President Obasanjo’s Score Board 

      It looks like because most Nigerians are resilient, they forget so hastily. Otherwise, how could people think that President Obasanjo (OBJ) would be infallible? Perhaps, many Nigerians are inept or they just naturally prefer to prevaricate. Indeed, a perfect human being is a creature of God, confined by finitude. On the other hand, many Nigerians tend to be impetuous and they lack step-by-step analytical skills to make equitable or logical judgment. The reality is that, Nigeria has moved forward under OBJ, since 1999. At least, the nation’s finances has been restructured, and Nigeria’s credibility has improved. Of course, finance being the blood of any administration, high premium is placed on it because it has direct impact on individual’s stomach. Therefore, what constitutes his score board would be why and how he came to power, his willingness in accepting the job, what he did right and what he did so wrong. By the way, does anyone know of anybody who has satisfied everybody (100%) in a small community when it comes to management of people? It should be fresh in our minds that General Babangida’s (IBB) gross indiscipline brought OBJ to power in 1999. 

      Nigerians had been whipped, murdered, impoverished beginning with (IBB) dictatorship in 1985. Since then, he (IBB) looted the nation’s treasury for safe keeping in the vaults of the Middle East region and else where around the globe. The story of how IBB, Nigeria’s worse enemy scoffed democracy and annihilated opponents for the simple purpose of hiding the many truths of his atrocities can be read from newspapers, magazines that inundate the streets of Nigeria. With recent revelations, who told you IBB was not involved in Dimka’s coup? We now know that IBB is a betrayal. Otherwise, how could he (IBB) had walked to Dimka to disarm him (Dimka) at the radio house without Dimka using his pistol to fire him, if he was not part of the plotters? Anyway, let’s return to our subject.

      It would amount to fraud for anyone to re-write history. The truth was that, Nigerians were tired of the khaki guys (military) after IBB introduced all manners of corruption and theft into the system. Furthermore, the West of Nigeria needed compensation after the clear victory of late Abiola at the presidential polls, which IBB annulled. On the other hand, the thinking then was that, someone with military background to check the military excesses (coup) was ideal as the next elected president. This was why OBJ was picked from prison to lead the giant of Africa, Nigeria. In essence, the prevailing political circumstances at that time was a bad situation being ameliorated through the emergence of OBJ. This being the case, if OBJ did not ask for this leadership in 1999 but was invited as it was in the 1970s, then, Nigerians should accept whatever he is able to offer. However, OBJ willingly contested the polls in 2003, so his performance for the period 2003-2007 has more weight on his score board.

       We may want to compare OBJ with Joseph, who was released from prison to be the powerful Minister in Israel as the Holy Bible made us to understand. Therefore, if Joseph did very well in Israel, what happened to Nigeria’s OBJ? Nigeria could not get the best from OBJ ‘cause of her sins. Thus, righteousness exult a nation, sin is a reproach to any individual. As such, the collective sins of Nigerians denied them the best leadership of OBJ. This was a man of honor in the ‘70s hence his integrity and other secret reasons sold him to General Abdulsalami who made contacts most quietly and surreptitiously to Nigerians that paved the way for him to occupy Aso Rock Villa in 1999. His critics may argue that, he didn’t need to purchase Jets with questionable invoices when Nigerians are starving. His campaigners could say that, even though he maintained low profile in the ‘70s by using 504 cars, he needed to bolster Nigeria’s image abroad because we’re now in a different century. Furthermore, his supporters can argue that, he inherited the worst society in the history of Nigeria. Corruption was highest to the extent that, a child in her mother’s womb was corrupt as opposed to the courteous society he handed over in 1979. No doubt, this made his job extremely difficult. More argument in his favor is that management is a career in itself, and that OBJ is not a trained manager, but a trained soldier. On the other hand, age has crept into all of these. OBJ, though the same person, is much older now and often cannot the hard soldier we knew  of him years back (since 1979) and may have run out of ideas too. Just as menopause affects different women at different ages, so diminishing return creeps into different people at different times. An independent mind thinks that, regardless of age, non-managerial competence, shutting his eyes to the mayhem in Anambra State and not giving decisive instructions to the Police to apprehend the culprits was absurd. In a country where infrastructures are lacking, some persons burnt down the few that we have and went scot-free. No body can comprehend that, it was a grievous mistake.

      Proponents of OBJ argue that, since 1999, there is a balance of power between the oppressive north of the past and the south. Thus, while critics from the north say they are being marginalized, the south says the north must give them sometime to lead beyond 2007. An independent mind-set thinks that, the money carted away under the pretence of enormous road construction across Nigeria during OBJ tenure, should have been diverted to build a Defense Academy in the south. After all, we have refinery and law school in the north right now, so there should be a Defense Academy in the south.

