₦airaland Forum

slimghost: And your point is? Its obvious you have comprehension problem. Am not disputing the validity of the election exercise, all i asked was "how did Amaechi become the NGF chairman in the first place?" but i guess you cant answer that. FYI, dude came there as a consensus candidate as no election was held (the constitution they adopted had no room for elections). But guess what, the power drunk fool rushed and amended the constitution giving room for elections and re-election without the consent of all the governors. Truth is, he came as a consensus candidate and now Jang is the NGF chairman as a consensus candidate too. Let him deal with it. One problem i have with you is that you always let your hatred for GEJ becloud your sense of reasoning.

I firstly will want to applaud your not disputing the validity of the NGF election unlike the President's goons. I have few salient observations i want to call your attention to : All the participating Governors were duly served noticed of the election without any of them making any " unconstitutional" remarks to the would be election? There is a constitution guiding proceeds of the NGF which is clearly available for all the governors - why didn't any of them say "election" was lured into their constitution for Amaechi's selfish ambition? Why will the governors who have the backing of the presidency with all the Abuja might allow Amaechi "rushed and amended the constitution". If election is an illegality in the NGF why did Jang accept his nomination against the incumbent? This is a democracy and the man (Abdulsalam) who initiated this 4th republic was a consensus president - no election but he introduced election and democracy.

I think someone need to send this quarter to grave man the video link of what truly transpired at the NGF election...

thelastpope10: How does the rot in the PDP concern you? If the PDP is rotten, go and register to vote and go and vote them out in 2015. Leave them to their internal party issues. Face your own party. You people have not even secured a name yet, yet you spend all your energies talking and whinning about another man's party. Why the obsession? Abi you are PDP secret admirer? No wonder you people always outsource your presidential candidates to the PDP...

Do you need to be reminded that what you called a party concern is actually something that affects ordinary Nigerians - born and unborn? Do you known the impact of a clueless ruling few can be injurious to the health of our nation if we myopically refer to it has a PDP affair? What the President and the Akpabio led gang demonstrated with the result of the NGF is a show of tyranny, lie, deception, deceit and in the case of Jang - blasphemy( by going to Church for a thanksgiving for an election he never won). We won't let PDP kidnap this democracy ... Never!

@OP you are so unfair to the truth. GEJ - a supposed democratically elected president who adorn the crown of a tyrant decided to witch hunt Amaechi because of Big Mouth? How does that sound to you? Defending the interest of his people of River state is what he was voted for. This might have led him to some "unconventional" means of protecting their right. This should in no way be a logical reason for his travails from the presidency.

The other point you pointed out is as inordinate a point as you titled it. When you describe the desire of a man as inordinate then that man should be GEJ. He is the one whose ambition is doom to tear the peace of this country apart. it is the ambition of GEJ that is so inordinate that achievement has been traded for desperation. Now to the God factor - If God made Amaechi a Governor, who made GEJ a president? sure your answer will be God - then why is the presidency fighting insanely like the president got there through his human effort? Why did you not remind the president of the name "Turai" and "yardua" and also these two words "death" and "luck". Who in this case is playing God? Who in this wahala forget quickly the hand of God? And talking about testing executive power - what happened to the president's humble demeanor? The "i have no shoes" geste? What happen to all the " i am one of you" mien?

I won't want to comment on the third fraud you called a point because for the first time in my life i have never heard a lie so unclad.

The president should remember that Amaechi might lose this battle but the president has only won a battle so that he can lose a war(2015) let the wise among his co-travelers tell him.

Fasheun is free to associate with Dokubo. He is free to campaign for GEJ. He is free also to "revive" UPN. He is free to do the job he was paid for by drumming support for the clueless one but he should express all the aforementioned freedom in his capacity as a private citizen not as a leader of a non-partisan, non-religious Yoruba organisation called OPC. Fasheun should remember that Yorubas does not need him before choosing what is right for them. How do one guarantee the rights of other yorubas that made up OPC if they are members of other parties or is OPC now apolitical and aligning with PDP? Did Dokubo use his NDVF to campaign for someone that is not from ND? Why is this confused man showing the height bribe could drive one to? Speak for yourself Fasheun we all have that right has a yorubaman and Nigerian. I will pardon all you uttered because this is clearly your alter ego - the bribed, confused, partisan, apolitical Fasheun not the OPC leader.

wesley80: Oh pls shut it and save your verbosity for your kindergarten class. Bahari was visiting the Emir of Daura his hometown and there was nothing "national" in his visit to have him making reference to national insurgents. The issue was an attac by the BH boys on his hometown and even locals identified the attackers as Kanuris, so why did Bahari choose to blame the wind?
If He's that worried about the spate of insurgency and religious extremism in the country why has he failed to condemn the one group that demonstrates extreme attributes of both insurgency and religious extremism? Olofofo over to you.

