it from the point of view of North or Islam. I want to see Nigerians youths, who have so much deprivation and oppression to come together and contribute even one naira each and make Buhari their candidate. They should put their money there. By so doing, they are investing in their tomorrow. They will never regret the action.

Are you satisfied with INEC reviewed timetable for 2011 election?
Certainly, I am not pleased with it. INEC is playing the PDP game. I hope I am wrong, but the timetable and the way they are putting president first gives me doubt. I suspect that INEC has a sinister motive. I don’t think it is right. I think people should speak up. Political parties should speak up. I heard that labour has taken them to court. That is a wise thing to do. People should support things like that. The timetable is not in our interest.

How would you rate Nigeria at 50?
My question is, in 50 years have we got any good person to rule us? The first time we tried democracy, after a long time of military rule, was through Obasanjo. It was worse than any government we ever had. Obasanjo claimed to be a born again Christian and he allowed the introduction of Sharia laws in 13 states during his administration. Anybody opposed to Buhari is interested in corruption. He is life-saving mechanism. At 50, we need Buhari urgently to tame corruption. Buhari wants the best for Nigeria and I solicit that every Nigerian should csupport him.

What would you say about the October 1 bomb blasts in Abuja?
I am an elder of this country. I think our president is going to put us in serious trouble. You were here when he banned the national team. FIFA gave him 48 hours and he did recant. He surrendered to FIFA. FIFA recently banned us. The president is emotional. He said the bomb was not from MEND. No President talks like that. The ideal thing is to wait, let the police and other security agents report to you; then when you make a statement, people will know that the president has spoken. I heard that there was a warning from MEND that they were coming and our president and his security chiefs neglected it. The thing happened and now they are accusing Okah and beating about the bush. I think, the president should throw in the towel. I am telling the truth. This is a serious security breach and the heads of state of some other countries were here. I think he should go. He had shown that he is not in control

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