      OBJ instituted EFCC to tackle corruption. While his henchmen think that, EFCC is doing a great job to reduce the menace of corruption; his foes feel that they are being harassed as political opponents. The law of retribution must take its course. Sure, when OBJ vacates office in 2007, another school of thought knows that, OBJ’s cronies will be questioned for their theft. Please let’s reason that, he (OBJ) could not have prosecuted every thief at the same time even if he was passionate about Nigeria and treats everyone the same. A more thoughtful mind thinks that, IBB will reverse everything EFCC has done if given the chance to lead Nigeria again. Of course, he returned all the stolen assets OBJ regime confiscated from public officers in the ‘70s and he is moving insidiously to power again so that he can repeat the same rubbish, God forbid.

      OBJ was the same yesterday and today. A man who was decently raised from BBHS (High school) was vocal whenever embezzlement was at stake. His critics berate him for allowing IBB walk freely after he (OBJ) vehemently called IBB “fraud” years back. Now that, he has Pius Okigbo’s report at his beck-and-call to prosecute IBB, nothing is happening. His proponents believe that, IBB’s probe will be OBJ’s last joker in this card game. An independent mind thinks that, as a brilliant soldier who fought gallantly to stop further blood-shed and deaths by ending Nigeria’s civil war, he must take the bull by the horn. As such, he must probe IBB immediately and if found guilty, IBB should be imprisoned without further delay and all his assets at home and abroad seized.

      This writer believes that OBJ has not done well overall though he moved Nigeria forward. Couldn’t it have been OBJ’s priority to ensure that, as a farmer before 1999, farming by now would have exploded to the extent that food would be available to the masses? At least the lifeless Nafcon in Port-harcourt that produced fertilizer would have been activated at once to supply fertilizer to farmers and the machinery for mechanized farming put in place. Hunger is the most crucial matter to Nigerians and other African nations. It’s ridiculous to know that, in a country where any seed will germinate in any soil, hunger is ravaging the whole country. Be that as it may, OBJ moved Nigeria forward, be it with a snail speed, its okay. If he (OBJ) stole money, it cannot be as much as what IBB and Abacha stole. If he chided his cronies, it cannot be as bad as the atrocities IBB and Abacha committed. Most important is the debt relief and the delisting of Nigeria from the blacklist of FATF. It’s pertinent to note that, Nigerians desperately wanted a change of military regime to civil rule in the late ‘90s and that gave rise to the emergence of OBJ as a man from the West. He was unanimously invited to lead the nation in 1999, so his score board should be accepted keeping in mind the complexity of Nigeria and Nigerians. 

August 31, 2006.

Robot  Villager

# 1 President Obasanjo’s Score Board&nbsp...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 31.08.2006 09:25

Exxcuzme  Villager

# 2 _______________________________________________________________________ It’s pertinent to note that, Nigerians desperately wanted a change of military regime to civil rule in the late ‘90s and that gave rise to the emergence of OBJ as a man from the West. ________________________________________________________________________ Did we really changed to civilian rule? Is OBJoke a man from the west or a man from the group of those "who own Nigeria"? Posted by Exxcuzme| 31.08.2006 10:28

Obi  Villager

# 3 By virtue of his emergence in 1999, it was fair to say that Obj has not done bad. Under his tutelage, Nigeria has worn a new face, and no unbiased mind will dispute that. But, a generational shift in leadership next year will help to consolidate on his gains. This is very important. Dimka's softness at the sight of IBB could be deeper than what we were told. He could as well be a part of the botched coup. I agree with you; just as a balance in the military installations in Nigeria is necessary b4 he retires to his farm house. Posted by Obi| 31.08.2006 11:04

Son of the Delta  Villager

# 4 If you feel he(Obasanjo) has not stolen as much as Abacha and IBB. Then i guess you have a very serious problem in making simple calculations. Under IBB there was a time we sold oil for about $10 per barrel.Under Abacha sanctions were placed on Nigeria.Our production capacity under those two regimes were less when compared to under Obasanjo. Since Obasanjo came into power oil has been selling between $30 and $78 per barrel in the international market. If Obasanjo is selling this much then the economy should be in a better shape.If that is not the case then he must have surpassed these criminals(IBB & Abacha) in looting. Looking at all the indices Obasanjo is a total failure. Gen.Abacha was a more succesful adminstrator when you compare him with Gen.Obasanjo on a one on one contest. Religious,sectarian political and ethnic violence were on an all time high under Obasanjo. the worst aspect is that he was being accused in some quarters of being a sponsor of most of these dastardly acts. Human rights abuse is on the increase Obasanjo has succeded in turning Nigeria into a full blown terrorist state. A state sponsor of terrorism. In a free and fair election even Abacha would beat Gen.Abacha hands down if he were alive today. No wonder IBB is warming his yansh up for that hotly contested presidential seat.Because he knows he has better credentials than the incumbent. In a very functional society IBB would have been in jail for long.The lawmakers would have impeached Obasanjo and he should have been sent to jail to go and share the experience a second time, This time together with army brothers like IBB and co. Posted by Son of the Delta| 31.08.2006 11:52

Abraxas  Villager

# 5 Hi, Mr. Tosan Bob OKOTIE! I was just about to tell you to please cut the crap, and to stop your silly Obasanjophilic sycophancy, praise-singing, and arsehole-licking, only to realize that you were very cleverly applying guerrilla journalism and flattery to massage General Okikiolakan Obasanjo’s ego, for the sake of preserving your neck, while at the same time, hitting him really hard, below the belt, right on his balls. Well done, I say, old chap! Thank you very much, my pikin. Ó şÃ© púpọ, ọmọ mị. Muchas gracias, mi amigo. Posted by Abraxas| 31.08.2006 11:56

