Power, Politics and Death

Endorsements

“OlusegunAdeniyihasdoneusaworldofservice,inmanyrespectsfarmoreimportantthanhisworkasspokesmanforPresidentUmaruYar’Adua.Withinthesepages,thatservicefairlyscreamsatyouinexcruciatingdetail:ourgovernmentissopatheticallydysfunctionalthat,atbottom,institutionsofgovernmentmatterlittle,onlyindividualsdo.

“Thisbookdoesagreatjobtakingusbehindthescenestosee,forwhattheyreallywere,thecastofcharacterswhowereputinchargeofouraffairs.Theirpettyrivalries,rankcowardiceandsheerincompetencyarepainstakinglyrevealed.

“Ajourneythroughthisbook,whichinlongstretchesreadslikeapoliticalthriller,deliversthecarefulreadertoadestinationwhereonemustconfrontourtrueconditionwithsobersenses.Itisnotaprettypicture.Butthemessageisanecessaryone.”

–DeleOlojedeWinnerofthePulitzerPrizeforJournalism,2005

Power,Politics

andDeath

Power,Politics

andDeath

Afront-rowaccountofNigeriaunderthelatePresidentUmaruMusaYar’Adua

OlusegunAdeniyi

PublishedinNigeriain2011byKachifoLimitedUnderitsPrestigeimprint

253HerbertMacaulayWay

Yaba,Lagos,Nigeria

Tel:+23417406741;08077364217

Email:[email protected]

SmashwordsEdition

Copyright©OlusegunAdeniyi2011

TherightofOlusegunAdeniyitobeidentifiedastheauthorofthisworkhasbeenassertedbyhiminaccordancewiththecopyrightlaws.

AcataloguerecordforthisbookisavailablefromtheNationalLibraryofNigeria.

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,transmitted,orstoredinaretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,withoutpermissioninwritingfromthecopyrightholder.

TheprintversionofthisbookisalsoavailablefromKachifoLimited.

Dedication

Tomywife,Tosin,andourthreelovelychildren,Toluwani,IfeoluwaandOluwakorede(whoinAmericabecame‘Kody’).

Contents

Endorsements

Dedication

Preface

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations

Introduction

PartITheDefiningIssues

1TheRuleofLaw,andThatofMan2CorruptionandtheIboriSaga3TheOilyAffairs

4TheNigerDeltaAmnestyDeal5BankingReformandAlliedMatters6BetweenMutallabandBokoHaram7WhenCountedVotesDon’tCount8Yar’AduaandtheWorld9UnfulfilledDreams

PartIIIllness&Death10TheEarlySignals…

11TheJourneytoSaudiArabia12ThePowerStruggle

13DoctrineofNecessity14LikeaThiefintheNight15BeginningoftheEnd16TheDaysofthe‘Cabal’

17TheEnd

AbouttheAuthor

AboutPrestigePublishing

Preface

“Segun,whereareyou?”

BeforeIcouldreply,therewasacommand:“ComestraighttotheResidence.”EventhoughColonelMustaphaDennisOnoyiveta,aidedecamp(ADC)toPresidentUmaruMusaYar’Adua,andIwerefriendsandoftentooklibertieswitheachother,thetonewithwhichhespokeonthatnightofMay5,2010,wasratherunusual.Curiously,IhadjustleftthesameResidence(theofficialhomeofthepresident)whereIwastokeepanappointmentwiththeFirstLady,who,assoonasIarrived,wascalledupstairs.BythetimeMustapha’scallcame,IwasatmyapartmenttodismissthePHCNofficialIhadearlierinvitedtorectifyanelectricalfault.WhileIfeltabitirritatedbythecommandingtoneinhisvoice,Inonethelessheededthecolonel’sinstructionandreturnedbacktotheResidence.

AsIenteredtheRedCarpet(thefirstlivingroom),asecuritymansaidtheChiefSecurityOfficer(CSO)tothepresidenthaddetailedhimtoaskmetositdownandwaitratherthangostraightin.Thiswasratherunusual,butthenweweregoingthroughanunusualperiodatthevillaandinthecountry.

Asareporterduringthemilitaryerainthe’90sandasaformereditorofTHISDAY,oneofNigeria’sleadingnewspapers,Ihadbeenanintrepidwitnesstothenever-endingdramaofmycountryinthelasttwodecades.Yet,nothinginmybackgroundpreparedmefortheexperienceofbeingthespokesmanforapresidentwhommostNigerianswerenotsurewasstillalive,yetsharingthevillawithanactingpresidentwhowasinchargebutcouldnotexercisethefullpowerofhisoffice.

AsIreflectedonthisbizarresituationandthedramaoftheprecedingweeks,IsawtheCSOopenthedoor,peepintowhereIwassittingandthenclosethedooragain.Thatjustaddedtothesuspense,butafteraboutanothertwominutes,theCSOopenedthedooragainandthistimebeckonedmetocome.

ThemomentIwalkedintothelivingroomofthepresident,theCSOandtheADC

grippedme,eachholdingmeoneitherarm.Myinitialthoughtwasthattheywantedtoplayaprankonme.However,asIattemptedtoshakemyselffree,the

ADCsaid,‘Segun,please,pleaseandplease,weareabouttotellyousomethingthatwillshockyou,butyouhavetotakeitcalmlybecausewearetryingtomanagethesituation.Ogapassedawayafewminutesago,andwehaveimmediatelyalertedtheactingpresident,whowillsoonbehere.Rightnow,nobodyinthishouseexcepttheFirstLadyisaware,sopleasetakeitlikeaman.’

Iimmediatelybrokedownintears,andIwaspracticallydraggedtoaseatwhiletheduocontinuedtheirmovementsupanddownthestairs.WhilewaitingforthearrivalofDr.

GoodluckEbeleJonathan,IthoughtofYar’AdualyingdeadupstairsasIreflectedonwhatmighthavebeenandtheeventsofthepreviouselevenweekssincehisreturnfromSaudiArabia.IttookaboutanhourbeforeJonathanarrivedwithapowerfulteam,whichsuggestedhehadcalledameetingbeforecoming.WithhimwereMr.DimejiBankole,theHouseofRepresentativesSpeaker;Mr.IkeEkweremadu,deputySenatepresident;AlhajiYayaleAhmed,secretarytothegovernmentofthefederation;MajorGeneralAliyuMohammedGusau,nationalsecurityadviser;andChiefMikeOghiadome,theprincipalsecretary.

TheyallgreetedtheFirstLady,offeringtheircondolences.Afterafewminutesofacceptingtheircommiseration,shestoodupfromwhereshesatandbeckonedonJonathantoescortherupstairstoseetheremainsofthepresident.TherewasaslighthesitationbyJonathan.ThenhepausedandalsoaskedBankoletojoinhimastheyclimbedthestaircase.ThesymbolismofJonathangoingtoseetheremainsofYar’Aduawasnotlostonme.Forweeks,Ihadpleadedseveraltimesthattheyshouldallowhimtoseethepresident,butallmypleasfellondeafears.Nowhewasgoingtoseehisdeadbody.

AsIsurveyedmysurroundings,IreflectedontheYar’Aduayears.Atatimewhenthenationneededapresidentwhocouldtakequick,strong,anddecisiveaction,hishealthproblemsensuredhecouldnotbefullyfocusedonhisjob.Hewas,however,adelightfulpersontoworkwith,andthosewhoaccusedhimofparochialismbasedonthefewKatsinafriendshekeptgrosslymisunderstoodhim.Forsomeinexplicablereason,inspiteofhiselitebackground,Yar’Adua’snetworkwasverylimiteduntilhebecamepresident.

Itwassaidthatasgovernorforeightyears,hehardlyeverventuredbeyond

Katsina(hisstate),KadunaandAbuja.OutsideNigeria,theonlyplaceshevisitedwereBrazil,China,Germany(forhismedicals)andSaudiArabiaonspiritualgrounds.Infact,hisfirstvisittotheUnitedStatescameinSeptember2007whenheattendedtheUnitedNationsGeneralAssembly.Thislimitedunderstandingofhisenvironmentmusthavecontributedtosomeofthemistakeshemadewithregardtocriticalappointmentsforwhichhedependedmostlyonthejudgementofotherpeople.Thoseappointmentscontributedsignificantlytothefiascoofhislastdays.

BythetimeJonathancamebackdownstairs,hiscountenancehadchanged.Hewasevidentlyshaken(asanybodywouldbeinhissituation),butIalsorealizedthatpowerhadchangedhands.IhadbeenwithJonathanonlyafewhoursearliertodropmyletterofresignation,andthroughoutourencounter,hecutthefigureofafrustratedman.Now,fatehadconspiredtoresolvethelogjam,andhewasgoingtobethepresident.Afterwaitingforanothertenminutes,duringwhichtherewereinformaldiscussionsaboutYar’Adua’sburial(whichhadbeenslatedforthenextmorning)andhisownswearing-inceremony(whichsomeofussuggestedshouldbeimmediate),JonathandepartedforAkinolaAgudaHousewithhisentourageforameetingonthenextlineofaction.

Assoonastheyleft,theADCdeclaredthatwhenthefamilyleftinthemorning,therewouldbenocomingback,whichmeantthattheyhadtotakeawaywhateverbelongedtothem.Hebroughtinsomesoldiers,andIwatchedasthepersonaleffectsofthepresidentwereremovedwhiletheteamoflocalandforeignmedicalpersonnelthathaddoneeverythingtosustainhislifeworkedupstairstodismantleallthemedicalequipments.IstayedaroundforaboutanhourandcommiseratedwiththeFirstLadybeforeIheadedbacktomyapartmenttobreakthenewstomywife.Formyfamilytoo,itwastheendofachapter.

Yar’Adua’sdeaththatnightbroughtadramaticendtothepoliticalsagainthecountry.ItalsoreleasedmetomakepublicmyresignationandthefactthatIwasgoingtoHarvardUniversity,whereIhavebeenforthelastoneyear.WhileitisdifficulttowritetheentirestoryoftheYar’Aduaadministration—oranyadministrationforthatmatter—inonebook,whatIhavetriedtodohereistolookatafewofthemajornationalissuesthatdominatedtheperiodhewaseffectivelyinoffice.Ialsopresentadiaryofeventssurroundingthehealthchallengesthatultimatelycutshorthislifeandpresidency.

OlusegunAdeniyi

Cambridge,MA

UnitedStates

May2,2011

Foreword

OlusegunAdeniyihasdoneusaworldofservice,inmanyrespectsfarmoreimportantthanhisworkasspokesmanforPresidentUmaruYar’Adua.Withinthesepages,thatservicefairlyscreamsatyouinexcruciatingdetail:ourgovernmentissopatheticallydysfunctionalthat,atbottom,institutionsofgovernmentmatterlittle,onlyindividualsdo.

Amongthemostextraordinaryfactsyouwillconfronthere,dearreader,isthatseniorcabinetministersorseniortechnocratsdonotnecessarilyhaveanycontrolovertheirassignedportfolios.Thelowliestfunctionaryinthepeckingordercould,entirelyonthebasisofhisorherclosenesstothepresidentorhiswife,makedecisionswithapotentiallyseismicimpactonthecountry.

Thepresident’smilitaryandsecurityaidescomeacrossasfarmorepowerfulthantheirnormalofficialdutieswouldseemtoimply.Thechiefofstaffmayormaynothavethepresident’sear.Thetopbureaucratinourgovernment,thecabinetsecretary,mayormaynotknowwhat’sgoing.Andsoitwentdowntheline.

Thisbookdoesagreatjobtakingusbehindthescenestosee,forwhattheyreallywere,thecastofcharacterswhowereputinchargeofouraffairs.Theirpettyrivalries,rankcowardiceandsheerincompetencyarepainstakinglyrevealed.NonecomesacrossasmoreodiousthanYar’Adua’sattorneygeneral,

MichaelAondoakaa,atwo-bitlawyerwhosegodfathersmadehimourcountry’schieflawofficer.NothingspokemoreeloquentlyofYar’Adua’sweaknessthanthathenevergotaroundtofiringamanwhowasunquestionablytheworstattorneygeneralNigeriahaseverhad,thoughhehadlongconcludedthatthemanwasunfitforoffice.

Mr.Adeniyi’sloyaltytoMr.Yar’Aduaisgenuine,andhetreatsthepresidentwithaffectionandoccasionalexasperationattheparalysisthatcharacterizedhisillness-abortedpresidency.Buthedoesnotshyawayfromofferingacritiqueofhisboss,withrestraintandempathy–butafairlycomprehensivecritiquenonetheless.OnecouldquibblewithMr.Adeniyi’sdecisiontopullpuncheswhilediscussingtheall-powerfulroleofthepresident’swidelyunpopularwife,Turai,butitisentirelyunderstandable.Mr.Adeniyistrivestodotherightthingwhileseekingtoavoidcomingacrossasdisloyal.Thiscentraltensionispalpablethroughoutthisnarrative.

Ajourneythroughthisbook,whichinlongstretchesreadslikeapoliticalthriller,deliversthecarefulreadertoadestinationwhereonemustconfrontourtrueconditionwithsobersenses.

Itisnotaprettypicture.Butthemessageisanecessaryone.

DeleOlojede

Lagos,October26,2011

Acknowledgements

Thestoryofhow,formorethanamonth,IturneddowntheoffertobespokesmantothelatePresidentUmaruMusaYar’Aduaisalreadywelldocumented.Butlookingback,Imustthankmybrotherandboss,MrNdukaObaigbena,forseeingwhatIcouldn’tpossiblyseeatthetime:theopportunitytoplayasmallroleintheaffairsofmynationduringwhatturnedouttobeamostdramaticpresidency.

Butthisbookwouldhavebeendifficult—ifnotimpossible—towritewithouttheplatformprovidedbytheWeatherheadCenterforInternationalAffairs,HarvardUniversitywhereIspentoneyearwithmyfamilyonaFellowsProgramme.IthereforeoweadebtofgratitudetoCenterDirector,Prof.BethA.Simmons;ProgramDirector,DrKathleenMolony;herassistant,JasonRiaswellasProf.JeffFriedenwho,asourseminarcoordinator,particularlygavetimeouttooffermeadvice,evenonthisbook.

IalsowanttothankmyfellowFellowsforbeingsuchwonderfulfriends.IwanttosingleoutformentionCol.DarvinAnderson(USAirforce);Col.PaulBricker(USArmy);NavyCommanderSeanLiedman;aswellasDr.WestinaMatthewsShatteen;AmbassadorWalterStechelandMrPeterBrorsen.Theywerefriendsindeed.

ThanksofamorepersonalnaturealsogotoProf.JacobOluponaandhiswife,Dupewhobecameformyfamilyapillarofsupport.IamalsogratefultoPastorTundeOlorunwunmiandallmembersoftheChapelofResurrection,RedeemedChristianChurchofGod,Cambridge,Massachusetts.

Iacknowledgemybrotherandfriend,WaziriAdiowhosecounselateverystageofwritingthisbook(andthroughoutmytenureinoffice)wasinvaluable.Ialsothankmy‘editor’LaurenceAniofTHISDAYwhowentthroughtheinitialroughdraftandmadeitmorereadableandSunnyHugheswhodesignedthecoverofthisbook.ButtheinsightprovidedbySenatePresidentDavidMark;MrDeleOlojede,thefirstAfricanPulitzerPrizewinnerinjournalism;MrSolaOyinlola,ChairmanforAfricaatSchlumberger;currentNationalSecurityAdviser,LtGeneralAndrewOwoyeAzaziandformerMinisterofState,Finance,MrRemiBabalola,helpedtoenrichthebookandIammostgratefultothem.

ImustespeciallythankthepeoplewhomademyAsoRockVillaexperienceworthwhilebynotonlywatchingovermybackbutalsosupportingmeevenatmostdifficultperiods.

Thereareseveralofthem,butIwanttosingleoutformerSecretarytotheGovernmentoftheFederation,AhmedYayale;formerHeadofService,Mr.StephenOronsayeandformerChiefofStaff,MajorGeneralAbdullahiMohammedaswellasmycolleaguesintheAkara-in-Council(comprisingallprincipalaidesofthepresidentwholoveeatingbeancakes)ofwhichIwaschairman:GhaliUmar;HabuHabib,MattAikhionbare,DavidEdevbie,YusufTilde,MutsphaOnoyiveta,HamzaNadada,InuwaBaba,SalisuBanye.

Thentherearemyformercolleagues,ImaNiboro,OrontoDouglas,JalalArabi,MoremiSoyinka-Onijala,BolajiAdeniyi,YakubuMusa,KenWiwa(junior),MusaAduwak,JustinAbuahaswellasmysecretary,RosemaryAmeachinaandmyPersonalAssistant,JamesEnabu.

ImustalsothankPresidentGoodluckJonathan,VicePresidentNamadiSambo,GovernorsAdamsOshiomhole(Edo),ChibuikeAmaechi(Rivers),BabatundeFashola(Lagos),IsaYuguda(Bauchi),SuleLamido(Jigawa),BukolaSaraki(Kwara)andPeterObi(Anambra)aswellasDrAbbaSayidRumaandMr.TanimuYakubuKurfiforstandingbymeatamostdifficultperiod.IalsothankBishopDavidAbioye(WinnersChapel,Abuja).

ToEniolaBello,KayodeKomolafe,SimonKolawole,YusuphOlaniyonu,IjeomaNwogwugwuandallthegoodpeopleofTHISDAYwhosharedmyfrustrations,especiallyduringthe‘cabal’days,Isayabigthankyou.

MyappreciationalsotoChiefC.O.Adebayo,AlhajiAlikoDangote,SenatorSanusiDagash,ChiefAjibolaOgunsola,PastorChineduEzekwesili,PastorNiyiAjibola,PastorFemiOtegbade,Mr.MohammedBelloAdoke(SAN),Mrs.MaryamUwais,MallamNasirel-Rufai,Dr.AliyuModibbo,AlhajiAdamuWaziri,andMr.RemiMakanjuola,whohaveovertheyearsbeenoftremendousassistancetomyfamily.

Iamindebtedtomyfriends,HonEmekaIhedioha,OlaAwoniyi,WaleBanmore,SundayDare,ReubenAbatiandIfeomaNgoziMaloaswellasElombahDanielwhoassistedmeintheresearchforthisbook.IcanalsonotfailtomentionOmoyeleSoworeofsaharareporters,whomademyjobverydifficultdespiteour

friendship.Itisworthnoting,however,thatthroughoutmytenureingovernmentIenjoyedthegoodwillofmycolleaguesinthemediawhowereverysupportiveeveninthemostdifficultdays.Atthatperiodalso,thecounselofseveralseniorpeopleintheprofessionwasinvaluable.Messrs.

NdukaIrabor,SamNda-Is-aiah,Al-Ganzali(realnameprotected),SegunBabatope,KabiruYusuf,EluemEmekaIzeze,VictorIfijeh,SojiOmotundeandGbengaAdefayestandout.Itispertinenttoadd,however,thatIalsohadmomentsofdisagreementwithsomejournalistsbutatalltimes,Ineverlostsightofthefactthatinafledgingdemocracylikeourswhereinstitutionsremainveryweak,afearlessandeffectivewatchdogiscritical.Thatremainedmyguidingphilosophy.

Ialsoappreciatemysiblings,Adeoye,Olaniyi,AgboolaandBosedewhohavealwaysgivenmesupportandunconditionallove.

MostofallIthanktheLordJesusChristwhosawmethroughamostturbulentperiodinmylifeandcareer.

Abbreviations

ACFArewaConsultativeForum

ACNActionCongressofNigeria

ADCAidedecamp

AFPAssociatedFreePress

AFRICOMUnitedStatesAfricaCommandAGFAttorneyGeneraloftheFederationAIGAssistantInspectorGeneral

AITAfricaIndependentTelevisionALGONAssociationofLocalGovernmentsofNigeriaANPPAllNigerianPeoplesPartyAPGAAllProgressiveGrand

AllianceASUUAcademicStaffUnionofUniversitiesAUAfricanUnion

BBCBritishBroadcastingCorporationBOTBoardofTrustees

BPEBureauofPublicEnterprisesCANChristianAssociationofNigeriaCBNCentralBankofNigeria

CJNChiefJusticeofNigeria

CNNCableNewsNetwork

CPPChiefPhysiciantothePresidentCSOChiefSecurityOfficer

EEGEminentEldersGroup

EFCCEconomicandFinancialCrimesCommissionEUEuropeanUnion

FBIFederalBureauofInvestigationsFCTFederalCapitalTerritory

FECFederalExecutiveCouncil

FELISFederalLandInformationSystemFIRSFederalInlandRevenueServiceGMDGroupManagingDirector

ICPCIndependentCorruptPracticesandOtherRelatedOffencesCommissionIGPInspectorGeneralofPoliceINECIndependentNationalElectoralCommissionISOIrrevocableStandingOrderJTFJointTaskForce

LCDALocalCouncilDevelopmentAreaNANNewsAgencyofNigeria

NBANigerianBarAssociation

NBCNationalBroadcastingCommissionNDDCNigerDeltaDevelopmentCommissionNDPHCNigerDeltaPowerHoldingCompanyNECNationalEconomicCouncil

NEITINigerianExtractiveIndustriesTransparencyInitiativeNEPZANigeriaExportProcessingZonesAuthorityNIANationalIntelligenceAgencyNIPPNationalIndependentPowerProjectNIPSSNationalInstituteofPolicyand

StrategicStudiesNJCNationalJudicialCouncilNLCNigerianLabourCongress

NNPCNigerianNationalPetroleumCorporationNSANationalSecurityAdviser

NSCIANigeriaSupremeCouncilforIslamicAffairsNTANigerianTelevisionAuthorityNWCNationalWorkingCommittee

OGICOilandGasImplementationCommitteeOMLOilMiningLease

OPECOrganizationofPetroleumExportingCountriesQCQueen’sCounselPDPPeople’sDemocraticParty

PHCNPowerHoldingCompanyofNigeriaPLOPresidentialLiaisonOfficerPMSPetroleumMotorSpirit

PPPRAPetroleumProductsPricingRegulatoryAgencyPSCPoliceServiceCommissionRECResidentElectoralCommissionerSADCSouthAfricanDevelopmentCommunitySANSeniorAdvocateofNigeria

SGFSecretarytotheGovernmentoftheFederationSPDCShellPetroleumDevelopmentCompanySSSStateSecurityService

TUCTradeUnionCongress

VPVicePresident

WABAWestAfricanBarAssociation

Introduction

PresidentUmaruMusaYar’Aduaspentampletimeinhisfirsteightweeksinofficereceivingbriefingsfromagenciesanddepartmentsofthefederalgovernment.OnesuchsessionwiththeNigeriaExportProcessingZonesAuthority(NEPZA)concludedwithananecdotethatcreatedsomediscomfitureforthosepresent.ItspokeofanimaginaryrowingcompetitionbetweenaNigerianteamanditsMalaysiancounterpart.

AccordingtothestorybyMr.SinaAgboluaje,NEPZAmanagingdirector,eachteamfeaturedeightmemberswhohadtocompeteagainsteachotheraftermonthsoftraining.Thefirstcompetitionwasheld,andtheMalaysianrowingteamdefeatedtheNigerianrowingteambyamarginof10kilometres.Followingthedismalperformance,managersoftheNigerianrowingteamcontractedsomeexpertstoanalyzetheproblemandrecommendappropriatesolutions.

TheanalysisrevealedthatwhereastheMalaysianrowingteamhadonecaptainandsevenrowers,theNigerianrowingteamhadonerowerandsevencaptains.Ordinarily,thesolutionshouldhavebeenobvious,butthemanagersoftheNigerianrowingteamhiredaconsultingfirmtorestructuretheteam.Theirrecommendationwasjustasbizarreastheoutcomeoftheirfinding:theeight-manNigerianteamshouldcomprisefourcaptains,twosupervisors,onemanagerandonerower.Ofcourse,theresultatthenextcompetitionwaspredictable:theMalaysianrowingteamdefeatedtheNigerianrowingteam,thistimebyamarginof20kilometers!

Thereweresomeuncomfortableglancesacrosstheroom,butthepresidentgotthemessageofthisanecdoteaboutwhythingshardlyworkinNigeria,becauseheaskedthattheslidesofthepresentationbeshownasecondtime.ThemessagebecameevenmorevividafewweekslaterwhenEng.HammanTukur,chairmanoftheRevenueMobilizationAllocationandFiscalCommission,revealedthatthetotalnationalwagebillforpoliticalofficeholdersatthethreetiersofgovernmentamountedtoN1.3trillionperannum,asummorethantwicethenation’scapitalvoteforanygivenyear.Thatrevelationthrewupanimmediatechallenge:CanthepresidentmustersufficientwillandthecapacitytoproduceawinningformulaforthishypotheticalNigerianrowingteam?

Evenwhiletheelectionthatbroughthimtopowerwasflawed,afacttowhichhe

himselfadmitted,Yar’Aduaenjoyedearlygoodwillasaresultofhispersonaldispositionandthedirectioninwhichhedecidedtoleadhisadministration.First,hepledgedthatunderhiswatch,governancewouldbeanchoredontheprincipleoftheruleoflaw.Healsosaidhewouldbeaservantleader.

Todemonstratehiscommitmenttotheseideals,hepubliclydeclaredhisassetsevenwhenthelawdidn’trequirehimtodoso.Thisopendisplayoftransparency,thefirstbyanyNigerianleader,didnotgounnoticedatatimewhenthenationalmoodhadbeenfouledbyhispredecessor’sscuttledattempttoseekathirdterminofficeandbythefiascooftheApril2007elections.

TherehadalsobeensomecontroversialdecisionstakenatthetwilightoftheObasanjoadministrationthathadengenderedafeelingofdespondencywithinthepolity.Someofthesedecisionsincludedjackingupthepumppricesofpetroleumproductsandsellingvitalnationalassets,likeKadunaandPortHarcourtrefineries.Tocompoundtheproblem,universitylecturershadbeenonstrike.

TheseweresomeoftheimmediatechallengesbeforeYar’Aduainhisfirstweeksinoffice,andthedeftmannerwithwhichhetackledthemendearedhimtomanyNigerians,whobegantogivehimthebenefitofthedoubt,despitethewayhecametopower.Forinstance,afterwhatwerenodoubtdifficultnegotiationswiththeNigerianLabourCongress(NLC)andTradeUnionCongress(TUC),whichhadservedatwo-weekultimatumonthedaythepresidentassumedoffice,thepresidentrevokedthesaleofthefederalgovernment’s51percentstakeinthePortHarcourtandKadunarefineriestoTranscorp.HealsoreducedthepriceofpetrolfromN75toN70perlitre.Also,followinghispersonalintervention,acompromisewasreachedwiththeAcademicStaffUnionofUniversities(ASUU),whichimmediatelycalledoffthethenon-goingnationwidestrikethathadkeptuniversitystudentsathomeforweeksbeforeheassumedoffice.

Onthepoliticalfront,thefirstcriticaltestcameexactlytwoweeksintohisadministration,whentheSupremeCourt,inalandmarkruling,restoredMr.PeterObi1asgovernorofAnambraStateandorderedMr.AndyUba(theelectedPDPcandidatewhohadbeensworninasgovernorbasedontheApril2007generalelections),tovacatetheGovernmentHouse.Thisrulingwasimmediatelyenforced,asituationthatcontrastedsharplywithwhatwouldmost

probablyhavehappenedunderhispredecessor.

Asidefromenunciatingthecardinalideasbehindhis7-pointagenda,whichrepresentedthekeyissueshesaidhisadministrationwouldfocuson,thepresidentalsopledgedtoplaceapremiumonplanningsoasnottotravelthefamiliarroadofthepast,whereprojectswerestartedandlaterabandoned.Togiveeffecttothispromise,hedirectedthaton-goingprojectsbecompletedbeforestartingnewones.

ComingataperiodofrestivenessintheNigerDelta,thepresident’sresolvetodialoguewiththemilitantsandfashionawayoutofthelogjamappealedtomanystakeholdersintheregion,asdidthefactthatthevicepresidentwasanIjawman.Inoneofhisfirstactionsinoffice,thepresidentalsoinauguratedtheOilandGasImplementationCommittee(OGIC),whoseeffortseventuallyculminatedinthePetroleumIndustryBill(PIB)currentlyawaitingpassageattheNationalAssembly.

Becauseofhisstyle,itwasnotlongbeforemanyNigeriansstartedpayingmoreattentiontoYar’Aduaashebegantoearnthelegitimacythatwasdeemednottohavebeengivenatthepolls.Virtuallyallthedecisionstakenearlyinthelifeoftheadministrationstruckachordwiththepublic.Inkeepingwithhispledgetoreformtheelectoralprocess,heinauguratedtheJusticeMohammedUwaisCommitteewithasweepingmandatethattookintoaccountalltheissuesmilitatingagainsttransparentelectionsinNigeria.MoreplauditswouldfollowwhenthepresidentdirectedthattheLagosstatelocalgovernmentfunds,whichhadbeenseizedbyhispredecessor,bereleased.

Unfortunately,thisinitialmomentumwaslostwhen,withthecompositionoftheFederalExecutiveCouncilandtheappointmentofcertainindividualstocriticalpositions,therewasrecoursetomixedmessagesonsomeimportantissues.Forinstance,withtime,theimplementationofthewaragainstcorruptionbecamesometimesdysfunctionalandatothertimesverydiabolical.Tocompoundtheproblem,therewasthehealthchallengethatwouldjustnotgoaway.AllthesebecamethedefiningissuesthatwoulddogtheYar’Aduaadministrationtotheveryend.

Perhapsbecauseoftheflawsintheelectoralprocesswhichbroughthimtopowerandthedramaticcircumstancessurroundinghisexit,thenarrativeoftheYar’Aduayearshasmostlybeenverysuperficialanddevoidofanyrigour.With

theopportunitytoexperiencefirst-handthepoliticsandnuancesofthosedizzyingdays,however,IcanconfirmthatPresidentYar’Aduaindeedcametoofficedesiringtoredirectthecourseofthenation,andhehadconcreteideaswithregardtowhatthedirectionshouldbe.Having,however,alsoobservedtheminutiaeofthehealthproblems,Ihadquestions,evenfromthoseearlydays,astowhetherhehadthephysicalcapacityforthejob,andthatultimatelytold.

ThatYar’Aduacametoofficewithimpeccablepedigreeisbeyondanydispute.Hisfather,MallamMusaYar’AduahadbeenamemberoftheHouseofRepresentativesintheFirstRepublicandhadalsoservedatdifferenttimesasministerforestablishment,NigerianizationandtrainingandlaterministerforLagosaffairs.AveryinfluentialmemberoftheTafawaBalewaadministration,theelderYar’AduaheldthetitleofMutawallinKatsina,whichmadehimamemberoftheKatsinaEmirateCouncil.Hiseldestson,Shehu,wouldlaterjointhearmy,fromwhereherosetoattaintherankofamajorgeneralaswellastobecomethechiefofstaff,SupremeHeadquartersbetween1976and1979inthemilitarygovernmentofGeneralOlusegunObasanjo.ItwasthisconnectionbetweenShehuandObasanjothatwouldeventuallypavethewayforhisyoungerbrother,Umaru,tobeanointedpresidentin2007.

FollowingthecollapseofhisThirdTermambition,Obasanjohadencouragedmanyofthethensecond-termPeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP)governorsintotheracefortheparty’spresidentialnomination.InthecaseofDr.PeterOdiliofRiversState,hebecameasortofadviser.Attheend,apparentlymindfulofhisparty’spositiononzoning,ObasanjosettledforYar’AduabyaskingOdili,whowasaclearfavouritetowin,towithdrawfromthecontest.HisplantomakeOdilirunningmatetoYar’Adua,however,collapsedinthefaceofstrongoppositionfromthenEconomicandFinancialCrimesCommission(EFCC)chairman,Mr.NuhuRibadu.

InhisbidtostopVicePresidentAtikuAbubakar(whohadtakenthepresidentialticketofanotherparty,theActionCongress)fromsucceedinghim,Obasanjohadunwittinglysowntheseedsfortheirregularitiesthatwouldmartheentireprocess,andwiththat,Yar’Adua’seventualvictorywasverymuchtainted.Foralmosttwoyearsaftertheelection,hewasincourtbattlingthequestionofthelegitimacyofhispresidencyatatimewhenhishealthwasalsoanissue.Thiscourtbattleandhisfailinghealthalsoprovidedampleopportunityforsomepoliticalwheeler-dealersofquestionableintegritywhoseactionswouldlaterhelpinnosmallmeasuretonegativelyaffectthepublicperceptionofthe

administration.

TheenduringlessonoftheYar’Aduayearsisthattherearealwayspotentiallandmineswhenanationelectsaleaderwhohastoconstantlyworryabouthishealth,asRobertRobinsandJerroldPostreveal,withpracticalexamplesdrawnfromseveralcountries,intheirbook,WhenIllnessStrikestheLeader:TheDilemmaoftheCaptiveKing.2Whensuchaleadercomeswiththeadditionalbaggageofadiscreditedelection,thennotonlywillhebedistracted,chancesarethathewillalsobevulnerabletoallmannerofpeoplewithvestedinterestsmasqueradingasdo-gooders.ThatwasveryevidentinYar’Adua’scase,ashewaspreoccupiedwiththeissuesofbothpoliticalandpersonalsurvivalrightfromhisfirstdayinoffice.

Thisbookisdividedintotwoparts,withthefirstsectiondealingwithafewofthecriticalissuesthatdominatedtheYar’Aduayearsinoffice;thesecondcapturesthehealthchallengesthatultimatelycutshortYar’Adua’slifeandadministrationwhiledetailingthechoicesIhadtomakeatthatmostdifficultperiodinmylifeandthatofthenation.

Endnotes

1Followingacomplicatedlegalbattlewithattendantpoliticaldrama,ObiwasdeclaredbytheCourtofAppealin2006asthelegallyelectedgovernorofAnambraStateintheApril2003elections.Thethenincumbent,Dr.ChrisNgigeofPDP,wasorderedtovacatetheofficeofgovernor.In2007,followinginabilitytosecuretheAPGAticketfortheAprilpolls,Obifiledasuitincourtthathismandatewasforfouryearsandshouldthereforeterminatein2010.AttheApril2011pollsinAnambraState,Dr.AndyUbaofPDPwasdeclaredwinner,buttwoweekslater,thesupremecourtruledthatObi’stenureshouldbegintocountfromthedayhetooktheoathofofficein2006,whichineffectmeantthathismandateshouldendby2010.UbawasthereforeorderedtovacatetheseatofAnambragovernor.

2JerroldM.Postisprofessorofpsychiatry,politicalpsychology,andinternationalaffairsatGeorgeWashingtonUniversity,whileRobertS.Robinsis

professorofpoliticalscienceanddeputyprovostatTulaneUniversity.

PartI

TheDefiningIssues

1

TheRuleofLaw,and

ThatofMan

AthisinaugurationonMay29,2007,PresidentYar’Aduastatedthatthephilosophyofhisadministrationwouldbeanchoredontheprincipleoftheruleoflaw.Itwasapledgehewouldreiterate24hourslater,athisfirstofficialdutywhilereceivingtheBritishGovernmentWhipwithresponsibilityfortheForeignandCommonwealthOffice,BaronessJanRoyall.Inaremarkmeanttoreassurehisguestaswellaseveryoneofhistotalcommitmenttotheruleoflaw,Yar’Aduasaid,“IwillassuretheChiefJusticeoftheFederationthatIwillsupportanymovesforanindependentandstrongjudiciary.”Inhisfirstfewweeksinoffice,Yar’Adua’sactionsleftnooneindoubtthattheruleoflawwas,forhim,anarticleoffaithaswellashiscovenantwiththeNigerianpeople.Itwasalsoverycleartothepeopleingovernment,especiallyintheadministration’searlydays,thatthepresidentindeedsubscribedtothetime-honouredviewthatsocietywillflourishwhenitisgovernedaccordingtolawratherthanbythewhimsofofficeholders.

Ofcourse,therewasinitialskepticismaboutitspracticabilityinacountrywherethefloutingofcourtjudgementsbytheexecutiveappearedtobethenormandnottheexceptionandwheretheconceptofthebigmanstillevokedsomeromanticnotions.Intheprecedingadministration,forinstance,theattorneygeneralofthefederationwasmoreorlessthe‘finalarbiter’,interpretingcourtjudgementsinthewayandmannerthatsuitedthegovernmentandcausingthesametobeenforcedtotheconsternationofNigerians.Yar’Adua’spledgeateveryopportunitywasthereforeimplicitlyarepudiationofthateraandafirmindicationthathewasnotpreparedtotravelthatroute.Atmeetingswith

officials,hemadeitapointofdutytoalwaysstressthatifheevergaveadirectivethatwasconsideredacontraventionofanyextantlaws,heshouldbedisobeyed.

ThefirstmajortestofthisconvictionemergedonJune14,2007,whentheSupremeCourtrestoredMr.PeterObiasgovernorofAnambraStateandorderedDr.AndyUba,whohadbeensworninasgovernorjusttwoweeksearliertovacatetheGovernmentHouse.Inaunanimousdecisionofthesevenjustices,theapexcourtconcludedthatINEC

wentaheadtoconductelectionsintotheofficeofthegovernorofAnambraStatedespitethefactthatthematterwaspendingincourt.Thecourtthereforeheldthat“therebeingnodisputethatGovernorObitookhisoathofofficeonMarch17,2006,histenureofofficeshallexpireonMarch17,2010.”1

ItisinstructivetonotethatthisjudgementwasnotaboutwhetherornotAndyUbawasvalidlyelected;itwasaboutwhetherthereshouldhavebeenanyelectioninAnambraStateinthefirstplace.“TheofficeoftheGovernorofAnambraStatewasnotvacantasatthetimeoftheelections,AndyUbashouldimmediatelyvacatetheofficeforPeterObitocompletehistermofoffice,”theapexcourtordered.

CitingtheprovisionofSection180(2)ofthe1999Constitution,theSupremeCourtdeclaredthatagovernor’stermofofficebeginstorunfromthedayhetakestheoathofoffice.Section180(1)ofthe1999Constitutionreads,“SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisConstitution,apersonshallholdtheofficeofGovernorofaStateuntil–(2)Subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection(1)ofthissection,theGovernorshallvacatehisofficeattheexpirationofaperiodoffouryearscommencingfromthedatewhen–inthecaseofapersonfirstelectedasGovernorunderthisconstitution–hetooktheoathofallegianceandoathofoffice.”

Ordinarily,onewouldexpectthatthepoliceandalltherelevantauthoritieswouldsimplyobeythecourtorderwithoutanyprodding.Butthatwasnotthecase.InAbujaandinAwka,theAnambraStatecapital,alltheofficialsconcernedwerestillwaitingforeitherthe‘bodylanguage’ofthepresidentorperhapsevenacleardirectiveforthe‘statusquotoremain’,whichwastheusualrecourseinthepast.InAwkaparticularly,thechiefjudgehadapparentlybecomeunavailableasAndyUba’slegalteamplottedhowtorendertheSupremeCourt

rulingineffectual.

Lessthanthirtyminutesaftertheruling,myphonelinebarelyhadanymomentofinactivityasIreceivedendlesscallsfromjournalistseagertoknowwhatthepositionofthepresidentwas.Theenquirieswerenotonlyfromthemedia,therewerealsocallsfromofficialswhosedutyitwastoenforcetheruling.IknewIhadtoseethepresident,butbeforeIwenttohisofficeIensuredIhadthedraftofapressstatementwherehewouldordersecurityagenciestoenforcetheordertoswearinMr.PeterObiasAnambraStategovernor.

WhenIgottohisoffice,hewasobviouslyunhappythathispartyhadlostthestatetoObi,anAPGAcandidate,soheseemed,quitenaturally,abitirritatedbymyexcitement.

Buthealsocouldn’tunderstandwhyIhadtomakeanystatementbeforetherecouldbecompliancewiththejudgement.Iexplainedthescenariotohim,thatpeoplewerewaitingtoseewhatactionhewouldtake.WhileIwaswithhim,thesecuritymanbroughtinanotethatsomeleadersofthePDPwerearoundtoseehim.Hewantedmetoleavesohecouldreceivethem,butIpleadedwithhimtoreadmystatementsoIcouldreleaseitimmediately.IwantedtoavoidasituationwherethePDPbigwigswouldmisadvisehimintotakingawrongdecision.Reluctantly,hereadandapprovedmystatement,butnotbeforecancellingthesentencewherehecongratulatedObionhisvictory.HesaiditwouldnotbefairtoUba.

Thepromptenforcementofthatruling,whichearnedthepresidentahugecommendationacrossthecountry,wouldsetthetoneformorejudicialactivism.Afewweekslater,thepresidentorderedtheimmediatereleaseoftheLagosStatelocalgovernments’fundsamountingto10.8billionnaira(N10,829,527,300.43precisely),whichhadbeenseizedbythepreviousadministration,bringingtoanendalong-drawnlegalandpoliticalbattlethathadpitchedthefederalgovernmentagainsttheLagosStategovernment.

ThecontroversyhadstartedinApril2004followingthecreationof37localgovernmentareasbythengovernorofLagosState,BolaTinubu.Riledbywhatheconsideredtobeanimpudentact,ObasanjohaddirectedthatthefundsoflocalgovernmentcouncilsinLagosbewithheld,tobereleasedonlyontheconditionthatthegovernorrevertedtotheoriginal20localgovernmentcouncilsinthestate.Followingthisdirective,thestatehadfiledalawsuitagainstthe

federalgovernmentattheSupremeCourt,urgingittodeterminetheproprietyandlegalityoftheaction.Inthesomewhatcontroversialrulingthathadfollowed,theSupremeCourthaddeclaredthe37localcouncildevelopmentareas(LCDAs)createdbyTinubu‘inchoateandinoperable’,sincetheNationalAssemblyhadnotlistedthemintheconstitution.Theapexcourt,however,hadalsoruledthatthefederalgovernmenthadnorighttowithholdthefundsofthestate.

WithboththefederalgovernmentandLagosstateclaimingvictoryinwhathadbecomeapersonalityclashbetweenObasanjoandTinubu(withtheformerflexingpresidentialmuscles),astalematewasimminent.Tostaveoffthestalemate,someprominentYorubacitizenshadintervenedthroughacommitteeofeldersledbyPrinceBolaAjibola(SAN)2.ThatefforthadculminatedintheLGAsbeingrechristenedLocalCouncilDevelopmentAuthorities(LCDAs)byTinubu.ThishadbroughtatemporarytrucebetweentheduoandencouragedObasanjotoorderthereleaseofafirsttrancheofN10

billionfromtheentitlementsofthe20localgovernmentcouncilsthenestimatedataboutN21billion.Thisrapprochement,however,wouldnotendure,becausethebalancewaswithheldwhentheLagosStategovernmentinsistedonconductingelectionsintothe37

LCDAs.ThiswasthesituationatthetimeYar’Aduaassumedoffice.

Followingwidespreadconsultationwithlegalexperts,whoheldthatthedecisiontowithholdthefundscontravenedtheSupremeCourtrulingonthematter,thepresidentorderedtheaccountantgeneralofthefederationtoreleasethefundstotheLagosStategovernment.Foramanwhoseascendancyowedlesstohispersonaleffortthantothesleightofhandwroughtbyhispredecessor,Yar’Aduawasgraduallybecominghisownman.Butgiventhatoneofthemostchallengingfeaturesoftheruleoflawisthatithasnoplaceforthe‘strongman’,therewerealsoearlysignsthatnotmanyNigeriansappreciatedtheimportanceofthefoundationthatYar’Aduawastryingtoerect.ThismuchbecameevidentduringthecontroversythatswirledaroundformerSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,Mrs.PatriciaOlubunmiEtteh.3

Guidedbythenotionthattheruleoflawalsopresupposesrespectforthe

independenceofeacharmofgovernmentunderthedoctrineofseparationofpowers,thepresidenthadstayedoutoftheelectionofprincipalofficersintheNationalAssemblyevenwhenhecouldhavepickedwhomeverhewantedfortheoffices.Hewouldrathernotmakeanyinput,hesaid,soitwasObasanjo,inhiscapacityasthechairmanofthePDPBoardofTrustees,whoworkedoutthedealthatsawtotheemergenceofDavidMarkasSenatepresidentandEttehasHouseSpeakerafterhispartyhadzonedtheoffices.

WhileMark,anexperiencedadministratorandretiredarmygeneral,hadnoproblemrallyingtheSenate,notmanyintheHousefeltcomfortablewiththechoiceofEtteh,givenherlimitededucationalbackgroundandexposure.Herpoliticalnaivetywouldbecomeveryevidentwhen,inconstitutingtheHousecommittees,shedidn’tconsideritexpedienttotakecareoftheinterestofthepowerbrokerswhobroughthertooffice.

Thesesamemembers,whowouldlaterbecome‘TheIntegrityGroup’,eventuallypulledtherugfromunderherfeet.

AmidthecrisisintheHouse,followingallegationsofcorruptionagainstEtteh(onwhichthemediafeasted),therewerecallsonthepresidenttointervenebyaskingtheSpeakertoquit.Ialsometthepresidentontheissueseveraltimes,andhispositionremainedthesame:hewouldnotintervene.Oneday,hegavemealectureIwouldneverforget:

“Look,Segun,itisnotalwaysrighttofollowpublicopinioninmatterslikethis.IhavereadallthereportsfromtheHouse;Ihavebeenbriefedbymanyofthemembers,andIhavesoughtopinionfromthesecurityagencies,thatwomanhascommittednocrime.

Thoseafterherwantheroutforotherreasons,andIwillnotjointheminhoundingherout.Iftheyhavethenumber,letthemgoaheadandimpeachher.”WhilethePDPleadershipwasbackingEtteh,theoppositionhaddrawnthesupportofthemedia,especiallygiventhattheallegationinvolvedcorruption.Yet,theDavidIdokoPanel,setuptoinvestigatethe‘contractscam’,didnotcomeupwithanyconvincingevidenceofcorruptionagainstthespeaker.4ButkeepingEttehinofficewasdoingseriousdamagetotheimageofthegovernment,andIalignedwiththosewhowantedhertogo.Personally,Ihadspokenwithher,andIcouldseethatevenifshesurvivedthatcrisis,therewerelikelytobemorebecauseherattitudejustdidnotseemrightformanagingsuch

ahugecrowdofpeople,manyofthemwithexceedinglylargeegos.

Ihostedafewmeetingsatmyresidencethatcomprised‘dissident’members,includingHon.DimejiBankole,whowasthenbeingproppedfortheofficeofSpeaker.Allthemeetingswerebrokeredbymyfriendofovertwodecades,Hon.EmekaIhedioha,whowouldbecometheChiefWhipintheHouseafterEtteh’sexit.

Apparentlyduetothepositionthepresidenthadtakenonthematter,allthemembersfromKatsinaintheHousethrewtheirweightbehindEtteh,andasectionofthemedialatchedontothistoridiculehiscommitmenttotransparency.Theirchargewasindeedunsparing:thepresidentwas“givingtacitsupporttocorruption.”Inthecourtofpublicopinion,Ettehwasalreadyguiltyascharged.

Ononeoftheseveralrowdysessionsinthecourseofthebattletohaveherremoved,oneofthepresident’sclosestallies,Dr.AminuSafana(PDPKatsina),chairmanoftheCommitteeonHealth,collapsedontheflooroftheHousewhilebiddingtopreventEtteh’sremoval.HewasrushedtotheNationalHospital,Abuja,wherehewaspronounceddead.Thistragedybecamethegamechanger,andIrecallmeetingDr.GarbaMatazuandotherprominentHousemembersfromKatsinaontheneedtowithdrawtheirsupportforEtteh,notbecauseshestoleanymoney,butratherbecausethecrisiswouldnotenduntilshevacatedtheseat.Besides,Ireasoned,thecontroversywashurtingtheimageofthepresidentandtheadministration.Otherpeoplealsoweighedin,andwithindays,Ettehandherdeputywereforcedout.

ItwasonlyafterthecrisishadabatedthatmanyNigerianscametoappreciatethefactthatthepresidentallowedtheHousetoresolvethematterontheirownterms.ThisalsoreinforcedtheperceptionthatYar’Aduawasreadytoabidebyhiswordstorunatransparentadministrationthatwouldrespecttheruleoflaw.

Unfortunately,allthatwouldchangewiththeappointmentofMr.MichaelKaaseAondoakaaasattorneygeneralofthefederation(AGF)andministerofjustice,amanwhotookaratherbizarreapproachtotheruleoflaw,anapproachthatwasclearlyatvariancewiththepresident’sresolve.

BornonJune12,1962,AondoakaagraduatedfromtheUniversityofMaiduguriwithalawdegreein1985andwascalledtobarin1986.In1993,heopenedhis

ownfirm,M.K.

AondoakaaandCompany.ThereweredifferingtalesabouthisappointmentasAGF,butwhatwasnotindoubtisthatithadtodowiththenatureoftheelectionthatbroughtYar’Aduatopower,whichhehadconcededwasdeeplyflawed.ThosewhohadrecommendedAondoakaahadapparentlyknownoneortwothingsabouthiscapacitytogetthingsdone,especiallywithregardtoelectionmatters.

WhileYar’Aduaopenlyproclaimedthathisadministrationwouldbeguidedbytheruleoflaw,throughouthistenure,therewasagapbetweentherhetoricofthepresidentandtheactionofgovernment,especiallywithregardtodecisionsemanatingfromtheofficeoftheAGF,whoisconstitutionallyrecognizedasthechieflawofficerofthefederation.

YetYar’AduawastoocleveramannottoknowwhathisAGFwasdoing,sotheonlyconclusionIcoulddrawwasthatheapprovedsomeofAondoakaa’sactions.ThatwasalsotheconclusionofmostNigerians.

TherewereothercontentiousissuesalsoinheritedbyYar’Aduathathadtoberesolvedearlyinthelifeoftheadministration.OnesuchissuewasthedeportationoftheVaswaniBrothers,whohadsentthepresidentapetition,whichhesubsequentlyforwardedtotheAGF,theMinistryofInterior,EFCCandCustomsfortheircomments.WhiletheMinistryofInteriorinsistedthatsincethedeportationwasdoneontheordersofhispredecessoritshouldnotbereviewed,EFCCsaidtheirinvestigationsagainsttheVaswanishadnotbeencompletedbeforetheirdeportationwaseffected.Thedecisionofthefederalgovernmenttodeportthemasatthetimeitdidwasthereforeconsideredhasty,apositionthathadbeencanvassedbyPrinceBolaAjibola,formerattorneygeneralofthefederationandretiredjudgeattheInternationalCriminalCourtinHague.Ajibolahadwrittenthepresidentaletterontheissue.Intheend,thepresidentkeptfaithwiththeruleoflawbydirectingthatthedeportationberescindedsothattheVaswaniscouldbeallowedareturntothecountrytoanswertowhateverchargeswerebroughtagainstthembytherelevantauthorities.

Inasimilarvein,thepresidentalsoresolvedthedisputebetweenthefederalgovernmentandIbetoCementCompany,whichhadbeenshutdownbytheObasanjogovernmentongroundsthatwereconsideredspurious.

