Adamawa Guber 2012: Nyako locks out Jibril Aminu

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Information available to 247ureports.com indicates that the preparations for the gubernatorial elections of 2012 in Adamawa State have begun. This is as the numerous political parties in State have begun angling for the necessary re-allignments against the up coming  gubernatorial primaries within their respective parties. This is particular with the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] which is presently the ruling party in the state.

Against the buildup to the 2012 gubernatorial primaries, the State Governor, Malam Muritala Nyako is reported to have begun the clearing of possible political opponents or groups that may pose a challenge. In this effort, the Governor moved to quash a recent political gathering arranged by a factional group within the PDP in Adamawa State in a manner that has raised eyebrows in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State.

Yesterday, September 10, 2011 saw the Nigerian Police Force [NPF], acting pressumebly under the directives of the State Governor, walking into a meeting convened by the former Senator, Jubril Aminu at a hotel in Yola, to politely ask [chase] them to halt the meeting and leave the premises.  And the meeting ended abruptly. It was moved to another location at the home of a private citizen/resident of Yola.

As gathered from eyewitness sources, Senator Aminu had convened the meeting as a pre-campaign meeting to rally support for a possible gubernatorial opponent of the Governor, Malam Umaru Ardo. Malam Ardo had been an avid supporter of the former vice president of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku who was once a political “enemy” of the State Governor.  

Senator Jubril Aminu, on his part, had been on the opposite sides of the PDP as per Governor Nyako – and was recently execerbated by the move to remove him from his Senate seat by Governor Nyako’s former Chief of Staff, Malam Bello Tukur – through the overwhelming support from the Governor. Keen observers of Adamawa politics believe that Governor Nyako is concerned that Senator Aminu maybe on a mission to revenge the lose of his senatorial seat.   

Sources in Yola tell 247ureports.com that Governor Nyako’s concerns against the possble match up with Umaru Ardo in the PDP primaries stems out of the “respect” the governor has for the political skills of Ardo as an opponent. And for this reason, the Governor has reached into the politics of the national theater to affect changes that may aide his victory at the primaries. The governor reached out to the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan to impress on him to mount Malam Kugama [the former PDP State Chairman of Adamawa and confident of the Governor] to the position of National PDP Chairman. It is not certain if President Jonathan heeded to the request.

Meanwhile, Governor Nyako is said to be faced with a major dilemma inthe hands of Adamawa Elders. The Elders forum in Adamawa State are said to be unhappy with the Governor. In their assessment of the governor, he has been a marginalizing governor. The likes of Bamanga Tukur, Air Commodore Dan Suleman, Ambassador Wilberforce Junta Aminu, Senator Jonathan Swingina -among other elders are said to be cozing up to the opposition against the candidature of Nyako.

Outside the PDP, there appear possible trouble for the Nyako candidacy from the Congress forProgressive Change [CPC]. The former military governor of Lagos State, Buba Marwa is reported to be gearing up for the gubernatorial race under the banner of the CPC. As gathered, the CPC as a political party has grown strong in the State to position it as a party that may pose a threat to the candidacy of Nyako.

Gov Elechi & Counterfiet Democracy

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Osita Julius Nworu

We are living in a time and in a state where the governor sees governance as a family affair. Traditionally, democracy is simply defined as government of the people for the people and by the people. But for the over 70 year old Gov. Elechi is concerned, this universally accepted definition of democracy, its principles and attributes should apply to his immediate family and his kinsmen only not the people. To discern this can often be a difficult process as he is using his attitudinal change propaganda to blindfold the pauperized people of Ebonyi state from knowing the truth.

However, it is now a common knowledge that Elechi runs Ebonyi state with only the members of his family and his few kinsmen. A group in the state once described Elechi’s style of governance as nuclear family system, in which other people, except members of the governor’s family and a few kinsmen, are completely shut out of the governance of the state. That is, Elechi’s perception of democracy is that of government of the people for the Elechis and by the Elechis.

Governor Elechi has been consistently accused of awarding contracts to only himself and members of his immediate family. For instance, he awarded most of the on-going contracts in the state to his company, called MJ Construction Company. This company is solely run by his son, Martin Elechi (Jnr) and his other siblings. Of course, violation of the principles of due process in this kind of contract awards has been glaring, the contracts having been unilaterally cornered by the governor’s family.

In a related development, there is what could be regarded as a trace of fraud in Elechi’s contract awards to self. It was learnt that some of the road contracts were actually awarded to Elechi by the immediate past government of Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, but he (Elechi) carried on with the job until Egwu left office. But as soon as he emerged governor, he re-awarded the contracts to his company, and at outrageous terms. Yet, these contracts are moving at a snail speed and none of the ongoing projects meets standard.

The Governor pretends to be a saint in the administration of the state, findings have proved otherwise. Recently, the Nigerian Army ceded a part of its plot of land, located in Abakiliki capital city, called mammy market, to Ebonyi. In return to this gesture, Elechi’s government promised to build a new market for the army in the state. Of course, the governor has kept this promise, having completed the market project. But this is not the story.The story is that Elechi, ignoring due process, gave the market contract to his daughter who is being married in Delta state. Agitated indigenes of the state insist that, apart from the fact that Elechi’s daughter is now an indigene of Delta state by marriage, she did not have the professional know-how to have been awarded the contract in the first instance. But Elechi, believing that Ebonyi’s new name is Elechi & Sons’ state went ahead with his decision.

Award of contracts to self is just an aspect of Elechi’s filth in Ebonyi. Favoritism is also another trademark of the septuagenarian governor. It is discovered that all juicy appointments either go to the kinsmen of Elechi or those of his wife, Josephine. For instance, Chief Chris Nwankwo, quite alright, used to be a prominent politician, but went into oblivion overtime. But Elechi, immediately on assumption of office, brought Nwankwo back to political relevance.

Another instance: Governor Elechi, few years ago, sacked workers who participated in partisan politics, but had earlier been given waivers to return to work. But this policy was selectively applied, as Elechi spared some kinsmen and close associates of his.

Immediately Elechi assumed duty as governor in 2007, he sacked permanent secretaries, auditors-general, and accountants-general amongst others because they paid themselves arrears of harmonization, that is, some debts owed them by the state government. But, again, the sack was a one sided exercise because Fidelis Mbam, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), was guilty of the same offence, yet he is allowed to remain in service. Mbam was Chief of Staff as at the time, and he, also, got paid his own arrears of harmonization like the others. Elechi is yet to sack Mbam. It would also be recalled that Elechi again, recently sacked more permanent secretaries. The implication of this is that in due course, the wage bill of retired permanent secretaries in the state would take greater percentage of the state’s monthly allocation thus making it difficult for successive government to embark on capital projects. (His competence as an economist is doubtful).

Even among the 115 sacked senior officials of government, Elechi, through the back door, brought back his other kinsmen. For instance, Willy Nkwagu, a relation of the governor’s wife from Izzi, was brought back and appointed a commissioner. And Tony Nwigberi, one of the sacked permanent secretaries, is now back as Chairman, Local Government Service Commission. Nwigberi is from Governor Elechi’s Ikwo community.

It would be recalled that Chief Godwin Ogbaga, clerk of the state House of Assembly, was curiously removed and replaced with a relation of Josephine, the governor’s wife.

