Some years back a social critic had argued forcefully that Nigeria was held hostage by three 'A': Ajaokuta, the Army and Abuja. Ajaokuta because the steel complex we have been building there in many years has turned out to be a white elephant project that has guzzled up billions of naira with little or no positive result to show for it. Every regime, military or civilian, that came in threw some more money to the direction of Ajaokuta but the gigantic steel project made sure it outlived each and everyone of them. Today little or nothing is heard of Ajaokuta. But millions of dollars must have ended up in private pockets as the Obasanjo power project succeeded only in producing darkness and hundreds of billionaire-contractors. The Nigerian Army because the likes of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and late Sani Abacha thought it politico-economically expedient exploiting the goodwill of Nigerians to mount coup d'etat after coup d'etat embezzling billions of naira in the process while pretending to be working towards societal evolution. If we put up the rough estimates of the huge fiscal resources these devious Generals stole the conclusion could easily be drawn that they only came to arrest our collective development while helping themselves and their cronies to deplete the national patrimony.

The Federal Capital Territory of Abuja was included because ever since the idea for the transfer of the federal capital city from Lagos to Abuja was mooted Abuja has never ceased to produce one land scandal after another. No Minister of the Territory has ever finished his term in office without some land allocation heist trailing his stewardship. The Nigerian petro-dollars has hugely been expended to make Abuja what it is today: a glittering glamorous city but one hell of a place where politicians have been dancing naked to the music of greed and self-aggrandizement of the worst order. While the Niger Delta region suffers from callous neglect and underdevelopment that stand as a historic injustice billions and billions of dollars are spent to continue developing Abuja infrastructurally and otherwise. Besides the politicians of the ruling party, the PDP hue, congregate there to share among themselves, sometimes at wee hours of the night, the national resources unevenly, leaving the rest of us (including one Dr Reuben Abati) to scream blue murder or exclaim our opprobrium. It is no longer news that recently SaharaReporters had reported exclusively that parcels of land were handed out to Mrs Farida Waziri, Chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other prominent Nigerians including surprisingly some top Nigerian media editors including Dr Reuben Abati, the Editorial Board Chairman of the Guardian newspapers, Bayo Onanuga of TheNews magazine, Bala Dan Abu of Newswatch, the Insider Weekly Osa Director, Ibrahim Sheme of Leadership, Garba Deen Muhammad of the Weekly Trust and the amiable Publisher of the Source magazine Ms Comfort Obi by the FCT Ministry. SaharaReporters equally alleged that Mrs Waziri did withdraw illegally from the EFCC's accounts the whooping sum of "75 million Naira" with which she bribed the media men by way of hosting them to a bash. This was aimed at winning over the patronage of the pressmen and women. Since Femi Babafemi, the EFCC image-maker, has not yet posted a rejoinder or rebuttal we can safely assume the story to be right.

What is perhaps news is that quite unlike Bayo Onanuga and Comfort Obi (who have both risen in defence of their involvement) Dr Reuben Abati has maintained a studied silence refusing to tell his own side of the story. This unelegant unhelpful position of his has left his critics and admirers enough room for speculation. Article after article week after week in the cyberworld -- all anti-Abati -- the editorial Chair of the Guardian has remained aloof setting off some troubling rumour mill in his disfavour. Among his peers, nationally and internationally, Abati commands certain respect. He is held in high esteem for his muted radicalism, greatness of mind and expressed inimitable illuminated ideas. In each of his published essay he sought to pass the message across in lucid prose leaving no one confused as to his direction or position. He is a damn good write no doubt! His articles published in the Nigerian Guardian newspaper on weekends (Friday and Sunday) and simultaneously online are read widely at home and abroad. His unique style of hitting the nail on the head and calling a spade a spade is well appreciated by not a few. This progressive literary attitude has endeared the Abeokuta-born senior journalist to many readers. In some quarters Dr Abati is seen rightly or wrongly as an icon in the mould of the bombed late Dele Giwa or the murdered Godwin Agbroko. And in some others he is seen as not going the whole hog for fear of being given the treatment these late colleagues of his suffered. Yet some hard critics question his 'over-rated journalistic ego' declaring that whilst he is good at what he does for a living he has lately been reduced to a spectator in the honour list of best columnists as greater minds (like Louis Odion and Sam Omatseye) were recognised officially as the best columnists in Nigeria in the last years.