Butperhapsthemostcriticalissuewasthecaseofthecontractawardedfortheconstructionofprimaryhealthcarecentresinthe774localgovernmentareasinthecountry.ItwasterminatedafterameetingoftheNationalEconomicCouncil(NEC)onDecember9,2007,onthegroundsthatthecontractwasunconstitutionalandthedeductionofmoneyfromtheaccountsofthelocalgovernmentsirregular.Thisgeneratedinnuendoesthatthepresidentwastakingactionstoslighthispredecessor.

Acloselookatthebackgroundtothecancellationrevealedsomeunsavourydetails.AcompanybythenameofMathanNigeriaLimitedhadwonthecontracttothetuneofN37

billionfortheconstructionoftheprimaryhealthcarecentresinthe774localgovernmentareasofthecountry.OnthestrengthofanapprovalbytheFederalExecutiveCouncil(FEC),moneywasbeingdeductedfromtheaccountofeachlocalgovernmentattheendofeverymonthwithacommercialbankasintermediaryforthecontractorandALGON,theprincipalpromotersofthisproject.Againstthebackdropofallegationsbyseveralofthelocalcouncilsthattheprojectwasbeingforcedonthem,thepresidentdirectedtheNEC,chairedbytheVP,withallthegovernorsasmembers,toexaminethematter.Thegovernorshadbeenopposedtotheplanforpayingforthehealthcentres,whichtheysawasanencroachmentonfiscalfederalism,soitwaseasyforNECtoterminatetheproject.

FlankedbythegovernorofAkwaIbom,ChiefGodswillAkpabio,andthatofKebbi,AlhajiSaiduDakingari,thenCBNgovernor,ProfessorChukwumaSoludo,whobriefedthemediaafterthemeeting,saidtheawardsofthecontractswereirregular.Thecouncil,asaresult,directedthatforlocalgovernmentareaswhereworkhadnotcommenced,themoneydeductedfromtheiraccountsandbeingheldatBankPHBandtheCentralBankshouldbereturnedtothem.“TheNationalEconomicCouncilagreedthattheMoU

betweenALGONandMathanbeterminatedandthattheoutstandingbalanceintheaccountsofBankPHBandtheCentralBankthathasbeendeductedalreadybereturnedtothevariouslocalgovernments.Councilalsodirectedthatthereshouldbereconciliationbetweenthevariouslocalgovernmentswheretheprojectshavecommenced,stategovernmentsshouldliaisewiththelocalgovernmentstoascertainthelevelofworkthathasbeendoneandwhatshouldbededucted,”Soludosaid.

Underwhatittermed‘CooperativeFederalism’,thefederalgovernmenthadactedasaguarantorforALGON(abodynotrecognizedbylaw)onbehalfofthe774localgovernmentsinacontractinvolvingasinglecompany.AflatrateofN48,060,824.13wasthenbeingdeductedfromthestatutoryallocationtoeachofthelocalgovernmentsfromtheFederationAccountintenequalmonthlyperiods.WhatwasbeingdonewasanarrangementcalledIrrevocableStandingOrder(ISO)bywhichthefederalgovernmentthatmanagesthefederationaccountonbehalfofthethreetiers,wasmakingperiodicdeductionsatsourcetopaydirectlytothebankaccountofthecontractor.

AtameetingearlierconvenedbythepresidentfollowingrepresentationfromtheGovernorsForumtoexpresstheiroppositiontothedeal,therewereargumentsthatunderthe1999ConstitutionasheldbytheSupremeCourtinits2004decisiononthesuitfiledbytheLagosStategovernmentagainstthefederalgovernment,nootherauthorityhasanypowertotamperwithallocationsduetothestatesandlocalgovernments.

Incidentally,somepeoplewithinthesamegovernmentwhichapprovedthecontractalsoraisedissuesnotonlyaboutitslegality,butindeedinrelationtoitsfeasibility.ThismuchwasevidentinareportoftheInter-ministerialCommitteeontheprojectheadedbythenministeroffinance,Mrs.NenadiUsman.Althoughitcommendedthespiritbehindtheidea,thecommitteeraisedsomefundamentalquestions.Forinstance,thecommitteefounditironicthatthegovernorswereleftoutintheentireschememidwifedbyALGONofficialsand,also,curiousthatforthe774projectsacrossthecountry,thecontractswouldbecoordinatedbyjustoneconsultant!Surprisingly,oppositiontotheideabythenFCTminister,MallamNasirel-Rufai,waswelldocumented,ashewrotealettertotheMinistryofFinanceseekingarefundofthemoneydeductedfromtheFCT

accountfortheprojectbecause,ashesaid,hewasbuildinghisownhealthcentres.

Eventhoughthegroundsforterminatingthiscontractwerespeltout,therewereNigerianswhofeltthatsinceitwasforhealthcentres,thepresidentshouldhaveallowedittopass.TherewerealsopeoplewhofeltthatYar’Aduawasjustouttodiscredithispredecessor.

Thiswasfarfrombeingthecase,butoneissuethatwouldcausepublicconsternation,especiallywiththewayitwashandled,wasthatofnairare-

denomination.ThestorybeganduringObasanjo’slastweekinoffice,whenhesignedintolawseveralbillstargetedatinstitutionalreforms.Oneofthem,theCBNAct2007,wasgazettedonJune1,2007,threedaysafterYar’Aduaassumedoffice.

FollowingtheconstitutionoftheFederalExecutiveCouncilinJuly,Yar’AduadirectedtheAGFtoassessalltheActsofNationalAssembly,especiallytheonesyettobefullyoperational,andstudythemcritically.Whilethiswasgoingon,SoludoaddressedthemediaonthedecisionbytheCBNboardtore-denominatethenaira,whichhesaidwasinlinewiththepowersgrantedhimbytheCBNAct2007.

Thenightbeforehismediabriefing,hehadmetwiththepresident,butfromwhatIwastold,therewasnotmuchdebateabouttheissuesinceitwasadecisiontakenbytheCBN

Boardactingonitspowers.ThepresidenthadsaidhewasnotcomfortablewiththedecisionbutalsofelthecouldnotoverruletheCBNboard.

ThiscontrastedwithSoludo’sversion.HesaidYar’Aduaexpressednoreservationinhismeetingwithhim.ItwasanopportunityforSoludotore-emphasizethelegalityofhisactionwhenhebriefedtheFederalExecutiveCouncilonthepolicyhehadearlierannounced.HemadeitclearthathewasmerelyinformingCouncilmembersandnotseekinganyapprovalsincehewasactinginlinewiththepowerspurportedlygrantedhimandtheapexbankboardbytheCBNAct2007.

Thesessionwasnearlyruinedbyanopendisagreementbetweenhimandthethennationalplanningminister,SenatorSanusiDaggash,whoqueriedthewisdomofsuchapolicyatatimewhenthegovernmentwasstilltryingtofinditsbearing.ManyministersalsofeltthattheirinputshouldhavebeensoughtbeforeCBN’sdecision,giventhattheywouldallbeheldaccountableifitfailed.

Whilethepresident’sconcernwasabouttheimplicationsoftheplanontheeconomy—

hewouldinfacthavepreferredrobustconsultationswithcriticalstakeholdersbeforetheannouncement—hehadagreedwithSoludoatthemeetingonthestrengththattheCBN

ActhadgrantedSoludoandtheboardautonomyonmonetarypolicyandonthegroundsthatwhathedidwaslegal,evenifpoliticallyincorrect.Attheendofthesession,thepresidentmandatedtheEconomicManagementTeam,ledbyfinanceminister,Dr.

ShamsudeenUsman,tomeetwiththeCBNgovernortodiscussareasofconcern.

Themainissueincontentionwasthatunderthe‘StrategicAgendafortheNaira’

presentedtothemedia,theCBNwouldabdicateitsmonetaryresponsibilitybycedingsuchauthoritytostatesandlocalgovernments,whiletheCBNhadalso,withoutconsultations,setacommencementdateofAugust1,2008,forthere-denominationexercise.GovernmentwasalsoconcernedthattheCBNapparentlyhadnotgivendueconsiderationtothehugecostimplicationsoftheproject,whoseeconomicvaluewasdoubtful,atatimewhenthereweremoreurgentdemandsontheresourcesavailabletothenation.

Asitwouldhappen,justtwodaysaftertheFECmeeting,theAGFdiscoveredthattheCBNAct2007doesnotinfactgrantSoludothepowersheclaimedwithrespecttocurrencydenomination.Section19oftheactclearlystatesthatthecurrencynotesandcoinsissuedbythecentralbankshallbe“insuchdenominationsoftheNairaorfractionsthereofasshallbeapprovedbythePresidentonrecommendationoftheBoard;andofsuchformsanddesignsandbearsuchdevicesasshallbeapprovedbythePresidentontherecommendationoftheBoard.”Thesectionwentfurthertostatethateven“thestandardweightsandcompositionofcoinsissuedbytheBankandtheamountofremedyandvariationshallbedeterminedbythePresidentontherecommendationoftheBoard.”Whattheseprovisionsmeanisthatonlythepresidentcouldgiveapprovalfornairare-denominationifhewassatisfiedaboutitsdesirabilityornecessity.Givenhisdispositiontotheidea,itwaspredictablethathewouldstopit.InastatementIissuedtoexplaingovernmentpositionontheexercise,Isaidthatintheprevailingcircumstances,“thepresidentisnotconvincedofthemeritsofthenairare-denominationplanputforwardbytheCBNwithoutappropriateregardforthepresentadministration’sinsistenceondueprocessandtheruleoflaw.”

Thisactiondrewsignificantflak,especiallywhenCBNhadgleefullyannouncedthattheagendawouldbringupthevalueofthenairatoparitywiththedollar,whichappealedtopublicsentiment,eventhoughSoludohadalsotoldtheFEC

thattherewasnoguaranteethattheagendacouldnotendupafailure.Butatthatpoint,therealissueforthepresidentwasthatastrictadherencetotheruleoflawleftnoexemptionsorleewayforthearbitraryexerciseofpowerbyCBN.Thatpositionwouldcomeunderstrictscrutinyintheprosecutionofthefightagainstcorruption.

Endnotes

1Aunanimousdecisiongivenbyaseven-manpanelofjusticespresidedoverbyJusticeIyorgherKatsina-AluheldthatthetenureofDr.PeterObiontheplatformoftheAllProgressiveGrandAlliance(APGA)wasnotyetover.

2PrinceBolaAjibolawasAttorneyGeneraloftheFederationandJusticeMinisterunderthemilitaryregimeofGeneralIbrahimBabangida.Beforethen,hehadbeenpresidentoftheNigerianBarAssociation.HewaslatertobecomeamemberofthePermanentCourtofArbitration(TheHague).

3Fourmonthsaftershebecamespeaker,Mrs.Ettehandherdeputy,BabangidaNguroje,wereaccusedofauthorizingthespendingofN628millionfortherenovationoftheirofficialresidencesandthepurchaseof12officialcars.Thisledtoacrisis,asheraccusersinsistedthatshehadtogo.Abouteightweeksaftertheallegationsweremadepublic,EttehandherdeputyresignedfromofficeonOctober30,2007,althoughtheyhaveremainedmembersoftheHouse.

4Hon.DavidIdoko,chairmanofthecommitteethatprobedtheallegation,camewiththefindingsthatthetenderwasnotadvertised,noin-housebillofquantitiesanddrawingswereprepared,therewasnospecificbudgetaryprovisionforrenovationandfurnishingoftheSpeaker’sandherdeputy’sofficialquartersinthe2007budget,andthattheprocedureforthecontractawardbytheBodyofPrincipalOfficersonJuly12,2007,

“showsmajoractsofomissionanddisregardforlaiddownprocedure.”2

CorruptionandtheIboriSaga

Buoyedbytheunprecedenteddecisiontodeclarehisassetsinpublic,Yar’Aduacametoofficewithareputationofpersonalintegrity.Butwithinonlyamatterofweeks,thatimage,whichhadswirledaroundhimlikeahalo,wouldbetaintedbytheperceptionthathewasleadingagovernmentthatwasprotectingthecorrupt.Unfortunately,thepresidentdidnotappeartoseewhatmostNigerians,andindeedseveralofuswithintheadministration,couldseeveryclearly:thattheseemingconnivancebetweenhisattorneygeneralandjusticeminister,Mr.MichaelKaaseAondoakaa,andtheformerDeltaStategovernor,ChiefJamesIbori,wasdestroyingthereputationofthegovernmentandalsocompromisinghisownpersonalintegrity.

Thecurtainsonthissordiddramadidnotdrop,however,untiltheveryend,soit’snotexpectedthattheimageitfosteredwouldbesalutary.BoththeUnitedStatesgovernmentandthegovernmentoftheUnitedKingdomviewedtheYar’Aduaadministrationthroughnegativelens,essentiallyonaccountofitsapparentlyindulgenttreatmentofIbori.

WhilewemayneverknowhowotherforeigngovernmentsperceivedtheYar’Aduaadministrationinrelationtoitstoleranceforcorruption,wedidn’treallyneedWikileakstoascertainthepositionoftheUnitedStates,towhichtheRibadu/Iborisagabecameayardstickformeasuringthepresident’smuchvauntedcommitmenttotransparencyandaccountability.TheUnitedStates’viewwasbroughthometothepresidentveryclearlyinAugust2008,whentheforeignaffairsminister,ChiefOjoMaduekwe,recountedforhimanencounterbetweenthedeputychiefofmissionattheNigerianembassyinWashington,AmbassadorB.G.WakilandtheUnitedStates’deputyassistantsecretaryofstate,Mr.ToddMoss.

Wakil,whosaidhewassummonedtotheUSStateDepartmentbyMoss,hadpreparedadetailedreportofwhattranspiredatthemeetingwhich,accordingtohim,“turnedouttobeareadingofariotactfromtheUStoNigeria,centredonwhattheUShascalledanunfairtreatmentofformerEFCCChairman,MrNuhuRibadu.”AccordingtoWakil,MossexpressedthedispleasureoftheUSgovernmentatwhathedescribedasanobviouswitchhunttargetedagainstRibadu.“WhiletheUSpolicyrecognizesinstitutionsratherthanindividualstherein,thepatternoftherecenttreatmentofRibaduleavesmuchtobedesiredand,inspiteofthecamouflagedtechnicalexplanations,smacksofpoliticalvendettaagainsttheformerchairman,”Mosswasquotedtohavesaid.

Moss,accordingtoWakil,claimedthatYar’Aduahad,inapreviousmeetingwithPresidentGeorgeBush,givenassurancesthatRibaduwouldberestoredtohispositionandthatmembersofhisteamwouldalsonotbeaffectedbyanyreforms.HesaidtheUS

wasthereforeseriouslydisappointedthatnotonlyhadRibadubeendemoted,buthisworkingteamhadbeenvirtuallydismantled.This,Mosssaid,hadrenderedalltheearlierfinancialandcapacity-buildinginvestmentstheUShadmadeinEFCCcompletelymeaningless.

MosstoldWakilthattheFederalBureauofInvestigation(FBI),theDepartmentofJusticeandotherspecializedagenciesoftheUSgovernmenthadtrained,equippedandmotivatedtheEFCC,butnotedthattheactionoftheNigeriangovernmenthadvirtuallynullifiedalltheseUSstrategiesconceivedtostrengthentheinstitution.WakilexplainedthatthesessionroundedoffwithaveiledthreatfromMoss,whoinstructedhim(Wakil)toinformhishomegovernmentthatifRibaduwasarrested,oriftherewasanyevidenceofretaliation,vengeanceoranyformofvindictiveactionagainsthimfromformervictimsofhisanti-corruptionactivitieswhilstinoffice,theUSwouldregardsuchas“adeliberateattempttovictimizeandcrucifyRibaduforhissuccessfulanti-corruptionwarwhileinoffice”andwouldreactwithmeasuresitdeemedappropriate.MosshintedatseveraloptionsopentotheUS,someofwhichwereto

•reviewbilateralengagementwithNigeriainotherstrategicareasofcooperationsuchastheNigerDelta,povertyeradicationandcontributionstothesuccessoftheseven-pointagenda;

•consultwithEuropeanalliesonfurthermultilateralactionagainstNigeria;

•resuscitate,inconsultationwiththeJusticeDepartment,theprocessofdenyingorrevokingvisastocertaincategoriesofNigeriangovernmentofficials;and

•withholdanyofficialengagementswiththeincumbentChairmanofEFCC,Mrs.

Waziri,untilherpersonalsincerityandthecompetenceoftheEFCCunderherwereproved.

WakilrecalledthattheUShadmadesimilarrepresentationstovoicedispleasure

overthegovernment’sdecisiontosendRibadutoNIPSS,andexplainedthathisattemptstoofferclarificationsontheissueofRibaduasacareer,non-politicalappointeeandthecircumstancesgoverningsuchdeploymentsinNigeriawerebrushedasidebyMoss.ItwasveryclearthattheUSgovernmenthaddrawnitsownconclusionsabouteventsinNigeria.

Maduekwe’spresentationhaddisturbedthepresident,whowasequallypeevedbythetoneoftheUSinterventiononthematterand,quitenaturally,believeditwaspartofthehandiworkofRibadu,giventheperceptionthathewasbentontarnishingtheimageofhisadministration.ThiswasthedummysoldconsistentlybyAondoakaa,whoattributedanythingnegativeabouttheadministrationbothinthelocalandinternationalmediatoRibadu.

TherewerealsosecurityreportsaboutRibadu,whosevalue,thoughdoubtful,thepresidentconsideredcredible,perhapsonthestrengthofjustone‘evidence’foundonacomputerofaRibaduacolytewithinEFCCthatcontainedseveralarticlesobviouslymeantforpublicationwithsuchtitlesas‘HowTuraiisrulingNigeria’,‘Yar’AduasurrendersNigeriatohiswife’,andsoon.

Nonetheless,themessagefromtheUnitedStateswascleartothepresident:theyperceivedhisadministrationasoneshieldingthecorrupt,eventhoughitwasallduetotheanticsoftheAGFwho,forallpracticalpurposes,hadbecomenomorethanapersonalattorneytotheformerDeltaStategovernor.MaduekweknewhehadajobonhishandsandhencesoughtappointmentwiththeUSSecretaryofState,Mrs.HillaryClinton,toexplaintheNigerianposition.

EventhoughMaduekwewashimselfaRibadusympathizerwhowasunhappyaboutthetravailsoftheformerEFCCchairman,hefeltthatNigeriawasnotbeingtreatedfairlybytheStateDepartment.ThiswasthebasisofhisinterventioninWashington,anditeventuallyprovedbeneficial,becauseitstalledtheattempttomakepublicadiplomaticdémarcheontheNigeriansituation.Thestatement,whichwouldhavebeenverydamaginghaditbeenreleased,reads:

TheUnitedStatesGovernment[USG]isstronglyconcernedfortheindependenceandintegrityoftheEconomicandFinancialCrimesCommission(EFCC)intermsofperceptionandoftheinstitution’scontinuedcredible

performance.

TheUnitedStatesisconcernedthatthemomentumbehindtheEFCC’srobustinvestigationandprosecutionofhighprofilecasesinvolvingcorruptionandfraudissueshasbeencurbedsignificantlythisyear.Otherthanonerecentarrest,wehavenotseenanyprogressonEFCCprosecutionsofoveradozenformergovernorsandseniorofficials,someofwhomseemtoretainsizeableGovernmentofNigeriainfluence.

Consequently,webelievethesetrendsjeopardizenotonlyPresidentYar’Adua’sSeven-pointagendaforreformbutalsoleadtoquestionsregardingthecredibilityoftheGovernmentofNigeriaitself.ThemostrecentmassiveredeploymentsofEFCCstaffhaveleftashellofinexperiencedreplacementsatbestinmostareas,wastingconsiderableUnitedStatesGovernmentandinternationaltraining,threateningtheEFCC’sinstitutionalintegrity,jeopardizingcooperationefforts.Additionally,withtheEFCCleadershiphavingbeencompletelyreassigned,itwilltakeconsiderabletimetobuildnewrelationshipsandtrustwiththenewEFCCleadership.

Giventhissituation,theUnitedStatesisreviewingallofitsinteractionsandassistancewiththeEFCC.WearethereforeextremelyreluctanttoconsideradditionalrequestsforresourcesortraininguntiltheEFCCcandemonstrategenuineeffortorhigh-profileprosecutions(includingprominentex-governors),extraditionsandtheestablishmentofcriminalproceduresthroughcredibletimelinesandbenchmarks.Similarly,wedonotbelievehigh-levelmeetingsbetweenEFCCleadershipandUSGofficialswillbeconstructiveuntilitisclearthattheEFCCismovinginapositivedirectionandtakingdeliberateactionscriticaltorebuildingtheEFCC’sreputation.

TheUSGanditsalliesarewatchingthesituationclosely,andasappropriatewillconsidermeasurestounderscoretheseriousnesswithwhichweviewrecentevents.Thismightincluderevokingvisasof,orimposingtravelbanson,corruptNigerianofficials,includingthosefromtheNigerDeltaaslegallyavailable.

Despitethetemporarytrucestruckbybothgovernments,theadministration’shandlingoftheIborimatterwouldbecomeasoreissuethroughoutYar’Adua’stenure,asitbecametheyardstickformeasuringNigeria’scommitmenttothe

fightagainstcorruption.

Athometoo,thepresidentwasviewednegativelybecauseofhisrelationshipwithIbori,whoseactivitiescreatedtheimpressionthathewasabovethelaw.Wemayneverknowiftherewasindeedanydealbetweentheduo,butIsuspectedthatthepresidentmusthavemadesomecommitmenttotheformerDeltaStategovernorthathewouldprotecthim.IrecallthedayIboricametomyofficetowarnme,hesaidsomethingveryinstructive:

“Look,Segun,thereisnowhereintheworldwhereyouhelpsomebodytopowerandhisrewardforyouisthatyougotojail.Itdoesn’thappenanywhere,anditwon’tbeginwithme.”

GiventhatObasanjopracticallymadeYar’AduapresidentofNigeria—fromfoistinghimonthepartytorunningthecampaignalmostallbyhimself—IstillcannotputmyfingeronexactlywhatroleIboriplayedinYar’Adua’sascensiontopower,buthemusthavedonesomethingforhimtohaveenjoyedtheaccesshehad.Nevertheless,giventhealbatrossthattheformerDeltaStategovernorhadbecometotheadministration’simage,someotherleaderwouldhavebeenalittlebitruthlessinhandlingwhateverdealmighthavebeenstruck,evenifitmeanthisfriendhadtopaysomepriceforhisinfraction.

Afterall,thepresidentstillhadthepowerofprerogativeofmercywhichcouldhavebeeninvoked—butonlyafterjusticehadbeenservedinthecourtoflaw.

ThewholesagabeganoneweekafterAondoakaaassumedofficeasAGF,whereuponhewroteamemotoremindthepresidentoftherelevantsectionsoftheconstitutionandSection43oftheEFCCAct2004,whichhearguedempoweredhimtoregulatetheoperationsoftheEFCC.Herequestedthatallagenciesinvolvedincriminalprosecutionshouldbemadetoreportandinitiateproceedingsonlywithhisconsentandapprovalastheattorneygeneralofthefederation.Hesaidhisrequestwasimpelledbytheneedtoensurebettercoordinationamongthecountry’slawenforcementagenciesandavoidsituationswheremultiplecriminalprosecutionswereundertakenbytheEFCC,ICPCandtheCodeofConductTribunalinrespectofthesameallegedoffences.

However,thememowasalreadyinthemediaevenbeforethepresidenthadseenit.TheleakwasattributedtoRibadu,whohadindeedcalledtointimatemeofa

telephonecalltohimbyIbori,whobraggedthathewouldsoonhumblehim(Ribadu).HealsoclaimedthatIboriwasworkinghand-in-glovewiththeAGF;thiswasnotachargeIcouldtakelightly.WhenImetthepresidentontheissue,hedismissedtheallegations.HesaidhehadreadthemediareportinquestionandshowedmethememofromtheAGF,whichhehadyettotreat.“Ifyourfriend(meaningRibadu)thinkshecanintimidateme,hemustbejoking,”hesaid,histoneamixofangerandjest.ButIgotthemessage.

ThepresidenttoldmethathewantedaprofessionalEFCCthatwoulddoitsjobdiligentlywithoutpanderingtothemediaorthecivilsociety.HebelievedRibaduwastoopoliticalandthathisactionshelpedruinthe2007generalelections.Hearguedthatonlyacourtoflawcouldpronounceanybodyascorrupt,notingthattheEFCCchairman’sactionswereantitheticaltotheruleoflaw.Tobuttresshisposition,hesaidhehadreceivedseveralpetitionsfromthejudiciaryofseveralcourtordersthatwerefloutedbyRibadu.IhadalreadytoldhimRibaduandIwereveryclose,sowebothknewwherewestoodontheissue,thoughhemademeunderstandthathehadnothingpersonalagainsttheEFCC

chairmanbutthathesimplydeploredhismethods.HewouldlatertellmeotherthingsthatultimatelyconvincedmethatheactuallyhadpersonalscorestosettlewithRibadu.

Yet,IcouldseethepointinsomeoftheissuesraisedwithregardtotheEFCC’smethods.

Eventhoughonlyafewdaysinoffice,theAGFhadmadenopretensionsaboutthefactthathewantedtocurtailtheEFCC’spowerstoprosecute.Butmanyofhiscolleaguesinthebarthoughthispositionwasnottenableandthathewasactingabovehispowers.

SincetheEFCChadpresentedthismemoastargetedatthecommission,itwasabattleAondoakaacouldnot,conceivably,win.Withmanylawyerswadingintothecontroversy,thepresidentrequestedacopyofaSupremeCourtrulingsaidtohaveaddressedtheissue.TheStateHousecounsel,JalalArabi,abrilliantlawyerwithunquestionableintegrity,hadinformedthepresidentthatwhereastheAGFindeedhadpowersofoversightoverEFCC,ICPCandothersuchbodies,hedidnothaveexclusivepowerstoinitiateprosecution.ItwastheSupremeCourtrulingJalalcitedthatthepresidentwantedtosee.

Whenthepresidentrealizedhehadindeedtakenthewrongdecisionontheissue,heinvitedRibadu;ICPCChairman,JusticeEmmanuelAyoola;HonouraryAdviseronLegalMatters,Dr.WaleBabalakinandArabiforameeting,whereherescindedthedecision.

HealsotoldRibaduandothersthattheycouldinitiatecriminalproceedingswithoutrecoursetotheofficeoftheAGF.Thatwasthefirstreversalofpolicyinwhatthemediawouldlaterdescribeasa‘flip-flop’,butitwastherightthingforthepresidenttodo.

Withthat,however,Ribaduhadonlyjustwonthebattle;hebeganawarofattritionagainstAondoakaa,whoeventuallysucceededinhoundinghimout—withtheconnivanceofotherpeople,ofcourse.

Incidentally,atYar’Adua’saccessiontopowerinMay2007,theBritishgovernmenthadconcludedthatIboriwouldstandtrialintheUnitedKingdom.FromtherepresentationsmadetotheofficeoftheAGFandtheForeignMinistry,therewasnomincingwordsaboutthefactthattheywantedIboriextraditedtofacecriminalcharges.Thecomplication,however,wasthatalltheallegedinfractionsforwhichtheywantedtonailIboriwerecommittedinNigeriawiththeevidenceobtainedfromtheEFCC.OnAugust30,2007,theofficeoftheDirector,UnitedKingdomFraudProsecutionService,senta31-pagelettertotheAGF.ItwassignedbyCrownProsecutor,DavidM.Williams.

InseekingAondoakaa’sassistanceonwhatwascode-namedOperationTureenonJamesOnanefeIbori,ChristineIbori-Ibie,AdebimpePogosonandUdoamakaOkoronkwo,theprosecutorthankedtheofficeoftheAGFfor“theresponsewhichtheyprovidedinresponsetomyearlierrequestdated23rdAugust2006.”TheimplicationofthiswasthatAondoakaa’spredecessor,ChiefBayoOjo,SAN,hadbeenassistingwithregardtotheinvestigation,whichtheprosecutorsaidwasmeantnotonlyforcriminalproceedings,buttoenforceaconfiscationorderonthenumerouspropertiesofIboriintheUnitedKingdomandseveralothercountriesacrosstheglobe.

TheprosecutorexplainedthatinhisearlierinvestigationofIbori,code-namedOperationHeimdal,hehadbeengiventheassetsdeclarationformwiththeNigerianCodeofConductBureauwheretheformerDeltaStategovernorclaimedhehadnoforeignbankaccount.Yet,onlyafewweeksinofficein1999,theprosecutorobserved,hehadopenedtwosterlingaccountsandonedollar

accountintheUnitedKingdom.Ibori,accordingtotheprosecutor,hadalsobeenactivelydiverting“fundsfromhisstate’sfundingallocationandlaunderedtheproceedsthroughtheUnitedKingdombankingsystemusingothersuspectstoassisthim.”

TheUKinvestigatorclaimedalsothatsundrytransactionsrunningintobillionsofnairaandseveralmillionsofBritishpoundsterlinginvolvinghisspecialassistant,AdebimpePogoson;hissister,Ibori-Ibie;andfriend,OkoronkwowerecarriedoutonbehalfofIbori.

Theprosecutor,inhisdepositiontotheAGF,listedsomeofthepropertiesalreadyidentifiedintheUnitedKingdomasbelongingtoIbori.TheyareFlat23,20AbbeyRoad,LondonNW89BJ;7WestoverHill,London,NW37VH,and42GreatGrandShaftsbury,DorsetSP78FF.IboriwasalsonamedasthebeneficialownerofHalewayPropertiesandBoydProperties,bothinGibraltaraswellasTeletonQuays(BVI).AlsolistedwasJuliaFoundationinPanama,afinancialinvestmentcompanythatwasallegedlyusedtolaundermoneyacrosstheglobe.Ibori’ssister,Christine,wasalsosaidtoownthreepropertiesintheUK:58UphillDrive,LondonNW9OBX;76WoodhillCrescent,Kenton,Harrow,MiddlesexHAOLZ;and139KingfisherWay,LondonNW10.

DetailinghowIboriallegedlydivertedDeltaState’sfundsusingseveralfronts(includingprominentNigerianswhosenameswerementioned)and32banksinNigeria,1theprosecutorsaidtheformergovernoralsopurchasedaMayback62carinMay2005fromLondon,whichwasthendeliveredtohiminSouthAfricaatacostof406,598.84euro.

Thevehiclewasair-freightedviaFrankfurt,Germany,toJohannesburg,SouthAfrica.

WithanaccountinSwitzerland,Iborialsoallegedlymadeadepositof$4,700,000foraChallenger300aircraftbelievedtocost$20million.

Toindicatethattheyhadextensiveinformationattheirdisposal(allevidentlysuppliedbyRibadu),theinvestigatorsevenattachedseveralinterceptede-mailsbetweensomebankersandAdebimpePogoson,Ibori’sassistant.InonedatedWednesday,July13,2005,andsentat10:36p.m.,thebanker,aYorubalady,wrotethatshehaddiscussedtheEFCCissuewithIboriandthreeotherpersons(confidantsoftheformergovernor)whosenamesshementioned.Thesepeople,

shesaid,hadgivensometipsondealingwiththesituation.“Atthispoint,wehaveconcludedthatthereisnopointtryingtohideaconnectionbetweenthecompaniesasthesepeoplealreadyhavemostoftheinformation.

Somepeopleseemtobeoftheimpressionthatweweresimplytoocareless(strangehowpeopleshifttheblamewhenthepushcomestoshove).”Theladybankerthenlistedwhatsheconsidered“themajorproblemswehaveinmyopinionfromoga[Ibori]/EFCCperspective…,”oneofwhichwasthat“perhapsweshouldhaverestrictedourselvestopayingjustcash”ratherthanchequesfor“placeslikeOgharaandourotherprivatelocations.Wedon’tknowhowthesepeoplewillfareunderpressureandIdon’twanttocomplicatethingsbybriefingeveryone.”TheprosecutormeticulouslydetailedseveraloverseasaccountsandcompaniessaidtobelongtoIbori,thenamesofthepeopleallegedlyfrontingforhimandsundryotherallegationsofhowhedivertedDeltaStatemoneytocommiteconomiccrimes,especiallyintheUnitedKingdom.Withappendicestotalingmorethan500pagesofevidence,thedocumentsattachedwereoverwhelmingincontentandvolume,anditwaseasytoseethatmostofthememanatedfromtheEFCC.Attheendoftheletter,theprosecutorsoughttheassistanceoftheAGFtoensurethatDetectiveConstablePeterClarkandDetectiveJohnMcDonaldoftheMetropolitanPoliceatWellingtonHouse,BuckinghamPalaceRoadSW1,bepermittedtoliaisewiththecompetentNigerianauthoritieswithregardtotheinvestigationofIbori.

Aondoakaaneitherrepliedthisletternoractedonit.Notevenwhentherewasafollow-updelegationfromtheBritishHighCommissioninAbujatoremindhimofhisobligation.Hisplanwouldsoonunfold;heseemedtohavealreadysetinmotionthemachinerytofrustratethetrialinLondon.ItstartedwithanapparentlycontrivedletterdatedAugust4,2007,fromoneMr.SpeechlyBircham,LP,whichwasaimedatelicitingaresponsethatwouldaidthedefeatoftheprosecution’scase.Within48hoursaftertheletterwaswritteninLondon,areplywasalreadybacktotheUnitedKingdomfromtheofficeoftheAGF.Inacarefullywordedletter,AondoakaaadmittedthatIboriwasindeedinvestigatedinconnectionwithhisactswhileinofficeasDeltaStategovernorbutthattherewasnorecordthathehadbeenchargedtocourtinNigeriainrespectofanyoffence.Invariably,theAGFexoneratedIboriofcomplicityinanycriminalproceedingsinNigeria.

Whentheletterbecamepublicknowledge,theAGFvehementlydeniedsuchcorrespondenceeveremanatedfromhisoffice.Theletterwaspublished

afterwardsinthemedia,buthisexplanationwasjustasintriguing:itwasaninnocentclarificationinresponsetoarequestfromIbori’slawyers,hesaid.Instructively,inarguinghiscase,Ibori’slawyerreliedontheAGFletterandonthatbasistheSouthwarkCrownCourtliftedtherestrainingorderagainsthisassetsinOctober2007,averdictthatAondoakaawouldcelebrateatthetimeas‘vindication’ofhisposition.

ThismadetheUKDirectorofPublicProsecution,Mr.KenMacdonald,QC,towriteAondoakaaastronglywordedletter,partofwhichread:TheCrownProsecutionServicehasconductofrestraintproceedingsagainstMr.

IboriancillarytoacriminalinvestigationbeingconductedbyofficersoftheMetropolitanPoliceinLondon.

On2August2007,weobtainedarestraintorderthatprohibitsMr.Iborifromdealingwithallhisrealizablepropertyworldwidesothatthepropertycanbeutilizedtosatisfyanyconfiscationorderthatmaybemadeattheendofproceedingsintheeventofconviction.TheassetsreferredtointherestraintorderincludeUS$20,075,274heldinescrowbytheaircraftmanufacturerBombadierofCanada.

On1October2007,ontheapplicationofMr.Ibori,ajudgeattheSouthwarkCrownCourtinLondondischargedtherestraintorder.Themainfactorbehindthejudge’sdecisionwasthelengthoftimetheinvestigationhastakenandthelackofprogresstowardsadecisionwhetherornottochargeMr.Ibori.IamdisappointedtolearnwewerenotinapositiontoassurethejudgethatwehadthefullcooperationoftheNigerianauthoritiesandindeedtoconcedethattherearepracticaldifficultiesaboutgettingunimpededaccesstoevidenceobtainedbytheEFCCinNigeria.

WehavetodaygivennoticetotheCrownCourtofourintentiontoappealthedecisiontodischargetherestraintorder,andwewillbemakinganapplicationtostaythedecisionpendingdeterminationoftheappeal.Iunderstandthaton10

October2007,theofficersoftheMetropolitanPolicearetravellingtoNigeriatocontinuetheirenquiriesandcollectevidencetheEFCChasobtainedofoffencescommittedbyMr.IboriinNigeria.ThepurposeofwritingistoseekyourassurancesthattherequestedevidencewillbemadeavailablefortransmissionbacktotheUnitedKingdom…asyouknow,mydepartmenthasalsoobtained

restraintordersagainstMr.Ibori’sthreeco-suspects,andwehaveproceedingsextantandpendingagainstotherformergovernors.ThedifficultyandlackofprogressinobtaininghardevidencefromNigeriaiscausingmajordifficultiesinrelationtothecourtproceedingsintheUnitedKingdomandputtingtheseothercasesinjeopardy.

TheCrownProsecutionServiceisbothcommittedanddeterminedtoworkcloselywiththeinternationalcommunityandNigeriatocombatcorruption,andIlookforwardtoyourassurancesthatwewillhaveNigeria’scontinuedcooperationinthismatter.

TheAGFdidnotreplythisletter,butfortuitouslyforIbori,itwasatthispointthatAondoakaa‘stumbled’onthefactthatRibaduhadnotbeenconfirmedforasecondterm.LikeMrs.IfuekoOkauru,ChairmanoftheFederalInlandRevenueService(FIRS),RibaduhadbeenreappointedforasecondtermoffouryearsbyObasanjo,butwhileOkauru’snamewassenttotheSenateforconfirmation,asrequiredbySection11oftheFIRS(Establishment)Act2007,Ribadu’snamewasnotsenttocomplywithSection2oftheEFCC(Establishment)Act2004.GiventhatRibadu,likeeveryoneinhisposition,neededtobeconfirmedbytheSenate,thiswasanomissionthatwouldbehisAchilles’

heel.

Butfirst,theinspectorgeneralofpolice,Mr.MikeOkiro,cameintothepicturebyincludingRibadu’snameonthelistofofficersthepolicewassendingforacourseatNIPSSinKuru,Jos.

IwasinIlorinonChristmasholidaywithmyfamilywhenRibaducalledtoinformmeofthedirective,whichhesaidhewoulddisregard.Ashefumed,Ipleadedwithhimtocalmdown.IhadtocutshortmyholidayandreturntoAbuja.Ibelievedthatsuchamovewouldhaveaseriousbacklashandmakemyjobverydifficult.Imetthepresident,andheconfirmedthathehadthememobuthadyettodecideonwhathewoulddo,thoughIcouldseethathedidn’tpaymuchattentiontomyadviceontheissue,perhapsbecauseheknewthatonRibadu,myinterventioncouldnotpossiblybeimpartial.HeneededtoseeOkirotoknowwhyhewantedRibadusenttoNIPSS,heexplained.That,ineffect,meanthehadnottakenadecisionontheissue.Itookthismessagebackto

Ribadu,pleadingwithhimnottosayanythingpubliclyonthematterasthechiefofstaff,MajorGeneralAbdullahiMohammed(rtd.),hadalsowadedin.

Thisdraggedonforanotherweek,givingGeneralMohammedandmesomemoretimetotryandensurethatthepresidentdidnotsanctiontheideaofNIPSS.But,unknowntous,itwasalreadyadonedeal.WhatgavethegameawaywastheJanuary7,2008,memotothepresidentfromOkiro,whichconfirmedthatthepresidenthadindeedgivenhisapprovalearlier.

Okiro’smemotothepresidenthadbegunbysaying:“ConsequentuponYourExcellency’sapprovalofmyletterdated24thDecember,2007,onthenominationofseniorpoliceofficersasparticipantsfortheSeniorExecutivesCourse30/2008,theaffectedofficerswillbewarnedtohandovertotheirnextincommandby11thJanuary,2008.Thisistoenablethem[to]prepareadequatelyforthecoursewhichcommenceson4thFebruary,2008.”

Thisdirective,accordingtoOkiro,affectedtheEFCCchairman.Hewrote:SinceAIGNuhuRibaduwasappointedfromtheNigeriaPolicebyvirtueofPart1

Section2(11)oftheEFCCAct,andavacancynowexistsasaresultofhisgoingoncourseforaperiodofoneyear…,thereisthedireneedforhimtohandovertoasuccessor.InlinewiththeprovisionofPart1,Section4oftheEFCCAct,whichstipulatesthat“whereavacancyoccursinthemembershipoftheCommissionitshallbefilledbytheappointmentofasuccessortoholdofficefortheremainderofthetermfortheofficeofhispredecessorsothatthesuccessorshallrepresentthesameinterestashispredecessor’,IrecommendthatAIGNuhuRibaduhands(sic)overtoAssistantCommissionerofPoliceIbrahimLamordewhoisthenextincommandattheCommissionmeanwhile.

MysalvagemissionalsotookmetotheIGPtoconvincehimtodropthedecisiontosendRibadutoNIPSS,butitwasafutileeffort.Okiro,likemanyinthetophierarchyofthepolice,hadhisgrousesagainstRibadu,whowassaidtohavebeenverydisrespectful,indeedcontemptuous,ofhimwhenMr.SundayEhindero(towhomRibaduwasclose)wastheinspectorgeneralofpolice.ManyseniorpoliceofficerswerealsounhappyaboutRibadu’s‘irregularpromotion’andthewayheseemedtodisparagetheinstitutionofwhichhewasamemberjustbecausehewasheadingtheEFCC.Eventhosewhodidnotlikethe

disgracedIGP,Mr.TafaBalogun,feltthatthehumiliationhewasmadetosufferatthehandsoftheEFCCwasnotgoodfortheimageofthepolice.So,invariably,Ribaduhadseveralpowerfulfoestocontendwith,andsomeofthemwerebayingforblood.

IbelievedalsothatthepresidentwasnotaltogetherignorantabouttheunfoldingintriguesandthathemayhavegivenhistacitapprovalinthebidtogetridofRibadu.WhileIcouldnotputmyfingeronaparticularreason,aconversationIoncehadwithhimontheformerEFCCchairmanandtherecollectionsoftwocloseassociatesofhisconvincedmehewasnotquitecomfortablewiththeideaofworkingwithRibadufromtheoutset.

OnedayduringlunchbreakduringanFECsession,Isatwiththepresident,andwebegantochat.Iwillneverforgetthatday,becauseevenministerswhoneverregardedmebegantocourtmyfriendshipafterwards.Lookingback,itisdifficulttoexplainwhathappenedthatday;wemusthavechattedforclosetoanhourandactuallydelayedresumptionoftheFECmeetingforabout15minutes,stillenjoyingourconversation,whilealltheministerswerealreadybacktothecouncilchambers.Ittooktheinterventionofotheraides,particularlythepresidentialliaisonofficer(PLO)andthechiefsecurityofficer(CSO),whofeltirritatedthatIwastakingtoomuchlibertywiththepresident,toputanendtoourinformalsession.

Inthecourseofourdiscussion,thepresidenttoldmeofhowhewasendorsedbyObasanjobeforeasking,“DoyouknowthatyourfriendNuhusinglehandedlystoppedDr.

PeterOdilifrombeingmyrunningmate?”heaskedrhetorically.“Suchwasthepowerhehadoverbaba(Obasanjo)thatwhateverhesaidwaslaw!”IknewalittlebitabouttheeventrecountedbythepresidentbecauseIwasanoutsiderwitness.ButhepresenteditinawaythatsuggestedRibaduprobablyhadapowerofblackmailoverObasanjo.Thisissuehadindeedcomeupearlyinthelifeoftheadministration,whenoneofthegovernorssuggestedthatRibaduwasfastbecominganother‘JohnEdgarHoover’,thefoundingdirectoroftheAmericanFederalBureauofInvestigation(FBI),believedtohavewieldedenormouspowerthroughamassingsecretfilesonpoliticalleadersbyusingillegalmethods.Fromthewaythepresidenttalked,itwasevidenthewouldheaveabigsighofreliefifRibaducouldberemovedfromEFCC,especiallyiftherewasalegalwaytodoit,beforeRibaducouldbecometoopowerfultobe

touched.Notafewpeopleingovernmentfeltthatway.

ThepresidentalsocomplainedtomeabouthowtheEFCCwasactinglikeitwasabovethelaw,recallinganincidentwheretheiroperativescametoKatsinatoarrestlocalgovernmentchairmeninwhathedescribedasaGestapo-likeoperation.Theotherdetails,latersuppliedbycloseassociates,werethatonceitbecameobviousthathe(Yar’Adua)hadbeenanointedbyObasanjoassuccessor,anincensedRibadu,whohadbeenrootingforthethenFCTminister,Mr.Nasirel-Rufai,reactedbadly.AsidefrommeetingObasanjotoexpresshisdisappointment,RibadubadlymanagedalatersessionhehadwithYar’Adua,toputtheaccountmildly.Ihavehearddifferentversionsoftheencounterfromseveralinsiders,buttheconstantfactoristhatRibadudismissedYar’Aduatohisface,sayingthathewasunqualifiedfortheofficeofpresident.ItwasaninsultYar’Aduaapparentlyneverforgot.Norforgave!

SotheNIPSSideawasveryconvenient.EvenwhileLamorde,EFCCdirectorofoperations,wasaskedtoact,areplacementwassoonfoistedonthecommissioninamannerthatmadenonsenseofthepresident’savowedcommitmenttotheruleoflaw.ButtheAGFwouldrationalizeit.AlmostassoonashesentthenameofFaridaWaziritotheSenate,andwithoutwaitingforherclearance,shewasannouncedasactingchairmanandmadetoresume.ThisirkedtheSenatemembers,whoordinarilyshouldhaveconfirmedherappointment.Somefeebleprotestsweremade,butthepresidentgotawaywithit.

Nonetheless,theEFCC’stragicsagacontinued.

WhilestillatNIPSS,Ribaduand139otherseniorofficersweredemotedbythePoliceServiceCommissiononAugust5,2008.Ribadu,particularly,wasdemotedtworanks:fromAssistantInspectorGeneralofPolicetoDeputyCommissionerofPolice.Eventhough140officialswereinvolvedinwhatthePoliceServiceCommission(PSC)describedasanexercisemeanttorestoretheintegrityoftheforce,abarrageofcondemnationsfollowedtheannouncement,whichwasseenasbeingtargetedatRibadu,asmostpeopleechoedthesentimentofthelateChiefGaniFawehinmi2,whodescribedthedemotionoftheformerEFCCchairmanas‘absolutelybizarre’andapunishmentforhonesty.

Thepublicthoughtthatthepresidencywasbehindtheexercise,andevenwhenthepresidenttoldmehehadnothingtodowithit,Ialsohadmydoubts.WhatIknewatthetime,though,wasthatseveralofficerswithintheVilla,including

HamzaNafada,thepresident’sADCasKatsinagovernor,whohadbecomethespecialassistantondomesticaffairs,werealsoaffectedintheexercise.

IspoketoComfortObi,respectedjournalistandmemberofthePoliceServiceCommission(PSC),andsheexplainedthatreversingthepromotionofRibadu,and139

otherpoliceofficers,wastheproperthingtodoandthatitwasdonetocorrecttheillegalitiesofthepast.Sheassuredmethattheywerenotinanywayguidedbyanyquarters.ThiswasthepositioncanvassedbythePSCchairman,Mr.ParryOsayande,whenheappearedbeforetheSenate.Aretireddeputyinspectorgeneralofpolice,Osayandearguedthattheyactedproperlyandinaccordancewiththelaw.“Thetruthofthematteristhatdueprocesswasnotfollowed,asituationwhereyou,ajuniorofficer,wouldjumpover2,000superiorofficersandbepromotedaboveyourseniorsisdangerousforthesystem,”hesaid.

ThesecretarytotheCommission,AlhajiGarbaBuwai,gaveadetailedbackgroundoftheeventsleadingtothedemotionofthe140officers:“On16thand30thOctober2006,theformerIGPsubmittedmemorandumtotheCommissionforconsiderationof:fiveDCPtoCP;sevenACPtoDCP;fourCSPtoSPandoneASPtoCSP.TheformerCommissionduringits48thOrdinaryMeetingof16thNovember2006,followingsubmissionfromAppointmentandPromotionCommittee,deliberatedontheSpecialPromotionandrejectedtherecommendation.”BuwaiallegedthatEhindero,inhiscapacityasinspectorgeneralofpolice,thensubsequentlytookadvantageofthevacuumcreatedbytheexpirationofthetenureoftheprecedingmembersofthePSCtocarryoutthepromotionoftheofficers‘throughthebackdoor’,adecisionthathesaidcontravenedprovisionsofthe1999Constitution.HeaddedthatwhenEhindero’stenurewascomingtoanend,healsoannouncedthepromotionofofficersthroughsignalsthathesenttotheirvariousformations.

AccordingtothePSCSecretary,“on18thDecember,2006afterthetenureoftheCommissionexpired,theformerIGPsentasignalconveyingthePresident’s[ChiefOlusegunObasanjo’s]approvalofthepromotionoftheofficersearlierrejectedbytheCommissiontotherankofCommissionerofPolice.TherequestbytheCommissiontogetacopyofMr.President’sapprovalwasnotsubmittedtotheCommission.”DefendingthedemotionofRibaduandothers,Osayande,whowasaccompaniedtotheSenatebyfivemembersoftheCommission,saidthatevenifithadbeenthepresidentwhohadapprovedtheelevations,itwould

stillhavebeenreversedbecausetheestablishingactvestedthepowersofpromotionofpoliceofficersonthePSConly.Mr.

OgbonnayaOnovo(thenaDIG),whorepresentedtheIGPOkiro(whomhewouldlatersucceed),saidthattheCommissionreversedtheillegalityinordernottodestroytheentirepoliceforce:“Thetenetsofdemocracyareallabouttransparencyandopennessingovernance.Inmyover30yearsofserviceinthepolice—sinceIjoinedthepoliceasacadetofficer(ASP)—promotionhasalwaysbeenamatterofseniorityandmerit.Themomentyoujoin,youknowyourmatesandyourseniors.Everyofficerknowswhenheisdueforpromotionandhisseniors.”

Onovosaidarbitrarypromotion,aswasdoneintheRibaducase,3couldonlybreedindisciplineandbadbloodwithinthesystembecause“onceanofficerisskippedinpromotion,hebecomesdemoralized.Itisaverypainfulthingtowatchyourjuniorbecomeyourboss.ItmustbenotedthattheroleofthePSCiswelldefined,andtheCommissionhasdonetherightthingbycorrectingsomeoftheillegalitiescarriedoutinordernottodestroythepoliceforce.”

Onovo’spositionwassupportedbytheCommissionerofPolice(Administration),Mr.

FelixOgbaudu,inthecourseofadepositionbeforetheHouseofRepresentatives.StatingthatRibaduwaspromotedfirstfromthepostofDeputyCommissionertoCommissionerofPoliceandthenAssistantInspectorGeneralofPolice(AIG)allwithinoneyear,Ogbauduexplainedthatsuchunprecedentedcareerprogressionwasunhelpfulformoraleinthepolice.OgbauduparticularlywonderedwhyRibadu,whohadjoinedtheNigeriaPoliceabout10yearsafterhe(Ogbaudu)wasenlisted,shouldnowbecomehisboss.ThissameRibadu,heargued,hadservedunderhim(Ogbaudu)asChiefSuperintendentatatimewhenhe(Ogbaudu)hadalreadybecomeaCommissionerofPolice.