Sources have alleged that local government council chairmen and coordinators of developmental centers in the state are meant to pay the sum of five hundred thousand naira each to the office of the wife of the governor monthly for programmes that have no economic impact on the people of the state.

The emergence of Gov. Elechi in 2007 is just a political accident that occurred as a result of pressure and last minute hasty decision of the PDP leaders in the state. It is regrettable that self acclaimed father of founding fathers is not setting good example of leadership. Again In 2011 members of staff of INEC voted him in not the people of Ebonyi. He knows this in the heart of his heart as soon the truth about what transpired will be unveiled.

If Elechi has performed as a Governor in his first term, he does not need to embark on
fraudulent procurement of endorsements and votes of confidence by political turn coat and jobber as he did during the last election.
In a nutshell, the questions Elechi must answer include:
(a) where has he kept all the borrowed funds and how has it been used? (b) Where are the projects for which he claims he borrowed the funds? Ebonyians want to know.

Jonathan’s first 100 days: No sign of the promised transformation – ACN

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The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) says while 100 days may truly be too short to assess any administration,
there has been little or nothing in the first 100 days of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to convince
anyone that this President can indeed transform Nigeria as he has promised.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party
said events of the first 100 days of the Jonathan administration have been akin to building a structure on sand
rather than on rock, adding that such a structure will not endure.
It said the only ‘achievement’ that sticks out like a sore thumb in the administration’s first 100 days is the
poorly-thought-out and ill-advised single-tenure kite being flown by the President.
”In his inaugural speech, the President exhorted Nigerians to ‘look beyond the hardship you have endured. See a
new beginning; a new direction; a new spirit’. Unfortunately, the President’s unsteady gait as well as his trade mark
indecision on critical issues in the past 100 days do not point to a new spirit or a new beginning. They point to a return
to the same old raggedy path that brought Nigeria to this sorry pass,” it said.

ACN said: ”The President told Nigerians on May 29th that ‘I am mindful that I represent the shared aspiration of all
our people to forge a united Nigeria: a land of justice, opportunity and plenty.’ But the unity of Nigeria has never been
more threatened than it is under his watch, and the country is still far from being a land of justice.”

”The President said he is very conscious of the negative effect of insecurity on growth and development, but now expects
Nigerians to believe that the contraption he calls Economic Management Team and a supposed first rate cabinet will perform
miracles, even as insecurity stalks the land; as Boko Haram continues to kill and maim with impunity, as kidnappers are
having a field day and armed robbers striking at will.

”The President said he represents the shared aspiration of Nigerians to forge a united Nigeria, but watches helplessly as
Nigerians decimate one another in Jos, and families upon families are being wiped out in an orgy of unspeakable violence.
No thanks to the inept handling of the Jos crisis, the situation has worsened in the past 100 days.
”We do not expect the President to transform Nigeria in 100 days, but we expect him to take the first sure step towards the
transformation of Nigeria.

”After all, it was the late US President John F. Kennedy who said in his inaugural speech about his plans for his country: ‘All this
will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days; nor in the life of this administration. Nor
even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin’,” the party added.

It said what Nigerians had been hoping to see in the first 100 days of President Jonathan is a clear break from the past, and a
triumph of vision over substance in all facets of life, including the economy, infrastructure, education, job creation, power,
the fight against corruption and even foreign policy.

On security for example, ACN said, there is nothing inspiring or indicating vision in the statement credited to the National Security
Adviser that Nigeria was not prepared for the kind of terrorism that has now taken the nation by storm.

”No nation that is worth its salt will say it is not prepared for terrorism, 10 years after terrorists killed over 3,000 people in one
day alone in the aerial attacks on the US. No nation that wants to be taken seriously will say it is not prepared for terrorism when
terrorists have struck in countries they consider as soft targets, like Kenya and Tanzania. Nothing in the NSA’s comments
reassures Nigerians that this government will tackle insecurity decisively in the next four years,” the party said.

It also said the overly simplistic statement credited to Information Minister Labaran Maku, that the greatest achievement of the
Jonathan administration in the past three months was “setting the stage for development to take root in Nigeria through the constitution
of a vibrant cabinet and a world class economic team”, raises even more concern over the calibre of people in the cabinet.

”How can anyone talk of setting the stage for development in an atmosphere of insecurity? How can development take root in a land
of impunity, where the rule of law is easily subordinated to the rule of the jungle? How can a so-called vibrant cabinet and a world
class economic team achieve anything without a visionary policy direction?” the party queried.

”We are not asking the President to tar all dilapidated roads in the first 100 days. We do not expect the President to solve Nigeria’s
numerous problems in the first 100 days. We do not think the President is a miracle man who can transform Nigeria overnight. But we
expect him to lead the drive for the nation’s rebirth and give hope to our people, in speech and in deed, and to roll out a clear road-map
to the land of security, prosperity, respect for the rule of law as well as world class education and modern healthcare for the citizenry.

”Sadly, the Jonathan administration has done little or nothing in its first 100 days to show it has even taken the first step on the journey to
that land, or even knows how to get there!” ACN said.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary
Action Congress of Nigeria
Lagos Sept 11th 2011

Calm returns to Texas Community as ASA-USA boots Ulasi, Nweke

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Vincent Nkemdilim Nweke

Calm appears on the return to the Anambra Community of Houston, Texas. This is following recent information gathered by 247ureports.com over the activities of the principal Anambra State Union and its former operators in the persons of Chris Ulasi and Vincent “sabi” Nweke – which indicates that the last curtain may have fallen on the trouble brewing within the State Union in Houston amongst its members.  

As reported previously in an August 20, 2011 publication titled Houston: Town Union Fraud, Ulasi, Nweke fingered [documents included], the failed attempts by the founding Chairman of the Anambra State Union, Vincent “Sabi” Nweke and the former Chairman of the Union, Chris Ulasi to cover up the questionable financial mismanagement and possble identity theft-showed the two former chairman deceptively registered an alternate organization unbeknowst to the members of their organization- and monies raised by the Union under the official name of ANASCO made itsway into another account opened by Vincent Nweke under the name of  the alternate organization. Vincent Nweke, when confronted at the tail end of his tenure as the chairman, pleaded innocence stating that it was a mistake. But Chris Ulasi, who took over the chairmanship from Nweke, was not as apologetic as Nweke when he was contronted by the members – who were demanding for an audit following the Anambra State Association in the United States of Anambra [ASA-USA] convention hosted in Houstion 2005.

Some of the stakeholders of the Houstion Anambra Union, after having made numerous failed efforts to have the Chris Ulasi led Executive to perform an audit of the accounts of the State Union -and to update the Union’s accounting system to reflect the approipriate name of the Union, they decided to take actions outside the dictates of the State Union and of Chris Ulasi. Prior to opting to take actions, the group of stakeholders observed that the Chris Ulasi led executive was actively drawing down on the money saved in the bank belonging to the Union. And to avert the continued drawdown, the group approached the Bank officials with the appropriate documents. This enabled for the monies in the account to be moved toan account with the correct name.

