Jonathan strikes deal with Atiku, IBB, Gusau



LAGOS — THE pathway to reconciliation between President Goodluck Jonathan and his foes in the Northern Political Leaders Forum, NPLF, has been articulated in a report of a joint committee constituted by both parties.

Both sides were evasive on the contents of the report which was to be submitted last night. It was, however, gathered that it contained provisions that would accommodate supporters of the NPLF and its presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, in an enlarged Presidential Campaign Committee of the President.

News of the report which was being kept under close wraps came as President Jonathan, weekend, charged his top campaign aides to pursue former President Ibrahim Babangida and erstwhile National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (rtd), for the purpose of bringing them on board.

President Jonathan had, weekend, crossed the bridge when he paid a visit to Mallam Adamu Ciroma at his Abuja residence.

Vanguard learnt that the outcome of the meeting was a report that could forge permanent peace between the President and the NPLF.

Before the President visited Ciroma, the erstwhile Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Anthony Anenih, had played the role of peacemaker between the President and the NPLF.

It was learnt that the option of peace with President Jonathan followed the decision of the NPLF to discard the two other options before it. The other options were to support the Presidential Candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari or to frustrate President Jonathan’s election bid through the courts.

Sources in the Buhari camp confirmed last night that there had been no approaches from the Mallam Adamu Ciroma-led NPLF.

Buhari’s spokesman, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, said: “No approach has been made so far but Gen. Buhari has always maintained that he appreciates support from all sections of Nigeria and as far as we are concerned he is not a candidate of a section of the country.

His constituency is the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all the constituent units but he will not turn down support from any group of persons provided they are Nigerians.” Vanguard learnt last night, that the NPLF would in the next two days make a declaration on the development.

Marching order

The marching order from President Jonathan to his campaign aides is coming on the heels of the President’s plan to heal the wounds that the pre and post PDP Presidential primaries inflicted on the aspirants.

This was the outcome of the meeting President Jonathan held with members of the just constituted Presidential Campaign Council 2011. The meeting which was chaired by President Jonathan, took place at the Legacy House, Saturday, with the major agenda of stock taking, the journey so far and where to go from there on the Jonathan/Sambo presidential campaign.

The meeting started at 10.00pm on Saturday and stretched till 2.30am on Sunday morning with the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Haliru Muhammed Bello, Senator Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, Chief Tony Anenih, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, Senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, and others in attendance.

It was gathered that as soon as the meeting started, the President briefed members of efforts he made to reach out to Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Ibrahim Babangida, Atiku, Gusau, and others, just as he stressed the need to mend fences with his former contenders in the PDP presidential race including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and General Aliyu Gusau.

He then told members of the Presidential Campaign Council 2011 to work out modalities for a meaningful relationship with them.

A source at the meeting said President Jonathan saddled members of the council with the responsibility of reaching out to the former Presidential aspirants as well as open up discussions with them with a view to bringing them on board early enough against the backdrop that he is ready to have his former opponents join him in forming the next government after the April Polls.

It was also gathered that at the meeting after a brief proposal by Ojo Maduekwe who served as Secretary, members spoke on how to finance the 10 committees recently set up by the PDP and the Presidency to see to the emergence of Jonathan as President in the April Presidential election.

Ojo Maduekwe at the meeting stressed the need for creating a sub-committee for the Campaign Council, an indication that more prominent members of PDP would still be enlisted in the committee which holds its next meeting early this week. The meeting, it was learnt, also stressed the importance of the media in the campaign process and the need to properly fund the media committees in order for them to function effectively.

It would be recalled that the PDP brought in former President Olusegun Obasanjo on board of Jonathan’s Presidential campaign as he was named as a key member of Presidential Campaign Council 2011 in his capacity as the Chairman Board of Trustees of PDP.

Other members of the Presidential Council are the Senate President, David Mark, House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, House of Representatives Leader, Tunde Akogun, Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, Babangida Muazu, Bukola Saraki, among others.

Campaign council
Besides the Campaign Council headed by President Jonathan, other Committees include Presidential Campaign Directors, zonal co-ordinators which include Liyel Imoke, SouthSsouth; Martin Elechi, South-East; Gbenga Daniel, South-West; Gabriel Suswam, Middle Belt; Isa Yuguda, North-East and Ibrahim Shema, North-West.

