With all the brick throwing and back stabbings comes this shocker from the Abia state governor. Na wa ooo, at this point in time, what can we say. These are the same people who call themselves leaders. They sit and plot the future of our country from their fortresses telling us what to do like zombies. They make malicious and unguarded utterances in the media without remorse whatsoever therefore, I need to know the following

Is it true that the president is corrupt and insincere like the governor has said?

What is the true story behind the Obasanjo/Atiku dilemma?

Is there a way forward?

What’s the hope for the youths in this our great country giving the present antecedence of our so called leaders? If there a way we could avoid the pitfalls of these guys in our own time because as we all know, our time is now. I really need to know.

The text of Governor Kalu's letter to President Obasanjo on the 22nd of August 2005, "Working for Posterity to Judge Us" is as follows:

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[salutation],
Working for Posterity to Judge Us

I write you this letter with a deep sense of patriotism, and without any malice. As a practising Christian I detest sycophancy in whatever guise, and this is why I have always offered to tell you the truth, no matter how bitter it may be.

I may not be in your good books, even though I made huge personal sacrifice and contributed tens of millions of naira to your 1999 presidential campaign.

But my joy is that, at least, you can acknowledge that I am one of those you can count on to speak the truth to you at all times and without any let or hindrance.

It is now about four years since your administration emba-rked upon its anti-corruption crusade. Nevertheless, I regret to observe that the campaign has not yielded the desired result because it lacked focus and strong foundation ab initio.

The unrelenting resentment of the campaign by many Nigerians, including the media, is attributable to the fact that they see it as a deliberate plot to witch-hunt and muzzle perceived political enemies.

The high-handed, draconian, and commando-like operations of the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) so far have negated all that our democracy stands for. They do not hide their bias neither do they function within the ambits of the laws setting them up. Again, the establishment of the two institutions is a mere duplication since there are existing provisions in our legislation to handle their functions.

In any case, the most preposterous and incredulous aspect of your anti-corruption campaign is that while the media is awash with stories on the activities of EFCC and ICPC corruption is taking root daily in many federal establishments, Aso Rock inclusive. I have said it several times that corruption is rife among senior officials of government, especially those at the federal level.

It is said that a few members of the leadership of the Senate could stoop so low as to drop your name with active connivance of some of your aides to collect large sums in oil and defence contract commissions. The ignominous activities of this cabal, including the foreign accounts of some of your aides, serving and former ministers, are also well known to the international community. I would be surprised if you feign ignorance of this unfortunate situation.

Unbelievably, you have done nothing visible to extinguish this dangerous and sycophantic phenomenon. It seems you have deliberately turned eyes against the atrocities perpetrated by your officials because there is incontrovertible evidence at my disposal that you are afraid to prosecute them for fear of turning the table against yourself. I do not see why you should preach openly against corruption but deep inside you, you have a different attitude towards it.

What about the Abuja National Stadium? Why was the original design for the stadium which had a five star hotel and which contract was won by a Chinese firm discarded and re-awarded to another foreign construction company based in Nigeria without the five star hotel at five times the price quoted by the Chinese firm? There is unquestionable evidence at my disposal why the contract was awarded to the Nigerian-based foreign construction company instead of the Chinese firm.

What much do you know about the operations of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE)? Who collected the commissions for the sale of Ajaokuta Steel Company and Delta Steel Rolling Mill, Aladja? Could both transactions have been said to be transparent?

Why have you found it difficult Your Excellency to probe the activities of the Federal Ministry of Works in spite of my allegation that the ministry stinks? It is an open knowledge that the operations of the ministry between 1999 and 2003 were a monumental fraud.

In a media appearance at the VOA last month I challenged you to openly declare your assets. Up till now you are yet to do so. By declaring your assets openly you will have succeeded in dispelling any doubts on the minds of Nigerians and the international community about the sincerity of your anti-corruption campaign.

Mr. President, you will agree with me that there are still many other questions that I would have loved to put across to you. But I have just asked these few to agitate your mind and dismiss your anti-corruption campaign as mere window-dressing.

A few other examples will baffle you. Let me ask you: Who owns Bell University and Bell Secondary School? I was shocked when you openly denied ownership of the two institutions and rather ascribed their ownership to Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, a one time Minister of Finance. I wish to put it to you, Mr. President, that I have overwhelming evidence to link you with both institutions.

