sjeezy8:

Obsanjo is a differnt breed and learned his lesson when they threw him in jail. After Obasanjo got out he played by the norths rules for a while but then switched around on them retired their army generals replaced them with southerners-, replaced the CBN with a southerner, Made sharia in the north when they want it for the whole country. Obasanjo did everything the North wanted him not to do by replacing top Northern officials with southerners.

I mean Obasanjo has learned alot unlike Jonothan who is still "fresh" who knows he may still be getting advise from obasanjo on how to lay low. for Now

So i dont really fault him now that i think about it.

Gbawe:

My brother , I cannot speak for those in Nigerian but I can confirm that I will be involved in the "save Nigeria protest" in London (see below) .

.http://nigerialibertyforum.org.uk/eventpage.php

Signatories to the communiqué are

Dr Tunde Bakare, Professor Pat Utomi, Alhaji Shetima Yerima, Mr Femi Falana, Mr Osita Okechukwu , Mr Solomon Asemota Mallam Salihu Lukman, Mr Yinka Odumakin, Mrs Ayo Obe, Dr Tunji Abayomi, Pastor Sarah Omaku, Mr Adeolu Akinyemi, Mr Fred Agbeyegbe, Hon Olawale Oshun, Mrs Morayo Fawehinmi, Biodun Sowunmi, Dr Joe Okei- Odunmakin , Debo Adeniran, Reverend Tayo Popoola, Alfred Ilenre, Pastor Sam Aiyedogbon, Prince Oye Oyewunmi, Mallam Uba Sanni, Prof Ropo Sekoni, Mr Babafemi Ojudu, Naseer Kura , Ahmed Mustapha, Benedict Ezeagwu , Dipo Famakinwa, Malam Yinusa Tanko, Bisi Adegbuyi, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Barrister M.M Soba, Rev Segun Oshinaga, Wilson Ajuwa, Achike Chude, Olasupo ojo, Nana Dawodu, Eniola Opeyemi, Mike Igini, Funmi Olunuga, Afolabi Gbajumo, Tony Nnadi, Tola Ayo-Adeyemi , Chike Maduegbuna, Yinka Quadri, Modupe Oyekunle, Keji Ajayi, Christian Love


London


Friday 15 January 2010 - London12 pm – 15:15 arrival and protest at Parliament Square SW1P315:15 – 17:30 protest moves to Nigerian High Commission (WC2N 5BX)

If possible bring your flags, placards and come dressed in the Nigerian colours of green and white. Organisers will also provide banners and placards on the day.

For further information please contact:Phone: 07984212553

Email: info@nigerialibertyforum.org.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Web: http://www.nigerianlibertyf

Key point for Protest:

Where is Musa Yar'Adua
Nigerians are no terrorists
Stop the criminalisations of Nigerians,
Fight against corruption
and add as you may wish


Australia!
Australian protest: Nigerian High Commission, Canberra. 26 Guilfoyle Street, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6282 7411. Time: 12 PM. Tuesday 12th January 2010. Contact Abiola Falayajo Jr. abifas@,  for more details.

Abuja

Tuesday 12th January 2010


Hoping to break the power vacuum and constitutional gridlock in the country, a new group of patriotic Nigerians will next week embark on major streets protests in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, London and New York to protest Umaru Yar'Adua's refusal to hand power over to his deputy before he was evacuated abroad on medical grounds as determined by the constitution. 

naijamini:

I think you may be right here. DD is angling to be the next vice president. With this statement he is actually showing that he prefers playing to the streets than to the constitution. VP Jonathan has played the cards that were dealt him well. He seems to be the main arm of the Obasanjo group that President Yar'adua could not get rid of, so they made him rather ineffective. The goons in the current administration have done their very best to make him slip-up during this whole saga. I mean people were calling for his resignation like he was the one who threw the nation into a crisis. Others were encouraging him to act unconstitutionally to get the excuse they need to kick both him and Yar'adua out at the same time. So far he has maintained a well-balanced response to this whole mess.

Whether the VP will make a good president or not is not the issue here. The issue is whether when the constitution virtually makes a person from the oil regions the next president, even if only for two years, the powers that be would allow it.

Mark my words, if Yar'adua is truely incapacitated and the VP is not allowed to fulfill the constitutional role assigned to him, the oil regions is going to become a powder-keg that will eventually consume Nigeria. A few years hence there will be no Nigeria.

As for the issue of the CJN it turns out that the retiring CJN had the right to administer the oath to the incoming CJN. For evidence follow this link: http://www.nigeriaanew.org/forum/index.php/topic,58.0.html

SapeleGuy:

First thing, Gbawe - your headline is different from the actual this day headline.

This is a constitutional matter, please examine the constitution to see the necessary provisions. I believe Duke has been misquoted. The answer to this issue lies with our legislators who are burying their heads in the sand.

