Would You Join Looters` Choruses or Join EFCC Dance in the Streets?

[Robot]

It is in our enlightened self-i...Read the full article.

[Oloye]

Oga Paul, I like this.

[oluye]

"We must and we should dance in the street as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission or ICPC, the Joint Tax Board or JTB (Nigeria’ Inland Revenue Service) and the Independent Electoral Commission or INEC and other arms or agencies of Nigerian, are holding looters’ feet to the fires, holding to account for ill-gotten wealth or be deemed unfit for public and even private sectors offices!" -Paul Adijue

We must not also forget the few legal icons who stood and are still standing by the spirit of justice (as against the letter of justice which can be manipulated). Such a person is Gani Fawehinmi who exposed the certificate fraud in Lagos long before the war against corruption took off and had patiently waited for the time the governor will be stripped of immunity( he has even turned his back on the person who went around prostrating on his behalf!).
It seems to me that the ones who shout that Obasanjo wants to extend his tenure are the very ones who have a lot to hide and will do anything to postpone the evil day. When it seems things will not work in their favour, they will sponsor terrorism, bring about unending legal procedures to buy time as they perfect their plans to disappear from Nigeria rather than face the music.

Just imagine how we can build on this in the next administration! When every government official knows for sure that there will be a day of reckoning, when they know that Nigerians are watching and only those that truly seek the interest of the country will be elevated! When even the primary school child can see what corruption does to governors, senators and members of the executive arm of government. It does not really matter much who is leading us what matters is the spirit that is ruling us! This is the shift we need.

[Free Publius]

Paul,

So why are people not dancing in the streets? Because they are not as perceptive as you?

Free Publius

[Abraxas]

Hi, folks!

Actually, what Mr. Paul ADUJIE, Esq./IT professional of New York City, is trying to convey is very heavily encrypted in the format that he cleverly chose to present his message. So we need to decode it carefully.

The core message of Mr. I Love Nigeria's article is that Nigerians are NOT fooled by General Obasanjo's tomfoolery with the EFCC idea. If they were, they should be dancing for joy in the streets by now! Nigerians are not dancing!

Let us all rise, and give a rousing standing ovation, and also thank Mr. Paul ADUJIE Esq., (a.k.a. I Love Nigeria) very much for telling OBJ the simple truth as it is: Nigerians are not fooled by his anti-corruption charades!

T'ank you, ojare, my small buroda wey come from Mid West region of olden days.

Muchas gracias.

Don Juan Carlos ABRAXAS (III)

[akuluouno]

I am just doing the blues dance and would have loved to do an all out Nkpokiti dance if not that the EFCC list was not comprehensive. There are many that should be on that list but who were not there.
So let me continue to take it easy and eschew the dance which an Asaba in-law of mine vividly portrayed as the type where "the wrapper if it wants to tear can as well tear" type of dance until the list is comprehensive and all of them in jail.

[Son of the Delta]

Don Abraxas your answer is just the kind of answer Mr.I Love(Hate) Nigeria deserves! Thanks for the nice reply

[ELAWALO]

Oga Paul
Your call for Nigerians to dance to the sounds of a broken record are dim witted or aptly akin to calling on students who failed their final year exams, who are joining their successful colleagues in their graduation celebrations. Even if they join the party, they will be dancing with the impending thought they would be back in the class room in the next semester while thier colleagues enter the employment market.

Paul, with all your knowledge, skills and reasoning, why should we dance/ celebrate over a shabbily executed incomplete job. For me your patronising call defies logic Haba !!!!
In a previous response to one of your earlier articles you have refused to provide answer / justifications to concerns raised. You cannot claim to be oblivious to the issues raised, regarding this apparently moribund and jaundiced witch hunt called anti corruption war.

Paul are you asking us to celebrate the fact that Andy Uba - "corruption personified" is not included in the list of people barred from contesting the forth coming elections ??. What about Ibrahim Mantu, Odili, et all. If you indeed LOVE NIGERIA, you should be honest enough to admit that what EFCC has accomplished so far is a TIP OF THE ICEBERG.

We are not yet in UHURU PAUL. If you are intersted in some government position based on the leanings of your write ups, come out of the closet and declare your intention. Rather than having a "BIG PICTURE" of our national malaise (CORRUPTION), you have chosen to be short sighted, narrow minded, and patronising to say the least. Categorically you belong those WS referred to as BENDERS OF THE TRUTH !!

[Abraxas]

Oga Paul
Your call for Nigerians to dance to the sounds of a broken record are dim witted or aptly akin to calling on students who failed their final year exams, who are joining their successful colleagues in their graduation celebrations. Even if they join the party, they will be dancing with the impending thought they would be back in the class room in the next semester while thier colleagues enter the employment market.

Paul, with all your knowledge, skills and reasoning, why should we dance/ celebrate over a shabbily executed incomplete job. For me your patronising call defies logic Haba !!!!
In a previous response to one of your earlier articles you have refused to provide answer / justifications to concerns raised. You cannot claim to be oblivious to the issues raised, regarding this apparently moribund and jaundiced witch hunt called anti corruption war.

Paul are you asking us to celebrate the fact that Andy Uba - "corruption personified" is not included in the list of people barred from contesting the forth coming elections ??. What about Ibrahim Mantu, Odili, et all. If you indeed LOVE NIGERIA, you should be honest enough to admit that what EFCC has accomplished so far is a TIP OF THE ICEBERG.

We are not yet in UHURU PAUL. If you are intersted in some government position based on the leanings of your write ups, come out of the closet and declare your intention. Rather than having a "BIG PICTURE" of our national malaise (CORRUPTION), you have chosen to be short sighted, narrow minded, and patronising to say the least. Categorically you belong those WS referred to as BENDERS OF THE TRUTH !!

Hi, ELAWALO!

Ya mama an' papa born you well-well. I t'ank GOD sey everybody wey done read dis artikul dey shine 'im eye. De kind jibiti and jagajaga wey dese OBJ boys dey do for Internet, no be small.

Paul na Yahoo! boy, ke.

Muchas gracias.