It would be recalled that recently when the Nigerian professional scammers hacked into the email account of Dr Abati using same unscrupulously to send out fraudulent letters soliciting for cash to help out Dr Abati's phantom daughter in distress Dr Abati got wind of that and denounced it majestically and vehemently. Before any material harm could be exerted on his well-wishers he rose to nip the 419 fraud in the bud. This time around one wonders why the Abuja land exposé is not giving our dear Reuben a sleepless night given the fact that it is more damaging and more important than the previous scam?

How much, for Christ's sake, does a piece of land or a plot of land cost in Abuja? Does Abati have the financial resources (acquirred over the years through a dint of hardwork surely) to pay for one in an exhorbitant Abuja of all places? Or do we take it home that what he received is an illicit largesse from official quarters to silence him or compromise his strong takes on national issues? These certainly are some of the unanswered posers that only Reuben Abati can provide satisfactory answers to. Sadly it appears he is not favourably disposed to answering back his adversaries. But the sooner he does the better for his hard-earned reputation and bloated ego.

In Nigeria we often encounter or witness moral crusaders like the intrepid journalists buckle under the influence of corruption or the brown envelope syndrome. While national interest often clashed with personal interest with the latter prevailing in most instances the average Nigerian journalist is sometimes exposed as a hypocrite who used his/her acidic attacks against the establishment as a steppingstone to fame, riches or power.

During the Abacha demented despotism some of these pen pushers served the dark-goggled one diligently even becoming turn-coats. And during the Babangida dictatorship many members of the fourth estate of the realm were demystified. Some unlucky ones had their images dented forever. And during the Obasanjo barely disguised civilian tyranny some professional journalists became slaves to Babacracy justifying every Babaic barbarism in the name of democracy. We know them and they know themselves!

Before we crucify Dr Abati however we must seek to hear him out, to understand better his apparent arrogance and silence. Since it if often said that silence is golden it is a thing to wonder whether this time around it does apply here. Dr Abati, with all due respect, must consider striking at the heart of the land controversy as he struck diligently when the scammers messed his private email account up. He must strive to strike with the same vigour, the same vibrancy lest the theory of hypocrisy was advanced.

If he fails to do so soon prefering instead the road to moral Golgotha then the conclusion could well be drawn definitively that SaharaReporters are somewhat right and Reuben Abati and his co-accused top editors are somewhat wrong in the Abuja land grab scam. It is not too late for him to clarify issues and put the record straight and the matter to rest. But time will never vindicate him if he opts for the maintenance of an undignified silence in the face of it all.

In the final analysis the prolific pen or keyboard behind a great international commentator, Dr Reuben Abati, is progressively being demystified. The unravelling is happening at a wrong time in our national history when patriotism is mostly becoming a scarce virtue or commodity. But then I hasten to add that that is the human nature. For it is in the human nature to err and in the divine to forgive. But here on earth where the iniquity of man has systematically progressed there should not be forgiveness if the omission or commission is not apportioned or appropriated.

Dr Reuben Abati looms large ostensibly in the public consciousness but this reality does not guarantee, in my humble estimation, any immunity from the public trial he is now facing, nor should that constitute itself into an insurance or obstacle as it were against constructive upbraiding for any wrongdoing. While no one is pronouncing him guilty yet he stands condemned in the public opinion unless he mounts the poduim to tell us something we do not know which he knows about the Abuja land he owns or does not own. SOC Okenwa

soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr

Robot  # 1 | 24.01.2009 21:39

Some years back a social critic had argued forcefully that Nigeria was held hostage by three 'A': Ajaokuta, the Army and Abuja. Ajaokuta because the steel complex we have been building there in many years has turned out to be a white elephant project that has guzzled up billions of naira with little or no positive result to show for it. Every regime, military or civilian, that came in threw some more money to the direction of Ajaokuta but the gigantic steel project made sure it outlived each and everyone of them. Today little or nothing is heard of Ajaokuta. But millions of dollars must have ended up in private pockets as the Obasanjo power project succeeded only in producing darkness and hundreds of billionaire-contractors. The Nigerian Army because the likes of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and late Sani Abacha thought it politico-economically expedient exploiting the goodwill of Nigerians to mount coup d'etat after coup d'etat embezzling billions of naira in the process while preten...Read the full article.

only1integrity  # 2 | 25.01.2009 03:49

THESE ATTACKS ON ABATI ARE UNSUSTAINABLE These relentless but sadly unjustified attacks on Abati remind me of childhood. On arriving back from school in the afternoon, my mother was always in the habit of looking through my bag. On a particular day her fury was immediately engaged on sighting a pencil in my bag because neither of my parents bought me the pencil. It belonged to another child, though it was accidentally brought home. She was annoyed because I could not afford to buy one and since neither of my parents gave it to me I could have stolen it! This is particularly relevant because it is generally agreed even by this author and other Abati critics that his income can justify or support the purchase of a plot of land in Abuja. What then are all these attacks about? Is Abati a child that he must be called to give account of any or all of his possessions? Aside, most of his critics inclusive of this particular author are judgemental about the views they hold about Abati. You all are far from being an objective bystander, you already formed and hold your opinion of Abati regardless of any defence he might want to make. Someone used the word ‘grab’ which is repeated in this article, you have used the word ‘arrogant’, one other sarcastically ask, how much land does Abati need? (Suggesting that Abati is just grabbing parcels of land everywhere). Biased, that is what you all are, and perhaps a bit of jealousy. Abati being a frequent international traveller will be called upon someday to come and give account of the sources of his funding for such frequent travelling abroad, not only that, because he has a posh car, he must have been compromised! What a pedestrian way of reasoning. You may want to do your research properly before putting pen on paper. What is the threshold of the income of a top Nigerian editor? How much does it cost to buy a parcel of land in Abuja directly from government? What other sources of income is open to Abati? You really don’t expect Abati to come and disclose all these sensitive information, do you? Let it be known to you all Abati critics that is far more cheaper and economical to buy a parcel of land directly from the government than buy in the open market. A very objective mind will give Abati credit for buying directly from government.

Tunde meee  # 3 | 25.01.2009 06:50

=only1integrity;317523>THESE ATTACKS ON ABATI ARE UNSUSTAINABLE These relentless but sadly unjustified attacks on Abati remind me of childhood. On arriving back from school in the afternoon, my mother was always in the habit of looking through my bag. On a particular day her fury was immediately engaged on sighting a pencil in my bag because neither of my parents bought me the pencil. It belonged to another child, though it was accidentally brought home. She was annoyed because I could not afford to buy one and since neither of my parents gave it to me I could have stolen it! This is particularly relevant because it is generally agreed even by this author and other Abati critics that his income can justify or support the purchase of a plot of land in Abuja. What then are all these attacks about? Is Abati a child that he must be called to give account of any or all of his possessions? Aside, most of his critics inclusive of this particular author are judgemental about the views they hold about Abati. You all are far from being an objective bystander, you already formed and hold your opinion of Abati regardless of any defence he might want to make. Someone used the word ‘grab’ which is repeated in this article, you have used the word ‘arrogant’, one other sarcastically ask, how much land does Abati need? (Suggesting that Abati is just grabbing parcels of land everywhere). Biased, that is what you all are, and perhaps a bit of jealousy. Abati being a frequent international traveller will be called upon someday to come and give account of the sources of his funding for such frequent travelling abroad, not only that, because he has a posh car, he must have been compromised! What a pedestrian way of reasoning. You may want to do your research properly before putting pen on paper. What is the threshold of the income of a top Nigerian editor? How much does it cost to buy a parcel of land in Abuja directly from government? What other sources of income is open to Abati? You really don’t expect Abati to come and disclose all these sensitive information, do you? Let it be known to you all Abati critics that is far more cheaper and economical to buy a parcel of land directly from the government than buy in the open market. A very objective mind will give Abati credit for buying directly from government. 1. Did your mum ask where you got the pencil from? If yes, that is exactly what commentators are doing now to RA 2.How did you manage to get your mum out of her mystery? Was it by keeping quiet? NO, I am sure, because an African parent would beat the hell out of you. Most likely you explained that it belongs to a friend,which is exactly the opportunity we are giving RA!! Chikena You made an error of judgement in thinking that every critic on RA's land issue are judgemental which I read as biased. Most of us are rather his admirers who wants him always at his best. All we require of him is a logical explanation on the issue. Nothing more and nothing less