WhereasitcouldbeconcededthatthePSChadsufficientlycrediblegroundsfortheactiontheytookonthe140officers,mostobserversbelievedtherewasabsenceofgoodfaithwithregardtothetravailsofRibadu—aviewthatwouldbegivencredenceongraduationdayatNIPSS.Securityagents,actingontheordersoftheAGF,whowasatthegraduationwithoutinvitation,attemptedtodragtheformerEFCCbossoutofthevenueofaneventwheretheVPwaspresentastheheadoftheinstitution.

OncealertedbyjournalistsaboutwhatwasgoingonatKuru,IcalledaseniorNIPSS

official,whoexplainedhowAondoakaawasthreateninghimonRibadu,usingthenameofthepresident.TheofficialtoldmethattheissueofRibaduhadgivenNIPSSproblems,astheyweresubjectedtopressurenottoaddressRibaduasAIGbutDCP.TheNIPSS

authorities,however,arguedthattheletterfromthepolice,whohadsentRibaduforthecourse,addressedhimasAIG,andtheyhadnotbeeninformedofanychangeinhisofficialtitle.However,followingpressurefromtheAGF,theinstitutehadtoprintanothersetofbrochuresthatlistedRibaduasa‘DeputyCommissionerofPolice’.AlltheseeffortsstilldidnotsatisfyAondoakaa,whoarguedthatRibadushouldnotgraduate,sincehisrankfellshortoftheminimumcadreforacoursemeantforCommissionersofPoliceandabove.

Inarratedallthesetothepresident,wholatermetwiththeVPunderwhosepurviewNIPSSwasandaface-savingdecisionwasreachedforRibadutobegivenhiscertificate.

Butthedamagehadalreadybeendone:arashoflawsuitstochallengehisdemotionensuedbeforeRibadueventuallyfledthecountryfortheUnitedStates.HealsobegantocollaboratewiththeBritishauthoritiesonhowtobringIboritojusticeashefiledapersonaldepositionagainsttheformerDeltaStategovernor.Theinterestingpointtonoteisthatbeingalwaysonestepaheadofhisfoes,RibaduanticipatedeverymoveIboriandtheAGFweremakingandalwaysreachedthemediafirstwithhisversionofevents.

Sadly,itwasthepresidentwhosufferedallthecollateraldamage.

Backathome,AondoakaaalsocontinuedtodefendIbori.OnSeptember10,2009,headdressedthemediaandsaidtheEFCChadalreadyclearedIborioverthesaleofthestate’ssharestoV-Mobile4around2007,buthewassilentontheallegationthattheDeltaStategovernmentofferedits820millionunitsofsharesinOceanicInternationalPlctoAscotOffshoreNigeriaLimitedtosecureaN44billionloanfromIntercontinentalBankPlcin2007.Aondoakaa,whospokewithnewsmeninhisofficeinAbuja,deliberatelymuddledupdifferentissuestoachieveapredeterminedend.HealsoattackedRibadu,whomheallegedwas

workingagainstYar’Adua’sadministrationfromabroadbygivingfalseinformationtotheBritishgovernmentaboutthesituationinNigeria.HeaddedthattherevelationabouttheclearanceofIboriemergedfollowingarequestfromtheBritishgovernmentformoreinformationaboutthedeal.

Notmorethananhourafterthiscuriouspressbriefing,wheretheAGFexoneratedIbori,IgotacallfromaseniorofficialatthepresidencywhoinformedmethatatthetimeAondoakaawasbriefingthemedia,Iboriwasactuallyinhisofficeandmusthaveinstigatedthestatement.WhenIaskedifIcouldquotehimbeforethepresident,theofficialgavehisgo-ahead.

MyconversationwiththepresidentwasratherunpleasantbecauseIdidn’tmincewordsaboutmyfeelingandfrustrationsonthewholesordiddrama,especiallytheinfluenceIborihadontheAGF,andbyimplication,ontheadministration.

Laterthatevening,IgotanothercallthattheVPwantedtoseeme,soIwenttomeethimathisresidence.IwassurprisedwhenJonathanaskedmewhetherIwasgivingtherightadvicetothepresidentontheIborimattersincetheimageofmybosswasinvolved.Hesaidthematterwasbringingthegovernmenttoridiculebothathomeandabroad,especiallythewaytheAGFwashandlingit.HeparticularlymentionedthecaseoftheministersofhealthwhowereremovedfromofficeforchargesthatwerenotasseriousastheonesbeingperpetratedbytheAGF.ItoldtheVPallthatIhaddoneontheissuebutaskedwhyhehimselfhadnotintervened.Hemerelyshruggedhisshoulders,anindicationthathehadprobablydonesoandnoactionwastakenorthatheconsideredhisinterventionunnecessary.Ineverthelesspleadedwithhimtoalsospeaktothepresidentaboutit.

IfeltdisturbedbymydiscussionwiththeVP,especiallybecausemanypeopleingovernmentfeltthewayhedid:theycouldnotunderstandwhytheAGFwasallowedtoactasIbori’slawyeranddefender.IknewIcouldnotgobacktothepresidentonthesameissueIhaddiscussedwithhimearlierandonwhichIwasnowsoundingalmostlikeabrokengramophone,soIdecideditwasbetterIwritehimaninformalnote,whichIthenenclosedwiththenewspapersummarythenextmorning.DatedSeptember12,2009,thenoteread:

IhesitatetosendYourExcellencythisnote,butmyconsciencewillnotallow

metostaysilentsinceImadeacommitmenttoserveyouinallhonesty.Lastweek,IinauguratedtheInformationManagementCommitteecomprisingtheInformationDirectors/PressSecretariesinallministriesandMDAsaswechartthewayforwardonmanagingthepublicperceptionforthegovernment.

OneunfortunateissuethatcameupfrommostmemberswashowtheofficeoftheAttorneyGeneralhasbecomeMr.JamesIbori’spublicrelationsoutfit.TheAGFmediainterventiononthecaseinLondonisnowthefocusofattentiongloballywithmanypeople,includingourowngovernmentofficials,worriedabouthowthefateofonemanhasbecomethesoleresponsibilityoftheJusticeMinister.

Yesterdayevening,theVPinvitedmetoaskwhetherIhaveadvisedyouontheimplicationsoftheLondonmatterwithregardstothenegativeimageitwouldbringtotheadministration,homeandabroad,andIsaidheshoulddiscussthematterwithyouhimself.HeevencitedthecaseofthetwoHealthMinisterswhowereremovedfromofficeforamatterheconsideredlessembarrassingthanthisforthegovernment.

Whilethepresidentneverdiscussedtheissuewithme,itwasalsobecomingveryclearthathemighthavedecidedtoputsomedistancebetweenhimselfandhiscontroversialAGF.TherewerealsohintsthatAondoakaacouldbemovedtoanotherministryinaminorcabinetreshuffle.WhatgavecredibilitytothisspeculationwasthattwoweeksbeforethepresidenttravelledtoSaudiArabiainNovember2009,heaskedthelabourminister,Mr.TokunboKayode,todeliverhispaperattheJudgesConferencealthoughAondoakaawasinthecountry.ItwasalsoevidentthatAondoakaa,whofeltveryagitatedthathewasbypassedbythepresident,wasalsolosinghisgripovertheEFCC,whosechairperson,Mrs.FaridaWaziri,denouncedhimbystatingthatcontrarytowhathesaid,IborihadnotbeenexoneratedandthattheletterthattheAGFhadreadtothemediahadnobearingontheV-Mobilecase.

TheembattledformergovernorofDeltaStatewould,however,alsofightback.5Inapublicstatementonhistravails,Iborisaiditwasbecausehedidn’tfacilitatetheelevationofRibadutothepositionoftheIGP;healsosaidthattheformerEFCCchairmanalsosoughthissupportinthebidtooustYar’Aduafrompower:NuhuRibadumustbeaserialliartoattempttodenythatheapproachedmeto

helpunseatthepresentPresident.ThisisoneofhisnumerousongoingattemptstorecruitbothlocalandinternationalfriendstounderminePresidentYar’Adua’sadministration.Thepersonsheapproached,includingme,arestillalive,andtheyhavegiventestimoniestosecurityagencies.Ribaduevencontactedahigh-rankingmemberofIndependentNationalElectoralCommission(INEC)withcomplaintsthata‘sickYar’Adua’shouldnotbeallowedtoremaininofficeandalsowantedaservingjudgeandmemberoftheelectoralpaneltoconvincetheteamofINEC

officialstoconcurwithhisevilplotthattheballotpaperswerenotseriallynumbered—todamageYar’Adua’sdefence.Andhedidthiswithsomeofhisforeignfriendswho,todate,stillwishPresidentYar’Aduadead.

Ribadu,accordingtoIbori,“shouldwaitforthepersecutionbyhimandhisLondonMetropolitanPolicefriendsofmyassociatestobreakopeninafulltrial.ThenIwillenclosecopiousdocumentaryevidencetosubstantiateeveryclaimIhavemade.Theopportunisticandbrazen-facedRibaduisnothingbutafraudulent‘anti-corruptionCzar’

whooperatedwithinstrumentsofblackmail…heshouldshutupandstopboastingabouthavingbeenNigeria’santi-corruptionCzar.Hecompromisedhimself,politicizinghisoffice,andteamedupwithpoliticianstodistributefundstoinfluenceNationalAssemblymembersinthefailedthird-termtenureelongationgambit.Hewasapolitician,notanti-corruptionfighter.”

TheformerEFCCbossis,however,notamanwhowouldallowsuchallegationstogounchallenged,wonderinghowhecouldhavesought“theassistanceofaconvictedfelonforthehighestpolicepositioninthecountry?IfIwantedtobeIG,hewouldbethelastpersonIwouldconsidertohelpme.”HeaddedthatitwasthepastoftheformerDeltaStategovernorthatwashauntinghimandthatwhileIboricouldbribehiswayinNigeriatosecurepublicappointmentforpeopleofquestionablecharacterwhowouldmakeittheirpre-occupationtoshieldhimfromprosecution,hisnemesiswouldultimatelycatchupwithhimintheUnitedKingdom.

WiththemovementoftheIborisagafromNigeriatoDubaiandnowtotheUnitedKingdom,itwillbeinterestingtoseetheexchangebetweenRibaduand

theformerDeltaStategovernorwhentheduofinallymeetinaLondoncourt.ButthesagaverymuchtaintedtheimageoftheYar’Aduaadministration,whichinherited,butneverquitegotinvolvedin,highprofileinternationalcasesofcorruptionsuchastheHalliburtonscam;theWillbrosbriberysagaandtheSiemensscandal.6Butthereisnobodytoblamebutthelatepresidenthimself.

IcannotforgettheexperienceofDecember30,2007,whenIwalkedintothepresident’sresidence,whereImethimatthediningtablewithafewofhisfriends.IwascarryingthedraftofastatementthatIwantedhimtoapprovetoenablemetodousetheoutragegeneratedbythecontroversyovertheattempttosendRibadutoNIPSSthatwasstillraging.

KnowingwhyIhadcome,sincehewasalreadyawareofmyconcerns,heaskedmetositdownandeat.Asweate,hesaid,“Look,Segun,letmetellyouastory.Fourdaysago,IwassittingonthissametablewhenCNNcamewiththebreakingnewsoftheassassinationoftheprimeministerofPakistan,Mrs.BenazirBhutto.Throughoutthatday,thatwastheonlystorytheyrelayed.Bythenextday,theyhadstartedreportingothernews,eventhoughtheBhuttostoryremainedthemostprominent.Byyesterday,theintensityofthereportageoftheBhuttoaffairhaddecreasedandnowifyouwatchthescreenyouwillseethatCNNisgraduallymovingontootherissues.Iamsurethatverysoon,yourfriendsinthemediawillforgetaboutthisRibadumatterthatisworryingyousomuch.Itdoesn’tbothermebecauseIknowitwillsoonblowover.”Unfortunately,theRibadusaganeverreallyblewover,asitinflicteddevastatingdamagetothereputationofPresidentYar’Adua,whosepersonalinclinationwasagainstthecorrupt.IhavereadtheallegationscontainedintheUScablespublishedbyWikileaksagainstcertainindividuals,includinghiswife.Butdespitethat,Yar’Aduawasasimplemanwithrathersimpleneeds,andIstillbelievehewasnotamantobeinvolvedincrookeddeals.Afewexampleswillvalidatemyconviction.

Irecallthepressureputonhimnottodeclarehisassetspubliclyonthegroundsthatdoingthatwouldcompelotherstodosoagainsttheletterandspiritofthelaw.Yet,hedid.Ialsoknewabouthisambivalencetowardswealthandhisdisdainforallformsofmaterialism.Aspresident,helivedaSpartanlifestyledevoidofanyformofpersonalpleasure,andonegottheimpressionthatheknew,orperhapsfeared,thathemightnotlivelong.Thatprobablyaccountedforwhyhewasveryspiritual.ButgiventhatcorruptionhasovertheyearsbeenNigeria’selitevice,passioniseasilyinflamedwhenthepeopleareledtobelieve

thatagovernment’santi-corruptioncampaignisnomorethanaruse.WiththewaytheIborimatterwashandled,itwaseasytocometothatconclusion,yetherewasapresidentwhowentpublictodeclarehisunwaveringsupportfortheremovaloftheimmunityclausefromourconstitution.

Withemphasisonlayingoutregulationsandproceduresthatencouragedueprocessandrespectfortheinstitutionsthatdealwithanti-corruption,Yar’Adua’smotivationwastonudgeNigeriaintoaneraofpreventiveanti-corruption.“Wenowhaveasituationinwhichpeopleawardcontractswithoutcaringwhethertheyhaveenoughmoneytocompletetheproject,andbecauseofthis,therearelotsofabandonedprojectsalloverthecountry,infactsomegoingintobillionsofdollars.Thisisthekindofdisrespectforestablishedregulationsandproceduresthatfeedscorruption,”hesaidattheWorldEconomicForuminDavos,whilespeakingtoagroupofinvestors.

Yar’Adua,itmustbenoted,stoppedthepracticeof‘warehousingmoney’attheendoftheyear,whichwasthepracticebeforeheassumedoffice.Rather,heinsistedthatallunspentmoneyattheendofabudgetcycleshouldbereturnedtothetreasury.Itwastheattempttofloutthisdirectivethatledtotheousteroftwoministersand11seniorofficialsintheMinistryofHealth,aswellasthearrestofsomemembersoftheNationalAssemblyCommitteeonHealth.ItwasalsohisinsistenceondueprocessthatledtotheexposureofthefraudattheRuralElectrificationAgency,whichculminatedinthearrestofseniorofficialsandsomelawmakers.

Cognizantofthefactthattheresourcesinthehandsofthefederalgovernmentfaroutweighthoseoftheentire36statesandthe774localgovernmentsputtogether,thepresidentbelievedthatitwascharitabletobeginthefightagainstcorruptionatthatlevel,sothatbypluggingtherequisiteloopholesatthefederallevel,itwouldbeeasiertoleadbyexample.Forhim,pluggingloopholesmeantallowingofficialsoftheBureauofPublicProcurement(BPP)toberigorousintheiroversightfunctions,allinthebidtoenthronearegimeoftransparencyandaccountability.Thataccountedfortheenormouspowerswieldedbythedirectorgeneralofthebureau,EngineerEmekaEze;anyprojectthatdidnotsecurehiscertificationwasasgoodasdead.

ItisonrecordthatYar’Aduainstitutedthepolicyofe-payment,whichbecameeffectiveJanuary1,2009,forthesettlementofallfederalgovernmentobligations.Therehasbeensomeresistance,butwithfaithfulimplementation,it

willdrasticallyreducecorruptioninanationwherepoliticians’preferredmethodofpaymentforunder-the-tabledealsiscash.

Withe-payment,banksarenowinstructedtomakedirectpaymentstotheaccountsofemployees,consultantsandotherserviceproviderssothatthesepaymentscanbeeasilytracked.Withe-payment,contractorsnowgettheirpaymentsdirectlyintotheiraccounts,andbanksareunderobligationnottoopencorporateaccountsforcompaniesnotregisteredbytheCorporateAffairsCommissionorcompanieswithoutataxidentificationnumber.Thisnotonlyenhancestheaudittrail,iteliminatescashforonlinetransactionsandreducesinteractionsbetweenofficersresponsibleforpaymentsandthebeneficiaries.

Atthefederallevel,corruptionisnowsomucheasiertotrack,iftheanti-corruptionagenciesarealivetotheirresponsibilities.

Ofcourse,it’salsoworthnotingthatYar’AduahelpedtosanitizethebanksbyputtingtheweightofhisofficebehindtheCentralBankreform,whichsawtotheremovalandsubsequenttrialofsomechiefexecutivesofbanks,evenwhenhisfamilyhadsubstantialinterestinoneoftheaffectedbanks.Perhapsinyearstocome,theenduringlegacyofYar’AduawillbeinthelegislationhesuperintendedinthefightagainstgraftwiththebillthathesenttotheNationalAssemblyinhislastfewmonthsinoffice.

OnApril8,2009,hebroughtanexecutivememototheFederalExecutiveCouncil(FEC)fortheapprovalofadraftbillfortheintroductionofanonconviction-basedassetforfeituresysteminNigeria,aswellastheestablishmentofaregulatoryframeworkforthecontrolandmanagementofassetsbothbeforeandafterconfiscation.Thisinitiativeisaimedatstrengtheningthecapacityofthegovernmenttorecoverassetsthatareproceedsofcorruptionandtoassistinputtingpressureoncountrieswherestolenassetsarelocatedtoreturnsuchassetstothestateoforigin.Itisalsothemechanismbywhich,intheabsenceofcriminalproceedings,theproceedsofcriminalactivitycouldbeconfiscatedsoastodepriveapersonofill-gottenwealth.

Oncepassed,assetforfeiturewouldnotbethwartedbyimmunitiesorinabilitytoextraditeasuspectwhoisbeyondreach,whilealsoallowingassetrecoverywhere,intheeventofthedeathorabsenceofthesuspect(s),confiscationandreturnofpropertyinvolvedwouldnototherwisebepossible.Itwillalsoallowforconfiscationwhereanindividualhasbeentriedbeforeacriminalcourtbut

acquitted,perhapsthroughaquestionableverdictorbecausetheevidence,althoughprobative,fellshortofthecriminalstandardofproof.

Yar’Aduaenvisagedacomprehensiveandinstitutionalapproachtofightingcorruption,but,unfortunately,thiswasexploitedbysomeunscrupulousofficialswhohadscantregardforthelaw.However,asthemanatwhosedeskthebuckstopped,hemustacceptresponsibility—andNigeriansindeedholdhimaccountable—foreverythingthathappenedonhiswatch.

Endnotes

1Therewere85banksinNigeriabeforethe2004consolidationpolicywhichultimatelyreducedthemto25.

2ChiefFawehinmi,SAN,Nigeria’srespectedhumanrightscrusaderandlawyer,wasoneofthestaunchestsupportersofRibadu.ChiefFawehinmidiedofcancerin2009atage71.

3RibaduwaspromotedfirstfromthepostofDeputyCommissionertoCommissionerofPoliceandthenAssistantInspectorGeneralofPolice(AIG)withinoneyearbyformerPresidentChiefOlusegunObasanjo.

4TheallegedillegaltradinginV-Mobilesharesinvolvedthreeformergovernors,ChiefJamesIboriofDeltaState,SenatorBolaTinubuofLagosStateandObongVictorAttahofAkwaIbomState.

5AtapressconferenceinLagosinSeptember2009,theformergovernorofDeltaStateaccusedRibaduofactingasatooltoformerPresidentObasanjobecausehe(Ibori)refusedtosupportthefailedthirdtermbidandforchampioningthemovetogetthefederalgovernmenttopayoilproducingstates13percentderivationfundwhichheargueddatedbackto1999.

6SiemensandWilbroswereallegedtohavebribedsomeNigerianofficialsinordertosecuretelecommunicationsandoilservicecontractsinNigeriawhileHalliburtonofficialsconfessedthattheypaidabout$180minbribetotoppublicofficials,alsotosecureajuicyoilcontract;allbeforeYar’Aduacametopower.

3

TheOilyAffairs

PresidentYar’Adua’sconvictionsinrelationtotheoilandgasindustrywerenotindoubtfromhisfirstdayinoffice:aholisticreviewofthegoverningstructureofthesectorwasnecessaryforittotrulyservetheinterestofthepeople.Indeed,hemadenopretensesabouthiscommitmenttothat,andheoftenviewedBrazil’sPetrobas1asamodeltowhichthenationshouldaspire.ItwasforthatreasonhehadtakenkeeninterestinthePetroleumIndustryBill(PIB),conceivedtoharnessopportunitiesandaddressthechallengesintheoilandgassector.Thebill’saimistoensurethatNigeriaderivesmaximumbenefit,directlyandindirectly,acrossoilandgasvaluechainsbyopeninguphorizonsforwiderparticipationofstakeholdersandentrenchingtransparency.

Noteveryonesharedthepresident’senthusiasm.ThecurrentoperatorsinNigeriaespeciallyneverhidtheiroppositiontothePIB,becauseitintroducesanumberofchangestotheexistingfiscalsystemgoverningoilandgasoperationinthecountry.

SomeofthekeychangesincludethefactthatallcompaniesengagedinupstreampetroleumoperationwouldberequiredtopayCompanyIncomeTax.Thebill’sothercreationistheNigerianHydrocarbonTax(NHT),whichisasimplifiedversionofPetroleumProfitTax.Whenimplemented,thesewouldprovideforahighergovernmenttakefordeepoffshorefieldsandmarginallyhighergovernmenttakeforonshoreandshallowwaters.

ThePIBalsointroducesamodernacreagemanagementsystemwithstrictrelinquishmentguidelinesthatwouldprovideaplatformfornewinvestors,bothlocalandforeign,toenlistandcontributetothegrowthoftheindustry.CompaniescurrentlyoperatinginNigeriawouldberequiredtogivebackcertainacreagesfromexistingoilprospectinglicensesandoilminingleases,exceptwithregardtoacreageswithproductionactivities,oracreagesthatwillbedevelopedinthenearfuture.Theintentionwastopreventcompaniesfromsittingonacreagesthatwouldhaveotherwisebeenavailabletonewinvestors.Yettheoilcompanies,longaccustomedtocertainwaysofdoingbusinessin

Nigeria,wouldratherthatthestatusquoremain.

ItwasagainstthisbackgroundthatacrucialmeetingbetweenShellInternationalandthegovernmentwasheldinthefirstweekofMarch2008.Itwasinconceivablethatthecompanywouldbecomfortablewithalawthatseekstosubjectittothesamesystemofrents,royaltiesandtaxesaseveryothercompanyoperatinginNigeria.ThevisitingCEO,Mr.JeroenvanderVeer,outlinedthecompany’sapprehensionsaboutthebill,butthepresident’scalmreassurancewasthatShell’sinterestwouldalwaysbeconsideredinalltheactionstakenbyNigeriatoreformtheoilandgassector,giventhelonghistorysharedbythecompanyandthecountry.Nonetheless,heexplainedthatthelegalandgovernancestructuresthathadbeendesignedsincethe1970shadbecomeinadequatefortheneedsoftheNigerianoilandgasindustry.

ThereformcommencedunderPresidentOlusegunObasanjoin2000withtheinaugurationoftheOilandGasSectorImplementationCommittee(OGIC)byAtikuAbubakar,whowasthenvicepresident,inhiscapacityasChairmanoftheNationalCouncilonPrivatization(NCP).ThecommitteewaschairedbyDr.RilwanuLukman,whowasspecialadviseronpetroleumatthetime.TheBureauofPublicEnterprises(BPE)servedastheOGICsecretariatandthethendirectorgeneral,Mr.Nasirel-Rufainominatedmostofthemembers,whichincludedProf.YinkaOmorogbe,whowouldlaterplayacrucialroleontheissue.In2007,Yar’AduabroughtbackLukmanaspresidentialadviseronpetroleum,essentiallybecauseofthePIB.

AlthoughObasanjohadconceivedOGIC,itwasoneareainwhichhissuccessorliterarilyhitthegroundrunning.ItallbeganonSaturday,August11,2007,whenthepresidentinauguratedacommitteeheadedbyLukman2,whomhehadappointedhonoraryspecialadviser,EnergyandStrategicMattersandchairmanoftheOGICReformImplementationCommittee.Hisdirectivetothemwasbriefbutquitechallenging:reviewtheOGIC

reportandcomeupwithaworkabledocumentwithinoneweek.InreconstitutingOGIC,Lukmanalsobroughtinthreeoriginalmembers—DonuKogbara,Dr.M.M.Ibrahim,andOmorogbe,whoheadedthesub-committeethatdraftedthebill.

Abouttwoweekslater,Lukmanmadeapresentationthataddressedfourcriticalareas:requiredlegislation,fundingandprivatization,gaslinkagewithpower

supply,andtheroleofthethreetiersofgovernment.ThepresentationharpedontheneedtotransformtheNigerianNationalPetroleumCorporation(NNPC)fromahugeamorphouscostcentrewithconflictingrolesinpolicy,regulation,commercialoperationsintoafull-fledgedinternational,integratedcommercialoilandgascorporationdrivenbyrevenuegenerationandprofitobjectives.

Afterextensivedeliberation,thepresidentdirectedthatthecommittee’sreportbepresentedtotheFederalExecutiveCouncil(FEC),andthiswasdoneonWednesday,August29,2007.Endorsedbythecouncil,thereportwaseventuallysenttotheNationalAssemblyas‘ThePetroleumIndustryBill’fortheirconsiderationandenactmentintolaw.

ThepresidentscrupulouslyexplainedalltheseprocessestotheShellteambeforeseekingthecooperationofthecompany,arguingthatitcouldbeawin-winsituationforbothShellandNigeria.Butthisoptimism,evenfromwhattranspiredatthemeeting,seemedtobeatallorder,giventhatShellhaditsownideasonhowitbelievesNigeria’soilandgasindustryshouldberun.Besides,ShellhadfoundrelatingwithYar’Aduaratherdifficultfortworeasons:hehadexpressedhisdispleasurewiththecompanyforitsreluctancetomakegasavailableforelectricitygenerationinthecountryandwasalsoconcernedaboutShell’sdisrespectforconstitutedauthority,asthecompanyhaddevelopedthehabitofbypassingtheNNPCtothepresidency,atendencythepresidentwantedtostop.Forthisreason,healwaysreferredShelltoNNPCorinvitedNNPC

wheneverShellmanagementattemptedtomeethim,andthecompanydidn’tlikethis.

Thesession,however,endedonaconvivialnotesincethepresidentassuredthevisitingdelegationthatthereformswerenottargetedatanyofthemultinationaloilcompanies.

Withthemeetingover,oneofthecompany’sofficialsaskedformye-mailaddress.HesaidShellwasholdinganInvestorsRelationsPresentationinLondononMarch17andthathewantedmetoclearwhattheCEOintendedtosayabouttheirNigerianoperations.

Afewdayslater,ShellindeedsentmethethreeparagraphsonNigeria,whichIconsideredafairrepresentationofwhattranspiredatthemeeting,andIgavemygo-ahead.AndthatwaswhatJeroenvanderVeerreadinLondon.3

Thisrapprochementwasrathershort-lived,asthepresident,twomonthslater,directedtheNNPCtotakestepstorecoveroutstandingpaymentsofabouttwobillionUSdollarsduetothefederalgovernmentfromShellandExxonMobilontheProductionSharingContracts(PSCs)fortheBongaandErhaoilfields.ThisdirectivewasbasedontherecommendationsofthecommitteehehadestablishedtoverifytheclaimsinapetitionthatallegedthatrevenueopportunitieshadbeenlosttothenationintheimplementationofthePSCsforthetwodeep-offshoreoilfields,whichaccountforabout20percentofthecountry’stotaloilproduction.Thefollowingrepresentsabreakdownofthisdirective:

•Thetotalsumof$1.496billionaccruabletoNNPC,basedontheproperapplicationofthePSC’scapitalallowance,shouldberecovered.Thissumwasmadeupof$850millionfromBongaand$646.3millionfromErha.

•Thesumof$414.6millionaccruabletoNNPCandtogovernmentfromBongagassalesandastaxrevenuefromthegassalesberecovered.

•Allfuturegovernmentgassalesagreementsshouldaccountfornaturalgasliquids(NGLs)toensurethatthegovernmentderivesmaximumeconomicbenefitfromthemandthatthispositionbeadoptedintherenegotiationofallexistingPSCagreementsthataredueforrenegotiation.

Thegaleofreformwasnotabouttoabate.PresidentYar’AduafurtherdirectedthattheFederalInlandRevenueService(FIRS)shouldre-examinethecompanyincometaxpaymentsduefromShellNigeriaExplorationandProductionCompany(SNEPCO)andEssoExplorationandProductionNigeriaLimited(EEPNL)ontheoperationofthetwooilfields.

Tothemultinationaloilcompanies,thesedecisionswereakintoadeclarationofwar,anditwasevidenttheywouldfightback.Butthepresident’sactionsweretakeningoodfaithasacloselookattheirunderliningpremisewillreveal:criticaltothesedecisionswasthatBonga(OilMiningLease[OML]118)—whichbegunoperationsinNovember2005—

andErha(OML133)—whichcommencedoperationsinMarch2006—representNigeria’sfirstmajordeepoffshoredevelopmentsandbothfieldsaregovernedby1993

PSCs.ThelicenseforBongaisoperatedonbehalfoftheNNPCbySNEPCOandthatforErhaisoperatedbyEEPNL.

Thedeterminationofcrudeoilallocationandentitlementsfromthefieldsbythecontractors(ShellandExxonMobil)andNNPChadbeenfacedwithunresolvedissuessinceproductioncommenced;thiswasbroughttothepresident’sattentionwhenheassumedoffice.ContractorsandNNPC,accordingtothebriefgivenhim,hadhelddifferentpositionsonthetreatmentofinvestmenttaxcredit(ITC),costconsolidation,timingofcapitalallowanceandapplicableroyaltyrates.Thesefactors,plusacombinationofseveralotherlapsesthereforeinformedthepresident’sdirectivethatbothBongaandErhabereviewed.

Itwasthissituationthatinspiredestablishingthecommitteeheadedbythespecialadviseronpetroleummatters,Dr.EmmanuelEgbogah,withthemandatetoascertaintheoperationsofthefieldsanddetermineiftherewererevenueopportunitiesthatmighthavebeenlostbygovernment.OthermembersweredrawnfromtheMinistryofFinance,NationalPlanningCommissionandtheDepartmentofPetroleumResources(DPR).TheCBNgovernor,accountantgeneralofthefederation,thegroupmanagingdirectorofNNPC,andtheFederalInlandRevenueServicechairmanwerealsoonthecommittee.

Thecommitteewasdirectedtodeterminethevolumesofcrudeoilandgasthatwasproducedonbothfieldswithinatrialmarketingperiod(TMP)ofsixmonthsandthereaftercomparethesideagreementclauses(ifany)usedformarketingthecrudeoil.Itwasalsorequiredtoascertainthebasisforestablishinganescrowaccountindependentofthefederationaccount,andwhyaccesstothisaccountwasexclusivelyretainedbyShellandExxonMobil.Finally,thecommitteewastoidentifytherevenuestreamandhowthemoneywasbeingbankedanddistributedamongthepartners.

Basedonthedatareceivedandsubsequentanalysis,thecommittee’ssubmissionwasthatatotalrevenueof$11.342billionwasaccruabletofederalgovernmentandNNPCsincethecommencementofproductionfrombothBongaandErhafields.Afterexaminingallthefiguresforroyaltyandtaxaswellasthebenefitfrominvestmenttaxcredit(ITC)usedtooffsettaxobligation,thecommitteeconcludedthattherewasagapof$1.911billionmadeupof$1.496billion(capitalallowance),$288.5millionforBongagassalestoNLNGand$126.2millionastaxrevenueonsaleofBongagas.ThisrepresentedtherecoverablesumfrombothShellandExxonMobil.

Thepresident’sdirectives,however,lefttheoilcompaniesunsettledandfuelledthesuspicionthatwithsuchadisposition,theideabehindthePIBcouldnotbeintheirinterest.So,theybegantoplotstrategiesthatwouldfrustratethebill.WhenMr.RichKruger,PresidentofExxonMobil,ledaneight-mandelegationtotheStateHouseaboutthreemonthsafterasimilarvisitbyhisShellcounterpart,thepresidentre-echoedhiscommitmenttotheoilcompanies:“Iassureyouthataswereformthenationaloilcompany,wewilltakeintoaccountthemutualinterestsoftheinternationaloilcompaniesandthefederalgovernment.Thereformsmeanttorestructureournationaleconomywillbeawin-winsituationforNigeriaandtheoilcompanies.”PresidentYar’AduasaidNigeriahadenjoyedalongrelationshipwiththecompanies,adding,“Wewillensuremutualconsultation,sothatwecantransformournationaloilcompanywithoutupsettingtherelationshipwehavewithourpartners.”Atbothhispublicandprivatemeetings,thepresidenttookaconciliatorypathashepleadedforthesupportoftheoilcompanieswithregardtothereformsoftheindustry.

Yet,asrevelationsfromsomesecretcablesfromtheUnitedStatesembassyinNigeriapublishedbyWikileaksshow,4itisobviousthattheoilcompanies,Shellparticularly,wereouttoensurethatthePIBwasnotpassedandifpassedatall,wouldbeaversionthatwouldnotinanywayadvancetheinterestoftheNigerianstakeholders.

InoneoftheleakedcableswrittenbyformerUSambassadortoNigeria,Dr.RobinSanders,Shell’sregionalexecutivevice-presidentforAfrica,AnnPickard,wasquotedtohavesaidtheinternationaloilcompanies(IOC)werequiteconcernedaboutthe‘veryflawed’newpetroleumsectorenergybill.

OnOctober20,2009,DeputyChiefofMission,DundasMcCulloughwrote:PickardsaidtheGON[governmentofNigeria]wantedtheNationalAssemblytopassthe[PIB]byNovember17inorderfortheGONtobeabletoannounceitattheupcomingCWCGulfofGuineaConferenceinLondonNovember17-19.ShesaidthatiftheHousepassesthePIBinthecomingweeks,“Weneedtomovequickly”toobtainanynecessarychangesbeforeitbecomeslaw.Fortunately,sheadded:“WeareworkingwiththeHouseandtheHouseappearstowanttoworkwithus.”Shecontinued,sayingthatiftheSenatepassedthePIB,“Wearen’tworried.”Unfortunately,sheexplained,“WethinktheSenatewillpassabadbill,”butitwouldn’treallymatter.SheaddedthatshewouldbeattheNigerianHouseandSenatelaterthatdayandwouldlettheembassyknowiftherewereanyunexpecteddevelopments.

TheAmbassadoraskedifShellhadhadengagementswiththeGONoutsidetheNationalAssembly,suchaswiththeMinistryofFinanceandtheCentralBankofNigeria.Pickardsaid,“Wearemeetingwiththematalllevels.”ShenotedthatanIMFteamheadedbyCharlesMcPhersonwasinAbujatolookatthePIBandthatShellwouldbemeetingwiththemaswell.Incontrast,shesaid,“WeareworriedabouttheWorldBank’spoliticalagenda,anditisnotclearwhattheiragendais.”ShesaidtheWorldBankwasworkingonhowtomaketheIJVs[InternationalJointVentures]‘bankable’sothattheywouldbeabletogotointernationalanddomesticbanksforfinancing.

Onefactthatmust,however,beconcededisthatPickardwasconsistentinheroppositiontothePIB,whichshepubliclydescribedas“acumbersomedocumentthatlacksinsightintotheverybasicsofourindustry,”atapubliclectureinAbujainFebruary2010.Thisviewhadthenbeencounteredbypetroleumminister,Dr.RilwanLukmanwhosaid,“Let’swaitandsee.Verysoonwe[will]knowwhoiswrong.”Incidentally,renownedenergyconsultant,PedrovanMeurs,hadatthesameforumdescribedShell’soppositiontothefiscalprovisionsofthePIBasoneinducedessentiallybyprofit.“Thereisnotruthintheallegationthat[the]PIBfiscalsystemistheharshestintheworldorthatitwillhaltinvestment.Ihavebeenadvisinggovernmentsallovertheworldforover40years,andIknowthatthisisabattlewherebytheoilcompanywilltrytogetoutoftheparliamentthehighestpossibleshare.Sotheymakeloudnoisesomaybesomebodyouttheremightbelisteningtothem,”arguedMeurs,whohappenstobeDutch.5

Shell,however,begantofeeltheheatwhentheNNPCGroupgeneralmanager,PublicAffairsDivision,Dr.LeviAjuonuma,accusedthecompanyofbeing“attheforefrontofarenewedattempttoscuttletheplannedpassageofthePetroleumIndustryBill,whichiscurrentlybeforetheNationalAssembly.”

Egbogahwouldstirthehornet’snestwhen,inamediainterview,hemadespecificallegationsaboutattemptstocompromisethelawmakers:“TheoilcompaniesaretakingthesenatorstoGhanatofeedthem,goingtoLabourpeopletobribethemandsayingthatthisreformisgoingtokillyouandallthatnonsense.”ArguingthattheoilcompanieshadbeenmilkingNigeriafor50years

andthattheywantedtocontinuetodoso,Egbogahadded,“Butweknowourroles,andweknowwhattodoandhowtodoit.Theyarenottoeducateusonhowtodothat.WewilltakeourdestinyinourhandsandNigerianswillbegintoseethebenefits.Itwillnothappentoday,itwilltakesometime,buteveryonewillrealizewearedoingthisforourselves.6”

Legislatorswereoutragedbythisallegation,withsomeactuallyaccusingthepresidencyofattemptstoblackmailthem.TherewasalsoaresolutionforEgbogahtobeinvitedtosubstantiatetheclaim.Eventhoughthespecialadviserapologized,explainingthathenevermeanttoimpugntheintegrityoftheSenatorsandthathehadusedtheword‘lobby’

andnot‘bribe’,thechairmanoftheSenateCommitteeonInformationandMedia,SenatorAyoguEze(PDP,EnuguNorth),confirmedthatsomememberswereindeedsponsoredonatriptoGhanawithouttheknowledgeoftheSenateleadership:Ineedtosayclearlythatwehavefoundout,unfortunatelyandregrettably,thattherewasanattemptbysomeprivatesectororganizationstolobbymembersoftheNationalAssemblyonthebillthatisbeforetheNationalAssembly.WefoundouttodaythatsomemembersoftheNationalAssemblydidgotoGhana,andwearealsonotveryhappywiththedevelopmentbecauseSection21ofourStandingRulesspecifiescategoricallythatbeforeyoucantravelabroadforwhateverreason,youmustwritetotheleadershipoftheSenate,statingthepurpose,statingthedurationofyourstayandstatingtheaddresswhereyouaregoingtostay.

Thecommitteeortheindividualsthatareinvolvedneverwrotetotheleadership,neverinformedus;so,wearecompletelyinthedarkaboutthepeoplewhomadethetrip,andwearenothappyaboutthat,andwehavereferredthematter,basedonthemotionbroughtbyamember,totheCommitteeonEthicsandPublicPetition.

EzeassuredNigeriansthattherewouldbeapublichearingonthematterandthatifanysenatorwasfoundwanting,therewouldbeconsequences.ThoughEzedidnotmentionthenamesofsenatorswhomadethetriptoGhana,thechairmanoftheSenateCommitteeonPetroleum(Upstream),SenatorLeeMaeba,whowasnotpartofthetrip,gaveabluntsummaryofevents:“WhentheyreturnedfromGhana,IdiscussedwithdistinguishedSenatorAmange,butIhavenotreceived

officialbrieffromthosewhowenttoGhana.SenatorAmangeisevenlamentingastowhyhewenttherebecausetherewereevenissuesofestacodenotpaidtothemandalotofotherissueswhichmadethemtoreturnadaybeforetheyweresupposedtoreturn.”

Thesaidseminar,attendedbyelevensenatorsandrepresentativesofLabour,wassponsoredbytheOilProducersTradeSession(OPTS)thenchairedbyMr.BasilOmiyi,formercountrychairmanofShell.IftheSenateeverconductedanyinvestigation,thepublicisyettobeinformedofthefindings,buttheoilcompaniessteppeduptheironslaughttofrustratethepassageofthePIB,whichremainswiththelawmakersalmostthreeyearsafteritwassubmitted.

TherewereotherissuesthatwereneverquiteresolvedunderYar’Adua.Forinstance,theappointments,bythepresident,ofMohammedBarkindoasNNPCGroupmanagingdirectorandOmorogbeassecretaryandlegaladviserwereattheinstanceofLukmanandprincipallybecauseofthereform.ButthemomenttheygottoNNPC,BarkindoandOmorogbecouldnotagreeonthecontentofthePIB,especiallyaftertheformerwasbelievedtohaveredraftedthebillinsuchamannerastogivetremendouspowertoNNPCwhilebluntingtherolesofthenewinstitutionstobecreated,inclearcontraventionofthestatedobjectivesofthereforms.Thisledtoamultiplicityofbills,andOmorogbesentaprotestlettertoLukman,whileAjumogobiaalsoraisedtheissue.

Notwithstanding,thescaremongeringtacticsadoptedbytheIOCshaveobscuredfrommanyNigerianstherealbenefitsofthePIB,whichisdesignedtounleashthecapacityofthenationintheoilandgassectorwhileoneofthemultipliereffectsofitsimplementationwouldbeemploymentgeneration.Again,withtheprospectofstoppingcashcallpaymentstotheIOCsandraisingmoneyfrominternationalfinancemarketstofundjointventureprojects,thepresidentbelievedthatwouldalsodeepenourcapitalmarket,wherenooilcompanyisasyetbeingquoted.PassageofthePIB(asoriginallyconceived)wouldalsoensurethatwiththegassectorthatisjustbeingdeveloped,thenationdoesnotcommitthesamemistakeitmadewithcrudeoil.

Butbeyondallthesewasadecisiontofreeresourcesforthesocialsector.“Partofthereasonswhywearerestructuringouroilsectoristofreetheresourcesthatwepaytheoilcompaniesunderjointventureagreementsforcriticalareaslikepower,educationandhealth,”thepresidentsaidatameetingwithrepresentativesoftheorganizedprivatesectorinAbujainNovember2007.

WhiletheIOCscontinuedtomakeovertandcovertsmovestosubvertthepassageofthePIB,theyalsotookkeeninterestinthesurreptitiousmovesbytheRussianandChinesegovernmentstomakeadramaticentryintotheNigerianoilandgasindustry:adeliberatebogeyYar’AduaencouragedtogettheIOCstoshowmoresensitivitytoNigeria’snationalinterest.

Itwasatthemarginofthe33rdG8summitinGermany7inJune2007thatthethenRussianpresident,Mr.VladimirPutin,hadabriefchatwithYar’Adua.HebluntlytoldthepresidentthatNigerianofficialsweredenyingalevelplayingfieldtoGazprom8,whichwashavingdifficultiesgainingentranceintothenation’soilandgasindustry.

PutintoldthepresidenthehadinformationthatNigeriangovernmentofficials,incollaborationwithShell,weredeliberatelymakingitimpossibleforRussianandChineseIOCstooperateinthecountry.Thiswasaseriousallegationthatcouldnotbetakenlightly.

Uponreturnfromthesummit,thepresidentdirectedTanimutomonitorandprovidehimwithfeedbackonNNPC’sproposedpartnershipwithGazpromuntilappropriateprotocolsweresigned.HedetailedEgbogahwiththeresponsibilityofassessingtheChineseinterest.ThepresidentfeltthatNigerianeededthecompetitionbetweenthepre-existingIOCs,ofwhichShellwastheprimusinterpares,andtheChineseandRussianIOCsthenprospectingNigeria.Hisreasonswerethatifthenewglobalplayerswereallowedtoparticipateinfreshbidrounds,especiallyonlongtermleasesheldbyShellthatwereabouttoexpire,theIOC’swouldbecompelledtouptheirbids.WhilehenevercontemplatedreplacingwesternIOCswithRussianandChinesecompetitors,hebelievedthatthenewentrantscouldbeusedasabaittoextractvalueandconcessionsfromthereluctantwesternIOCsonthemanyfrontsonwhichhethoughttheycoulddobetterforthenation.

ThestoryoftheChineseinterestintheoilandgassectorbeganinNovember2007whenaChineseconsortium,ledbyCNOOCAfricaLtd.madeaproposaltothepresident,expressingitsdesiretoacquirealargenumberofoilandgasassetsestimatedtocontainsixbillionbarrelsofoilreserves.Withaproposedofferof$50billioninwhattheydescribedas‘alternativefundingforinfrastructuraldevelopmentinNigeria’,itwasverydifficulttoresist.

Tothepresident,whowasintentonbridgingNigeria’sinfrastructuralgap,this

wasahugesumthatcouldhelp,especiallyindevelopingthegassector,whichheldhugeprospectforthepowerandthetransportsectors.Itwas,however,notuntilhereturnedfromhisstatevisittoChinainFebruary2008thathedirectedLukmantoexploretheideaproposedbytheChineseconsortium.

LukmanwouldlaterconstituteacommitteetoexaminetheChineseproposalwhenheassumedtheofficeofpetroleumminister.ThatcommitteewaschairedbyEgbogah.

OthermembersincludedDr.MohammedIbrahim,fromtheofficeoftheministerofpetroleum;Dr.TimOkonfromtheofficeoftheGMDofNNPC;Eng.M.K.Amate,directorofPlanningandStatistics,officeofthepermanentsecretary,DepartmentofPetroleumResources;andMr.A.J.IbikunleoftheDepartmentofPetroleumResources.

OtherswereMr.VictorBriggs,NationalPetroleumInvestmentServices(NAPIMS),andMrs.GraceTaiga,legaldirector,MinistryofPetroleumResources.

Themandateofthecommittee,asspeltoutbyLukman,includedconfirmingandascertainingtheavailabilityofuncommittedreservesbetweentwotothreebillionbarrelsandundertakingnegotiationswiththeChineseconsortiummadeupofCNOOCAfricaLtd.,SinohydroCorporationandChinaStateConstructionCompanyoverpossiblesale.

Theywerealsotodeterminetheappropriatelegalandcommercialframeworkforthistransactionifitwasfoundtobeworthyofconsideration.InthefirstproposalmadetogovernmentbytheSunriseConsortiumchairman,Mr.LapYenYoung,thecompanywasreadytopay$25billionforthesixbillionoilreservesafterwhichitwouldfurtherinvestanother$25billion“intheexecutionofeconomicallyviableinfrastructuralprojectsinNigeria.”

SomeoftheprojectsidentifiedbythecompanyincludedtheMambillaandZungeruhydropowerprojects;300,000barrel-per-dayexportrefineryinLagos;100,000barrel-per-dayrefineryinCalabarandKatsina;constructionofan800,000metricton-per-daycompoundfertilizerinSokoto;concessionandconstructionoffivesuperhighwaysacrossthecountrytoincludeAbujatoKano,LagostoBadagry;andcoastalhighwaysfromCalabartoLagosandMaiduguri

toKebbi.

TheyalsoproposedtheexecutionoftheNigeriangasmasterplanwith$3billionprovisionforgasgatheringaswellastheLagos-Kanorailproject.Thesewereenticingpropositionstothepresident.

TheidentifiedoilfieldswereOML67,68,and70,forwhichtheyofferedfarm-infeesof$5perbarrelfor3billionbarrels;$2perbarrelfor49percentinterestinOML11and13

and$3perbarrelfor49percentinOML71,72,74,77,79,83,85,86,88,90,91,95,116,118,127,133,140,and326.AtatimewhentheoilcompanieswerealreadykickingagainstthePIB,itwasevidenttheytookalotofinterestinthenegotiationswiththeChineseconsortium,especiallywithregardtotheavailabilityoftheidentifiedfields,someofwhichwerethenunderlitigation.

Thefirsttaskundertakenbythegovernmentwastoascertainthevolumeofoilandgasinthereservesunderconsideration.TheNNPCdataandrecordsrevealedthattheycontainedabout11.562billionbarrelsofoiland1.082billionbarrelsofcondensate,whichmeantthattheoffermadebytheChineseconsortiumwouldthenmakeittechnicallyanofferof$1.8perbarrelofoilequivalent.Ofcourse,theChinesenegotiatorskeptdanglingthecarrotoftheir“investiblefunds”ininfrastructuralprojects,which,giventhesituationinthecountry,wasrathertempting.Butwithnegotiationsinthehandsoftechnicalpeopleandnotpoliticians,theChinesedidnotmakeanyheadwayinthatdirectionastheEgbogahcommitteedecidedonexaminingtheofferusingmarketbenchmarks.

Tothegovernment,theabsurdityofthispropositionisself-evident:Whereastheconsortiumcalculatedthevolumesintheoilfieldsitwasbiddingforassixbillionbarrelsofreserves,itwasobviousthattheydeliberatelyleftoutgasandcondensateintheiranalysis.ThemajorfactorcitedbytheChineseconsortiumfortheirvaluationwastheelementofriskassociatedwiththetransactiongiventheprevailingvolatilityoftheNigerDelta.Butthegovernmentwasoftheviewthattherewardfaroutweighedtherisk.

Evenwhiletemptedbytheofferofdevelopingcriticalinfrastructure—oneofthemainitemsinYar’Adua’sseven-pointagenda—theconsideredwisdomwithingovernmentwasthattheChineseofferwasfartoolow,andfromtheoutset,

Lukmanwasdismissiveoftheirproposal.Butthepresidentwanteditexploredtoitslimits.Onthreedifferentoccasions,theChineseindeedimprovedontheiroffer,buttheywerenonethelessrejectedbecausethenegotiatingteamwasdirectedthattherebenotrade-offsoninfrastructureanddownstreamcommitments.

FourofferslaterfromtheChineseconsortium,theanswerremainedthesame:nodeal.

Thegovernmentnowmadeacounteroffershapedbythefactthatprevailingmarketconditionsaroundtheworldindicatedthatmajorresourceholderswerenotsellingequitybarrels.ThereasoningwasthatatatimewhenthegovernmentwasworkingtowardsIncorporatedJointVenturesunderthePIB,theimplicationofsellingequitybarrelswouldbethattheycouldconferthefullpotentialreservesinablockwithoutbeingconstrainedbyprice.This,itwasfelt,wouldnotbeintheinterestofNigeria.AfterweighingtheChineseofferagainstthepriceperbarrelbeingpaidbyotheroperatorsinsomeOMLs,thegovernmentcametotheconclusionthat,evenwithalltheenticingpromisesaboutinvestiblefunds,theChinesepropositionwasoutofthequestion.