Don Juan Carlos ABRAXAS (III)

[ELAWALO]

Oga Paul
Your call for Nigerians to dance to the sounds of a broken record are dim witted or aptly akin to calling on students who failed their final year exams, to join their successful colleagues in their graduation celebrations. Even if they join the party, they will be dancing with the impending thought that they would be back in the class room in the next semester while thier colleagues enter the employment market.

Paul, with all your knowledge, skills and reasoning, why should we dance/ celebrate over a shabbily executed incomplete job. For me your patronising call defies logic whalahi !!! In a previous response to one of your earlier articles, pertinent questions were asked. You have refused to provide answer / justifications to concerns raised. Just like the urchin in Anambra state parading fraudulent credentials. You cannot claim to be oblivious to the issues raised, regarding this apparently moribund, and jaundiced witch hunt called anti corruption war.

Paul are you asking us to celebrate the fact that Andy Uba - "corruption personified" is not included in the list of people barred from contesting the forth coming elections ?? . What about Ibrahim Mantu, Bode George, Odili, et all . If you indeed LOVE NIGERIA, you should be honest enough to admit that what EFCC has accomplished so far, is a TIP OF THE ICEBERG. Corruption is every where in NIGERIA and is not confined to government offices!!

We are not yet in UHURU PAUL. If you are interested in some government position, based on the leanings of your write ups, come out of the closette and declare your intention. Rather than having a "BIG PICTURE" view of our national malaise (CORRUPTION), you have chosen to be short sighted, narrow minded,misguided and patronising to say the least !!. More appropriately an INTELLECTUAL STARVATION AREA!!!! Categorically, you belong those WS referred to as BENDERS OF THE TRUTH !!. Please think deeper and better before subsequent posts, or at least provide logical reasoning on how those who escaped the EFCC net can be caught and dealt with as well !!

Paul you lie loudest when you lie to yourself !!

Regards
ELAWALO

[omo naija]

ewalawo,
is true this is just 'tip of the iceberg' but half bread is better than none. if EFCC has not published the names of the looters, even if they are perceived political enemies of the president. WHY IS BUHARI AND UTOMI NOT ON THE LIST? According to Fela of blesses memory "oneday go bi oneday, so tey dey steal monie for gofermment" one day all those whose names are missing will vomit the one they have eaten or stolen, MARK MY WORD.

[omo naija]

TO ALL MY PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY EWALOWA;

Fela of blessed memory, one of the unsung prophets of our beloved Africa, sang "one day go bi one day, so tey dey steal monie for government, one day go bi one day" (those enriching thmselves will pay it all back), and even if EFCC list of corrupt candidates is just tip of the iceberg, is that not a reason enough for us to rejoice, this is just the beginning. Baba Iyabo will go (i pray so), who knows the mind of the man that is coming after him... afterall Baba was forced on us, see what he did to all his backers; what will make the man coming in not doing the same...
HERE I STAND... MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD GIVE US AN HUMBLE, FAIR MINDED AND EXCELLLENT AND VISIONARY LEADER, NOT RULER, AT LEAST WE DESERVE THAT MUCH, AFTER ALMOST 50 YEARS OF BAD AND CORRUPT LEADERSHIP. AMEN

[Oluiwa]

TO ALL MY PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY EWALOWA;

Fela of blessed memory, one of the unsung prophets of our beloved Africa, sang "one day go bi one day, so tey dey steal monie for government, one day go bi one day" (those enriching thmselves will pay it all back), and even if EFCC list of corrupt candidates is just tip of the iceberg, is that not a reason enough for us to rejoice, this is just the beginning. Baba Iyabo will go (i pray so), who knows the mind of the man that is coming after him... afterall Baba was forced on us, see what he did to all his backers; what will make the man coming in not doing the same...
HERE I STAND... MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD GIVE US AN HUMBLE, FAIR MINDED AND EXCELLLENT AND VISIONARY LEADER, NOT RULER, AT LEAST WE DESERVE THAT MUCH, AFTER ALMOST 50 YEARS OF BAD AND CORRUPT LEADERSHIP. AMEN

Yes O ! we thank God say Baba Iyabo is going bak to his farm or ....
Oluiwa is no fan of all these "solja go solja come" rulers like Obj, but lets grab at any chance to turn things around by listing,shaming and finlally the apprehension of all looters of our homeland. If OBjoke is looking for praise because of EFCC, HE SHOULD THINK TWICE simply because he has failed already in too many other fronts as president of 8 yrs, niogerians already have a dossier of his tyranical ways ineptitude.

Feal Anikulapo Kuti Kwame Nkrumah are my greatest heroes out of Africa, they may not have been perfect but they were ahead in thinking and if more knowledge was available to them at the time they would have achievd more.

Peace
Ire !!!

[ELAWALO]

Omo Naija
Two things worthy of note ..

Firstly you need to pay more attention to detail as you got my screen name wrong. I understand it has not been uncommon for our folk to miss the point when focusing too much on minor and less important issues.

Secondly, rather than celebrate, I would opt for sober and honest reflection, in view of the present climes. Didn't some of us celebrate when IBB toppled Buhari, the same goes for when Abacha brushed Shonekan aside. How about the propaganda pomp and peagantry when OBJ emerged. Have you seen any dividends of democracy??.

As naivettes in the intrigues of political games, scheming and manouvering, we the populace, citizenry, ordinary NIGERIANS, are the first to jump onto any bandwagon that is fuelled by empty rhetoric, issues without substance, or of NO VALUE at all. We need to be more informed, aware and prepared for the challenges ahead. The hawks, bandits incendiaries, and confusionists, are always playing to the gallery because they are so sure of exploiting the gullible!

By choice I would not celebrate, neither would I join the looters choruses, but I remain keenly observant.

[Auspicious]

The question for the author of this article should be:

"Would you join Hypocrites' Choruses or Join in the chants for Fairness and Justice in the Streets?"

Auspicious.

[I Love Nigeria]

Auspicious! But of course, I would join, no, leap-frog into the chants for Fairness and Justice! I certainly have no arguments against fairness and justice!