Caught off gaurd, the Chris Ulasi /Vincent Nweke group took immediate legal option and file a suit against the stakeholders of the Union on November 19, 2010 in the District Civil Court at the 295 Judicial District, Harris County, Texas under Cause number 2010-76740. The suit was filed by Patrick O. Chukelu, Esq. The suit charged the stakeholders of fraud [identity theft – that they group stole the identity of the Union] and prayed for the courts to grant a restraining order for the group to stop using the name of the Union.

[Click below to see the expanded “GALLERY” copy of suit -8 pages].

On December 7, 2010, the Chris Ulasi/Vincent Nweke group, through their prayer for a temporary restraining order, asked the courts for the refund / release the monies rescued by the stakeholders in the amount $10,000, they asked for the stakeholders to refrain from having physical contact or presence at 13403 Renn Road, Houston, Texas 77083 [location where the Ulasi/Nweke group holds its functions], theyasked for the stakeholders to refrain using the name of the Union. But the presiding Judge refused to grant them the first and third wish. The Judge granted Ulasi/Nweke team the second request but with a preset condition. He asked the stakeholders to refrain from having physical contact or presence at 13403 Renn Road, Houston, Texas 77083 [location where the Ulasi/Nweke group holds its functions] “during Ulasi/Nweke monthly scheduled meeting in their room”.

Another date was set to hear the remainder of the case.

Meanwhile, the National body of Anambra Unions in the USA [ASA-USA] has thrown its weight into the trouble in Houston. The National body, as 247ureports.com gathered, has examined the case in Houston among the two groups and discovered that the stakeholders were authentic in their quest to resolve the annomaly in the Anambra Union in Houston. To this, the National body issued a letter of recognizing the Stakeholders as a body it recognizes as the Houston chapter.

[see letter below]

stay tuned

1st 100 days of Imo State Assembly

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On the 14th of September 2011, the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu will
clock 100 days in office as the Speaker of Imo State House of
Assembly. No doubt, it is too short a time to access or evaluate the
legislative activities of the Imo State House of Assembly. But because
it has become a tradition in Nigeria since 1999 to use the first 100
days in office of any arm of government to access such leadership, I
deem it necessary to open the minds of Imo citizens in particular and
Nigerians in general on the achievements of the present Imo State
House of Assembly under the able and visionary leadership of Rt. Hon.
Benjamin Chukwuemeka Uwajumogu.
 
Following the inauguration on the 7th of June 2011 of the fifth house,
third assembly, first session of the present Imo State House of
Assembly, Rt. Hon Benjamin Chukwuemeka Uwajumogu emerged as the
speaker while Hon. Donatus Ozoemena became the deputy speaker. The
post of majority leader went to Hon. Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma while Hon. Dr.
Acho Ihim clinched the post of deputy majority leader. Other officers
of the house as elected were the minority leader, Hon (mrs) Ngozi Pat
Ekeji, deputy minority leader went to Hon. Robertson Ekwebelem. The
chief whip is Hon Ugonma Ozurigbo while his deputy is Hon Sir Emeka
Nwafor as the post of minority whip went to Hon. Barr. Obinna Okwara.
With the leadership of the House fully inaugurated, the Imo state
House of Assembly kicked off its legislature responsibilities to the
people of the state. In his inaugural speech, Rt. Hon. Uwajumogu
identified three areas yearning for immediate attention such as, (1).
Service to the people (2) the executive arm. (3) The legislature.
 
Hear the vibrant Speaker.............................." It is with
humility and profound sense of honour that I accept the position of
the speaker of Imo State House of Assembly. I will devote my time,
energy and everything within my legislative powers to make Imo State
House of Assembly the best legislature in the country. I will work
tirelessly towards the upliftment of Imo State House of Assembly. I
promise to give you all, with a true sense of quality leadership,
equal representation and effective disposition to work."………..UNQUOTE.
100 days after this famous quote from the ebullient speaker, he has
lived up to expectations because he has not only devoted his energy
and time towards the upliftment of the Assembly, but he has also led
his equally vibrant Honorable colleagues to enact people oriented
laws, bills and motions through effective and efficient legislative
responsibilities which has put back confidence, trust and smiles on
the faces of Imo citizens in the bid to bring to the grassroots the
impact of the "Rescue Mission" of the government of His Excellency
Owelle Rochas Anayo Ethelberth Okorocha (OON). During the period under
review, the Imo State House of Assembly considered a total of seven
(7) bills which were presented at the floor of the house. It is
important to mention here that out of these seven bills, five are at
committee stages awaiting reading, while two are at second reading
stages. Also the house recorded thirty four (34)
 
 
Motions during the same period. From this figure, 20 motions were
passed and forwarded to the executive Governor for necessary action.
Similarly, out of the total number of motions, 9 are still pending,
one (1) withdrawn, two (2) negatived and two (2) others adjourned sine
die. It is worthy to note that presently, eight bills were on notice
and would soon begin the legislature journey for passage into law. At
this point, it is expedient to mention that the Imo State House of
Assembly led by the ebullient speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu is
working harmoniously with the executive arm of government in one
spirit through synergistic understanding to ensure the provision of
dividends of democracy. This has been possible because there is an
enabling environment where law makers ventilate their minds through
robust legislative dialogue, debate and discussion which has really
integrated, incorporated, inculcated and aggregated the interest of
their respective constituencies. This is the relevance of politics.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu and his colleagues have not only
sacrificed some of their rights and privileges to ensure the smooth
take-of the present administration, they have also personally financed
the furnishing of their offices due to the lean resources of the state
government. This should be applauded. Equally, it is instructive to
note that currently the Imo State House of Assembly complex is
undergoing renovation and face lift. Constructions of more
administrative and political offices are going on. Leaking roofs are
also being put in order. Previous leadership of the house abandoned
the complex to so dilapidate that the structure became an eyesore. But
NOW the Assembly building complex is beginning to wear a new look.
 
Also, to ensure a virile, responsible and responsive government
machinery that will drive development at the state and local levels,
the Imo State House of Assembly screened and confirmed the appointment
of Commissioners, Special Advisers and local government transition
committee chairmen. In order to ensure integrated development in the
spirit of rescue mission agenda, the Imo State House of Assembly
granted approval for His Excellency the state Governor, to declare
emergency on road rehabilitation, education, health, housing, security
and other critical areas seeking urgent attention. Accordingly, the
House approved N5 billion naira for the urgent execution of the
aforementioned projects and programmes. It is also worthy to mention
that the Speaker has piloted the affairs of IMHA because he has
effective and efficient standing house committee being chaired by his
able colleagues. These various houses committee of the legislature
carried out oversight functions within the legislative 100 days by
ensuring monitoring of the aforementioned projects and the
implementation of both the state and the 27 local government 2011
annual budget. Some of these committee’s are as follows; 1. Finance
committee 2. Humanitarian services, Human Rights and NGO's committee.
3. Committee on Commence and Industry. 4. Information, due process and
inter-parliamentary affairs committee. 5. Budget and Appropriation
committee. 6. Works, Housing and Transport committee. 7.
Anti-corruption, Petition, Ethics and Privileges committee. 8. Project
Monitoring and Evaluation committee. 9. House Services Committee. 10.
Health and sanitation committee. 11. Public Utilities and Rural
Development committee. 12. Women Affairs, Social Development, Youth
and Sports committee. 13. Lands, survey and urban committee. 14.
Judiciary committee. 15. Education committee. 16. Millennium
Development Goals committee. 17. Environment committee. 18. Delta
Affairs committee. 19. Petroleum and ISOPADEC committee. 20.
Agricultural and National Resources committee. 21. Public Accounts
committee. 22. Local Government, Chieftaincy and Autonomous
Communities committee. 23. Religious Affairs committee. 24. Culture
and tourism committee. 25. Civil Service Matters committee. 26.
Business and rules committee, amongst others.
 
