A Bolekaja Presidency (7)
By Reuben Abati
The Bolekaja series
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IT is now a matter of public record, (history too) that after the threats, grand-standing, hollow chest-beating, expression of fear on all sides, Vice President Atiku Abubakar who had travelled to the United States shortly after his defection to the Action Congress, returned to Nigeria, on January 21 to Aso Rock and to his unfinished quarrel with President Olusegun Obasanjo. Atiku's return had the trappings of a melodrama.
Obasanjo's strategists, and henchmen gave the man strict conditions. He must not hold a political rally, and not more than 20 people (staff and family) could receive him at the airport. Both the President, and the PDP did not want Atiku to turn his return into a political statement. They didn't want him to use it as a platform for the advertisement of his popularity. But that was precisely what the embattled Vice President did. His associates who were closely monitored by security agents, had organised a befitting reception for him.
The same Presidency which withdrew Atiku's aides, official vehicles and privileges sent vehicles to the airport to receive him. Atiku refused to use those official vehicles. He hopped into his personal car - a Jeep, - and staged his own drama as he was driven out of the airport in a convoy of about 500 vehicles (!). The Presidency had promised that Atiku would not be arrested on his return. And truly, he wasn't.
But there were court cases waiting for him, and a well-knit web of intrigue targeted at his person and his political ambition. Since his return, his lawyers have been in and out of courts. Keeping Atiku in the courts looks like a good strategy: to wear him out, waste his time and funds, and thereby weaken his resolve.
Initially, the Federal High Court had dismissed the charges of corruption levelled against Atiku at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The Federal Government appealed against this ruling immediately. The matter is still before the Court of Appeal. There is also a case in an Abuja Federal High initiated by Atiku and the AC to stop the INEC from conducting the verification exercise for candidates seeking positions through the April elections. Atiku's lawyers are seeking a determination of the matter, the Presidency's lawyers are insisting that the matter has been overtaken by events.
There are at least two other cases in court on the question of whether or not Alhaji Atiku Abubakar can remain as Vice President while flying the flag of an opposition party. It is common knowledge that Vice President Atiku no longer enjoys access to state funds. He has been shut out completely. While the Presidency fights him, using state resources, he is stretched thin, paying lawyers, defending his integrity. Increasingly, Vice President Atiku keeps discovering that in his fight with the President, he is required to put everything at his disposal at stake. When the cost of this quarrel is eventually calculated in terms of Naira and Kobo, Atiku may discover that he has lost a lot more, than the other party.
I would be surprised if he has been able to sleep soundly since his return. The Obasanjo camp was clearly ready for a long drawn-out fight. On the question of his defection to the Action Congress, the President wrote a letter to the National Assembly reporting the Vice President. A group of Senators led by Senator Uche Chukwumerije has had cause to warn that the Presidency is planning to use the National Assembly to remove the Vice President. In this matter, the National Assembly which had also been investigating the President, and the Vice President, over allegations of mismanagement of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) appeared confused initially. But it has now found its voice, declaiming categorically that Atiku remains the Vice President.
But the legislature is not the only public institution that has been dragged into the combat. Before Atiku's return, there were protests from the Action Congress, and the Turaki Vanguard, that the Presidency was planning to use INEC to disqualify the Vice President. INEC has since denied this. But nobody is convinced. The Atiku camp had in fact alleged that the verification exercise conducted by INEC, in contravention of the Electoral Act, was conceived to stop the Vice President. Atiku still submitted himself for the verification exercise, but he made sure that he presented to INEC a counter-petition against the PDP and the President. INEC is obviously in a dilemma.
In the midst of all these, there has been much trading of abuse, with the Atiku - Obasanjo feud getting messier by the day. In its editorial opinion of February 6, 2007, NewAge newspaper says it is getting "nastier and nastier". According to the newspaper, the feud "sets a bad example all down the line. It is bad for the business of governance and is God-send to mischief - makers who thrive in such conditions to stoke the fires of animosity for private profit. It is a bad example to our politicians at lower levels."
That the feud is nasty is not in doubt. The President and the Vice President as well as their associates now trade abuses without any reservations. In Osogbo, the President declared that the Action Congress is an "Alliance for Corruption." The AC immediately retorted labelling the PDP "the bastion of graft." PDP chieftains ever-ready with mischief also got into the fight. The Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George, commenting on the Vice President, is on record as saying: "It is indecent, lack of depth of morality, vain, uncivilised to want to remain Vice President in PDP government and run presidential race on the platform of another party. Atiku needs to tell Nigerians what he is still doing in PDP..."
Ojo Maduekwe, National Secretary of the PDP has also said that Atiku should resign. But on the question of resignation, Atiku is at best, ignoring his former colleagues. He puts down the PDP and the President at every turn. Three main events in recent times point to how nasty the feud has become. About a fortnight ago, the Vice President announced that the Federal Government has bought arms worth N422 billion to repress the agitation in the Niger Delta.
Both the Vice President and his Turaki Vanguard noted that the people of the Niger Delta are asking for development, not war. The following day, the Presidency disclosed that Atiku has a pact with a mole in the military with whom he is planning to destabilise the country. Atiku screamed that he was being set up as a coup plotter. But the entire country was alarmed - Obasanjo and Atiku were beginning to play politics with the country's stability. What if the militants in the Niger Delta on account of Atiku's disclosure became more belligerent?
The second dramatic incident was the arrival in Nigeria of 12 American journalists who came to interview President Obasanjo and other stakeholders. In his interview with the Americans, the President did his best to portray his Vice President as an irresponsible person. Somehow, the journalists also interviewed Atiku who replied the President, point-for-point. It was a damaging experience for the nation. Is it likely that Nigerian journalists can walk into the United States and have a similar encounter with the American President and his Vice? But in this instance, our two leaders in Aso Rock "vomitted" in the presence of foreign journalists. Atiku later addressed Nigerian journalists at a forum where he again disowned the PDP and the Obasanjo government.
Thirdly, Atiku continued with this offensive on Saturday February 4 when he flagged off his Presidential campaign at a rally in Kano. This event was so well-attended and so anti-PDP that the Obasanjo camp had to summon a special meeting to review the chances of the PDP in the North. The AC Kano rally was perhaps the Scorpion's sting that the PDP needed to jumpstart it. Vice President Atiku got a feedback in extra-ordinary packages. I note with special interest, the disclosure that no provision is made for the Vice President's office in the 2007 Budget. Whereas the President's aides are taken care of, the National Assembly has observed that there is no reference whatsoever to the Vice President.
