IT is a very instructive observation by some concerned Nigerians that, when the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) failed to force its way politically within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Ciroma branch of the proverbial "Kaduna mafia" was unable to gain the type of foothold it had within the NPN after its struggle with Shehu Shagari in 1979, in 2011, all hell was let loose. When efforts by a few 'born to rule'' individuals, to warehouse the office of the president failed, anarchy in the guise of Boko Haram became the next choice.

The operational tactics of Boko Haram(western education is sin), a supposed religious sect with curious objectives changed and has since become a tool to return presidency immediately to a few who claim that holding on to political power in Nigeria is their god given right.

As an elder politician, a former Central Bank governor and a major stakeholder in the politics of the North East, is it not a matter of great quandary that, while the North East burned and the instigators of the bloodletting in the region extended their bloody hands to the federal capital, the news media, is voluminously silent on a single comment from Ciroma and his NPLF associates. Comments of agreement or disagreement, no matter how distasteful or insipid from the man who presided over the coffers of Nigeria over a lengthy period of time is worthy listening to?

As a major player in the politics of Nigeria, he came third in the NPN contest for the presidency in 1978/79 behind Shehu Shagari and Maitama Sule. Despite his sponsorship by the astute administrator Hamza Rafindadi Zayyad, Ciroma knows what is at stake regarding the wielding of political power in Nigeria.

He was in good company when he co-opted Ibrahim Babangida, Aliyu Mohammed Gusau and Abubakar Atiku, all prominent men who have presided over the appropriation of the Nigerian fiscus over a lengthy period of time to claim the Nigerian presidency as a northern heritage, with the north defined along their very narrow perception; a northern Nigeria where northern minorities particularly the people of the middle-belt or north central are second class citizens.

Hence, knowing what is at stake, it is no surprise he swore to do everything within his power to ensure that himself and his associates do not play second fiddle to anyone who was not on their side, and that they ''would make Nigeria ungovernable'', if Jonathan or anyone who is not within their anointed circle became president of Nigeria.

This type of threat was taken then in the heat of the struggle as part of political angst and dispensed with.But with benefit of hindsight, and with what has happened so far, we know better and now must take it seriously because it was similarly used against Chief MKO Abiola until he was killed.

Continue: http://odili.net/news/source/2012/jan/5/304.html

Please, let's calm down and assess situations for what they truly are. By this argument, assuming you believe in it, you are also concluding that GEJ was brought in office and forced on the people by the actions of MEND serving as the militant arm of SS.

I wish you guys would think clearly through the political interpretations of your assertions. Before you make such a bold statement, let's first consider the irreparable damage it would do to Gej if the accusation was rebounded from the North.

Negro_Ntns:

Please, let's calm down and assess situations for what they truly are. By this argument, assuming you believe in it, you are also concluding that GEJ was brought in office and forced on the people by the actions of MEND serving as the militant arm of SS.

I wish you guys would think clearly through the political interpretations of your assertions. Before you make such a bold statement, let's first consider the irreparable damage it would do to Gej if the accusation was rebounded from the North.

If you remember how MEND and other ND militant conducted their ill informed operations you will definitely see the difference between MEND and BH, MEND never demanded to christianize Nigeria, Mend never attack Mosque or muslim in the ND, MEND never attack any international organization in Nigeria or police station via suicide bombing, and besides a Christian was the then president of Nigeria. so i see no reason for you to compare the both of them

If only we have a President with enough balls the likes of Buhari, Atiku, Ciroma, Gusau and co will be serving life sentences for treason, unfortunately we have a man who said he is slow in order not to make mistakes

If you remember how MEND and other ND militant conducted their ill informed operations you will definitely see the difference between MEND and BH, MEND never demanded to christianize Nigeria, Mend never attack Mosque or muslim in the ND, MEND never attack any international organization in Nigeria or police station via suicide bombing, and besides a Christian was the then president of Nigeria. so i see no reason for you to compare the both of them

Terrorism is terrorism, which ever dogma or propaganda message you attach to it.