Interestingly,whilethesenegotiationswereongoing,itwasobviousthatthelocalpromotersoftheChinesedealdidnotwanttoleavemattersinthehandsoftheprofessionals.Politicallobbyistsofdifferenthuesweredeployedtomeetwiththepresidentontheneedtoallowthetransactiontowork.TherewasalsopressureonLukman;ministerofstateforpetroleum,Mr.OdeinAjumogobia;andEgbogah.Thecarrotwasalwaysthe‘investiblefundsforinfrastructure’,especiallyinrefineries,sinceLabourhadmadethebuildingoflocalrefineriesapreconditionforsupportingthederegulationofthedownstreamsectorofthepetroleumindustry.

Therewereseveralotherapproachesmadetothepresidentbypoliticiansandtopgovernmentofficialswhospokeofapossible‘politicaldonation’runningintohundredsofmillionsofdollars.Icouldnot,however,ascertainwhethertheseemissarieswereworkingatthebehestoftheconsortiumorwhethertheywerejustpoliticalundertakerswhowereworkingalone,buttherewasenormouspressureonthepresidenttotakethenegotiationawayfromthetechnocratsanddomicileitinthehandsofateamcomprising

‘trusted’politiciansandofficials,includingthoseknowntohavethepresident’s

ears.Herebuffedalltheentreaties.

ThereisnodoubtthatthepresidentwasinterestedinworkingwiththeChinesebecauseofthepledgedinvestmentininfrastructure,yethebelievedthatgiventhetechnicalintricaciesoftheoilindustry,thenegotiationswerebetterhandledbyprofessionals.Hewasalsonotinterestedinanyunder-the-tableparty‘donation’thatwouldcompromisehimandeffectivelyshortchangethenation.

GiventhatLukmanhadfromtheoutsetbeensomewhatdisinterested,hedroveahardbargain,andwiththepresidentrefusingtotakethenegotiationawayfromhisministry,theChineseofferlookedeveryinchadoomedventure.BySeptember2009,thefederalgovernmenthadconcludedthatitwasbettertorenewtheleaseagreementswiththepreviousoperatorswhowerethenrequestedtomakecertainpayments.Withthat,itbecameobvioustotheChinesethattheywerelosingoutand,eagertoturnthesituationaround,theydecidedtogivethedealanothershot.

Unfortunately,bythetimetheycameroundtomakingafreshoffertothegovernment,thepresidentwasalreadyonhissickbedinSaudiArabia.ThelastofferfromtheChinesewasfor30percentequityinterestintheNNPC-MPN(MobilProducingNigeria)JointVenture,withabidof$4.85billion,sinceMPNhadpaid$600millionfor30percentandNNPCwasexpectedtopay$900millionfor40percent.Theyalsoofferedabidfor30

percentequityinterestintheNNPC-SPDCJointVenture,forwhichtheywerepreparedtopay$US14.715billion,withSPDCholding30percentandNNPC40percent.Thelastwasfor30percentequityinterestintheNNPC-CNL(ChevronNigerialLimited)JointVenture,forwhichtheyoffered$2.25billion,withCNLholding30percentandNNPC

40percent.FortheuncommittedOML139,theyoffered$125million.

Inadditiontotheseproposedcashpayments,theyalsoofferedtofinance50percentofthecashcallcostforexplorationandproductiononbehalfofNNPCinthejointventure;finance70percent($8billion)ofthecostoftheconstructionoftwonew300,000-barrel-per-dayrefineriesinLagosandAkwaIbomonbehalfofNNPCandfinance70percent($7billion)ofthecostofconstructing4000MWand1000MWofhydropowerinMambillaandZungeru.

Evenifthereweremeritsintheseproposals,theChinesehadleftittoolatesincebythenthepresidentwasinaSaudiArabiahospitalbattlingforhislife.ThelikelyoutcomeofthatofferintheeventthattheChinesehadmadethemmuchearliercanonlynowbeamatterforconjecture.Butwhatwasneverindoubtwasthatiftheofferwasright,thepresidentwasreadytodoadealwiththeChinese,eventhoughthishadpoliticalimplications.

TheUnitedStatesgovernmentdidnothideitsdispleasureaboutthepossibilityoftheinvolvementoftheChineseintheNigerianoilindustry.ComingafteraseriesofmeetingswiththeRussiangascompany,Gazprom,therewasafeelingthatNigeria‘wasgoingthewrongroad’.

Ataninternationalsession,amemberoftheUnitedStatesCongresshadaccostedtheforeignaffairsminister,ChiefOjoMaduekwe,askingintypicalAmericanfashion,“Hey,whyareyouguystendingtowardsChina?”

Maduekwerepliedratherjocularly,“TomakeAmericajealous.”Laughing,thecongressmanreplied,“Youbetitisworking!”Inspiteoftheforegoingheartyexchange,thefactaboutallthedealingswithChina,whichneverreallyworkedout—eitherintheoilandgasindustryorinthetransportsector—remainedthatthepresidenthadnotactedwiththeintenttorileAmericaor,forthatmatter,toprovokediplomaticjealousy.HewasalsocommittedtothepassageandsubsequentimplementationofthePIBnotwithstandingtheoppositionfromtheIOCs.

WhatwasimportanttoPresidentYar’AduawasnotsomuchhowothercountriesfeltaboutthechoicesNigeriawasmakingasitwasaboutwhetherthosechoiceswereinthecountry’sinterest.

Endnotes

1Foundedin1953,PetrobrasisregardedasthelargestcompanyinSouthAmericabyrevenueandmarketcapitalizationwithoutputofmorethan2millionbarrelsofoilequivalentperday.Thecompanyalsoownsoilrefineriesandoiltankersandisaworldleaderindevelopmentofadvancedtechnologyfromdeep-waterandultra-deepwateroilproduction.

2DrRilwanLukmanheldseveralministerialpositions(MinesandPower,

Petroleum)underthemilitaryregimeofGeneralIbrahimBabangidaintheeightiesandearlyninetiesbeforebecomingthesecretarygeneraloftheOrganizationofPetroleumExportingCountries(OPEC)from1January1995to31December2000.Afterinitiallyservingashonoraryadviseronenergy,LukmanwaseventuallyappointedministerofpetroleumresourcesbyYar’Adua.

3TheShellCEOremarkonNigeriaattheInvestorsForuminLondon:“RegardingNigeria,I’mpleasedthatafterasustaineddifficultsecurityperiod,weareseeinganimprovementwhereverthereisconcertedfederalandstateattention.Ofcourse,theimplicationsforourpeopleandassetsaremyprimeconcern.Butasaresult,wearealsoregainingsomeshut-inproduction.WhenImetthePresident10daysago,wemovedclosertoestablishingsomesustainablefundingsolutions—andagreed[on]thebasicprinciplesandtermswhichwehopewillunlocksomeofthekeyprojectsthathavebeensuspendedforthelastyear.Thisisalsoimportantforrestartingsuspendedprojectsthatharnessgasgoingtoflare.ThePresidenttoldmeheiscommittedtoendingcontinuousflaringbutrecognizedthatmoredetailedworkhastobedonebygovernmentwiththeindustrytoagree[on]apracticaltimetableanddeadlinerecognizingcurrentindustryrealities.I’mdelightedthatthePresidenthasgivenhispersonalbackingtothisapproachandre-confirmsourcommitmenttoworkwithgovernmentonthisimportantissue.”4InNovember2010,Wikileaksbeganpublishing251,287leakedUnitedStatesembassycables,whichprovideinsightintohowAmericandiplomatsseeofficialsintheirhostcountriesandoneofsuchfromNigeriadetailstheactivitiesofShellinNigeria’sdomesticaffairsascapturedbyAmericanembassyofficials.

5MeursisanationalofTheNetherlands,thehomecountryofShell.

6EgbogahspoketoaPunchcorrespondentatanoilandgasconferenceinHouston,Texas,andtheinterviewwaspublishedbythenewspaperonNovember17,2009.

7The33rdG8summittowhichPresidentYar’Adua,alongwithfourotherAfricanleaders,wasinvitedtookplaceatKempinskiGrandHotel,Heiligendamm,Germany.

8GazpromistheRussianstateoilandgascompany.Itisregardedasthelargestextractorofnaturalgasintheworld.

4

TheNigerDeltaAmnestyDeal

ResolvingtheNigerDeltaproblemwasacardinalpartofPresidentYar’Adua’sseven-pointagenda.Itwasachallengethatthepresidenthaddevotedconsiderabletimecontemplating,soitwasn’tlongbeforehecameupwithwhat,essentially,werehisconvictionsaboutturningthegrimsituationaround.Therewere,forinstance,twoissuespeculiartotheregionthathefeltcouldonlybetackledtogether:thechallengeofdevelopmentfollowingdecadesofneglectandtheburgeoningrateofcriminalitycharacterizedbythespateofkidnappingsandviolence.

Thetrendhadanevengreatersignificancewhenviewedagainstthebackgroundthatmostofthefederalgovernmentcontractorsmobilizedtositesintheregionhadabandonedtheirprojects,andthecostofinitiatingnewones(whichalsostoodtheriskofbeingabandoned)wasthricewhattheoriginalcostwouldhavebeen.Underthatatmosphere,goingforwardrequiredmeaningfuldialoguewithallthestakeholders.

ThepresidenthadpromisedtoholdaNigerDeltasummitwithinhisfirst100daysinoffice;theintentionwastousethesessiontoachievetwogoals:toemphasizehisandthefederalgovernment’scommitmenttoanewpaththatwouldaddressboththedevelopmentalandenvironmentalchallenges,andalsotosecurethefirmcommitmentofotherstakeholdersintheNigerDelta.

Asapreludetothesummit,thepresidentsetuptwocommittees.Thefirstone,whichhepersonallyheaded,engagedthegovernorsfromtheregiontoexaminethe15-yearNigerDeltaDevelopmentMasterPlanasdevelopedbyNigerDeltaDevelopmentCommission(NDDC),withtheaimofworkingoutdetailsoftheimplementationplanandtimelines.

Thetaskofthesecondcommittee,headedbytheVP,wastocollateallpreviousattemptsandreports;engageallthestakeholders,includingthemilitantsandeldersintheregion;workoutthemodalitiesfortheconferenceandestablishtheparametersforthediscourse.

Tokickstarttheprocess,theVPvisitedthecreeks,heldmeetingswithmilitantleadersandotherstakeholderswhilethepresidentmetwiththeNigerDeltagovernorstosharewiththemhisthoughtsonthewayforward.Ashehadenvisioned,theregioncouldbetransformedthroughafaithfulimplementationoftheNigerDeltaDevelopmentMasterPlanifallthestakeholdersagreedtocollaboratethroughtheadoptionofathree-prongedapproach:Acceptancebytheoil-producingstatestousetheir13percentderivationfundforcapitalprojectsonly;additionalinjectionofdevelopmentfundsbythefederalgovernmentforcriticalinfrastructureandfullimplementationoftheNDDCActinrelation,butnotlimited,tofunding.

Thepresidentmadeitclearfromtheoutsetthathepreferredanewoutlookthatdownplayedconstitutionalissuesinfavourofwellthought-outprocessesinwhichtheideaofasummitwasonepartoftheentireinventory.HewasconvincedthatthepeacefulresolutionoftheNigerDeltacrisiscouldonlybeaprocessandnotaneventandthatitshouldtranscendthefamiliarrouteofendlessdebateon‘resourcecontrol’.Tohim,itwasbetterthatconcretestepsweretakentowardsthedevelopmentoftheregion.

ThemeetingwasattendedbyallthegovernorsandtheNDDCmanagingdirector,Mr.

TimiAlaibe,whotookparticipantsthroughaPowerPointpresentationoftheNDDC

masterplan,whichtheyallacceptedasarealisticplatformcapableoftransformingtheregioniftherewasfaithfulimplementation.

Violenceintheregion,however,continuedunabated,andafewdaysafterthemeeting,thepresidentwasinformedofthearrestinAngolaofMr.HenryOkah,believedtobetheleaderoftheMovementfortheEmancipationoftheNigerDelta(MEND).Atthetimeofhisarrest,Okahwasalreadyonthesecurityagencies’wantedlistfollowinghisallegedinvolvementinmassivetheftofarmsandammunitionsfromtheNigerianArmy,whoseofficerswereeagertoapprehendhim.

OkahhadbeenimplicatedbythereportoftheBoardofInquiryconvenedbythenchiefofarmystaff,thelateLt.GenLukaYusuf,toinvestigatethehugetheftofarmsat1BaseOrdnanceDepot,inKaduna(1BODK).Thereporthad

detailedhowarmsandammunitionsbelongingtotheNigerianArmyweresoldtosomeNigerDeltamilitants,withthenameofHenryOkahandthatofhisbrother,Charles,featuringprominently.

Theinvestigationwasitselfspawnedbyallegationsthatanarmssyndicate,whichinvolvedsomeofficersoftheNigerianArmy,soldiersandciviliancollaborators,hadbeenbreakingintothearmsshedsin1BODK,theOrdnanceSubDepot(OSD)inJajiandtheOrdnanceFieldPark(OFP)inCalabartostealweapons.Withseveralofficersarrested,theinvestigatingteamdiscoveredthatthesyndicateactuallybeganoperationsin1999withthedeliveryofnineriflesofdifferentmakestoHenryOkah’syoungerbrother,SunnyBoweiOkah.Thesupplierwasthesonofaretiredmajorwhoselastunitbeforeretirementwas1BODK,wherehewasquartermaster.ThisretiredmajorwastheconduitfortheinitialsetofweaponssoldtopeoplewhowerestokingtheNigerDeltacrisis.

InthereportpresentedtoYar’Adua,thearmysaidtheextentofthetheftwassostaggeringandthecrimesowellorganizedthattheinvestigatingteamcouldhardlydeterminetheexactamountofarmsremovedduetodeliberatefalseaccountinganddestructionofstockcardsbytheperpetrators.ButthearmychiefnotedthatthearmsandammunitionremovedincludedGPMGs,SterlingSMG,BrenLNG,AK47rifles,Uzis,FNs,3G,Cetme,M12SheBerettas,grenades,rocketlaunchers,andseveralfragmentationjackets.Instructively,hesaidallthenewUMGs,aswellastheusedbutserviceableGPMGs,RPG7andAK47rifleswerestolen.

ThreeformergovernorsofNigerDeltastateswerenamedasthosewhoprovidedmoneytothemilitantsandMr.HenryOkahforthepurchaseoftheweaponsin2002.“Theprocurementoftheweaponswaslinkedtothementionedgovernors’preparationforthe2003re-electioncampaign,”thearmyreportsaid.

Themajor,earlieridentifiedaskingpinoftheshadydeals,confessedtostartingthebusinessin2000withBoweiOkah,whopaidanamountconsidered“significantlyoutofproportionwiththevalueoftheemptymagazine”hewassupplied,apparentlytolurethemajorin.Thatployworkedremarkably.Afterthat,themajorstarteddeliveringarms,atfirstusingthebootofhiscar,toOkah.Ashebecameemboldenedandmoreprosperous,themajorstartedtransportingthestolenarmsinaToyotaDynahalftruck.By2004,hehadgraduatedtousingGully–Suckers(sewagetrucks),whichhadthecapacitytocarryabout1,200weapons,tocartawaythearms.Themajorandhisaccomplicesalsointroduced

aseedysystemthatentaileddaubingthebodyofthetruckwithhumanwastetowardoffsecuritymenwhomightwanttoexamineitoutofcuriosityorsuspicion.

WithOkahasthesolecustomer,thereportconcludedthat“someofthesoldiersinvolvedinthetheftofweaponsactuallyescortedthestolenarmsinuniformtotheirdestinationinNigerDelta.”

Theinvestigationalsorevealedthatallthearmsthatwereexchangedforbillionsofnairaduringthe2005cash-for-armsdealwiththeNigerDeltamilitantsinoneparticularstateintheregionwerestolenfromtheNigerianArmy.“HenryOkahwasthemainsourceoftheover2000G3rifles,600AK47sandabout40GPMGsand2rocketlaunchersthatwerereturnedtotheRiverStategovernmentforthisexercise.Infact,SonnieBoweiOkahadmittedthathemoved1,800G3riflesfromtheOSDforthisexchange….Thepresidency,theSSSandthemilitaryhavebeenseriouslyinfiltratedbythemilitantsofNigerDelta.ThisisafactgatheredfromSunnyBoweiOkahandotherciviliansuspects....”

Withthisreport,thesecurityagenciesmountedpressureonYar’AduatomovefortheextraditionofOkahtoNigeriasohecouldfacecharges,especiallysincehismilitaryaccompliceswerealreadybeingcourt-martialledwithBrigadierGen.BalaUsarapresidingovertheprosecutionforwhichsomemenandofficersofthearmywouldlaterbaglifesentences.1ButbecauseNigeriahadnoextraditiontreatywithAngola,thisbecameaproblem.

OnNovember18,2007,anopportunitywaspresentedinthecourseofabilateralmeetingbetweenYar’AduaandPresidentJoséEduardodosSantosofAngolaatthemarginofthe3rdOPECConferenceinSaudiArabia.Quitenaturally,theissueofOkahcameup,andtheAngolanpresidentlistedalitanyofallegationsagainstthosehedescribedas

‘criminalsoperatingfromtheNigerianDeltacreeks’,whomhesaidwereinfiltratinghiscountryandcarryingoutarmsdeals.HementionedHenryOkahastheleaderofthisgroup.WhenYar’AduainformedSantosthatNigeriaalsoneededOkahtocomehometofacecharges,hemadeacommitmentthatthetwocountriescouldcollaboratethroughtheirrespectiveofficesoftheattorneygeneralandjusticeminister.

Okah’snameechoedagainatthemarginoftheAfricanUnionSummitinAddisAbaba,Ethiopia,twomonthslaterinJanuary2008,whenthepresidentofEquatorialGuinea,Mr.

TeodoroObiangNguemaMbasogo,alsorecountedhowNigerDeltamilitantshadbecomeamenacetohiscountry.HenarratedastoryoftwoincidentswheretheyhadstormedMalaboinspeedboats,andtheonlynamehecouldmentioninconnectionwiththeseincidentswasthatofHenryOkah.ApparentlyafraidthattheincursionofNigerDeltamilitantscouldspelldoomforhisdictatorship2,Mbasogo,whosefamilycontrolsthenation’spetrodollars,saidhehadbeenmakingoverturestotheAngolanauthoritiestohaveOkahbroughttohiscountrytofacecriminalprosecution.

Atthatpoint,Yar’AduaknewhehadtointensifyeffortsontheOkahmatterwiththenationalsecurityadviser(NSA),MajorGeneralSarkiMouktah(rtd.),directedtorepresentthefederalgovernmentinthenegotiationswiththeAngolanauthorities.

FollowingaseriesofmeetingsinLuandabytheNSAandhisteam,OkahwasrepatriatedtoNigeriaonFebruary10,2008,andhandedovertothemilitaryforsafecustody.

Afterafewweeksindetention,a62-countchargeoftreason,terrorism,kidnapping,illegalimportationofarmsandammunition,illegaltraffickinginarmsandammunition,illegalpossessionandstorageofprohibitedgoods,managementofunlawfulsociety,incitementofsoldierstocommittraitorousacts,andsoonwereprofferedagainstOkah.

HewaschargedbeforeafederalhighcourtsittinginJos,PlateauState.

Thefirstdramainthetrial,however,beganwhenhislawyer,humanrightsattorney,Mr.

FemiFalana,requestedJusticeStephenAdatotakehishandsofftheOkahcaseonthestrengthofthecontroversialrulingbythecourtofappealinKaduna,whichquashedthecorruptiontrialofChiefJamesIbori,formergovernorofDeltaStatebeforeafederalhighcourtinKaduna.

ThatdecisionhadsetatemplateforaseriesofcontroversialactionsatthecentreofwhichwastheAGF.Thekernelofthematterwasthatthecourtofappealhad

ruledthatsincetherewerenoelementsofcrimecommittedbyIboriinKaduna,thefederalhighcourtlocatedinthecitydidnothavethejurisdictiontotryhimandthusaskedthechiefjudgeofthefederalhighcourttoreassignIbori’scasetotheBenindivision.

ItwasafterthisjudgementthataspecialcourtwascreatedinAsaba,theDeltaStatecapital,withapredictableoutcome.ButthisplayedintothehandsofFalana,whoappliedtothechiefjudgeofthefederalhighcourttoadvisethejudgeinOkah’scasetoreturnhisfileforproperreassignmenttowhereOkahallegedlycommittedthenumerouscrimeslistedagainsthimbythefederalgovernment.Thelocation,accordingtoFalana,shouldbeYenegoadivisionofBayelsaState.

AlthoughFalana’spleawasnotgranted,itnonethelesscausedthetrialjudgetoexcusehimself.Citingtheneedtoavoid‘bias’inthetrial,JusticeAdaexplainedthattheCourtofAppeal’scontentioninIbori’scase,whichthefederalgovernmentdidnotappeal,meantthatsinceOkahdidnotcommitanyofthe62chargesbroughtagainsthimwithintheJosdivision,hecouldnotbetriedthereeither.

Inrecusinghimselffromthecase,JusticeAdafurtherstatedthatpublicperceptionwouldridiculetheintegrityofthecourtsincetheattorneygeneralofthefederation,MichaelAondoakaa,wasalreadyaccusedofmanipulatingthejurisdictionofthecourtinearlierpleadingsbyOkah’slawyers.

ThecasewasreassignedtoJusticeLimanfollowingthewithdrawalofJusticeAdah.

Afterextensiveconsultationswithseniorlawyers,theattorneygeneraldecidedtowithdraw59ofthe62-countcharge.Theoffencesofconspiracy,treasonandtreasonablefelony,whichthegovernmentfeltcouldbeprosecutedinanypartofNigeria,weretobepursuedtoconclusion.Whilewelcomingthewithdrawalofmostofthecharges,Falanaraisedanotherobjectiononthegroundthatthecasewasstatutebarred.

Whilerelyingonsection243oftheCriminalProcedureAct,Falanaarguedthatsincethetreasonchargewasnotfiledwithinthreeyears,hisclientcouldnotbetriedunderthecircumstances.ThiseffectivelystalledOkah’strial,andaftersomeweeks,therewereclaimsbyMENDthathehadbeenkilledindetention.

ThisledtoanescalationofviolenceintheNigerDelta,despiteassurancesfromthegovernmentthatOkahwas“aliveandinsafecustody.”

Notwithstanding,effortswerenonethelessbeingmadetowardstheconvocationoftheNigerDeltaSummit.TheVPwascoordinatingthis,andProfessorIbrahimGambarihadalreadybeennominatedaschairmanofthesteeringcommitteeoftheNigerDeltaStakeholders’Summit.ThischoicedidnotgodownwellwithseveralpeopleintheNigerDeltaandthecivilsociety.TherewererecollectionsthatGambariwasNigeria’spermanentrepresentativetotheUnitedNationswhenKenSaro-Wiwawashangedandthathehadrationalizedtheactionofthethenmilitarygovernment.WiththemediaandcivilsocietyopposedtoGambari’sinvolvement,thesummithadalreadyrunintoastormevenbeforeitcommenced.

Apartfromthis,thereweresomesimmeringinternalproblems.TherewasamilddramaonthedaytheVPpresentedhisreport.GambariwasinthecountrytodeliveramessagefromtheUNsecretarygeneraltothepresident,andtheVPaskedGambaritojointhemeeting.

ThePowerPointpresentationwasdonebyanaidetotheVP,SullivanAkachukwu,butashedelvedintotheproblemintheNigerDeltaandmadegovernmentcommitmentswithregardtoconstitutionalissues,thepresidentshouted,“AreyouamemberofMEND?

ThisisaMENDreport.YoumustbeamemberofMEND.”Obviouslyflustered,AkachukwuexplainedhishomestatewasAnambraandnottheNigerDelta.Tothis,thepresidentscreamedagain,“ThenyoumustbeworkingforMEND.”Thepresident’sangerwasratheruncharacteristic.HewasdeeplyupsetwithAkachukwu,andIhadtointerveneonhisbehalf.“IknowAkachukwuverywell,Sir.HeisnotfromNigerDelta,butheiswellrespectedbymostofthestakeholdersintheregionandunderstandstheissues.”Akachukwuwouldlaterthankmeformyintervention,buttheNSAtookofffromwherethepresidentleftitinattackingthereport.

Tocompoundthesituation,inbringinganexpertopinionintothediscussion,Gambarisaidthepresentationcouldonlybeoneoftheworkingdocumentsthatwouldbeexaminedalongwithothers.HedissectedthereportswithaconclusionthatwasevidentlynottoofavourabletotheVP,wholatershiftedhispositiononthechoiceofGambariforthejob.

WithLabouralsolendingitsvoiceagainstthechoiceofGambari,andthepersonalityofthesummit’schairthreateningtoovershadowtherealissues,IsuggestedtoMr.TunjiLardner3thatitwasbetterforGambaritothrowinthetowel,becauseIdidn’tseehowhecouldcontinueinthefaceofrelentlessoppositionfromseveralquarters,mostofwhichwerecentraltotheresolutionofthecrisisintheregion.

WhenIdiscussedthiswiththepresidentonJuly6,2008,inHokkaido,Japan,wherewewereattendingtheSummitoftheGroupofEightIndustrializedNations(G-8),herebuffedmysuggestionthatheshouldconsiderreplacingGambariwithsomeoneelse.

Hisargumentwasthataleadershouldnotalwayswitherinthefaceofdissent,especiallywhenconvincedoftherightnessofhisaction.HesaidthatIwasawarethatathismeetingwithBanKi-mooninDavosearlierthatyear,hehadrequestedforGambari’ssecondmentalongwithsomeUNstaffmembers.TheNigerDeltacrisis,accordingtothepresident,wasnot,asbeingappropriated,‘aNigerDeltaissue’.Itwasratheranationalchallengewithseriousnationalsecurityimplications.Fromhistone,hesawtheissueofGambariasapersonalchallenge,soIdidn’targuefurther.

Therewas,however,nodoubtabouthiscommitmenttoresolvingtheissue,sinceheusedeveryinternationalforumtocampaignforsupportbothindealingwiththedevelopmentalchallengeandalsoinrootingoutthecriminalaspect.AttheG-8summit,heheldseparatetalkswiththeJapaneseprimeminister,Mr.YasuoFukuda,andthepresidentoftheWorldBank,Mr.RobertB.Zoellickontheneedfortheinternationalcommunitytotakeurgentactiontoclampdownontheillicittradeinstolencrudeoilwhich,heargued,oughttobetreatedgloballyinthesamemannerasstolendiamonds.“IappealtoyouandthroughyoutoallotherG-8leaderstosupportmynewproposal,whichIwillalsodiscusswiththeUNsecretarygeneralatmymeetingwithhim,thatstolencrudeshouldbetreatedlikestolendiamondsbecausetheybothgeneratebloodmoney.Likewhatisnowknownas‘blooddiamonds’,stolencrudealsoaidscorruptionandviolenceandcanprovokewar,”thepresidenttoldtheJapaneseprimeminister.

ThepresidenthadbeendealingwiththeinternationalaspectoftheNigerDeltacrisis,especiallywithregardtotheactivitiesofsomeUkrainiancriminalcartels.EventhoughUkrainedoesnotmanufacturesmallarms,itisinternationallyreputedforillicitdealsinsuchweapons,essentiallybecauseofthewaythe

countrymanagedthehugestockpilesofarmsinheritedfromtheformerSovietUnion.BythetimeYar’Aduacametooffice,therewasevidencethattheNigerDeltaregionhadbecomeoneoftheprimedestinationsfortheUkrainiancriminalnetworks.Forinstance,sometimeearlyin2008,therewasasecurityreporttothepresidentthatashipcarryingarmsmeantfortheNigerDeltahadbeenspottedaroundsomeportsinSpain.TheMinistryofForeignAffairswasalerted,andtheSpanishembassyinNigeriawasbroughtintothepicture.TheshipwaseventuallyinterceptedbytheSpanishauthorities,soitneverreacheditsNigerDeltadestination,butthatwouldnotbethefirstorlastsuchexpedition.

OnourreturnfromJapan,wefoundthattheoutragethathadtrailedtheappointmentofGambaristilllingered.TheVPhadalsowithdrawnhissupportatthatpointbecause,ashetoldmewhenImetwithhimontheissue,undertheprevailingcircumstances,itwouldbedifficultforGambaritomidwifetheNigerDeltasummit.

IpersonallyhadtointervenebysendingamailtonudgeGambaritoturndowntheoffer,especiallywhenIsawthatthepresidenthadtakentheissuepersonally.WhatriledthepresidentwastheethnicslantbeinggiventhechoiceofGambariwhenthecompellingargumentforthechoicehadbeenthatthesummitneededaprofessionalwhohadexperienceinsuchmatters.

ItwasamidthisacrimonioussituationthatGambariwrotethepresidenttonotifyhimofhisintentiontoturndowntheoffer.Oncethatdustsettled,theVPcameupwiththeNigerDeltaTechnicalCommittee,whichwaseventuallychairedbyMr.LedumMitee.

Althoughhedidnotvoicehisopinionpublicly,thepresidentwasdeeplyhurtaboutthewayGambariwasforcedoutoftheNigerDeltasummitonethnicgrounds.

HealsobelievedtheideaoftheNigerDeltaSummithadbeendefeatedwiththecompositionofatechnicalcommitteecomprisingonlypeoplefromtheregion.HisideaofaNigerDeltaSummitwasapan-Nigerianoneinwhichtheneglectoftheregionwouldbediscussedbyrepresentativesdrawnfromalloverthecountryandacrossawidespectrumofstakeholderssothatthedecisionstakencouldenjoynationalacceptance.Tohim,itwassimplynotaboutNigerDeltaindigenesholdingdiscussionsamongstthemselves,whichwaswhattheNigerDeltaTechnicalCommitteehadbecome.

Anotherissuethatthepresidentfoundunacceptablewasthattheappointingauthorityofacommitteesetupbythegovernmentcouldaskmemberstopicktheirownchairman.Forthesereasons,Yar’Aduawasveryambivalentfromtheoutsetaboutthetechnicalcommittee,whichwasinauguratedbytheVPonSeptember8,2008,withthefollowingtermsofreference:

•tocollate,reviewanddistilthevariousreports,suggestionsandrecommendationsontheNigerDeltafromtheWillinksCommissionReport(1958)tothepresentandgiveasummaryoftherecommendationsnecessaryforgovernmentaction;

•toappraisethesummaryrecommendationsandpresentadetailedshort-,medium-,andlong-termsuggestionforthechallengesintheNigerDelta;and

•tomakeandpresenttogovernmentanyotherrecommendationsthatwillhelpthefederalgovernmentachievesustainabledevelopment,peace,humanandenvironmentalsecurityintheNigerDelta.

Attheendoftheirsessions,thecommitteerecommended,amongotherthings,theimmediateincreaseoftheallocationaccruingfromoilandgasrevenuestotheNigerDeltato25percent(i.e.,anadditional12percent)withinaframeworkinwhichtheadditionalfundsarededicatedlargelytonewinfrastructureandsustainabledevelopmentoftheregion.TheyalsorecommendedthatwithinsixmonthsstepsshouldbetakenthatwillsupportadisarmingprocessforthoseinvolvedinmilitancywithaviewtoaneventualnegotiatedreleaseofHenryOkah.ThefederalgovernmentwasalsourgedtocreatecredibleconditionsforamnestybysettingupaDemobilisation,DisarmamentandRehabilitationCommissionwithanegotiatedundertakingbymilitantgroupstostopallkidnappings,hostagetakingandattacksonoilinstallations.

Evenwhilethepresidentmaynothaveagreedwiththeprinciplebehindthecommittee,hesawmeritsinsomeofitsproposals.Infact,theonlyareashequeriedwerethosethatrequiredlegislationsorconstitutionalamendments.ButhebelievedthatifasuccessfulamnestydealcouldbestruckthatwouldculminateinthemilitantslayingdowntheirarmsandpavingthewayforanenduringpeaceintheNigerDelta,thentheconstitutionalareasmaybeopenfor

discussionatalaterdate.ItwasatthispointthattheideaofamnestyforNigerDeltamilitantsbegantocrystalize.

TheinitialpreparationsweredonebytheNSAwhoco-optedtheservicechiefsintothecommitteeastheyworkedouttheplansandlogisticstowardstheentireprocess.SincetheNSAthoughtthatthecriminaldimensiontotheNigerDeltacrisiswouldmaketheamnestyunworkable,healsofashionedoutaPlanBintheeventthattheamnestyfailed.

HemadeitveryclearfromtheoutsetthatHenryOkah’scasehadanunquestionablecriminalmotivewithseriousimplicationsfornationalsecurityandshouldthereforenotbepartoftheamnestydeal.Adoptingasimilarposition,thearmedforcesalsobelievedthatTompolo,whomtheJTFhaddeclaredwanted,alsohadtoaccountfor13oftheirofficersandmen.

Theseweretheinitialmisgivingsthatthepresidenthadtoresolve,becauseitwasveryclearthatifOkahandTompolowereexcluded,thentheamnestywouldbedeadonarrival.ButIalsounderstoodthedilemma.Withtheinformationathisdisposalconcerningthechargesagainsttheduo,thepresidentneededtohavesomeconfidence-buildingsessionswiththeservicechiefswhoeventuallybudgedontheissueofamnestyforTompolo.WhatmadethesituationevenmorecomplicatedwithregardtoHenryOkahwasthatthepresidenthimselfhadmadeacommitmenttothepresidentsofAngolaandEquatorialGuineathathewasbringingOkahhomefortrial.Butfortheamnestyprocessnottobederailed,acompromisehadtobereached:Okahwouldbenefit.

ButthentherewasnoguaranteethatOkahwouldbuytheidea.Sincethecaseagainsthimhadalreadybeenadjournedforruling,thegovernmentreviewedthematteranddecidedtowithdrawthecharge,providedhewouldagreetoassistinrestoringpeacetotheNigerDelta.Hislawyer,Falana,wascontacted,andheagreedtopersuadeOkahtocooperatewiththegovernmentoncetherewasaseriouscommitmenttoaddresstheissuesthatledtohisagitation.Athisrequest,thefederalgovernmentprovidedaplanethattookhimtoJostoconsultwithhisclient,whoagreedtothedeal.ItwasatthisstagethatthecriminalcasesagainstOkahandallothermilitantswereamnestiedandsubsequentlydismissed.

Sincetheamnestywasmoreapoliticalthanamilitaryprocess,someofus(presidentialaides)feltitwasbetterforthepresidenttotakethechairmanshipawayfromtheNSA,anortherner,inordertopreventarepeatofascenario

similartotheGambaricontroversy.

Besides,weargued,itwasbettertohaveasouthernerasthepublicfaceoftheamnesty.

Thepresidentfoundtheadviceconvincing,soheappointedGodwinAbbe,whohadjustbeenmovedtotheMinistryofDefencefromtheMinistryofInterior.

AretiredmajorgeneralandindigeneofNigerDelta(EdoState)whohadalsobeenmilitarygovernorofoldRiversState(nowRiversandBayelsa),Abbecametothejobwithanimpeccablepedigree.Hewastoworkwiththechiefofdefencestaff,AirMarshallPaulDike,afineofficerwhoalsohadtheadvantageofcomingfromtheNigerDelta.BothAbbeandDikeworkednightanddaytoprepareallthepapersandmapoutthelogisticsfortheamnestyprocessandthenecessaryrehabilitationefforts.BytheendofMay,theywereready.Infact,theinitialplanwasforthepresidenttoproclaimtheamnestyonMay29,2009,tocoincidewiththesecondyearanniversaryofhisgovernment.

AfewdaysbeforeMay29,however,thepresidentsaidheneededthesupportoftheCouncilofState,whichcomprisesthepresident,VPandpastheadsofgovernment,governorsandformerchiefjustices.ThesessionwasheldonJune25,anditlastedforovertwohours.ItwasattendedbyObasanjo,Gen.YakubuGowon,AlhajiShehuShagariandChiefErnestShonekan.GeneralIbrahimBabangida,whowasthenintheUnitedStates,nursinghislatewife,Maryam,couldnotattend.GeneralAbdulsalamiAbubakarwasalsoabsentbecausehewasondiplomaticassignmenttoNigerRepublicattheinstanceofthepresident.GeneralMuhammaduBuharistayedawaywithoutanyexcuse.

Thirty-twogovernorsandthreedeputygovernors(fromEkiti,RiversandCrossRiverstates)attendedthemeeting,whereObasanjosaidthattheamnestyofferwasoneofseveralgamblesinthebidtoresolvetheNigerDeltacrisis.Herecalledalltheeffortshehadmadetoproffersolutions,whichdidn’tworkattheendoftheday,warningthatitwasbettertohopeforthebestandpreparefortheworst,anadvicethepresidenttookveryseriously.Otherleadersofferedsuggestionsandadvice,butattheend,theyallendorsedtheamnestydeal.

BriefingStateHousecorrespondentsafterthemeeting,GovernorsTimipreSylva(Bayelsa)IkediOhakim(Imo)andAliModuSherriff(Borno)disclosedthatthe

approvalfollowedexhaustivedeliberationandcommendationforYar’Aduainadoptingtheapproach.Sylvaparticularlynotedthattheamnestywasforthosewhoseangstwaspremisedonissues,addingthatgenuinemilitantshadexpressedwillingnesstoaccepttheamnesty.Afterthewindowonthegraceperiodisshut,hewarned,thegovernmentwouldconsideranyotherviolentagitatoracriminal.

ReplyingtoaquestionontheattackonaShellfacilitythathadoccurredthepreviousday,thegovernorsaidhewasnotaware,butadded,“Wearetalkingabouttwodifferentgroupshere.Wearetalkingaboutpeoplewhoprobablyhavegenuineissuesandsomecriminals,andtheessenceoftheamnestyisactuallytodistinguishbetweenthecriminalelementsandthosewhohavegenuineissues.Thosewhoaregoingtotakeadvantageoftheamnestyareonlythosewhohaveissuesandwho,ofcourse,merittobegrantedamnesty,sothatattheendofthetimestipulatedfortheamnesty,everyotherpersonbecomesacriminal.”

TwohoursaftertheCouncilofStatemeeting,thepresidentproclaimedamnestyforrepentantmilitantsintheNigerDeltawhounconditionallysurrenderedtheirequipment,armsandammunitionandalsorenouncedmilitancy.This,hedeclared,wouldextendtoallpersons,includingthosebeingprosecutedforoffencesassociatedwithmilitantactivities.

CitingSection175oftheconstitutionoftheFederalRepublicofNigeria,thepresident,whosaidthemilitantsandtheirleadershaduntilOctober4,2009,torenouncemilitancy,declared,“IherebygrantamnestyandunconditionalpardontoallpersonswhohavedirectlyorindirectlyparticipatedinthecommissionofoffencesassociatedwithmilitantactivitiesintheNigerDelta.”

Butthepardon,headded,wouldtakeeffectonlyuponthesurrenderandhandingoverofallequipment,weapons,armsandammunitionandexecutionofthe“renunciationofmilitancyformsspecifiedintheschedulehereto,bytheaffectedpersonsatthenearestcollectioncentreestablishedforthepurposeofgovernmentineachoftheNigerDeltastates.”

Theproclamationelicitedcautiousoptimismattheearlystage,asGeneralAbbemadeitveryclearthatgovernmentwouldnotpayanybodywhosurrenderedarms.Thiscameagainstthebackdropofcampaignsthatsomemilitantleaderswerewillingtoembracethedealiftheywerepaidforthearmssurrendered.Thepresidenthadresolvedthattheonly

“payment”thatwouldbemadetoanymilitantwhosurrenderedwasthatheorshewouldnotbeprosecutedforwhatevercrimeshemighthavecommittedinthecourseofthe

‘struggle’.

Theseemingindifferencewasshattered,however,when65ex-militantssurrenderedover10,204roundsofammunitions,over50AK47rifles,andfourotherrifles.OnhandtoreceivethemwereAzubukoUdah,assistantinspectorgeneralofpolice(AIG)zone6;TimiebiKoripamo-Agari,mediacoordinatorofthePresidentialAmnestyImplementationCommittee;andBalaHassan,RiversStatecommissionerofpolice.

Thefirstgroup,ledbySolomonNdigbera,aliasOsamaBinLaden,arrivedattheGovernmentGirlsSecondarySchool,OgolomainOkrikainapoliceUnimocktruck,whilethesecondgroup,ledbyWisdomOkorosa,erstwhilesecondincommandtoAsariDokubo,leaderoftheNigerDeltaPeoplesVolunteerForce(NDPVF),arrivedintwocoasterbuses,allcarryingarms.

Butasthemomentumgathered,thesixNigerDeltagovernorstookastepthatnearlyderailedtheamnestyprogramme.AfterameetinginAsaba,DeltaState,onJuly23,undertheaegisoftheSouth-SouthGovernors’Forum,theyaddressedthemedia,opposingthereportedmovementoftheproposedUniversityofPetroleumfromEffurun,DeltaState,toKadunaState.Theyalsoaccusedtheministerofpetroleumresources,Dr.

RilwanuLukman(whoincidentallyhailsfromKadunaState)ashavingasentimentthatrancontrarytotheinterestoftheNigerDeltapeople.Claimingthatthefederalgovernmentdidnothaveanyconcretepost-amnestyplanontheground,thegovernorsthreatenedtowithdrawfromtheprocess.

Thiswasapoliticalbombshell,whichsuitedthoseopposedtotheamnestyidea,andthepresidentfeltverydisturbed,butfollowingmyextensivediscussionswithfourofthegovernors,duringwhichIwasabletogleanfourgrievancesthatinspiredtheiraction,Ireportedmyfindingstothepresident.

Theprincipalsecretary,Edevbie,advisedontheneedtoscheduleameetingwiththemimmediately,butthepresidentwasnotdisposedtotheidea,arguingthatthegovernorshaddonetheirworst.Wedidn’trelent;wekeptpushing.Anoutlineofthegovernors’

grievanceincludesthereportedmovementoftheproposedUniversityofPetroleuminEffuruminDeltaStatetoKaduna;lackofaconcretepost-amnestyplan;theanti-NigerDeltapostureofLukman;andtheallegedwithdrawaloftheoriginalPetroleumIndustryBill(PIB)bytheNNPCandsubstitutionwithanewonethatremovedfivepercentroyaltytohostcommunityand25percenttothestates.

Lukman’sstatementwasindeedprovocative,butthefactofthematterwasthattheFederalExecutiveCouncilnevertookanydecisionfortherelocationofthePetroleumUniversityfromEffuruminDeltaStatetoKaduna.Nosuchthinghappened.ThememotakenonMay25,2009,wasfortheawardofcontractsfortheNationalCollegeofPetroleumStudies,Kaduna,whichwasestablishedin1995bytheNNPC“forthetrainingofhigherleveltechnicalandseniormanagementpersonnelwhoaretransitingtogeneralmanagementlevelwithinthecorporation.”

Thememostatedfurther,“ThePetroleumTechnologyDevelopmentFund(PTDF),asanagencyofgovernmentcreatedforcapacitybuildingintheOilandGasindustry,wasmandatedthrough[a]letterof2ndJanuary,2002,totakeoverandestablishaNationalCollegeofPetroleumStudiesinKaduna,whichwillservetheentireOilandGasindustryandwhenestablishedwillbeatparwithsimilarinstitutionsintheworld.FollowingthemandategiventoPTDF,theFundcommissionedaJointTechnicalCommitteewithNNPC,whichassessedthepresentsituationoftheCollegeandmaderecommendationsforthewayforward.”

ThisdecisionactuallypredatedYar’Adua’sgovernment.AprogrammeofactionapprovedbyObasanjoonApril15,2002,wasfortheupgradeofthePetroleumTrainingInstitute(PTI),Effurum;reactivationoftheCollegeofPetroleumStudies,Kaduna;establishmentofoffshoreTechnologyDevelopmentCentres;upgradeofthecurriculaandfacilitiesinuniversitiesandpolytechnicsrelevanttothePTDFmandate;capacitybuildingandskillacquisitionprogrammes;andtheendowmentofpetroleumtechnologyrelatedchairsinselecteduniversities.

WhatsomeexpertsintheindustrywerecanvassingwasthatthemandateofthePTIinEffurunshouldremainbecausetheinterestofNigerDeltapeoplewouldbebetterservedthatway.TheirpositionwasthattheobjectiveofPTIisdefeatedaslongastechniciansintheoilindustrywerestillbeingbroughtfromcountrieslikethePhilippines,giventhattheinstitutewasestablishedtotrainlowand

middlelevelofficialsintheindustry.

Frommyinteractionswiththegovernors,itwasveryclearthatwhatirkedthemmostwasthewayandmannerLukmanhadspokentothemedia.AlthoughIhadreadafewextractsofwhatwasreported,Iwentontorequestforthetape,whichoneofmystaffthentranscribed.Afterreadingit,Iknewthepresidenthadtospeakwiththeminister,becausehewasindeedprovocative.Ialsoprintedthefulltranscriptoftheminister’scomments.

Incidentally,IhadbeencompelledtodiscusstheissueofLukman’schoiceofwordswiththepresidentseveraltimesinthepast.Infact,theministerofstateforpetroleum,Mr.

OdeinAjumogobia,oncecomplainedtomethatLukmanalwaysreferredtoNigerDeltapeopleas‘thoserascals’eveninhispresence.ThisIhadreportedtothepresident,whosaidhewouldcautiontheminister.Iamnotsurehedid.

LukmansaidintheinterviewunderreferencethatYar’AduahadsincereversedthedecisiontakenbyObasanjotoupgradethePTIEffurumtoauniversitystatus,arguingthatitwasunnecessary.ThisinitselfwasacompletemisrepresentationofYar’Adua’sposition,andwasonlyworsenedbythemannerinwhichLukmanspoke.Hesaid,“Look,look,don’tgiveusthat.Everybodywantstoobtainauniversityupgrade,itdoesnothappenthatway.Thepeoplewhoruntheeconomyofacountryarenotnecessarilypeoplewithdegreesfromuniversities.ThisiswhywegiveemphasistothePTItotrainthepeoplethatweneed.Theoilindustriesaresufferingbecausewedon’thavetherightmanpower,andhereyouaretalkingaboutconvertinganinstitutewhichhasbeensetuppreciselytotrainpeoplethatweneedintoauniversitythatwilltrainpeoplethatwedon’tneed.IstudiedattheFederalCollegeofScienceandTechnologyinLondon.Itisthebiggesttraininggroundforminingandpetroleumengineers,yetthereisnotadropofoilinLondon.Sothequestionofthelocationoftheinstitutionisnotnecessarilyacoincidencewithwhereoilresourcesare….”

Pragmatismprevailedeventually;thepresidentmetwiththegovernorsinwhatstartedasastormyaffair.Healmostwalkedoutbeforehewaspersuadedtostay.Heexpressedangerthatchiefexecutivesofstateswouldissueasensitivestatementbasedonincorrectinformation,especiallywhentheyhadtheaccesstoclarifyfromhimthecorrectposition.

Themeeting,however,endedonaconvivialnoteasthegovernorsresolvedtofullybacktheamnestyprocess.ButtheuglysideoftheinternalpoliticsinNigerDeltacontinuedtoplayoutinwaysthatwereaffectingtheamnestydeals,andIwastobecomeavictim.

Earlier,onApril9,2009,Yar’Adua,ontherecommendationofthevicepresident,dissolvedtheBoardoftheNDDC,andasaresult,themanagingdirector,Mr.TimiAlaibe,losthisjob.ButbecauseAlaibewasaprominentpersonwithintheNigerDeltaequation,thepresidentappointedhimanhonoraryspecialadviserwithamandatetoactashisrepresentativeontheamnestyissue.Whilethiswasastrategicmovedesignedtohelpinthecoordinationoftheamnestyprocess,itwasnotwellreceivedbythegovernorofBayelsa,whoapparentlysawAlaibeasapotentialfuturegubernatorialopponent,whoshouldnotbegivenanyvisiblerole.4

WhenthegovernorthereforecametomyofficeonAugust6,2009,toinformmethathewouldbeleadingsome32repentantmilitantleaders,includingtheleaderoftheBayelsafactionofMEND,EbikaboweiVictorBen(popularlyknownasBoyloaf)tothepresidentialvillathenextday,Iwasnotenthusiastic.Ashesoughtmycooperationtomakeitabigmediaevent,ItoldhimIwasnotawareoftheevent,becausethepresidenthadnottoldmeaboutit.(Iwas,ofcourse,aware,buttheinformationIgotwasanunsettlingone,andIhaddecidedtomeetthepresidentlaterthatnighttodiscusstheissuewithhim.)

WhenthegovernorsawthatIappearedhostiletowardshim,hesoughttheinterventionofEdevbie,whocalledtofindoutwhatmymisgivingswere.Whatthegovernordidn’tknowwasthatIhadinformationthatBoyloafwascomingtothevillanotonlytoembracetheamnestydeal,butalsotousetheoccasiontodiscreditAlaibe,whowouldbedescribedasthepersonfundingmilitancyintheNigerDelta.

IhadnoillusionthattheaccusationwasforanyaltruisticcauseotherthanthefactofthepoliticalrivalrybetweenSylvaandAlaibe.Ibelievedthatsuchanopendeclarationwouldnothelptheamnestyprocess,butasitwouldhappen,Icouldn’tseethepresidentthatnight.Itturnedouttobefortuitous.

Earlythenextmorning,IwasrousedbyacallfromAlaibe,whosaidTheSunnewspaperhadpublishedaninterviewwithBoyloafwhereheallegedthathe(Alaibe)wastheonefundingmilitancy.Iimmediatelywentonline,downloaded

thestory,wroteamemotothepresidentandrushedtothevillatogiveoneofthestewardstodispatchtohisroom,sohewouldreadbeforecomingdown.Withinonehour,thepresidentsummonedameetingoftheVP,theNSA,GeneralAbbe,myselfandAlaibe.

Bythattime,thegovernor,BoyloafandothermilitantleadershadarrivedattheBanquetHallinpreparationfortheceremonyscheduledfor10a.m.Atthemeeting,thepresidentpresentedcopiesofthenewspaperreportthatIhadearliergivenhimandsaidthatinviewoftheimplicationsofallowingsuchdivisivetendenciestobemademanifestattheearlystageoftheprocess,hecouldnolongerreceivethemilitants.HeinstructedAbbetomeetwiththegovernorandmilitantstoinformthemthathewouldmeetwiththemafterthedisarmamentexercise.

Abbeaskedmetoaccompanyhimtoseethegroup,andImadeamistakeofaccedingtotherequest.BeforewegottotheBanquetHall,someonehadalertedthegovernorthatthepresidenthadchangedhismindaboutreceivingthemilitantsandthatIwasthebrainbehindthedecision.Themomentthegovernorsightedme,hechargedatme.IttooktheinterventionoftheNSAandtheDGofSSStoseparatethetwoofus.

Therewaspandemonium,andwithSylvaarguingthatifthemilitantswentback,hewouldnotbeheldresponsiblefortheconsequences,theNSA,thedefenceminister,andtheDGofSSShadtogobacktothepresident.Again,thepresidentsentfortheVP,andthegovernorwasinvitedforanotherroundofmeeting.Thistime,Iwasexcluded.Itwasatthesecondmeetingthatanagreementwasreachedthatthegroupwouldbereceivedbythepresident.Thegovernorwas,however,toldtowarnthemagainstmakinganyallegationsagainstAlaibe.