Other Committees include Entertainment/Protocol Committee, Publicity Secretary which include Tony Iredia, Ojeifo Sufuyan, Ima Niboro, Doyin Okupe, Oronto Douglas, Raymond Dokpesi with PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ahmed Rufai Alkali as Chairman.

There is also the Finance and Fund Raising Committee headed by Oba Otudeko, while the Security Committee is headed by Mike Okiro, just as there is the Inter_Party Relations Committee and headed by Chief Ebenezer Babatope.

Another strategic Committee for Jonathan Sambo campaign include Monitoring/Strategic Committee headed by President Jonathan with PDP National Chairman, Bello Muhammed, David Mark, Anyim Pius Anyim, Shuaibu Oyedokun, Ojo Maduekwe and others as members.

The Donor Committee is headed By Alhaji Aliko Dangote while Mr Tony Elumelu, Alhaji Kashim Bukar, Chief Emeka Offor, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Jim Ovia, Sayyu Dantata, Kola Salako and late President Umoru Yar’Adua’s closest friend, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal as members.

I thought these lot were supposed to be tried for bombing some few months back?

Yawns. . . crazy people

I dey looku, I nor talk.
Na padi padi gofment we dey o! Egba mi o!

Fee dee fee! Faawaa!!

solihu:

I dey looku, I nor talk.
Na padi padi gofment we dey o! Egba mi o!

Fee dee fee! Faawaa!!

Gbam!!!

Na "chop make I chop" Government

let us meet for buhari campaign office

i thought atiku stole 40 billion and was being investigated by the fbi?

i thought dokpesi still had outstanding cases with the SSS

i thought ibb was a thif who brought bombing to nigeria?

all together now

Fresh Air 2011!!!

Vote for GEJ and it will be business as usual

oyb:

i thought atiku stole 40 billion and was being investigated by the fbi?

i thought dokpesi still had outstanding cases with the SSS

i thought ibb was a thif who brought bombing to nigeria?

all together now

Fresh Air 2011!!!

You forgot that Gusau was a world class security epert when he criticised Sanusi, then he became one of the "Northern Cabal" with Ciroma who practice pernicious and outdated ethnic politics. . . .I guess now he is back to being FRESH AIR!!!


I no dey mock anybody o!!!

Ribadu claimed Tinubu was corrupt and now they are dinning together.Buhari feel he is a man of intergrity that hates corruption,but he dinned with the most corrupt Nigerian leader(Abacha) and he is still dinning with his son in the same party.Now we feel GEJ should go to the political WARFRONT alone and leave some of the tool of WARFARE? NO WAY.Politics all over the world is no permanent enemy,but permanent interest.You guys say GEJ is CLUELESS,ODECHUKWU.Now he is moving ahead in political calculations and everyone seem to be catching cold here.For christ sake,these are all PDP members,if they can come togerher after all the media fight,it shows what the PDP has that the other Mushroom parties will never get matured to have

You can see your Jonathan.  If you want to really tackle some economy & infraastructure problems in this country, you will never suceed if u keep romancing these people Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr Tony Elumelu,  Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Jim Ovia.  They have pocketed our economy already.  Everything they will do is to suit thier own internal policies.

jason123:

Gbam!!!

When I see the names under 'Donor Committee', fear catch me! Those men really no where to invest their money!

They think the money they have can move people's vote this April, they will be shocked!

Fresh Air?? Must be a terminology only meant for the zoo. We are not animals, and these thieves, murderers, looters, enemies of progress to national development should all be rounded up and sent to jail.

We shall see, how far Jonathan ODECHUKWU will last with all these shameless moves and affiliations he is making here and there.

A DROWNING MAN IS A DESPERATE MAN!

Nigerians be warned!

It was gathered that as soon as the meeting started, the President briefed members of efforts he made to reach out to Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Ibrahim Babangida, Atiku, Gusau, and others, just as he stressed the need to mend fences with his former contenders in the PDP presidential race including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and General Aliyu Gusau.

He then told members of the Presidential Campaign Council 2011 to work out modalities for a meaningful relationship with them.

A source at the meeting said President Jonathan saddled members of the council with the responsibility of reaching out to the former Presidential aspirants as well as open up discussions with them with a view to bringing them on board early enough against the backdrop that he is ready to have his former opponents join him in forming the next government after the April Polls.

SMH

All i really want is new nigeria, that the govt cares more about the people not just how their party is capturing and winning illegal vote, watch out! Vote wisely

yemmight:

You can see your Jonathan.  If you want to really tackle some economy & infraastructure problems in this country, you will never suceed if u keep romancing these people Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr Tony Elumelu,  Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Jim Ovia.  They have pocketed our economy already.  Everything they will do is to suit thier own internal policies.

