Aderounmu Adeola Omotayo

 

Obasanjo did Nigerians and the entire world proud when he willingly relinquished power to democratic government in 1979. Before he was bungled into prison by the tropical military gangster of Abacha, Obasanjo enjoyed the international status that he earned by this honourable exploit. Interestingly he got his second term under a democratic government 20 years later. Many have described him as a lucky man making the ride from prison to Aso rock in 1999. In 2003, he showed the political will in the “animal called man” and won a third term opportunity to govern the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This tenure will come to an end by the special grace of God in 2007 when Obasanjo will hand over the reign of power to a newly elected president.

 

 

For anyone to suggest a fourth term for Obasanjo (or third term as an elected president) is unfounded and senseless. The constitution does not yet allowed it and it seems right not to amend it for such a purpose. This idea or concept should not have emanated at all no matter how messianic Obasanjo appears to be. God always speak to Obasanjo and he must depend on this special celestial gift at this moment of his life to discern the way forward in his life. The way forward cannot be another 2 or 6 years in the same office. It also cannot be listening to the voice of the devil or political gladiators.

 

 

Bill Clinton was a fine president. With all his fine qualities and age on his side then, Americans did not amend the constitution to allow him a third-term. They will not do so for George Bush when his present term runs out. On what special precedents would Obasanjo deserve this privilege? Why has he kept quiet since this unwarranted path to dishonour gathered momentum? Before now, Obasanjo has said that he would not think of another term. In my opinion, the idea of another term started in Obasanjo’s imagination and then his speeches at home and abroad, vowing not to run for another term in office. Perhaps what he has done and deliberately too, is to test the waters and see who fell for this idea by becoming willing propagators. On the other hand, the just concluded “National Conference” made some gullible disciples based on this self-destructive jingle called third-term.

 

 

If some people or groups are now apostles of Obasanjo’s continued stayed in power and they are raising funds or making money for this purpose, then Obasanjo must know that this is the first chapter of a dishonourable end. Even though the larger part of the Nigerian society prefers to “siddon look”, it is on record that their endless vigils in churches or mosques always play out eventually and then Nigerians just continue with their lives. Nigeria and Nigerians have outlived the likes of Babangida and Abacha. Obasanjo will not be different if the gods have decided to make him deaf at this crucial moment of his life. He has 2 years more to do whatever God has sent him to do and he should do that in earnest. But first, he needs to do away with detractors and focus on proper governance. Obasanjo is already committing a sin because he knows the right thing and he has refused to do it. When he does, maybe he will hear the voice of God again.

 

 

In my opinion, the right thing for Obasanjo to do is to make an open and sincere declaration or broadcast to quench this third-term bid once and for all. He should dissociate himself from individuals and groups spreading this concept so that they are brought to shame. Then he should concentrate on the remaining days of his presidency and pursue his reforms to a point where a new president in 2007 will find it illogical to depart from a course to economic revamping, social justice, eradication of corruption and better life for all Nigerians. However, at some points in our existence, one of the things we may come to exercise or enjoy is called freewill. Being in a very powerful and influential position, Obasanjo may decide to wedge his influence and gun for a third term. Everything is possible in Nigeria and the constitution may be hastily “doctored” in his favour. In the end, the truth that everyone soon discover is that power remains transient and change is constant.

 

 

Whatever happens, it is just wise that Nigerians keep their dreams and hopes of greater tomorrow alive. This is a blessed country and to think that we cannot find a new and better president in 2007 to manage our affairs is one of the most unfounded and baseless thoughts that emerged recently. Nigerians don’t need anyone to appoint to them a successor in 2007; the people are willing to vote again as they did in 1993! As an optimist, I believe that Nigerians will vote for a positive change and would invariably do away with sycophants as much as a free and fair poll will allow. In the meantime, keen political observers will be ready in 2007 to make a quick comparison of deliverance of successful political dispensation in Nigeria taking into full consideration the progresses that have been made in countries like South Africa and Ghana. Zimbabwe will not be an example for measuring political progress.