The Turaki's close associates have also been in the eye of the storm. Ask Governor Boni Haruna of Adamawa State. Boni Haruna is Atiku's man. He was once editor of The Week magazine owned by the Vice President. He is Governor of the Vice President's home-state, and his Deputy before he was chosen as Vice President to Obasanjo. Now, the State House of Assembly has served him a notice of impeachment. What he has done to merit this "garrison assault" on his office is not so clear. What is known is that as in the examples of Plateau, Ekiti; and Bayelsa before now, the EFCC swooped down on the state legislators. The Speaker, Abubakar Abdullahi and four other principal officers were arrested by the EFCC. The aftermath is the impeachment move against Haruna who is conveniently out of the country - for medical check-up we are told.
With the present alignment of forces, it is not only Govenor Boni Haruna that may find one reason or the other to go abroad before May 2007. The Obasanjo Presidency is piling pressure on any one who has ever been seen near the Vice President, or who expresses any opinion in his favour, or who shows any sign of being a strong threat at any level to the PDP or the President's chosen candidates, in the coming elections. The Presidency is claiming innocence.
But there are interesting developments. Saminu Turaki, the Governor of Jigawa State has allegedly embarked on a long, terminal leave. One report indicated that he may not return to the country until after the elections! In Lagos, Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos has withdrawn from the Senatorial race in the Lagos West District. This week, the EFCC released a long list of those it described as "indicted" and "corrupt" public officials. It contains 135 names including from PDP (52), ANPP (35), AC (28), PPA (10), DPP (4) and AD (1). The Vice President's name is the first on the list.
The EFCC says the list is merely advisory but no one is fooled. The general impression is that the EFCC is again being used to malign those who are not in the President's good books, including Lanre Tejuoso, son of the Osile of Oke-Ona, who is so bold, he is running for the same Senatorial seat that the President's daughter wants. Three weeks ago, he was assaulted by unknown would-be assassins. There have been complaints about selective harrassment and political persecution. No one is in any doubt about this. Atiku has threatened to take the EFCC to court. Mrs. Titi Abubakar has also joined the fight - she says her husband is not corrupt! The AC has dismissed the list as nonsensical. The Federal Government has set up a panel of inquiry.
President Obasanjo may appear to be gaining an upper hand in this end-game between him and Atiku, but as the community of victims grows, it is difficult to assume that what is happening will end up quietly, like smoke dissolving into the air. Activist-lawyer Femi Falana has been urging the Vice President to reveal more secrets. Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Dr. Lateef Adegbite and Balarabe Musa called for an end to this "show of shame". Former Provost Marshall of the Nigeria Army, Brigadier-General Don Idada Ikponwen says the quarrel between Obasanjo and Atiku poses "a threat to national security".
I share his view and I shudder: especially in the light of the following threat which has been issued by the Action Congress: "If President Obasanjo succeeds in coercing INEC to disqualify Alhaji Abubakar, the unfolding scenerio will result in consequences that will be too grave to contemplate, and the end result of which no one can predict". Who will save Nigeria from these men?
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Comments Page: 1 2  posted on 02-09-2007, 07:54:22 AM Falcon Re: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Dear Dr Abati,
Nigerians can save Nigeria from these men. All we need do is vote them out and guard our votes. Please let us not worry too much about Atiku’s expenses, our perception of the source of his money, starting from the first 10 million Naira he has does not allow people like us to worry about that.  posted on 02-09-2007, 08:01:00 AM AkuluounoRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Dear Dr Abati,
Thanks for another in your series of Bolekaja Presidency. Nothing will happen if Atiku is disqualified or even jailed before the 07 elections. Nigeria has seen and witnessed worse treatments meted out against Nigerians greater than Atiku and yet the heavens did not give way. So why the furore over Atiku. He is the VP and there is a sitting president who has more powers than him. It is the mark of a man to know his capability and reach while doing his political calculus or else he may fall into the same trap as the cat which looked into a mirror and saw a lion. 
Like I said in another thread, MKO has gone, ditto, Shehu Ya rAdua to boot all under Khalifa and yet the heaven remained intact. Baba almost went and is alive today to mete it out to anyone who questions his authority. Nigeria may turn out to be the loser in view of the roforofo but it may be for the better if when all ends it becomes a portender or harbinger of good things to come.  posted on 02-09-2007, 08:21:53 AM Anthony A KilaRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)akuluouno,
Haba! Always having fun. Ever witty Ever in the know. I am watching you. I think I am just jealous posted on 02-09-2007, 09:32:09 AM WillyRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Mr. Abati,
Why did the Guardian fail to carry Okey Ndibe’s A Tale of Three Candidates? It looks that Emmanuel “Andy” Uba war chest really knows no bounds. It will be a shame that in your capacity as the chairman of The Guardian editorial board may undo the credibility of the flagship. Your publisher may want to tell us something on this, don’t forget the people’s power that forced MKO to apologize to Concord readers after Bishop Idahosa mobilized them against the newspaper, it can still be done. Your not printing said article, the second time this year, not only denied many Nigerians the opportunity of the information, but raises the question of your personal credibility. Thanks for your watery gruel of a Bolekaja Presidency, giving us pap when we asked for yam, we are watching all of you, and one more of your antics and you will hear more from me and many. posted on 02-09-2007, 10:21:07 AM AkuluounoRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)An appeal court sitting in Enugu orders the reinstatement of Peter Obi. Breaking News. posted on 02-09-2007, 11:15:23 AM AuspiciousA Case of Bad-Belle?Ref. Willy:
Yes, why did the The Guardian fail to publish Mr. Ndibe's last article, 'A tale of Three Candidates'? It appears you know something that the rest of us don't know, going by the obvious insinuation you made when you said "it looks that Emmanuel 'Andy' Uba war chest really knows no bounds". So, Mr. Willy, what do you know? You further prognosticated by asserting that Dr. Abati's tenure as Chairman of the Guardian's Editorial Board may shamefully "undo the credibility of (that) flagship", and that his "personal credibility" may be on the line - again, for specific reasons only known to you. What, for crying out loud, do you know? Will you be so kind to reveal to us your audience, what you may know or not know about Dr. Reuben Abati's personal integrity? Are you telling us that the Emmanuel 'Andy' Uba war machine has invaded the hallowed chambers of the Guardian Editorial Board? You will do well to answer these questions and more and let our minds rest. I believe you could have raised the issue you raised without sounding so bitter - so personal - in your little submission above. You seem to be issuing Mr. Abati a threat over mere suspicions(?) on your part. Or maybe not. But are you personally in touch with Mr. Ndibe? If yes, has he complained to you, Willy, that his articles are being denied by Mr. Abati? Could this be for some other reason - maybe Ndibe never submitted it for publishing in The Guardian? It is my belief that the Editorial Board of the Guardian excercises some sort of 'democracy' in its decision-making process. I don't want to believe that Mr. Abati weilds some Obasanjo-like power over his fellow board members. Unless you can prove to us your audience otherwise - unless you can tell us we don't know, we might have to believe that your criticism/veiled threats is only informed by personal prejudice. Mr. Abati has been more of an asset to The Guardian and will most likely continue to be so, for his style of writing and preference of topics to opine on, remains the same. Like others who have commented on his latest piece here so far, I find the piece just as interesting as the others. "A Bonlekaja Presidency (7)" - seven long, interesting and occassionally funny series on the feud between Mr. Presisdent and his Vice! All that talk of Yam and Pap just sounds like Bad-Belle yarns, o jare! Auspicious. posted on 02-09-2007, 11:17:52 AM DragonRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)The harsh reality on ground is that a major and considerable proportion of the electorate is not bothered about the ongoing fight. People are more interested in battling the hunger and overcoming the stress associated with survival in Nigeria than to take note of the damage caused by these politicians and the abuse of constitutional processes. Even the lawyers fighting cases on behalf of the maligned are all running working for their daily bread. They are not bothered about who wins or who loses. This is where the EFCC and the presidency derive their encouragement from.
The only hope for restoring dignity to the Nigerian project lies within the National Assembly to wake up to its conscience, forget its greed and avarice for 'settlement' by the presidency, and boot these men out of office via an impeachment. This should not take any longer than 7days - and have the senate president preside over a truly free and fair election process. Other than this, there is likely to be no election coming... and the very National Assembly members who are tail-bearers of the presidency will all be severely eaten by the President they are dying to protect. A word is enough for the wise..... posted on 02-09-2007, 11:48:59 AM WillyRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Auspicious,
Good questions, I believe gentlemen do not necessary have to dance naked even if they must dance at all. For starters, Okey Ndibe is a paid columnist of The Guardian, that comes with responsibilities and privileges, so the aspect of submitting his work on time or not, or Abati’s democratic discretion on publishing same does not come up. And to your other questions, yes, I know a few more things that I do not have to necessarily write here, I am offering Abati a decent leeway to retrace his steps, raising the stakes much higher will make it more difficult for him, and less productive. I challenge Abati to refute that his refusal to publish said essay citing a comment on Akala & Fayose as unproven that may lead to The Guardian being sued is untrue. I have my information from right inside because I am much closer to him than he realizes. That he is also in touch with some urchins that are writing under the pseudonym of Andy Uba is also very well known to some of us that have taken personal interest in the Anambra debacle. I will name names and incidences if Abati continues in this path of infamy. As a parting comment, I challenge Abati to claim he is not aware of the author of that thrash on leadership that was published under Andy Uba’s name. A word is enough for the wise, clean up your act Abati. posted on 02-09-2007, 12:15:22 PM IpheyRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)QUOTE:
Willy my brother... all I can say at this stage is that in the end, the Nigerian Guardian is a business and not a charitable organization. They are there to break even at the end of their financial year. The Editorial board (of which Ruben is merely the chair) has the discretion on what to publish or not publish. If they decide that it is best to avoid a liability, via Ndibe's article like you suggest it might be wise for them to refrain from doing so. For some reason, I doubt that Ruben alone makes the decision of what to publish and what not to publish in the entire paper. He also has bosses at the Guardian and is also an employee of the Newspaper, so he answers to someone too. Furthermore, I am aware that there is a meeting of the members of the Editorial board which Ruben chairs every Thursday at Rutam House where major decision about news stories, editorials focus and framing of news are decided. It will not be the first time they are refusing to publish Ndibe's article. If publishing Ndibe's article will end up costing the business more harm than good, then it is a decision they will ultimately take for the benefit of the paper, the business, the staff and the company's finances. If Okey Ndibe does not like it, he can do two things: decide to seek another platform and write for another paper, or open up his own Newspaper house and publish what ever he wants. There are many people employed by the Guardian Newspaper and the company cannot be held ransom due to one columnist's article. Opening up the company to liability because of one individual makes little or no business sense to me either! posted on 02-09-2007, 12:25:32 PM WillyRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)QUOTE:
Iphey, Those go without saying, but can you point out the possible legal liability in the article as it is still available on this site? Abati is hiding behind his fingers to call a spade a spade. The Guardian has become a national institution beyond the business considerations of the Ibrus. Many Nigerians showed sympathy and demonstrated in university campuses when Abacha clamped on them. Abati decides on what gets published in the Op-Ed page because many of those essays come in a day or two on the average, and in some cases hours before deadline. I am still waiting for Abati to claim he does not know the writer with the pen name Andy Uba. posted on 02-09-2007, 12:48:50 PM AuspiciousAbati's Name on the Line?Hi, Willy!