nijalaw  # 4 | 25.01.2009 09:06

It would be recalled that recently when the Nigerian professional scammers hacked into the email account of Dr Abati using same unscrupulously to send out fraudulent letters soliciting for cash to help out Dr Abati's phantom daughter in distress Dr Abati got wind of that and denounced it majestically and vehemently. Before any material harm could be exerted on his well-wishers he rose to nip the 419 fraud in the bud. This time around one wonders why the Abuja land exposé is not giving our dear Reuben a sleepless night given the fact that it is more damaging and more important than the previous scam? Good point. As far as I am concerned he has lost my respect by not deeming it fit to react. His articles since the issue came up are meaningless.

LAN  # 5 | 25.01.2009 10:36

that parcels of land were handed out to Mrs Farida Waziri, Chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other prominent Nigerians including surprisingly some top Nigerian media editors including Dr Reuben Abati, the Editorial Board Chairman of the Guardian newspapers "were handed out", "surprisingly": these are words I don't like, this writer was paid to do this job. This is exactly the confusion SR intended to create in the minds of the people. The writer, just like others before him was commissioned to write this piece. Everyone in his right sense knows that there is no crime to buy Land in this Nigeria. If RA is not forthcoming with any response, we can ask SR to provide evidence. So far, everything has been theorised, no evidence. SR should come out with evidence how money exchanged hands for payments for the plots. And also, the Modibo's story that was bought. Abi SaharaReporter ti sun ni? Libel! Libel!! Libel!!! dangling on your neck

aguabata  # 6 | 25.01.2009 11:07

my contacts have told me that cost of land in good areas of Abuja would go for nothing less than 45million Naira. How much does Abati earn? The more important question is, 'can a rich farmer from Gboko bid a higher amount for that land and get it?

ajimoh  # 7 | 25.01.2009 11:56

=LAN;317587> Abi SaharaReporter ti sun ni? Libel! Libel!! Libel!!! dangling on your neck LAN, Some of us have been reading with measures of amusements your position and staunch defence of Reuben Abati. You and your ilk are entitled to your positions. If you, your sponsors, principal and co-travellers are so misguided & legally misconceived to want to issues proceedings for libel, why don't you do so without further delay. If you issue in the UK, please address your letters, etc and court papers to: <attention of Mr A B Jimoh> Sovereign Solicitors & Partners (LLP) 17-21 George Street Croydon CR0 1LA Telephone 020 86868463 Fax 020 86868568 DX 2604: Croydon If you want to issue in the USA, I am sure you know the correspondence address for saharareporters. If you want to issue in Nigeria, let us know and we will revert to you with a receiving law firm out there.

only1integrity  # 8 | 25.01.2009 11:58

Tunde Meee: 1. Abati is not a child, which is exactly what am saying, his earnings are more than sufficient to buy a plot of land. I don’t expect any body to question him or put him on trial for buying a parcel of land. 2. If you are one of his admirers, you will give him the benefit of the doubt (even though there ought to be no reasonable doubt). You should be happy for him. Aguabata: 1. Your source of information is being economical with the truth. Assuming without conceding you are correct; 45 million naira is not too much money in contemporary Nigeria that Abati cannot afford. 2. It is arguably that Guardian is one of the foremost Newspapers in Nigeria; Abati by now will be involved in profit sharing that is apart from his basic income. Abati is also a Consultant and once an Academic (am not sure if he is still involved in academics). I trust you would imagine Abati is not earning peanuts.

