"They are making proposals to change our Constitution, which are insulting for our nation and people. It's their brains, not our Constitution, which need to be changed. What they are offering to us is a clear remnant of colonial thinking."
Vladmir Putin. (Russian President)
Excerpt of conversation during a meeting with pro-Kremlin youth groups on July 24, 2007, about the extradition demand of by Britain of Andrei Lugovoi, a former KGB officer, accused by Britain of poisoning Alexander Litvinenko, another former KGB officer who became a British citizen, with a radioactive substance pollonium 210.
"The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has demonstrated to Nigerians that it is on course in the anti-graft war.EFCC by this latest effort has demonstrated to Nigerians, particularly the apostles of the anti-corruption war and those who are genuinely committed to accountability and transparency that the battle is on; that there is no retreat. It is indeed a re-assuring effort, which all lovers of a corruption-free country should applaud and support. Can a court give an order that the criminal law must not be enforced? Or can any court give a ruling that the Nigerian Constitution must not be enforced? Arrested politicians should stop 'shadow chasing' and go ahead to prove their innocence. What matters to me and which in my honest view should be of interest to Nigerians is how many suspects have been arrested and been prosecuted by the EFCC and not whether only two governors are being prosecuted while some were merely questioned. Any attempt to accuse the EFCC of being selective would amount to questioning its mode of investigations or trying to fault its method of conducting its findings. If any agreement exists between Umar Yar'Adua government and the former governors, shielding them from prosecution, it was nothing but a criminal conspiracy against the Constitution and the people of Nigeria."
Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
Excerpt of interview with Guardian on July 12, 2007.
"The situation in the world and internal political interests require the Foreign Intelligence Service to increase its capabilities permanently, primarily in the field of information and analytical support for the country's leadership. The U.S. plans to station troops in Eastern Europe and Washington's intention to base missile defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic pose security challenges for Russia."
President Vladmir Putin (President of Russia)
Excerpt of a speech at a meeting with senior military and security officers in the Kremlin on July 25, 2007.
"London's position is immoral. Moreover, they should clearly realize that such provocative actions masterminded by the British authorities will not go without an answer, and cannot but entail the most serious consequences for Russian-British relations."
Mikhail Kamynin.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman of the Russian Federation.
Comments on national television about the expulsion of 4 Russian diplomats by the British government for the refusal of Russia to extradite Andrei Lugovoi wanted by Britain for the murder of Aleksandr Litvinenko.
"You can act this way toward a banana republic, but Russia is not a banana republic. Britain's request for Russia to override the Constitution is 'arrogant'."
Konstantin Kosachyov. Head of Russia's State Duma's (House of representatives) Foreign Affairs Committee.
Comment on national television about the expulsion of 4 Russian diplomats by the British government for the refusal of Russia to extradite Andrei Lugovoi wanted by Britain for the murder of Aleksandr Litvinenko.
"The Russian government has failed to register how seriously we treat this case or the seriousness of the issues involved, despite lobbying at the highest level and clear explanations of our need for a satisfactory response."
David Miliband. British Foreign Minister.
Excerpt of speech to the Parliament on the British-Russian diplomatic row over the refusal of Russia to hand over Andrei Lugovoi to Britain for prosecution over the murder of Aleksandr Litvinenko.
Immediately after Kalu was arrested by the EFCC, the United States government rushed to the press without even exercising patience to hear the federal government side of the story completely. "It is our understanding that Mr. Orji Kalu is covered by an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, the EFCC as a creation of the law should not be seen as breaking the law," a top official of the State Department was quoted as saying. Furthermore, the official said that Washington was taken aback by the arrest of the former governor.
Kalu's defense was not limited to the official of the State Department. In the same vein, a senior official of the Bush administration said: " "We had fruitful discussions with him on how to move Nigeria forward and he canvassed support for the administration of President Umaru Yar'Adua. It is a shock the same government is trampling on a court order. ""He told us of threat to arrest him once he returns home and we are concerned that this is not the beginning of another clampdown on opposition figures.