Who paid for the construction of hostels and gigantic sports complex at the Bell Secondary School? I put it to you Sir that both projects were financed with tax payers money through the construction giant, Strabag, five years ago. What role did a former Minister of Sports play in the whole deal? What of the transformation of Ota, which is going on at frenetic speed? Who picks the bill? We knew all these things but deliberately chose to keep mute for the sake of peace.

The third question for you Sir centres on your tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources since 1999. Why has there not been a properly-audited account for the Ministry of Petroleum Resources since then despite the outcries by the people for this to be done? There is indisputable evidence that all the major deals in the nation’s oil sector are being handled by you through some agents. What about the leakages and the fraud at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), with particular reference to crude oil sales and the accrued commissions? What have you done to check the malfeasance?

You have at several occasions accused top government functionaries, especially the governors, of owing foreign accounts. Can you in all sincerity, Sir, swear that you own no foreign account(s)? There is evidence that you own foreign accounts, including a platinum credit card recently opened for you through which you charge your foreign account and make purchases abroad.

I fear for the ways things are going in this country under your leadership. I fear for the masses of our country which live under dehumanizing conditions. The economy has virtually collapsed, and there is no more middle class. Everything is in shambles yet we make millions of dollars daily from oil. An average Nigeria(n) lives on 60 cents (i.e N78) a day. Is this not a shame and a big scar on our collective psyche?

There is no way we can go on this way. If we continue this way then we are surreptitiously inviting anarchy and cataclysm. The patience of Nigerians is running out fast, and it behoves you to take the bull by the horns and salvage the situation before it consumes all of us.

As I said at the beginning this is a message that should challenge your statesmanship and patriotic zeal. You have an opportunity to write your name in gold if you can begin today to make amends.

You should redirect your energies to only gainful and edifying activities befitting of your exalted office instead of haunting innocent citizens just for refusing to dance to your dictates.

I am a straight forward, transparent and focussed person. I call a spade a spade not minding whose ox is gored. I have demonstrated this through my altruistic service to the people of my state.

I refer you to Galatians 6:7-8, and wish to state in my conclusion that anybody who wants to come to equity must come to equity with clean hands, and those who live in glass house should not throw stones.

You may not bother to like me, just give ear to my admonitions, and let us leave posterity to judge us.

Please accept, Your Excell-ency, the assurances of my highest consideration,
[Signed]
Source

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President Obasanjo's response is to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). to investigate the matter. Here's a statement made to Thisday by Mr. Femi Kayode, from the president's office:

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We completely reject and refute the suggestion that Mr. President has committed any crime or done anything wrong. It is precisely because he is a God-fearing, innocent and honest man that he has absolutely no hesitation in referring the matter to the EFCC for a thorough investigation and he directed that the findings of that investigation should be made public.

We have nothing to fear and nothing to hide. Mr. President is as clean as a whistle and these are nothing but baseless, spurious and vicious allegations which are designed to impugn his integrety. It will not work and we are not in the least bit concerned.

I have the details of every single allegation that has been made and I can assure you they are all baseless. We will do nothing to interfere in the EFCC investigation of this matter. We will co-operate and at the end of the day, I can assure you that Mr. President will be vindicated.

I don't agree with you that the allegation can lead to appearance of guilt and neither should that be the case. An allegation is nothing but an allegation without evidence. It is meaningless and irrelevant. People make hundreds of allegations per day. The issue is: where is your evidence and how can you substantiate it?

I do not see the allegation as anything other than what it is - a vicious, well-orchestrated and well-organised smear campaign against a man that has given virtually his whole life to the service of this nation in an honest, decent and transparent way. I can assure you that after the investigation has been concluded, those that made these vicious allegations will bow their heads in shame."

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We look forward to the comclusion of this juicy story, and will keep you updated through this page. Meanwhile, your reactions to this story are welcome!

http://thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=27284 (use "nairaland" and "nairaland" if prompted for password)

This is at least partly a simply political manouvre by Governor Orji Uzor Kalu to further his presidential ambition. I hope it doesn't backfire!

Confirmed by foreign media:

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has agreed to be investigated by the country's anti-corruption body after a governor accused him of taking bribes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4210368.stm

Good that Obj agreed. Let EFCC also open Kalu's cupboard. He seems to make the loudest noice of the governors, either for real, diversion or media recognition.