VOR  # 9 | 25.01.2009 12:33

Thanks jare Ajimoh! Oh how I wish they will press on with a libel suit, then gongo a really so and kutuku a really wu!:biggrin: Infact, I dare them! nonsense:rolleyes: =ajimoh;317602>LAN, Some of us have been reading with measures of amusements at your position and staunch defence of Reuben Abati. You and your ilk are entitled to your positions. If you, your sponsors, principal and co-travellers are so misguided & legally misconceived to want to issues proceedings for libel, why don't you do so without further delay. If you issue in the UK, please address your letters, etc and court papers to: <attention of Mr A B Jimoh> Sovereign Solicitors & Partners (LLP) 17-21 George Street Croydon CR0 1LA Telephone 020 86868463 Fax 020 86868568 DX 2604: Croydon If you want to issue in the USA, I am sure you know the correspondence address for saharareporters. If you want to issue in Nigeria, let us know and we will revert to you with a receiving law firm out there.

nijalaw  # 10 | 25.01.2009 12:59

=LAN;317587>that parcels of land were handed out to Mrs Farida Waziri, Chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other prominent Nigerians including surprisingly some top Nigerian media editors including Dr Reuben Abati, the Editorial Board Chairman of the Guardian newspapers "were handed out", "surprisingly": these are words I don't like, this writer was paid to do this job. This is exactly the confusion SR intended to create in the minds of the people. The writer, just like others before him was commissioned to write this piece. Everyone in his right sense knows that there is no crime to buy Land in this Nigeria. If RA is not forthcoming with any response, we can ask SR to provide evidence. So far, everything has been theorised, no evidence. SR should come out with evidence how money exchanged hands for payments for the plots. And also, the Modibo's story that was bought. Abi SaharaReporter ti sun ni? Libel! Libel!! Libel!!! dangling on your neck LAN you are contradictory with the statements I have underlined. The onus is on you to now prove this writer & others were paid. You are jumbling SR expose just like in one of your posts on another article.Find below exactly what SR detailed on their website regarding the land issue. An FCT official told Saharareporters that all ministerial approvals derive from land applications. Two of the editors we contacted stressed the same point. Still, an official at the EFCC familiar with details of Modibbo’s corrupt deals told Saharareporters that the former minister's decision to allocate lands to Mrs. Waziri alongside top newspaper editors was done to ensure that the transaction was not reported – and that Modibbo’s extensive scams at the FCT were covered up. On receiving the list, we contacted Comfort Obi, publisher of the SOURCE and a member of the Police Service Commission (PSC), a body that recently dismissed former EFCC chairman Nuhu Ribadu from the police. Ms. Obi told our reporter that she got land alongside other editors by applying for it, noting that there was nothing unusual about it. She also said some editors got land allocations in Abuja two years before her crew got theirs. Also, Mr. Bayo Onanuga of TheNEWS told Saharareporters that he purchased the land in Abuja legitimately like every other Nigerian, and that he paid for it. He further told our reporter that the former minister did not give land to any editor for free, underlining that some of the editors had a difficult time putting the money together for their allocations. SR provided as evidence the list that was duly approved by the Director of Lands in the FCT. Two of the editors confirmed that they indeed were allocated the plots but that they paid for it themselves. At no point in time did SR allege that the plots were exchanged as bribe or money was given by the FG to the editors so they could pay for the plots. Did it not seem strange that over 5 journalists were ministerially allocated land along with the EFCC chair on the same day, their names were even on the same page. It is no crime to buy land in Nigeria but to get a ministerial allocation for land in Abuja is not child's play & involves some high wire hustling & politics; in the process anything goes.

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