The United States in its quest to secure the release of Kalu is not leaving any stone unturned. All arsenal were thrown into his defense including the so called human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, funded by the U.S. government. The agency was quoted as saying: "If the authorities have enough evidence against him, they should make it public and we wil not support an extended detention of Mr. Kalu under the cover of claims of more investigation into the case. Investigations should have been concluded before anyone is arrested." It is obvious that with this kind of statement, Amnesty International is not only pressurising the EFCC but is trying to blackmail the government of Yar'Adua. In addition, we are being told that Ori Kalu is now a U.S. citizen, therefore the protection of the American government enjoyed by all its citizens should also be extended to him!
Without any exaggeration, the White house's statement on Kalu is a gross violation of Nigeria's sovereignty and a blatant act of arrogance and total disregard for the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In the first place, the U.S. needs to be reminded that Kalu never belonged to an opposition party not until he realised that it was practically impossible for him to win his party, PDP, presidential nomination.
Secondly, no court can order that a thief can not be arrested and prosecuted.
Based on the U.S. prematured and unjustified call for the immediate and unconditionally release of Orji Kalu, one is compelled to ask the following questions:
1. If the U.S. is really interested in moving Nigeria forward why was it holding unofficial discussions with Kalu - who is a non-government official?
2. Why is the U.S. government not holding discussions with Nigerian officials?
3. Why is the U.S so much concerned about Kalu in particular?
4. Why is the U.S. government, the White house in particular officially interested or involved in Kalu's case?
5. How is the US government so sure that Kalu is innocent of the crime for which he was arrested?
6. Is the US government afraid that Kalu might divulge some information to the EFCC and SSS during the interrogation that may implicate the US?
7. If the US is sure of Kalu's innocence, why can't the US allow Nigerian courts perform its duties indepedently without any external pressure or interference?
8. If the US is sure of Kalu's innocence why can't it allow Kalu to clear himself in the Nigerian law court?
9. Why is the US pressurising the EFCC, the Nigerian government and judiciary?
10. Is the US aware of the fact that by demanding for the immediate and unconditional releae of Kalu, it's not only interferring in the internal affairs of Nigeria, but it also shows that it has no regards for Nigeria and NIgerians in general?
11. Is the US government aware of the fact that by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu, it is obstructing justice?
12. Is the US government aware of the fact that by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu, it is preventing the EFCC and the Nigerian government from fighting corruption?
13. Is the US government aware of the fact that by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu, it is aiding and abetting corruption in Nigeria?
14. If a British or European union citizen is arrested by his government for fraud, can the US government demand for his immediate and unconditional release?
15. Has the US government in the past ever demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of a British or European union citizen arrested by his government for fraud?
16. Has the Nigerian government in the past ever demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of an American citizen arrested for fraud by the US government?
17. If the answers to questions 14, 15,16 are no, then, why is the US government demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of a Nigerian citizen arrested for fraud by the Nigerian government?
18. What point is the US government trying to make by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu?
19. Is the US government aware of the fact that by making such an unreasonable demand to the Nigerian government, the cordial relationship between the two countries may be severely damaged?
20. Is the US government trying to capitalise on the fact that Nigerian President, Umar Yar'Adua emerged winner through a fraudulent election?
21. Is the US government aware of the fact majority of Kalu's kinsmen are in favour of his arrest and trial for embezzlement?
22. Does the US government expect the Nigerian government to be frightened and yield to its pressure and blackmail?
23. The US government had in the past provided unsolicited information to the Federal government that implicated some senior Nigerian politicians, why didn't the US government do or act the same when Kalu was arrested for fraud?
24. Why has the US government instead of providing assistance or support to the EFCC and the Nigerian government in fighting corruption has decided to distract, ridicule the federal government laudable efforts in eradicating corruption in Nigeria?
25. How will the US government feel or react if the Nigerian government demands for the immediate and unconditional release of an American citizen arrested by his government for fraud?
26. How does the US government expect the EFCC and the federal government to feel or react by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of a Nigerian citizen arrested for fraud?
27. Who the hell is the US to interpret Nigeria's law by stating or incinuating that Kalu is covered by an order from a court of competent jurisdiction?
28. "If the authorities have enough evidence against him, they should make it public and we will not support an extended detention of Mr. Kalu under the cover of claims of more investigation into the case. Investigations should have been concluded before anyone is arrested." Is this statement made by a senior official of the Bush administration supposed to be an ultimatum or a threat to the federal government?