Read what you wrote above again and reply yourself because i can't sew up anything in all. Since you understand what you wrote - reply yourself

if GEJ comes with that his " I HAVE NO SHOES" campaign this time around we will help him solve that problem by buying him shoes while the rest of us will vote right to solve the collective problems of Nigerians. No problem he is OUR PEOPLE'S CHOICE now not THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE anymore...the poster is self defining

How i wish the Convener of Yoruba Unity Forum,YUF, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi will re-trace his steps because its obvious that their is no unity of purpose in the so-called Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly. It is just a selfish amalgamation of the south regional tribes for the south-south: an opportunity to further divide the country along ethnic lanes in a desperate effort to re-elect GEJ.

“As earlier noted our inability to act as one concentric and impermeable family provided the leeway for the North to undermine and exploit us. The inexplicable outcome was that the North successfully pummeled us to endorse their leadership of the country for 38 years compared to the 14+ years the South has ruled the country.

“Today, all we hear on daily basis is that power must return to the North. Whether such hues and cries have the endorsement of Nigerians is left to be seen. We are nonetheless encouraged by our renewed solidarity and shared commonality to say that as people who have consistently been driven by the thrust of equity, justice and fairness, we must seek to balance the observed disparity in the leadership paradigm.

While the Ijaw leader was busy unraveling his real intent it is clear to all that it is at cross-purpose with the position of Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi.

The level of unemployment particularly graduate unemployment in our country has reached an alarming level unprecedented in the history of Nigeria and governments appear helpless.

“Graduate unemployment is dangerous. It is anti-development and prevents our country from reaping the benefits of the huge investment of our commonwealth on these young Nigerians. Governments’ intervention in the unemployment market has always been to expand the overbloated civil service by employing more hands into the service”

He clearly stated the obvious while Edwin Clark a supposedly statesman was busy fraudulently preaching schism and a convicted Governor was painstakingly try to justify his condemnable state pardon. Its obvious Bishop Gbonigi is aligning with opportunist masquerading as allied. The conference is for the selfish use of the Niger Delta not for the collective development of the South.

"OUR PEOPLE'S CHOICE" - Someone is hell bent on making this man look like a sectional leader and not a nation's president.

Is it not too early in the day for people to reason like they rapt in slumber? This is all you have been waiting for - Buhari's comment and an opportunity to further demonstrate your readiness to be s.tupid by all means. What better describe what is happening in the country if not insurgent? Did members of the insurgent group "Jama Ahl al-sunnah al-jihad" ever refer to themselves as Boko Haram? Don't you think finding fault in a faultless speech is unravelling your folly? You expect Buhari to mention the names of all insurgents before you can understand he is condemning their actions? In the mind of your mind only Boko Haram is the problem abi? Or because the security operatives enjoys soft landing while labelling every form of civil lawlessness an action of BH- you think only the group exist in evil form in the country? During the militancy days of ND people condemn militancy not MEND and other names. Buhari condemned the actions of insurgents which is a concise, succint and diplomatic summary of what is unfortunately happening in Nigeria. One can pardon your absurdity if you claim no knowledge of the real definition of "insurgents" but not when its mischief driven.

Can you people stop politics with reason? Is Buhari the presidential spokesman? What are you begging for - a speech from the man that you and your cohorts can spin around against the man. When did silence stop being golden or are you saying because he is a threat to your clueless lots he must have something to say about your actions and inactions? Is it a constitutional right of Buhari to say something? Is his silence a sin against the state? What did Gowon, Obj and co say? Did your boss say anything official when an idiot dare the nation? When did Abati and Reno dignify Dokubo with a response? Tinubu, ACN, CPC has spoken why wait for the people's general? You are paid to demonize Buhari you are doing that job I know but one day one of us will win - not online but at the polling booth because that is reality