“Decisions are being taken but they are selective. In the situation that occurred on December 25, 2009, the vice president ought, immediately to have sought audience with the US ambassador and the vice president of the United States. This would have commenced the process of engagement but we sit back and do nothing.

Please tell us how Goodluck can effectively assume power with out the respective houses doing their job, first.

He blamed Vice President Goodluck for not exercising the authority of his office as the man who should naturally take control in the absence of the President, irrespective of any formality being alluded to by some government officials. “Vice President Goodluck Jonathan’s position confuses me because his duty is to stand in the gap when the President is unavailable but he says he is waiting for a letter. What if something happens and the President loses consciousness and cannot read nor write? This letter business is a courtesy and formality to the National Assembly…The issue of stepping-in does not arise because as vice president, he is already in,” he said.

Gbawe:

Not true and a logic-defying notion IMO. I think Duke has been driven by patriotism to say what he has said. Everybody knows how vengeful the cabal around Yar Adua are . Just ask Kingibe !!!! In fact those who should act or speak (Bankole, Mark, et al) cannot do so because they fear they will be finished if , contrary to popular opinion , Yar Adua actually returns to power. That is what is creating the impasse we see right now . Can we not see all the weak ,compromised and cowardly politicians , to include the VP himself , lying that they spoke to Yar Adua as part of a deceptive scheme to keep Yar Adua President at all cost !!!

The only folks speaking against Yar Adua and Aondoakaa are mainly the patriotic Nigerians who are not afraid and those who are not beneficiaries of the corrupt Yar Adua government. Duke has done his immediate career a big disservice asking Jonathan to stand up for himself when a very powerful cabal have done everything to keep Jonathan out. Duke is a very intelligent chap . He will have realised that to speak in favour of Jonathan taking charge is to offend the powerful cabal insistent on keeping Yardy in charge by all means. He went ahead anyway. Spin it how you want but that is the type of action Gani Fawehinmi would be proud of.

When the G53 initially asked Yar Adua to hand over to Jonathan, it was alleged that some of the Northerners amongst them were actually targeted for assasination by pro Yar Adua groups !!!! There is therefore no way Duke's utterances will move him close to the VP position.

gbawe: Once again, you should realise that Duke is only asking Jonathan to act within his power !!! Did Duke ask Jonathan to swear in the CJN? Did he ask our VP to sign the budget? Is he asking Jonathan to now conduct the pending swearing in of Ministry Permanent Secretaries ? Is it not inane for anyone to assume that Jonathan , as the most authoritative voice in Nigeria today , cannot even call the American President to explain our perspective?

naijamini:

I never said that DD is not patriotic or shap. He was one of the "best" governors in the past administration despite the fact that his most popular achievement was an uncompleted ranch for the rich. While you might be right that he is actually distancing himself from the presidency with his statement that is only because we know the next leader is unlikely to be chosen on merit. Those who have spoken against Yar'adua since this whole incident began may be right to call for his resignation. However some of them are simply trying to get in on the act - not that there is anything wrong with that, just that we need to be aware of it.

If DD was so focused on rescuing Nigeria he would have taken the time to actually read what the constitution/oath act said about the CJN oath, rather than follow street talk. Perhaps VP Jonathan could have put on a better show without appearing to grab Yar'adua's powers. I think he erred on the side of caution a little too much, but overall he has played this deadly game carefully so far.

I still think that if DD were VP he would not do what he is recommending to VP Jonathan, because that would be his funeral, figuratively speaking. The power play in Nigeria is full blown, and DD is angling for the next VP slot, in my opinion. Let me say that he might actually make a better VP than VP Jonathan so don't get me wrong, but if he actually plans to follow his own recommendation he will not last long.

SapeleGuy:

[size=28pt]This is a constitutional matter, please examine the constitution to see the necessary provisions. The answer to this issue lies with our legislators who are burying their heads in the sand. Please tell us how Goodluck can effectively assume power with out the respective houses doing their job, first.[/size]

This is a constitutional matter, please examine the constitution to see the necessary provisions. The answer to this issue lies with our legislators who are burying their heads in the sand. Please tell us how Goodluck can effectively assume power with out the respective houses doing their job, first.

princekevo:


In politic you fight and lobby for power , u dont sit down and wait them gets to u. I wonder how yaradull on his sick bed, with Turia all the way from Saudi Arabia, lobbying the senate and the FEC to hold on power for his husband. Our brother in Nigeria who could have in support of 100million Nigerians can not do anything. Probably he is scared of being dismissed if he make any drastic step and fail. That is jst the simple why cowards die many times b4 their real death, and why many destined to be at the top ended dying as follow follow, becoz there afriad to take a bold step.

