Most have followed with amazement the fast developing Nigerian political climate and the constant ability of its government to reach new depths of mesmerisation. But more fundamental to this is some growing realisation that General Obasanjo sold Nigeria a dummy.  A dummy being one that hears not, speaks not and reveals very little. It is within a proper contextualisation of these claims that I would usefully expose and develop the points I wish to make in this article. For it is beginning to appear to me late in the day that President  Umaru Yar’Adua was imposed upon us not because of his ability to transform Nigeria but more for the opportunity to wrong foot and outwit  the then Vice President Atiku.

An article that usefully amplifies this point, published on 06 April 2007 in the Voice of America website, titled  ‘Umaru Yar’Adua: The Man Tipped to Become Nigeria’s Next President’ by Sarah Simpson, encapsulates dummy dilemma I am alluding to:

“Critics of Yar'Adua say that he does not have the strength of character to dominate an unruly nation like Nigeria, and that he was chosen to enable the outgoing president to retain the reigns of power after his own departure.

Chief among the critics is Vice President, who is currently battling in court to get his name back on the presidential ballot as a candidate, here speaking at a recent press conference.

"It is your right to freely choose your leaders, but this time you must be careful of which leaders you choose.  Nobody can take that away from you," said Abubakar.  "Nobody should foist a leader on you, nobody should foist a leader on you, particularly somebody you do not know and who does not know you."

Abubakar accuses President Obasanjo of using the Nigerian courts and electoral ……..

While his older brother worked alongside Mr. Obasanjo, Yar'Adua was a chemistry teacher at his local polytechnic.

But he has long been active in politics, and for the last eight years, he has been governor of Katsina State, where he has adopted Islamic Sharia Law. In total, 12 northern Nigerian states have adopted Sharia since 1999.

………………"I would like to see that I have a government that is trusted and credible and that can be so, if we have proper respect for law and order - in other words the rule of law is placed in an exulted position."

Yar'Adua had to abandon campaigning for several days last month when he was flown to Germany for medical treatment relating to a long-standing kidney problem. Party insiders said it was a routine check-up.

Opponents pounced on it as another sign of weakness in a man seeking to take on one of the most challenging jobs in African politics.”

In the past I have argued that the complexity of governance so overwhelms this President to the extent that he offers Nigeria little hope for progress. He is haunted by his origins, rooted in electoral malpractices and to a degree, the illegitimate imposition by President OBJ and of course his sad history of chronic ill health. 

It occurs to me, that commiserations and prayers could have been mobilized for a President, undergoing surgical procedures in a far away land if the truth had been revealed. However, the decision of his handlers to sell and sprout out dummies left, right, and everywhere makes a straight forward situation that of a complexity. They have indeed contrived to make a drama out of what should be the routine.

Let us now examine the circumstances that makes this article appear scathing in its analysis. I point to the Nigerian Guardian of 4^th of September 2008 where the information minister states:

"Like I informed you the last time the President went, he left here, he informed us that he was going for lesser hajj. Of course that is true. Today (yesterday) also, we inquired from the Vice President who has been in touch with him. They also spoke yesterday (Tuesday) and by the close of work today (Wednesday) we will also confirm his schedule when he will come back and obviously I will inform you accordingly."

On the alleged mismanagement of information on the president's health by officials, Odey said:

"I don't think there is any delay of information because I informed you the very day the President travelled from here. A week after, I also informed you and a few days ago, I reiterated the same statements that I made that the President travelled to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj. And yesterday (Tuesday), the Vice President was in touch with him on phone and by the close of work today (Wednesday), we will be able to confirm to you his schedule and when he will return to the country."

Initial reports also points to the President’s spokesman, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi who had earlier announced that the trip to Saudi Arabia was to enable the President perform the lesser hajj.

This gives one the impression of charade upon charade and as I have indicated before,  whilst lots of commentators have provided their own take, spin or in depth analysis few in my view have been so compelling enough to present a coherent narrative that places the complexities these government faces on a daily basis and the paralysis it induces.

For I dare suggest that the longer this charade continues about the President’s health the more it lays open the possibility of considerations of the Federal Executive Council invoking Section 144 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution which states:

“The President or Vice-President shall cease to hold office, if -

(a) by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of all the members of the executive council of the Federation it is declared that the President or Vice-President is incapable of discharging the functions of his office; and

(b) the declaration is verified, after such medical examination as may be necessary, by a medical panel established under subsection (4) of this section in its report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(2) Where the medical panel certifies in the report that in its opinion the President or Vice-President is suffering from such infirmity of body or mind as renders him permanently incapable of discharging the functions of his office, a notice thereof signed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation.