It is three days today before the remains of foremost novelist, Chinua Achebe, arrives Nigeria for a five-day burial rite that would culminate in his interment on Thursday, May 23, at his family compound in Ogidi, Anambra State.
But as organizers put finishing touches to the burial arrangement, a serious controversy has blown open over the decision of the late writer’s family to hand over the programme to the Nigerian federal government as well as those of Anambra and other states in the South-east geopolitical zone.
In the last one week, PREMIUM TIMES has received several telephone calls from some of Mr. Achebe’s family members, contemporaries, associates, friends and fans accusing the late writer’s wife, Christy and her children, of surrendering Mr. Achebe’s corpse to the government for pecuniary gains.
The family wouldn’t comment on the allegations.
While alive, Mr. Achebe, who died on March 22 at 82, was a consistent and vociferous critic of the Nigerian federal and state governments who he repeatedly accused of monumental corruption, ineptitude and misgovernment. In protest against the way Nigeria is run, the revered novelist, in 2004 and 2011, rejected national honours awarded him by the federal government.
But the federal and state governments that Mr. Achebe criticized and kept at bay while alive have now been handed leading roles in the burial of the globally acclaimed novelist, a development that has irked not a few family members, contemporaries, fans and associates.
“Prof was a simple man who deliberately rejected affiliation with the Nigerian government,” lamented an Achebe family member who pleaded not to be named for fear of being ostracized by the late writer’s family. “It is now shocking and nauseating that his wife and children have now sold his corpse to the same destructive forces he opposed till death.”
She added, “We are trying to understand why they are trying to destroy his legacy when the man actually left more than enough wealth to be given a befitting burial without any government getting involved. Why don’t they want to spend the man’s money to give him a befitting burial?”
Checks by this newspaper revealed that the federal and Anambra state government are handling almost all aspects of the burial. The federal government has constituted a Chinua Achebe Transition Committee, led by Professor T. Uzodinma Nwala, to handle logistics for the burial. The Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has also been detailed to arrange accommodation, transportation and security for all guests expected at the burial. In fact, a document seen by one of our sources listed Mr. Achebe’s wife and children among guests being expected at the burial, suggesting that they were being invited to their own patriarch’s interment.
A programme drawn up by the Professor Nwala’s committee showed that Mr. Achebe’s remains would, on May 21, be received at the airport in Abuja by Nigerian politicians and political office holders, some of whom the writer considered corrupt and inept while alive. The novelist will also be treated to a reception at the National Assembly, populated mainly by elements Mr. Achebe believed were holding Nigeria down.
“We can’t understand why Achebe’s wife and kid are taking steps that are contrary to what the good man stood for,” a contemporary of the late writer said via telephone from the United States. “They are doing the opposite of what their father would do.” He requested not to be named for fear he might be accused of trying to derail his friend’s burial.
Olu Oguibe, a Professor of Art and African-American Studies at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, and family friend of the Achebes, has been especially vociferous in his criticism of the late writer’s family. “To the best of the knowledge of many who were close to him, his views and opinion of the Nigerian government and that of his state which he so clearly protested in 2004 and 2011 had not changed,” Mr. Oguibe said in an April 29 post on his Facebook page that stirred extensive discussion. “

So, what does it mean that in death, the very same government that this great philosopher and patriot so strongly and unequivocally disapproved of has been given free rein to organize his last rites.”
“The government that he rejected and protested in life is now the chief host at his funeral. 

That has nothing to do with him, of course; he’s moved on and he made it absolutely clear what he believed in and where he stood. Yet, what does it mean for those who’ve turned his farewell over to brigands and thieves?”
Many other angry fans of the late writer soon joined in the debate. “In every sphere of existence, Nigerians are found wanting,” lamented Zainab Haliru, an Abuja-based writer. “It is as though we are meant to be case studies of the exception of rules. We bastardise everything. A man like Achebe just did not fit into our dishonest and disrespectful ways. I would have thought that his immediate family would have turned down the offers. I remember Gani Fawehinmi’s family did.”
Yet another commentator, Ralph Tathagata, said, “Without any resort to insult, children of great minds are not known for making remarkable decisions at moments like this.”
Mr. Tathagata then added, “When the most popular modern existentialist philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre died in April, 1980, President Giscard d’Estaing came in person to the hospital and spent an hour beside his coffin. He understood that Sartre, a man who had always rejected official honours (including the Nobel Prize for Literature), would not want a national burial. However, he told Sartre’s friends(including Simone de Beauvoir), ‘but the government would like to pay the cost of his funeral. The Sartreans thanked him, but refused. The Achebeans must not let these base elements in the corridors power stand astride Achebe’s grave.”
Betraying Achebe twice

