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Politics / 2015: Onoja,presidency Plot Tocheckmate Mark by Eobiabo(m): 10:49am On Aug 25, 2013 |
The expected move by a chieftain of the defunct Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if not well handled, could rupture the current relative peace in Benue State politics, reports Remi Adelowo Former Military Governor of Plateau State, Lawrence Onoja, a retired two-star general of the Nigerian Army has been in the news lately. After two years of being in a political hiatus of sorts, Onoja, a former Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha, suddenly reappeared from the blues to drum up support for the speculated second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan. Prior to the 2011 general elections, Onoja was constantly in the news. He had contested the Benue South senatorial election on the platform of the defunt ACN against the incumbent senator, who is also the Senate President, David Mark of the PDP. It was a bitter electoral contest that nearly threatened the peace of Benue State. The first battle between the two generals was fought in the primaries of the PDP to pick the senatorial candidate for Benue South. Mark secured 1,680 votes to Onoja’s 317 votes. Not satisfied, Onoja left PDP for ACN where he was handed an automatic ticket to challenge Mark at the general election. The ‘war’ got so messy that on a particular day after the end of a campaign rally, Onoja escaped death by whiskers after some unidentified political thugs allegedly shot at the Toyota SUV conveying him, shattering the glasses in the process. Though he was alive to tell the story, Onoja sustained injuries on his right hand and was subsequently hospitalised. It was a baptism of sorts for Onoja in the politics of his home state. Not unexpectedly, Onoja pointed accusing fingers at Mark as the alleged mastermind of the attack on him. The spate of violence in the state during this period culminated in the invitation of prominent politicians in the state by the State Security Service (SSS). The anti-climax of sort was Mark’s victory at the general elections defeating Onoja by 149,923 votes to 79,433 votes. Onoja cried foul and challenged the election result up to the Appeal Court, which finally affirmed Mark’s victory. With his fate finally sealed by the apex court, Onoja recoiled into his shell, perhaps to wait for another opportunity to actualise his political ambition. Some weeks ago, Onoja, who is also the Chairman of the Strategic Mobilisation Committee of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), granted media interviews where he declared the support of the Middle Belt region to the alleged second term ambition of the president. In a statement that clearly contradicts the position of the ACF, which has been at the forefront of the return of the presidency to the North, Onoja was quoted as saying, “Middle Belt of today is different from the Middle Belt of the 60s when we were categorised as part of the core North.” Onoja, who is also a member of a political pressure group, Congress for Equality and Change, added that Jonathan was constitutionally qualified to run for a second term in office if he so wishes. According to him, the Middle Belt region would back the president for a second term in office. His words: “There could be anger in certain parts of the North. But there is no anger against Jonathan in my own Middle- Belt part of the North. We support Jonathan for his second term. Every group has the fundamental right to agitate for power. “The groups that are talking, the Northern Elders, Arewa, are not political parties. They are socio-political cum cultural associations. So, they probably cannot install a president. At best, they are talking of supporting a candidate from the North. You don’t blame me for saying that my own people support Jonathan.” Speaking further, Onoja, an Idoma, said his people were not regarded as core northerners even by the so-called North. He voiced his conviction thus, “Assuming the power comes to the North today, would you tell them to concede power to the Idoma people where I come from? This is because I am a minority in the North and Jonathan is a minority from the South-South.” The retired general added, “I want to say categorically that it is not yet time for power to shift to the North. Mr. President has not done his second term. All the other presidents were given opportunity to do their second terms and Mr. President, by virtue of the fact that he is a minority like me, it would be unfair and an injustice to stop him from doing his second term. If he finishes his second term in 2019, then other areas or blocks can now begin to agitate for power shift.” These were, no doubt, sweet music in the ears of the power brokers in the Presidency. Speculations that Onoja may be on his way back to PDP further heightened when he was part of the delegation of the Middle Belt Elders Forum (MBEF), led by a former Senate President in the Third Republic, Ameh Ebute, on a recent visit to the president. During the visit, the support