Conversely, the Honorable members led by the Speaker have performed
their oversight functions most creditably to the admiration of
majority of Imo Citizens in particular and Nigerians in general. It
is therefore not surprising that after 100 days the Rt. Hon. Benjamin
Uwajumogu assumed the leadership of the legislature, the activities of
the House have impacted positively on the lives of the people of IMO
STATE, hence the various accolades received by the speaker in
particular and members of the legislature generally. For instance,
during the just concluded four day children’s art festival, held in
Owerri to mark the International Children’s Day, the National
Commission for Museums and Monument, in Association with Alliance
Francaise, and some Non – Governmental Organizations, NGO, presented
the Speaker an award for Excellence and Philanthropy. Also during the
recent visit to the House by the leadership of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, its National President,
Prof. Francis Ojaide, said the association came to thank the Assembly
members for the able ways they have piloted the legislative arm of the
government in the state. According to the 47th President of ICAN, the
Imo State Government had through the activities of the Assembly led by
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu proved that it was determined to wipe out
tears from the faces of the people of Imo State.
 
The House has also received praises from the traditional institution
for making a remarkable difference in the area of law – making in the
short-space-of-time it has been in existence. For instance, on August
21, 2011, when Speaker Uwajumogu attended the popular Iri-ji Nkwerre,
alongside other House leaders, the Eshi of Nkwerre, His Royal
Highness, Eze Dr. Chijioke Okwara commended the ebullient Speaker for
the able ways the Imo State House of Assembly, was being run.
Commendations from other Professional bodies ,Nationally and
Internationally for Speaker Uwajumogu are too numerous to mention here.
Nonetheless, let me state it categorically that the activities of
Imo State House of Assembly can be accessed on the Internet, Face
books, Blogs, National Newspapers, Regional Newspapers, Local
Newspapers, Radio and Television.
 
 
From the above analysis, it is evident that the Imo State House of
Assembly under the proactive and visionary leadership of Rt. Hon.
Benjamin Uwajumogu is desirous to take Imo state legislatively to the
next level. This is the Verdict.
 
Signed,
Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha,
Special Adviser on Media
To the Rt. Hon. Speaker, IMHA.


                

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        [Wikileaks] “Yar’Adua mistrusted Jonathan, believed Jonathan was waiting for him to die” – Dora Akunyili                    
                


                

                    

                    

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Prof Dorothy Nkem Akunyili, the former Federal Minister for Information and Communication for Nigeria under the presidency of the then President Umaru Yar’Adua [May His Soul Rest in Peace] who recently contested for a senatorial seat for the central district of Anambra State under the political party of the All Progressive Grand Alliance [APGA] and failed – is reported in a recent release by Wikileaks to have espoused the private views of the then President towards his Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan – in a private midnight telephone chat with the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Renee Sanders.


Prof Akunyili had sought the audience of the American Ambassador to vent concerning the “real mess” Nigeria finds herself as a result of the uncertainty over the ill health of the then President Umaru Yar’Adua who was at the time admitted to a hospital in Saudi Arabia. Prof Akunyili related to the American Ambassador that the then President never had a good relationship with Goodluck Jonathan -that Yar’Adua mistrusted Jonathan – that he believed Jonathan was waiting for him to die – so he could take over.


Prof Dora Akunyili who told the American Ambassador that she made sure she was not using her “government phone” expressed that Goodluck Jonathan was confused on what do. She stated that Goodluck Jonathan did not want to send the wrong signal to the north.


For more details read the WIRE REPORT below filed by the American Ambassador – under CLASSIFIED information.


——


SUBJECT: NIGERIAN INFORMATION MINISTER:  YAR’ADUA COMATOSE;


VICE PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONCERNED


Classified By: Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders 


——-


SUMMARY


1. (S) As a follow-up to an earlier conversation (ref b)


Information Minister Dora Akunyili called Ambassador at 11:45


p.m. at her residence December 1 to discuss the state of


President Yar’Adua’s health, and as another Southerner, the


worries of Vice President Goodluck Jonathan if the President


dies.  Akunyili said she called the Ambassador on a


non-government registered phone and waited until she arrived


home to conduct her conversation; hence, the late call.


Akunyili began by stating that “the country is in a real mess


as Yar’Adua has been in and out of a comatose state since his


arrival in Saudi, only coming out briefly afternoon of


November 30, and since then he has been in a coma.”  She


added that the Vice President is symbolically in charge, but


is afraid to show any leadership in this environment given


that it might be “misunderstood.”  Earlier December 1, (see


other channels) several associates met with Mission Officer


to inform him that the VP was sending emissaries to obtain an


assessment of the current environment and to find out how the


international community would feel about him acceding to the


Presidency if Yar’Adua died.  Mission Officer stated our


policy of the primacy of following the rule of law and the


Constitution. News on the ground has not changed much in the


last 24 hours; succession noises are still being made, and we


continue to have feelers out all over town (particularly in


the military, see ref C on Chief of the Army’s comment on


military posture), in Saudi and through our very helpful


sister Embassy and Consulate General in Saudi Arabia.  END


SUMMARY.


——————————————–


DRUM BEAT ON YAR’ADUA’S FINAL DAYS CONTINUES


——————————————–


2. (S) In a late night conversation on December 1 with


Information Minister Dora Akunyili, who is known as a


straight shooter from her days as Director of the National


Food and Drug Agency, told the Ambassador that “Nigeria was


in a real mess” at the moment with President Yar’Adua being


“in and out of a coma since his arrival in Saudi, but mostly


in the last 2 days.”  She said she doubted that the President


could survive this current crisis as he had in the past,


noting that he was only conscious enough to talk to a few


people on the afternoon of November 30.  (NOTE:  This account


bears out, given that Kwara Governor Saraki told us that he


had a very brief chat with the President afternoon of


November 30 — ref A.  END NOTE.).  Akunyili added that there


is no clear leadership right now, because Vice President


Goodluck Jonathan is worried, unsure of what to do, and


concerned about sending signals that “could be misunderstood


at this sensitive stage among northerners.”  (Please see


reporting in other channels for additional Information.)  In


addition, no one from the Villa (State House) is keeping the


VP informed, she said.


Q3. (S) Ambassador asked who was really running the day-to-day


tasks of the country as in the past it had unofficially been


National Security Advisor Muktar and the Secretary to the


Government of the Federation (SGF).  The Information Minister


admitted that this remained the case, but noted that Jonathan


wanted to step into the light more, but was afraid to do so.


Akunyili added that Yar’Adua and Jonathan never had a good


relationship, that the President mistrusted him, and that


there was always a sense from Yar’Adua that the VP was “just


waiting for him to die.”  She confirmed that Jonathan was


sending feelers out to key Northerners on how they were


feeling and hoping to get a signal that it was all right to


do more leadership at this time.  Ambassador asked whether


there was anything she thought friends of Nigeria could do at


this time.  Akunyili suggested that the Ambassador send a


text message to wish the President well through to his Aide


de Camp.  (Please see report in other channels.)