PresidentYar’Aduareceivedthemilitantsafterathree-hourdelay,andnotedduringtheeventthatitwasdishearteningtoseethatsuchyoung,energetic,intelligentNigerianswerespendingtheirlivesinthecreeks,notingthatitwashightimetheywererehabilitatedtolivenormallivesandhavethesameopportunityasotherpeopleinthecountry.HesaidheproclaimedamnestytocreateanenvironmentforpeaceandsecurityintheNigerDeltastatesbarringwhichdevelopmentwouldnotbepossible.“Wehavereachedasituation,asyouknow,whereevencontractorsareafraidtotakecontractsandexecuteworksintheNigerDeltastates.Throughouttheworld,peace,stabilityandsecurityarenecessaryconditionsfordevelopmentandprosperity,butweneedthispeacealotintheNigerDeltastates,”hesaid.

Inhisresponse,Boyloafremarkedthattheywouldtakethepresident’swordsasabondbutaddedthatifthepromiseswerenotkept,theconsequenceswouldbecatastrophicforthenation.“YouareallawareofhowwegottowherewearetodayintheNigerDelta.

Ourpeoplearehungryanddying,ourinfrastructure[is]inadeplorablestate,ourcommunitieshavenowaterandlight,whileoilspillageandgasflaringhavebecometheorderoftheday.Yet,thisisthesameregionthatproducesover90percentofournationalincome;howthendowefoldourarmsandseethefutureofourgenerationsyetunborncrumblebeforeoureyes?”

FollowingthevisitbyBoyloafandhisgroup,othermilitantleadersdecidedtosurrendertheirarmstoembracetheamnesty.ThefirstmajorbreakthroughcameonAugust13,2009,whenSobomaGeorge,leaderoftheIcelandGroup,acceptedamnestyandsurrenderedhisarmsattheRiversStateofficeoftheDepartmentofStateSecurityService(SSS),PortHarcourt.Withabout400ofhismen,theweaponssurrenderedincludedseveralAK47s,G3s,LARs,K2s,PumpActions,MGs,andassortedbullets.

Followingonhisexample,otherleaders,alongwiththeirfighters,cameonboardandembracedtheamnesty,turningintheirarms.

Onefactbecameevidentthroughthearmssurrender:allthemilitantcampswereregimentedinnature,astheywereactuallyrunlikemilitarygarrisons.The‘soldiers’

werealsopaidmonthlysalariesrangingfromN20,000toN80,000each.Instructively,theleadersofallthegroupshadthetitleofeither‘commander’or‘general’,withtheirsubordinatesgivenlowermilitaryranksdependingontheirimportancetotheorganization.TheSeashoreFreedomFighters,however,hadtwo‘generals’,withJohnSeibakumoasleaderandNabenaYoungasthe‘defenceminister’.

TheGaweigroupoperatingfromObotoboinDeltaStateequallyembracedtheamnestyalongwiththe‘menandofficers’ofthe’12FightingBattalions’.DittoTamunegiyeioforiProby,akaEgbeleandFerdinandAmaibi,akaBustaRhyme.ThegrouphithertoledbythelateDaddyKen(whohaddiedinpolicedetention)operatingfromOdiinBayelsaalsodecidedtosurrender,eventhoughtheysoughttheinterventionoftheamnestycommitteetosecurethereleaseofsomeoftheirmenthenstillindetention.Theleaderofthegroupcalled‘UgbeberiIslanders’intheBayelsacreeks,wasinitiallyreluctanttoembracetheamnesty,claiming40ofhismenwerewoundedbyJTF.ButaftermeetingwithAlaibeandassurancesofsafetyweregiven,heagreedtothedeal.

ThelistofmilitantbigwigswhodisarmedandembracedtheamnestyprogrammewasfurtherswelledbyKileSelkyTorughedi,akaYoungShallGrow.AprominentfigurewithinMEND,Torughedihasabenevolentstreak:heranasortofNGO,whoseprojectscomprisedaprimaryschoolwherenotuitionwaspaid,scholarshipforindigentstudentsandconcessionalgrantstowomen.Withtopgunslikehimleadinghismentoembracetheamnesty,nextcameTompoloandthenAtekeTom,andfinally,FarahDagogo,astheMENDoperationalcommanderssurrenderedoneaftertheother.

Alaibe’sinterventionwascriticaltothesuccessoftheamnestyprogrammebecauseheknewmostofthemilitantleaders,andtheyrespectedhim.Butnotwithstandingtheinitialenthusiasmofthemilitants,doubtspersistedabouttheactualintentionandsincerityofthegovernment.AtekeTomwasparticularlyuncomfortablethattheamnestynotwithstanding,thegovernorofRiversState,

Mr.RotimiAmaechi,hadplacedaprizeonhishead,soheneededtheassuranceofthepresidentthathewouldbesafeifheturnedinhisweapons.

Atameetingbetweentheduoandthepresident,AmaechirecountedalltheatrocitieshesaidAtekeTomhadcommittedinRiversState.Thegovernor,however,concludedthatifhe(AtekeTom)couldassurethepresidentthathewouldnotgobacktohisoldways,therewouldbenoproblem.Themeetingendedonagoodnote,andAtekeTom,whocamewithhislawyerfelthecouldaccepttheamnestydeal.

Amaechi’stoughstancehad,however,contributedtothesuccessoftheamnesty,becauseheopposedtheideafromthebeginningongroundsthattheissuewasmoreofcriminalitythanagitation,because,accordingtohim,therealstrugglefor‘resourcecontrol’hadbeenhijacked.Forthatreason,healignedwiththeJTFtogoafterthosewhohadmadeanindustryofkidnappingforransom.Again,asheargued,itwasillegaltograntamnestywithoutconvictionandpardoncanonlybegrantedtothosewhohavelegallybeentriedandfoundguilty.ThisledtoaseriesofmeetingsattheendofwhichthesolicitorgeneralofthefederationcameupwiththepositionthatamnestycouldindeedbegrantedwithoutconvictioncitingthecaseofthelateAmericanPresidentRichardNixon,whowaspardonedbyhissuccessor,PresidentGeraldFord,withoutstandingtrialovertheWatergatescandalthathadledtohisousterfromoffice.

Sincethepresidenthaddecidedhewouldpersonallyhandletheamnestyissue,heheldseveralprivatemeetingswithleadersofthevariouscampsinwhichheassuredthemthatanytimetheywantedtoseehim,alltheyhadtodowascallhisADC,andwithin24hourshewouldscheduleanappointment.Hewastruetohisword,becauseatshortnotices,hehadaudienceswithTompoloandothers,andthishelpedasconfidence-buildingmeasures.

Whentherewascontentionontheshapeandsizeoftherehabilitationandreintegrationeffortsthatthegovernmentwasprovidingandthemilitantswantedtobecertainthattheywouldbecometrulyandgainfullyengagedoncetheyleftthecreeks,thepresidentcalledanenlargedmeetingofgovernmentandleadersofthemilitants.TherollcallincludedthecoordinatoroftheMillenniumDevelopmentGoals(MDG);thegroupmanagingdirectorofNNPC;executivesecretaryofthePTDF;directorgeneraloftheNationalDirectorateofEmployment(NDE);directorgeneraloftheBureauforPublicProcurement;andtheministeroffinance.Theybecameastandingcommitteewithamandateto

providethenecessarylogisticsfortheresolutionofthecrisis.

Whiletherewerefearsamongthemilitantleadersthattheactualstruggletodrawnationalandglobalattentiontotheplightofthedeprivedoil-bearingcommunitiescouldbeunderminedoncetheyturnedintheirweapons,thepresidentwasconvincedthatalastingsolutioncouldbefound.HisoptimismwasbuoyedbythefactthattheGMDofNNPCgavehimdailyreportsofoilsales,whichpointedtothefactthatwiththeamnesty,oilearningshadsubstantiallyincreased.So,evenfromaneconomicpointofview,asthepresidentargued,itmadesensetoresolvethecrisis.Withthissituation,thepresidentcontinuedhisinformalmeetingswithselectedleadersofmilitantgroupsinAsoRocktoassurethemthathewasbothcommittedtotheamnestyprocessandtothedevelopmentofNigerDeltaoncetherewaspeace.

ToassuagetheanxietyofthemilitantleadersabouttheJTF,themilitarywasdirectedtofreeseveralmilitantsandtheirsupporterswhowereintheircustody.Onthisscore,AlaibeaidedthereleaseofthedetainedmilitantsarrestedinconnectionwiththekillingofJTFtroopsonMarch13,2009,atGbaramatu,theancestralhomeofMr.GovernmentEkpemupolo,popularlyknownasTompolo,wherehealsodomiciledhisdreadedCampFive.Intheoperationbythemilitants,someforeignerswerealsokidnappedandseveralvesselsdestroyed.Initially,theJTFhadarguedthatthearrestofthemenandtheirconfessionalstatementsaidedtherecoveryofthemilitary’slostweaponsconcealedincertainlocations,aswellastheburialsiteofthesoldierskilled.

Nonetheless,theJTFcommanderindicatedthathewasauthorizingthereleaseofthemilitantsincompliancewiththepresident’samnestydeclaration.

TheJTFalsoreleasedfourmenwhowerearrestedanddetainedinconnectionwiththearmedattackonAgipFlowStationinTibidabaonDecember25,2008.TheJTF

commanderinformedthecommitteethatduringthearrestofthesemilitants,severalarmsandammunitionswererecoveredfromthem.TheseincludeGPMGs,AK47rifles,locallymadesinglebarrelguns,AK47emptymagazinesand7.62mm(Special).Again,theJTFcommanderemphasizedthatheacceptedtoreleasethemonlyinfullcompliancewiththedictatesoftheamnestyoffer.

Themainchallenge,however,remainedthereintegrationandrehabilitation

efforts;therewasapprehensionthatnothinghadbeendonesubstantiallytoconvincethemilitantsthatthegovernmentwascapableoftrulyrehabilitatingthousandsofyouthswhowerewillingtogiveupmilitancyandreturntonormallife.

TherewasalsotheconcernraisedbyHenryOkahthatamnestyshouldnotbeseenasanabdicationoftheNigerDeltacause.Followinghisrelease,OkahhadtravelledtoSouthAfrica,buthereturnedforameetingwiththepresidentonOctober20,2009.HewasbroughtinbyTHISDAYchairman,Mr.NdukaObaigbena,whobrokeredthesession.

AfterspeakingpassionatelyaboutwhatheconsideredtheinjusticeoftheNigerianstateagainsttheNigerDeltaregion,Okahsaidhewasreadytoaccepttheamnestyontheconditionthatthepresidentwaswillingtoaddresstheissues.Healsosaidthatasafirstcondition,thepresidentneededtomeetwiththeMEND‘AaronTeam’ofnegotiatorsathisearliestconvenience.

Afterthemeetingwiththepresident,Okah,Obaigbena,andIwenttothehouseoftheADCwherewenowheldanothersession.IpersonallyassuredOkahthatwhatevermessagehewantedtopassacrosstothepresidentcouldbesentthroughme,andweexchangedcontacts.Withthat,webecamefriendstoanextentthatanytimehewasinAbuja,Iwouldhosthimtodinner,andwhenIalsowenttoSouthAfricafortheWorldCupinJune2010(afewweeksafterIleftoffice),hehostedmetoareceptioninhishouse.

Thepeacebroughtaboutbytheamnestywas,however,stillfragilebecausefundamentalissuesremainedunresolved.InhisfirstmeetingwiththemilitantleadersasagrouponOctober9,2009,Yar’Aduadecidedtoputhiscardsonthetableastothedirectionhewasheaded.AmidcallsforthegovernmenttoincreasetheallocationtoNigerDelta,thepresidentcamepreparedtoarguethatthepeoplewhoneededempowermentwereoilproducingcommunities.

Beforethesession,hehaddirectedtheministerofstateforfinance,Mr.RemiBabalola,toprepareforhimacomparativeanalysisofrevenueallocationsfromthefederationaccounttothegeopoliticalzonesofthecountryfortheperiodbetweenJune1999andDecember2008.

Babalola’sreporthadstatedthatfollowingthe2002SupremeCourtdecisionon

theonshore/offshoredichotomyinthecountry,resourceallocationtotheNigerDeltahadtakenasharprise.Beforethisruling,allocationtotheregionwasputat26.82percent,butwiththeruling,thatproportionhadrisento38percentofthetotalallocationsreceivedbyallthestatesinthefederation.

Forinstance,in2008,theallocationtoAkwaIbomstatealonewasN204.5billion,whichwasmorethantheallocationsofN176.2billiontothefivestatesintheSouthEast5andmorethantheN198.4billionallocatedtothesixstatesintheNorthEast6whilethesixstatesintheNorthCentralzone7ofthecountryalsogotN197.2billionforthesameyearunderreview.

Withatabulationofwhateachstateofthefederationreceivedonayearlybasisfrom1999to2008,itwasevidentthatmuchresourceshadgonetotheNigerDeltainthelastonedecade.Whatthepresidentmeanttoachievewiththestatistics(andhewassuccessful)wastoprovethatgivingmoremoneytothestatesunderanewrevenuesharingformulawouldnotofferapracticalsolution.Whatheproposedwastofashionoutmeasuresthatwouldtakecareoftheoil-producingcommunitieswithoutnecessarilyresortingtothelongprocessofamendingtheconstitution.

Hisproposalwastogivecommunitiesthatareeitherhostsoforaffectedbyoilandgasactivitiesastakeintheownershipofthepetroleumassetsthroughpaymentsofdividendssimilartolandownerroyalty.Theideawastoestablishatrustfundforthesecommunitiesthathostvitalassetsintheoilandgasindustry,suchaswells,flowlines,pipelines,flowstations,gasplantsandprocessingfacilities,terminals,andtankfarms.Fundmanagerswereexpectedtobeappointedtoadviseandmanagethesetrustfundsonbehalfofthecommunities,butthefundsaredistinctfromthe13percentderivationcurrentlybeingpaidtooil-producingstatesandfromtheNigerDeltadevelopmentlevy.

Thisposition,however,contrastedwiththatofthegovernors,whowerecanvassingforincreasingthepercentageforthederivationfundaccruabletotheNigerDeltastates.Thepresidentdidnotsubscribetotheiridea.Hisargumentwasthatthe13percentderivationfundwasactuallymeantforthedevelopmentoftheoilcommunitiesandshouldnotbeforoverheadandpartofnormalallocationsasstatesweretreatingthemoney.InreelingoutthestatisticsofthetrillionsofnairathathadbeenallocatedtoNigerDeltasince1999

tothemilitantleaders,thepresidentsucceededinarousingtheirawarenessthat

somuchhadbeencommittedtotheregionwithoutacommensurateresultinthewelfareofthepeople.Buttherewerestillmanycontendingissuesyetunresolved.

OnSaturday,November14,2009,Okahwasatthevillawithhis‘AaronTeam’

comprisingFarahDagogo;AdmiralOkhaiAkhigbe(rtd.);GeneralLukeAprezi(rtd.);Mr.AmagbeKentebe;andNobellaureate,ProfessorWoleSoyinka,whosaidhewasattendingmerelyasanobserver.Themeetingdweltonthesameoldissues,butagain,thepresidentgavehisassurancesabouthiscommitmenttowardsresolvingtheNigerDeltaproblem.

Twodayslater,onNovember16,hecalledameetingwhereEgbogahcameforhispresentationoftheideaofequitymatrixfortheNigerDelta.ConvincedthatenduringpeaceintheNigerDeltaremainedcrucialtoanyeffortstowardsthedevelopmentofNigeria’soilandgassector,thepresidentbelievedthatwhateverthecostofthepost-amnestyprocess,theendwouldultimatelyjustifythemeans.Forthatreason,heputeverythingonthelineforittosucceed.Hisplanwasthatbeforehisscheduledtwo-dayvisittoRiversStateonNovember28and29,2009thedetailsofaconcreteagendaforNigerDeltawouldhavebeenfinalizedforhimtoannounce.HewasalsotoholdaTownHallForumwithstakeholdersfromNigerDelta.Asitturnedout,byNovember23,hishealthhaddeterioratedtothepointthathehadtobeflowntoSaudiArabia.Therest,astheysay,isnowhistory.

Endnotes

1AnarmymajorandfiveotherranksweresentencedtolifeimprisonmentinAugust2008forstealingandsellingarmstoMENDbyamilitarytribunal.AmongthosesentencedwereMajorSuleimanAlabiAkubo,SergeantMatthiasPeter,LanceCorporalAlexanderDavou,LanceCorporalMosesNwaigwe,LanceCorporalNnamdiAneneandPrivateCalebBawa.

2TeodoroObiangNguemaMbasogodeposedFranciscoMacíasinAugust1979inabloodymilitarycoupd’étatandsubsequentlyexecutedhispredecessorbyfiringsquadafteratrial.EventhoughhedeclaredthathisgovernmentwouldmakeafreshstartfromMacías’brutalandrepressiveregime,his32-yeardictatorshiphasbeenequallybrutal.

3RespectedNigerianjournalistMr.TunjiLardnerhappenstobeafriendofProf.

Gambariandwasthereforeservingaslinkmanandalsoprovidedcriticalinputintotheamnestyagenda.

4Alaibehadsince1999beenseekingtheBayelsagubernatorialticketofPDP,andin2007,hewasseenasaformidablecontenderagainstthenincumbentgovernorGoodluckJonathan,forwhomhewaspersuadedtowithdrawatthelastminute.WhenJonathanwaseventuallypickedastherunningmatetopresidentialcandidateUmaruYar’Adua,Alaibehadbeentechnicallydisqualifiedfromtherace,buthehadalwayswantedtobeBayelsagovernor.ThismuchSilvaknewandwouldthereforenotwanttoconcedeanyspacetohisopponent.

5TheSouthEaststatesareAbia,Anambra,Ebonyi,Enugu,andImo.

6ThesixNorthEaststatesareAdamawa,Bauchi,Borno,Gombe,Taraba,andYobe.

7NorthCentralstatesareKwara,Plateau,Benue,Niger,Kogi,andNasarawa.

5

BankingReformandAlliedMatters

Theimpactoftheglobalfinancialcrisisgrewinintensityas2008drewtoaclose,andthatwasacauseofanxietyformostgovernments.ItwasinthiscontextthatformergovernoroftheCentralBankofNigeria(CBN),ProfessorChukwumaSoludo,appearedbeforetheFederalExecutiveCouncil(FEC)inearlyFebruary2009tobriefmembersontheimplicationsoftheglobalmeltdownfortheNigerianeconomy.Hispresentationdweltonthecausesofthecrisis;theimpactonnationaleconomies;globalandcountryresponses;and

threats,opportunitiesandtheroadaheadforthenation.

WithregardtoitsimpactontheNigerianeconomy,Soludosaidthecrisishadledtothecollapseofcommodityprices,especiallyoil.Hesaidfurtherthatithadcausedrevenuetoshrink,addingthatdecliningcapitalinflowsintotheeconomy,de-accumulationofforeignreservesandpressureontheexchangeratewerealsoapparentfalloutsofthecrisis.Someothernegativefeaturesheidentifiedasarisingfromthecrisisincludedlimitedforeigntradefinancesforbanks(some,accordingtohim,facedthedirepossibilityofcreditlinesdryingup),capitalmeltdownanddivestmentbyforeignbanks.

Totacklethesechallenges,SoludolistedanumberofmeasuresalreadytakenbyCBN

andafterwardsgaveahighlightofhisforecastandprospects,oneofwhichwasthatthe

“growthrateofGDPbetween7-9percentisstillpossibledespitetheeconomiccrisis.”Heconcludedbystatingincategoricaltermsthat“Nigeriawon’texperienceeconomicrecession.”Tolendcredencetothisclaim,SoludoquotedMerrillLynchasrankingNigeria“amongtenleastvulnerableeconomiesintheworld.”AlthoughSoludohighlightedseveralthreats,whichincludedpressureonforeignreservesandexchangerates,fiscalburdenandthethreatofabandonedprojects,possibilityofreducedconfidenceinthebusinessenvironment,politicalpressuretospendthe‘excesscrude’,henonethelessdidnotseeanyprospectforgloom.Rather,hesawopportunitiesforthenation.HisoptimismwasbuiltontheconvictionthatwhileNigeriawasnotinsulatedfromtheglobaleconomiccrisis,itwasbetterpreparedforitthanin1982whenthecrashofcrudeoilpricepushedthenationtonearbankruptcy.SomeofthereasonshegaveincludedtheroleofNigerianbanks,whichhearguedaccountsforover90percentofthefinancialsystem’sassets,apartfromdominatingthestockmarket,whichhedubbed“theengineoftheeconomyforthenearterm,whichmustbeguarded.”Arethebanksunderthreat?Soludoaskedrhetorically,andinresponsereplied,“Notsignificantly!”HesaidwithaboutN2.7trillionasatSeptember2008,theircumulativeexposuretocapitalmarketwasbelowN900billion.“Evenifyouwipeoffallofthem,capitaladequacyratioisstillhigherthanmostcountries.”WhileSoludoconcededthattherateofprofitabilitycouldreduce,hearguedthattheinterbankmarketwasactive,justasbankinglendingactivitieswerestillhighandtheaggregatecredittoprivatesectorgrowing‘toohigh’,accordingtothe

WorldBank.

NoteveryoneintheFederalExecutiveCouncilsharedSoludo’soptimism.ManymembersindeedraiseddoubtsabouttheCBNreportonNigerianbanks,butheaskedforevidencetothecontrary.Despitetheskepticism,theCBNgovernorgaveagoodaccountofhimselfandleftFECmemberswithnodoubtthatasfarasthebankswereconcerned,hisprognosiswasunassailable.Itwasthenjustaboutthreemonthstotheexpirationofhisfirsttermasgovernor,withexpectationsthatitwouldberenewedforanothertermoffouryears.Thethreattohisaspirationatthatperiod,however,emanatedmainlyfromthestategovernors,mostofwhomremainedunconvincedthatthebankswereassoundastheCBNgovernorpresented.

Therewerealsomanywithintheorganizedprivatesectorwhoseperceptionwassomewhatscornful:tothem,Soludowaseithernotawareofthesituationinthebanksorhewasdeliberatelyputtingasheenontheirmalaise.Incidentally,thepresidentunwittinglyprovidedaplatformfortheexpressionofthesemisgivings.

InJanuary2009,Yar’Aduainauguratedapresidentialsteeringcommittee,whichhepersonallychaired,withamandatetoassesstheimpactoftheglobaleconomiccrisisonNigeriawithparticularreferencetothenation’sannualbudget,financialandcommoditymarkets.Thegoalwasforthecommitteetorecommendappropriatemacro-economicpolicyresponsestostimulatetheeconomyandidentifymorepracticalmeasuresaimedatbolsteringtheconfidenceofinvestorsandincreasingproductionintherealsector.Thecommitteewasalsotoexamineotherrelatedissuessuchasunemployment,povertyalleviation,foodavailability,andhowtoensureasustainabledebtposition.Thecommitteewasalsosupposedtomakerecommendationsonanyotherissuesoractionsthatmayberequired.

MembersofthePresidentialSteeringCommitteeincludedfourgovernors:BabatundeFasholaofLagosState,IsaYugudaofBauchiState,AdamsOshiomholeofEdoStateandBukolaSarakiofKwaraState,aswellastheministersoffinance,nationalplanning,andpetroleum.Itsmembersalsoincludedthechiefeconomicadvisertothepresident,Mr.

TanimuYakubuKurfi;thepresidentoftheNationalEconomicSummitGroup,MaziSamOhuabunwa;Mr.BismarkRewane,aneconomist;Mr.TonyElumelu,representingtheBankers’Committee;AlhajiAlikoDangote,representing

Nigerianindustrialists;andCBNgovernor,Soludo.Quitenaturally,Iattendedallthesessions,whichheldatthevilla.

Intheearlydaysofthecommittee,thestateofbankswasanissuethatdominateddiscussion,andIrecallthatbothYugudaandSarakioftenaccusedSoludoofprevaricatingwithregardtothetruestateofthebanks.Beingformerbankers,thetwogovernorsobviouslyhadsomeinsiderknowledgeaboutwhatwasgoingonwithinthefinancialsector,butSoludoalwayscounteredbyaskingthemtogivehimproof,whichtheyneverdid.Fromtheinteractions,however,itwasobvioustheduoknewalot,becauseevenwithinnuendoesandconjectures,theywereabletoconveytheimpressionthattherewereproblemswithinsomespecificbanks.

Usman,who,untilhisappointment,firstasfinanceministerandlaterasnationalplanningminister,wasoneofSoludo’sdeputiesatCBN,alsoheldcynicalviewsofthestateofthebanks.TheexchangesbetweenUsmanandSoludowereusuallyveryinterestingasthelatterwaswonttosay,“Asifyouwerenotwithusuntilrecently.”WhatwasobviousfromtheinteractionswithinthecommitteewasthatalmosthalfofthememberswouldnotendorsearenewalofSoludo’stenureasCBNgovernoriftheyhadanythingtodowithit.Andthesewerepeoplewithaccesstothepresident.

Butevidently,Soludoalsohadastrongfanbase.Nearlyallthepeopleclosetothepresident—fromaidestofamilymembersandhispersonalfriends—wererootingfortherenewalofhismandateandeachfordifferentreasons.IknowthatEdevbie,himselfaneconomist,hadwrittenabrilliantmemotoarguefortheretentionofSoludoongroundsthattheeconomywastoofragiletoabsorbanymarketupheavalthatcouldariseasaresultofbringinginanewCBNgovernoratthatpointintime.FriendsofthepresidentlikeAlhajiDahiruMangal,werealsodie-hardbackersofSoludo.Somehow,thehandlersoftheCBNgovernormusthavealsoreachedtheFirstLady,whobythenwasalsorootingforSoludo.ButwithYuguda,son-in-lawtothepresident,opposedtoSoludo’saspiration,Iknewsuchsupportcouldnotpossiblyendure.

Meanwhile,IdidnotpretendaboutthefactthatIwasalsobackingSoludo.Ihadmyreasons:IfeltthathisregimeofconsolidationhelpedsignificantlytoinstitutionalizebankinginNigeriaandthatduetotheexigencyofmarketstability,therewasneedforcontinuity.RightfrommydaysatTHISDAY,IneverpretendedaboutmysupportforSoludo’seffortsatCBN.Besides,Ialsobelieved

thattheIgbopeoplewerenotwellrepresentedinthetopechelonsofgovernmentdue,essentially,tothePDPzoningarrangement,whichofferedtheregionthepositionofpartychairman!

IhavealotofIgbofriendsandoftenheardtheircomplaints,whichIcouldidentifywith:incomparisonwithotherethnicnationalities,therewasnoequitablerepresentationforpersonsofIgbooriginintheYar’Aduagovernment.ThatwouldexplainmycriticalinterventionintheappointmentofMr.OgbonayaOnovoasinspectorgeneralofpoliceandDr.Bernard-ShawNwadialoasactingcustomsbossin2009.1Beyondtheemotionalsatisfactionandsenseofbelongingitmayconfer,equityinappointmentsandopportunitiesinapluralsocietysuchasourshasalwaysbeenanecessityfornationalcohesionanddevelopment.Itisevenenshrinedintheconstitutionundertheprovisionoffederalcharacter.IthereforebelievedthatevenifonlybyvirtueofbeinganIgboman,Soludodeservedtoberetained.AndwhenIsawmovestosuggestthathemightnot,Iconfrontedthepresidentinamannerthatcouldhavecostmemyjobifhewerenotsobroadminded.

ItwasMay28,2009,andthepositionofCBNgovernorwasstillvacantafterallthelobbies.So,Iwaitedtoseethepresidentthemomentwegottotheoffice.Iasked:“Sir,Icanseethatyoudon’twanttoextendSoludo’stenurebecausethemediaisawashwithstoriesthatyouareresolvedtogivethepositiontoanortherner….”Icouldseethatthepresidentwasangeredbymyremark.Buttherewasnobitterretort;rather,hetoldmetositdown.Hewaitedawhilebeforesaying,“Segun,Iamverydisappointedinyou.BynowIthoughtyouwouldhaveknownmeenoughnottothinklikethatofme.Contrarytowhatyouthink,thisCBNappointmenthasbecomethemostdifficultdecisionformetomake.Letmetellyoumydilemma:Everyday,peoplecomeheretotellmethatthepictureofthebanksthatSoludohasbeenpaintingformeisnotthecorrectone.WhileIalsohavemyfearsaboutthebanks,nobodyhasbeenabletogivemeanyconcreteevidencetoproveSoludowrong.Nowthechallengeis,ifIapproveforhimasecondtermanditturnsoutthesefearsarecorrect,howdoyouthinkIwouldfeel?

Ontheotherhand,itwillalsobeunfairtodenyhimsecondtermonthebasisofspeculationsthatmayturnoutnottobetrue.ThatiswhyIamyettomakeupmymindastowhattodo.”

Thepresidentexplainedtomethatasituationwherejournalistswereopenly

speculatingaboutthehealthofourbankingindustry,wheredepositorsandcreditorsweredoubtfulofthesafetyoftheirsavings,andwherethepublicwasbecomingdistrustfulofCBNfiguresonthebankscouldnotbeintheinterestofourbankingindustry.

IspentconsiderabletimewiththepresidentthatmorningafterIhadapologizedformycomments,whichhesaidheappreciated.IaskedhimaboutSanusiLamidoSanusi,whosenamehadbeenwidelyspeculatedinthemedia,andhetoldmethatthethenFirstBankofNigeria(FBN)managingdirectorwasindeedunderconsiderationalongwithafewotherpeople,butaddedthathehadyettomakeuphismindaboutwhetherornottorenewSoludo’smandate.Surprisingly,asIgotuptodepart,thepresidentaskedme,

“ThisSanusiguy,Ihavemethimbutneverheardofhimbefore,doyouknowhim?”IconfirmedthatIknewSanusibyreputationandthatifattheendhesettledforhim,itwasachoicethatwouldbeassessedonmeritbecauseSanusiwaswellrespectedbythemediaandcivilsocietyforhispublicinterventions.IlefthimfeelingthathemusthavemadeuphismindonSanusi,butbythenextday,whenSoludo’stermexpired,therewasstillnonewCBNgovernor.

ItwasnotuntilthemorningofJune1thattheletternominatingSanusiasCBNgovernorwassenttoSenatepresident,SenatorDavidMark.Intheletter,thepresidentalsorequestedtheSenatetoconfirmtherenewal,forasecondterm,oftheappointmentofMr.

BabatundeLemoasdeputygovernoroftheCentralBankofNigeria.

Asitwouldturnout,thepresidentwasparticularlyimpressedwithSanusi’sperformanceintheSenateinthecourseofhisscreening,whichwasrelayedliveontelevision.ThemomentIenteredhisoffice,hesaid,“IwatchedsomeoftheexchangesbetweenSanusiandthesenators,andIwasimpressed.Ithinktheguyisbrilliant,butIhavealsobeentoldabouthisintegrity.IhopeImadetherightchoice.”Sensingthathewasindirectlyseekingsomesortofvalidationforhisaction,IassuredhimSanusiwasagoodchoice.

DespitenothavingrenewedSoludo’smandate,thepresidentstillmetwithhimandalsowrotehimaniceletterofcommendation.

However,asSanusiresumedatCBN,hisfirstmandatefromthepresidentwastoexaminethestateofthebanks,toensurethatallwaswellandthatthefears

beingexpressedincertainquarterswereunfounded.Asitturnedout,thefearsindeedwerenotunfounded.AsaformerbankCEOwithvastexperienceinriskmanagement,Sanusiknewwhattolookforinthebanks.Afterstudyinginternalmemos,variousreportsandcorrespondences,andalsointerviewingregulators,bankers,businesspersons,governmentofficialsandotherstakeholders,hebecameconvincedthatsomeofthebankswere,figurativelyspeaking,onlifesupport.

Sanusi’sreviewofactivitiesintheExpandedDiscountWindow(EDW)particularlyrevealedsomeunsavourydetails:somebankswerealmostpermanentlylockedinasborrowersandweremostoftenunabletorepaytheirobligations.WhenCBNdecidedtotemporarilyshuttheEDWtothesebanks,they,indesperation,turnedtobankslikeUBA,whichhadexcessliquidity,butsuchfundswerelentatveryhighpremiumrates.Fourbankswereinthisdirestrait.AfifthonewasalsoafrequentborrowerontheEDW.

WhilethesebankswerenottheonlybeneficiariesoftheEDW,thepersistenceandfrequencyoftheirdemand,bySanusi’sreckoning,couldonlybeamanifestationofadeepermalaise,whichCBNidentifiedasaprobablesourceoffinancialinstability.

Inunravelingwhatexactlywasgoingoninsomeofthesebanks,SanusigavecluestotheCBNexaminerswithregardtotheareastolookforandthequestionsforwhichtheyshouldseekanswers.Bythetimetheirassignmentwasconcluded,thepreliminaryreportwasjustavalidationofwhathehadalwayssuspected:fiveofthetenbankswhosebookswereexaminedwereinserioustrouble.

Followingtheserevelations,Sanusipreparedareportwithclearoptionsastowhatneededtobedone,butheremainedmindfulofthepoliticalterrainwithinwhichhewasoperating.Whenhebriefedthepresidentonhisfindings,hesaidtherewereonlytwooptionsopentohim:eithertosendthereporttotheNDICorbailoutthedistressedbanksanddealwiththosewhoputtheminthatstate.He,however,saidhepreferredthesecondoptionbutwithoutthesupportofthepresident,therewasnowayhecouldcarryitthrough.

WhileYar’AduaimmediatelygavehisapprovalforSanusitogoafterthebankers,theCBNgovernorwarnedofthelikelyconsequences:“Mr.President,thesearepowerfulpeople,andsomeofthemareyourfriends.Ifwestartthis

process,wecannotstop,andtheywillputpressureonyou.”

TothisYar’Aduareplied,“Sanusi,Igiveyoumyword,Iwillnotinterfereinyourwork.”Thereportontheactivitiesoffiveofthetenbanksthatwerefirstexaminedwasdamning:severalabuseshadbeencommittedinthenameofbanking,withdepositors’

fundstakentospeculateinthestockmarketandmanipulatesharepriceswhileloansweregivenoutwithoutanyexpectationthattheywouldberepaid.Withscantregardforcorporategovernance,somebankexecutiveshadevensetupSpecialPurposeVehiclestolendmoneytothemselvesandcroniesforstockpricemanipulationandtosustaintheirflashylifestyles.Thelevelofmalfeasancewassomuchthattheborderlinebetweendepositorsmoneyandtheirpersonalwealthseemednon-existenttosomepromotersofthebanks.

Onebankexecutivetookmoneyfromthetilltopurchaseprivatejets,whichwerethenregisteredinthenameofason,anotherbankeruseddepositors’fundstopurchase80

percentofthebank’sIPO,payingN25persharewhenthesharesweretradingatN11ontheNigerianStockExchange,andtheseshareslatercollapsedtounderN3.TheCEOofyetanotherbankcontrolledover35percentofthebankthroughacrookeddealinwhichcustomerdepositswerebeingborrowed.Thepertinentquestionthereforewas,howcouldallthishaveescapedSoludo?

AmongthedocumentsSanusimetatCBN,copiesofwhichhehandedtothepresident,wereaninternalreportasfarbackasDecember2007warningSoludothatbanksweretradingintheirownsharesandsittingonbubblecapitalwithriskstothefinancialsystem;aletterwrittentoSoludobytheNDICmanagingdirector,Mr.GaniyuOgunleye,in2008

afterameetingbetweenNDICandtheSecurityandExchangeCommission(SEC),whichproposedthatatechnicalteambesentbyCBNtoexaminethebooksofthebanksandassesspossiblethreatswithregardtocapitalmarketexposuresandaletterfromthefinanceminister,ShamsudeenUsmanin2008followingupontheNDICletter.SanusisaidhemetnorecordatCBNtosuggestthatanyconcreteactionwastaken.

Havingsecuredtheapprovalofthepresident,SanusidecidedtowieldthebigstickbysackingtheCEOsoffivebanks:ErastusAkingbola(Intercontinental

Bank);OkeyNwosu(Finbank);SebastianAdigwe(Afribank);Mrs.CeceliaIbru(OceanicBank);andBartholomewEbong(UnionBank).Buttherewasaproblem:thepresidentwasscheduledtotraveltoSaudiArabiaonAugust14,2009;thiswasatripIhadannouncedaheadoftime.TheCBNactionwasplannedinsuchawaythatitwouldcatchtheaffectedCEOsunawares,sotherewouldbenochancetoprocureacourtinjunctiontoscuttleit.GiventhatthepresidentwouldbeawayinSaudiArabiawhenthepolicywouldbeannounced,therewasaneedforastatementthatwouldindicatethathebackedtheidea.ThisexplainswhyIknowsomuchaboutwhattranspiredbetweenthepresidentandtheCBNgovernoronbankingreform;essentiallybecause,forstrategicreasons,Iwasbroughtintothepictureveryearly.

AftermymeetingwiththeCBNgovernoraweekbeforetheactionwastaken,Ireportedbacktothepresident,whogavemeapprovaltoworkcloselywithSanusiandgivewhateversupportwasneededinhisname.So,beforethepresidentleftforSaudiArabia,Ihadhisauthoritytointerveneinhisnamewhilehewasoutofthecountry.Itwasthehighestdemonstrationoftrustinmebythepresident,whichIwillforevercherish.

ThenightbeforethepresidentleftforSaudiArabia,Sanusimethimwiththerequestthathewouldneedthesupportofthepolice,theEFCCandtheSSStoeffectthedecision.Inhispresence,thepresidentcalledtheDGofSSS,thePoliceIGandtheEFCC

chairperson.Withoutgoingintospecifics,hesaidtheCBNgovernorwasgoingtocarryoutadifficultnationalassignment,andhewantedthemtodowhateverhe(Sanusi)askedofthem.

Withthatdirective,SanusieffectivelybegantowieldpowersfarbeyondanyCBN

governorinhistory.Forexample,throughtheSSS,hewasabletostopmostoftheaffectedbankersfromfleeingthecountry.

Onmypart,fourdaysafterthepresidentleftforSaudiArabia,IaddressedthemediawithastatementthathefullyendorsedthemeasuresannouncedbytheCBNgovernortosanitizeNigeria’sbankingsectorandpreventfreshbankfailureswiththeirattendantnegativeeffectsonthenationaleconomy.IaddedthatalongwithstrictersupervisionandregulationbyCBN,theadministration

wouldcontinuetodowhateverwasnecessarytoguaranteethesafetyofdepositsinNigerianbanksandentrenchbestcorporatepracticesandbettercreditadministrationprocessesinthemanagementofdomesticbanks.

Tofurtherassurethepublicthatthemeasuresweretakenwithhissupport,Isaidthepresidenthaddirectedalllawenforcementagencies“togivetheirfullestsupporttoeffortsbythenewmanagementteamsofthefivebanks,whichhavereceivedbail-outfundsfromtheCBNtorecoverthehugeloans,thenon-servicingofwhichplacedthebanksatriskofdistress.”

Asexpected,amajorinterventionlikethiswouldnotgowithoutattemptsbyvestedintereststofightbackthroughscaremongering,blackmailandevensabotageastheaffectedbankersbegantheirplot.ThefirstsignalcamefromtheofficeoftheAGF,withoutwhoseconsentCBNcouldnotfilechargesagainstthem:Aondoakaachosetosidewiththeaffectedbankers.Confrontedwiththischallenge,Sanusi,onAugust17,2009,sentatextmessagetotheADCinSaudiArabia,buthealsocopiedme.

Meanttointimatethepresidentaboutwhatwasgoingon,thetextmessageread,“GoodafternoonADC,Idon’tknowhowtohandlethisinformationtothepresident,butit’simportantforhimtoknow.Ineverythingwehavedone,wehaveactedlegally,butIhavereliableinformationthatlastnight,JamesIboriandourAGFAondoakaametsecretlywithCeciliaIbru,andtheAGFisassistingthemonsecuringaninjunctiontostopme.

IboriowesIntercontinentalBankmorethan40billionnaira,andwhenheaccostedme,ItoldhimIampublishinghiscompany’sname.ManypeoplehavecalledtosayIboriisangrywithme,butItoldthemtoaskhimtojustsettlehisobligations.WearereadyfortheAGF,butifweareprosecutingthesepeople,IwillneedtheAGFfiattohavemylawyersdoit.Iamdeterminedtobringwhoeverisinvolvedinthismassivefraudtobook,howeverhighlyplacedsuchapersonis.Butthisisjustforthepresidenttoknowhowbadlythingshavegone.”

IspoketotheADCafewminutesafterhehadbroughttheSMStotheattentionofthepresident,whomhesaidexpressedangerattheAGFoverhisallegedaction.ThepresidentdirectedtheADCtogetintouchimmediatelywiththesolicitorgeneralofthefederationtohelpCBNwiththenecessaryassistanceif

theAGFwasunwillingtofacilitatetheprosecution.

WhenthiseventuallygottotheattentionofAondoakaa,heknewhehadbittenoffmorethanhecouldchewandquicklyretracedhissteps.ThepresidentalsospokeonthephonewithSanusitoassurehimofhisfullsupportandsaidthatifheneededanyassistance,hecouldalwaysreachhimthroughtheADC.Withinaperiodoffourweeks,awhoppingsumofN110.8billionhadbeenrecovered.

TheAGFwas,however,notactingalone;theforcesthatSanusiwasfighting,anebulousgroupcalled‘CorporateNigeria’,hadbeeninvolvedinthecampaignthathadbroughtYar’Aduatopower.ThoughtheformerdirectorgeneraloftheNigerianStockExchange(NSE),Dr.NdiOkereke-Onyuike,servedasthearrowheadofthegroup,mostofthefundsusedfortheelectionhadbeencontributedbybankers.SincethisgroupincludedtheprimefinanciersoftheelectionthathadbroughtYar’Aduatopower,itwasunderstandablethatthebankerswhosehandswerecaughtinthecookiejarwouldseekprotectionintheirhourofneed.

BythetimethepresidentcamebackfromSaudiArabia,reportonthesecondbatch,comprising15banks,wasready.AndBankPHB,wherethepresident’sfamilyhasconsiderableinterest,wasamongthosetobeaffected.Mr.FrancisAtuche,theCEO,happenedtobeveryclosetosomeassociatesofthepresident,butthatwasnotthecardtheywoulduseinsellingtheiranti-CBNreformagenda;theargumentwouldbethatYar’Aduacouldnotpresideovertheliquidationofthebankinwhichhisfamilyhadconsiderableinterest!

Whatthesedo-goodersdidnotreckonwith,however,wasthatthepresidenthadsomeinsideknowledgeaboutsomeoftheissueswithinBankPHBandcouldnothavebeenshockedbyCBN’sfindings.Anincidentafewweeksearliervalidatesthisposition:onthewaybacktotheresidencefromtheoffice,theADChadhintedtothepresidentthatAtuchewantedtoseehim.Inachangedmood,thepresidentaskedtheADC,“Isheyourfriend?Ifheisyourfriend,youbetterwarnhim.Murtala(Yar’Adua2)hastoldmeofhowtheguyismessingupthebank,givingoutunsecuredloansleft,right,andcenter.Infact,lethimcome,Iwanttoseehim.”

Sanusitookactionontheremainingfivebanksthatfellshortoftherequiredminimumcapital:BankPHB,EquitorialTrustBank,UnityBank,SpringBank,andWemaBank.

ButshortlyafterthepresidentreturnedfromSaudiArabia,SanusimetandintimatedhimthathehadnofaithinAondoakaaandthatiftheAGFhandledtheprosecution,thecasescouldbecompromised.HethereforeaskedthepresidenttodirecttheAGFtogivethelawyerswhomCBNwouldbeappointingthefiattoprosecuteonbehalfoftheEFCC.

Thepresidentgavethedirective,whichAondoakaahadnochoicebuttoobey,andwiththat,SanusibroughtinKonyinAjayi,KolaAwodeinandA.B.Mahmoudtoprosecutetheaffectedbankers.

Inretrospect,Iunderstandtheenormouspressurethepresidentenduredonthebankissue,andthispressurecamefromseveralquarters,especiallygiventhatpromotersofsomeoftheaffectedbankscontributedhugefundstothecampaignthathadbroughthimtopower—whichinitselfwasanabuseoftheirrole.ButthepresidentbelievedtheCBN

governorhadaresponsibilitytoprotecttheinterestofdepositorsintheaffectedbanksandthereforegaveSanusiallthesupportheneeded.

Incidentally,SanusiwasinfactoneofthelastpublicofficialstoseeYar’AduainhislastweekinofficebeforeheleftforSaudiArabiaonNovember23,2009,andtheCBN

governorrecountedtheconversationtomeafterthemeetingasIescortedhimtohiscar.

HesaidthatwhenhehadshownthepresidentthelistoftheassetsownedbyoneparticularbankCEO,thepresidenthadsaid,“Arethesenotthesamepeopleattackingyouinthemediathatyouhaveanagenda?Whydon’tyoupublishthelistoftheirassetsfortheworldtosee?Youoweittoyourselfandthecountryforpeopletoseewhatthesepeopleweredoingwithdepositors’funds.”

Sanusiheededtheadviceandcausedtobepublishedinnewspapersthelistoftheassetsownedbysomeofthebankers.Lookingback,IhavenodoubtthatthespecialexaminationconductedbyCBNassistedinunveilingtheproblemsinsomeofthebanks,andSanusi’sactiontosaveandstrengthentheaffectedbankswasproactiveandhelpedinavertingwhatcouldhavebeenamajorsystemiccrisis.Thepresidentunderstoodthisandgavehisunwaveringsupport.

UntilheleftforSaudiArabiainNovember2009,hiscommitmenttotheCBNreformwasneverindoubt.Butfollowingthepoliticalupheavalcreatedbyhissicknessandprolongedabsencefromthecountry,someofthebankerssawanopportunitytoalignwiththenewpowerbrokersinthebidtostageacomebackbasedonthecoldcalculationsthatiftheybackedJonathan,hewouldreversethebankreformagenda.

Iwasthereforenotsurprisedthataparticularbanker,whohadevidentlystrucksomerapportwithChiefEdwinClark,soonbecameafrequentvisitortoAkinolaAgudaHouse.

Asidefromchannelingmoneytosome‘civilsociety’peoplefightingthe‘cabal’,thispersonalsohelpedtofundthemediacampaignthatdenigratedthepersonofYar’Aduainhislastdays.

Attheend,toPresidentJonathan’scredit,thatdidnotpreventthebankerfromgettingajailtermandforfeitingtogovernmentnumerousassetsrunningintobillionsofnaira.

Endnotes

1FollowingtheexitofEhinderoasinspectorgeneralofpolice,hehadhandedovertoOnovoasthenextmostseniorpoliceofficerbeforeMikeOkirowassubsequentlyappointedasthesubstantiveinspectorgeneralofpolice.WhenOkirowasleaving,hebypassedOnovotonominateanofficerfromthenorthasasuccessor.Thepoliceaffairsminister,Dr.IbrahimLame,inamemotothepresidenttojustifywhyitwastheturnofthenorthtoholdtheoffice,alsonominatedanothernorthernofficerdifferentfromtheoneOkirowaspromotingfortheoffice.Shortlybeforethepresidentmadethedecision,ImethimtoexplaintheimplicationofbypassingOnovoforasecondtimewhenhiscompetenceandcharacterwerenotinquestion.IsaidhewouldbethefirstofficerfromtheSouthEasttoassumetheoffice,andifhewasdenied,nobodywouldbelieveitwasnotbecauseofwherehecamefrom.WhileIdidn’targuewithhimwhenhesaidOkirowasIgbo,InonethelessexplainedthatOkirohailsfromRiversState!HethenaskedmetogethimOnovo’sCV,whichtheADCalreadyhadwithhim.ThatwashowheapprovedOnovofortheIGpost.InthecaseofCustoms,theAGFhadpositionedaTivwomanforthejob,butshewasnotthemostsenior;Nwadialowas.Followinganapproachmadetomebymy

friendHon.EmekaIhedioha,Isentamailtothefinanceminister,Dr.Muhtar,ontheimplicationofbypassinganIgbomanwhowouldalsobethefirstfromhisregionfortheposition.Iarguedfurtherthatsincehehadeightmonthstoretirement,therewasnopointdenyinghimtheopportunitytoreachthepinnacleofhiscareer.MyinterventionledtohismemotothepresidenttonominateNwadialo.

2MurtalaYar’Adua,sonofthelateMajorGeneralYar’Adua,whowasthenadirectoratHabibBankrepresentingthefamily’sinterest.Hewaslatertobeappointedministerin2010bythenactingpresidentGoodluckJonathanshortlybeforehisuncle(PresidentYar’Adua)died.

6

BetweenMutallabandBokoHaram

IwasspendingChristmasinIlorin,KwaraState,withmyfamilyonDecember25,2009,whenIreceivedacallthatwouldshatterthatcelebratorymood.ThecallersaidIshouldtuneintoCNN,whichhadbreakingnewsonNigeria.Ipromptlydidandglimpsedaratherchillingreport:AyoungNigerianmanhadattemptedtoblowupaUnitedStatesDeltaairlinesflightenroutetoDetroitfromAmsterdam.AsItriedtomakesenseofthistragicincident,Igotanotherphonecall,thistimefromtheCSOinSaudiArabia.

ItwasthroughhimthatIknewthattheNigerianinvolvedwasUmarFaroukAbdulmutallab,sonofAlhajiUmarMutallab,whoretiredaschairmanofFirstBankofNigeriainDecember2009afterservingontheboardforthirteenyears.WellrespectedintheNigeriancorporateworld,MutallabhadalsoservedintheFederalExecutiveCouncilbetween1975and1978firstasministerforeconomicdevelopmentandreconstructionandlaterasministerofcooperativesandsupply.ItwasthesonofthisprominentNigerianwhomIknowpersonallyandforwhomIhavetremendousrespectthatwasallegedlyinvolvedinterrorism.

Havingapparentlybeenfullybriefed,theCSOapprisedmeofsomeofthe

detailsaswereviewedtheimplicationsofthetragicincidentatatimewhenthepresidentwasoutofthecountry.WebothagreeditwasnecessaryfortheVPtobekeptuptodateontheincidentandthattheNigerianauthoritieshadtobeseentobeontopofthesituation.

AfterspeakingwiththeCSO,IplacedacalltotheVP,whohadbeeninformedofthedevelopment.IexplainedhowexigentitwastohaveseamlessinformationmanagementatthatpointandalsoinformedhimthatIwouldbereturningtoAbujathenextday.Afterspeakingwithhim,Icalledtheinformationandcommunicationminister,ProfessorDoraAkunyili,whowasinEnugu,tointimateherofthedetailsIhadandtheneedforustoworkcloselysowecouldmanagethefallout.