The choice is open to this President, his salesman and his handlers, start treating Nigerians as adults, reveal the whole truth and nothing but the truth or allow the constitutional consequences to take its course.

I conclude by stating that in this article and as in others am more convinced of a role for others and myself to highlight tensions that exist with the policy-makers, i.e. between us as seekers after truth and the holders of power.  I refuse and am unable to remain on the sidelines as Nigeria is made to look like a banana republic due to the incompetence of the President’s handlers. For our ‘silences’ would only seek to do the following:

‘to justify and legitimize power, to stand ‘in metaphorical exile’ as a witness against power. 

However I seek to use this opportunity of this lacuna to act as a constructive critic and I say so help me God’.[1]

The writer, is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Robot  Villager

# 1 Most have followed with amazement the fast developing Nigerian political climate and the constant ab...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 05.09.2008 02:11

allaccess  Villager

# 2 repetitive materials talking about leadership and throwing blame at insignificant mediocre. Misplaced priorities come to mind again, and again. we are wasting our PHD degrees channeling our efforts in the wrong direction over and over again. The problem of Nigeria is Nigerians; OBJ is one man, UMYA is one man - if Nigerians don't want to be ruled by this cabal it wont happen. I cannot see these individuals allowed to reign free in many countries. you should ask yourself why Nigerian continue to tolerate rubbish thrown at them. citizen responsibilities man, please!!! Posted by allaccess| 05.09.2008 06:18

denker  Villager

# 3 if Nigerians don't want to be ruled by this cabal it wont happen. allaccess, who are dis nigerians and where are dis nigerians...your post at #2 remains wat it is; absolute error perception -literally the philosophical/psychological aspect of it! Posted by denker| 05.09.2008 06:45

employlawone  Villager

# 4 repetitive materials talking about leadership and throwing blame at insignificant mediocre. Misplaced priorities come to mind again, and again. we are wasting our PHD degrees channeling our efforts in the wrong direction over and over again. Good response, it would be helpful if you could also usefully outline a solution, repetitive or otherwise. I learnt that hearing comes by hearing and hearing all over again. I have attempted to lay out a solution,that of the FEC, not one person rising up to their responsibilities as per the 1999 constitution. I am less concerned about your reference to 'Ph.Ds, am rather concerned that I may have been to mean to a very sick man who needs our prayer at this time. Posted by employlawone| 05.09.2008 06:48

FoxCatcher  Villager

# 5 Olu, This is a good suggestion. H/e, do you think the Northern members of the FEC would agree to do so; esp as this would mean Goodluck would become the main beneficiary of the process? Again, I doubt the PDP as currently constituted would back such a move. Unfortunately, we have been saddled with a lame duck President that the current political calculus cannot allow to be dislodged. UMYA's only exit from that seat now appears to be the great beyond. I join you in wishing him a speedy recovery on a personal level, but commisserate with an hapless nation whose pilot appears more concerned with coping with effects of a major 'coronary' than navigating his passengers to a safe haven. Ciao Posted by FoxCatcher| 05.09.2008 08:18

employlawone  Villager

# 6 Thanks Sean, This is a very helpful contribution. Highly classified information reaching me today suggests that the President needs our prayers, it is indeed very serious is all I can say. I fear that the characters in PDP and the FEC may not be able to present an obstacle should the President's incapacity and continued incanceration in Saudi Arabia becomes a prolonged feature. Nature, even, Nigeria abhors vacum. Posted by employlawone| 05.09.2008 08:46

lumumba  Villager

# 7 =employlawone;4295093916>Thanks Sean, This is a very helpful contribution. Highly classified information reaching me today suggests that the President needs our prayers, it is indeed very serious is all I can say. I fear that the characters in PDP and the FEC may not be able to present an obstacle should the President's incapacity and continued incanceration in Saudi Arabia becomes a prolonged feature. Nature, even, Nigeria abhors vacum. If the "president" is seriously ill, he should do himself, and all of us a favor by getting off the stage and take care of himself. In the 80's, I believe, Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia spent 9 months in a French hospital while still ruling the country. He eventually died. I do not think God will answer any prayers for anyone that toys with the destiny of a people. Who knows, this may be another opportunity for a serious rethink on the part of the politicians and activists on what needs to be done to get out of this merry-go-round. The vagabonds in power are always one up while we are concerned about the "person." So, where does this leave us? The outcome I am about to suggest is a no brainer: 1: UMYA will somehow overcome and return and try to hold on till 2011. 2: UMYA may die and the Constitutional provisons will be applied only to give time for #3. 3: The Supreme Court will overturn his election and ask the Senate president to organise new elections within 90 days. All of these are obvious---the change in military command structure and the "reorganisation" in Aso Rock are pointers. And throw in the call for an ING. All of these are still begging the question. The vagabonds in power are adept at these types of manipulation. Those of us not in tandem with them ought to have our own counter-strategies. The amorality of 2007 is our main weapon. We should use it. The internet has its limited uses. Thank you. Posted by lumumba| 05.09.2008 12:44