Thanks for your response. True yarns, gentlemen cannot afford to dance naked otherwise the ladies will be fainting. I insist that you could have raised the issue of Mr. Ndibe's missing article (from last Wednesday's edition of The Guardian Op-Ed column) in a less cantekerous manner - in a more civil manner. Imagine if I responded to you in the same manner you communicated your feelings about Dr. Abati, would we still have the benefit of this civil exchange? I doubt it. Your prejudice overtook the substance of your initial comment on Dr. Abati with regards Dr. Ndibe's missing essay. It was more personal - if not petty - in content than issues-based. Or what is the need for "pap, yam or watery gruel" when even you know that Abati is no amateur editorial columnist but one of Nigeria's most reputable and finest? And why insinuate or mention what you cannot or are not willing to prove? Regarding the allegation of his (Abati's) refusal to publish the essay over a comment on Akala and Fayose, one can also argue in defense of his position that it is better to be safe than sorry. I have read commentators here on NVS excoriating Mr. Ndibe for what they might call his aggressiveness or non-conformism. Unfortunately, the Guardian has this strong reputation for showing professional neutrality in disseminating information and Mr. Abati may just have protecting that reputation. But who am I to defend The Guardian or Abati over some yet-to-be-proven allegations? Anybody can come here and make claims about what is or what's not. Hence the reason why I, like any other cautious person out there, will take everything that comes my way with a grain of salt. I am not saying what you have alleged is true or false but I know it is easy to destroy someone's name and reputation than to build it. I know for a fact, from reading you on this medium for about a year now that you are not a big fan of Abati. Your challenge to Abati to claim he is unaware of the young brains behind 'Andy' Uba's phoney article about Leadership and Service cannot be of much consequence. What if he knows them? Does that mean he works with them? Does that mean he approves of them?Willy, I must say, your allegations reek more of deep-seated prejudice than anything else. It is more of 'dem say dem say' - rumors, in other words. I am also challenging you to expose Abati for the biased, shady character that he is - if at all he is one. Better that than all these suppositions, insinuations and innuendos that you seem to be engaging in. If Mr. Abati truly is as biased and shady as you are alleging he is, he does not deserve to be shielded for whatever reason. It is either you drop the jist here hot and sizzling or hold your peace, Willy. Auspicious. posted on 02-09-2007, 13:10:38 PM MrOneNaijaRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)A PIT FOR THE MONSTER AT ASO ROCK
As I did mention elsewhere, the person to be held responsible for this show of shame at that one-man vaudevillian bazaar erroneously referred to today as the Nigerian presidency is none other than the African Caligula called Obasanjo. The escalation in the atrocities and illegalities being perpetrated by this depraved monster is an indication of his desperation and panic ahead of May 29, 2007. The point has to be reiterated that there is nothing Obasanjo and his mafia will do that will prevent the sinister clown from leaving Abuja on May 29, 2007. That much had been settled a long time ago. And there will be consequences for the heinous crimes this kleptocrat and his fellow bacchants have committed against Nigeria and the Nigerian people. This timely warning to the monster called Obasanjo and his henchmen: QUOTE:
posted on 02-09-2007, 13:21:51 PM WillyRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Auspicious,
Yes, I agree that my approach could have been different, but let's get over the mode of delivery to focus on the substance, maybe it was the impotent anger of knowing he had achieved whatever he set out to in spite of what anyone may say. I have reposted Okey Ndibe's article below, I want you and/or the lawyers in this forum to point out the legal infraction in it. By the way, I meant to have referred to Agagu and not Fayose. I will not get into the nuts-and-bolt of your position, that I am no Abati's fan is not news, neither am I alone in that regards and for good reasons also, I have raised issues over his careless comments which are not news to many readers. That many voters in the country are reached more by print media than the internet is obvious, and that Abati denied these Nigerians the reinforcement of the evil Andy Uba & his co-travelers represent is regretable. That I know Abati claimed legal reasons for not publishing said essay seems lost on you. Keep believing what you may, most are not hoodwinked A tale of three candidates By Okey Ndibe Many Nigerians shake their heads in bafflement each time President Olusegun Obasanjo points a finger to accuse a foe of graft. They seem to see a president pointing his other four fingers at himself. Even so, a president deficient in irony and ethically handicapped seems blissfully unaware of the pathetic figure he cuts. Two weeks ago, while welcoming some visiting American reporters, Obasanjo engaged in his accustomed revisionism by ascribing his feud with Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a concomitance of his stance against corruption. Obasanjo also told the reporters that erstwhile Senate President Adolphus Wabara was netted by the anti-graft crusade. Wabara, hardly notorious for being trenchant, issued a public response that pulled no punches. He reminded the sanctimonious president that he had yet to satisfactorily respond to Atiku’s accusation of widespread presidential embezzlement. Did Wabara’s temerity teach the president to spare decent people his hypocritical sermons on corruption? Absolutely not! Like the proverbial Eze Onyeagwanam (King I-don’t-want-to-be-told), this president has become adept at dancing naked. Unaware of his political toxicity, he has been leading the rendezvous of PDP candidates across the nation. At each stop, he opens his mouth and lets slip a sentiment so inane as to beggar credulity. If he had honest advisers, they’d have told him it’s time to disappear from the limelight. It’s time to cease reminding Nigerians how he has wasted eight odd years of their national life. Not this man. Cursed with an inflated sense of his popularity, he insists on mounting the podium to lead the ritual of handing flags to candidates. In Akure, he displayed his usual facility for voicing a thought before it’s had time to be seasoned. Thrusting a finger in the direction of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the president, according to the Vanguard of Sunday, February 4, proclaimed: “Ex-minister Mimiko is corrupt”. This piece of verbal recklessness was irresponsibly broadcast at a rally. Where was Obasanjo’s proof? None at all. As the Vanguard reported, Obasanjo “said that the former Housing and Urban Planning minister, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, would soon be investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for corrupt practice.” A man is yet to be investigated, but the god of Aso Rock found fit to publicly defame him. And the irony was this: the president spoke while holding up the hands of current state governor and PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Olusegun Agagu, a man who may really be in legal trouble. A few days ago, www.saharareporters.com revealed that Agagu “was indicted by a judicial panel of inquiry headed by Justice Obiora Nwazota for fraud and embezzlement totaling 3.6 million dollars.” What’s more intriguing, the online reporter disclosed that Obasanjo’s government had adopted a White Paper requiring Agagu to “refund the sum of $3.2 to the national treasury.” But it doesn’t matter, for Obasanjo is nothing less than a god, able to dispense perdition and absolution to