Why do you think ObJ accused Atiku of Corruption? Why do you think Tabo mbeki accused Zuma of corruption? Today is the same Zuma not the President of S.A or do you think if OBJ mistakenly fell sick for 49days outside Nigeria Atiku would fold his arms waiting for him his return to take over power.

Tml we start complaining tht the North has hold on to power since independence as if they tied our hands and legs from assuming power. whereas, is all about our cowardice and foolishness. I am very sure that if the president was to be a SS with a northern vice, they would have manupulated every thing and took over power for weeks.

adconline:

Jonathan is really a toothless bulldog. Gowon assumed the mantle of leadership when Ogundipe was the most senior officer, because there was a power vacuum. Even with OBJ's toughness, Atiku was able to make himself very powerful and visible. Why is Atttorney General more visible and powerful  than the VP? If OBJ who  was more ruthless , powerful and exprienced than Yar'dua could not remove Atiku, why do you think that Jonathan will be easily removed. It's only the NASS that can impeach Jonathan. He's not an appointee of the President. He was on "ticket" with Yar'dua

Gbawe:


Even as I don't agree with you , I have to commend your intelligent and well structured debate. If Duke were VP he would do exactly what he is asking Jonathan to do. This is why Duke , Ken Nnamani (former senate President) and others like them where schemed out of reckoning for roles in the Yar Adua government by OBJ and other Kingmakers. The likes of Duke have their own mind and they would be difficult to control. Do you not wonder why there is no place for PDP achievers like Duke in the Yar Adua Government ?

Let us tell ourselves the basic truth. I have always insisted that , at this stage , virtually all Nigerian politicians are corrupt. It is the system. What we must pragmatically look for are 'enablers' who will facilitate national progress alongside their 'shennanigans'. Jonathan and Yar Adua are not in that mould. Duke, Nnamani and Fashola are .The likes of Yar Adua and Jonathan will aid the cabals 100% to the detriment of Nigeria. Yar Adua , for example , will not dare to contemplate the deregulation of the power sector because he is a hostage to the diesel and generator mafia !!!!  Do you now get my drift? I.e whatever cross Duke has to bear, he will still do things that will improve Nigeria if he is ever in a position to do so  . Fashola is bearing his own cross (Tinubu) with pragmatism while he continues to be an enabler who is delivering.

I do not believe DD is a hypocrite . I don't think Duke is telling Jonathan to do what he will not do if similarly placed.

As regards the constitution, please read the article again to note that Duke is not asking Jonathan to defy the constitution or usurp Yar Adua's powers. He is only asking Jonathan to be an effective deputy rather than a totally invisible and impotent Vice President

adconline:

Jonathan is really a toothless bulldog. Gowon assumed the mantle of leadership when Ogundipe was the most senior officer, because there was a power vacuum. Even with OBJ's toughness, Atiku was able to make himself very powerful and visible. Why is Atttorney General more visible and powerful  than the VP? If OBJ who  was more ruthless , powerful and exprienced than Yar'dua could not remove Atiku, why do you think that Jonathan will be easily removed. It's only the NASS that can impeach Jonathan. He's not an appointee of the President. He was on "ticket" with Yar'dua

princekevo:

Oh c'mon, what constitution? The one that has been made as useless as an outdated nursery school text book.
I cant believe any Nigerian would be talking abt a constitution as regards to Jonathan taking over an authority(position) that constitutionally belongs to him, but denied. Do you understand the word "power vacume"? That is exactly what intelligent people around the world see Nigerian situation to be. Tell me in that your constitution a provision mad for such.

We need to tell ourselves the truth Jonathan has failed us as the true son of ND, he has no single clue what politics is all abt, not even Nigerian dirtiest politic. If he ever think someday they will tap him up from his slumber to constitutionaly give him the power, then he must be dreaming.
In politic you fight and lobby for power , u dont sit down and wait them gets to u. I wonder how yaradull on his sick bed, with Turia all the way from Saudi Arabia, lobbying the senate and the FEC to hold on power for his husband. Our brother in Nigeria who could have in support of 100million Nigerians can not do anything. Probably he is scared of being dismissed if he make any drastic step and fail. That is jst the simple why cowards die many times b4 their real death, and why many destined to be at the top ended dying as follow follow, becoz there afriad to take a bold step.

Why do you think ObJ accused Atiku of Corruption? Why do you think Tabo mbeki accused Zuma of corruption? Today is the same Zuma not the President of S.A or do you think if OBJ mistakenly fell sick for 49days outside Nigeria Atiku would fold his arms waiting for him his return to take over power.

Tml we start complaining tht the North has hold on to power since independence as if they tied our hands and legs from assuming power. whereas, is all about our cowardice and foolishness. I am very sure that if the president was to be a SS with a northern vice, they would have manupulated every thing and took over power for weeks.

adconline:

In politics, the voice of the VP is much more assuring than that of Akunyili and Atty General. America would take VP's opinion far more seriously than all these mouth pieces. I have not heard anything from Jonathan ever since this Mutallab went on a suicide mission.
" The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort, but where he stands in times of adversity" This man is not a leader.

