OBJ's Visit in Pictures I: "Charles Taylor is no Friend"

Mar

2006

By Oyiza Adaba

WASHINGTON D.C March 29 2006 - "I feel vindicated by the arrest of Charles Taylor" President Olusegun Obasanjo made this declaration while holding an international media conference in Washinton D.C just before meeting with U.S President George W. Bush at the White House

The two presidents discussed privately on bilateral matters such as the resolution of the Dafur situation, regional peace, oil markets and the rising tension in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.

While stressing on peace and stability within the region, President Bush said he ’appreciates President Obasanjo’s decision in handing over Charles Taylor’ and pledged the U.S committment to Liberia to ensure that he is brought to justice.

Countering accusations that his administration dragged it’s feet in handing over the former warlord, President Obasnajo defended his stance stating that had Nigeria been neglegent, Charles Taylor would not have been arrested today. Obasanjo also added that Taylor was ’no friend of his or of the Nigerian People’.

Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia, was granted asylum in Nigeria in August 2003 despite being indicted on 17 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in contributing to the death, rape, abduction, and mutilation of thousands of civilians during Sierra Leone’s civil war from 1991 to 2002. Following prolonged negotiations, Nigeria, last week decided to hand over Mr. Taylor to the new Liberian government led by Ellen Jonhson-Sirleaf.

While looking at making the west Africa region ’a haven of peace’, Obasanjo said his government is addressing the Niger-Delta situation and the socio-economic grievances of the people and is committed to bringing peace and stability to the region.

Obasanjo plans to attend a conference in New York City organised by the Rockefeller Foundation for global leaders on Africa’s failing Agriculture. He will also attend midyear review meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative with former President Bill Clinton.

No mention was made however of the Nigerian leader’s proposed constitutional ammendment and plans to run for a third term as president in 2007.

Article & Photos by Oyiza Adaba - International Correspondent & NVS Special Contributor

Your Comments

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Robot

# 1 | 29.03.2006 22:42

	://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/images/stories/march2006/OBJinUS/obj7.NVS Special ...Read the full article.

michael michael is offline

# 2 | 30.03.2006 09:40

	this guy is ugly

gwobezentashi gwobezentashi is offline

# 3 | 30.03.2006 09:49

	That's below the belt Michael. The man is old and tired. He needs to go home to his farm and rest but "they" won't let him.

michael michael is offline

# 4 | 30.03.2006 09:52

	=gwobezentashi>That's below the belt Michael. The man is old and tired. He needs to go home to his farm and rest but "they" won't let him. who won't let him? Fani Kayode or his ambition? OBJ has always been ugly my friend, this has nothing to do with age. Let 2007 come and may be we can have one less ugly person in the state house.

gwobezentashi gwobezentashi is offline

# 5 | 30.03.2006 10:27

	who won't let him? Fani Kayode or his ambition? Ghosts. Didn't you hear him in Berlin? He said, "they keep worrying me".

Joseph Joseph is online

# 6 | 30.03.2006 13:06

	"Michael", yes we all know that Obasanjo is ugly.....but were you so empty and devoid of of sensible ideas to contribute that you just must descend into starting such a silly, pedestrian thread? That comment didn't even qualify for a good joke. God, how mundane could some of you guys be!

rodman rodman is offline

# 7 | 30.03.2006 14:20

	His first appearance in the '70s showed a very handsome man in my judgement---a picture of him smartly clad in military regalia still defines my perception of him physically---maybe there is a time when one's appearance crumbles under the weight of old age, but i still consider him good looking.In my opinion, people should not be judged on the basis of their looks but the contents of their hearts---presidency should not be predicated upon looks but a commitment to pursue the upliftment of it's subjects. MAAZI RODMAN

I Love Nigeria I Love Nigeria is offline

# 8 | 31.03.2006 18:29

	I think we ought to focus on President Obasanjo's reforms, his policies, his successes and challenges... And not the insignificant matter of his physicall appearance.... President Obasanjo is not looking for a husband! Why must we discuss his looks? doing so, is so trivializing.... of the important matters of bettering the lives of more than 150 million Nigerians! It is silly and superficial.... lacking in substance! We should only ask whether any Nigerian president is smart, intelligent, passionate about Nigeria and Nigerian's national interests!

Kilonshele Kilonshele is online

# 9 | 01.04.2006 05:21

	Obasanjo represents Nigeria as a whole. the appearance of our leader matters (remember first impression counts). He needs a wardrobe that contains body fitting clothes. he would have appeared better in a well fitted three peice suit or a well embroided kaftan, instead of an over sized agbada with ugly colors. The colors white, cream and other light shades would complement his complexion and add beauty to his appearance. Nija is a country made up of beautiful people our appearance should spell it out.