whomsoever he pleases. By the strange algebra of Obasanjo’s sense of crime, a man is corrupt only, and only if, having dipped his hand in the public till, he doesn’t pledge eternal loyalty to the president. If you’re a thief, but the president’s pal, then you are assured that EFCC hounds won’t be sent in your direction. And even when anti-corruption agents peer into your affairs and write a report reeking of plunder, you can count on the president to tuck the document underneath some rug. Which brings us to Oyo state where Mr. Alao Akala, the PDP’s governorship candidate, is alleged to be embroiled in scandals of his own. According to saharareporters, the EFCC’s searchlight on Akala allegedly uncovered some fraud related to rice importation as well as inflated invoices in a book publishing deal. Two weeks ago, Nuhu Ribadu, the head of the EFCC, spoke in Ibadan and expressed disgust that the likes of Akala were permitted to run, and ruin, Oyo state. Such unflattering barbs mean little to Akala, for he is a favorite of the deity who defines and redefines corruption. The third candidate who is beloved of the president is Nnamdi “Andy” Uba, the PDP’s improbable choice for the governorship seat in Anambra state. Speaking in Enugu, at Uba’s investiture, Obasanjo turned to melodrama. Turning to Uba, the president said: “Standing by me here is my son from an Igbo woman (Chief Andy Uba) who wakes me up and watches me till I sleep.” One’s immediate reaction was to say to Obasanjo: “Take your son and run! Run away, you and your misbegotten progeny!” Uba, whose shtick is to project himself as a diligent disciple who has benefited from a seven-year apprenticeship in what he told a reporter was the “Obasanjo School,” is fast becoming a political masquerade. Like his mentor, Uba is transforming himself into a practitioner of the art of self-reinvention. He is gifted at saying what he cannot possibly mean, and acting in a way that is totally at odds with the image he now fervently professes. Uba is, in short, a scam-in-progress. He is spending a dizzying amount of money to curry affection as well as to confound, if not confuse, the public record. In him we find a candidate who may be not just strange to most Nigerians but may well be unknowable. There is no question that Uba has a lot of money. Four years ago, he ferried close to $200,000 in cash on a presidential jet bound for New York. His failure to declare the cash landed him in serious legal trouble, one he paid a fine of $26,000 to escape. I’m informed that he has made the round of traditional rulers in Anambra, doling out cars and cash with careless abandon. His campaign has also become, I’m told, the largest employer of young people in Anambra outside of the state government. His political foot soldiers, by one account, are quartered in several hotels in Awka, and enjoy inexhaustible expense accounts. A couple of weeks ago, he announced that he was going to personally give fuel subsidies to motorists in Anambra. The headline in one newspaper read: “Uba subsidizes fuel prices in Anambra”. Another newspaper caption, “Andy Uba Splashes N500m On Sports Fiesta”, captured the spirit of the man’s money-driven politics. What’s troubling is that neither Uba nor Obasanjo has explained the source of the candidate’s stupendous wealth. Public records in the United States, where Uba lived before being hired eight years ago by the president, paint the picture of a man who was struggling to pay his bills. He was, at any rate, far from a wealthy man in the U.S. Is Uba prepared to come clean on the source of his money? Did his fortune come at the cost of the collective misfortune of Nigerians? Uba’s larger handicap is that he has yet to establish his bona fides. For several years, the public took him for a physiotherapist or, at any rate, a man with an earned doctorate. But when the tenacious duo of Sowore Omoyele and Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe dug into his record, they uncovered disturbing skeletons. None of Uba’s post-secondary certificates could be verified. Far from holding a doctorate, the reporters found out that the man doesn’t even hold a first degree. Not that a degree is a requirement for a man coveting the governor’s seat. But a man who cloaks himself in borrowed academic garbs, and then sustains the façade of legitimacy for close to eight years, strikes me as unworthy of being elected governor. Uba seems content to hide the mask created by his propaganda machine, but even the best propaganda unravels in the end. For many Anambrarians, Uba’s political biography is his undoing. Many in Anambra hold Uba, his brother Chris, and Obasanjo responsible for the mayhem inflicted on the state since 2003 and even before. The tempestuous Chris Uba has been pilloried for orchestrating the abduction of former Governor Chris Ngige and also for organizing the hoodlums who in 2004 carried out a three-day burning spree of public property. Yet, many suspect that Chris could not have dared if his elder brother, Nnamdi (nicknamed Andy by the president), and the presidency had not lent their muscle and weight. Therein lies Uba’s peril, the futility of his quest to govern a state he helped make ungovernable. Like Obasanjo, Uba is widely despised in Anambra. His generous dole outs may buy him deceptive adulation, but winning an election remains a stretch. posted on 02-09-2007, 13:25:23 PM TonsoyoRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)QUOTE:
Willy, You just don't seem to get it, as your argument is tailored towards what you feel The Guardian should do, and not what The Guardian, a professional business with its own policy, with an Editorial Board headed by a seasoned Journalist and a Lawyer of Abati's calibre want to do. The truth is that you and your friends cannot decide for The Guardian what to publish. If you and your friend are dissatisfied with their decision, float your own Newspaper. boycott Guardian or simply keep quiet. Your accusations doesn't make sense because it is not all 'good' article or at least what you Willy considered 'good' would be published. Even if Abati is the only one that decides what and what get published, so be it. Tell your friend Ndibe to wait for his own time! posted on 02-09-2007, 13:42:36 PM TonsoyoRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Willy,
Let me ask you a question, if you were to be an Editor will you approve Okey Ndibe's article posted by you above for publication? If your answer is yes then I know why you will never be an Editor, and if you mistakenly become one, please do not give up your day job. First of all, Abati and the Guardian have a pattern of trying as much as possible to maintain neutrality, secondly they try not to give comfort to one party in a dispute by balancing the facts. Not only that Ndibe used a lot of foul language against the person of the President in this article, he also appeared to be holding brief for the President opponents. This article is only good for internet sites like this, tabloids or some second rated newspaper, but if a Newspaper house of The Guardian calibre publishes this kind of article, they may get sued or at least be accused of holding brief for the President's opponent. Some other Newspapers may get away with though, but not The Guardian, because the credibility of the medium do matter a lot. Can you imagine a Guardian columnist quoting Saharareporters? and you expect The Guardian to publish a material using Saharareporter has point of reference? when we all know the stand of this outfit against this administration. It will clearly paint The Guardian as biased. posted on 02-09-2007, 13:57:46 PM DenkerRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)hi folks: this fight is not our fight oooo...na okey and the guardians ooooo....abeg mak we leave mather..if okey no say anything to us...why we dey fight his fight...nawa! posted on 02-09-2007, 14:00:42 PM AuspiciousAbati's Name on the Line? (2)Hi again, Willy!