Mark Lar  Villager

# 6 Abraxas, It is good to see you back in the Village. Do you ever get to remove that goof from your mouth and inhale some fresh air? Muchas gracias, mi amigo Posted by Mark Lar| 31.08.2006 12:14

Abraxas  Villager

# 7 Hi, Mr. Mark Lar! I beg your pardon: There is definitely NO “goof� to remove from my mouth. What you are confusing for so-called “goof� are my immaculate white teeth in my mouth. I can now see that you have been inhaling some fresh air, sequel to smoking your funny-smelling cigarettes, yet again. Naughty boy. (Dan bura ubanka, shege!) Muchas gracias. Posted by Abraxas| 31.08.2006 14:08

gwobezentashi  Villager

# 8 Name of Student: Chief Gen Mathew Olusegun O. Obasanjo Overall Grade: 4/10 Form Teachers comments: Could have done much better. Started off with much vim but dissipated energies running around in circles and grandstanding. Bought a pointless jet and collected money for a frivolous library. Very clever with money - Bought shares in his own company with invisible cash. Encouraged larceny but turned around to wash his hands and arrest his collaborators. Great at magic - turned around fortunes of a rundown farm by shutting his eyes and ears and shouting hocus pocus. Encouraged mobile phone penetration but at a high cost of high tarrifs and poor service. Repeatedly failed to sell the phone company so decided to help himself to it. Could not fix power, could not fix the roads, could not fix security, could not heal the land, could not do much basically. Employed clever Nigerians then undermined them. Paid off his paymasters whom he hopes will protect him in retirement but made too many enemies. Organised a record breaking electoral heist just to enter the Guiness Book of Records. Not very sociable in the playground. Can be obdurate and not inclined to obey all the rules. Likes to hear own voice. Very poor debating skills. Particularly poor in civics. Initiated the cult of the untouchable thugfather, kampeism and interzonal congo shining. Created the cult of the God of unabandoned but futile projects. Overall a mixed bag of performance averaging poor. Under normal circumstances, a repeat of the year would be prescribed, but due to circumstances of exhaustion of priviledge and potential dementia. Had to Go now! Housemaster's Comments: A bit of a Jekyll and Hyde character. Can be a very jovial and funny student with a volcanic temperament. A natural leader mostly at leading others astray. Sneaked congos into male hostel after lights out several times. A cheeky so and so. Petulant and incorrigible. Sporty and restless. Tireless and pedantic. Goodluck in his future endeavours and please try to stay away from Gashua. Principals Comments: Broke every rule. A thoroughly thoroughly naughty student. While glad to see the back of him and his cronies - Ali, Anenih and co. yet would miss the bugger and his funny stories. Alleged to have bribed lawmakers and corrupted the party system. Needs to watch that temper otherwise a coronary may be round that next corner. Awarded the title of father of the modern FeeDeeFee for contributions to electoral magic, won the lifetime geriatic interzonal congo shining medal, the bronze medal for Transparency International most crooked. Tosan Okotie has been more than generous to the old codger. Some of his facts are not quite facts. No one begged the man in 1999 or 2003. He only pretended to be begged. You know the shakara style -against my personal wish and desire. I don't believe that Abacha can defeat Obasanjo in an election free of rigging Haba! Maybe IBB but not Abacha who has the charisma of a wet rag. Still, overall 6/10 (for Tosan that is). Aluta! Gwobezentashi Posted by gwobezentashi| 31.08.2006 15:21

Fjord  Villager

# 9 OBJ was the same yesterday and today. A man who was decently raised from BBHS (High school) was vocal whenever embezzlement was at stake. His critics berate him for allowing IBB walk freely after he (OBJ) vehemently called IBB “fraud� years back. Now that, he has Pius Okigbo’s report at his beck-and-call to prosecute IBB, nothing is happening. His proponents believe that, IBB’s probe will be OBJ’s last joker in this card game. An independent mind thinks that, as a brilliant soldier who fought gallantly to stop further blood-shed and deaths by ending Nigeria’s civil war, he must take the bull by the horn. As such, he must probe IBB immediately and if found guilty, IBB should be imprisoned without further delay and all his assets at home and abroad seized. Now, that is what could be described as a solid recommendation. For all of Obasanjo's shortcomings, only by that singular act could he begin to hope that history may be kind to him. It will be his last good deed; may his God or Gods or god or gods give him the courage to follow through. . Posted by Fjord| 31.08.2006 15:29

ithinkbetter  Villager

# 10 It’s ridiculous to know that, in a country where any seed will germinate in any soil, hunger is ravaging the whole country. ...and you're here pestering my poor soul with this totally nonsensical write-up...is time you resettle back to nigeria...GO BACK HOME AND FARM AND HELP FEED THE NATION! Posted by ithinkbetter| 31.08.2006 17:27

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