IbarelysleptthatnightasIexchangedcallsandtextmessageswithboththeADCandtheCSOinSaudiArabia.IhadnodoubtinmymindthattheMutallabsagawasgoingtochangeallthecalculationssurroundingtheabsenceofthepresident.

TheADChadinformedmethathewasintouchwiththeAmericanambassadorinNigeria,Dr.RobinSanders,whomhesaidhadhintedthatitwasimportantforthepresidenttobeavailabletospeakwithPresidentBarackObamaatveryshortnotice.

AlthoughtheimpressionIgotinmyinteractionswithSaudiArabiawasthatthepresidentwasreadytotalkwiththeUSpresidentifthecallwasmade,Iwouldlaterlearnthiswaspracticallyimpossibleattheperiod.Whilethepresidentwasstillverymuchconscious,theailmenthadbadlyimpairedhisspeechandmadehimhardlyaudible.Youcouldnotpossiblyputsomeoneinsuchastateonthephonetospeakwiththemostpowerfulmanintheworld.HishandlersinSaudiArabiarecognizedthisfact.

Iwasalsoworriedaboutmysecretary,RosemaryAmaechina.ShewastravellingtotheUnitedStatesandhadmentionedDeltaAirlines,butIneverimaginedshewouldbeonthesameflight.ItturnedoutshehadbeenonthesameflightandhadactuallysatthreerowsawayfromAbdulmutallabandhadwatchedthewholeuglydramaasitplayedout.

Whatafrighttheincidentmusthavegivenher!

Backathome,wewerebeginningtofeelitsbitteraftermath.TheUnitedStates

governmenthaddecidedtoimposestrictermeasuresforUS-boundNigerianpassengers.

Inwhatwasnomorethanaknee-jerkreaction,theHomelandSecurityadministrationimmediatelyincludedNigeriaasa‘countryofinterest’inthewaragainstterrorism,whilesomemembersofCongresswerepushingforNigeriatobeincludedinalistof‘terror-linked’nations.

Itwasadevelopmentthatcouldnotbeallowedtostand,especiallygiventhatwithin24

hours,preliminaryinvestigationhadestablishedthatthoughaNigerian,Faroukhadactuallyspentlessthan30minutesinthecountrybeforethebotchedattempt.HeflewintothecountryonDecember24fromGhanaaboardVirginNigeria.Hispassportwasscannedforentryattheimmigrationpointatexactly20.08pmandwasagainscannedfordeparturetoAmsterdamat20.35pm.ItalsoemergedthatsomepeoplewithintheNigeriansecurityagencies,aswellasofficialsoftheAmericanembassy,hadbeenalertedtothefactthatFaroukcouldbeapotentialthreattotheUS.

TheVPconvenedameetingofthesecurityagenciesonDecember26forfullbriefingontheincidentandtheapproachNigeriashouldadopt.ItwasresolvedthattheMinistryofForeignAffairsshouldproceedwithadiplomaticdémarchethatitwasmoreproductivefortheAmericanauthoritiestocollaboratewithawillingNigeriangovernmenttocombatterrorism.

Farouk’sfatherwasalsoinvitedtomeetwiththeVP,butsomehowthemeetingneverheldthoughhehadsessionswiththeNationalSecurityAdviserandothertopgovernmentfunctionaries.HewouldlaterbeinvitedbytheUSCongress.

ItdidnottakelongfortheauthoritiestopiecetogetherFarouk’sstory;hewasthelastofMutallab’s16childrenbytwowives:AishaandJidda.Aisha,thesecondwife,whohailsfromFuntua,KatsinaState,likeherhusband,ismothertoFarouk,whowasbornin1986.

Farouk’sstoryrevealsaremarkabletapestry.Afterhisprimaryschool,hespentmostofhisformativeyearsoutsideNigeria;hehadhissecondaryeducationattheBritishInternationalSchoolinLome,Togo,aneliteschoolthatreputedlyadmitsstudentsfromabout40countries.Uponcompletionofhissecondaryeducation,FaroukenrolledattheUniversityCollege,London,in2005,wherehe

graduatedwithadegreeinmechanicalengineeringin2008.AlthoughFaroukhardlystayedinNigeriaandwouldvisitonlyforholidays,familymembersandneighboursontheAhmanPategiStreetintheposhUnguwarSarkiareaofthenortherncityofKadunadescribedhimasaneasy-goingfellowwhowaspassionateabouthisfaith.

AftergraduationfromUniversityCollege,London,hisfathersenthimtoauniversityinDubai,UnitedArabEmirates,wherehewastocompleteapostgraduatedegreeinbusinessadministrationinJanuary2009.FaroukindicatedhisinterestinpursuingasummercourseinArabicinYemeninJuly2009,andhisfatherconsented,givenhisson’sflairforArabicandsinceFaroukhadundertakensuchacourseinYemenbefore.

Whilehisfatherwashappyabouthisson’szealandinterestinmatterspertainingtofaith,hebecameworriedwhenherefusedtoreturnfromYemen,notevenwhenhiselderbrotherweddedandeverybodyinthefamilywasexpectinghimtocomehome.ThispromptedthefathertocallalltheprominentclericswhomheknewtheyoungFaroukhadrespectfor,sothattheycouldpleadwithhimtocomebackhome.

OneofthosescholarswhomFarouk’sfatherbelievedcouldspeakwithhimwasDr.

AhmadAbubakarGumi,whoselateillustriousfather,SheikhAbubakarMahmoudGumi,foundedtheIzalamovementinNigeria.ThenpursuingadoctoraldegreeinSaudiArabia,GumiisarespectedIslamicscholarwhoseviewstheelderMutallabbelievedhissoncouldnotdiscountenance.Whathedidnotknowatthetime,however,wasthatFaroukhadbeensoindoctrinatedbyAl-QaedainthePeninsulathathealreadyhadhisopinionofwhatjihadentailedandwhathisownexpectationsasabelieverwere.

ButthefactthatFaroukknewGumiwouldcreateitsownproblemsfollowingtheabortedblow-upbecause,attheinstanceoftheAmericanauthorities,thescholarwasarrestedinSaudiArabiaonFebruary24,2010.SheikhYusufSamboRigachukun,aprominentIslamiccleric,hadtowritetotheSaudiauthorities,pointingoutthatGumihadlivedinSaudiArabiaforalmosttwodecadesandhadneverrunafoulofthelaw.Similarly,GovernorPatrickYakowaofKadunaStateandtheEmirofZazzauaskedPresidentJonathantointerveneonGumi’sdetention.TheJamaatulNasrilIslam(JNI)andtheNigerianSupremeCouncil

forIslamicAffairs(NSCIA)alsowadedin.

Withthepressureonthefederalgovernment,andfollowingrepresentationfromAlhajiMutallab,whoknewthecircumstancesthatledtohisson’smeetingwithGumi,VicePresidentNamadiSambohadtovisitSaudiArabiaontheissue.ItwashisinterventionwiththeSaudiauthoritiesthateventuallyledtoGumi’srelease.

AlthoughhetriedtoensurehissonreceivedappropriateguidancewithregardtotheessenceofIslam,AlhajiMutallabsensedsomethingsinisterwhen,inAugust2009,Faroukcalledtoinformhimthathewasnolongerinterestedinpursuinghispostgraduatedegree,andthathewouldbestayinginYementopursueanothercoursethathewouldnotdisclose.

ThefatherbecamemoredistraughtwhenFarouksentatextmessageafewdayslater,informinghimthathewasseveringallcontactswiththefamilyandthathewoulddiscardhismobilephone’sSIMcardafterthatmessagesothatattemptstoreachhimwouldbefutile.Itwasafterthismessagethatthefatherdecidedtoinformhisfriendandformernationalsecurityadviser,Lt.GeneralAliyuMohammedGusau1,abouthisexperiencewithhisson.

First,GusaualertedoneofhisprotégésintheNationalIntelligenceAgency(NIA)andsubsequentlyadvisedMutallabtoformallyreportattheUnitedStatesembassyinNigeria.Thefatherdid,expressinghisfearsthatFaroukwasbeingradicalizedandsoughthelpforhimtobelocated.Nothing,apparently,wasdoneuntilFaroukre-appearedontheflightfromAmsterdam,whichhenearlyblewup,puttingNigeriaontheAmericanradar.

Apparently,Nigeria’slistingasa‘countryofinterest’byUSHomelandSecuritywasinformedbysomeunrelatedevents.ThedecisionwasseeminglyaidedbythefactthatFarouk’scasewascomingafteraseriesofincidentsinvolvingagroupcalledBokoHaram,whoseactivitieshadbeenwelldocumentedbytheAmericanauthorities.

Thehistoryofthesectcaneasilybetracedto2002withMuhammadYusuf,anativeofJakuskoinYobeState,asitsspiritualleaderandfounder.HisrisefromrelativeobscuritytoprominenceintheSalafiIslamicreligiouscircle(Wahabites)derivedfromthefactthathewasaclosediscipleofthelateSheikhJaafarAdam.SoprominentwasYusufwithinthesectthatatatimehewas

regardedasheirtothepulpitatMuhammaduNdimiMosqueinMaiduguri,whereJaafarAdamusedtoconductannualtafsirinthemonthofRamadan.

Withtime,however,Yusufbegantointroducesomeunorthodoxbeliefs—includingaversiontowesterneducationandacallforjihadtooustthesecularstatusquo—withintheSalaficircle.Healsobeganwhatwasconsideredarigorousproselytizingcampaigntocaptureimpressionableminds,especiallyamongtheyouthwhofrequentedthemosque.

Eventually,hehadtopartwayswithhisspiritualleader,JaafarAdamandwassentpackingfromtheNdimimosquebythemosquecommittee.HemovedtoDaggashmosque,wherehecontinuedthesameteaching.HisdaringandscathingverbalattacksonthegovernmentportrayedYusufasafieryandintrepidclericandthisobviouslyendearedhimtothecommonpeople,whobegantoseehimasachampionofthedowntrodden.

MembersofthepoliticaleliteinMaiduguriwere,however,takingnote,andYusufwasconsiderednomorethananuisance.ItwasthereforenosurprisethattheDaggashmosquecommitteealsoexpelledhimwithinashorttime.Thatwaswhenhisfather-in-law,BabaFugu,gaveYusufapieceoflandattheRailwayquarters,wherehebuiltamosqueandanadjoininghousehedubbed‘markas’,fromwherehecontinuedhispreaching,drawingfollowersfromthecityandbeyond.Hisinitialfollowershipwaslargelyfromamongsecondaryschoolstudentsandprimaryschoolpupilswhoabandonedtheirstudiesonthegroundthatwesterneducation(‘boko’)wasasin(‘haram’),hencethenameBokoHaram.Ashegotmorefollowers,hispowerandinfluencealsogrew.

Ultimately,YusufandthelateAdambecamearchenemies,spewingverbalattacksoneachother’sviewsandinterpretationsofIslamictenets.AdamwasvociferousinexposingwhathedescribedasthefollyofYusuf’sviewsonwesterneducationandthe

‘jihad’whoseadvocatehe[Yusuf]hadbecome.Healsowarnedagainsttheindoctrinationofimpressionableminds.

Theseopposingviewsquitenaturallydegeneratedintoviolence.TwiceYusuf’sdisciplesreportedlymadefailedattemptsonAdam’slifeinMaiduguri.Yusufwouldlaterbepaidinhisowncoinwhensomeofhislieutenantsalsobecamemoreradical,claiminghehadbecometoosoftinhisapproachandthussplitting

fromhiscamptoformasplintergrouptheynamedTaliban.

InSeptember2004,thegrouplaunchedanarmeduprisingfromavillagecalledKanammainYobeStateontheborderwithNigerRepublic;theyhadrenamedthevillageAfghanistan.Theyattackedpolicestations,andtroopshadtobesentintorestoreorderafterseveralpeoplehadbeenkilled.Thesoldiersengagedthegroupinatwo-daybattleinwhichmanysectmemberswerekilled,somewerecapturedandotherswentunderground.

Thisattackcausedthegrouptokeepalowprofileforayear,butbythentheactivitiesofYusufhadattractedtheattentionofsecurityagencies,whichonseveraloccasionsarrestedandchargedhimtocourt.Buthislawyersalwaysmanagedtosecurefreedomforhim.Afewmonthslater,thesplintergroupre-emergedandlaunchedattacksonsomepolicestationsinBamaandGwozainBornoState,wheretheykilledpolicemen,includinganassistantpolicecommissioner,cartedawaygunsandammunitionbeforerunningintotheMandaramountainsontheborderwithCameroon.

Thearmywassentin,accompaniedbyhelicopters.Theyengagedthesectmembersinamountainousbattle,andintheprocess,scoresoftheattackerswerekilledwhiletherestcrossedtheborderintoCameroon.TheNigeriangovernmentalertedtheCameroonianauthorities,whosegendarmessucceededinarrestingfiveofthemilitantsandhandedthemovertoNigeria.

Followingthatencounter,Yusuffelthehadlostcommittedmembersofhisgroup,whoweregraduallybecominghostiletowardshimforwhattheyperceivedashisweaknessandmoderateviews.Inmid2005,hemadeoverturesforreconciliationtothesplintergroup,andtherewassomereintegration.

Afterthis,YusufrosefromapoorpreachertoawealthyclericlivinginopulenceanddrivingSUVsaroundthecity,wherehewashailedasaheroforhiscriticismofthegovernmentandhiscallforsharialaw.Hispreaching—recordedonCDs—whichhedailydoledout,werehotcakeinthecityandbeyond,sellinginthousands.

InApril2007,ontheeveofthegeneralelectionsinthecountry,someunidentifiedmenstormedJaafarAdam’smosqueinDorayi,asuburbofKanocity,atdawnandfatallyshothimandthreeotherworshiperswhilehewasleadingthemorningprayers.Theattackwaslaterfollowedwithaninvasionofa

mobilepolicedetachmentinPanshekaraneighbourhood,duringwhich13policemenwerekilled.Soldiersweredraftedtothearea,andthegunmeneventuallycrossedtheChallawaRiver,behindtheabandonedwaterworkstheycampedin,andfled.

Afewdaysearlier,thegunmenhadlaunchedapre-dawnattackattheFederalRoadSafetyCommission(FRSC)officeandkilledtwoofficersonnightduty.TheincidentwasthoughttobearobberyattackuntilthenightofJuly26,2009,whenYusuf’smenstruckagain,invadingandattackingseveralpolicepostsandpublicbuildingsinpartsofBauchi,Borno,KanoandYobestates.Atthispoint,thepresidentdecidedthattheBokoHarammenacehadtobeconfrontedfrontally.

Comingontheeveofhisdepartureforatwice-postponedstatevisittoBrazil,thereweresuggestionsthatthepresidentshouldshelvethetriponaccountofthelivesofpolicementhatwerelost.Buthearguedthatitwouldbeimpropertodosogiventhatthetriphadbeenpostponedtwice,andbesides,henoted,thesecurityagencieswereincontrolofthesituation.Beforewedepartedfortheairport,hemetwiththeNSAandsecuritychiefsaswellastheservicechiefstowhomhegavethisdirective:deploytroopstotheareaandfishoutalltheleadersandmembersoftheextremistsectsinvolvedintheattacks.Thepresidentfurtherdirectedthatsecuritybebeefedupinallneighbouringstatesandsecuritypersonnelplacedonfullalerttoensurethattheattacksdidnotspreadelsewhere.

HealsousedinformalchannelstoreachouttoemirsandprominentIslamicleadersinthenorthtorallysupportagainstBokoHaram.IhadtoldStateHousecorrespondentstoproceedtotheairportaheadofourconvoyasIhadsecuredthecommitmentofthepresidenttofieldquestionsbeforeourdeparture.Atthesession,thepresidentexpressedhisheartfeltsympathieswiththefamiliesofthegallantpolicemenwholosttheirliveswhiledefendingtheirpostsfromthesenselessattacks,aswellasotherinnocentvictimswhomayhavebeencaughtintheunjustifiablemayhem.Healsoreaffirmedhisdeterminationtodealdecisivelywithallthosewhosemisguidedbeliefsandactionspromotedviolenceandcontemptfortherightsofothersandunderminednationalpeace,stability,andsecurity.Indeed,thesoldiersdeployedtotackletheBokoHaramsectfulfilledthepresident’smandatewhentheycaptureditsleader,Yusuf,alivewithwhatwasnomorethanaminorinjuryonhisarm.Intheeuphoriaofthemoment,thearmycommanderoftheoperation,Col.BenAhanoto,allowedhismentotakesnapshotsofYusufwiththeirmobilephonecameras,beforethey

handedhimovertothepolice.

Thestoryturnedawry,however,whenafewhourslaterjournalistswereshownthebullet-riddenbodyofYusuf,whowassaidtohavediedinashoot-outwiththepolice.

Meanwhile,AhanotohadspokentoreportersonrecordthathehadpersonallycapturedYusufandhandedhimovertothechiefofpoliceinMaiduguri.HesaidYusufhadawoundonhisarm,whichhadalreadybeentreated.Thepolice,however,insistedthatYusufhadbeenfatallywounded.

TherewerereportsthattheattackonthepolicestationbyBokoHarammemberswasaresponsetoanearlierattackonthesectmembersinthecourseofafuneralprocession.

Theyweresaidtohavebeenaccostedbythejointpolice/armytaskforcecalledOperationFlushfornotwearinghelmetswhileridingmotorcycles.Inthealtercationsthatfollowed,tempershadflared,withpolicemenallegedlykillingabout17ofthesectmembers.Thiswassaidtohavebeenthegenesisofthecrisis,buttherewerealsoallegationsthatthesubsequentorderforthekillingofYusufandAlhajiBujiFoi(aformercommissionerforreligiousaffairsinBornoState)aftertheyhadbeencapturedalivewasgivenbycertainpoliticalleadersinBornoState.Theremaynothavebeenanycredibilitytotheallegations,butBokoHarammembersbelieveditandwereoutforrevenge.

Thesuspicionofextra-judicialkillings,however,spurredareactionfromthepolicecommissionerofBornoState,ChristopherDega,whosaidYusuf“wasinahideout,andtheforceswentthere,andtherewasanexchangeoffire.Inthecourseofthatconfrontation,hesustainedhisowninjury.Hewaspickedup,andhelatercouldn’tmakeit.”

Thiswasdifferentfromthefirstpoliceversion,inwhichYusufwassaidtohavebeenfatallywoundedwhiletryingtoescapefromcustody.ThisversionhadindeedbeencorroboratedbyUsmanCiroma,thespokesmantotheBornoStategovernor,whotoldtheAssociatedPress:“Isawhisbodyatpoliceheadquarters.Ibelievehewasshotwhilehewastryingtoescape.”

Yusuf’sfinancier,BujiFoi,whohadbeenarrestedanddriventothepoliceheadquartersinMaidugurialsodiedundercuriouscircumstances.Unfortunately,therearevideorecordingsofFoi’sexecutionstillcirculatingoncellphones.I

wasshownonebyapoliceofficer!Thesamefatebefellhisfather-in-law,AlhajiBabaFugu,whoalsoreportedatthepolicestationbutnevercameoutalive.

HumanRightsWatchsaidthatthereportsofYusuf’skillingwereextremelyworrying.

“TheNigerianauthoritiesmustactimmediatelytoinvestigateandholdtoaccountallthoseresponsibleforthisunlawfulkillingandanyothersassociatedwiththerecentviolenceinnorthernNigeria,”saidCorinneDufka,thegroup’sseniorWestAfricaresearcher.InastatementissuedinGeneva,HighCommissionerforHumanRights,NaviPillayalsoexpressedherconcerns.ShecalledontheNigeriangovernmenttoinvestigateYusuf’skillingandbringoffenderstojustice.

WhentheBBCpublishedthephotographthatshowedthatYusufwasalivewhencapturedbythearmy,Iknewwecouldnolongerkeepquietandthatthepointhadtobemadethatextra-judicialexecutionhadnoplaceundertheruleoflaw.As,Ihowever,waitedtoseethepresident,whowasinameetingwiththeVP,ImadethemistakeofopenlyvoicingmyconcernaboutwhatIconsideredextra-judicialexecution.ThisdidnotgodownwellwiththegovernorofGombe,AlhajiDanjumaGoje,whowasalsowaitingtoseethepresident.“Segun,Isometimeswonderonwhosesideyoureallyare.Thisissomeonewhokilledseveralpolicemenandinnocentpeople,andallthatconcernsyouiswhatsomehumanrightsnoisemakerswouldsay,”hecharged.

Wehadahotexchangeonthematterandsincehesawthepresidentaheadofme,Iwasnotsurprisedwhenmyprincipalbluntlyrefusedtodiscussthematter.Itwasadifficultperiod,becausewhileIworriedabouttheimageofthegovernment,Icouldalsounderstandtheangerofthepolice,whosemenwerebrutallykilled.Photographsofthemurderedofficersweresogruesomethatitwasnotdifficulttocomprehendtherawemotionthatcouldhaveledsomepeopleintotakingthelawintotheirownhands.Someofthesephotographswerehandedtothepresident.WhileIappreciatedhisfeelings,Ialsobelievedjunglejustice,nomattertheprovocation,cannotbejustifiedbyagentsofthestate.Tocompoundthesituation,someonepostedavideostreamonYouTubeofYusuf’sinterrogationbythepoliceafterhewascapturedandshortlybeforehedied.

WhileIdodgedalltheenquiriesaboutthematter,Iwasdeterminedthatthepresidentwouldnotremainsilentontheissue,andanopportunitycamewhen

PresidentBoniYayiofBeninRepublicvisited.Attheinstanceofthepresident,Ihadstartedaregimeofjointbriefingbetweenhimandanyvisitingleader.Asthepresidentescortedhisguesttotherostrum,Iputinhishandapieceofpaper.InitIwrotethatIhadbeenreliablyinformedthatthequestionthecorrespondentswereinterestedinwasontheBokoHaramkillingandthatheshouldbepreparedtorespondshoulditbeasked.

Predictably,itwasthefirstquestion,andthepresidentrespondedthatitwouldbeinvestigated,togetherwithalltheeventsthatledtoit.“YesterdayIdirectedtheNSAtocarryoutapost-mortemwiththesecurityagenciesasafirststep,sothatwecanhaveafullreportofwhathappenedduringthecrisis,includinghowtheleaderofBokoHaramwaskilledaswellasthecircumstancesunderwhichhewaskilled.

“Nowitisafterwegetthisreportthatwewilldeterminewhatactionstotake,whetherweneedtocarryoutfurtherinvestigationsintotheentirematter,becauseitisreallyaveryseriousissue.Ihavebeenemphasizingsincethisadministrationcameintopoweronourstanceontheruleoflaw,andeverybodyinthiscountryandalltheofficialsareclearlyawareofthestanceandindeedmypersonalcommitmentandfirmbeliefthatitistheruleoflawthatwillanchorgoodgovernanceandprogressinthiscountry.

“Whenissueslikethishappen,wedonotrushintotakingprecipitateactions.Wetrytoinvestigatetomakesurethatwegetthefactsastheyhappened.So,thisistheactionthatItookwhenIcamebackfromBrazil.YesterdayImetwithallthesecurityagencies,andwedecidedonthiscourseofaction.”

Thepresidentsoundedveryconvincing.YetIknewtherewasnoinvestigationwithregardtohowYusufhaddied,anditwasunlikelytherewouldbeany.TheinvestigationhehadorderedwastheusualoneonBokoHaram,because,withregardtoYusuf,thedispositionofthesecurityagencieswasthattwowrongshadbecomearight.SinceYusufandhismenhadmurderedseveralpolicemenincoldblood,theybelievedthatjusticewasservedwithhisdeath,regardlessofhowitwascarriedout.

Indeed,asaproofthattherewasnotgoingtobeanyinvestigation,thearmycommanderwhohandedYusufovertothepolicewasrecommendedfordismissal.Hisoffence:allowingthephotographofYusuftobetakenaftercapture!IttooktheinterventionofanaidetothepresidentforthecareerofBen

Ahanotonottobeabruptlyterminated.Theaidearguedthatdismissinganofficerwhowascarryingoutalawfulorderwouldbegrosslyunfair,especiallywhenitcametolightthateventheinterrogationofYusuf(beforehemethisdeath)wasalsoontheinternet.

Whatwasneverindoubtwasthepresident’sresolvethatthespectreofBokoHaramhadtobecompletelyrootedout.Againstthebackgroundofagrowingpopulationofidleyouths,especiallyinthenorthernpartofthecountry,thepresidentwasofthefirmconvictionthatpreachersofincendiarymessages,likeYusuf,wereadangertosociety.

ButthecircumstancesoftheBokoHaramleader’sdeathremaintilltodayapermanentsoretotheimageofYar’Adua’sadministration,whichhadmaderespectfortheruleoflawitscardinalobjective.

ABornoStatehighcourtwouldlaterfindthepoliceguiltyofunlawfullyexecutingYusuf’sin-law,BabaFugu,andawardedN100millionindamagestohisfamily.

BabakuraFugu,40,aschoolteacherandeldestsonofthedeceased,hadsuedthepresident,GovernorAliSheriff,andtheinspectorgeneralofpoliceforhisfather’sallegedexecutionwhilehewasinpolicecustody.

JusticeMohammedMustapha,inhisjudgement,alsograntedtheprayerthatBabaFugu’scorpsebeexhumedfrom‘whereveritis’andgiventohisfamilyforproperburial,andthattherespondentsshouldpubliclyapologizetothefamily.ThefamilyhadtoldthecourtthatBabaFugu’scorpsehadbeenburiedalongwithothercorpsesinamassburialdespitetheirappealforitsrelease.

Iamnotawarethatthegovernmentevercompliedwiththisruling,givenatatimewhenthepresidentwasbattlingforlifeandJonathanwasalreadyactingpresident.

Endnotes

1LieutenantGeneralAliyuMohammedGusauisaretiredarmyofficerwhoheldthepositionofNSAfrom1999to2006duringtheObasanjopresidency.HehadalsobeenappointedchiefofarmystaffbyGeneralBabangidashortlybeforeheleftofficeinAugust1993butwasremovedbyGeneralAbachashortlyafter.He

wouldlaterbeappointedthenationalsecurityadviserbythenActingPresidentGoodluckJonathanduringthecrisisoccasionedbyPresidentYar’Adua’slongmedicalsojourninSaudiArabia.

7

WhenCountedVotesDon’tCount

AthisinaugurationonMay29,2007,PresidentYar’Aduatooktheratherunusualstepofconcedingthattheelectionsthathadbroughthimtooffice‘hadshortcomings’.Asaresult,hepledgedtoreformthenation’selectoralprocess.Exactlythreemonthslater,hetookthatpromisebeyondrhetoricasheestablisheda22-memberelectoralreformcommitteetoexamineandidentifylapsesandinadequaciesthathavestifledtheyearningforfreeandfairelectionsinNigeria.

Themandateofthecommittee,headedbyformerchiefjusticeofthefederation,JusticeMuhammedUwais,includedareviewofNigeria’shistorywithgeneralelectionsandidentificationoffactorsthatmilitateagainsttheircredibility.1

OnJanuary16,2008,fivemonthsafterinauguratingthecommittee,thepresidentheldaconsultativemeetingonelectoralprocessinNigeriawithallthestategovernors,theleadershipofpoliticalpartiesthatwonelectionsinoneormorestatesinthe2007

elections,theleadershipoftheNationalAssembly,andtheheadsofvarioussecurityagencies.HeopenedthediscussionbyacknowledgingthatthehistoryofelectionsinNigeriahadbeenthatofcontroversies,addingthattheresponsibilityforallthefailureslaymostlywiththepoliticalactors.“Nomatterthelegislations,nomattertheeffortsweputatelectoralreforms,unlesswethepoliticalleaderschangeourattitudetowardselection,wewillcontinuetohaveproblems.”

Afterhisbriefremarks,allthejournalistswereexcusedbecause,ashesaid,he

wantedafrankandopendiscussion.Evenwhenthathadbeendone,helookedinmydirectionratherapprehensively,asifheconsideredmetobeoneofthereportershehadonlymomentsagoexcused.Theimportofthatbecameglaringwhenhebegantospeakagain.

“Nowthatjournalistshaveleftandallofusarepoliticians,weshouldbeabletospeakthetruth,”hebegan.“Ifwewillbehonestwithourselves,weallknowhowwerigelectionsinthiscountry.Wecompromisethesecurityagencies,wepaytheelectoralofficialsandpartyagentswhileontheeveoftheelectionwemerelydistributelogisticsalldesignedtobuythevotes….”

Forabouttwentyminutes,thepresidentspokecandidlyaboutthemethodsusuallyadoptedtomanipulateelections,stoppingoccasionallytoaskrhetoricallywhetherhisobservationswerefalse.Nobodycontrovertedhim,andsoheconcludedbytellingtheparticipantsthatcollectively,theycouldlayanewfoundationfordemocracyinthecountryifthepoliticalelitehadthewill.

Thatcandiddeclarationbythepresidentachieveditsaimasitemboldenedotherstospeakfrankly.ItwasamostenlighteningsessionthatrevealedquiteclearlythattheaverageNigerianpoliticianwouldrathernotleavemattersinthehandsoftheelectorateonpollingday.Themeeting,whichcommencedat11a.m.,eventuallyendedat5:30p.m.

withtheconstitutionoffourcommitteesunderthecoordinationoftheVP.Oneofthecommittees’taskswastoexaminetheroleofsecurityagenciesinthecourseofelectionsandwhymurderandarsonperpetratedonpollingdaywereusuallytreatedas‘electoralviolence’,withnobodyeversuccessfullyprosecutedforsuchheinouscrimes.

Thesessionalsoagreedonthecompositionofbi-partisancommitteeswhoserecommendationswereexpectedtoshapetheagendaforthenextmeeting,which,asitwouldturnout,neverheld.Infact,thatwouldbethefirstandlastofsuchmeetings.TheUwaisCommittee,however,continueditswork,andaftersittingforoneyear,duringwhichtheyreceivedhundredsofmemorandaandconductedseveralpublichearingsacrossthecountry,cameupwithextensive—andratherradical—recommendationsintheirreport,whichwasmadepublic.Someoftherecommendationsincluded

•establishinganew,trulyindependent,non-partisanandimpartialINECcomposedmainlyofrepresentativesofprofessionalgroupswhoarenominatedthroughtheNationalJudicialCouncil;

•abolishingthestateindependentelectoralcommissionsandresidentelectoralcommissionssothatINEChandlesallelectionsinthecountry;

•establishingapoliticalpartiesregistrationandregulatorycommissionto,amongotherthings,registerpoliticalparties,monitortheirorganizationandoperations,andarrangefortheannualauditingoftheiraccounts;

•establishinganelectoraloffencescommissiontoinvestigateelectoraloffencesandprosecuteoffenders;

•establishingaconstituencydelimitationcommissiontohandlethecreationandperiodicreviewofelectoralconstituencies;and

•stipulatingthetimelimitfordisposingofelectionpetitions,thatis,fourmonthsforelectiontribunalstodeliverjudgementandtwomonthsfortheconclusionofallappeals.

Thecommitteealsorecommendedtheuseofelectronicvotingmachinesforfutureelections;stipulationofadditionalconditionstobemetbyanypoliticalassociationseekingregistrationasapoliticalparty;andtheintroductionofindependentcandidatureinallelections.Equallyrecommendedwastheinjectionofadoseofproportionalrepresentationintothecurrent‘first-past-the-post’electoralsystem,inordertopromotegreaterinclusivenessandminimizebothpre-andpost-electiontension;holdingallelectionsonafixeddate,atleastsixmonthsbeforetheexpirationofthetermofincumbents,toallowadequatetimeforelectionpetitionsandappealstobeconcludedbeforeswearinganyonein;andstaggeringelectionssuchthatNationalandStateAssemblyelectionsholdtwoyearsafterpresidentialandgovernorshipelections.

OnJanuary16,2009,thepresidentappointedacommitteetoproduceadraftwhitepaperonthereportfortheFederalExecutiveCouncil(FEC),whicheventuallyheldthreeconsecutivesessionsspanningseveralhours,duringwhichitagreedthatthefundingofINECwouldbeafirst-linechargeontheconsolidatedrevenuefundofthefederation.

Thegoalwastoensurethatitsfinancialandadministrativeindependencewasguaranteed.

TheFECalsoacceptedtherecommendationthatpoliticiansconvictedofviolenceduringelections,inadditiontoanyotherpunishment,shouldbebarredfromholdingpublicofficefor10years.Indeed,alltheotherrecommendationsbythecommitteewereacceptedexceptthefollowing:

•Injectingadoseofproportionalrepresentationintothecurrent‘first-past-the-post’

electoralsystem,inordertopromotegreaterinclusivenessandminimizebothpre-andpost-electiontension.

•Holdingallelectionsonafixeddate,atleastsixmonthsbeforetheexpirationofthetermofincumbents,toallowadequatetimeforelectionpetitionsandappealstobeconcludedbeforeswearinganyonein.

•StaggeringofelectionssuchthatNationalandStateAssemblyelectionsholdtwoyearsafterpresidentialandgubernatorialelections.

•ShiftingtheburdenofprooffromthepetitionerstoINECtoshowthatdisputedelectionswereindeedfreeandfairandcompliedwiththeprovisionsoftheElectoralAct2006.(Thislastrecommendationwasagainstthecardinalprinciplesoflaw,whichprovidesthatwhoeverassertsmustprove.)

Themostcontentious,however,wastherecommendationthatINECmembersshouldbenominatedbymembersoftheNJC.Thishadbeenathornyissuewithinthewhitepaperdraftingcommittee,andMr.HakeemBaba-Ahmed,apermanentsecretaryintheSGF

officeandaformerINECsecretary,hadarguedwiththeAGFoverthisprovision,whichheconsideredcardinaltotheUwaisreport.

Givenhisexperienceandexposure,Baba-Ahmed’sviewcouldnotbetakenlightly,butAondoakaawouldargueonthepointoflawthatinthepresidentialsystemofgovernment,thepowertoappointornominatecouldnotbetakenawayfromthepresident.HewouldadoptasimilarpremisewhenheintervenedataheatedFECsessionduringwhichsomemembershadtakentheissuespersonally,asifitwastheintegrityofYar’Aduathatwasbeingquestioned.So,

thediscussionbecame,unfortunately,anemotionalone.

JusticeUwais,whowasinvitedtotheFECsessionarguedforcefullythatifthataspectofthereportwasremoved,Nigerianswouldnotbelievethegovernmentwasseriousaboutelectoralreform.HesaidthatalmostallthememorandathatthecommitteereceivedcanvassedthepositionthatthechoiceofelectoralofficialsshouldbemadebytheNJC

andthatithadbeenthemainissueatthepublichearingstheyhadheld.

Fromthetoneofthediscussion,IcouldimmediatelydiscernthatJusticeUwaiswouldfeelletdowniftheclausewasremoved,soshortlybeforethelastFECsessiononthereport,Itriedanintervention.Asmemberswereseatedinthecouncilchambers,IaskedUwaiswhetherhewasdisposedtotheideaofameetingwiththepresidentbeforethesessionbegan.Isuggestedthatitwouldbehelpfulifhecouldpersonallyexpresshismisgivingsandoffersomeadvice.Whenhesaidhewouldn’tmind,Irushedtotheresidenceandmetthepresidentatthestudyexaminingsomepapersashesippedhistea,preparatorytoleavingfortheFECsession.IpleadedwithhimtotarryawhiletohaveaprivateaudiencewithUwais,andwhenheagreed,IwentbacktothecouncilchambersandbroughtUwaistomeetthepresident.Theduometforabout15minutes,butitdidn’tappearasifitachievedanymeaningfulresult.

WiththehandlingoftheUwaisreportbytheFEC,thepublicfeltbetrayed,withtheconsensusbeingthattherewouldbenofreeandfairelectioninNigeriauntiltheappointmentoftheINECchairmanwasinsulatedfromthepresident.ForhimtothereforeretainthepowertonominatethechairmanandINECmembersconveyedtocriticstheimpressionthathewasnotseriousaboutelectoralreform,especiallyatatimewhenProf.

MauriceIwuwasbeingsingularlyheldresponsiblefortheproblemsassociatedwiththe2007generalelectionsinthecountry.Thisinitselfwasasimplisticreadingofevents.

Whileitisagreedthatthe2007electionsweredeeplyflawed,itisnecessarytoputitincontext.Theproblemwiththeelectionsbeganwhen,followinghisfailedthird-termbid,ObasanjodecidedtoscuttleVicePresidentAtikuAbubakar’sambitiontosucceedhimbysettingupanextra-constitutionalbodytoexamineallegationsofcorruptionagainstaspirantsseekingpublicofficeat

boththefederalandstatelevel,basedonEFCCreports.

ItwasonthebasisofAtiku’sindictmentalongsideothersbythiscommitteethatan

‘EFCCadvisory’wasforwardedtoINECtobancertainofficeseekers,includingtheformerVP.Whilemanyofthesecandidateswereeventuallyexcludedfromtheelection(adevelopmentthatwouldlatersetthestageforfurtherconfusioninthepolity),Atikusoughtlegalredress,andtheSupremeCourtquashedthebanonhimontheeveofthepresidentialelection.Withballotpapersalreadyprintedwithouthisname,anothersetwasordered,withalltheattendantlogisticalproblemsthatINECcouldnothandle.Sofromtheoutset,the2007electionsweredoomedtofail.

NothingcaptureswhathappenedatthepollsbetterthanthereportoftheEuropeanUnion(EU)ElectionObservationMission,ledbyMaxvandenBerg:“Theelectionsweremarredbyverypoororganization;lackofessentialtransparency;widespreadandproceduralirregularities;substantialevidenceoffraud;widespreadvoterdisenfranchisement;lackofequalconditionsforpoliticalpartiesandcandidates;andnumerousincidentsofviolence.”

Inseveralrespects,thelawsguidingtheelectionswereflagrantlyviolated,andtheprecedingconductofthePDPprimariesatalllevelsfurtherexacerbatedtheproblems.Inseveralstates,namesofnominatedcandidatesweresubstitutedwitheitherthosetheydefeatedorcandidatesofrivalparties,whowerethenco-optedtoflythePDPbannerevenagainsttheirownrule,whichstipulatedaminimumperiodofmembershipforanycontender.Thatsetthestagefortheelectoralfraudperpetratedalloverthenationandthesubsequentjudicialinterventionsthatinthemselvespoliticizedthecourts.

WhileYar’Adua,thenoutgoingtwo-termgovernorofKatsinaState,playednosubstantialroleintheelectionsthatbroughthimtoofficeaspresident,hewasabeneficiaryoftheflawedprocessandthereforeinheritedthechallengesassociatedwithit.ButinretainingthepowertoappointINECofficialsratherthanhandingsuchresponsibilitiestotheNationalJudicialCommissionasprescribedbytheUwaisCommittee,thepresidentcreateddisaffectionbetweenthepublicandhimself.

Thematterdidnot,however,endthere.OnthedayhepresentedtheFEC’s

conclusionsontheUwaisReporttotheCouncilofState,thepresidentsaidalltherecommendationswereupfordebate.Unfortunately,theCouncilofStatedidnotevenshowasmuchenthusiasmastheFEC,because,notwithstandingthepleasofGovernorAdamsOshiomhole,itsmembersrejectedoutrighttheinclusionofnomineesfromLabour,media,civilsociety,youthandwomenintotheINECBoard.Theyalsorejectedtheabolitionofthestateindependentelectoralcommissions,whichwouldhaveempoweredINECtoconductallelectionsinthecountry,includingthelocalgovernmentpolls.

Incontrast,FECdebateswereindeedinterestingandexhaustive.Forinstance,therecommendationoftheUwaiscommitteewasthatelectionsshouldholdsixmonthsbeforeinaugurationinorderthatallpetitionscouldlogicallybeunravelledbeforeswearingin.TheFECreasonedthattoconductelectionssixmonthsbeforeswearinginimpliesthatforsixmonthstherewouldbetwoauthoritiesinonestateorlocalgovernmentorevenatthefederallevel.Such,membersargued,wasarecipeforanarchy.

Acounterproposaltoimposeatime-limitofthreemonthsfortheconclusionofallpetitionswasalsosuggested.Butthiswasconsideredimpracticable.UwaishadattendedboththeFECaswellastheCouncilofStatemeetingtoguidediscussion.JusticeBelgore,alsoaformerchiefjusticeofthefederation,wasalsopresentattheCouncilofStatemeeting.ThepresidentaskedUwaiswhathethoughtwasthereasonelectoralmatterscouldnotbesettledwithinthreemonthssincetheywereallconcludedwithinthatperiodduringtheSecondRepublic.TheresponsewasthatwhatobtainedduringtheSecondRepublicwasamilitaryaberrationthatcouldhardlyapplyinademocracy.Fromtheexchanges,therewasnoguaranteethateventhesixmonthsbeingproposedwouldsuffice.Thispessimismtheninspirednewthinking:ifjusticewouldbeenthronedbyallowingtheaggrievedtoseekredresswithouttheconstraintsoftime,thensobeit.

Thecontentiousissue,however,remainedtheappointmentoftheINECboard.AsidefromthedoctrineofseparationofpowersonwhichtheFECbaseditsdecision,itwastheconsideredviewoftheCouncilofStatethatthejudiciaryshouldbeinsulatedfrompolitics.TheargumentwasthatsincethereasonsadducedfortheelectoralfiascoinmoststatesacrossthefederationwereattributedtoINEC,whoseofficialswereinmostcasesreprimandedbythetribunals,thentheimpartialityofthejudiciarywouldnotbeguaranteedifitwasinvolvedintheappointmentofINECofficials.CitingtheexamplesofEdo,Ondo,andafewotherstateswhereresultswereupturned,withthetribunal

expressingstrongopinionsabouttheconductofINECofficials,itwasnotedthathadthejudiciarybeeninvolvedintheappointmentoftheofficials,it’sinconceivablethattheywouldhavehumiliatedthesamepeopletheyhelpedtoappoint.

GovernorSegunMimikoofOndoState,whosecuredvictoryatthetribunalsaidthejudiciarywouldhavebeendefensiveofINECthesamewayINEChadbeendefensiveofitselections,inclusiveofthemostdefectiveones,iftheywerepartoftheelectoralprocess.Attheend,themediaandcivilsocietybelievedthenationhadbeenshortchanged,particularly,withthepresidentretainingthepowertonominatethemembersoftheINECboardtotheSenate.

WhatmadethepublictobefurthersuspiciousofYar’Adua’sintentiononelectoralreformwasthefactthattheelectionthatbroughthimtoofficewastainted,yethemanagedtosecureacontroversiallegalvictoryatthePresidentialElectionTribunal.OnFebruary26,2008,thetribunal,headedbyJusticeJamesOgebe,gavewhatmanysawasapoliticaljudgementwhenitdeclaredthattheoppositionhad“establishedsubstantiallythenon-compliancewiththeelectoralact”intheconductoftheelection,yetstillruledthatthepetitioner“failedtoestablishthesubstantiality(effect)ofthenon-complianceontheresults.”

ItwasevenmorecuriousthatJusticeOgebe(whohadbeennominatedtotheSupremeCourt)wouldbeabsent,withtherulingdeliveredbyJusticeJohnAfolabiFabiyi.Notsurprisingly,therewereallegationsthattheverdictwasprocured,andtherewerepeoplearoundthepresidentwhoactuallygavetheimpressionthattheyfixedit.Weeksbeforetheruling,IhadintimatedthepresidentthattheAGFwasspreadingwordaroundaboutthecaseandcreatingtheimpressionthathewasgoingtoensurethepresidentwon.IassuredthepresidentthatheneededtowarnAondoakaaonthematter,whileaddingthateveniftheelectionwascancelled,thepresidentwouldstillwin.

ManyoftheprincipalstaffofthepresidentwerealsoworriedaboutAondoakaa’santicsandopenlyexpressedtheirdispleasure.Severaltimesduringthatperiod,AondoakaaandIborifondlytoldthosewhocaredtolistenwithinthevillathat“rightnowwehavetwojudgesforandthreeagainst.”Sometimes,itwas“oneforandfouragainst”andsomeothertime,itwas“allthejudgesareagainstus.”

Ialwaysmarvelledathowtheycouldpossiblyknowallthat,andIwondered

aboutwhattheywouldhavebeentellingthepresident.IhadnodoubtinmymindthatalltheseweretoputfearintoYar’Aduaandprobablymakethemselvesmorerelevantintheschemeofthingsastheywere.Didtheyprocurethejudgement?Ihavehadcausetoseekclarificationsfromthepresident’slawyer,ChiefWoleOlanipekun(SAN),arespectedandveryhonourableman,whosaidheneverhaddealingswithanyjudge,andiftheAGF

wasactuallysayingallthat,hewastalkingnonsense.

Incidentally,AondoakaaandIboricontinuedthisnumbersgamewhenthecaseclimaxedattheapexcourt.Irecallthataparticularjustice(nowretired)gottohearaboutit,andhebookedanappointmentwiththepresident.HesaidhehadheardthatAondoakaahadboastedtosomepeoplethathe(AGF)fixedthejudgementandheneededtoaskthepresidenttobringhim(Aondoakaa)forameetingwherehewouldhavetoconfirmwhomhegavemoneyto.Iamnotsurethemeetingevertookplace.

Withtheforegoingcontroversyasabackdrop,theApril2008gubernatorialre-runelectionsinEkitiState,wherethePDPandAChadequalmembersintheHouseofAssembly,wasboundtobeseenasarealtestofthegovernment’spoliticalwillandabilitytoreformNigeria’selectoralsystem.ThetribunalrulinghadlefttheACleadingbyabout10,000votesafterresultsfromfivelocalgovernmentshadbeencancelled.ThisgapledtothebeliefinthemediaandcivilsocietythattheonlywaytheoutcomecouldbeinfavourofthetemporarilyoustedPDPGovernorOlusegunOniwasifthepollsweremanipulated.

Ashedidineveryotherstatewheretherewerere-rungubernatorialelections,thepresidentwasinEkititoflagoffthePDPcampaignforOni.Butintheprocess,SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,Hon.DimejiBankole,brokeintoasongthatseemedtosuggestthefederalgovernmentwoulddeploytroopstoprosecutetheelection.“Wewillusesoldiers(forthiselection),theothertimeweusedMOPOL(mobilepolicemen),wewillusesoldiers,”BankolesangtoathunderousapplausefromthePDPsupportersattheparty’srallyinIgede-Ekiti.

OncetheSpeaker’sallusiontotroopdeploymenthadbeenmade,Iknewtherewouldbeamediabacklash,andnotsurprisingly,itwastheheadlinenewsthroughoutthatdayandthenext.

Incidentally,otherspeakersatthecampaignalsomadeveiledthreatsaboutthe

deploymentoftroops.LaunchinganattackagainstformerLagosStategovernor,AsiwajuBolaTinubu(believedtobethebackerofDr.KayodeFayemi,ACcandidatefortheEkitire-runpolls),OsunStategovernor,OlagunsoyeOyinlola,saidthePDPwoulddeployeveryresourceavailabletoitfortheEkitielectiontoensurethatOniemergedvictorious.

“Wewillusetheresourcesatourdisposaltoensurethatheovercomes.Whateversupportheneeds,wewillgivetohim.Weshallbevictorious.Wewillwintheelectionbyallmeanspossible.”

ItwasnotunexpectedthattheACwoulddwellonthefauxpasinBankole’ssongaboutdeployingtroops.ThedirectorofcommunicationsfortheKayodeFayemicampaignorganization,Mr.YemiAdaramodu,setthetoneforthis:“WewishtoremindtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,DimejiBankole,thatEkitipeoplehaveneverbeenknowntosuccumbtothethreatofarmedsoldiers.Therulingcliquetriedtheirluckintheactofintimidationwithsoldiersandpoliceinthepastandgottheirfingersburnt.ItisstillthesamepeoplethatinhabitthespacecalledEkititodayandtheyaremorethanreadytodefendtheirvotes.”

Thepartyalsoadvisedthepresidenttorefrainfromdeployingtroops,which,intheirreckoning,wasfortheulteriormotiveofriggingtheelectionforhisparty.WhenwegotbacktoAbuja,Iwasconvincedthepresidencyhadtowadein.Ioutlinedtheimplicationsofbringingthemilitaryintopartisanpoliticstothepresident,andheassuredmethattroopswouldnotbedeployed.Hehadalreadymetwiththeinspectorgeneralofpolice,Mr.MikeOkiro,anddirectedhimtoincreasethestrengthofthepoliceinEkitiStatewithadditionalsquadsfromfiveneighbouringstates,hetoldme.

SincetheelectionwasgoingtobeheldonlyinafractionofEkitistate,hehadbeenassuredthatthepolicecouldofferadequatesecurity.IthereforetoldthemediathattroopswouldnotbedeployedintheconductofEkitielectionsbutthatsecuritywouldbeadequatetotakecareofanyeventuality.This,ofcourse,outragedmanypeoplewithinthePDPandthegovernment,aswellassomesecuritychiefssympathetictotherulingparty,whohadalreadylabeledme‘aclosetACmember’.ThesamechargewasleveledagainstRemiBabalolaafteropenlyexpressinghisconcernsaboutthemanagementoftheEkitielection

crisis.

ThetruthofthematterwasthatIwasneitheranACsympathizernoropposedtothere-electionofGovernorOni;whatIconsideredparamountwasthedangerinherentinunwittinglydraggingthemilitaryintotheconductofelectionsinjustasectionofonestate.Iknewthepresidentwasopposedtodeploymentoftroops,yetIhadbeenreliablyinformedthattherewasalreadyaplottosendsoldierstoEkitiontheeveoftheelection.

Theirrole,ostensibly,wastokeepthepeace.Irealizedtoothatthiswasbeingdonewithouttheknowledgeofthepresident.Whenthisillegalorderwaseventuallycarriedout,IrushedtotheADC,inthepresenceofwhomthepresidenthaddirectedthatsoldierswerenottobeseenonthestreetsofEkitionthedayofelection.

Hehadtospeakwiththechiefofarmystaff,whowasthenabroadandhadalsonotbeenkeptabreastofthesituation.Counterorderswerethenimmediatelyissued,andthetroopswerewithdrawnimmediately.

ButtheAChadalreadyissuedastatementthatessentiallyhighlightedtheparty’sdisappointmentonthereportedpresenceoftroopsinEkitiState,whichitnotedwasinconsistentwiththeearlierassurancebythepresidentthathewouldnotdeploysoldierstothestate.Itaddedthatsuchadevelopmenthadcalledtoquestionthecredibilityandintegrityofthepresident.

Knowingthatthepresidenthadnotorderedanydeploymentoftroops,thiswasnotsomethingIcouldtakelightly.Imadeanotherstatementthattroopshadnotbeen—andwouldnotbe—deployedfortheEkitielections.Curiously,thedirectorofarmypublicrelations,BrigadierGeneralChrisOlukolade,hadtoldthemediathatthearmyheadquarterswasawareofthepresenceofsoldiersinEkitiState.“Theirgoingthereshouldnotbepoliticized.Itisnotaboutelections.Theirbeingthereispurelyforsecurityreasons.”