I do howevr wonder whether the looters on the EFCC list are being given a clean bill of health by you and others here... who appear unable to point, EVEN their pinkie at the KNOWN looters.... especially those who are seeking re-election!

AND, howbeit that.... some of you are willing to overlook the efforts by EFCC, ICPC and JTB.... just because some of you insist that the EFCC list is for instance ... not exhaustive or comprehensive?

Howbeit that some of you here applaud Herman Cohen because he speaks the "truth" about corruption and its impacts and magnitudes.... AND YET... from the same mouths come criticisms for those who are trying so darn hard to tackle the challenges that have been so "eloquently" diagonized by your preferred "authority" or "expert" on Nigeria challenges and malaise.... Cohen?

1. There is corruption?

2. There is list of corrupt persons who are seeking re-elections (list should be longer)? let it be longer perhaps and why not?

3. But you guys are rejecting the list and denigrating/lampooning the corruption fighters

There questions that then arise in my mind is.... HOW CAN ANYONE SAY THERE IS CORRUPTION AND THEN REJECT a list of corrupt persons? Even if the list is shorter than you do expect? Or, are those on the list deemed by you guys as innocent? Shall we say there is NO CORRUPTION in Nigeria (in existence) because not many persoons are jail as a consequence of their participation in corrupt enrichments?

Just as some of you have forcefully argued that EFCC list is not enough to bar election candidates... as they have not been tried and convicted by a court of record/competent jurisdiction?

What court or trial decided that there is corruption in Nigeria? May there is no corruption in Nigeria... in impact and magnitude as Herman Cohen as some of you often say... after all, we have no "proof" beyond reasonable doubt (the criminal trial prosecutorial burden of proof)

Shall we allow those on the EFCC list contest the general elections? Shall we let them off the hook because the list is not "comprehensive"?

Where and when do we start the war against corruption? If not those on the EFCC list, who do we start with?

[Auspicious]

Mr. Adujie:

You fail to realize, that by refusing to condemn the unfairness of listing some, instead of all, of the the people who are clearly found wanting of corruption (while others with yet-to-be-determined cases like Tejuosho are listed), you are not "joining-in" the or "leap-froging to the chants for fairness and justice"! The unfairness and injustice is too glaring for even you to ignore..and I wrack my mind to understand your thinking - how on earth you can find it in you to justify such unfairness! It is like you are the only Villager here who remain convinced that the latest act by EFCC is a just and fair one when it is soo not one!

It is weird, how you came to that bizzare conclusion, where my (like others) taking a strong dignified stance to condemn the unfairness practiced by EFCC -- in releasing the list of names that excludes a few of the most corrupt people seeking elective office or re-election in Nigeria in the coming months -- amounts to "giving the corrupt a clean bill of health"! Your methods, Mr. Adujie, is disingenuous and you know it! You are a lawyer and these things should be clearer to people like you than others. A young high school student can see the unfairness of it all - talkless of a trained lawyer (so you said) like you. When EFCC indicts some and leave out the others, it undermines the seriousness of its war against corruption. It also insults the sensibilities of those of us who can see beyond our noses!

It is easy to overlook the so-called "darn hard work of others" that you alluded to because their "war against corruption" is unfair!!! Many of us are dying to praise Nuhu Ribadu in particular for his efforts, but he spoils it all for us when he demonstrates the kind of bias - the kind of partiality - that he has demonstrated with his latest list of corrupt people in Nigeria. Nuhu Ribadu's hard work and sweat - the genuine efforts, if any, to nail corrupt people in our polity is rubbished and desecrated when he shows bias in his work! Look, Paul. ONE FLAW is all it takes to destroy his name and reputation as a dogged fighter of corruption - if he truly is one. It is easy to destroy than to build. If you have a white garment, all you need do if you wanna soil it is rub it on the floor - it's that easy. But you and I know it is not so easy to get it pristine white again. And that is just what's happening here.

Of course, "there is corruption"! Of course, "there is a list"! Of course (and unfortunately), the list excludes the names of some OBVIOUSLY corrupt people who intend to contest for elective office in the forthcoming elections!!! And, >>here is the big one<< OF COURSE, the INTEGRITY AND CREDIBILITY of that LIST and its AUTHOR(S)' NAMES are TARNISHED the moment Mr. Ribadu DISHONORABLY OMITS from the list, names of OBVIOUSLY CORRUPT INDIVIDUALS seeking elective office as well!!!!! How difficult is that to appreciate??? It is BETTER there is NO LIST than to have one which LACKS CREDIBILITY! It CHEAPENS the QUEST to rid our society of its worst malaise - it makes the quest look FAKE! Get than in, Paul. The rest of us Nigerians want to join you in praising the efforts of these men you alluded to BUT they are their OWN WORST ENEMIES when they show bias in executing their agendaaaaaaaa!

Auspicious.

[I Love Nigeria]

Auspicious wrote these words

It is easy to destroy than to build

which encapsulates! my concerns about the harsh words of strident and virulent critics of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the EFCC efforts, including this now famous list that even Schindler would have appreciated!

I agree with you It is easy to destroy than to build that it is easy for some (critics) to destroy what the EFCC has been vigorously building!

[I Love Nigeria]

One more thing Auspy! My argument is based on this impression that I have, to the effects that critics of the anti corruption war and crusade, are seeking to protect (perhaps unwittingly)? a few individuals on the list and that could cause us to lose the war!

Which is tantamount in result and consequence.... to, saving a few trees while destroying the forest! We should instead save the forest where the tree are and better trees can be grown and nurtured

We should not tie the hands of anti corruption fighters! We should not be in the business of appearing to sympathize with the looters or shedding tears for them

EFCC must not be derailed!

[Auspicious]

Paul,

You got this all twisted. I'll explain:

Yes, it is easy to destroy than to build. I am glad you agree with that statement. What you fail to realize however is that, Nuhu Ribadu is the one who started the destruction - the destruction of the image and credibility of himself and his 'war' had commenced the moment he came up with a jaundiced list of corrupt people that excluded other big fish out there. It is Ribadu's who is destroying, not us. And it hurts to see him destroy the shaky hopes that we all placed in him.