29. By making such irresponsible statements, is the U.S. insinuating that if the Nigerian government has more than enough evidence at its disposal that incriminate a Nigerian citizen, nevertheless, it should allow him to go scott free and enjoy his loots because there was an initial court order barring EFCC from arresting him?
30. Is the U.S. government aware of the fact that by making such premature and irresponsible statements as regards to Kalu's arrest, it is undermining and jeopardising the sincere and genuine efforts of the new administration in waging a total war against corruption?
The recent call by the U.S. for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu reminds one of the unfolding diplomatic row between Britain and Russia after Britain expelled 4 Russian diplomats because of the refusal of Russia to extradite Andrei Lugovoi to face trial in Britain for the murder of Alexander litvinenko. Though, one is not trying to draw any parallel or similarity between the British-Russian diplomatic row and the U.S.-Nigeria face off over Kalu; obviously, the two cases are totally different. However, in my opinion, while formulating its response to the unreasonable and baseless demand of the U.S. government, the Nigerian government should borrow some paragraphs from the Russians quoted above. The federal government should not allow itself, for any reason whatsoever, to be intimidated or pressurized by the U.S. government.
Undoubtedly, the U.S. demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Orji Kalu is a gross and unjustified violation of Nigeria's sovereignty. Moreover, it clearly shows that the U.S. has no regards whatsoever for Nigeria as a country and Nigerians as people. The new government should make America understand that Obasanjo is no more in charge, therefore, Nigeria is no more a banana republic that can be remotedly controlled from Washington!
NIGERIA: A HAVEN FOR ESPIONAGE ACTIVITIES.
Any intelligent person does not need a ph.D to understand that Nigeria is of a very high economic interest to the U.S. Nigeria, being the 6h largest exporter of oil in the world and the largest in Africa and with a very large reserve of gas, undoubtedly, is of hyper economic interest to many multinational oil companies and countries with very high demand for energy including the U.S., China, India, western European countries. Moreover, Nigeria with a population of about 140 million, the largest in Africa, is a consumer haven for any multinational company!
With the escalating crisis in Iraq and the endless political unrest in the middle east, the importance and role of Africa and Nigeria in particular as an alternative and reliable source of energy to drive the U.S. economy has drastically increased within the last 3 years. Recently, Nigeria displaced Saudi Arabia to become the 3rd largest supplier of crude oil to the United States! About 2 or 3 months ago, it was announced that the U.S. now gets about 12-20% of its energy supply from Nigeria! Therefore, taking into consideration all these factors, it will be very naive of us to assume that the United States will not go to any length to protect its economic interests in Nigeria which include an uniterrupted oil supply, securing very profitable deals (which in most cases are loopsided and unprofitable for Nigeria) for American oil companies and other American multinationals already doing or planning to do business in Nigeria. Iraq is a glearing example of the length America is ready to go in order to defend its economic interest. The C.I.A., on many occassions have assasinated Head of States of sovereign countries in the process of protecting its so called "global economic interest."
So, how can the U.S. protect its economic interests in Nigeria? Undoubtedly, by influencing political and economic decisions made by the Federal Government of Nigeria most especially in the oil sector. How can the U.S. influence political and economic decisions of the government? By having assess to classified information on government energy and trade policies. Next question. How can the U.S. have assess to classified information on government political and economoc decisions? What do you think? Well, it's by (1) espionage activities and (2) having an "uncontrolled assess" to key government decision makers or officials like the President, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Senators, head of Committees, top managers in strategic sectors like banking, telecommunications, energy, e.t.c. There is a need for expantiation as regards to the second point. In one of my articles titled "Empowering Nigerian professionals to turn around the economy," (nigeriansinamerica.com) I wrote that key government officials during official and unofficial meetings with their western counterparts "unknowingly" divulge classified information on
federal government economic policies including how decisions are taken, who takes key decisions, who has a big influence on key decision makers, state of contract bids, e.t.c. This blunder is committed mainly (1) out of ignorance or carelessness (2) due to lack of proper training (3) talking too much because of inferiority complex and the desire to impress "white men."