————————-


JONATHAN OUTREACH EFFORTS


————————-


4. (S) Earlier on the evening of December 1, a request came


to Mission Officer outlining a scenario of having the


Ambassador deliver a letter expressing well wishes for the


President, but privately signaling the need to follow the


Constitution, de facto making the Vice President comfortable


that the USG or other international partners would not oppose


his ascendancy if it came to this.  We have told our


interlocutors that it was not possible to act in this manner


at this time, given that the President was still alive and


still the Head of State of Nigeria. (NOTE:  Ref A notes that


Jonathan went to see Senate President Mark seeking the same


assurances about succession and seeking support that the


constitutional process would be followed.  Mark said that it


would be.  END NOTE).


——-


COMMENT


——-


5. (S) Clearly, reports of the President in a coma and on a


respirator do not bode well for any recovery.  In addition,


Jonathan’s dispatching emissaries around town to take a


temperature check on the atmosphere surrounding what may be


his, sooner rather than later, ascendancy to the Presidency


further leads to the news that the President of Nigeria is in


his final days.  We are preparing a report (septel) on the


baggage that Jonathan will carry with him into State House as


there have been past reports of corruption, political


thuggery, and payments to “militant factions” from his days


as Governor of Bayelsa State as well as questions about his


competency in general.  Regarding those who might be viewed


as the strong Northerners who would become Vice President,


there seems to be a changing “short list” that could include


the Governors of Bauchi (Yuguda, also a son-in-law of


Yar’Adua), Kwara (Saraki), and Sokoto (Wamako) States at the


top.  Other strong Northern and ruling People’s Democratic


Party (PDP) personalities who will have a voice in what


happens in Nigeria range from former National Security


Advisor Aliyu, whom we also understand still desires the


Presidency, as well as Senate President David Mark.  Former


President Ibrahim Babangida, also a strong northern voice, is


out of the picture for the moment as he is in California with


his wife, whom we understand may be dying of cancer.  In


addition, we can never discount the influence and voice of


former President Obasanjo within the PDP on what to do next


as a result of Yar’Adua’s passing.  We will continue to


provide spot reporting from all sources as this situation


continues, particularly on the military.


SANDERS

                

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        [Wikileaks] “Atiku Manipulated $40m NITEL Contract to Ericsson” – El Rufai                    
                


                

                    

                    

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During the 2001 period when Nasiru El Rufai served as the Director of Bureau of Public Enterprise [BPE] under the 1st term presidency of the then President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, he shared a contact with the the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Howard F. Jeter where he shared his views on the corrupt tendencies of the then vice president of Nigeria, Abubakar Atiku.


In the recently released SECRET diplomatic documents by Wikileaks, Nasiru El Rufai opened up on how the then vice president manipulated a NITEL GSM Equipment Contract valued at $40million to suit him and his partners. He also detailed the sharp practices engaged by Atiku and his boys in office. He pointed to the then President as being aware of the dirty practices by Atiku.


Nasiru El Rufai, frustrated by Atiku’s antics, offered to resign. But the then President refused to accept his resignation.


READ BELOW 


S E C R E T SECTION


SUBJECT:  (C) NIGERIA: PRIVATIZATION DIRECTOR TO QUIT JOB OVER GSM EQUIPMENT CONTRACT


REF: (A) ABUJA 1679 (B) LAGOS 1933


Classified by Ambassador Howard F. Jeter for Reasons 1.5 (B)


and (D).


1. (S) Summary.  Ambassador Jeter hosted Nasir El-Rufai,


Director-General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE),


for lunch on August 1 to discuss the current status of the


NITEL GSM Equipment contract.  EconOff attended as notetaker.


 El-Rufai was very candid about his relationship with the


Vice President, the Vice President,s stake in awarding the


GSM contract to Ericsson, and his own intention to leave his


position as head of the GON privatization agency.  El-Rufai


claimed that the Vice President had manipulated the contract


award in favor of Ericsson and that this case is just one


example of what is commonly practiced in the Executive


branch, e.g., cushioning or manipulating contracts for


personal and political gain.  He stated that because the


President believes him capable of manipulating the tendering


process, as alleged by Ericsson, he has no other choice but


to resign his position at the BPE.  End Summary.


 ——


2. (C) On August 1, Ambassador hosted a private lunch for


Nasir El-Rufai to candidly discuss the NITEL GSM Equipment


contract, valued at approximately USD 40 million.  (See


reftels for background on this issue.)  In the intimate


setting of the Ambassador,s residence, El-Rufai stated that


NITEL/Ministry of Communications was continuing to negotiate


the contract terms with Ericsson.  According to El-Rufai, the


GON asked Ericsson to deliver the products and services at


Motorola’s bid price, which was USD 10 million less than


Ericsson’s bid of USD 49 million.  El-Rufai did not believe


Ericsson could fulfill the contract provisions at that price,


commenting that conclusion would only be reached if the two


sides agreed to cut 25 percent of the contract, through, for


example, reducing the number of proposed base stations.  But,


El-Rufai said, “that 25 percent would have to be paid for by


someone.”


3. (C) When asked whether the President and Vice President


might reconsider the contract award, El-Rufai replied no,


despite the difficulties over negotiations, the Vice


President would “lose face” if Ericsson did not receive the


contract.  However, El-Rufai did feel that a compromise could


be found that would allow the Vice President to save face and


allow Motorola to participate.  He suggested that Ericsson


and Motorola split the contract: Ericsson could provide the


switching network and Motorola could provide the base


stations.  He noted that this would allow each company to


provide the service in which it specializes.  Because the


base stations represent a greater portion of the contract, he


recommended offering Ericsson some of the sub-contracting


work, such as the air conditioning towers and power


generation units, where neither company has specific


expertise.  (Comment.  El-Rufai’s suggestions may not carry


much weight, as he is not currently participating in the


negotiations with Ericsson.  End Comment.)


4. (C) El-Rufai expressed his deep displeasure with events


immediately preceding the contract award to Ericsson.  In a


recent meeting with President Obasanjo, the two discussed


Ericsson’s allegations that El-Rufai had manipulated the


tendering process to ensure Motorola’s success.  (Note.


El-Rufai had written a lengthy letter to President Obasanjo


on July 8 defending his role in the tendering process and


pointing to the questionable activities of the Vice


President’s Aide-de-Camp, who acted on behalf of Ericsson.


At the time of El-Rufai’s meeting with Obasanjo, however, the


President had not read this letter.  End Note.)


5. (C) El-Rufai commented that he would have preferred to


wait until the President had read his letter before


discussing it with him.  During the meeting, President


Obasanjo told El-Rufai that he had total confidence in the


BPE Director-General, but that he believed El-Rufai was


clever enough to have manipulated the tendering process from


the outset to ensure Motorola’s success.  The President then


said that El-Rufai had three problems: first, that there was


a popular perception that El-Rufai is “too clever”; second,


in fact, he is “too clever”; and third, his attitude towards


Ministers and the Vice President is not sufficiently


respectful or deferential.