Why for God's sake is Andy Uba NOT on that list?!? Can you simply explain that? Why, for goodness sake, is Alao-Akala's name missing from the list? How on earth can Tejuosho make that list of corrupt people while Andy Uba's name is missing? That Andy's name is missing from the list is the most vicious slap in the face that Ribadu and Baba can deal us all. I mean, how do you justify your postion in all these, Mr. Adujie? What do you think Baba and Ribadu take the rest of us Nigerians for? Fools? Duds?

How can you allege that we unwitttingly protect the corrupt because we simply demanded the same treatment for ALL corrupt people? How on Earth does that amount to protection Paul? You know, with all due respect, you sound like a propagandist when you talk like that. Because that is how they (propaganda chiefs) twist things to suit their purpose. Ok, let's try this Paul; BETWEEN: 1] the man the destroys the credibility of his mission like Ribadu and 2] the Naija Joe who laments the lack of credibility of his mission - who between those two people give ammunition to those indicted for corruption? Can you please think about that very well and give me an answer?

Ask anybody Paul, ask anyone! No sane person will blame the person asking for fairness. Why, you might ask? Well, because by asking for fairness in the application of justice, he (the man against unfair application of the law) is giving those already indicted NO room for maneuvering or evading justice. BUT, my dear friend Paul, if your Ribadu continues to bring out list of indictees which omit the names of the MOST OBVIOUS THIEVES AND LIARS amongst us, he would be weakening his cause! He would be giving the those who have already been caught or indicted avenue for maneuvering and evading justice!

And here is the Clincher Extraodinaire: The ONLY reason why Atiku cannot be indicted today is because the man -- his boss -- who seeks to indict and try him is not clean himself! Atiku knew what he was doing when he fingered his boss. And when Nuhu Ribadu begins to show double standards, when Nuhu Ribadu begins to stain himself and his reputation by showing bias in his work, he will weaken his struggle. He will damage his credibility. He will destroy that which he has built. The bullets he fires from his gun will loose velocity and not penetrate the target. The target may be wounded but it will get away and go to a corner to lick its wounds before it comes out on the prowl again. How much more can anyone explain that to you and your friends, Paul?

Auspicious.

[I Love Nigeria]

EVEN some of the best legal minds agree with me on this!Atiku: I’m untouchable Ban of candidates in order — Gani

SUNDAY KUDAISI, Akure


MOVE by the Federal Government to bar candidates allegedly indicted for corruption from contesting the April general elections yesterday received the backing of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Gani Fawehinmi who described it as constitutional.
He said the 1999 constitution outlaws those indicted for corruption and embezzlement of funds from seeking elective public positions.

But Vice President Atiku Abubakar and presidential candidate of the Action Congress (AC) said only the voters could disqualify him from contesting the forthcoming polls.

"I want to tell you that nobody can disqualify us from contesting the 2007 April elections. It is only you people that can disqualify us from contesting" the VP told hundreds of supporters at the Akure stadium yesterday.

Information and Communication Minister, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr had Tuesday disclosed that the federal government released the list of indicted candidates to the various parties.

He said the parties were similarly asked to withdraw the candidates from the elections warning that stern measures would be taken against parties that ignored the "advisory directive."

Government decision to release the list followed an extra-ordinary Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting where the report of the Administrative Panel of Inquiry on alleged corrupt practices by some public officers were considered and a White paper issued.

The AC in a swift reaction condemned it describing the move as an exercise in futility and unconstitutional.

Disagreeing with the party however, Chief Fawehinmi said "the Federal Government is absolutely covered in what they have done. Once you are indicted for corruption or embezzlement by an Administrative Panel of Inquiry you are disqualified From being a candidate for election."

Speaking with Daily Champion in an interview, he argued that such panel has constitutional backing adding that those who refused to appear before it did so at their peril.

According to him, section 137 sub-section 1(1) of the 1999 constitution stipulates that "A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of president if he has been indicted for embezzlement or fraud by a Judicial Commission of Inquiry or an Administrative Panel of Inquiry or a Tribunal set up under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act… or any other law by the Federal or state Government which indictment has been accepted by the Federal or State Government respectively."

He said candidates vying for governorships and National Assembly seats were barred under sectionals 182 and 66 of the Constitution respectively.

On his part, the VP Atiku told the mammoth crowd at the presentation in Ondo State flag to the governorship candidate of the AC party Prince Ademola Adegoroye at the Akure Stadium that nobody could disqualify him from the race.

"I want to tell you that nobody can disqualify us from contesting the 2007 April elections. It is only you people that can disqualify us from contesting".

Atiku Abubakar who arrived Akure with the leaders of the party in the South West zone was received at the Akure airport by the party governorship candidates from Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos State.

He promised to devolve power from the center and ensure true federalism if voted to power.

He promised to bring about charge in the political system and ensure that power is no longer concentrated in the presidency.

He enjoined the people to resist any attempt by any party to rig the April poll urging the people to defend their votes.

He reinstated his earlier position to establish the ministry of Niger Delta authority to take care of the region.

Chairman of the Party, Chief Bisi Akande who presented the party flag to Prince Adegoroye however laid to rest the age long controversies that had rocked the party to its root.

[Auspicious]

Paul,

You got this all twisted. I'll explain:

Yes, it is easy to destroy than to build. I am glad you agree with that statement. What you fail to realize however is that, Nuhu Ribadu is the one who started the destruction - the destruction of the image and credibility of himself and his 'war' had commenced the moment he came up with a jaundiced list of corrupt people that excluded other big fish out there. It is Ribadu's who is destroying, not us. And it hurts to see him destroy the shaky hopes that we all placed in him.

Why for God's sake is Andy Uba NOT on that list?!? Can you simply explain that? Why, for goodness sake, is Alao-Akala's name missing from the list? How on earth can Tejuosho make that list of corrupt people while Andy Uba's name is missing? That Andy's name is missing from the list is the most vicious slap in the face that Ribadu and Baba can deal us all. I mean, how do you justify your postion in all these, Mr. Adujie? What do you think Baba and Ribadu take the rest of us Nigerians for? Fools? Duds?