Next question. How are espionage activities carried out by foreign intelligence service like the U.S. in Nigeria? (1) Through wire tapping, (2) and recruting top politicians like Orji Kalu! I hope you now understand the reason for this analysis or breakdown. Nigeria, unfortunately, being an orderless, very corrupt, poor and divided country is a haven for espionage activities. It will be very naive to assume that the C.I.A does not operate a flourishing espionage network in Nigeria through camouflaged American Non Government and Aids Organizations and that quiet a large number of top Nigerian politicians are on its paying list. Since Nigeria earns most of its revenues from oil and most of the U.S. Foreign Direct Investments (F.D.I.) are in Nigeria's energy sector, it is not difficult to figure out that most of the C.I.A. espionage activities are concentrated in this sector. No wonder the United States government is proposing to the Nigerian government not only to patroll the gulf but offered its unsolicited service to train the Nigerian military in the act of waging war in the creeks against the Niger Delta militants (who are referred to as terrorists) who are fighting a just war for the control of their mineral resources.
What is most annoying, disappointing, uncomprehendable and incredible to believe is the condemnation of the arrest of Kalu for embezzlement by the Igbo Youth Congress (IYC). In its press release, the IYC expressed its surprise about the arrest and classified it as an "affront" on the Igbo community. At least one could understand the Americans hidden motive in running to the defense of Kalu, a C.I.A. agent, however, in the case of IYC, their motive is a total mystery.
It is a well known fact that many former governors including Orji Kalu were accused of embezzlement during the evil regime of Obasanjo not by the EFCC but even by their respective State house of representatives and electorates. The EFCC had said many times over and over that it was just waiting for the end of their regimes when their immunity will no more be valid in order to arrest and prosecute them for embezzlement of public funds. Orji Kalu's name and state were among the names often mentioned by the EFCC. So, I can't understand what is "surprising" to IYC about the arrest of Kalu. In addition, is one to interpret the IYC statement or position on Kalu to mean that the federal government should close its eyes and allow Kalu to walk away with his loots simply because he is their kinsmen?
Can somebody please be kind enough and explain to me how the arrest of a thief who has stolen Ndigbos money tantamount to an affront on the Igbo community? Why can't the IYC exercise some patience and allow Kalu to clear himself if he is indeed innocent? Does the IYC understand the implication of its irresponsible statement and position on Kalu? Is IYC aiding and abeting corruption in the South east and Nigeria at large? Is the IYC aware of the fact that it is the Ndigbos, most especially Abia state and its youths that have suffered most from Kalu's embezzlement? What kind of example is the IYC laying for Ndigbo youths? The IYC, certainly should bury its face in shame for making this kind of senseless statement and unreasonable position on Kalu.
Certainly, with this kind of baseless, illogical and unreasonable statement by the IYC , it has discredited itself as a reliable and relevant mouth piece for Ndigbo youths to be reckoned with or taken seriously. I was just wondering that going by the visionless alteration of the IYC, there is a very high probability that IYC was founded and being funded by no other person other than Orji Kalu himself solely for his own selfish political interest.
In my humble opinion, before irreversible damage is done by the IYC, Ndigbo political elites and leaders should call IYC to order immediately. In addition, progressive Ndigbo youths should not only disown or disassociate themselves from this congress but should as well declare their full support for the federal government sincere and genuine resolve to eradicate corruption which unfortunately has been one of the major obstacles to development in Nigeria. Afterall, a thief is a thief irrespective of his race, nationality or tribe.
Kalu's case is a litmust test for Yar'Adua and Ribadu. They should not succumb to U.S. pressure under no circumstances. Pursuing this case to the logical end should not only be a matter of principle but a "death and live" affair for them, moreso, after the unwarranted and unjustified interference of the U.S. They need to be reminded that their credibility is at stake as far as Kalu's case is concerned. Nigerians and the whole world are watching.
Finally, apart from the 107 financial crimes brought against Kalu, I strongly recommend that the SSS conducts a security check on Kalu. To be precise, the SSS should conduct a comprehensive interrogation and investigation of Kalu to determine the possibility of spying for the United States foreign intelligence service, the C.I.A.. In general, senior government officials and politicians should be closely monitored to determine whether they are involved in espionage activities for foreign countries.
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