6. (C) El-Rufai asked the President for permission to sue


Ericsson for defamation.  Obasanjo reportedly refused this


request because of the negative political repercussions on


the Presidency.  The President then asked El-Rufai what else


he could do for him.  El-Rufai requested permission to leave


his position as Director-General of the BPE.  El-Rufai argued


with the President that he could not oversee the country’s


privatization program if Obasanjo believed that El-Rufai was


capable of manipulating the tendering process.  However,


El-Rufai said, the President refused to allow him to quit.


7. (C) El-Rufai confided to the Ambassador that despite the


President’s refusal, he still intended to leave the BPE after


a 2-3 month period.  He said that he would not leave too soon


after the GSM Equipment tendering in order to avoid


speculation over the causes for his departure.  El-Rufai


added that over the next few months he would expose his


deputy, Tijjani Abdullahi, and the Legal Department Head, to


his contacts at the Presidency in hopes that the President


would choose one of them as his successor.  However, he


admitted that neither of them had political connections or a


close relationship with the Presidency.  El-Rufai asked for


the support of the donor community in advocating for the new


BPE Director-General to come from within the agency’s ranks.


8. (C) Ambassador Jeter expressed sincere regret that


El-Rufai had decided to leave public service.  The Ambassador


believed that the privatization program would severely suffer


and so would Nigeria.  While El-Rufai seemed to appreciate


these sentiments, he did not soften his position on leaving


the job.


9. (C) El-Rufai also showed a great deal of resentment toward


Ericsson and promised to “get them” at a later time.  He said


that “time is on my side” and that he was sure that sometime


in the future Ericsson would need his help and he would be


able to refuse them.


10. (S) The Ambassador asked about the quality of El-Rufai’s


personal relationship with the Vice President, noting that in


public their relationship had always appeared close.


El-Rufai replied that, yes, he had believed their


relationship was good.  He commented that the Vice President


had never asked him to do anything unsavory or to “bring him


deals.”  He said, however that a friend heard from former


Senate President Chuba Okadigabo, who is close with the Vice


President and helps him to “raise money” for the campaign war


chest, that the Vice President was unhappy with El-Rufai’s


performance because El-Rufai had never brought him a single


“deal” (read kickbacks).


11. (S) El-Rufai explained that the Vice President worked


through the Ministers, particularly the Minister of Works and


Housing, to manipulate public contracts for both building the


campaign war chest for the 2003 Presidential elections and,


he assumed, for personal gain.  El-Rufai said that the


President was not a wealthy man and would not likely receive


campaign support from his supporters during the last


election.  (Comment.  The PDP party itself is barely solvent


and would not be able to offer the President much financial


support.  End Comment.)  Therefore, El-Rufai said, the


President was tacitly complicit in the Vice President’s “fund


raising” activities, but never involved himself directly so


as to “stay clean.”  El-Rufai commented that the Vice


President came from a “dirty” background in the Customs


Service and had continued these practices in the Villa.


El-Rufai implied that the NITEL GSM Equipment contract was an


example of such activities.


12. (S) Comment.  Many in the international community respect


Nasir El-Rufai for his integrity and forthrightness.


El-Rufai’s departure from public service would be a


devastating blow to the GON’s image of transparency and good


economic governance.  Embassy officers have heard many times


from many sources that the Vice President is directly


involved in corrupt activities.  El-Rufai’s testimony


provides more anecdotal evidence supporting these sources.


With El-Rufai gone, the Vice President will be more able to


manipulate the country’s privatization process for personal


and political gain.  End Comment.


Jeter

                

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        Ex Kogi Gov’s Marrital woes: U.S Judge dismisses Audu’s documents                    
                


                

                    

                    

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by Citizen Reporter


Says documents filled with irregularities and inconsistencies


Rules that marriage with wife is valid in Nigeria


 A marriage breakdown rarely brings out the best in people. The temptation to pursue vendettas for past grievances can become overwhelming. Politicians are not left out of this sad event, the politicians most angrily seeking revenge on the pages of newspapers are those who felt most hard done by the damage and to their careers.


Prince Abubakar Audu former governor of Kogi state’s divorce case in faraway America is probably the most public marriage meltdown we have seen in some time.


A typical divorce usually doesn’t generate media attention. But a contentious one involving a former governor facing multiple corruption and criminal charges both at home and abroad merits a look.


It is a do or die affair for Prince Audu Abubakar a two time governor of Kogi state and a gubernatorial aspirant in the fort coming elections in Kogi State


The Audu’s case, by simply looking at the motions and counter motions filed with the Montgomery County District Court record, has not been pretty.


In the course of the Divorce case Prince Abubakar Audu at one time claimed he was never married to Mrs. Aisha Audu his wife for 10 years and his first lady while he was governor of Kogi State between1999-2003, according to court documents he denied marriage and sought for marriage validity in the State of Maryland where his wife and children now resides.


In a deposition obtained from him under oath on Wednesday after being shown the magnitude of evidence presented by his wife to proof marriage he wisely changed his earlier statements and accepted that Mrs. Aisha Audu was indeed his wife. Also during the deposition conducted in the presence of a Montgomery County Court Officer, Prince Abubakar Audu under oath accepted that he was the sole owner of Goldwindow LLC a firm he earlier claimed was not his, and the firm he claimed owned his property at Potomac, Maryland.  It would be recalled that it was the same firm he used to evict his family from the Potomac residence last year after he claimed the property was not his own.


In a trial also yesterday to decide “Validity of Marriage” at the county court of Montgomery county Prince Abubakar Audu again tendered another document purportedly issued by the Kogi state court to correct a statutory declaration of marriage he presented as exhibit to the court that was alleged to have been falsified.


According to the DCR/Litigation for the Chief Registrar of Kogi State the dates and receipts in the document submitted by Prince Audu Abubakar was not in their records and no file existed in their record file and furthermore the character of the form used in the document was not in use in Kogi State, when asked by David Korteling lawyer to Mrs. Aisha Audu about the document and its obvious falsifications Prince Audu answered, “ The documents was done on my behalf by my personal assistant, all I do is just sign.” When asked by the District Judge for originals of the documents he answered he only has copies and his assistant might have the originals. Responding to the documents marked Exhibit 5, 6, 8, and 9 submitted by Prince Audu, Judge Michael Mason dismissed the documents and said they were unacceptable by the court as they were filled with enormous irregularities, inconsistencies and no proof of originals


Contrary to what he presents to the public and his comical attempt to make believe that his wife was after his properties, Prince Audu contradicted himself  when he informed the court yesterday that his wife was a successful business woman that owns a factory in Abuja has companies with interest in Power, energy, oil and gas.


Lawyer to Mrs. Aisha Audu asked serious questions about the credibility of Prince Abubakar Audu, during his cross examination major inconsistencies were uncovered, when asked if he was ever indicted for corruption he denied and also denied ever being arrested nor detained by the EFCC.


In his ruling Judge Michael Mason declared that preponderance on the evidence before him it is declared that Prince Abubakar Audu and Mrs. Aisha Audu were married and thus have a valid Marriage, and also using evidence submitted by Prince Audu it also showed that he had a marriage with one Habiba Audu (Deceased) at that time also. In view of these findings they were said to be involved in polygamy which is not an acceptable form of marriage in the State of Maryland due to that practice the court cannot “Dissolve” the marriage and cannot continue the divorce case.  The court also explained that Mrs. Aisha Audu’s brief residency in the State of Maryland was also another factor that was considered in the decision. Prince Audu’s request to have the judge null and void the marriage was also denied.