How can you allege that we unwitttingly protect the corrupt because we simply demanded the same treatment for ALL corrupt people? How on Earth does that amount to protection Paul? You know, with all due respect, you sound like a propagandist when you talk like that. Because that is how they (propaganda chiefs) twist things to suit their purpose. Ok, let's try this Paul; BETWEEN: 1] the man who undermines/destroys the credibility of his mission like Ribadu and 2] the Naija Joe who laments the lack of credibility of his mission - who between those two people give ammunition to those indicted for corruption? Can you please think about that very well and give me an answer?

Ask anybody Paul, ask anyone! No sane person will blame the person asking for fairness. Why, you might ask? Well, because by asking for fairness in the application of justice, he (the man against unfair application of the law) is giving those already indicted NO room for maneuvering or evading justice. BUT, my dear friend Paul, if your Ribadu continues to bring out list of indictees which omit the names of the MOST OBVIOUS THIEVES AND LIARS amongst us, he would be weakening his cause! He would be giving the those who have already been caught or indicted avenue for maneuvering and evading justice!

And here is the Clincher Extraodinaire: The ONLY reason why Atiku cannot be indicted today is because the man -- his boss -- who seeks to indict and try him is not clean himself! Atiku knew what he was doing when he fingered his boss. And when Nuhu Ribadu begins to show double standards, when Nuhu Ribadu begins to stain himself and his reputation by showing bias in his work, he will weaken his struggle. He will damage his credibility. He will destroy that which he has built. The bullets he fires from his gun will loose velocity and not penetrate the target. The target may be wounded but it will get away and go to a corner to lick its wounds before it comes out on the prowl again. How much more can anyone explain that to you and your friends, Paul?

Auspicious.

[I Love Nigeria]

Chief Gani Fawehinmi who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said the following: Disagreeing with the party however, Chief Fawehinmi said "the Federal Government is absolutely covered in what they have done. Once you are indicted for corruption or embezzlement by an Administrative Panel of Inquiry you are disqualified From being a candidate for election."

Speaking with Daily Champion in an interview, he argued that such panel has constitutional backing adding that those who refused to appear before it did so at their peril.

According to him, section 137 sub-section 1(1) of the 1999 constitution stipulates that "A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of president if he has been indicted for embezzlement or fraud by a Judicial Commission of Inquiry or an Administrative Panel of Inquiry or a Tribunal set up under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act… or any other law by the Federal or state Government which indictment has been accepted by the Federal or State Government respectively."

He said candidates vying for governorships and National Assembly seats were barred under sectionals 182 and 66 of the Constitution respectively.

[I Love Nigeria]

N.A.R is heard in the village EXPLAINING what the relevant issues really are:

Today, 12:32 AM
N.A.R.
Villager Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: USA
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,584

Re: INEC Disqualifies Atiku, 5 Others permalink

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
One question wey me i wan ask be dis: all dis people dem wey INEC disqualify, dem clean?

My villager, dat nah real helele obonge question. Anybodi fit ansa dat one?



Haba Mallam, I believe I said a long time ago that Atiku should do the right thing and simply resign!!! We all know that EFCC is the real reason why he has refused to resign, as that yeye "immunity" would be lost!

All this mumbo jumbo about being patrotic and honest, honorable and moral, upright and examplary and so on and so forth, (have you watched that "documentary" on him on Youtube?) let him resign, certainly EFCC will go after him then they shall meet in court! Shebi Gwobe talk say for him to become president no be by force? So if he miss this turn anoda turn go come! After all he is a reletively young man!

Chikena!!! Ko ba haka ba ne?

[EbonyLomo]

Mr. Adujie:

You fail to realize, that by refusing to condemn the unfairness of listing some, instead of all, of the the people who are clearly found wanting of corruption (while others with yet-to-be-determined cases like Tejuosho are listed), you are not "joining-in" the or "leap-froging to the chants for fairness and justice"! The unfairness and injustice is too glaring for even you to ignore..and I wrack my mind to understand your thinking - how on earth you can find it in you to justify such unfairness! It is like you are the only Villager here who remain convinced that the latest act by EFCC is a just and fair one when it is soo not one!

Auspicious, i want to start reponding to your post point by point, firstly by saying that sometimes life can be unfair especially in the present political dispensation. Anybody in the world who is wrongly accused of an offence has recourse to the Law courts. Why are those presently accused of one form of corruption or the other reluctant to go to court (not to challenge the authority of INEC to vet/screen their candidacy or DISQUALIFY them from contesting for political offices) but to clear their name of any alledged corruption. These ACCUSED people are doing everything in their power to get into office so as to hide behind the immunity it will provide to evade justice. Any wrongful allegation can be redressed in the law courts. If as a result of this they miss out on contesting for political office, there is another chance in four (4) years' time. Oruko rere daa ju wura ati fadaka lo (Yoruba proverb) WHY THE DESPERATION TO OCCUPY POLITICAL OFFICE AT THIS INSTANCE? These are the type of questions all well meaning Nigerians should be asking, not whether INEC has the right to screen candidates or whether OBJ can ban any individual!!!

It is weird, how you came to that bizzare conclusion, where my (like others) taking a strong dignified stance to condemn the unfairness practiced by EFCC -- in releasing the list of names that excludes a few of the most corrupt people seeking elective office or re-election in Nigeria in the coming months -- amounts to "giving the corrupt a clean bill of health"! Your methods, Mr. Adujie, is disingenuous and you know it! You are a lawyer and these things should be clearer to people like you than others. A young high school student can see the unfairness of it all - talkless of a trained lawyer (so you said) like you. When EFCC indicts some and leave out the others, it undermines the seriousness of its war against corruption. It also insults the sensibilities of those of us who can see beyond our noses!