Thinking
Another family source claim this won’t be the first time Achebe’s wife and children would betray him. She recalled that back in 1990 when the writer had the accident that left him paralysed from the waist down, the family accepted a gift of 75,000 pounds from an emissary of then head of state, Ibrahim Babangida.
Mr. Achebe, the source said, was still in coma when the emissary arrived with the money. One of the late writer’s son, Ike, who reportedly warned the family against accepting the gift, was shouted down by other family members who were quoted as saying “Achebe should be allowed to chop Nigeria’s money for once”.
“Some of us are ashamed that Prof’s family members are the ones betraying him, offering his corpse to government in return for favours,” the family source said.
Posthumous National Honour
A presidency source said the government has also offered to award a posthumous national honour to Mr. Achebe but it is not clear whether his family has acceded to the proposal.
When the government offered Mr. Achebe a national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, in 2004, he wrote to the administration rejecting it. “Nigeria’s condition today is, however, too dangerous for silence. I must register my disappointment and protest by declining to accept the high honour awarded me in the 2004 Honours List,” he wrote.
He added, “I write this letter with a very heavy heart. For some time now I have watched events in Nigeria with alarm and dismay. I have watched particularly the chaos in my own state of Anambra where a small clique of renegades, openly boasting its connections in high places, seems determined to turn my homeland into a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom. I am appalled by the brazenness of this clique and the silence, if not connivance, of the Presidency.”
When the award was again offered him in 2011, he again turned it down, saying “The reasons for rejecting the offer when it was first made have not been addressed let alone solved."
Sources close to the family also told PREMIUM TIMES that the Federal Government has also offered to henceforth fund the Achebe Colloquium, a festival of ideas convened annually since 2009 by the late writer to bring “together an international group of scholars, officials from African governments, the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and other organizations for two days of intense deliberation and exchange of ideas on the importance of strengthening democracy and peace on the African continent”.
Critics say asking the Nigerian government to fund a gathering through which experts examine what is wrong with African countries and proffer solutions amounted “to asking the same governments considered rotten by Achebe to take charge.” “This is a huge betrayal of Achebe’s legacy,” an associate of the late novelist said.
The Achebes won’t react
When contacted, one of Professor Achebe’s son, Chidi, declined comments, saying the family had decided not to grant interviews until after the burial.
But another family member, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the press, said the family cannot stop the government from participating in the burial because Prof. Achebe’s remains “is an ozu Nigeria”, meaning a dead body belonging to Nigeria.
“The family can’t stand in the way of government because Prof was a national figure,” he said. “He transcended local politics and anyone who wants to be helpful during his burial should be free to do so.”


http://premiumtimesng.com/news/134850-achebes-family-members-associates-accuse-wife-children-of-selling-late-writers-corpse-to-govt.html?wpmp_tp=2

You ijaw citizen or whatever it is you call urself - you want seun to censor our opinion because it denigrate ur ijaw son because we are unfortunate to have him as a president abi? While you and your miserable likes castigate and abuse Yoruba leaders from Awolowo, Obj down to Tinubu. You especially find delight in abusing the best president of Nigeria - Buhari and you without prove demonised the man as BH sponsor. You do all these with impunity especially when you abuse a tribe (Hausa) and a religion (muslim) cos of the ills of few. You and ur fellow fishbrains defended the treasonable speech of Dokubo, kuku and Briggs...now you want us to be constructive and respect GEJ because he is Ijaw - the people you all abuse are they tribeless? Why single out the president sef because he is a president of ND extract abi? Don't even bring the crap about the president's office - respect is reciprocal. His policies and actions does not respect us too why should I respect a man that flocks, dine and wine with all the problems(people) of Nigeria? We have a right to our opinion at least none of us dare the moderators to dare ban us like ur son did to security operatives neither did we say nairaland will be history if seun ban us with awesome impunity. Leave seun abeg oga - go and serve your ban.

Their is something about Nigeria and precedence - something mutual about the two nouns. Dokubo and co lay precedence to the fact that Buhari and Atiku once threatened to make the country ungovernable if GEJ emerges and dat nothing happened to them. Now the president has declared a state of emergency in 3 northern states - if by 2015 a northern wins and militants down south decide to tranga - gbam! Your guess is as good as mine. Nigeria and everything therein belongs to Nigeria including the oil.