I made the point of your mode of delivery and moved on already, as you can see from the 3rd, down to the last paragraph of my last comments. I read the Ndibe article over 24 hours ago and my comments are there for all to see. And even while I don't see the importance of reposting it here again, I can confidently tell you that I appreciate the content of that article like most of the people who were privileged to read it. Like I do with Abati's essays, I always look forward to Nidbe's beatifully-written essays. But truth be told, while one of the duo usually comments on a wide array of topics from funny, to casual, to mundane and to the controversial, the other, for the most part, focuses on the negatives in our society. But guess what? I don't mind. I still love to read Okey Ndibe any day, any time. His last piece was not only a good read, but an important one. But, as Iphey pointed out, it behooves the Board of Editors at the Guardian Newspapers to do that which needs to be done in the interest of that private business enterprise and its employees, of which Mr. Reuben Abati is just e plurubus unum - one out of many. One cannot therefore blame The Guardian or accuse Mr. Reuben Abati as an individual, for not publishing Mr. Ndibe's last article. There is nothing you said that was lost on me, Willy. I have simply noticed that you have repeatedly and conveniently ignored the fact that Abati is NOT the sole decision-maker at Rutam House. I wonder why. Or do you want to tell your audience here and now, again, that you know something about Mr. Reuben Abati's dictatorship amongst his fellow members of the Editorial Board at The Guardian's stables? Thank God we are not all "hoodwinked" by our prejudice. PS: Folks, can we move on to the content of Abati's piece now and fashi Guardian's Ogun Idile (Family Tussle) for The Guardian? Auspicious. posted on 02-09-2007, 15:46:24 PM Free PubliusRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Willy,
You invited Villagers to comment on Guardian's exposure had they published Mr. Ndibe's artice, so here goes: Unless you can independently verify saharareports sources and the veracity of their stories, or, in the alternative, be prepared to tie yourself to their exposure aversion level, you would be well advised to stay away from publishing this article. See, when the pigeon and the hen are playing in the yard, the hen should realize that should wahala come, the pigeon has the benefit of vertical escape while the hen remains grounded. Guardian has a lot more to lose than saharareports. Guardian may very well have made the prudent decision that they do not share similar exposure appetite as do saharareports and rightly decided not to publish the article. This is eminently reasonable. On the non-legal considerations, Mr. Ndibe's tone was probably a bit too strident and one-sided. Guardian may have very well decided not to have such style in their paper? That's their prerogative, understandably. The real question is actually for Mr. Ndibe. If he felt so strongly about what he wanted to say about the Ubas, why didnt he commit to more stringent intellectual diligence and not rely so extensively on saharareports? Personally, I like reading saharareport though I belive they can spin a yarn or two. And if my livelihood depended on it, I would shy away from tying myself to their apron so tightly. Free Publius posted on 02-09-2007, 16:06:13 PM MrOneNaijaRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)MUZZLING DISSENT?
QUOTE:
What a skewed way of looking at a segment of the Nigerian press and its coverage of political events! Listen, those pretending that Willy does not have a valid point by raising the pertinent question of why Okeh Ndibe's latest article is yet to be published in The Guardian are only being hypocritical. It would hardly surprise me if it turns out that the article in question was indeed denied publication. Nigeria is in an election year and the sleazy Obasanjo-initiated show of shame involving the tyrant and the Vice-President has a lot to do with the desperation for self-perpetuation on the part of the Aso Rock tin god and his confederates in the likes of 'Andy' Ubah and the Ekiti governor. By refusing to air the opinion of an eloquent non-conformist voice, what the people at The Guardian are invariably saying is that they would rather a stand indicting the positions of 'Andy' Ubah and co. were not heard at this critical juncture in our collective history. Abati offers a narrative of the fight between Obasanjo and the rest of the country that is both entertaining and enlightening. Yet, his is only but a version. Okeh Ndibe brings to bear a perspective that to a large extent complements the representation by the likes of Abati. That is one reason why any attempt at muzzling him should be deemed as a retrogressive proposition. We are reminded that Abati is not exactly neutral when it comes to the troubled relationship between Obasanjo and V-P Atiku. Remember the virulently anti-Atiku commentaries the chairman of The Guardian's editorial board wrote in support of Obasanjo when he, Abati, assumed that somehow the v-p was behind the effort at the National Assembly to deservedly impeach Obasanjo? That was in 2003. Has Abati's attitude to Atiku changed since then? Me thinketh not! The point being made here is that The Guardian cannot hide behind commercial and other excuses in order to silence a worldview that for whatever reason it does not agree with and expect that readers would take kindly to that. My advice to Mr. Ndibe is that if he is a victim of a gag order, he should ignore it. He owes it to his readers and the rest of the country to relentlessly pursue his principled demystification of those selfish characters hell bent on continuing with their depravity and revelry at the expense of the average Nigerian. And, by the way, have you people noticed that Abati who has a keen eye for detail regarding the Nigerian polity has curiously not thought it fit to comment one of the major scandals of the bumbling Obasanjo kleptocracy, namely, the scandal of money smuggling on a presidential plane involving "Andy" Ubah and Obasanjo Farms? posted on 02-09-2007, 16:12:23 PM AuspiciousHold your Horses!Oi, MrOneNaija!