GEJ & Heavyweights in major sectors are about getin set to play 'futubol' with our economy!

Hmm

Bloody scoudrels, all of them!!! Come April, PDP is history anyway.

nigeria goes into deeper slavery by the day. joanathan in his inordinate ambition to become the president nigeria again will even have romance with the devil himself. am not surprised. unless God watches over the city, it is in vain that they labour, those who watch over the city.
if jonathan likes, let him  consult with satan but 2011 is God's time to change our history and no man can stop it.
nigerians are cowards but i know they day we make up our minds, there will never be a hiding place for these stumbling blocks and i know egypt, tunisia, algeria, yemen and bahrain will be a child's play compare to what will happen here.
it once happened in owerri and we saw how it went.
judgement day is near for all these men who are claiming to be above the law.
God will definitely punish this pdp that have been playing with our minds since 12 yrs now.
their punishment will not be short of hell.
they will never know happiness in this life and the lives to come.
their sins will definitely be visited on their generations unborn.
how did God even allow the gathering of the most talented criminals of our generations in the name of pdp?
can't God because of our sufferings rain down fire on these criminals and their families? how can we continue to suffer in the hands of a few criminals?
God pls create war in their midst and let thy children be free from their capticities.

Back to square one.
Mu he he he he he



Just wondering if OBJ and co are still doing "I Dey Laff" . . . .?

Nigerians ehn?

Twa!

[size=16pt]Goooooooooooooooo Tikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkku!!!

Goooooooooooooooooooo PDP!!!! [/size]

Poor Nigeria.

One big happy family again.

SMH

Another four years of misery  - cometh again  - haba wetin pesin go now.  

who shall we look to  -

it is confirmed  - GEJ  is a devil worshipper

Chai!

See jonathan that some people have been canvassing for!!!! He keep dining with the people that traded naija for their personal gains!!!!

We shouldnt be blinded by PDP and Jonathan lailai. Let's protect our future.

Say no to PDP! Say no to Jonathan.

God bless naija

This is why I like the internet. Some jobless guys, get up and declare the election over, give unelectable jobbers the victory and retire to the rocks they crawled out from under.

PDP has already won the election.

Pataki:

They think the money they have can move people's vote this April, they will be shocked!

Fresh Air?? Must be a terminology only meant for the zoo. We are not animals, and these thieves, murders, looters, enemies of progress to national development should all be rounded up and sent to jail.

We shall see, how far Jonathan ODECHUKWU will last with all these shameless moves and affiliations he is making here and there.

A DROWNING MAN IS A DESPERATE MAN!

Nigerians be warned!

Pataki you should take the full package not the part you like, its either GEJ allows free and fir election or not!!! what there to be shocked about?
What is your alternative to GEJ? I hope it not OBj's attack dog, Ribadu or Jihadist Buhari??

Most pple haven't a clue, they just want to replace one corrupt government with another one.
If you ask me PAT UTOMI, is the only politician I have ever heard making sence, he talks in terms of real development I can relate to,
not free busses, free health care, few tarred roads here and there, free education, buying trash cans, all cosmetic rubbish

Reasonable leaders should state strategies that would lead to real depth in the manufacturing sector, strategies to achieve structured urban development vis a vis electrical power distribution, intelligent talk,
I repeat that I have not heard any of the major contestants talk this way, except for Pat Utomi, but he doesn't have the grass roots support across the country and cannot win now, even in a free and fair election.

So what is the essence of shouting GEJ down when you are not proposing better

DaLover:

Pataki you should take the full package not the part you like, its either GEJ allows free and fir election or not!!! what there to be shocked about?
What is your alternative to GEJ? I hope it not OBj's attack dog, Ribadu or Jihadist Buhari??

Most pple haven't a clue, they just want to replace one corrupt government with another one.
If you ask me PAT UTOMI, is the only politician I have ever heard making sence, he talks in terms of real development I can relate to,
not free busses, free health care, few tarred roads here and there, free education, buying trash cans, all cosmetic rubbish

Reasonable leaders should state strategies that would lead to real depth in the manufacturing sector, strategies to achieve structured urban development vis a vis electrical power distribution, intelligent talk,
I repeat that I have not heard any of the major contestants talk this way, except for Pat Utomi, but he doesn't have the grass roots support across the country and cannot win now, even in a free and fair election.