Corruption pervades our national existence like a plague, thus depriving ordinary citizens of Nigeria a decent standard of living. Many political office holders are extremely knowledgable in the loopholes in our national constitution, and seek to exploit this to their advantage in evading rightful justice. In your view is this FAIR? Some of these politicians have been in the SENATE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND STATE ASSEMBLIES FOR BETWEEN 4 AND 8 YEARS yet no acceptable or workable constitution WHY IS THIS? I say, it is for their benefit, so that they can STEAL our national wealth, and hide behind the loopholes in the constitution to evade justice. IS THIIS FAIR? Those who have escaped the dreaded EFCC list on this occassion will one day be held accountable for their corrupt way, or maybe it is a case of lack of conclusive evidence at this present time. Don't forget yet another yoruba saying (Ojo gbogbo ni ti ole, ojo kan ni ti oloun)!!!

It is easy to overlook the so-called "darn hard work of others" that you alluded to because their "war against corruption" is unfair!!! Many of us are dying to praise Nuhu Ribadu in particular for his efforts, but he spoils it all for us when he demonstrates the kind of bias - the kind of partiality - that he has demonstrated with his latest list of corrupt people in Nigeria. Nuhu Ribadu's hard work and sweat - the genuine efforts, if any, to nail corrupt people in our polity is rubbished and desecrated when he shows bias in his work! Look, Paul. ONE FLAW is all it takes to destroy his name and reputation as a dogged fighter of corruption - if he truly is one. It is easy to destroy than to build. If you have a white garment, all you need do if you wanna soil it is rub it on the floor - it's that easy. But you and I know it is not so easy to get it pristine white again. And that is just what's happening here.

We have never had any crusade against corruption in the past like is obtained in the present political dispensation, and no matter how flawed the process may be it is still better than a lack of process. Remember that between 1979 and 1983 the likes of Umaru Dikko, Akinloye and Akinjide were accused of wanton looting. At the advent of the the 1983 Coup the all absconded abroad, and till date justice is yet to be done. Despite the Flaws associated with both EFCC and ICPC i strongly suspect that many of those with a skeleton in their cupboards are maligning these agencies in a bid to frustrate them from functioning appropriately. the good news is that these bodies are established by law, so they are here to STAY!!

Of course, "there is corruption"! Of course, "there is a list"! Of course (and unfortunately), the list excludes the names of some OBVIOUSLY corrupt people who intend to contest for elective office in the forthcoming elections!!! And, >>here is the big one<< OF COURSE, the INTEGRITY AND CREDIBILITY of that LIST and its AUTHOR(S)' NAMES are TARNISHED the moment Mr. Ribadu DISHONORABLY OMITS from the list, names of OBVIOUSLY CORRUPT INDIVIDUALS seeking elective office as well!!!!! How difficult is that to appreciate??? It is BETTER there is NO LIST than to have one which LACKS CREDIBILITY! It CHEAPENS the QUEST to rid our society of its worst malaise - it makes the quest look FAKE! Get than in, Paul. The rest of us Nigerians want to join you in praising the efforts of these men you alluded to BUT they are their OWN WORST ENEMIES when they show bias in executing their agendaaaaaaaa!

Auspicious.

For any government agency to SELECTIVELY dispense its functions is unacceptable in any ramification. On the other hand no individual, group or organisation is bigger than Nigeria and its 'flawed constitution' In that respect, let us allow all government agencies to perform their functions to the best of their ability. If they are found wanting, they should be made to face the law of the letter by appropriate processes and procedures. We should not lend ourselves to the evil, rumour mongers who are bent on destabilising the mutual, peaceful coexistence of our beloved nation. It is not yet a uhuru in our nascent 4th republic, but we can only get better by keeping the faith, and refrain from allowing the incorrigibly corrupt political class to continue to lead us astray. Long Live Nigeria!!!!

[I Love Nigeria]

I had an unusually hectic day at the office today, especially for a FRIDAY!

Now, the day finally over, I checked into NVS and VOILA... EbonyLomo has explained my presentations clearer..... clearer than I could have.... hopefully, our own very Auspicious, finally gets my points? with the ample help from EbonyLomo who has clear-headedly pinpointed the evil challenges that have been faced by Nigerians and Nigeria.... AND what needs to be done.... no holds barred! Ngwa! Read for yourself, EbonyLomo live and unedited/unplugged! enjoy!

Despite the Flaws associated with both EFCC and ICPC i strongly suspect that many of those with a skeleton in their cupboards are maligning these agencies in a bid to frustrate them from functioning appropriately. the good news is that these bodies are established by law, so they are here to STAY!!


Auspicious, i want to start reponding to your post point by point, firstly by saying that sometimes life can be unfair especially in the present political dispensation. Anybody in the world who is wrongly accused of an offence has recourse to the Law courts. Why are those presently accused of one form of corruption or the other reluctant to go to court (not to challenge the authority of INEC to vet/screen their candidacy or DISQUALIFY them from contesting for political offices) but to clear their name of any alledged corruption. These ACCUSED people are doing everything in their power to get into office so as to hide behind the immunity it will provide to evade justice. Any wrongful allegation can be redressed in the law courts. If as a result of this they miss out on contesting for political office, there is another chance in four (4) years' time. Oruko rere daa ju wura ati fadaka lo (Yoruba proverb) WHY THE DESPERATION TO OCCUPY POLITICAL OFFICE AT THIS INSTANCE? These are the type of questions all well meaning Nigerians should be asking, not whether INEC has the right to screen candidates or whether OBJ can ban any individual!!!


Corruption pervades our national existence like a plague, thus depriving ordinary citizens of Nigeria a decent standard of living. Many political office holders are extremely knowledgable in the loopholes in our national constitution, and seek to exploit this to their advantage in evading rightful justice. In your view is this FAIR? Some of these politicians have been in the SENATE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND STATE ASSEMBLIES FOR BETWEEN 4 AND 8 YEARS yet no acceptable or workable constitution WHY IS THIS? I say, it is for their benefit, so that they can STEAL our national wealth, and hide behind the loopholes in the constitution to evade justice. IS THIIS FAIR? Those who have escaped the dreaded EFCC list on this occassion will one day be held accountable for their corrupt way, or maybe it is a case of lack of conclusive evidence at this present time. Don't forget yet another yoruba saying (Ojo gbogbo ni ti ole, ojo kan ni ti oloun)!!!