Don't go hyperventilating over nothing again. It is this simple: Mr Reuben Abati does NOT own the Guardian. He does NOT dictate what must be published or not published. His position as Chairman does NOT empower him like Chairman Obasanjo to do as wished with the affairs of that private enterprise. Hence, he can NOT be singled out by Willy or anybody for that matter, for public ridicule! That, in my humble opinion is unfair! That is the issue here. That shouldn't be too much to grasp now, or is it? Auspicious. posted on 02-09-2007, 16:32:16 PM IgweRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Is the smuggling of hard currency in a presidential jet not part of the bolekaja presidency??? posted on 02-09-2007, 16:39:21 PM IgweRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)@ Auspicious:
You seem to be crying more than the berieved. You claim Abati "does NOT dictate what must be published or not published". Yet we are told he has the final word on what gets published on the op-ed. Well, it has been an open secret that if you want your article published in the Guardian, make sure you mention the name Abati in it, and generally in positive terms. This happens at least 6 times out of 10! posted on 02-09-2007, 16:53:48 PM Frisky LarrRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Dear Sir,
I have not read all your series on the Gbolekaja thing. But the 7th take, which I read today is very much unbalanced and one-sided, no matter the accuracy of the facts used. I hope I am getting it wrong that you see Atiku's conduct as proper and do not appreciate his contribution to the current ugly deterioration? You seem to focus solely or at best, mostly on the aspect of OBJ's misdeeds. With your reputation as a veteran as I have just read in your profile, dont you fear compromising objectivity? (Please no preaching on objectivity now. I know many will say there is nothing like objectivity in journalism. Please forget that quib)! I'll be very glad to read your responce Sir. I may have missed out on the full picture of your views on the issue. But I will emphasize that I respect Wole Soyinka's position, who says he is choosing to stay out of this debate particularly and not take sides to avoid offering any party some cheap weapons. Best regards Sir! posted on 02-09-2007, 17:11:24 PM WillyRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)QUOTE:
Abati does not determine what gets published 60% of the times, he determines it 100%. All Op-ed articles are approved by just him, even when it is written by the CEO. I say so because I know. The editorial board sits once a week to discuss editorial direction and not Op-ed page essays that are the exclusive preserve of the chairman. Mr. Ndibe is a paid columnist, not a journeyman, those that know the workings of any newspaper know that columnists have privileges that can only be withdrawn by extreme issues that may lead to severance of relationship, Okey Ndibe’s article did not have any new information, rather, it aggregated them for punch. That Abati’s bosses wanted to know the reason for not publishing said article for which he claimed legalese is pointer that he stands alone in that decision. Funny that he is permitted latitude in discharging his job, while he compromises the integrity of the newspaper. That Mr. Abati hid behind the mention of Agagu & Akala in his defense should raise more questions than answers when many know that Mr. Ndibe’s Thursday articles are eagerly awaited in Anambra state and by concerned Nigerians for his laser focus on Obasanjo/Uba perfidy That the man masquerading as Andy Uba in the pages of newspapers have approached many journalists and writers is common knowledge in the profession. That the man masquerading as Andy Uba in the pages of The Guardian is personally known to Mr. Abati yet he published that mess on leadership under a false name is a crying shame (I had teased in my comment to said article that Mr. Uba was yet to read it). That same man that was contracted by Ngige in his days but now working for Uba for pecuniary reasons has been charged to stem the tide of negative news around Mr. Uba is known to Abati’s employers is enough reason for him to thread softly. That Mr. Uba cares about Okey Ndibe’s writing in the papers and would do anything to stop negative newspaper articles including buying up all copies of an edition of The News (BTW, The News never republished the edition as promised) may embarrass The Guardian if they do not call Mr. Abati to order. We can not stare down The Guardian at this critical junction, rather, they should call Mr. Abati to order. posted on 02-09-2007, 17:22:02 PM AuspiciousIgwe's Criers of the Bereaved..Hi, Igwe:
Who is the crier and who is the bereaved? This is no bereaved and crying matter; it simply a case of me appealing to the good senses of people like yourself not to help spread what might be falsehood about others. As far as I am concerned, this is all 2nd-hand information being propagated around by people who should know better. We have not heard Mr. Ndibe personally complain to you or I or anybody else you know on this forum for that matter, that his last article was refused publication personally by Mr. Abati. It is therefore unfair of anyone to hold only Mr. Abati responsible for the rejection, based on some unfounded rumors (a.k.a. "open secret") that a Villager called Igwe picked up somewhere. Auspicious. posted on 02-09-2007, 17:45:18 PM AuspiciousWhere's the Glove?Willy, Igwe, ALL:
Well, what can I say? Even I am not 100% certain if Abati is guilty of that which you accuse him or not. He may be guilty, who knows? I simply have no idea. My position, however, is that people who make accusations must have have proof. If the gloves do not fit, you must aquit, said Johnny Cochran in defense of OJ Simpson. But this time around, we don't even have a 'glove' for Abati to try on!!! There is no proof here but some 100th-hand information that could well have been complete faslehood. Especially when we know such falsehood thrive so well in our society. Personally, I will have to be a mo-ron to believe a negative story about Reuben Abati from people like Willy, whose comments on this forum reveal deep-seated dislike for that man. Not once, not twice, but severally, have I witnessed Willy respond in a completely off-topic manner (like now) to some of Mr. Abati's articles on this medium. He leaves the topic entirely, no matter how important, for attacking Abati the person. That alone is enough for Willy's audience to wonder if his latest comments may have been informed by long-standing, deep-seated prejudice against Mr. Abati's person. Willy, it's ok. We know you may not be willing to reveal your sources as proof of your case against Mr. Abati. That's fine. But as long as you cannot prove it, you cannot accuse him of anything. It is as simple as that. PS: Has anyone written to The Guardian yet? Better The Guardian than protesting on the NVS, I'd think. Auspicious. posted on 02-09-2007, 18:17:10 PM IgweAuspi's glovesWriting seven long essays about a decripit presidency and not for once mentioning the smuggling of hard currency via the presidential jet doesn't rob as neutral. Now you can say that Abati could choose what to write. But while we were pondering that, an "essay" by the same man accused of the smuggling surfaced on the op-ed pages of the Guardian. Now is it difficult to put 2 and 2 together?
It's even more pathetic that this dubious character is being foisted on Ndianambra to continue to perpetrate the fraud he learnt from the bolekaja presidency. When you ignore such weighty issues while writing about a thoroughly discredited presidency, discerning minds cannot help asking questions and in the absence of convincing answers putting two and two together. This, I think, is what Willy has done and whether one likes Abati or not is irrelevant. posted on 02-09-2007, 18:54:16 PM GwobezentashiRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)As always, this series remains an interesting chronology and commentary on the state we are in. Abati tells his story lucidly. Others may choose a different emphasis but they all are part of a historical record and the analysis and opinions are coloured by their individual experiences and backgrounds.