So what is the essence of shouting GEJ down when you are not proposing better

Before I begin, I kindly implore you to honor me in your next post here with evidential facts as to Buhari being a JIHADIST.

In a realist and ideal world, Pat Utomi might be ideal. But in the present Nigerian dispensation, we want someone who would be dogmatic, bold and fearless. None other fits that shoe except Buhari at the moment.

Pat Utomi preaches what I call: ''cosmetic politics''. So much of fanciful talks, but we all know corruption would not allow his ideas see the light of the day.

In my honest opinion, I want someone who will give power to the people. Have a sense of discipline. Enable people to invest in their ideas, give Nigerians a reason to think outside the box of corruption and government positions as a means of living comfortably. Someone who has tasted power and yet, has no corruption charges leveled against him or his Vice. A man who has been at the helm of affairs and certainly knows what it means to fight down corruption. No other person than Buhari. I am tired of saying the same thing over and over again here; that Nigeria has corrupt leaders. Jonathan is no different, even though I initially thought he was different.

I am tired of a Jonathan and the PDP of twelve years. A PDP that has shown time and time again, they are only there for their pockets. I live abroad, my flatmate is from NigerDelta, one of his brothers is a current Minister under this Jonathan's administration. When I discussed about the death of Nigerians recently at Port Harcourt with him; his response was ''people must die'' while he was laughing. I weep for Nigerians, because his opinion expresses a microcosm to the kind of mindset of leaders we have in Nigeria and we have had in Nigeria under PDP.

It is easy for presidential contestants to deliver fanciful speeches about what and what programs they would implement once they get into power. However, my bone of contention with Nigeria presently is CORRUPTION. This monster is destroying Nigeria, and the only person sane enough to attack this and set Nigeria right presently is Buhari.

Once again, if you have any evidence to Buhari leading or sponsoring any Jihad war, please tender it. Afterall, the IBBs and Dokpesi linked with the October 1 bomb blast are now part of Jonathan's campaign train.

I await your response.

DaLover:

Pataki you should take the full package not the part you like, its either GEJ allows free and fir election or not!!! what there to be shocked about?
What is your alternative to GEJ? I hope it not OBj's attack dog, Ribadu or Jihadist Buhari??

Most pple haven't a clue, they just want to replace one corrupt government with another one.
If you ask me PAT UTOMI, is the only politician I have ever heard making sence, he talks in terms of real development I can relate to,
not free busses, free health care, few tarred roads here and there, free education, buying trash cans, all cosmetic rubbish

Reasonable leaders should state strategies that would lead to real depth in the manufacturing sector, strategies to achieve structured urban development vis a vis electrical power distribution, intelligent talk,
I repeat that I have not heard any of the major contestants talk this way, except for Pat Utomi, but he doesn't have the grass roots support across the country and cannot win now, even in a free and fair election.

So what is the essence of shouting GEJ down when you are not proposing better

For where?These set of people are not supporting Buhari and Ribadu because they have anything to offer.They are rather supporting them based on Etnic and religious reasons.Yorubas ACN because it is an ethnic party.CPC because Buhari represent the Haus-Fulani and a Jihadist.If not why are they not backing someone like Pat Utomi who is discussing issues and is not corrupt.

With this names still alive, i belt you,Nigeria is dead. They should be among the bomb victims.

Is it not obvious how this guy doesn't care about nigerria but that power! This guy has ruled us for close to a year noww and I have not seen any diffrence forr the better but for worst insted and u say he sshould go back, that's daft!!

If you believe other parties are corrupt like PDP, PDP have enough loots, let other parties get theirs. Vote out PDP.

Pataki:


Before I begin, I kindly implore you to honor me in your next post here with evidential facts as to Buhari being a JIHADIST.

I bet you, its just hatred and hypocrisy, but they can never provide evidence, and mind you Buhari is the best choice for the present Nigeria whether you like it or not.

Cyborg2011:

I bet you, its just hatred and hypocrisy, but they can never provide evidence, and mind you Buhari is the best choice for the present Nigeria whether you like it or not.

It's not only hatred and hypocrisy, it more of stack illiteracy, ethnicity and religious bigotry. GEJ followers have little or nothing to offer just like their benefactor. I guess we should waste little time on them and concentrate more on how to vote out GEJ and PDP from power. Like some have stated above, Buhari should be a step in the right direction.