Furthermore, according to the judge the marriage is valid in Nigeria, and they both remain married until a divorce is obtained through acceptable means in Nigerian law. And for court purposes in the U.S the Maryland court does not recognize polygamy marriage.


Finally, the judge asserts that the Circuit Court in Montgomery County has jurisdiction to determine custody and child support for the children and that part of the case continues.


Meanwhile, an order of the court adjudicating, Prince Abubakar Audu in contempt of court for failure to pay child support order entered against him in a “Pendete lite order on May 17th, 2011 has been requested by his attorney’s to his wife, meanwhile a motion to reconsider yesterday’s judgment is being prepared as at press time by the wife’s counsel.

                

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        Chime orders purchase of 300 buses for sec. schools                    
                


                

                    

                    

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-to set up Road Traffic Authority


In keeping with its vowed commitment to continue to give priority

attention to education, the Enugu State Government has placed order

for the purchase of three hundred new buses for distribution to all

the public secondary schools in the state.


The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke who announced

this while briefing the press at the end of the State Executive

Council Meeting in Enugu chaired by the Governor, Mr. Sullivan I.

Chime, said that the sum of more than One point five N1.551 billion

has been set aside for the purchase of the buses.


The Commissioner who was accompanied by his Culture and Tourism

counterpart, Mr. Joe Mmamelu, that of Education, Dr. Simon Ortuanya

and Mrs. Patricia Alum of Science and Technology said that government

embarked on the project to ease the problems of transportation facing

secondary schools in the state, especially during exams and schools

outings.


Mr. Ugwoke also said that the council approved a loan guarantee of

N200 million for the refurbishment of Nike Lake Resort Hotels to

improve on its first class hospitality to customers.


The Commissioner explained that money which will be paid back to the

bank that provided the facility by the operators of the hotel will be

spent on the total refurbishment of 88 standard rooms and 12 suites

now, while refurbishment in other sections will be carried out in

phases.


The council according to the Commissioner also approved that a draft

bill for the establishment of the State Road Traffic Management

Authority be sent to the State House of Assembly for its consideration

and possible passage into law.


He said that the bill if approved and passed into law would help

regulate control and manage road traffic within the state.


Mr. Ugwoke stated that the council approved the payment of the state

counterpart fund for the participation of three local governments in

the state in the Conditional Grant Scheme to the Local Government

Millennium Development Goals.


The six hundred million naira package will be shared in the ratio of

three hundred million naira representing fifty percent by the federal

government, one hundred and eighty million naira representing thirty

percent by the state government while the three benefiting council

areas of Aninri, Igbo-Etiti and Isi-Uzo will contribute N120 million

representing twenty percent of the entire fund.


Approval of the council was also given for the constitution of a

special committee to review all the agric related World Bank Assisted

projects/programmes in the state.


The committee to be headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on

Health, Dr. Mrs. Edith Okolo, would help ensure that the impacts of

the programmes/projects are in line with the counterpart contributions

made or paid by government to finance them.

                

            


        

            

            

                

                    
                        Maitama Sule, Fomer Nigerian Ambassador, a USA spy?                    
                


                

                    

                    

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Below is a report released recently by Wikileaks concerning United States of America [USA]’s data gathering operations in Nigeria through its local spies planted/stationed around the Nigerian presidency.


The report exposes, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, Maitama Sule as a USA spy.




Read the secret wire report to the USA – of Maitama Sule’s supplied information.


——


 


NIGERIA: NORTHERN SUPPORT FOR YAR’ADUA WANING, THOUGH TEMPERED BY FEAR 


SUMMARY:


 


Maitama Sule (strictly protect), former Nigerian ambassador to the United Nations (1979-1983) and confidant of President Umaru Yar’Adua, averred that the northern political elite is increasingly apprehensive about Yar’Adua’s health and his capacity to continue to govern, and 


is fearful the North may lose the presidency to the South if Yar’Adua dies, although we note that there are other factors at play on this issue besides Yar’Adua’s health, particularly if the Supreme Court calls for a new election.  


While Sule believes that President’s performance during his first year in office has suffered due to his ailing health, he assessed Yar’Adua has succeeded in disentangling and distancing himself from former President Obasanjo.  Sule informed that Yar’Adua wants to further reduce Obasanjo’s influence both within the Villa and the National Assembly.  Consequently, Sule remarked, Yar’Adua intends to replace current Chief of Staff, and Obasanjo-loyalist, Abdullahi Mohammed.  (Nigerian press reported May 30 that Mohammed has resigned, and will officially vacate office June 2.)  


Sule confided that some influential northerners are currently pressuring former National Security Adviser, Aliyu Muhammad Gusau, to consider taking over as Chief of Staff.  


Also, Sule alleged that Obasanjo is working to bribe the Supreme Court to overturn President Yar’Adua’s April 2007 election.  While claiming 


that First Lady Turai Yar’Adua is heavily involved in corrupt activities, Sule insisted that President Yar’Adua is committed to remaining personally untainted by corruption. 


To that end, Sule asserted, President Yar’Adua recently turned down $60 million, which had been offered to him as the President’s personal “share” of Nigeria’s monthly oil earnings.  Although Yar’Adua, according to Sule, allegedly ordered his “share” to be deposited into the nation’s treasury, Sule also said First Lady Turai pocketed $60 million while Senate President David Mark and House Speaker Dimeji Bankole each pocketed $30 million.  We still contend however, that it is impossible for Yar’Adua not to know about his wife’s illicit activity even if he is not personally accepting bribes or engaging in such activity.  END SUMMARY. 


 


¶2. (S//NF) Maitama Sule (strictly protect), former Nigerian ambassador to the United Nations (1979-1983) and well-known confidant of President Umaru Yar’Adua spoke with PolOff at his Kano residence May 15 (see Ref A for Sule biographical information).  Sule lamented the northern political elite remains increasingly apprehensive about Yar’Adua’s health. 


Whereas earlier health-related predictions of Yar’Adua’s prognosis had been relatively positive, current estimates, Sule observed, paint a somber picture of the President’s strength, and consequently, his capacity to continue to govern.  With the prospect of Yar’Adua’s death while still in 


office figuring prominently in the minds of many in the North, Sule remarked that the North fears it may inadvertently forfeit its turn to hold the presidency.  Such an eventuality, Sule bemoaned, would impair the North’s ability to retain influence and help chart a more positive course for northerners, especially after eight years of what northerners deem Obasanjo’s injurious influence on the North. 


 


¶3. (S//NF) Sule believes that Yar’Adua has succeeded in distancing himself from Obasanjo, and appears more committed to attenuating Obasanjo’s influence within the Villa.  To that end, Sule said, Yar’Adua plans to reshuffle the cabinet to replace Obasanjo-loyalists within the Villa.  In particular, Sule noted that the northern political elite is working to convince former National Security Adviser Aliyu Muhammad Gusau to rebuff entreaties by Ibrahim Babangida to aid him in a return to power, and instead, accede to the position of Yar’Adua’s Chief of Staff, which is currently held by Obasanjo-loyalist Abdullahi Mohammed.  (Nigerian press reported May 30 that Mohammed resigned with effect from June 2.  Gbolade Osinowo, Senior Special Assistant to President Yar’Adua will act as Chief of Staff until a replacement is announced.)  