I always look on with glee when the nest of killers... sorry PDP washes its dirty linen in public. Where else but Nigeria will a ruling party with an almost total grip on elective positions across the country be engaged in this kind of mudslinging. It just goes to show that the party is a cobbled together hodge podge of very strange bedfellows.

Well I doff my hat to Gov Kalu, he is either a very courageous man or he is a very stupid one, or worse, mad! i really hope he has cleaned out his cupboard with a microscope and fine tooth comb before he decided to engage baba in open hostilities. However, I am very sceptical of his sincerity of purpose, experience shows us that he usually has a selfish interest. This is not the first time he has engaged in sensationalism if you all can rememeber the Anenih wants to kill me saga, which i believe ended with him giving Anenih a public apology. Something tells me that apology will not do for OBJ; na die Kalu dey o! But there is this saying - something about if a child walks upto you and slaps you you shouldnt beat the child but look behind him to see who sent him

What i really find galling is to hear Baba and Fani-Kayode pontificating in their usual holier than thou attitude pretending to launch an investigation Are we expected to believe that the EFCC investigation can ever turn in any damning evidence against the Prez? or that the fact that weight of his office will not influence the out come of the investigation. In civilised countries when such a grave allegation is made against a public figure, the honorable thing to do is to commission an investigation and resign thereafter to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done, but that will never happen in this primitive African society we call Nigeria.

Nairalanders, I would really want us to discuss about this Orji Uzor Kalu (Governor of Abia State) and Obasanjo hoola balooo. I was told Orji wrote EFCC that OBJ is embezzling Nigerian money, I wonder who is a thief and who dey catch am. Was it not same Orji I was told has bought many mansions in USA and London that is now saying OBJ is a thief. God we are waiting for your great punishment on these Nigerian Rulers, who have turned Nigeria upside down

A big hand of applause for Governor Orji. He is a very courageous man, he has spoken his mind and the truth wether bab likes it or not?
But those of you that doesn't understand may say that he is doing this to make- way for his campaign.

Bibi:

Good that Obj agreed. Let EFCC also open Kalu's cupboard. He seems to make the loudest noice of the governors, either for real, diversion or media recognition.

@bibi u don't have to say he is making noise. He is only saying the truth.

Saintjoe:

A big hand of applause for Governor Orji. He is a very courageous man, he has spoken his mind and the truth wether bab likes it or not?
But those of you that doesn't understand may say that he is doing this to make- way for his campaign. @bibi u don't have to say he is making noise. He is only saying the truth.

Let me say up front, I'm neither a fan of Kalu nor Obasanjo.

Readers can check out this piece on Abia State/Kalu by Uche Nworah on The Nigerian Village Square; it speaks volume to the level of bogotry that have pervaded the Nigerian polity:

http://www.nigeriavillagesquare1.com/Articles/Nworah/2005/09/eziuche-ubani-and-governor-orji-kalus.html

Also check this out too on ThisDay, captioned Abia Leaders Accuse Kalu of Corruption:

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=27586

Are all these made up?

Whether what Orji said about OBJ is true or not is left to EFCC to decide. However, I still maintain that his loud mouth is not out of sincererity but ladden with dirty hidden agenda (which includes setting EFCC on a dry run, chassing shadows, so he may be overlooked).

Pictures speak words...how can someone who cannot clear the debris in Aba think he can do better in Abuja? Manager of Nigeria ko, Manager of Nigeria ni.

...its unbelievable how many businesses he has sprung between 1999 to date. If hes not draining Abia that fast, then it possible he's more dedicated to running his personal business than running Abia state.......man, just look at the debris!.

well..............am not after all this political issues. But lets call a spade a spde, in the case of corruption OBJ is more Corrupt that ORJI.

Saintjoe, where is your data?

How can Obasanjo ask EFCC to investigate him.
He employed Ribadu who heads EFCC.

Ribadu can only investigate OBJ if he's not in power.

Obasanjo should be bold to step aside completely and and allow EFCC to probe him.
Then we will all know if he has skeleton in his cupboard or not.

@Bibi i don't understand you?

***Clearing my throat*** for princess and whiteshark, u guys should take it easy. We are discussing politics here. And pls don't change our topic of discussion................

We can only hope that all the assertions raised by Kalu are accurately and openly scrutinized. At this stage it doesn’t really matter what his motives are, or whether the allegations are true or deceitful. Only a meticulous investigation will make that known.