As for folks saying that people should rally behind him, this Jonathan has not earned the equity for folks to support him. He's the one who should rally up the people to support him. Maybe he should hire Mrs Virgy Etiaba, Deputy Governor of Anambra State who took the mantle of leadership when her boss Peter Obi was put out of power to tell him how to do it.

" The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort, but where he stands in times of adversity" This man is not a leader.

SapeleGuy:

I maintain that Donald Duke's words have been misrepresented. Bearing in mind, he stepped aside for Yaradua in the early stages of the presidential selection process, he is in no position to criticise Goodluck

The game that is been played out is very simple. They want to Pressure Goodluck to make an illegal move and then have him impeached, that is why our legislators have been playing 'see no evil, hear no evil'.

Fortunately time has run out for our legislators, they have to act within the next 7 days.

Mekusxyz:

Can Jonathan assume the presidency or acting presidency without a legislative input? Discerning minds want to know. Jonathan, please do not fall for this obvious photo trick. Siddon look well well until further notice.

Gbawe:


Even as I don't agree with you , I have to commend your intelligent and well structured debate. If Duke were VP he would do exactly what he is asking Jonathan to do. This is why Duke , Ken Nnamani (former senate President) and others like them where schemed out of reckoning for roles in the Yar Adua government by OBJ and other Kingmakers. The likes of Duke have their own mind and they would be difficult to control. Do you not wonder why there is no place for PDP achievers like Duke in the Yar Adua Government ?

Let us tell ourselves the basic truth. I have always insisted that , at this stage , virtually all Nigerian politicians are corrupt. It is the system. What we must pragmatically look for are 'enablers' who will facilitate national progress alongside their 'shennanigans'. Jonathan and Yar Adua are not in that mould. Duke, Nnamani and Fashola are .The likes of Yar Adua and Jonathan will aid the cabals 100% to the detriment of Nigeria. Yar Adua , for example , will not dare to contemplate the deregulation of the power sector because he is a hostage to the diesel and generator mafia !!!!  Do you now get my drift? I.e whatever cross Duke has to bear, he will still do things that will improve Nigeria if he is ever in a position to do so  . Fashola is bearing his own cross (Tinubu) with pragmatism while he continues to be an enabler who is delivering.

I do not believe DD is a hypocrite . I don't think Duke is telling Jonathan to do what he will not do if similarly placed.

As regards the constitution, please read the article again to note that Duke is not asking Jonathan to defy the constitution or usurp Yar Adua's powers. He is only asking Jonathan to be an effective deputy rather than a totally invisible and impotent Vice President

Gbawe:


Even as I don't agree with you , I have to commend your intelligent and well structured debate. If Duke were VP he would do exactly what he is asking Jonathan to do. This is why Duke , Ken Nnamani (former senate President) and others like them where schemed out of reckoning for roles in the Yar Adua government by OBJ and other Kingmakers. The likes of Duke have their own mind and they would be difficult to control. Do you not wonder why there is no place for PDP achievers like Duke in the Yar Adua Government ?

Let us tell ourselves the basic truth. I have always insisted that , at this stage , virtually all Nigerian politicians are corrupt. It is the system. What we must pragmatically look for are 'enablers' who will facilitate national progress alongside their 'shennanigans'. Jonathan and Yar Adua are not in that mould. Duke, Nnamani and Fashola are .The likes of Yar Adua and Jonathan will aid the cabals 100% to the detriment of Nigeria. Yar Adua , for example , will not dare to contemplate the deregulation of the power sector because he is a hostage to the diesel and generator mafia !!!!  Do you now get my drift? I.e whatever cross Duke has to bear, he will still do things that will improve Nigeria if he is ever in a position to do so  . Fashola is bearing his own cross (Tinubu) with pragmatism while he continues to be an enabler who is delivering.

I do not believe DD is a hypocrite . I don't think Duke is telling Jonathan to do what he will not do if similarly placed.

As regards the constitution, please read the article again to note that Duke is not asking Jonathan to defy the constitution or usurp Yar Adua's powers. He is only asking Jonathan to be an effective deputy rather than a totally invisible and impotent Vice President

DR CROSS:

illusion2, please dont call Goodluck a bloody vice president,the guy is trying his best because is not in his position to declare himself as president,we should all blem the federal council or what ever the call themself.But i only blem Goodluck for not confroting U.S vice president about Naija being black list as terrorist country

DR CROSS:

illusion2, please dont call Goodluck a bloody vice president,the guy is trying his best because is not in his position to declare himself as president,we should all blem the federal council or what ever the call themself.But i only blem Goodluck for not confroting U.S vice president about Naija being black list as terrorist country