 

Aderounmu AO

aderounmu@gmail.com

In the May 22 2006 Edition of the International TIME Magazine, the headline was markedly devoted to
Nigeria and the caption read “THE DEADLY DELTA”. In the exclusive reports, the magazine looked at the insurgency that threatens Nigeria’s oilfields. On page 20 of this same edition, there was a more telling headline: NIGERIA’S DEADLY DAYS. These headlines sound more like the titles of a thriller movie divided into part 1 and part 2. In the introductory parts, TIME informed those of us who do not know that the Niger Delta lie over one of the biggest reserves of oil on the planet: 34 billion bbl. of black gold. It was quick to add however that the region is also home to some of Africa’s poorest people and probably the place where we have the worst environmental destruction on earth. The magazine asserted that the south of Nigeria is poverty-stricken, yet oil-rich. 

 

The origin of crises in the Niger Delta has been reported to be almost as old as the emergence of oil companies in the area. In this vein, those who are now campaigning for autonomy in the region or more control of local wealth have been fingered or confused with those who have over the years made millions of dollars from bunkering. The problems and misunderstanding plaguing the Delta region of Nigeria is almost as diverse as the extensive creeks, inlets and tributaries that typify the zone. It is still a mystery that despite the fact that the Nigeria’s Federal Government has been promising to help the Delta for decades, there have been only little progress. Perhaps there are pockets of projects here and there. What is actually needed in the Niger Delta and indeed Nigeria is a transformation of our lives into that which is worth living. It is disheartening that Nigeria is the sixth largest producer of oil in the world and yet we have the poorest people living among us. The standard of living in Nigeria is very low, the cost of living is high and the dividends of democracy since 1999 have been nothing short of sorrow, anger and anguish.

It has been stated that the 2003 elections left a major consequence of the growing armed conflicts in the Niger Delta. The ruling party politicians were reported to have armed local youths-many of them gang members-to ensure that votes go their way. According to the TIME report, weapons flooded the region before the 2003 poll, which in many parts of the Delta was less an election than an armed contest. There is a lot of misinformation and confusion in the region now that it is very difficult to distinguish between criminals and those who are really seeking the interest of the growth of the region by the use of armed conflict. The militants have stated many times that government and oil companies understand only the language of violence. They have since changed their tactics from speech and appeals to kidnapping of oil workers and attacking of oil installations. The effect of these happenings on world business and global economy is as interesting as amazing yet the Nigerian Government treat it like a grain of salt.

One thing that is also playing out in the Niger Delta locally that needs to be mentioned is that fact that the militants have actually constitute themselves into public nuisances as well. How can one explain the undue intrusions into the private businesses of fishing companies? Possibly, there are many harassments of innocent people and other organisations apart from the oil companies that are unreported. To be sure, my brother who is a marine engineer and sailor told me how they were lucky not to be killed on their fishing boat. However, the second fishing boat belonging to the same company was not that lucky, two people were shot and had to be taken to a hospital. I was told that these victims were fortunate to be alive. If this is the extent to which the militants have pursued their claims; to turn against ordinary people doing legitimate businesses, then they are seriously misled and are not different from common criminals anymore.  I was told that they carry more sophisticated weapons than the Nigerian Navy and Army put together. This actually confirms what I have read in many news about them. We know that the ransom they get over the years from their kidnapped victims can finance the purchase. But how do they get these weapons? Who is smuggling them in from the neighboring countries? Weapons cannot be that small or unnoticeable? Why should militants operating in the creeks be more sophisticated than the Nigerian military? Why are the coastal areas not properly guarded? Are the militants the only group of people who understand the creeks? When will the Navy and the other bodies responsible for safety on water and land be able to guarantee the safety of innocent people?