Really, tell us now, whose side are you on? the side of the long-suffering Nigerian masses or on the side of the looters who are trying so hard to pull cotton wool over our eyes? Even as the wrap themselves with our constitution, the rule of law, due proces etc etc....the looters are seeking to camouflage and sheath the real issues and themselves

Nigerians have to remember that these LOOTERS care ONLY and ONLY about themselves... they ACTUALLY hold our constitution, the rule of law and due process in contempt... with their looting and other egregious behaviors ... they have literarily SHREDED our constitution, our laws, the rule of law and due process

I learnt in my first year of law school, that "THOSE WHO COME to EQUITY, MUST COME WITH CLEAN HANDS... whatever happened to that mantra/concept?

Do any of those on the EFCC list, have clean hands.... as they are brazenly demanding equity? Why must any law abiding, long-suffering Nigerian citizen provide these looters with any succur, defense or sympathy? Tufia!

I say, NO TEARS for Looters!!!! Ka Chineke Mezie Okwu!

[Auspicious]

Jesus Christ! I feel like weeping and gnashing my teeth in frustration when I read you people's justifications of obvious partiality by the powers-that-be! The war is lost, the pristine cause is tarnished, the objective is defeated...when the people we trust demonstrate terribly obvious bias in performing their duties!!!

How on earth can anyone look at Ebonylomo's position and give it a pass mark? How would you feel if you were alive during the time of Jesus..and you observed him passing unfair judgements? Your lord and savior passing unfair judgements?!? Won't you feel gutted by that painful reality?

Thank God Nuhu Ribadu isn't our savior or our Lord! Otherwise the pain will be even more. But I know there used to be a time when I, Auspicious, will praise this man to high heavens as an unsual man. But he has managed to ruin all that with his latest behavior. And look, I thank God that I have the sanity and the presence of mind to see through it all.

How can he ddestroy his cause - his war - with such obvious display of partiality? How can you people - Ebonylomo and ILN - live with yourselves as you justigy his double standards? Don't you people have any conscience? How can you encourage failure? Don't you people know that this is all a bad precedence?

Despiet the Nuhu's list, we have the following news report from today's Guardian. Pray that whatever Diety you worship open your Mind's Eyes to see clearer. ENjoy!

Auspicious.

Nnamani, Ejiofor Receive Party Flags, Despite 'Indictment'

From Lawrence Njoku Enugu Feb 16
The Guardian. Saturday, February 16, 2007.

Despite their 'indictment' by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Governor Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State and his Political Adviser and Commissioner for Local Government Matters, Chief Sam Ebenezer Ejiofor were yesterday presented with the party's flags as Senatorial and Deputy Governorship candidates. Nnamani is the senatorial candidate of the PDP for Enugu East Central Senatorial Zone while Ejiofor is the deputy governorship candidate of the party for the April polls.

The duo were presented with the flags as the PDP yesterday kicked off its 2007 governorship campaigns in Enugu with a declaration by Governor Nnamani that he had survived in the past seven and half years by the grace of God.

At the occasion which attracted a large turnout of people, Nnamani who was apparently referring to his ordeal at the hands of the opposition in the state and recent indictment by some agencies of the Federal Government, stated that it had indeed been one of the "toughest periods" of his career, stressing however, that he would be vindicated in the end.

The governor, who received the party's flag to vie for the senatorial election in Enugu East, alongside Chief Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) and Senator Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West) urged the gathering to continue to support the party and deliver its candidates at the April elections.

Others who received the party's flag were the governorship candidate, Mr Sullivan Chime and his Deputy, Sam Ejiofor, eight house of representatives candidates and 24 State Assembly candidates of the party.

Sounding rather fulfilled by some actions and achievements of his administration, Nnamani counseled his successors to be more tolerant and work harder for the overall development of the state.

"If they say that Chimaroke Nnamani for eight years concentrated development effort in Agbani, I want you to ensure that you spread your own effort to other zones. Build roads and infrastructure in Nsukka, Oji River, Awgu and Aninri. You must look at the people, you must know them and for them to know you. You must understand their needs and be able to solve their problems at all times", he counseled.

He told a mammoth crowd that gathered at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, venue of the campaign that his consolation was in the fact that the last seven and half years had been rewarding, leading to the emergence of a new political class, insisting that the "ebeano" family had come to stay in Enugu politics.

He said he was elated by the large crowd at the occasion, stressing that it was an indication that his administration had done well, urging them to use the same spirit and vote for candidates of the party in the coming polls.

Handing the flags to the candidates earlier, State Chairman of the party, Chief Onyioha Nwanjoku, urged them to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and ensure that they drew more membership for the party, explaining that the party was big enough to accommodate all interests.

In his speech, the party governorship candidate, Chime, said he would consolidate the reforms of the outgoing administration of the governor, and bring about the speedy growth and development of the state.

[I Love Nigeria]

What is in the air that they breath? What is in the water that they drink?
Why can't they realize the IMPORTANCE of preventing CORRUPT persons from runing for elections?

Ignore EFCC list, NBA advices INEC
• Offers 20,000 lawyers to help electoral commission
By VAL OKARA, Owerri
Saturday, February 17, 2007


The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to ignore the list of the allegedly corrupt politicians recently released by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

In a seven-point communiqué read out by NBA National Chairman, Chief Olisa Agbakoba at the end of a two-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at Owerri, the Imo State capital Friday also urged electoral body to discard the report of the administrative panel of inquiry which was carried out without due regard with the principles of fair hearing and the presumption of innocence enshrined in the constitution .

While appreciating the efforts of the EFCC in fighting corruption in the country, the NBA condemned in strong terms the timing of the release of the list of indicted politicians at a time the preparation of April election is at its peak.

The association rebuked (condemned) the recent media report credited to President Olusegun Obasanjo describing the April general elections as a "do or die affairs" stressing that such an inflammatory is capable of heating up the polity and should be avoided .
It reads "NEC empowers the leadership of the NBA to seek legal intepretation on the propriety or otherwise of the Federal government , setting up an administration panel of inquiry to try candidates for elections".
It also called on all public office holders at the three tiers of government (Federal, state and local governments) to desist from using public funds in campaigning for any of the political parties or candidates.