The story is still unfolding and no doubt we shall see verse 8 and maybe 9 before lights out for the one who hits the canvass for the count. As lessons from the playground show, the child with the biggest stick does not necessarily win the fight. The williest does. QUOTE:
This story has been running for nearly 4 years that it is so easy to forget how it all began, who it was that was the source of most of the provocation, who took his personal quarrel public and who has exercised the most restraint? Who is using public facilities for personal gain? Needless to say, we dey wait for the sucker punch. As they say, the light at the end of the tunnel could be a fast oncoming train. Wham, Bang, Wallop! Lights out! Hurry up Turaki! Meanwhile watch out for the Owu left hook! It's caught many a napping. Many times they thought it was done and dusted but we all know that it is never over until it's really over. Could it be the case of the proverbial cat with 9 lives....? Aluta! Gwobezentashi posted on 02-09-2007, 19:28:38 PM WillyRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Mr. Abati,
You wrote not too long ago that Mrs. Etiaba lacked intergrity, and I quote you: When the crisis began, Mrs Etiaba had sworn to stand by her boss. She rejected the offer of the position of Governor. She promised that she will not support the illegal impeachment of her boss. "Governor Obi is my Governor and my boss will continue to be my boss and Governor. I am not a Governor and will not allow myself to be sworn in as the Governor", she reportedly said. But Mrs Etiaba has now gone back on her words. There have been many theories in the newspapers about this volte face, but I think what has suffered at all levels in the Anambra case is integrity. Mrs Etiaba should have remained loyal to her boss, through thick and thin. You went on to retail fictional imaginations of your mind citing phantom theories in newspapers that only you read though Saharareporters that is available to all is too hot for you (read full article: http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/articles/reuben-abati/a-trip-from-abuja-by-air.html) Maybe you will be gracious enough to apologize to the lady, not that Chuks Iloegbunam's series did not ask that of you earlier. Etiaba Hands Over From Emeka Osundu in Awka, 02.10.2007 http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=70189 Following yesterday’s unanimous ruling upholding the decision of the Awka High Court decision nullifying his impeachment as governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi finally reclaimed his seat by taking over from Dame Virgy Etiaba, who served as Governor of the state, since his controversial removal from office. Obi arrived Government House Awka at about 2.20pm in the company of party faithful and chieftains, including the leader of the party, Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh. As soon as he alighted from the vehicle amidst resounding applause from the crowd, Governor Obi walked into the central wing of the complex housing the Governor’s office with Ojuwku and Umeh and a handful of other chieftains. They met with Governor Etiaba for close to one hour before the emotion-laden handover ceremony began at the Council Chambers. National Chairman of APGA, Umeh recalled the controversial event that led to Obi’s sudden ouster from office by a faction of the State House of Assembly, which led the party’s hierarchy to prevail on Obi’s then deputy, Etiaba to allow herself to be sworn-in as governor, so as not to allow vacuum in governance of the state. This was done to allow Obi elbow room to seek redress of the matter in the courts. Umeh, therefore expressed gratitude that Obi’s controversial impeachment has been nullified by the court, and expressed gratitude that Etiaba had fulfilled their expectations by holding fort as a party faithful, adding that since the obstacle on Obi’s way to the seat had been cleared by the court Etiaba was ready to formally hand over the reigns of governance of the state to him. “You know that we in APGA are members of one family, and we do things together and mostly as expressed in the law of the land. We are here to obey that court (Appeal Court) order which directed that Obi should be reinstated in office as governor without delay. We had since been working with Governor Etiaba through proper agreement and she has not breached any of our agreement. And now without any pressure, she is willingly going to hand over the mantle of leadership of the state to Governor Obi whom she had always referred to as her boss. We commend her for all her efforts in piloting the affairs of the state creditably”, the visibly elated Umeh said. Etiaba, who remained calm and solemn throughout the occasion had while performing the handover expressed her gratitude to God, the people of the state, her party, APGA and the entire workforce of the state for the cooperation she had received from them while the impasse of Obi’s impeachment saga lasted. She maintained that “following the impeachment of His Excellency, Mr. Obi on the 2nd of November 2006, and my subsequent swearing-in on the 3rd of November 2006 and the Awka High Court judgment on 28th of December 2006, as well as today’s Court of Appeal judgment in Enugu, the circumstance that brought in this government is no longer in existence. So, once more, I take the back seat. May God continue to Bless Anambra State”. Obi called for a sober reflection, stressing that the court verdict should be seen as an opportunity “for all of us to join hands together and continue the process of rebuilding our dear state, especially in terms of repairing the negative perception it has in the eyes of Nigerians and the world.” He continued: “I thank the judiciary for its unalloyed commitment to the development of our democracy. You will agree with me that the judiciary remains the only institution among the three arms of government that has mostly continued to carry out its responsibilities according to the dictates of the Constitution. “I urge the other realms of government to emulate the judiciary as we work together for the deepening of our democracy. “May we be finally reminded that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on us tomorrow. The sooner we put a stop to abusing the polity, the better it will be for all of us. Thank you again, and may God bless us all.” posted on 02-09-2007, 21:13:34 PM AnonRe: A Bolekaja Presidency (7)Willy,
Just a thought... maybe you know Okey personally hence all the insider information about why his article did not get published. I must confess I'm not a huge Abati fan myself, and so it is easier for me to want to cast aspersions on him. However I hesitate to do so for the sake of objectivity and other personal reasons. Besides the last time I checked, Abati answers to the respected and erudite Emeka Izeze who is the MD at Guardian. If Okey has a problem why can he not go straight to Emeka Izeze who has more control over Ruben and what happens at Guardian? Why should we complaining on this thread about Okey's fight with Ruben? If as you suggest, Ruben decides what gets published and what does not, are you now saying Izeze is simply a figure head that has little or nothing to do with what goes on at the paper? Ndibe is old and wise enough to know how to channel his grievances. My only concern with Ndibe's articles are not merely their single minded focus on issues. It is the fact that even with those issues there are little or no analysis in whatever he writes and oh boy, does he like to quote Sowore verbatim sometimes to belabor a point. Despite my admiration for Sowore's work, I tend not to believe everything they write hook, line and sinker. Yet Ndibe as a Prof and Researcher has no problem quoting them as authoritatively as if he conducted the research, interviews, and investigation along with them. That is where one can argue that his objectivity gets thrown out the window time and time again! Comments Page: 1 2 |
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