Whilesomewithingovernmentqueriedmymotives,thebasisformyinterventionwasbasicallyduetothefactthatIknewtheinstructiondidnotemanatefromthepresident,who,ascommanderinchief,wastheonlypersonwhocouldauthorizethedeploymentoftroops.Ialsoknewthosebehindtheentireplot,andIsuspectedthattheirplotwasnotmotivatedbyaltruism.

Owingtothemaliciouscampaignbeinglaunchedagainstmeinternally,Ihadto

seekanaudiencewithGovernorOnitoreassurehimthatIwasnotcovertlyworkingagainsthim,andthatIwasonlydoingmyjob.WemetinAbuja,andheexpressedappreciationthatIwouldexplainmyrole,ashehadbeentoldtalesaboutme.

Oni,nodoubt,isaverydecentman,buttheforcesinvolvedintheEkitielectionsreallydidnotcaremuchabouthim.AllthecoldcalculationswerebasedonPDP‘stoppingTinubuinthesouthwest’andnotaboutthegovernorsecuringbackhismandate.WhileIhadnoproblemwithPDPattemptingtowinthesouthwest,Icouldnotpossiblystandaloofifthetacticsbeingadoptedwouldcalltoquestiontheintegrityofthepresident.

Followingthestalematethatdoggedtheelection,thesesamepeoplewouldputthewholeblameonme,withtheargumentthattheelectionwasmismanagedbecauseofmyannouncementthattroopswouldnotbedeployed.Withoutdeferencetomypositionasspokesmanforthepresident,theydirectedmetoreporttoSSSheadquartersforinterrogationonmyroleintheEkitisaga.

WhenIreceivedtheletter,thefirstemotionIfeltwasrage.IcalledtheCSOtointimatehimabouttheletterandthefactthatIwasgoingtoignoreit,warningthatifanyattemptwasmadetoarrestme,Iwouldresign,butnotquietly.Hecametomyofficetowithdrawtheletter,whichhesaidIshouldignore,whilepleadingwithmenottoinformthepresident.Onlaterreflection,IdecidedIwouldhonourtheSSSinvitation,butatatimeofmychoice.

IwentonaSaturdayandspentabouttwohourswiththepanelinvestigatingthefalloutoftheEkitielection.Ofcourse,Iwasnotsurprisedthatthequestiontheinvestigatorswantedmetoanswerwaswhogavemeauthoritytoannouncethatsoldierswouldnotbedeployed.Myresponsewasquitesimple:theycouldgoandfindoutfromthepresident!

Ihappentoknowmostofmyinterrogators,somesincemydaysasajournalist.AirViceMarshallMosesAkinolaAkinsanmi,wholeftthevillaafewmonthsbeforeascommanderofthepresidentialfleet,wasalsoonthepanel,sothesessionitselfwasveryfriendly,andIusedtheopportunitytoextractinformationabouttheEkitidebacleandwhattheyconsideredtheproblem.

IrealizedthatmyrolebecamecrucialbecausetherehadbeenallegationsthatTinubuhadimportedsomeNigerDeltamilitantsandalotofarmsintoEkiti

Stateandthatonlysoldierscouldenforcepeaceintheelection.EvenwhileIwasnotawareofthisatthetime,Istillfeltthatpoliticizingthedeploymentoftroopscouldbringincalculabledamagetotheimageofapresidentwhohadpromisedelectoralreform.Besides,Icouldnothaveenvisagedthatthepolicewouldfinditdifficulttomonitorelectionsinjustafewwardswithinfivelocalgovernmentsinasmallstate!

Theelectionitselfhadfeaturedamajordrama,whichbeganwhentheresidentelectoralcommissioner(REC),Mrs.AyokaAdebayo,disappearedmidwayintocollatingtheresults,andafterwardsaletterofresignationpurportedlywrittenbyherappearedinthemedia.ShewasbelievedtohaverejectedsomeoftheresultsfromIdoOsiLocalGovernmentArea,thehomebaseofGovernorSegunOni,andwasallegedlyinclinedtocancellingtheelectionintenseOye-Ekitibecauseofviolence.

Inanattempttorationalizetheunfoldingevent,theINECchairman,Prof.MauriceIwu,saidhehadbeeninformed“thatasaresultofthepressureoftheexercise,theRECbrokedownandtookill,thecommissionhadnochoicebuttopostponetheremainingelection.”Withthissituation,itwasnotlostoncriticalobserversthatagovernmentthatpledgedelectoralreforminthecountrywasfindingitdifficulttoconducttransparentelectionsinafractionofasmallstate.Thatdispleasedthepresident.ButallthebriefshewasgettingonthebotchedpollsdweltontheactivitiesofTinubu,whowaslabeledthebrainbehindthewholecontroversy.Mediareportswere,however,different;butitdidn’tseemtomatter,astheperceptionwithingovernmentwasthatTinubuhadthemediaalsoonhisside.

Withthesituation,IadvisedthepresidentthatthewisethingtodowouldbetorejectMrs.Adebayo’sresignationandthatshebeallowedtoconcludetheprocess.Sincetheinsinuationwasthattherewaspressureonhertodeclareafalseresult,whatwasneeded,Ireasoned,wasforthesecurityagenciestoemboldenhertodotherightthing.Thepresidentagreedtothisidea.

Inthecourseoftheimpasse,thepresidentsummonedasecuritymeeting,andIwuwasinvitedtobriefthem.Beforethismeetingcommenced,Ihadpreparedfortheworst,becauseIknewthatsomepeoplewouldstillpressthechargethatIwastoblameforthefiasco.So,whentheADCrushedtomyoffice,Iwassurprisedwhenhesaid:“Oga[thepresident]saidhewantsanothercopyoftheletterfromthatyourHarvardfriendyouenclosedforhimthismorning.”

Thisgavemesomecomfortthatwhateverwouldbesaidagainstmeatthemeetingwouldnotcountafterall.Earlythatmorning,Ihadreceivedamailfrommyfriend,WaziriAdio,whowasthenaMasonFellowattheHarvardKennedySchool,andhadfoundhisadviceveryinstructive.Iprintedthemailandputitinthenewspaperreportsforthepresidentwithanotethatheshouldreadit.Thiswastheletterhewasaskingmetoreprintforhim,whichIdid.

Wazirihadwritten:

DearSege,Ihavetoapologiseforbotheringyouonthis,butafterwrestlingwiththisEkitiStatesagaforafewdays,IdecidedIshouldsharemyconcernswithyou,evenifyoucan’tdoanythingaboutthem.IknowthesituationinEkitiiscomplicated.

Evenfromafar,IcanseethatneitherpartyiscompletelyinnocentandthatthestruggleisbeyondtheinterestofEkitipeople.Icanseethestrugglefor/againstdominanceinYorubaland;Icanseedress-rehearsalsfor2011;Icanseeclashofbigandfragileegos.

Forallthesereasonsandmore,EkitiStatehasbecomeabattle-groundandmaywellbecomeatippingpointforsomethingquiteominous,ifweallowthesituationtodegenerate.ButIalsoseeopportunitieswrittenalloverthis:toshowthatthetalkofelectoralreformissincere;todemonstratethatvoteswillcountinfutureelections;tounderscorethat[the]ruleoflawisnotamereconvenientrhetoric.Morethanatanyothertime,thisisthetimetoshowrealleadership.Letthevotesbecountedandthewinnerdulydeclared.Whowilllistentoyouwhenyoutalkaboutelectoralreformsanddecentelectionswhenweneedlesslybungleelectioninjustonestate?Thisisnotatimefordilly-dallying.Itisthetimeforclear,forthrightandopeninstructions.

IfPDPislosing(Isayif),thisisthetimetobestrategicinconcedingabattletowinthewar.Ifthisisthecase,letthepresidentinstructINECtodotherightthing,andcallOnitoconcedeandcompensatehim.IfPDPisnotlosing,thenletthiswholeprocessbeclearandtransparent.Itisatoughcall.Butthatiswhatleadershipisallabout.Ifwellhandled,IseeahugeopportunityforthisadministrationandMr.President,astheattendantgoodwillcanthenbespinnedpositively.

HowthepresidentusedtheletteratthemeetingIhavenoidea,buttheconclusionattheendwasthatMrs.Adebayoshouldbepersuadedtoconcludetheelection.

EventuallyshedidbyannouncingOniasthewinner,butthewholeprocesshadbeensulliedalready,withtheimageofthegovernmentbearinganembarrassingtaint.Theresultitselfdidnotendureforlong,asFayemiultimatelywonatthecourtofappeal,butbythen,thepresidenthadleftthescene.

Endnotes

1Anoutlineofthepresident’sdirectiveshowsthatthecommitteehadthismandate:tomakegeneralandspecificrecommendationsthatwouldensure1)atrulyindependentelectoralcommissionimbuedwithadministrativeandfinancialautonomy;2)anelectoralprocessthatwouldenabletheconductofelectionstomeetacceptableinternationalstandards;3)legalprocessesthatwouldensurethatelectiondisputesareconcludedbeforeinaugurationofnewlyelectedofficials;and4)mechanismstoreducepost-electiontensions.

8

Yar’AduaandtheWorld

Fromthepointhewasmaking,IhadnodoubtthestorybeingrecountedbythepermanentsecretaryfortheMinistryofForeignAffairs,AmbassadorJoeKeshi,wasdirectedatme.ButthepresidentcouldnotresistlaughingaboutwhattranspiredattheFebruary2009pre-summitmeetingofAfricanUnionForeignMinistersintheLibyantownofSirte,thebirthplaceofLibyanpresident,ColonelMuammarGaddafi.

AccordingtoKeshi,thecouncilofministershadjustadoptedadocumentontheincrementalapproachtowardstransformingtheAUintoacontinentalauthoritywhenGaddafisaunteredintothemeetingwithasheetofpaper,whichhegavetothepresidingofficial.Hewasinsistentthattheproposalscontainedthereinbeadoptedastheofficialposition.Thisbrazenandunprecedentedinterventionprovedsomewhateffective,assomeministerseasilyacquiesced.Others,however,disagreed,thuscausingastalematebeforetheLibyanleadereventuallywalkedoutinahuff.

Thenextday,whenwordgottoGaddafithattheagendaadoptedbytheministerswasnottheonehehaddictated,hereturnedtothemeetingvenueandthistimeinsistedthathisdocumentbereadbytheLibyanforeignminister,sayingthatwastheonlydocumenttobepresentedattheJulyAUSummit,wherehewouldpresideaschairman.Totheconsternationofthosepresent,theLibyanofficialbegantoreadGaddafi’sdocument.

ThemessageinKeshi’sstorywasactuallyasub-text.HewasbaffledthataNigerianjournalistwhowitnessedthedramawasmoreinterestedinaskinghim(Keshi)whetheritwastruethatNigeriahadyettopayallherduestotheAU!InKeshi’sstory,thepresidentcouldglimpsetheexcessesofGaddafithathehadlivedwithfortwoyears.

Intermsofforeignaffairs,theYar’Aduayearsweredefinedbylargelyunflatteringtales.

ItwasaperiodwhenNigeria’sseatintheinternationalarenawasmostlyemptyduetotheillnessofthepresident,whichcompelledhimtotravelless.ButitwasalsoaneracharacterizedbythemistrustnursedbytheUnitedStatesoverNigeria’sapparentlyfledglingfriendshipwithChinaandrefusaltosanctiontheAFRICOMdeal.Withintheregionandthesub-regionalso,therewereeventsthatdefinedtheperiod,butnonemoreinterestingthantheanticsofGaddafiandtheconstantplotbythetrioofThaboMbekiofSouthAfrica,MelesZenawiofEthiopiaandYar’Aduatocheckmatehim.

Yar’Adua’spredecessor,Obasanjo,hadatoweringimageontheinternationalarena,wherehewasverymuchrespected.Itwasanimagethathadbeencultivatedoverthreedecadesandwhichhaditsrootsin1979,whenhehandedoverpowerasamilitaryleader,andwasburnishedfurtherfromtheperiodhewasamemberoftheCommonwealthEminentPersonsGroupthatnegotiated

withtheapartheidregimeinSouthAfricathroughtothetimehewasdeemedafavouritetobecomethesecretarygeneraloftheUN.HiswasthereforenodoubtabigshoetofillbyYar’Adua,whoseinductionintoAfricanaffairscameattheJuly2007AUSummitinGhana,fiveweeksafterheassumedoffice.

ThatspecialsummitcoincidedwithGhana’s50thyearanniversaryandhadasingle-itemagenda,GrandDebateonUnionGovernment,atributetothecountry’sfirstpresident,KwameNkrumah,whoplayedaleadingroleintheformationofthe31-nationOrganisationofAfricanUnity(OAU)in1963.

FiftyyearslaterinGhana,AlphaOumarKonare,theAUChairman,evokedthememoryofNkrumahashedeclared,“ThebattlefortheUnitedStatesofAfricaistheonlyoneworthfightingfor[in]ourgeneration,theonlyonethatcanprovidetheanswerstothethousand-and-oneproblemsfacedbythepopulationsofAfrica.”ButKonarewasnotspeakingforthecontinent,hewassimplyre-echoingthewishofoneman:theLibyanleader,Gaddafi.Donninghisusualsunglasses,asafarisuitwithsilhouettesofAfricaemblazonedonit,andaccompaniedbyhisusualretinueoffemalebodyguards,the‘BrotherLeader’,ascolleaguesusuallyaddressedhim,arrivedinAccrawiththesoleagendaofproclaimingintoexistencetheUnitedStatesofAfrica,probablywithhimselfaslifepresident!

Asdesirableasthedreamwas,Yar’Aduaandotherscouldseenothingongroundtomakethatareality,andsotheyvoicedtheirconcerns.Asfarastheywereconcerned,amoreproductiveapproachforthecontinentwouldbetobegintoputinplacethosebuildingblocksthatwouldultimatelyleadtotherealizationofthedream.Zenawiputthisrathersuccinctlyinhiscontributionwhenhesaidthereweretwogroups:thosewhobelieveyoucouldbuildahousefromtheroofandthose,likehimself,PresidentsYar’AduaandMbeki“whobelieveit’swisertobuildahousefromthefoundation.”Accustomedtohavinghisway,theLibyanleaderviewsanychallengeasanathema,and,asatallothermeetingsheattended,inGhana,heoftenensuredthateveryotherleaderwasseatedbeforehemadehisnoisyentrywithseveralaidesandcameramen.Thenhewouldchoosewhentospeak,andwheneverhedid,hedeterminedforhowlong.Heneverabidedbytherules.Besides,hewouldnotstayinahotel,preferringrathertocampinalargetent.HealsoalwaysdroveintoAUsummitsinaconvoyofnolessthan50newvehicles,whichheusuallyleftbehindinthecountrywhilecrowdsareusuallymobilizedforhimahead.

TheseidiosyncrasiesweretakentoaridiculousheightInAccra.Adaybeforethesummitbegan,GaddafihadgonetotheUniversityofGhana,whereherousedthestudentsthat

“forAfrica,thematteristobeornottobe,”whileincitingthemagainstAfricanleaderswhowereopposedtotheidea.“MyvisionistowakeuptheAfricanleaderstounifyourcontinent,”hesaid,describinghimselfasa‘soldierforAfrica’.

Butattheend,hewenthomedisappointed.InGhana,heplayedcourttosomeAfricanleaders,whowereevidentlyonhispayroll.HealsosoughtaudiencewithYar’Adua,and,typically,hewouldrathertheNigerianpresidentcometomeethiminhistent.Hewasignored.ThepresidentnevermincedwordsthathecouldnotreconcilehimselftosomeonewhotreatedfellowAfricansinhiscountryshabbilyyetwantedtoleadthecontinent.

AsLibyacurrentlyunravels,it’snoweasytounderstandwhyGaddafiwouldcallforabreak-upofNigeriaunderYar’Adua’swatchsincehistacticis,andhasalwaysbeen,tobribethoseAfricanleadershecananddestabilizethosehecannot.Yar’Aduabelongedtothelattergroup.Withinthecontinent,byforminganalliancewithZenawiandMbeki,thepresidentandotherswereabletocheckmatetheir‘BrotherLeader’,whoremainedaconstantirritantnonetheless.

Outsidethecontinent,thefirstcriticalchallengeYar’AduaencounteredintheareaofdiplomacywasinhandlingtheissueofAFRICOM,whichessentiallydefinedtherelationshipwiththeUnitedStates.ThedetailsemergedonNovember19,2007,attheCouncilofStatemeeting,whenthepresidentinformedmembersofmovesbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofDefensetorelocatethemilitarycommandforAfrica(AFRICOM)fromitstemporarybaseinStuttgart,Germany,tothecontinent.HesaidmostAfricanleaderswereopposedtotheidea,andsowasNigeria.Itwasreallynotanissuefordebate—itwasmerelyamatterofinformation,andhewascommendedforbringingittothenoticeofthecouncil.

However,inbriefingthemediaafterthesession,theKwaraStategovernor,Dr.BukolaSaraki,announcedthatNigeriawouldnotapprovetheplantodomicileAFRICOMwithintheshoresofthecontinent.TheUSwas,toputitmildly,notpleased,becauseAFRICOM

washighontheagendaoftheissuesforwhichPresidentBushhadinvitedPresidentYar’AduatotheWhiteHouse,anofficialvisitthatwasjustaboutthreeweeksaway.

Instructively,lessthanaweekbeforetheUStrip,therewastheAU/EUsummitbetweentheAUleadersandtheirEuropeanUnioncounterpartsinLisbon,Portugal.AtthemarginofthesummitthatranbetweenDecember8and9,2007,Yar’AduaraisedtheissueofAFRICOMinhisbilateralsessionswithPresidentThaboMbekiofSouthAfricaandJohnKuffuorofGhana,whowasthentheAUchairman.WhiletheleadersreiteratedtheirresolvetoopposethemovetodomicileAFRICOMontheshoresofthecontinent,theywerepragmaticenoughtorealizethattheystillneededthelogistics,fundingandtrainingthattheAmericanscouldprovidefortheestablishmentoftheAUStandbyForce.

DuringthesessionwithPresidentBushattheWhiteHouse,theissuecameupagainandthepresidentrathercleverlyrepeatedapositionconsistentwithhisearlieragreementwithotherAfricanleaders:thecontinentwasreadytopartnerwiththeUSonAFRICOMaslongasAmericantroopswouldnotbestationedwithinthecontinent.“WeshallpartnerwithAFRICOMtoassistnotonlyNigeria,butalsotheAfricancontinenttoactualizeitspeaceandsecurityinitiative,whichisaninitiativetohelpstandbyforcesofbrigade-sizeineachoftheregionaleconomicgroupingswithintheAfricancontinent,”hesaidinthecourseofthejointmediabriefing.

Thepublicwasoutraged,asthatstatementwasinterpretedtomeanthatthepresidenthadreversedhimselfontheissue.Acontroversyhadbeenborn,sowehadtododamagecontrol.TheHausaserviceoftheVoiceofAmerica(VOA)alreadyhadascheduledinterview.IntheVOAsession,Yar’AduastressedthathenevergavetheapprovalfortheestablishmentoftheUSAfricaCommand(AFRICOM)inthecountry.

PresidentYar’Aduaexplainedthattheassistancehesoughtwaswithregardtologisticsandtraining,stressingthatatnotimedidheendorsetheuseofAfricaasabaseforAFRICOM.“Whatwediscussedwith(PresidentGeorge)BushisthatiftheyhavesomethingtodoforAfricathathastodowithpeaceandsecurity,theyshouldcontribute.

ItoldhimthatweAfricancountrieshaveourownplantoestablishajointmilitarycommandineverysub-region(aswe)haveineconomicgroupings.

“(America)shouldassistus,theAfricancountries,withmilitaryweaponsandthetrainingofoursoldiers.SincetheyalreadyhavetheAFRICOM,itisonlythroughittheyshouldassistusinwhateverwaytheycan,especiallyinrelationtopeace.IaskedhimthattheyshouldhelpthoseofusAfricancountriesintheoil-richGulfofGuineatoestablishajointmilitarycommandtoprotecttheterritory.Theyshouldassistustoestablishthemilitarycommandandhelpuswithweaponsandgadgetstomonitorthehappeningsinthearea.

“Therefore,itisakindofcooperation,notforthemtocomeandestablishthecommand.

ThiswaswhatIalsosaidbackinNigeria.Ihopeitisunderstood.Thosewhoreportedthematterinthemediaor[are]makinginsinuationsdidnotactuallyunderstandwhatwesaid;theydidnotevenwaittounderstandthekernelofthediscussionattheWhiteHouse.”

PresidentYar’Adualaterheldmeetingswiththesecretaryofstate,CondoleezzaRice,andtheassistantsecretaryofstateforAfrica,JendayiFrazer,asagestureofreassurancethatNigeriaremainscommittedtoherrelationshipwiththeUS.However,byopenlyrepudiatingtheideaofAFRICOM,Nigeria’srelationshipwiththeUSonYar’Adua’swatchhadstartedonaverybadnote.Itwasarelationshipthatwouldremainataless-than-inspiringnotethroughouthistenure.

Onthecontrary,therelationshipbetweenNigeriaandChinawasrathercordial,evenwhentherewasreallynosubstancetoit.WithNigeria’shugepopulation,whichofferedthemamarketandtheoilandgaspotential,Chinaembarkedonadeliberatestrategytomakeafriendofthecountry,andNigeriareciprocated,evenifonlysymbolically.ThisfactobviouslycaughttheattentionoftheUnitedStates,andthestatevisitbythepresidenttoChinainFebruary2008,whichshowedclearlytheimportanceinwhichChinaheldNigeria,merelyconfirmedthebuddingSino-Nigerianrelationship.

InhismeetingwithPresidentHu,Yar’Aduaspeltoutthecountry’srequestfromChinaintheformofmassiveinvestmentstodevelopuntappedbutvastgasreserves.“WeknowChinacanplayavitalrolehere,”hetoldhishost.“IamalsosureyouarelookingatwhatroleNigeriacanplayinprovidingenergysecurityforthePeople’sRepublicofChina.

Webothhavestrategicinterestinthegas.NigerianeedsdomesticgasforpowerandChinaneedsLNGforyourindustries.IhopeChinesecompaniescangetinvolvedintheon-goingdiscussions.”

ThepresidentsaidthatthekindofstrategicpartnershipinpowerandenergyaswellasintransportinfrastructurethatNigeriawasseekingwasonethatcouldeasilybenefitChina.

“MyofficialsandsomeofourbusinessmenandbankersinmydelegationhavehadusefuldiscussionswithChineseinvestorsand[the]Chineseinvestmentbank,SinoSure,andIwillpleadthatMr.Presidentputinsomewordsforourcountry.Thedirectionwewanttogoisprivate-publicpartnershipinwhichChineseinvestorswouldpartnerwiththeirNigeriancounterpartstoinvestinthesestrategicareasandrecouptheirinvestmentswithinacertainperiod.InNigeria,wearealreadyputtinginplacethenecessaryregulatoryframeworkforthisarrangement.”

OnChina’sdomesticpolitics,thepresidentassuredthat“Nigeriaiscommittedto[the]

one-Chinapolicy.ChinaisaverygoodfriendofNigeriaandofAfrica,andIlookforwardtoMr.Presidentbringinghisinfluencetobearinhelpingtoresolvesomeoftheproblemswehaveinthecontinent,especiallyinDarfur.”TheChinesepresidentproposedtheformationofaNigeria-ChinaJointCommissionontradeandinvestment,thedetailsofwhichhesaidcouldbeworkedoutthroughdiplomaticchannels.HealsodirectedhisministerofcommercetofollowuponthediscussionwithChineseinvestorsandinvestmentbanks.WithregardtoDarfur,PresidentHusaidChinawasreadytopartnerwiththeAfricanUnion,UnitedNationsandtheSudanesegovernmenttohelpbringapermanentsolutiontothecrisis.

Fieldingquestionsfromabout300membersoftheChinaCouncilforthePromotionofInternationalTrade(CCPIT),Yar’AduasaidnoinvestorinNigeria,whetherforeignorlocal,wouldbegivenpreferentialtreatmentoveranother.“YouaskedwhetheryourcompanywouldbegrantedpreferentialtreatmentinNigeriaandmyresponsetothatissimple.Ibelievewhatyoureallymeaniswhetherwedogivecertainconcessionstoinvestors,andtheanswerisyes.Theconcessionswegiveareon[a]sectoralbasis,especiallyforpioneerbusinesses.Butwewillnotgrantwaiversorconcessionstoanyinvestoron[a]preferential

basis.”

TherewasnodoubtthatthepresidentbelieveditwasinthestrategicinterestofNigeriatohaveaverycordialrelationshipwithChina,aconvictionbuoyedbytherealizationthatthecountryhadalottoofferNigeriaintermsofinvestmentincriticalinfrastructure.

Therewereseveralattemptsalongthisdirection,butattheend,mostofthedealsfellthrough.

TherelationshipwithChinasufferedaminorstrainin2008.TheAnyiamOsigwefamilyhadinvitedtheDalaiLamaasguestspeakerfortheannuallecturethattheyholdinhonouroftheirlatepatriarch,andtheChineseauthoritiesdidnotwanthimtobereceivedinNigeria.Whenrepresentationstotheforeignaffairsminister,ChiefOjoMaduekwe,failed,theChineseforeignministerwrotehimaletter.Maduekwe’sresponsewasthatwhileNigeriaremainedafriendofChina,suchfriendshipdoesnotprecludeourcountryfromhavingarelationshipwithotherinterests.Ultimately,thematterreachedthepresident,andhesidedwithMaduekweontheissue.Andwiththat,theDalaiLamawasreceivedinNigeria,tothedispleasureofChina.

AschairmanofECOWAS,thepresidenthadtodealwithissuesofdemocracyandgoodgovernancewithinthesub-region,andhedidallwithinhispowertodecisivelyinterveneinNigerRepublic,wherePresidentMamadouTandja,havingamendedtheconstitution,wastryingtoseekathirdtermaftertwotermsinoffice.HesentemissariestoTandja,notingthatwhateverdisturbedthepeaceandstabilityofthatneighbouringcountrywouldalsoaffectNigeria.HeappointedGen.AbdulsalamiAbubakarasECOWASfacilitator;thischoicewasalsoendorsedbytheAfricanUnion.

EventhoughTandjaremainedrecalcitrant,attheendhewastoppled.

Thepresidentindeeddemonstratedhisadministration’scommitmenttodemocracywiththehard-lineposturetakenfollowingthe2008electionsinZimbabwethatendedincontroversy.AttheAU11thordinaryassemblyheldinEgyptonJuly1,2008,foreignaffairsminister,OjoMaduekwe,saidNigeria’spositionwasthat“noAfricancountryshouldbeallowedtousethefigleafofsovereigntytocoveritsnakednessongoodgovernanceandhumanrightsissues,includingelectoralintegrity.”HavingreviewedthefindingsofSADConthe

Zimbabwepresidentialrun-offelectionsheldonJune27,2008,whichreportedpoliticallymotivatedviolence,intimidationanddisplacementonthepartoftheRobertMugaberegime,Nigeriawas“oftheviewthattheprevailingenvironmentimpingedonthecredibilityoftheelectoralprocess,sotheelectiondidnotrepresentthewillofthepeopleofZimbabwe.”AccordingtoMaduekwe,Nigeriawouldnotconsidertheoutcomeoftheelection,adjudgedtohavebeenmanipulatedbyincumbentPrimeMinisterRobertMugabe,“asabasisformovingforward.”Maduekwealsosoundedanoteofcautiononwhathedescribedasthe‘Kenyancontraption’,afterasimilarsituationinKenyainwhichtheincumbentrefusedtoyieldtothewishesofthepeopleasexpressedwiththeirvotes.

Mugabe,quitenaturally,feltangeredbyNigeria’sremarkandopenlychallengedMaduekwethathecouldnotbespeakingforYar’Adua.Buttheminister’spositionwasendorsedbythepresident.

Whilehishealthdidnotallowhimtotravelasmuchashewouldhaveliked,ifthereisanythingthatdefinedYar’Adua’svisionofthecontinent,itwaswhathesaidattheinformalchatwithAfricanambassadorsinthecourseofhisvisittoBrazil.ThepresidenthadbeenreceivedattheairportbyalltheAfricanambassadorsinthecountry,agestureforwhichhefeltdeeplytouched.Itwasthereforefittingthathewouldhostthemtoasessionbeforeweleftforhomeagain.Inthecourseoftheinteraction,heexpressedhisgratitudeforwhathedescribedasashowofsolidarityandAfricanbrotherhood.

Speakingextempore,thepresidentgaveaninspiringspeech,excerptedbelow:IhavenodoubtinmymindthatourcontinentisfullyandablyrepresentedinBrazil,whichisaregionalleaderinSouthAmerica.IbelieveeachoneofyourepresentsnotonlyyourcountrybutalsotheentireAfricancontinent.Forthatreason,allofyoumustbecurrentwitheventsontheentireAfricancontinentwithrespecttotheinterestofnotonlyyourcountrybutofallcountriesinAfrica.IcanseethatthisisevidentintheverytraditionyouhaveestablishedofmeetingwithanyAfricanheadofstatewhocomesheresothatyoucandiscusswithhimandlistentohimtogiveyoubriefsontheissuesconcerningtheAfricancontinent.

Asallofyoumustbeaware,wefacesimilarchallengesinAfrica,asaresultofcomparablehistoricalexperiences,whichwehavegonethroughinthelastcentury.Youareawareseveralofourcountrieshadtostruggleandfightagainst

foreigndominationinthepast,yethalfacenturyafterindependence,mostofusarestillbe-devilledbyproblemsconcerningpeace,securityandstabilityonourcontinent.TheAfricanpeerreviewmechanismisoneofthethingswehaveevolvedasacontinenttoensurepeace,stabilityandsecurity.Withthat,istheinsistencenowonconstitutionaldemocracyandabhorrenceofchangesingovernmentthatareunconstitutionalandviolentinnature.

Ithinkthisisamajorchallengeonourcontinenttoday,andinNigeriawehavebeenmakingeffortstoputinplaceastablepoliticalsystemanchoredonfree,fairandacceptableelections.OntheAfricancontinentoverthelasthalfacentury,wehavehadpoliticalinstabilityandrapidchangeofgovernmentsthroughunconstitutionalmeans,andthishasaffectedtheeffortstowardssustainabledevelopment.Wemustensurepoliticalstabilitysothatwecanplanandimplementpoliciesandhavecontinuity.

InNigeria,forinstance,sinceourindependencein1960,theyear2007wasthefirsttimeweeverhadaciviliantocivilianpoliticaltransitionandapeacefulchangeofpowerfromaciviladministrationtoanotherciviladministration.Sofar,wehaveenjoyedadecadeofconsistentstableciviliangovernmentfrom1999to2009.Untilnow,thatissomethingwe[had]neverachievedinthecountrysinceourindependence.Thisiswhymyadministrationhasembarkedon

[the]reformofourelectoralprocess,sothatwecanhaveacceptableelectionsthatwillformthebasisforbuildingtrustinthesystemweareoperating.Wearealsomakingthiseffortatthesub-regionallevel.InGuineaBissauwhereelectionsjustheld,therun-offelectionwentwellandawinnerisalreadybeingdeclared.

Butbecauseofthechallengesinthecountry,wherevitalinstitutionshavebrokendown,IamcallingadonorroundtableonGuineaBissauinAbujawhenIgetback,toensurethatweareabletogetfundstoassistthegovernmenttocarryoutinstitutionalandsecurityreformsaswellastheeconomicinvestmentthatisrequiredforthegovernmenttostabilizeandfortheregimetosolvetheproblemsofsecurityandeconomicchallenges.AndintheRepublicofGuineaConakry,wehavebeentalkingwiththeadministrationofCaptainKamara,andwehaveinsistedthatelectionsbeheldbytheendofthisyear.

Atthestakeholders’conferenceofECOWAS,AfricaUnionandEUonGuineaConakry,wearepreparedtocarryoutacredibleelectionforthemilitarytohand

overpowerbytheendofthisyear.Oncethatisdone,wewilldothesamethingwithregardtobuildinginstitutionsbycallinganotherdonorroundtabletoenablethem[to]consolidatethegainsofthisstablepoliticalsysteminthecountry.

WearealsotalkingtoPresidentLaurentGbagboofCoted’Ivoiretoholdacredibleelectionbytheendofthisyear.Ifweareabletoachievethis,wewouldhaveachievedourgoalofensuringpoliticalstabilityandputtingastabledemocraticsystemnotonlyinNigeriabutthroughouttheWestAfricansub-region.ButwearealsohavinganemergingissueinNigerRepublic,wherethepresidentwillfinishhissecondterm,whichistheconstitutionallimit,byDecemberthisyear.Buteffortsarebeingmadetoextendhisstay,inthefirstinstancebythreeyears,to2012andthensubsequentlyonasit-tightbasis.

IhavesentadelegationfromECOWAStotalktoPresidentTandjatohavearethink.WehavealsosentajointdelegationofECOWAS,AfricanUnion,EU,andUN,butthereseemstobenopositiveresponse.AssoonasIgetbacktoAbuja,IwillinvitePresidentTandjatocometoAbujabecauseweneedpoliticalstability,peaceandsecurityforustopayattentiontoissuesofdevelopment,education,humandevelopmentandtheothermanychallengesfacingus.

TheseeffortsarealsobeingreplicatedattheAfricanUnionleveltoensurethatwithinthisdecadeweachievetotalpoliticalstabilityinAfricasothattheentirecontinentcanfocusitsattentionondevelopmentalissues.

Duringourlasttwosummits,weplacedmuchemphasisonintegratingAfricaneconomies,takingcognizanceofthefactthattheeconomictiesbetweenindividualAfricannationswiththeiroldcolonialmastersaremuchstrongerthanthetiesbetweenourselves,evenintermsofmovementofpeople.Youfind,forexample,inNigeriathatyoucan’tflytoNigerRepublic,whichisourneighbour;youhavetogothroughEuropebeforeyoucangettoNiger,andinalotofAfricancountriesthisisthecase.Soweneedcontinent-wideinfrastructurethatwillintegrateourpeople,andweneedstructuresthatwillensurefreemovementofourpeoplewithinthecontinent,structuresthatwillensurethatwehaveacommonmarketandwemovetowardsassistingoneanothereconomically.

Onthiswehavedecidedtoworktogetherwithourpartnersinthedevelopedworld.Weappreciatealltheirefforts,theymayhelpwithaidsandgrants,but

clearly,onlyweinAfricacansolveourproblemsforourselves.Oursalvationisinourhands.Foroureconomytodevelop,wemustputinplacecriticalinfrastructure,likepowerandenergyaswellastransport,thatwillensuremassmovementofgoodsandpeople.Weneedrailways,waterwaysandgoodinterconnectedroadnetworks.InNigeriaweareawareofallthesechallenges,andthatisoneofthereasonsweintroducedVision20-2020,andwehaveidentifiedsevencriticalareasofinfrastructurewhichwecalltheseven-pointagendathatwillenablethenation[to]accomplishthisobjective.

Whileweworkontheseplans,wearealsoconsciousofourresponsibilitiestoourotherAfricancountries.Forinstance,inournationalgasmasterplan,wehavealsoincludedtheWestAfricangaspipeline,whichisnowbeingconstructedfromNigeriatoBenin,TogoandGhana,andwehaveplanstoextendituptoasfarasSenegal.Andwehavejustsignedanagreement,andwearesigningotheragreementsandlaunching,bynextyear,theTransSaharagaspipelineproject,whichwillessentiallygothroughNiger,AlgeriaandEurope,andinthatway,itcanbranchtootherAfricancountries,whichwillberequiredtoprovideoneofthesources[for]solvingourenergyproblem.

Nigeria,wehaverealized,ismoreagasnationthananoilnation,butforseveralyears,thispotentialhasbeenuntapped.Butnowweareinvestingingas,wherewehaveareserveofabout183trillioncubicfeet.Thatisthedirectionwearegoing,butaswegointothegasarea,wewanttoavoidallthemistakeswemadewithregardtoourcrudeoilexploitation,andthatiswhywearereformingtheentiresector.Thatwillbenefitnotonlyourcountry,buttheentirecontinentwhenwefinishwithourplansbecausewewantanetworkofgaspipelinesnotonlytothedevelopedworldbutalsotoseveralAfricancountries.

Eventhoughitwasaninformalsession,andthepresidenthadnopreparedtext,theforegoingresponsetotheissuesraisedbytheAfricanambassadorsencapsulatedhisthoughtsonwhatheenvisionedforNigeriaandthecontinentofAfrica.Butamajorbattlehehadtoconfrontwashishealth,abattlethatheultimatelylost.

9

UnfulfilledDreams

OneoftheissuesYar’Aduawasverypassionateaboutwaslandreform,whichhadbeendesignedtooverhaultheoverthree-decade-longLandUseAct,whichassertsthatlandbelongstothegovernment.

Veryearlyinhisadministration,thepresidenthadengagedAkinMabogunje,aprofessorofGeographyandtheforemostNigerianexpertonurbanization.ItisinstructivetodigressheretostatethatMabogunjewasoneofafewpeopleforwhomthepresidenthadtremendousrespect.Hewouldlatergivethereasonwithoutanyprompting:“YouknowwhyIlikethatoldman(Mabogunje):heisoneofafewpeoplewhohaveneversoughtapersonalfavourfromme.Everytimehecomeshere,allhediscusseswithmeareissuesconcerningthecountry,andifIdon’tsendforhim,hewon’tmakeanappointmenttoseeme.”

ThepresidenthadchargedtheMabogunjecommitteewiththeresponsibilityofprovidingtechnicalassistancetostatesandlocalgovernmentstoensurethatlandcadastralboundariesandtitleholdingsaredemarcatedinsuchawaythatacommunity,hamlet,villageortownwouldberecognizable.ThecommitteewasalsotomakerecommendationsfortheestablishmentofanationaldepositoryforlandtitleholdingandrecordsinallstatesofthefederationandtheFederalCapitalTerritory,aswellasmakerecommendationsfortheestablishmentofamechanismforlandvaluationinallpartsofthecountry.

Landreform,whensuccessfullyimplementedthewayitwasenvisionedbyYar’Adua,willhaveapositiveanddirectimpactoneconomicgrowth,foodsecurityandpovertyreductioninNigeria.Thebill,whenpassed,willliberalizelandadministrationandremovethelegalencumbrancesthatrestrictthetransformationoflandintocapitalassetsthatcanbeusedtoadvanceagriculturalproductionandmortgages.

Tofast-tracktheprocess,theFederalLandInformationSystem(FELIS)wasestablishedin2008withalinkednetworktothefieldheadquartersoftheMinistryofWorksandHousing.Already,theFELISdatabasecanbeaccessedfromanypartoftheworld,andthiswillmaketrackingoflandtransactionsatthefederalleveleasier.Unfortunately,evenwithalltheseefforts,precioustimewas

lost,totheextentthatbythetimethebillwouldgettotheNationalAssembly,thepresident’shealthhadsodeterioratedthattherecouldbenofollowup.Ironically,thiswasanissueonwhichhehadinvestedalotoftimeandenergy.

Perhapsthemostpainfulaspectofthecostofthepresident’shealthcan,however,beglimpsedinthegovernment’sderegulationattempt.Thefederalgovernmenthad,inFebruary2009,endorsedthefullderegulationofthedownstreamsectorofthepetroleumindustryfollowingtherecommendationspresentedbythePresidentialSteeringCommitteeontheglobaleconomiccrisis,whichsubmittedthatwhatthenationhadbeensubsidizingtothetuneofanestimatedN1.63trillionwereinefficiencies,fraudandracketeeringinthewholeproductionchain.

Tomusteranunassailablenationalconsensusinsupportofthisnewpolicyphilosophy,PresidentYar’AduahadaskedtheNigerianLabourCongress(NLC)andtheTradeUnionCongress(TUC)tosendinonenomineeeachformembershipofthiscommittee,whichhechaired.Theirinclusionwastofacilitateamutuallybeneficialexchangeofviewsamonggovernment,Labourandtheprivatesectoroperatorsontheissue.

Afterseveralmeetings,asubcommittee,headedbyGovernorIsaYugudaofBauchiState,wasconstitutedtoagreeonthefinaldetailswithLabourwithregardtothederegulationofthedownstreamsectorofthepetroleumindustry.Iwasappointedastherepresentativeofthepresidentonthesubcommittee.Incidentally,itwasEdoStategovernor,ComradeAdamsOshiomhole,whomthepresidentactuallynominatedtochairthesubcommittee,buthedeclinedonthepointofprincipleasaformerLabourleaderwhohadlednationwidestrikesontheissueofderegulation.Henonethelesspromisedtoassist,andhedid.

Againstthebackgroundthatsuccessiveadministrationshadmadefutileeffortstoremovetherentelementassociatedwiththedownstreamsectorofthepetroleumindustry,wefeltthatthebestapproachwastoputoutallthefactsinthenegotiationswithLabour,whichinvolvedthefinanceminister,directorofbudget,groupmanagingdirectorofNNPC,executivesecretaryofPPPRAandheadsofotherrelatedagenciesofgovernment.Whilethenegotiationsweredifficult,giventhatLabourhadanideologicaloppositiontoanyregimeofmarketderegulation,itwasveryclearthatnotonlywasthearithmeticinfavourofwhatthepresidentintendedtodo,whatsubsistedwasaregimeoffraudthatwasunsustainable.Itwasalsoclearthattheexistingrefinerieswouldnever

work,andnonewonewouldbebuiltuntilallthedistortionsandracketeeringassociatedwiththemarkethadbeenremoved.

TheconclusionfromalloursessionswithLabourwasthattheywerewillingtoreachacompromiseiftheycouldseeclearplansforimprovingthelotoftheworkersfromthesavingsthatwouldbemadeandwithatimelineandprogrammeofactivitiesleadingtothebuildingofnewrefineriesthatwouldstoptheimportofPMS.

Theywerealsoreadytoworkwiththegovernmentonanumberofpalliativemeasures.

Giventhehugemarketthatwehavewithinourcountry,andalsoconsideringthefactthatoursupplyoutletsfeedthesub-regionthroughsmuggling,investorswereinterestedinbuildingrefineriesinNigeriaiftheconditionswereright.

WhenLaboursawthecompellingarguments,negotiationsmovedtostagetwo,inwhichthepresidenthadtopersonallyengagetheirleadersasaconfidence-buildingmeasure.HeheldmeetingswithComradeAbdulwaheedUmar,PeterEsele,andComradeJohnOdahtosecuretheirbuy-in.Eventhoughtheystillfeltuncomfortablewiththeideaofderegulationandweresuspiciousofgovernment’sintention,theirstancewasnotasuncompromisingasitusedtobeinthepast:theymovedfromapostureofnoderegulationtothatofconditionalsupport.

Withthis,itwasdecidedthatwecouldtakethegamble,asAjumogobiacontinuedtodialoguewithLabour.DeregulationwassupposedtocommenceonNovember1,2009,beforeitwasshiftedtobeginaftertheFIFAUnder-17WorldCuptournamentbeinghostedbyNigeriascheduledtoendonNovember16.Unfortunately,bythen,thepresidentwasspendingwhatwouldturnouttobeeffectivelyhislastweekinoffice,asheleftNigeriaonNovember23forSaudiArabia.Today,thenationcontinuestolosehundredsofbillionsofnairaannuallyon‘subsidy’,moneythatlargelyswellsthepurseofhigh-profilerentseekersinthedownstreamsectoroftheoilindustryandtheircollaboratorsingovernment.

Foodsecurity,oneofthecardinalprinciplesinhisseven-pointagenda,wasanotherareawherePresidentYar’Aduacamewithloftyideasbutachievedmixedresults.Hisdesirewastointerveneinsuchamannerastofullyharnesstheagriculturalpotentialsofthecountrynotonlyforfoodsufficiencybutalso

forjobcreation.

Withthatinmind,theFederalMinistryofAgricultureandWaterResourcesunderDr.

AbbaSayidRumalaunchedkeyinterventionsincertaincriticalareas,aimedatenhancingfarmers’accesstoqualityandaffordableagriculturalinputs.Thenewapproach,drivenbyavalue-chainperspectiveadvocatedcomprehensiveandconcentratedattentiontoeverycomponentoftheagricultureincertainareas:

I.N200bncommercialagriculturecreditscheme:ThisconcessionarycreditschemewasdesignedtosolveoneofthemajorproblemsofcommercialfarminginNigeria:lackofcreditfacilities.FivebanksweredesignatedbytheCBNtodisbursetolarge-scalefarmerswhomeettherequirements;stategovernmentsweretodisbursetosmall-scalefarmers.

II.20silosandwarehousingcomplexes:Thesilosweredesignedtoservemultiplepurposes,includingstorage,cleaning/standardization,marketoutlet,andtransportcorridortothemarket.20ofsucharebeingbuiltinthevariousgraincentresinthecountry.Combined,thesiloswerealsotoadd1,025,000metrictonnesofstoragecapacitytothepresent300,000metrictonnesinthecountry.

III.One-stopagro-inputcentres:Theseweredesignedtoserveasone-stopshopswherefarmerscouldpurchasehigh-gradeagriculturalinputssuchasseedlings,fertilizers,animalfeeds,agro-chemicals,andtractors.Eachcentrewastohavethecapacitytostoreupto2,000metrictonnesofinput.

IV.Integratedlivestockestates:Theseestatesweretoprovideintegratedinfrastructureforthedevelopmentofthelivestocksub-sectoranditsrelevantvaluechain.Thelivestockestateswillincludegrazingareas,coveredandopenpens,dairyprocessingplants,abattoirs,leathertreatmentcentresandmodernmeatsupermarkets.Thesewillbebuiltineightstatesinthecountry,andareexpectedtocommenceoperationsby2010.

V.Integratedfishestates:Thesefishestatesaredesignedtoprovideintegratedinfrastructureforthedevelopmentofthefisherysub-sectoranditsrelevantvaluechain.

Thefisheryestateswillincludeponds,hatcheries,processingplants,training

centres,feedmills,laboratories,coldstoresandmarketingcentres.Theestateswillbebuiltineightstatesinthecountry.

VI.Commodityout-growersdevelopmentandextensionservicecentres:Thesecentresweretoincentivizethegrowthoflarge-scaleagricbusinessaswellascreateanewgenerationoffarmersinNigeria.Theyweretobebuiltaroundthedormantriver-basinassetsandwillincludefarmers’markets,processingandstoragefacilities,waterforirrigationandpowergeneration,andfacilitiesforhousingandtrainingupto2,000

extensionworkers.

VII.Exporthandling,preservationandconditioningcentres:Thesecentresweredesignedtoreducepost-harvestlossesandensurethatagriculturalproductsfromNigeriacancompetewellintheinternationalmarket.Facilitiesinthesecentreswillincludewashing,dryingandstoragechambers,sorting,gradingandpackagingfacilities,storagecratehandlingandcargofacilitiesandtemperatureandhumiditycontrolfacilities.

Theforegoingweresomeofthedesignsfortheagriculturalsector,butIcouldn’tascertainthelevelofimplementationwithregardtothesepolicies.

ThepowersectorisanotherareawhereYar’Aduacouldnotdeliver.Hehadpromisedtodeclareemergencyinthesectorwithinthefirst100days,butheneverdid.Thestorybeganinhisthirdweekinoffice,whenMr.JosephMajoku,retainedasspecialadviseronpowerfromtheprecedingadministration,gaveapresentationonthetruestateofthesector,especiallywithregardtohowfarbehindNigeriawas.Inhisnarrative,hesaidpowergenerationcapacityinIranandNigeriahadbothbeenatthesamelevelin1970,butasat2007,Iran,withapopulationof70million,hadachievedapowergenerationcapacityof42,000megawatts.SouthAfricapresentedanotherexample.WhereasSouthAfricadistributedanaverageof800wattsperperson,in2007,itwas30wattsperpersoninNigeria.

AccordingtoMakoju,itwouldtake104,000megawattsofelectricityforNigeriatomatchSouthAfricainpercapitaterms,anditwouldrequireabout$90billion

todoso.

HiscomparisonofNigeriawithsmallerAfricancountrieswasevenmoredamning:“Onapercapitabasis,Senegal,Zambia,Ghana,Kenya,Gabon,Algeria,Libya,MozambiqueandCameroon(andseverallessendowednations)weregeneratingmoreelectricitythanNigeria!”

ThiswasthediresituationYar’Aduametwhenheassumedofficein2007.Itmustbenoted,however,thatgiventhegrimsituationhehimselfinheritedin1999,Obasanjoshouldindeedbecommendedforunilaterallyusingtheexcesscrudesalesaccount(whichbelongedtothethreetiersofgovernment)topayfortheinvestmentinthepowersector.

ButsuchanactwasdifficultforYar’Aduatofollow,havingpubliclyannouncedacommitmenttotheruleoflaw.Withthegovernorsthreateningcourtaction,andgiventheSupremeCourtrulingonLagosStatevsFederalGovernmentonthewithheldlocalgovernmentfunds,thepresidentwasadvisedthatunilaterallytakingmoneyfromtheexcesscrudeaccountwasnotsustainableandwouldbackfire.

WhatYar’Aduathereforedecidedtodo,andultimatelydid,wastogetthestatestosecuretheapprovaloftheirrespectivehousesofassemblywhilealsoseekingtheapprovaloftheNationalAssemblyforaspecialdispensationonpower.Theprocess,akintoaconstitutionalamendment,waseventuallycompletedafterhehadsecuredthebuy-inofthegovernors.Withthelegalinstrumentforthesustainablefundingofthepowerprojects,asteeringcommitteewassetupwiththenVicePresidentGoodluckJonathanaschairman.Othermembersincludedsixgovernorstorepresenttheirrespectivecolleaguesinthegeopoliticalzones.Theattorneygeneralandministerofjustice,secretarytothegovernmentofthefederation,theministersofpower,theministeroffinance,thechiefeconomicadvisertothepresident,BPEandNDPHCwerealsomembersofthecommittee.

Thiscommitteedeterminedtheamountneededtocompletetheprojects,whichitplacedbeforetheNationalEconomicCouncilfortheFGNandthestatestojointlyapproveasthemoneywastocomefromthestates’andlocalgovernments’shareoftheexcesscrudesalesaccount.

ThefactthatnotmuchattentionwaspaidtogasattheinitialconceptionoftheNIPP

perhapsaccountedforasituationinwhichnotalltheavailableturbinescouldbeoperational,eitherbecausethepipelinesconveyingthegasweretoosmalltodeliverwhatwasneededtopowertheplants,orthegasavailablewaslessthanwhatwasactuallyneeded.Therewerealsocaseswheretheavailablegaswastoowet,thusnecessitatingfrequentshutdownsaswas(andmaystillbe)thecasewiththeEgbinPowerPlant.

Withthebenefitofhindsight,perhapstheinvestmenttoincreasetheavailabilityandqualityofgasoughttohaveprecededtheNIPPcontracts.Attheend,Yar’Aduafailedtoachieveanysettargetsonpower.