The communiqué condemned in strong terms the roles played by some of the lawyers in the administrative panels and spate of impeachment across the country , warning that all such cases would be treated as professional misconduct and appropriate sanctions would be meted on those found guilty.
It therefore called on the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) and other relevant agencies in the down stream of the petroleum industry to ensure the availability of fuel in all parts of the country so that the electoral process would not be impaired or truncated .

Meanwhile, as part of the efforts to ensure credible election in the country in April, the NBA has agreed to offer 20000 of its members to INEC to assist the commission meet the challenges of the forthcoming elections.

National president of the association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), disclosed the plans to newsmen on Friday before the release of the communiqué from the association’s two- day National Executive Committee meeting in Owerri, the Imo State capital explained that the involvement of the Association with INEC is to smoothen the statutory functions of the commission to ensure credible , free and fair election.

“NBA has offered to assist INEC in several ways. We offered INEC 20,000 lawyers to the play roles such as returning officers and polling clerks. We will play the traditional role of election monitoring . We are also in touch with the Court of Appeal on the Election Tribunal because contenders believed that they were slow in discharging election petitions".
The NBA, he said, is concerned with the election petitions processes and was keen to the speedy termination of the election petitions.

Agbakoba stated that the association is unsettled with certain media statements credited to president Olusegun Obasanjo and Chieftains of other political parties on the April polls capable of derailing the elections, stressing that NBA was desirous to see what parties would be offering the Nigeria citizens .
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria who equally kicked against t he timing of the list of alleged corrupt politics by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) from participating in the forthcoming elections.

He also further disclosed that the Association is working in tandem with a number of agencies including the NLC, the Nigeria Medical Association and African Independent Television (AIT) to organise a presidential debates for all presidential candidates to enable them unfold their plans to tackle poverty ravaging the country.

The NBA boss charged the EFCC to ensure that the commission applies due process strictly in its operatives and create a level playing to all politicians rather than to be selective.
Reacting to the execution of a Nigeria, master Amarachi Tochukwu by the Singapore government , Agbakoba said that the association had begun a critical and thorough study of the death penalty and would come up with a position.

On the seriousness of the Electoral body, Agbakobasaid, " INEC started badly but come up with 60 million people and we are an advocacy group who want INEC to do its job and our task is to sweep away all the logistics problems and to raise concern and issue .
He added that the association would organize a workshop for its members comprehend with the workings of the electoral process, assuring that lawyers who take part in unpardonable conducts such as illegal unconstitutional impeachments exercise would be sanctioned.

[lawproff]

iln, do not worry yourself on the pronouncements of the nba, its leaders in recent times are anti-reform. remember that the former president of the nba even wanted ribadu to be sacked? the fact of the matter is that the senior lawyers or sans are the indirect beneficiary of the political wranglings in nigeria.

ok, imagine this:

efcc indicts a crooked politician.

the crooked politicians' lawyer runs to a friendly state's court to obtain injuction which prevents the efcc from prosecuting the indicted crooked politician thereby clogging the wheel of justice.

the above instance is replicated all over nigeria and whenever efcc try to enforce its mandate as empowered by the powers that created it, the nba will come to the rescue of the 'poor masses' whose rights efcc is trampling upon.

the question a sane mind needs to ask is: why can't nba device a way to reform itself and the judicial system and save the real poor masses of nigeria from the crooked politicians who are using the legal gimmicks to evade justice?

for agbakoba and the nec of nba to come out openly advising the indicted politicians to ignore the efcc's warning is to say the least, incredulous. efcc has already done its part, the law courts will take it over from here and we shall see where it will all end.

iln, keep-up the good work that you are doing. nigeria needs some clear, level headed thinker like yourself, not those who plays to the gallery on nvs shouting morality and fairness. one needs only to remind them that the corrupt politicians lacks in abundance, both morals and fairness in their dealings with the generality of us nigerians.

you must continue to inform those who cares to listen that, there are a lot of corrupt politicians in all of the political parties across all regions of nigeria, and no matter what, efcc cannot get to all of them at the same time. even if efcc indicts alao akala and gbenga daniels and olagunsoye oyinlola of oyo, ogun and osun respectively, the antagonists will still cry foul and say: what about saraki, anenih, andy ubah et al. but again, can efcc reach all of these people all at once?

i wish you the courage and time needed to educate them until they can learn and understand that for effectiveness, efcc has to be systematic and approach its undertakings as it deemed fit. hopefully when a new government comes into office, there might be change of guard at efcc, thus a new leader and direction in its affairs. for now, i stand to be counted amongst those is support of efcc's approach thus far. corruption is a cancer that needs several medications to cure, and as in many medications there is always associated side effect. if trampling upon civil rights of some indicted politicians is one of the side effect of curing the corruption's cancer in nigeria, so be it. 140 millions of us nigerians are daily crying for help from the trampling upon of our fundamental human rights to good governance by our so called leader at all levels of governance.

the most annoying thing about the town-criers of fairness is that, not a single innocent politician has been indicted, prosecuted and convicted let alone jailed in nigeria. so what the fuss about unfairness and trampling upon rights of the accused?

didn't the indicted given the opportunity to appear before the constituted administrative panel of enquiry to clear their names? didn't some of the indicted found not wanting and others recommended for prosecution? so what is the fuss all about? those who refused to appear to clear their names instead retort to political persecution, in my mind, have something to hide and are afraid of being bannned from contesting in the coming elections. their game plan is very simple for the discerning mind: avoid exposition at all cost; contest election and win at all cost; and continue to hide under immunity while crying poltical persecution for all of the allegations of corruption. at the end of the day, they will continue to steal government resources and using the same loot to prevent and evade justice; hiring the same legal giants to argue the same cases of trampling upon their civil rights while the poor masses continue to suffer forever. it is called the cycle of deceit and daylight robbery by our dear "elites" with the help of our legal luminaries including the president of the nba, oilsa agbakoba who since assumption of office has not deemed it fit to initiate a self-cleansing reform of the association under its direct control, yet has been a front runner for presidential office in nigeria, i thought i heard it before that: charity begins at home!