10Kobo  Villager

# 8 =employlawone;4295093916>Thanks Sean, This is a very helpful contribution. Highly classified information reaching me today suggests that the President needs our prayers, it is indeed very serious is all I can say. I fear that the characters in PDP and the FEC may not be able to present an obstacle should the President's incapacity and continued incanceration in Saudi Arabia becomes a prolonged feature. Nature, even, Nigeria abhors vacum. Olu, The 'bolded parts' refers. Before you can make this prediction (or assertion) l wonder if you took into consideration, the "eternally selfish and corrupt nature" of our politico-rulers? Pray ask yourself, "what was the main reason for hiding the nature of the Presidents illness ab-initio"? Forgive me if l am acting strange by answering my own question but the obvious answer stems from Greed, corruption and most importantly, to "maintain the status-quo", by self-perpetuation! Secondly, ask again, why were the service chiefs, hurriedly changed, even in the middle of a "critical medical emergency" being undergone by the President, so much so that till date, the newly promoted officers are yet to be decorated? Once again, monkey like me, l will jump to the answer :D...: re-alignment of loyalty and solidifying the Power-base so as to ensure perpetuation in power. It would have made sense for the President to see to his health first and then come back to the "Armed Forces juggling" if need be, rather than litter the whole place with "undecorated" service chiefs...but the amount of urgency and hurry-hurry that went into the whole exercise points only in one direction! :cool: Thirdly, we dont need to consult a crystal ball to understand why UMYA did not handover to his VeePee, as enshrined in the nations constitution, if he were to be outside the country for a prolonged period (like on vacation) or ill, for that matter. That the constitution has been flagrantly sidelined, in a government that sings "Rule o flaw" and "due Process" like its a Christmas Carole, is beyond calculation. So, Bro, before you start acting very optimistic, :cool: check the facts on ground properly. Anyway, wonders never seem to stop to rear that ugly head in this entity called Naija :D Cheers. 10Kobo Posted by 10Kobo| 05.09.2008 13:00

Bode Eluyera  In Purgatory

# 9 I have said it OVER and OVER that THERE IS NO NORTHERNER WITH THE BRAINS TO RULE NIGERIA 'SUCCESSFULLY.' ALL THEY ARE CAPABLE OF DOING IS TO PLAN COUPS, MISMANAGE, EMBEZZLE AND MASSACRE NIGERIANS. Yaradua has proved me right again!!! YARADUA IS EVEN WORSE THAN SHAGARI!!! THESE HAUSAS/FULANIS HAVE BECOME PERPETUAL LIABILITY, PARASITE AND BURDEN ON THE SOUTH. I wrote in part 4/5 of my series titled "One Nigeria: To be or not to be?" that we will continue to be ruled by INCOMPETENT, CORRUPT, VISIONLESS AND MORALLY BANKRUPT RETIRED NORTHERN CRIMINAL OFFICERS AND CIVILIANS LIKE IBB, GOWON, BUHARI, SHAGARI, ABACHA, MURTALA, ABUBAKAR AND YARADUA AT LEAST FOIR THE NEXT 25 YEARS. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO GET RID OF THESE PEOPLE NOW!!! WE ARE DOOMED WITH THESE PEOPLE!!! THEY ARE NOT CONTRIBUTING ANYTHING, BUT INSTEAD ARE HOLDING US DOWN. NO TO ANY NIGER DELTA SUMMIT/COMMITTEE!!! YES TO NATIONAL REFERENDUM!!! YES TO THE BREAK UP OF NIGERIA WITHOUT THOSE PARASITES FROM THE NORTH!!! Posted by Bode Eluyera| 05.09.2008 16:03

employlawone  Villager

# 10 Thirdly, we dont need to consult a crystal ball to understand why UMYA did not handover to his VeePee, as enshrined in the nations constitution, if he were to be outside the country for a prolonged period (like on vacation) or ill, for that matter. That the constitution has been flagrantly sidelined, in a government that sings "Rule o flaw" and "due Process" like its a Christmas Carole, is beyond calculation. I found your contribution very pointed and useful. It is very clear that the President never fufilled the constitutional provision as envisaged in 1999 Constitution below: 145. Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the Vice-President as Acting President. The reason is quite obvious, this is a government that thrives on lies, deciet and much more besides, this is further proven by the fact that he had the presence of mind to sack the service chiefs but not to write to the Senate President? I continue to pray!! Posted by employlawone| 05.09.2008 16:45

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