of the Middle Belt to Jonathan was further reiterated. Sources say the stage is set to receive Onoja in PDP any moment from now after the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, reportedly received a directive from the Presidency to that effect. A few days ago, Suswam met with some Benue PDP stakeholders to intimate them of Onoja’s return to PDP. The Nation, however, gathered that not all the major PDP stakeholders have bought into this plan. One of them is Senate President David Mark, who has yet to reconcile with Onoja over their political differences. Sources in the state revealed that Onoja’s planned return to PDP was part of the Presidency’s alleged plan to checkmate the influence of Mark, whose relationship with the president has been described by sources as lukewarm at best. The Presidency, according to findings, is allegedly not happy with Mark, the reason which may not be unconnected to the hardline stance of the Senate and the House of Representatives on certain government policies. Some members of the president’s kitchen cabinet are also not happy with Mark over the proposal by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 constitution, which recommended a single term of six years for the president and governors. Though the proposal did not scale through eventually, it generated an angry reaction from the president’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulak, who fell short of accusing the Senate of plotting to frustrate his boss’ alleged second term ambition. According to sources, not a few of the president’s men believe that Mark is secretly nursing a presidential ambition in 2015, a development that has compelled his being placed under a close watch. Currently in his fourth term as a senator, a record by any Nigerian politician, Mark is also serving a second term as Nigeria’s longest serving Senate President. The Idoma-born retired one-star general of the Nigerian Army Signal Corps, is allegedly positioning himself as a compromise candidate in the event that power shifts to the minority tribe in the North, as it is being canvassed in certain political quarters. But the big poser is: does Onoja who is allegedly still interested in contesting for the Senate in 2015 has the political weight and structure to dislodge Mark? Also, will the Presidency sacrifice Mark, who has not openly spoken in support of the president’s alleged second term bid for Onoja in its calculations for the 2015 general elections? These puzzles will surely be unravelled in the months ahead. source http://thenationonlineng.net/new/2015-onoja-presidency-plot-to-checkmate-mark/ |
Politics / Re: Lock All Nigerian Pastors In Prison- Tunde Bakare by Eobiabo(m): 6:19pm On Aug 24, 2013 |
he is correct, Nigeria seems to have d highest Pentecostal churches in this part of the world, and nothing much to show for it, GREED, SELFISHNESS, AGGRANDIZEMENT IS D order of d day, sometimes i question why in d first place they broke out of d Catholic, if they can't live up to expectations, #myself inclusive 4 Likes |
Romance / Re: EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL: The Strongest Weapon Of A Lady by Eobiabo(m): 6:21pm On Aug 21, 2013 |
very true... it took grace for me to overcome mine, and since then, i have been single n careful |
Celebrities / Re: Pictures From “Sherikoko Reloaded' Osuofia And Jenifa Weds by Eobiabo(m): 6:08pm On Mar 14, 2013 |
Asteriva:ask MY OGAH AT THE TOP |
Education / Re: University Of Abuja 2017/2018 Admission Updates by Eobiabo(m): 11:31pm On Jan 28, 2013 |
The senior special adviser to the president on youths and students (Mr Imagwe Jude) has assured us that we would be back to school soonest haven met with some stakeholders on the uniabuja issue in Abuja today. Though it is said that senate would meet on wednesday #not confirmed i will keep you informed on any development @emmyobiabo on twitter |
TV/Movies / Re: How Many Of You Watched "I Need To Know" by Eobiabo(m): 3:05pm On Jan 27, 2013 |
fellis:by pushing it to the frontpage, tnx |
TV/Movies / Re: How Many Of You Watched "I Need To Know" by Eobiabo(m): 7:28pm On Jan 26, 2013 |
Moderator please could u help us stir good old memories |
Religion / Re: What Confusing Question Or Comment Have U Made In A Bible Study? by Eobiabo(m): 11:56am On Jan 20, 2013 |
...continues i neva meant any harm then, 'cos i was only bringing up a challenge. What is your view on this, i know someone may have taken it personal |
Religion / What Confusing Question Or Comment Have U Made In A Bible Study? by Eobiabo(m): 8:55am On Jan 20, 2013 |
Mine was a day we were discussing about the great commission of Jesus Christ, Math 28:18 i made a good contribution by saying " we are here discussing about d second coming while a good number of people dnt even know about His first coming" wats ur own experience plz comment |
TV/Movies / Re: How Many Of You Watched "I Need To Know" by Eobiabo(m): 8:46am On Jan 20, 2013 |