Sule said that Gusau has been reluctant to accept anything less than the presidency, given that he too wanted to be the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the April 2007 presidential elections (Ref B). 


Sule admitted that Obasanjo’s influence within the PDP has not been as circumscribed as Yar’Adua had hoped.  However, by limiting Chief of Staff Mohammed’s (and potentially, other Obasanjo-loyalists’) access to the President, Sule argued, Obasanjo would be left in the dark since he would neither be able to influence Yar’Adua nor be privy to the ins and outs of the Villa.  Sule reasoned, as well, that a powerful Chief of Staff loyal to Yar’Adua would ensure not only that Obasanjo’s power within the Villa would be diminished, but also that the influence of the ambitious (though certainly not tied to Obasanjo) Secretary to the Government Babagana Kingibe would be reduced. 


 


¶4. (S//NF) Sule also intimated that Obasanjo, in concert with Senate President David Mark, is working to bribe the Supreme Court to overturn President Yar’Adua’s April 2007 election (see Ref C).  (In the event that the Supreme Court annuls the President’s election, the Constitution stipulates that the Senate President administers an interim government for a period of up to 90 days pending fresh elections.  However, 


Mark has his own political troubles as his election too had been overturned in late February 2008.)  


Moreover, Sule stated that in his judgment, the President’s lackluster performance over this past year should be viewed in light of his ailing health.  Despite his shortcomings, Sule said, some of the northern elite continue to politically support Yar’Adua not least because he is viewed as committed to preserving northern interests. 


 


¶5. (S//NF) While claiming that First Lady Turai Yar’Adua is heavily involved in corrupt practices, and especially real estate fraud, Sule insisted that President Yar’Adua is committed to remaining personally untainted by corruption. 


To that end, Sule asserted, President Yar’Adua recently turned down approximately $60 million, which had been offered to him by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as the President’s personal “share” of Nigeria’s monthly oil earnings (Nigeria has produced around 2 million bpd, though production has dropped recently to 1.8 million bpd). 


Allegedly, Sule said, the NNPC (beginning under former President Obasanjo’s administration) allocated USD 1.00 per barrel of Nigerian oil sold as a type of personal payment or “kickback” to the President.  While Yar’Adua reportedly ordered his “share” to be deposited into the nation’s treasury, Sule claimed that the First Lady pocketed her husband’s reported share, while Senate President David Mark and House Speaker Dimeji Bankole pocketed USD 0.50/barrel (e.g., $30 million).  


In light of the possibility that Obasanjo could have stolen billions of dollars under this arrangement, Sule told PolOff that Yar’Adua told him that he 


may use this information, perhaps one day in the near future, 


to indict Obasanjo for corruption.  The problem however, 


according to Sule, rested in the fact that Yar’Adua 


recognized that if he were to pursue Obasanjo, he may 


unwittingly subject his wife and close advisers to greater 


scrutiny, and risk his own political survival. 


 


¶6. (S//NF) Sule said that Yar’Adua had effectively quashed 


efforts by Obasanjo to direct Senate President David Mark, et 


al. to inflate allocation requests for the 2008 budget in 


order to funnel a substantial portion of those extra funds to 


Obasanjo (Ref E).  Sule told PolOff that the various chairs 


of the budget committees in both the House of Representatives 


and Senate were Obasanjo-loyalists.  The disagreements 


between the National Assembly (NASS) and President Yar’Adua 


over the passage of the budget resulted from Yar’Adua’s 


desire to limit Obasanjo’s influence over the NASS, and to 


assert his own authority, Sule opined.  Furthermore, Sule 


said the Senate and House had unsuccessfully attempted to 


extort money from the Presidency in order to pass the budget. 


 


¶7. (C//NF) Retired Major General, and current chair of the 


northern interest group the Arewa Consultative Forum, Ibrahim 


Haruna (strictly protect) told PolOff May 29 that although 


President Yar’Adua is a fellow northerner, he has been a 


“disaster” for Nigeria since his inauguration May 2007. 


 


ABUJA 00001018  003 OF 003 


 


 


Haruna opined that Yar’Adua, in one year, has not delivered 


on any of the promises he had made to the North.  To the 


contrary, Haruna asserted, Yar’Adua has been “reaping the 


rewards” of the presidency without having to “lift a finger.” 


 Haruna alleged that Yar’Adua has demonstrated during his 


first year in office that he is more interested in “owning 


oil wells” in the Delta than in conducting Nigeria’s 


political affairs. 


 


———– 


AN ANALYSIS 


———– 


¶8. (S//NF) We believe Sule’s assessment that Yar’Adua is 


successfully (albeit slowly) disengaging himself from 


Obasanjo is valid, and his information on the First Lady’s 


alleged illicit enrichment activities tracks with other 


reporting.  However, Sule may be exaggerating the political 


support Yar’Adua has in the North.  Or, at the least, Sule 


may be conflating the North’s support for Yar’Adua with the 


North’s desire to hold onto its turn for the presidency. 


Over the course of Yar’Adua’s first year in office and slow 


pace of reform, northern elite opinions of the President seem 


to have gradually shifted (see also Ref D), as they worry not 


only about his health but also forfeiting the presidency to 


the South.  While some have argued that Yar’Adua is committed 


to safeguarding northern interests, others have maintained 


that the President has proven to be both incapable and 


unwilling to do anything positive for the North (and the rest 


of Nigeria).  Certainly, several northern contacts with whom 


we have spoken have said, time and again, that the North 


fears it may lose the helm of political affairs should 


President Yar’Adua die in office or fail to return as the 


PDP’s candidate in any re-run of last year’s presidential 


race (in the event the Supreme Court overturns his April 2007 


election).  After one year in office, many northerners 


consider Yar’Adua equally as complicit as Obasanjo in the 


North’s underdevelopment, and accuse the President of turning 


a blind eye to his own region.  After all, one of the 


principal grievances of the North during Obasanjo’s past 


administration was not simply that Obasanjo was from the 


South and ignored Northern interests, but that Obasanjo 


successfully thwarted efforts by the North to exert its 


relevance in his administration. 


 


¶9. (S//NF) Additionally, many prominent northerners have 


spoken out against not only Obasanjo’s mismanagement of the 


Nigerian government’s vast resources, but also President 


Yar’Adua’s unimpressive record of performance over this past 


year.  It appears that the northern political elite’s desire 


to retain the presidency is separate, to a degree, from its 


support for this particular northern president, or even for 


concerns that Yar’Adua may be ineffectual or corrupt.  In the 


short term, desire for a Northern president may temper 


criticism for Yar’Adua in certain circles.  However, with 


time, it is difficult to surmise how the desire for the North 


to retain the presidency can sustain support for Yar’Adua 


unless he begins to pick up the pace. END COMMENT. 


SANDERS


 


REF: A. 07 ABUJA 2616 


     ¶B. 07 ABUJA 47 


     ¶C. ABUJA 799 


     ¶D. 07 ABUJA 1671 


     ¶E. ABUJA 643 


 


Classified By: A/Pol/C Heather Merritt, reasons 1.4 (b, c & d).  

                

            


        

    
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