Concerns Nigerians and leaders of thoughts have expressed interests in the plights of the people of the Niger Delta but resolving to arm conflicts is definitely not going to solve the problem. According to Ledum Mitee a human right activist and head of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), who probably was interviewed by TIME magazine “The Delta problem is a crisis of frustration. The militants are seen as people who can stand up to the oppressors”. In my viewpoint, as far as Nigeria is concerned, there is frustration and oppression almost everywhere and we cannot all resolve to arms carrying to rights all the wrongs we have lived with for all of our lifetime. In the Niger Delta especially, the state and federal governments need to take drastic measures to correct the anomaly of many years. They have only a few months to do this. The people of the Niger Delta are rated among the poorest people in the world. This is ridiculous and it is actually a dirty slap on the face of the Federal Government. How can one explain a rich land begetting poor folks? It is like a curse from which the militants are trying to redeem their people. That is not their job. It is a duty that every government owns the citizenry, to see to the welfare of the states and the inhabitants thereof.

Let no one be deceived, the situation in the Niger Delta is a real threat to the Nigerian State. My brother expressed grave fears for the elections in 2007. In his view, and based on his encounters with the militants, he thinks that the 2007 elections is a disaster waiting to happen. He expressed concerns that a serious war can break out. Now is the time to put the militants out of business for the sake of the entity called Nigeria. Under a democratic system, the use of absolute force is negative and this is one of the weaknesses of the Federal Government that the militants have capitalized on so far. It has been said that some leaders of the Niger Delta area have contributed to the woes of the region. But now that everyone seemed to be enlightened and keen, it will be nice to see what can be done to restore the hope of the people in the Niger Delta area. We will all like to see what has been put in place to protect the environment as well. The Federal government and the various oil companies operating in the Niger Delta have a lot to do to change the region from a killing field to a place where sanity reigns.

What has happened in the last one year in the Niger Delta coupled with the harvest of deaths through assassinations especially in the South West bear ominous signs as we approach the delicate elections of 2007. Our do-or-die politicians including those who arm thugs and militants are not helping the situation at all. The season of “my opponent must die” prevails and the thoughts of revenge and witch-hunting all over the land points to lack of good governance and absolute ignorance of the essence of public service. In the south west especially, we have turned back the hand of the clock to yester-years. We are now re-writing and playing out those scripts that we were told crippled our democracy and paved way for the military to tread upon our lives catastrophically. The cumulative effects of these uprisings could snowball out of control. History can repeat itself fatally on the Nigeria state in the form of avoidable war. We already have a state of emergency somewhere. Overall, these are like dreams we will not want to live through. The ruling government has a civil duty to protect life and property. Nigeria as a country needs total re-invigorating. The people need empowerment and above all, they deserve a better life judging by the wealth that the nation accrues daily. In the short term however, it behooves on the Obasanjo government at this moment to prevent chaos in the country, now and in 2007. Bob Marley said it all, “you can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time”. We can all see the handwritings on the wall, still those who have ears, let them hear.

Adeola Aderounmu

aderounmu@gmail.com

 

Did Babangida forget anything in Dodan Barracks?  Can someone tell him that he cannot return to Aso Rock even though his Government commissioned it? We cannot have back Mariam for rural life to better women. We don’t want sand in our garri anymore.

And why is he not in court yet to answer for all his crimes and corrupt charges? What are the Authorities waiting for?

We have a big opportunity in 2007 to actually usher in New Breeds of Politicians while maintaining the anti-corruption organs of governement as watch dogs.

The big question: will it work? How long before EFCC becomes a useless and unnecessary arm of government? 

Will corruption cease in Nigeria? Will life get better?

Nigeria is a country of over 100 million people, a country with blessed landscape and resources. A land flowing with the proverbial milk and honey.  It is almost impossible to make a quick run of the many ways in which Nigeria is a blessed country. But the big question is, how many people are blessed in Nigeria as a result of the wealth of the nation?

It will be nice to return power back to the people. What kind of power do I mean?