REMMEI: . . WHEN I WATCHED TALES BY MOON LIGHT..AND I ALSO WATCH MR SPENCER..WILLY WILLY ET ALL..YEAH!..I WATCHED "I NEED TO KNOW" BACK IN THE DAYS. . WHAT ABOUT "SPEAK OUT"?. . . I CAN STILL HUM THAT THEIR SONG..GONE ARE THE DAY.d lyrics of the theme song was " i need to know, if education is d key, y do u deny it? I need to know" it was sponsored by UN i guess |
TV/Movies / How Many Of You Watched "I Need To Know" by Eobiabo(m): 10:27pm On Jan 19, 2013 |
How many of you watched "I NEED TO KNOW" DAT FEATURED FUNKE AKINDELE BACK IN D DAYS, plz kindly drop your comments on it and ur views, should it be brought back? |
Politics / Re: ACN To Test Merger With Other Oppositions With Anambra 2014 Gov Poll-Ngige by Eobiabo(m): 8:02pm On Dec 25, 2012 |
It is fuuny how our leaders no longer talk about the dividends of democracy to the common man, but they are more concerned in fighting a battle with an opposition. OH! COMPATRIOTS, LET'S OPEN OUR EYES AND WATCH THAT OUR COUNTRY WILL NOT GET SPOILT IN OUR TIME. Is it after the battle is won that they will draft a manifesto or an agenda? I think it is a sham! 1 Like |
Education / Re: Great Uniabujites by Eobiabo(m): 8:18pm On Dec 24, 2012 |
Yea greatest unibujites, it is not yet official, but from all indications, we are to resume 4th of february 2012.... Cheers |
Celebrities / Re: Faces Of Nollywood Legends That We Will Be Missed On The Nigerian Screen by Eobiabo(m): 1:50pm On Dec 09, 2012 |
Please moderators this is not the first time a topic that has been mis-spelt is on the frontpage, it potrays a bad image of our literacy rate thank you. |
Adverts / Re: Flash Drive And Memmory @ Wholesale Price #900 by Eobiabo(m): 9:02pm On Aug 08, 2012 |
I am a student of university of abuja, i don't mind being a distributor of your flash drive and memory card, i would be leaving for school this weekend, 08098214052, would be expecting your call, thanks. Emmanuel Obiabo |
Fashion / Re: Omotola Jalade In Hour-Glass Alali Dress @ Movie Premier. Too Hot! by Eobiabo(m): 2:30pm On Aug 08, 2012 |
I dey suspect dis profola2be e be like say she be d omosexy ooo. |
Technology Market / Re: No by Eobiabo(m): 11:11am On Aug 02, 2012 |
Sola2012: The price reduced to 12k cash and carry.ur number is not going through, y not give ur office address |
Technology Market / Re: No by Eobiabo(m): 11:10am On Aug 02, 2012 |
Sola2012: The price reduced to 12k cash and carry. |
Food / Re: Maggie E-book by Eobiabo(m): 10:56pm On Feb 19, 2012 |
Thanks missy B |
Food / Re: Maggie E-book by Eobiabo(m): 4:46pm On Feb 17, 2012 |
Please send me a copy too my email is eobiabo@yahoo.com thanks in anticipation of your response |
Travel / Re: Driving From Lagos To Abuja by Eobiabo(m): 11:54pm On Feb 16, 2012 |
How much does arik air charge per ticket from lagos to abuja |
Religion / Re: Welcome To church Of Satan by Eobiabo(m): 9:40pm On Feb 02, 2012 |
What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and lose his soul? 4 Likes |
Education / Re: We Wont Call Of Strike - ASUU by Eobiabo(m): 12:58pm On Jan 31, 2012 |
It's high time we d students come out enmasse and speak for ourselves, our education is shaky which has impact on our future. GREATEST NIGERIAN STUDENTS. IT'S TIME TO ACT FAST. |
Education / Great Assonites: Facts From Reliable Figures by Eobiabo(m): 3:57pm On Jan 23, 2012 |
In a quest to broaden d sphere and relevance of statistics as a course, i humbly deem it necessary to use this as a platform for our networking. This would go a long way in fostering development in our environment and the global community at large. YOU ARE ALL WELLCOME THIS IS FOR STATISTICS STUDENTS, GRADUATES AND LOVERS OF STATISTICS. |
Education / Re: University Of Abuja 2011/2012 Post Ume And Admission Update. by Eobiabo(m): 11:06am On Jan 20, 2012 |
Patience is a virtue, u may have waited for so long, but still don't loose hope, as to many of u that want to be in uniabuja. The faculty of science is now functioning in the main campus, so expect a long admission list, in all departments both in faculty of acience and beyond. |
Education / Re: Uniabuja 2010/2011 post ume result to be released soon by Eobiabo(m): 9:45am On Feb 03, 2011 |
No no no i won't take that we all should support unibuja to be a guiness record holder for more than one reason ~ the only university in d world, situated in d country's capital, that has substandard facilities ~ the only university that has a website that can never be updated ~ the only university that can't tell when they are resuming and many more greatest universityofabujites sorry unigwagzites oh sorry unibujites, Grace sorry great |
Education / Re: Islamic Studies by Eobiabo(m): 11:40am On Jan 31, 2011 |
U do it in the mosque! Thats d best place |
Education / Re: Uniabuja 2010/2011 post ume result to be released soon by Eobiabo(m): 11:57am On Jan 30, 2011 |
This week is a determinant week. This thread just got better now! |
Education / Re: How To Discover Your Friends' True Age by Eobiabo(m): 8:07am On Jan 30, 2011 |
This is an epitome of the unemployment paroxysm. |
Education / Re: Uniabuja 2010/2011 post ume result to be released soon by Eobiabo(m): 7:05pm On Jan 28, 2011 |
Let's be patient |
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