My opinion can be found on my personal blog http://ababoy..com

Saintjoe - all Im saying is, all we have at the moment are accusations. Until investigations reveal how corrupt people are, we should be open minded about the whole thing. Saying OBJ is more corrupt than Kalu (and vice versa) is unfounded, we dont have that info.

Hopefully EFCC will continue to operate independently. The average Nigerian politician smells of massive corruption and usually the most loud have the biggest skeleton.

To my opinion, Kalu is extending every stigma he can to OBJ and co because of his preseidential ambitions. I would rather have expected to see Kalus's glorious performance in office (which is not so) as his propellant. We Nigerians should not just follow blindly these types of heavy dramatism, where the actor is as bad as the vilain being portrayed. If OBJ is failing, definitely Kalu cannot even deliver half as much as OBJ. The posting by Imnakoya tells us a bit of "the man - Kalu"-

Hmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! u seems to be convincing me a little. But the only problem now is that EFFCC might side OBJ to bring Kalu down. Cos' if the accusations where not proved my EFFCC that mean that Kalu will be in a serious trouble. But i still insist that ObJ is corrupt than Kalu cos i have wieghed the two of them.

Bros dem,

If u follow the news today, you will see that the EFCC has called on Governor Kalu to substanciate his cliams by providing fact but the man just dey dorge... He has not been able to provide any fact but has been busy hiding and cliaming stories. ... Those that live in glass houses ought not throw stones you know, I believe that even if the President is corrupt, He has been able to do a good job at hiding it unlike the governor how I believe will soon be the target of a massive man and witch hunt by all know and unknow apparatus of goverment and underground interest groups.

Well........but OBJ can still bribe EFCC to side him and bring ORJI down.........

From his statement:
"Having said that, I wish to state unequivocally that there is no need to appear before your commission when I know that its assignment amounts to nothing but a nullity. As things stand now it is only an independent platform that can guarantee an unbiased investigation on the matter. Anything short of this is a deliberate abuse of the constitution, breaking of the law and therefore unacceptable to me," he stated.

Source: http://thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=28637

Whether Orji is bad or not, I want to let you know that OBA.... worth the allegations levelled on him. I still can not believe people are seeing OBA.. as an innocent fellow; no wonder my prayers have been that God deliver our people from sycophancy.

well said folks but who may I ask should we believe? Is it OBJ who according to Gov Klu's responce to EFCC Chairman is a moving train that would crush anybody and anything in its path or Gov Kalu who we know has been involed in nefarious and disreputable acts on some countries in the west African coast were he amassed so much wealth? Na who we wan believe now?

Kalu has refused to substantiate his allegations despite being given the opportunity to do so by the EFCC. It appears he's just making loud and empty noise .

Seun, remember what he said in his letter to the President. He didn't (doesn't) want to expose his (Oba..'s) secret evil affairs nor was he intended blackmailing him, rather, he was seeking for a redress to the plight of the citizens of this country. I still believe that if he (Orji) had not overhauled himself properly, knowing that it is going to involve reprisal from both parties, he wouldn't have gone into that.

Forget about Orji not being able to bring out a proof. Personally, I will be a coward to fight for a position through blackmailing or public help. If Orji had done that, I would have seen him as a coward and a defeat who had already foreseen danger ahead, and resorted to blackmail. He made it clear in his letter that he campaigned for him (Oba...) with millions of naira.

Do you people think such confident open letter to Mr. President can not be proved? Don't say like that.

If he has indeed cleared his cupboard before making allegations, he should also understand that there is always the Achilles heel factor to consider in cases like this. We have seen it in the past when people took up such assignments only to be crushed mercilessly by the former. I believe that if he (Kalu) can make the allegations and accusations, he ought to substanciate them to the fullest. Failing to do so will only expose him to ridicle.. People will lift their nose and say anoda talk talk politician don come again..... Someone should please advice the man ....

Bibi, we are talking of realities. There is no politics in discussions pertaining to this. You either get a prove backing yours or dance to the tune of the winning party. You can not tell me Oba.. is guiltless, that is why I would want you to keep away from such discussions since you are not in this country alternatively, you ask questions pertaining to it and be clearified.

Your kind of arguments are always tribalistic.

drbigdaddyg: You can not tell me Obasanjo is guiltless

Actually, he is innocent until proven guilty!

People should stop saying he is corrupt without bringing out any evidence. Evidence is what we need now. Truthfulness is also essential. I am ready to forgive whatever he has done in the distant past (e.g. when he was a military ruler) but I want the truth to come out.