Wide consultation to some people is mere conjunction of two words - wide and consultation but to intelligent individuals it means seeking, collating and acting on diverse advise. You scums thinking the president took an isolated decision when he declared SoE in some states need to wake up. Before such a decision which is still laced with cowardice - the president consulted with the governors of the affected states. If you think its a show of power by the president you are still under the spell of military hangover. And to some of you who can't write a paragraph without associating BH with Buhari - do ur self and your nation a favour bring out facts that can help us bring him to justice or shut ur ass up.

retdgf4dg

Why is your father and mother not on this list? - for raising for this country a stupid and idiot child. Include ur parent they seem more guilty than pple on ur list.

This is so presidential. Putting aside sentiments and politics this to me is a right decision if according to the president the military will discharge their duty within the ambit of the rules of engagement. This should serve as a warning to other states like Nassarawa, Benue, Kano and co. Thank you Mr President for taking this decision.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR



ON THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BORNO, YOBE AND ADAMAWA STATES IN ORDER TO RESTORE PUBLIC ORDER, PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE AFFECTED STATES OF THE FEDERATION


MAY 14, 2013



Dear compatriots,

1.It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.


2.The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.


3.The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.


4.Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.


5.These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.


6.They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.


7.Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states.


8.We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.


9.Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.


10.While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.


11.We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.


12.Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.


13. Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.


14. This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.



15.The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.



16. I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.


17.I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.


18.Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.


19. I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.


20.I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.




Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/build-up-nigeria/full-text-of-president-jonathans-national-broadcast-may-14-2013/582673555089537

all i can say is - FRONT PAGE PLEASE.....

I laugh when I read some comment where some people publicly endorsed thr own stupid - saying Asari and the rest cowards will disrupt the flow of oil. Please if we still have sensible individuals in ND let them tell their brothers that "if the sky falls it will affect us all". If they like blow all oil installations and oil wells its everyone's headache including that of the NDs. The oil in question feeds corruption fat. This oil is a curse to economic diversions. This oil is more of a problem to the nation. How many of the billions accrued from this oil is in the hands of our corrupt leaders and militants like Asari? Can u pls tell me which direct impact does this "our" oil money benefit us the masses? Let them blow away their bank(oil) and we will all suffer according to the percentage of impact.Blow everything Asari - I dare you. Blow everything pls, we need to all come to our senses that since the discovery of oil Nigeria as a country is not progressing in tandem with myraid figures accrued for this oil. Blow everything jare Asari - d son of his father. Blow everything - just remember you and ur people are not immune from the suffering and chaos that comes after. I don't blame Asari that guy only watch war in movies and he is kinda acting the "actor". War is not a guerrilla fun fare in the creeks - ask people from SE what is the definition of war and defeat.

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Professor Tam David-West has asked Nigerians to take the war threat by the leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Peoples Force (NDVPF) Alhaji Asari Dokubo with a pinch of salt as he is not capable of fighting any war.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Independent, David-West said the ex-militant leader has a penchant for running his mouth unnecessarily.

He recalled how Dokubo-Asari once branded Obafemi Awolowo a criminal for approving the derivation formula when he (Awolowo) was Finance Minister during the Yakubu Gowon administration.



“Is a man that would call Awolowo criminal responsible? A man that would call Chief Awolowo criminal is definitely insane! But that is what Dokubo-Asari called Awolowo before he then went to beg Gani Adams,” he said.

Speaking further about the former militant leader, David West said “Does he have any power to make Igbo President? If he has so much power, how come his sister contested election twice for the Rivers State House of Assembly and lost?”

The former minister said the war songs coming from the former militant leader is hollow and should not be taken seriously.

“He cannot fight any war. Dokubo-Asari used to stay here with me in this house. He cannot deny it. I have a big article coming up on him. When I saw the comment, I phoned Port Harcourt to tell our family and few friends. They said I should ignore him because if I reply him, I will only elevate him,” David-West said.

“Dokubo-Asari said he has 40,000 people in the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF). That force no more exists. I know some of the people who were with him. They used to phone me that he got money and didn’t take care of them.”

If Dokubo thinks he can influence our choice with threats of War, If security operatives could dare not arrest him for inciting comments cos he is speaking for "the clueless" one, If GEJ and his clueless govt could not caution him - if Okupe and Abati see nothing wrong in this "treasonable" utterance. I THINK we have better reasons to flush out this f.oolish gang of rogues masquerading as leaders.