SYMBOLISM OF PRESIDENTIAL VISITS AND THE MISSED OPPORTUNITY OF OGONI... In November 1977, Egyptian Leader, Anwar Sadaat did the 'unthinkable' by setting foot on Israeli soil, becoming the first Arab leader in history to do so. This was merely four years after a bloody October 1973 war between both nations, being the latest in a series of bloody conflicts dating back since 1948. Sadaat addressed the Israeli parliament and made it categorically clear that he had come to pursue the path of peace. This was a cheering news to the Israeli government, not because it was militarily inferior, far from it, but Egypt represented the biggest military threat to Israel, and any opportunity for a peaceful tête-a-tete with an 'Enemy' was a welcome development especially if the initiative was from that enemy. The Israelis played ball and after a few years of gruelling 'give and take' negotiations, Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty that would end the vicious cycle of wars and destruction between them. Sadat's historic visit was an unparalleled symbol of commitment that set the ball rolling for direct negotiations between two 'sworn enemies'. ............... Yesterday the President's scheduled trip to Ogoni land where he was supposed to launch the implementation of the UNEP clean up of Ogoni was cancelled for God knows what reason. In the face of no cogent reason from the presidency, many believe-and you can't blame anyone-it was due to the threats made by militants earlier on. This may not be the case, of course. But actions, or in this case, inactions that create the impression that the President and C in C could be prevented from visiting anywhere due to 'security threats' do not augur well both for the image of the presidency and the confidence of citizens in that esteemed office. The President in a democratic setting like ours, is the most important figure. The essence and symbol of his physical presence in any historic event-for that was what it was-can never be underestimated. The Vice President is not the same as the President. Neither is the 'FG'. Whatever justification anyone presents, one thing is certain: this was one big, fat missed opportunity!

Blame the Ijaws who threatened to kill the President. Shame on the security agencies who made the President cancel his visit.

HopeAtHand:
Blame the Ijaws who threatened to kill the President. Shame on the security agencies who made the President cancel his visit.

You think say those devils dey joke when they made that threat? By the way, bubu is a 'fearless' coward!

ChappyChase:

You think say those devils dey joke when they made that threat? By the way, bubu is a 'fearless' coward!

it is actually a joke.any discerning mind knows that they can't touch the president.
not on Niger delta soil.
moreover they ve made it clear that they are not after taking human lives.they have even come out to refute the claim that they attacked a house boat and murdered soldiers.

When you're a president, u don't go against d recommendations of ur cso... In fact tz in d constitution that whenever there's imminent threat to d live of d president , d cso should do whatever is necessary