A lot of corruption is going on because people assume that "everybody is doing it" while in fact it may not be so. We need the truth, backed with evidence. Anybody can open mouth to say someone else is corrupt.

  Nobody should tell me of Investigation.  I have never heard any result of an investigation in my darling Nigeria.  Afterall, in Nigeria, anything is possible.  OBJ is as corrupt as ORJI.  In short ORJI is more corrupt than OBJ.  But that is left for God to decide.  Because I hate the word "INVESTIGATION" in Nigeria.  In short it makes me feel like  committing suicide at ASO ROCK - in front of OBJ and his security guards, whenever I hear "investigation".  NO ONE IS INVESTIGATING NOTHING IN NIGERIA. The word "INVESTIGATION" in Nigeria is the root of all the corruption in this country -  Because results of investigations are never always made public, to the detriment of the country's image.

Pls someone should tell the world that "when we talk of corruption in Nigeria, it is not the ordinary man that is corrupt, but the persons in authority". And I think the best place to start with is the Presidency.  I am not saying that our President is corrupt, but anyone who says there is no corruption in the Presidency is a f--l.  And who heads the presidency? 

So whether ORJI is saying the truth or not, he might be saying the truth about himself and the whole system.  Perhaps Gani Fawehnmi (pardon spelling errors) is ALWAYS CORRECT.

Let God decide! God bless Nigeria!

godfreytom:

Nobody should tell me of Investigation. I have never heard any result of an investigation in my darling Nigeria. Afterall, in Nigeria, anything is possible. OBJ is as corrupt as ORJI. In short ORJI is more corrupt than OBJ. But that is left for God to decide. Because I hate the word "INVESTIGATION" in Nigeria. In short it makes me feel like committing suicide at ASO ROCK - in front of OBJ and his security guards, whenever I hear "investigation". NO ONE IS INVESTIGATING NOTHING IN NIGERIA. The word "INVESTIGATION" in Nigeria is the root of all the corruption in this country - Because results of investigations are never always made public, to the detriment of the country's image.

My bro see o. How can nigerians believe that any investigation will yield any results. Pple this is nigeria where anything goes. As far as i'm concerned Orji Kalu's allegations are just a political gimmick . Even if he brings proof, who wants to cast the first stone and say it is true when we all know that those persons themselves are no better. Anyone who dares only sets himself up for future problems.

But anything they want to do, they should do.

Better don't kpai urself on Nija's wahala

Seun:

Actually, he is innocent until proven guilty!

People should stop saying he is corrupt without bringing out any evidence. Evidence is what we need now. Truthfulness is also essential. I am ready to forgive whatever he has done in the distant past (e.g. when he was a military ruler) but I want the truth to come out.

A lot of corruption is going on because people assume that "everybody is doing it" while in fact it may not be so. We need the truth, backed with evidence. Anybody can open mouth to say someone else is corrupt.

@Seun ,
R u trying to say Baba Iyabo ain't corrupt until u r shown proof. Are u really a Nigerian? But is everyone not doing it?

Seun dear.... I wonder if you live close to OTA farm

Your post

Ogun State, Nigeria
Posts: 3639
Re: Orji Kalu says President Obasanjo is Corrupt. EFCC Investigates.
« #21 on: September 22, 2005, 02:55 PM »

Kalu has refused to substantiate his allegations despite being given the opportunity to do so by the EFCC. It appears he's just making loud and empty noise Angry.

My rezpunz

Why do we all have a problem of someone alleging something and keeping an open mind to let the facts bear themselves out? We are merging two issues here. Orji made one accusation and FFK replied that it is not true that it should be investigated, so let’s wait for the investigation.

If we have our own facts to add we should do so and not call one party a liar or anything else for that matter. Where is healthy debate?

As for me I have made my own allegation. Seun lives too close to Ota farm to run a board of ideas

I was told by news agencies that the son to Obj has costly houses in London. Do you know EFCC haven't known yet?

well, from what we now know, it might not be all true because the source www.elendureports.com has been found to have presented some false fact in the not too distant pass so we fit not trust their reports that much again. We have to follow facts in this matter not to make undue mistakes and pass mis informations...

drbigdaddyg:

I was told by news agencies that the son to Obj has costly houses in London. Do you know EFCC haven't known yet?

Why will they know? Birds of the same feather.