Notwithstanding,therewereacoupleofthingsthepresidentdidforwhichhewillberemembered.OneimportantlegacyoftheYar’AduaadministrationisthedredgingofthelowerRiverNiger,43yearsaftertheideawasfirstconceived.Whencompleted,thisproject,whichcovers572kilometres,willensureall-yearroundnavigationoftheRiverNiger,providingamoreattractive,cheaperandsafermeansforhaulinggoods.Itwillalsoengenderlinkagesandpromotecommerceandtradebetweencommunitiesandpeoplesoftheeightadjoiningstates,awakeningthefullpotentialofthehithertocomatoseinlandshippingmaritimesub-sector.

ThankstothevisionofYar’Adua,thecotton,garmentandtextiles(CTG)schemeisalsobecominganevolvingsuccessstory.InJanuary2011,Nigeria’sbiggesttextileconglomerate,UNTPlc.re-openedtobusinessafteradecadeofclosure.Inonefellswoop,about2,000staffmemberswerereportedlyrecalledoutofitssackedworkforce.IrecallallthemeetingsthepresidentheldontheissuebeforethesumofN100billionwasraisedbytheDebtManagementOfficethroughabondissue.

TheCTGschemewasdesignedasamajorpovertyalleviationstrategy.Theresuscitationofcottonfarmingandtextileproductionwillultimatelyputaboutamillioncottonfarmersbacktoworkinthecotton-producingbeltofthecountry,whosemeansoflivelihooddisappearedwiththeclosureoftextileandginningindustrieslargelyinKaduna,LagosandAba.

Convincedoftheneedtoproperlychannelresourcesintheeducationsector,thepresidentalsochangedthemandateoftheEducationTrustFund(ETF)totarget

tertiaryeducationratherthanwhatobtainedinthepast,wherethemoneywasdeployedtoallstrataofeducationinamannerthatmadeitineffectual.

ItisalsotoYar’Adua’screditthatheintroducedthetenuresystemforpermanentsecretariesanddirectorsinthecivilservicetoarrestsuccessioncrises,createvacancies,reinvigoratethesystem,boostthemoraleofqualifiedanddeservingofficersaswellasunlockthepotentialofcreativeandhardworkingones.

Whilehepursuedalltheseideas,hisfragilehealthbecameaseriousdistraction.Fromtheoutsetoftheadministration,criticalmeetingswereroutinelycancelled,mostoftenatthelastminute,becausethepresidentwasnotintherightframeofhealthtoattend.SeveralFederalExecutiveCouncil(FEC)sessionswerealsoheldwithhischairvacant.Indeed,withtime,thevacantchairofthepresidentwithintheAsoCouncilchambersbecameametaphorfortheadministration.ItwasthereforefittingthatfollowingtheNationalAssemblyresolutionthatelevatedVicePresidentGoodluckJonathantothepositionofactingpresidentonFebruary8,2010,thatvacantchairwouldsymbolizethebeginningofthepowerstrugglethatendedonlywithYar’Adua’sdeathonMay5,2010.ButthetragicsagaactuallybeganinApril2008.

PartII

Illness&Death

“Iamanormalhumanbeingwhocanfallsick,

whocanrecover,whocandie.”

–UmaruMusaYar’Adua,

FinancialTimes(interview),May20,2008

10

TheEarlySignals…

Althoughhardlyeverreadyonschedule,itwasnolessalarmingwhen,asoflateMarch,the2008AppropriationBillhadyettobesignedintolaw.ThereasonforthedelaythistimearosefromadisagreementbetweenthepresidentandtheNationalAssemblyoverthepowersofthelegislatureinrelationtothebudgetingprocess.Therewasthereforeunderstandableanxietywithinthepolity,especiallyasitemergedthatPresidentYar’Aduawassomewhatreluctanttosignthebudgetoverwhathesawastheextrememeddlesomenessofthelawmakers.

Thepresident’sresolvewasfurtherstrengthenedbyameetingheldonApril3,2008,atthevilla,whichreviewedandsubsequentlyendorsedhisdecisiontochallengethepowersoftheNationalAssemblyattheSupremeCourt.Inattendanceatthemeetingwereattorneygeneralofthefederationandjusticeminister,Mr.MichaelAondoakaa;ministeroffinance,Dr.ShamsudeenUsman;nationalplanningminister,SenatorSanusiDagash;chiefeconomicadviser,Mr.TanimuYakubuKurfi;directorgeneraloftheBureauofPublicProcurement,

Eng.EmekaEzeh;nationalsecurityadviser,MajorGeneralSarkiMuktah;directorgeneral,BudgetOffice,Dr.BrightOkoguandtheStateHousepermanentsecretary,Mr.SteveOronsaye.

Themaincontentionwasthatareviewofthe2008AppropriationActaspassedbytheNationalAssemblyrevealedthatthelegislatorshadvirtuallyrewrittenthebudgetnotonlybyjackinguptheirownfiguresbutalsobyintroducingseveralclausesincontraventionoftheprincipleofseparationofpowers.Therewere,ofcourse,otherareasofdisagreement,andthemeetingcreatedanopportunityforthemajorissuestobeoutlined.Insummary,thelegislatorsunilaterallyinitiatedprojectsforwhichtheyprovidedmoneywithoutanyinputfromtheexecutive,whichordinarilyshoulddesign,cost,executeandsupervisesuchprojects.

Thepresidentwasindeedcuriousastohowthecostsweredetermined,giventhesheerscaleofprojectsadded.IntheBudgetOffice’sreckoning,thefigureswereanythingbutreliable.Tothepresident,thelegislators’actionsmadeamockeryoftheentirebudgetaryprocessandwereclearlyantitheticaltotheprincipleoftransparencyandaccountability.

Themeetingover,heaskedtheAGFtooutlinetheissuesforwhichhewouldseekjudicialinterpretationattheSupremeCourt,whichseemedtobethelogicalstepsinceallthedialoguesessionsheldwiththeAssemblyleadershiphadfailedtoyieldanypositiveresult.Tothatend,theJusticeMinistrycameupwiththefollowingissuesfordeterminationbytheSupremeCourt:

WhethertheNationalAssembly,intheexerciseofitsconstitutionalpowertoapprovetheyearlybudgetestimatessubmittedtoitbytheexecutive,can

•unilaterallyincreasetherevenuebenchmarkbeyondwhatwasprovidedinthebudgetestimatespresentedtoitbythepresident;

•unilaterallywriteintothebudgetheadsofexpenditureandappropriatemoneyonthoseheadsofexpenditurethatwerenotprovidedforbythebudgetestimatessubmittedbythepresident;

•unilaterallyinsertintothebudgetprojectsnotincludedbytheexecutiveandproceedtoappropriatemoneybeyondtheestimatessubmittedbythepresident;

•underthepresidentialsystemofgovernment,whittledownthepowersoftheexecutivepresidentbycompellingofficersoftheexecutivebranchtoreportdirectlytothemonmatterssuchasprovidedundertheappropriationbill.

Beforethesuitcould,however,befiledattheSupremeCourt,therewasafurtherappealtodialogue,afterthefinanceminister’scounselthatthepresidentshouldseekanothersessionwiththeAssemblyleadership.Usman,whohadfrequentinteractionswiththelawmakers,knewtheywouldperceivethecourtoptionasadeclarationofwarandwouldfightback.So,theoptiontakenattheearliermeeting,thatofgoingtocourt,wasnotonewithwhichhewascomfortable.Athisinstance,anothermeetingbetweenthepresidentandtheleadershipoftheNationalAssemblywasscheduledonthenightofApril3,2008.

Withnoapparentresolutionatthemeeting,thepresidenthintedthatthecrisiswasbetterresolvedbytheSupremeCourt.Thelegislatorsthoughtitwasabluff;butoncetheyrealizedhewasserious,thereweresubtlethreatsthattheSupremeCourtoptionwouldnotwork.Theirpositionwassimplebutnolessgrim:iftheywereservedanynoticetothateffect,theirlawyerswouldrequireampletimeforresponse.AndsinceitwasalreadyApril,theysaid,chanceswerethattheremightnotbeabudgetfortheyear.

MembersoftheHouseinthedelegationwereparticularlyhostile.TheyarguedthatsincethepowersofthepresidenttoauthorizespendingwasordinarilylostbytheendofJune(barelytwomonthsfromthemeetingdate),aconstitutionalcrisiswasinevitableifhepursuedtheSupremeCourtoption.Intheend,itwaspragmatismthatprevailed.Therewasacompromisethatthepresidentshouldsignthebillaspassed,afterwhichtheactwouldbesentbackforamendment.ItwasonthisbasisthatIbriefedthemediatotheeffectthatthepresidentwouldsignthe2008AppropriationBill.

I,however,statedveryclearlythatYar’Adua’sformalassenttothebillaspassedwaswiththefirmunderstandingthatallcontentioussectionswouldbereviewedsubsequently,inlinewiththeagreementreachedatameetingwiththeNationalAssemblyleadership.Thegroundsonwhichthepresidenthadpreviouslywithheldhisassentremainedvalid,Iexplained,butaddedthathewouldcontinuetoworkforaproperunderstandingofthelawfulrolesoftheexecutive

andlegislativearmsofthegovernmentinpreparation,passageandimplementationofthebudget.“WhilehewillcontinuetogivedueregardtotheprerogativesgrantedtheNationalAssemblybythe1999

Constitution,PresidentYar’Aduainsiststhattheprovisionsoftheconstitution,includingthoseguidingtheappropriationandexpenditureofpublicfunds,mustbeproperlyappliedatalltimesintheinterestofgoodgovernanceandthenationalwell-being,”Isaid.

EverythingwasthereforesetforthesigningofthebudgetonApril12,2008,butearlythatmorning,IgotacallfromtheCSOthatIhadtocometothevilla.Onarrivalattheresidence,Isawthepresidentexitinghisstudy,andIalmostdidnotrecognizehim.Hisentirefacehadswollentotheextentthathecouldbarelysee.

Theproblem,fromwhatthedoctortoldme,beganthepreviousweek,whenthepresidentstartedtakingsomemalariadrugsthathadbeenprescribedforhim.Afewdaysafteritwasnoticedthattherewasscarcelyanyimprovement,anothermedicationwasrecommended.Butwhileitbroughttheneededrelieffromthemalaria,itunleashedanallergicreactionthatmanifestedintheformofaswollenface.

Thechiefofstaff,GeneralMohammed,whohadbeenwiththepresidentfromthenightbeforealsorecountedhowdramaticthedevelopmenthadbeen.Hesaidthatbeforethepresidenthadtakentheprescribeddrug,hehadactuallyhintedthathewasallergictoit,butthedoctorshadsaiditwasnotthesamedrug.Butnotmorethanafewminutesaftertakingthemedication,hisfacebegantoswellup.BySundaynight,thesituationhaddeteriorated,necessitatingavisittotheNationalHospital,wherethechiefmedicaldirector,Dr.OlusegunAjuwon,andateamofexpertswerewaiting.Notwithstandingtheirefforts,thepresidentwasevidentlyinverybadshapeonApril12,2008.

Thebudgetsigningwasfixedfor10:00a.m.,andsomecorrespondentshadstartedarrivinginthevilla.Meanwhile,effortswerebeingmadetosecureGermanvisasforthesecuritymenandafewaides,includingmyself.Forme,therewasabigdilemma:howwouldthepresidentsignthebudgetwithoutbeingexposedtothepublicinthestatehewasin?Iaskedthechiefofstaffwhetherthebudgetcouldbeassentedtowithoutanyceremony,buthesaidtheconventionrequiredthattherebewitnesses,inwhichcasetheNationalAssembly’sprincipalofficershadtobepresent.ThisinformationwouldbeinstructiveinDecember

2009whenthesupplementarybudgethadtobesignedataSaudihospitalwithnowitnesses.

BackinApril2008,itwasabigchallenge.AfterameetingcomprisingtheCSO,theADC,thechiefofstaffandme,weagreedthatthebudgetwouldbesignedatthediningtableattheresidencebutwithnomediapresence.WealsodecidedthatonlytheSenatepresident,theHouseofRepresentativesSpeakerandthespecialadviseronNationalAssembly,Mrs.FlorenceIta-Giwa,wouldbepresent.Ifeltuncomfortablewiththedecisiontoblackoutthemedia,butchosenottoarguemycaseatthatpointbecauseIknewitwasinconceivablethatIcouldwinsuchadebate.ItwasamatterIknewIhadtotakeupprivatelywiththechiefofstaff.

By10:00a.m.,manygovernmentofficialsfromtheBudgetOffice,FinanceMinistryandNationalPlanningCommissionhadarrivedintheCouncilchambersandwereallwaitingforthepresident.Theyhadtobequietlydispersedwiththeexplanationthattheceremonywouldnolongerholdatthevenueandatthattime.

Withmewalkingbackandforthbetweenmyofficeandtheresidence,theCSOsocasuallydressedandtheADCinmufti,itwasn’tlongbeforeeverybodyinthevillasensedthatsomethingwasamiss.Whilethereporterspressedforinformationaboutwhenthebudgetwouldbesigned,allIcoulddowaspleadfortheirpatiencewhilereassuringthemthattheceremonywouldholdthatday.Theyhadbythenreceivedinformationthatthepresidentwasill,butputtingoffthesigningtilllaterinthedaywasbasedonthedoctor’sadvicethattheswellingwouldreduce.Thatwasactuallythecase.

Atabout2:00p.m.,thepresident’sfacehadexperiencedabitofimprovement.

Emboldened,wefelttheSenatepresidentandthespeakercouldbeinvitedtotheresidence.Atthatpoint,ItoldthechiefofstaffthattherewasnowaythepresidentcouldsigntheAppropriationBillintolawwithoutaphotographoftheevent.IinsistedthatIwouldbringintheofficialphotographerandtheNTAcameraman,butexplainedthattheshotswouldbetakenfromasidewaysanglethatwouldnotrevealthepresident’sface.

ItwasachallengesellingtheCSOonthatpoint.Buthewouldlateracquiesce,soIbroughtintheNTAcameraman,MohammedAdamu,andthephotographer,

KolaOsiyemi.Beforethepresidentcameoutofthestudytothediningtablewheretheceremonywastohold,wehadscrupulouslyrehearsedwherethecamerawouldbepositionedandhowtheshotswouldbetaken,andwerethusconvincedwecouldsuccessfullypullitoff.WiththearrivalofSenatorIta-Giwa,SenatepresidentDavidMark,andtheHouseofRepresentativesdeputySpeaker,BayeroNafada,aswitnesses,thebudgetwaseventuallysignedat4:00p.m.

Beforeproceedingtotheairport,IscrutinizedalltheshotsandselectedtheoneIconsideredthebestforpublicationinthenewspapersandthatwaswhatIsentout.IalsowatchedtheNTAclipstoensuretherewerenoembarrassingtakes.Attheairport,theNTAcameramantookhisshotsfromadistancesothathecapturedthepresidentasheascendedthestepsandwavedbeforeenteringtheaircraft.Meanwhile,whenIannouncedearlierinthedaythatthebudgethadbeensigned,Ialsostatedthat“thepresidentwillleaveforWiesbaden,Germany,latertoday(Monday)toseehisprivatephysiciansforamedicalreviewofanindispositionbelievedtobeduetoanallergicreaction.”WhenweeventuallygottoGermanythatnight,theconditionofthepresidenthadimprovedremarkably,andhisfacewasactuallycomingbacktonormal.Sowesimplydrovestraighttothehotel,anditwasonlythenextmorningthathecheckedintothehospital.

Fourdayslater,Iwenttoseehimatthehospital,accompaniedbytheADC.Hewassittingaloneonachairandlookedverytired.Hewashappynonethelesstoseeusandaskedquestionsabouteventsbackhome,butafterabout30minuteswelefthimandheadedbacktothehotel.Thenextday,Friday,hewasdischarged,andhecamebacktothehotel.Themediabackhomewasalreadyawashwithspeculationsaboutthestateofhishealth.So,theexpectationthatwewouldsoonbegoinghomegavemesomesenseofrelief.ButIwassoontobedisappointed.

ThedisappointmentcamelaterthateveningwhenIinquiredaboutourreturndateandDr.

Banyeappeareduncertain.Themedicalprocesshadyettobeconcluded,asthepresidentwouldbereturningtothehospitaltwodayslatertoprepareforfurthertests,hetoldme.

OnSunday,thepresidentleftthehotelagain,thistimeforahospitalinFrankfurtforanothertestbeforehereturnedtotheWiesbadenhospital.Itwastherehewentthroughwhatwasdescribedasa‘minorsurgery’thenextday.

Mydilemmagrewworse.GiventhatbySaturdayIhadtoldNigeriansthroughaninterviewIgrantedtheNewsAgencyofNigeria(NAN)thatthepresidentwouldbereturninghome,IwasnowunderintensepressuresinceIcouldnolongerconfirmwithcertaintythedateofhisreturntoNigeria.AfewaidesoftheFirstLadyinformedmeshehadissueswithmyinterview,especiallythefactthatIhadsetadateforthepresident’sreturn,butourpathsneverquitecrossed.Eventhoughwewereonthesamefloorinthehotel,Ineverventuredintoherroomsinceshedidnotaskforme.

Tomakeupfortheabsenceofthepresident,however,Iseizedeveryopportunityforhimtoappeartodispelanyuntowardrumour.First,IlearntthatChiefGaniFawehinmi,whohadbeendiagnosedwithcancerataUKhospital,wasabouttoclock70.IquicklycalledKayodeKomolafe,myformercolleagueatTHISDAY,togivemeGani’sLondonnumber.IalsodiscussedwiththeCSOandADCwhatIplannedtodoinordertopreemptanyopposition:IwantedthepresidenttocallGaniandcongratulatehimonhisbirthday.Ieventuallysucceededingettinghimtomakethecallandthatplayedwellinthemediabackhome—butonlyforafewdays.

Reliefcamewhen,afteralmosttwoweeks,thepresidentwasdischargedfromthehospital.Adatewasthussetforhisreturn.Butthepoliticiansturnedhisarrivalintoacarnivalwithseveralgovernorsandtoppublicofficialsconvergingattheairporttoreceivehim.Backatthevilla,itwasveryevidentthatalotofthingswouldchange,anditdidnottakelongforthattounfold.Therewerespeculationsthenthatasidefromhiskidneyproblems,thepresidenthadbeendiagnosedwithlungcancer.Itwasmerespeculation,whichnobodycouldconfirm,butitwasevidentthatthehealthreporthadnotbeenpositive.

WhatevermighthavebeentheinformationfromtheGermanhospital,itwasalsoveryclearthatsomewarningshadbeengivenonthepresident’sworkschedules.TheFirstLadyaccusedInuwaBaba,alongtimeassociateofthefamily,ofalwaysbringingpeopletoseethepresidentatoddhours.Shereadtheriotacttootheraides,spellingoutrulesthatwouldreducethenumberofpeopleseeingthepresidentafterofficehoursandthetimeafterwhichnobodyshouldbeallowedtocometotheresidence.

ThefirstthingInoticedwhenwereturnedwasthatthepresident,whowasusuallydownathisstudyasearlyas8:30a.m.nowbegantosurfacetherebetween10:00a.m.and11:00a.m.,sometimesevenaslateasnoon.Althoughhe

nowseldomgottotheofficeearly,hetriedtomakeupforitbyclosinglate.Thereweredayswhenwewouldstillbeintheofficeat10:00p.m.Unfortunately,itwasatthatmostvulnerableperiodinhislifeandpresidencythatsomepeopleclosetohimwouldconnivetogetridofthechiefofstaff,GeneralAbdullahiMohammed,whohadnotonlybeenashieldtothepresident,butsomeonewhohadthecapacitytoreallyhelphim.

Atestedadministratorwithincredibleenergy,Mohammedwasinhisofficeasearlyas7:00a.m.andwouldnotleaveuntilaftermidnight.Withhisexperienceasaretiredmajorgeneral,thefoundingdirectorgeneraloftheNationalSecurityOrganisation(NSO)whohadlaterbrokenintoStateSecurityServiceandtheNationalIntelligenceAgency(NIA),andasaformermilitarygovernor,Mohammed’sexperienceandexposurewereinvaluable.HehadalsoservedasnationalsecurityadviserandwasforeightyearsthechiefofstafftoObasanjo’sgovernment.HehelpedtostabilizetheYar’AduagovernmentattheinitialstagewhilealsoshieldingthepresidentfromwhatwasinitiallybecominganoverbearinginfluenceonthepartofObasanjo.Onestorythatthepresidenthimselfrecountedwashowhe(Mohammed)hadsavedhimfromcommittingpoliticalsuicidejusttopleasehispredecessoronthedaythePDPhadheldtheirconventiontopickthenationalchairman.

BecausethegovernorshadrejectedtheaspirationoftheformerEbonyiStategovernor,Dr.SamEgwu,onaccountofthefactthatObasanjohadproclaimedhimpubliclyashisanointed,therewaspressureonYar’AduatoendorseChiefAnyimPiusAnyim,butherefused.HebelievedEgwuwasthebestmanforthejob,anddidn’tthinkheshouldbejettisonedonaccountofObasanjo’sopenendorsement.Atthelastmeetingheheldwithrepresentativesofthegovernors,hismessagewasclear:Pleasedon’tbackAnyim.TheformerSenatepresidenthadfallenoutpubliclywithObasanjo,andhiselectionasPDP

chairmanwouldhavesentawrongsignalabouttherelationshipbetweenthepresidentandhispredecessor.Becauseofthis,thenightbeforetheconvention,thegovernorsmetanddecidedthattheywouldinsteadbackChiefVincentOgbulaforasopposedtoAnyim,whowasinitiallyfavouredbymanyofthem.

Onthedayoftheconvention,theemirofKatsinadied,andYar’Aduadecidedhewouldwitnesstheburial,sotheplanwasforustospendaboutanhouratEaglesSquareandthensneakouttoKatsina.Justaswewereabouttoleavethevillafortheconventionvenue,Obasanjodrovein.HewentintothestudywithYar’Adua

topleadthattheconventionbepostponedtillevening,eventhoughpeoplewerealreadygatheredatEaglesSquare.

SincethegovernorshadrejectedEgwuandheopposedtheideaofOgbulafor,Obasanjocameupwithhisideaofacompromise.Hewantedthepresidenttoendorsetheforeignaffairsminister,ChiefOjoMaduekwe,forthepartychairmanship.ThepresidentwonderedhowthatcouldpossiblybedonesinceMaduekwehadnotcollectedthenominationformtobechairman.Obasanjosaiditwaspossible.Atthepointwhenthepresidentwasabouttobuckleunderthepressure,Mohammedburstin:“Mr.President,youhavetostartgoingtoEagleSquarenow.Youcannotcontinuetokeepthepeoplewaiting—”

AnapparentlyangryObasanjoshouted,“Please,please,please….”ButthisonlystiffenedMohammed,wholaughedbeforetellingthepresident,“Don’tletthisoldmanmisleadyou,itstimeyouleftthevilla.”Thatwashowtheconversationended,butthepresidenthimselfwouldlatertellmethatbutforMohammed,hewouldhavesuccumbedtoObasanjo’sidea,eventhoughhehadthoughtthatitwouldnotwork.ItwasthissameMohammedagainstwhomsomeconspiredtooustfromthevilla.

WhiletherewerethoseclosetothepresidentwhofeltthatGeneralMohammedwas‘anObasanjoman’,hismainfoewasChiefJamesIbori,theformerDeltaStategovernor,whosawthechiefofstaffasthegodfatheroftheEFCCchairman,NuhuRibadu,withwhomhewasfightingabattle.

IborimadenopretensionsaboutthefactthatIwasalsobecominganobstaclebecauseIwasperceivedasMohammed’sally,whichwasn’tentirelywrong.Afterapublicspatbetweenusatthevillawhereheopenlyaccusedmeofrunningasmearcampaignagainsthim,Iwenttohishousetoascertainwhathismisgivingsaboutmewere.Hetoldmewithoutmincingwordsthathewantedthechiefofstaffremovedbecausehe(Mohammed)nolongerhadanybusinessbeingatthevilla.Hisnextcommentwasjustasbrusqueandcold:“LookSegun,youknowyouwerenotsupposedtogetthisjob,butthepresidentinsisteditwasyouhewanted,butnowthatyouarehere,youthinkyoucanplaypolitics.Letmewarnyou,IhavebeenplayingthevillagamesincetheAbachadays,sodon’tmesswithme.Becareful,”hewarned.Bydefendingthemaninthemedia,Iwasriskingmyownjobtoo.

IboriwasnotaloneintheplottooustMohammed.IknewthattheKwaraState

governor,Dr.BukolaSaraki,alsofeltthisway.WhereasSaraki’sstandcouldbeexcusedastheseldompalatablefall-outoflocalpolitics(since,likehim,MohammedisalsofromIlorin),Ibori’sbelligerenceonthematterwaspuzzling.YetIboricarriedouthisplotsurreptitiouslyandwithcoldefficiency.

Asthatwenton,itwaseasyformetoseethatthebondoftrustbetweenthepresidentandthechiefofstaffhadbeenbroken.Therewererumoursthattheofficewouldbescrapped,withallkindsofinferencesastohowthevillawouldberun.Ordinarily,Ishouldhavebeenhappy,becauseIwastoldbythosecourtingmysupportthatwewouldhaveanewstructurethatwouldfreemefromallunnecessarybureaucracyandmakemesubjecttonooneinthevillaexceptthepresidentandVP.Ididn’tbelieveitatthetime,butthatwasexactlywhateventuallyhappened.ButevenifIhadbelievedit,IknewforsurethatanyarrangementthatwouldleadtoMohammed’sexitfromthevillawouldbecatastrophicforthecountryandthepresidenthimself.Myconvictionwouldturnouttobeprescient,andIhadreasonstobelievethepresidentlaterregrettedhisaction,butbythenitwasfartoolate.

ShortlybeforetheFederalExecutiveCouncilmeetingadjournedforbreakonAugust20,2008,thepresidentinformedmembersthathewouldbetravellingtoSaudiArabialaterthatdaytoperformthelesserhajj(umrah).Hesaidhewouldleavethecouncilchambersbylunchbreak(1:30p.m.)andthatwhenitreconvenedby2:30,theVPwouldbepresiding.

Ihadbeeninformeddaysearlieraboutthetrip,includingthefactthatthepresidentwouldreturnonSunday,August24becausewewerescheduledtotraveltoBrazilonTuesday,August26onastatevisit.IwasnotontheSauditrip—thefirsttimeIwouldbeleftoutofaforeigntrip—butIconsideredgoingtothecountrymoreareligiousvoyagethananofficialone,soitreallydidn’tbotherme.

Thedaysprecedingthetripsawsomechangesinthearmedforces.Then,boththechiefofdefencestaff,GeneralAndrewAzaziandthechiefofnavalstaff,AdmiralGaniyuAdekeye,werealreadydueforretirement.Bytheirservicerecord,theyoughttohaveleftbyDecember2007.Whiletherewasalobbytohavetheirtenureextended,thesituationwasnothelpedbythefactthatthetopechelonofthearmywasalreadydividedbetweenloyalistsofAzaziandthoseofthenarmychief,Lt.GeneralLukaYusuf.Tocompoundthesituation,thenameoftheerstwhilechiefofarmystaff,Lt.GeneralAgwai,whowasthenheading

theUNmilitarymissioninDarfur,wasalsobeingaddedtothemix.YusufwassaidtohavethetacitbackingofAgwai.

AsthepresidentpreparedforthetriptoSaudiArabiaforumrah,therewaspressureonhimtomakethechangeswithinthearmedforcesbeforeleavingonWednesday,August20.Laterintheafternoon,heinvitedtheservicechiefstoameetingathisresidence,duringwhichhetoldthemhewouldbemakingsomechanges.Havingthankedthemfortheirservices,hedirectedthattheygoandholdameetingwiththeministerofdefence,AhmedYayale.

OwingtoacontroversialactoftheNationalAssemblythatstipulatedthatappointmentofservicechiefsbecleared,thepresidenthadinstructedYayaletomeetwiththeSenatepresidentandtheHouseofRepresentativesSpeakerbeforeIcouldmaketheannouncement.Ordinarily,Ishouldaccompanythepresidenttotheairport,butIhadtowaittocoordinatewithYayale,whowastonotifymethemomenthegotthegreenlightfromboththeSpeakerandtheSenatepresident.

By5:00p.m.,ImadetheannouncementthatthepresidenthadapprovedtheappointmentofAirMarshallPaulDikeaschiefofdefencestaff,totakeoverfromAzazi,whowasretiringfromservice.IaddedthathehadalsoapprovedtheappointmentofMajorGeneralA.B.DambazzauaschiefofarmystaffinplaceofLukaYusuf.OtherchangesapprovedbythepresidentinthecommandstructureofthearmedforcesthatIannouncedincludedtheappointmentofRearAdmiralIsaiahIkoIbrahimaschiefofnavalstafftosucceedAdekeye,whoretiredfromactiveservice.Afterlistingalltheappointments,Iconcludedbysayingthatthepresident“leftAbujathiseveningtoperformthelesserhajjinSaudiArabia.”

Thechangesinthearmedforcesdeflectedpublicattentionfromthefactthatthepresidenthadtravelledoutofthecountry.ButthatonlyboughtussomedaysassaharareporterssoonreportedthatthepresidenthadgonetoSaudiArabiaformedicalsandnotforumrah.

Initially,myresponsewasoneofcontemptforthestory,butwhenonSaturdayIconfirmedthatthepresidentwouldnotbereturningbytheweekend,eventhoughtheadvancepartytoBrazilhadbeentoldtoproceed,Ibegantosuspectthattherewasmoretothetripthanwewerebeingtold.WiththeinternationalmedialatchingontothestorythatthepresidentwasinSaudiArabiaformedicals,therewerecallsforfulldisclosureonthepresident’shealthstatus.

TheSaudiArabiatripwasnotwithoutitsowndramabecauseitwasdoneinsuchamannerthatthepresident’schiefphysician(CPP),Dr.Banye,wascuriouslyleftout,withouttheknowledgeofeventhepresident,whowasevidentlyangrywhenattheairportheasked,“WhereisSalisu?”onlytobetoldthathischiefphysicianwasnotonthetrip.HeimmediatelydirectedthatarrangementsbemadeforBanyetojoinhiminSaudiArabiathenextday.

ThechangeofhospitalfromGermanytoSaudiArabia(withoutthepriorknowledgeoftheCPP)wasdoneonthebeliefthattheAmericansecurityagentshadpenetratedthehospitalandhadgainedaccesstothepresident’shealthprofile.GoingtoSaudiArabiawasthereforeamovetoprotectsuchinformation,butfromwhatIwouldlaterlearn,itwasanexerciseinfutility.

Backathome,atthenextFECmeetingonAugust27,2008,theabsenceofthepresidenthadbecomeaseriousissue,asnobodyknewthetruesituationabouthiscondition.Whenaskedbycabinetmemberswhetherhehadbeenintouchwiththepresident,theVP

answeredinthenegative.Sinceleavingthecountry,heexplained,thepresidenthadnotspokenwithhim.TheVPfurtheraddedthatontheoccasionswhenhemadeeffortstospeakwiththepresident,heonlysucceededinspeakingwitheithertheADCortheCSO.

TheFECmeetingover,theministerofinformation,Mr.JohnOdey,andhisforeignaffairscounterpart,Maduekwe,weredetailedtobriefthemedia.

TheBraziltripwasinthenews,especiallysincecorrespondentswereawarethattheadvanceteamhadtravelledahead.Maduekwe,asmartpoliticianwithanuncannyabilitytowriggleoutoftrouble,confirmedtothemediathatthepresidenthadpostponedtheBraziltrip“becauseofdevelopmentsthatneededourimmediateattention.”HewouldnotelaborateonwhatthosedevelopmentswerebeforeheaddedthatthepostponementoftheBraziltripwasnotunusual.“Thetripwasjustreadjusted,notcancelled.Thereisnothingunusualaboutit.Itwasdeferred.Ithappenslikethatseveraltimes.Governanceisdynamic.Youcannotbeaprisonertoanyparticularprogramme.Brazilisveryimportant,andweintendtokeepthat.Ourrespectforthemremainsverystrong,andourinabilitytogoonthistripdoesnotinanywayaffectourrespectforthem,andtheyarelookingforwardtowhenthepresidentwillmakethetrip,”hesaid.

Onhispart,Odeydecidedtosticktothefactofthematterasheunderstoodit:“Tothebestofmyknowledge,thepresidentisstillperformingthelesserhajj.Ican’tsaywhenhewillreturnbecauseumrahisapersonalprayeraffair.”Duringthisperiod,Irefusedtospeakwiththemedia,althoughIcontinuedtomountpressureontheCSOandADCwiththeaimofhavingYar’AduaspeakwiththeVP.Wewereexchangingdozensoftextmessageseveryday.FrommyownsourcesinSaudiArabia,itwasveryclearthatonlytheCSOandtheFirstLadyhadaccesstothepresident,whiletheotheraides—includingtheADC,SCOP,andHamza—couldnotseehim.

September2,2008,however,broughtsomerefreshingnews.Almosttwoweeksafterleavingthecountry,thepresidentfinallyspokewiththeVP,theSenatepresidentandtheSpeaker.Iwasnotifiedimmediatelyafterthecallsweremade,andIdecideditwasbettertomakeastatementthenextday,tousethoseconversationstoexplainthereasonwhythepresidentwasstayinglongerthanhadbeenanticipatedinSaudiArabia.Imadeadraft,whichIsentviae-mailtotheADCforthepresident’sapproval.Thiswasthedraft:InviewofthecontinuinganxietyacrossthenationcausedbyPresidentUmaruMusaYar’Adua’slongerthanexpectedstayinSaudiArabia,thepresidencywishestoassureallNigeriansthatthepresidentwillreturnhomethisweekandcontinuetoworkdiligentlyfortheattainmentofthegoalsofhisadministration.

PresidentYar’AdualeftNigeriaforSaudiArabiaonWednesdayAugust20,2008,toperform[the]lesserHajj,butuponarrivalintheHolyLand,hehadtoundergosomeroutinemedicalchecks.Itwasexpectedthattherecommendedtestsandprocedureswouldbecompletedquicklytoenablethepresident[to]returnforhisscheduledtriptoBrazillastweekTuesday.Butthemedicalsregrettablytooklongerthananticipated,andforthatreason,thetriptoBrazilwasrescheduled.

Thetestsandprocedureshavenowbeensuccessfullycompleted.PresidentYar’AduayesterdayspokewithVicePresidentGoodluckJonathan,SenatePresidentDavidMark,HouseofRepresentativesSpeaker,Hon.DimejiBankole,someministersandstategovernorstoconfirmhiswell-beingandimminentreturntoAbuja.ThepresidencygreatlyappreciatesthesincereconcernofNigeriansforthegoodhealthandwell-beingofPresidentYar’Adua.Italsowishestostressthattherewasnodeliberateattempttomisinformthenationastothetruepurposeofthepresident’striporhisstateofhealth.

EventhoughthemailwassentthroughtheADC,itwasfromtheCSOthatIreceivedatextmessageafewhourslater.Hesaidthatthepresidentdidn’twantmetomakeanystatementwithoutexpressclearancefromhim.

SinceIhadasplendidrelationshipwithvirtuallyallthesecuritymenaroundthepresident,IkneweverythingthatwasgoingoninSaudiArabia,anditwasinthismessysituationthathereturnedtothecountry17daysafterhehadleft.WhileIfrettedoverthemediabacklashthatwouldfollow,Igothintsthathewasgoingtosackthesecretarytothegovernmentofthefederation,AmbassadorBabaganaKingibe,thenextday.Whenithappenedaspredicted,itwassuchbignewsthatitjoltedthenationandhelpedpeopletoforget,atleastforawhilethe‘smallmatter’ofthepresidentspending17daysoutsidethecountrywithoutanyexplanation!

Ifelt,nevertheless,thattherewasaneedtoputadefiniteclosureonthematterwithastatementthatwouldexplainthereasonittookhimthatlonginSaudiArabia.Iapproachedthepresidentabouttheissue.Notonlydidhedisagree,Inoticedthathiscountenancechanged.Heneverwantedtodiscussanythingrelatedtohishealth.

Somehow,wewereabletoridethetideuntilaweeklateronSeptember16whenAFP,quotinganalertfromtheNewsAgencyofNigeria(NAN),claimedPresidentYar’Aduamayresignduetoillhealth.Incidentally,theAFPStateHousecorrespondent,OlaAwoniyi,alongtimefriend,hadcalledmyattentiontoanalertfromNAN,whichIhaddismissed.IwasjustreceivingtheforwardedmailwhenMrs.RemiOyo,theagency’smanagingdirector,called.ItturnedoutthatsomeonehadhackedintoNAN’scomputersandsentoutabadlywrittene-mailthatread,“PresidentUmaruMusaYar’Aduamayresignaftercabinate(sic)reshuffleonhealthground.”Mylandinesandmobilephonesbegantobuzzendlessly,andeachtimeIhadtoexplainthattherewasnotruthtotheclaim,becausethepresidentwasintheoffice.ThenIwasinformedthatChannelsTelevisionwasbroadcastingthestory,quotingAFP,whichinturnquotedthealertfromNAN,whichhaddisclaimedthestory.

WhileIsatinmyofficewardingoffenquiries,somepoliticiansandtopofficialshadgonetothepresidentadvisinghimtoshutdownthetelevisionstation.BythetimeIwenttobriefhimofmyeffortsandhowsorryMr.JohnMomohwas,I

sawthathismoodhadbeenfouledupalready.

AsImadetoleavehisoffice,IsawthenewsbaronAITthatsecuritymenhadinvadedChannels,arrestedsomepeopleandcloseddownthestation.“OhmyGod,thisisunhelpful!”Iexclaimed,butasIlookedbackatthepresident,Icouldseevisibleangerwrittenalloverhisface.IknewitwasnotamomenttosayanythingasitdawnedonmethatjustwhenIthoughtoneproblemhadbeenovercome,Iwasnowbeingdrawnintoanother—abiggerone.

ThecontroversyovertheclosureofChannelslastedoneweek,duringwhichIhardlyslept.Ipleaded;Icajoledandsoughtthehelpofemissaries.Attheend,theinterventionofYayale,whohadjustbecometheSGF,helped,especiallyatthelastmeetingcalledatmyinstancebythepresident.HereadtothepresidentsometextmessagessentbyhisfriendsintheDiasporaabouttheimplicationsofclosingdownamediahouse.Thathelpedconsiderably,butIalsomustcommendthethenDGofSSS,Mr.AfakriyaGadzama.HesawthepointJohnOdeyandIweremaking,andconceded.

WiththereopeningofChannelsTV,therewasreliefforme,butnotforlong.First,despiteallmyappeals,thecaseagainstMr.SamNda-Isaiah,thepublisherofLeadershipnewspaperandsomeofhiseditorsoverapublicationthatYar’Aduawassick,wasnotwithdrawn,thusdrawingnegativereactions.

Thesituationvirtuallygraduatedfromfryingpantofireaweeklaterwhentheprincipalsecretarytothepresident,DavidEdevbie,led70politicalaidesofbothPresidentYar’AduaandVicePresidentGoodluckJonathantotakeanoathofsecrecy.Theoath,administeredbyJusticeHussainiYusufoftheHighCourtofJustice,Abuja,washeldattheBanquetHallofthePresidentialVilla,Abuja.Whilethiswaspartofsomefutilecivilservicerituals,criticsdescribeditasaploytocurbinformationflowaboutthehealthofthepresident.Thesituationwasnothelpedbythefactthateventhespokesmanforthepresidentopenlysworetoanoathofsecrecy!

Theoathofsecrecywasafunnyaffair.Irecallwewerehavingaseriesofleaksofinformationinthevilla.Wewouldfinishameetingandthedetailsdiscussedwouldbeontheinternetinlessthan30minutes.TherewasaninstancewhenthepresidentconveyedameetingtodiscusstheproblembetweenNICONInsuranceandthefederalgovernment.

Notmorethantenminutesafterthemeetingended,JimohIbrahimcalledtoexpresshisdispleasureatthepositionItook,whichhesaiddidnotreflectthefactthatwewerefriends.WhenIaskedwhathewastalkingabout,hequotedverbatimwhatIsaidatthemeeting.Ireportedtheincidenttothepresidentbecausewewerejustabouteightinthemeeting.

Alsoatthisperiod,mediahouseswereopenlypublishingconfidentialmemosfromministers,andastaffmemberinthepresident’sofficewasalsocaughtsellingdocumentstoabankexecutive.

Followingaconversationhe’dhadwiththepermanentsecretaryoftheStateHouse,Edevbiediscoveredthat,apparently,sinceMay1999,nopoliticalappointeehadsignedthestandardundertakingnottodiscloseconfidentialinformationtothepublicwithoutproperauthorization.AfterhetookthematterupwiththeAGF,itwasdecidedthattheStateHousepermanentsecretaryshouldrectifyit.

Onthedayoftheoathtaking,however,thewholeeventwasmismanaged.One,itbecameabigceremony.Two,themediahadbeeninvited.Three,thoseofuswhohadtakentheoathofallegiancewerenotsupposedtopartakeintheoathofsecrecy.

Interestingly,asthesessionwasabouttocommence,someonesuggestedthatthemediashouldbeexcused,butIconsideredsuchanidearathersilly,sincethereporterswerealreadythere.Iinsistedthatthemediawitnesstheceremony,butthefactofthematteristhatitwasnotdonebecauseofYar’Adua’shealthanditwasnotevenhisidea.Theevent,however,generatednegativereactionsaslawyersandclericscondemnedthepresidentforthedevelopment.ThesecretarygeneraloftheNigeriaSupremeCouncilforIslamicAffairs(NSCIA),Dr.Abdul-LateefAdegbite,describedthepresident’sactionasa“disgracetotheMuslimcommunitywithwhichhehasalwayswantedtoidentify.WhatNigerianswantatthispointinhistoryisaleadercommittedtodemocracy,ruleoflawandgoodgovernance.Webelievethis[will]notberealisedunderagovernmentrunlikeacult.”

Ihadtowadeintothecontroversy,butallmyexplanationsfellondeafears.Asfarasthepublicwasconcerned,AsoRockhadbecomeanothersecretsociety,andtheonlythingthatfuelledalltheinnuendoeswasthehealthofthepresident,which,Ialsomustadmit,hadindeedbecomeastatesecret,tothehandlersat

least!

11

TheJourneytoSaudiArabia

OnMondayJanuary19,2009,theCSOandIwerehavingaroutineconversationwhenheinformedmethatthepresidentwouldbetakinghisannualvacationthefollowingweek.Heofferednohintofhowlongthevacationwouldlast.Hewasalsovagueconcerningthevacationspot.ThemoreIprobed,themorehehedged.Ianticipatedtrouble.

Forthenexttwodays,Ihadtodependonmyestablishedsourcesamongthesecuritymenandprotocolofficials,inanattempttoascertainiftherewasanydevelopmentaboutthepresident’shealththatrequiredemergencyresponse,andwhethertherewereplanstotraveloutofthecountry.Thefeedbackwasreassuring:therewasnopreparationforanyforeigntrip.ButIstillfeltuncomfortable.IreasonedthattheremustbesomethingbehindthesuddenideaofavacationinJanuary,andIneededtoknowwhatexactlywasgoingon.AftertheFECmeetingtwodayslater,Iwalkedthepresidentbacktohisresidenceandsoughtanaudiencewithhim.

Discussinghishealthwasthemosttroublingissueforme,butonJanuary21,2009,Ineededaclarification.ItoldhimIhadbeeninformedthathewouldbestartingatwo-weekleavebeginningfromthefollowingMonday,addingthatthemediawouldbeveryinquisitiveaboutthedetailsofhowtheleavewouldbespentandwhere.Itoldhimthatalreadytherewerespeculationsinthemediathathemightbetravellingoutsidethecountryforamedicalcheck-up.

Iglimpsedachangeinthepresident’scountenanceasIspoke,butthechangewasnotindicativeofanger;itwasamoodthatspokeofsadness,thesortthatcouldcomewiththehelplessrealizationthatallmyconcernswerebasedonanissueoverwhichhehadnocontrol.Discussinghishealthusuallymadehimlookvulnerable,butonthisparticularoccasion,heexplainedthathewasnottravellingabroadbutsimplyneededtotakesometimetorest.Ifoundthatsomewhatcomforting,butasImadetoleave,hecalledmebackandaskedfor

mythoughtsaboutthenecessityofformallywritingtheNationalAssembly.Isaiditwouldbolsterhisimageasitwouldreaffirmhiscommitmenttotheruleoflaw.HepromisedhewoulddothatandaskedthatIinformtheCSOtogethimtheattorneygeneral.Ileftthepresident,feelingveryrelievedandthinkingIcouldspinthepositivesoutoftheleaveifhecouldformallynotifytheNationalAssemblyofhisintentiontogoonvacationashepromisedtodo.

IfeltevenmoreelatedfourdayslateratthebanquethalloftheStateHouse.Inthecourseofthereceptionforthepresident’sdaughter,Nafisat,whohadearlierinthedaygottenmarriedtoGovernorIsaYugudaofBauchiState,thepresidentbeckonedtome,sinceIwassittingatthenexttable.Heasked,“WhatistheweatherlikeatObuduCattleRanchnow?”ItoldhimIhadnoideabutcouldfindout.Henoddedbeforeheadded:“Ifyoucanconfirmthattheweatherisnotsocold,letusgothere;afterall,youhavesincebeenpushingformetogotoObudu.ButtelltheCSOandtheADCandalsoinformthegovernoraboutit.”

Bustlingwithexcitement,IinformedtheCSOandtheADC,andafterwardsleftthereceptioninordertocalltheCrossRiverStategovernor,Mr.LiyelImoke.WhenIcouldn’treachhim,Igothispredecessor,Mr.DonaldDuke,andtoldhimthatthepresidentwasplanningtospendsometimeatObudu.IcalledDukebecauseheconceivedtheideaofthepresidentialresort,whichYar’AduadeclaredopeninOctober2007,andIknewthetimeandenergythathadbeensunkintomakingObuduCattleRanchwhatithadbecome.HavingspenttimeattheranchwithmyfamilyduringtheChristmasof2005,Iwascertainthepresidentwouldenjoytheplace.WhileDukeconfirmedtheweatherwasokay—thisbeingthecrucialfactor—healsosaid,however,thatIneededtoclearwiththegovernorabouttheavailabilityandreadinessofthepresidentialresort.Ireportedbacktothepresident,whosaidwecouldgoaheadandmakeallthepreparationsforthetrip.

Optimismwasstillintheairbythenextday.IwasalsoawareofmovestowritealetterofnotificationtoboththeSenatepresidentandtheHouseofRepresentatives’Speakerincompliancewithprovisionsofthe1999Constitution.Thisbecameapparentduringdiscussionsonhowthelanguageshouldbecouched.Butatthatperiod,itwasalsocommontohearsniggeringremarksthatsuggestedtherewerepeopleopposedtotheidea.

Commentslikethesewerecommon:“DidObasanjoeverwritetheNationalAssemblythathewasgoingonleave?”;“DidBabaeverformallyhandoverto

Atiku?”;“IsthepresidentnotpresidentofNigeriawhereverheis?”

Notwithstandingallthissidetalk,therewasnothingtosuggestthatthepresidentwouldnotsendaformalletterofnotificationtotheNationalAssembly,becausetheSGFofficewasalreadyabreastofthematter.Asitwouldturnout,thosewhodidnotwantthepresidenttosendthenotificationeventuallyprevailed,evenwhenhehadalreadyappendedhissignaturetothelettertitled‘NotificationofLeave’.

Thetwo-paragraphletterseparatelyaddressedtoboththeSenatepresidentandtheHouseofRepresentativeSpeakeranddatedJanuary26,2009,reads,“IherebywritetoformallyappriseyouofthefactthatIshallbeproceedingonatwo-weekleavewitheffectfromtoday,26thJanuary,2009.

“Duringtheperiodofmyleave,allmattersrequiringmyattentionwillbeattendedtobyHisExcellency,theVicePresident,Dr.GoodluckJonathan.”Forreasonsthatwerebothcuriousandirrational,Iwastoldthatsomeofficialsarguedthatitwas‘politicallydangerous’forthepresidenttosendsuchanotificationtotheNationalAssembly.Ofcourse,thissameissuewouldcomeuplaterintheyearwhenthepresidentwentonwhatturnedouttobehislasttriptoSaudiArabia,fromwhichheneverrecovered.Withthebenefitofhindsight,IcanseethatifthepresidenthadsentthatletterinJanuary2009,hisactionwouldhavebeenapplaudedandwhenitwasnecessaryagaintoleavethecountryinNovember23forSaudiArabia,heprobablywouldhavehadnohesitationtodoso.Thenationwouldhavebeensparedthecontroversythatdoggedthelastsixmonthsofhispresidencyifhehadnotsuccumbedtothepressure.

ThehandlersofthepresidentwereclearlywaryofSection145ofthe1999Constitution,whichreads,“WheneverthepresidenttransmitstothePresidentofSenateandtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativesawrittendeclarationthatheisproceedingonvacationorthatheisotherwiseunabletodischargethefunctionsofhisoffice,untilhetransmitstothemawrittendeclarationtothecontrary,suchfunctionsshallbedischargedbytheVicePresidentasActingPresident.”

Theattorneygeneral’sposition,ashewouldlaterexplaintome,waspremisedontheconvictionthattheoperativewordinSection145oftheconstitutionwas‘whenever’,whichimpliesthepresidentwasnotcompelledtotransmitsuchalettertotheNationalAssembly.Inarguingthatitwasdiscretionary,theAGF

saidevenintheAmericansystem,fromwherethepresidentialsystemofgovernmentwascopied,transferofpoweronlyhappenedfourtimesintheirhistoryandthatformedicalreasonsattimeswhenthepresidentwastoundergosurgery.Ineffect,allthe‘specialadvisers’thepresidentconsultedbeforefinallydecidingwhetherornottosendthenotificationtotheNationalAssemblywouldhaveusedhishealthissuetohighlighttheimplicationsofthecourseofactionheplannedtotake.

BythemorningofJanuary16,2009,whenIplannedtobriefthemediathatthepresidentwouldbegoingonatwo-weekvacation,mymainconcernwashowtonavigatethistrickyissue.Eventhoughthepresidenthadnotnotifiedmethathehadchangedhismindabouttheletter,IcouldnotpretendIwasunawareoftheanxietiesandresultingintriguesovertheissue.Iwasalmostcertainitwasboundtocomeupinthecourseofmymediabriefing.

Afterreadingmybrief,one-paragraphstatementonthevacation,Idecidedtotakeafewquestions.Quitenaturally,thefirstwaswhetherthevacationhadtodowiththehealthofthepresident,whichIquicklydismissed.Iexplainedthateverypresidentneedstimeawayfromthepressureofofficetorelax,rejuvenateandpossiblyreflectandunwind,addingthatthepresidentialresortatObuduCattleRanchwasbuiltasapresidentialgetawaylikeCampDavidintheUnitedStates.So,tothatextent,theideaofgoingonleavehadnothingtodowiththehealthofthepresident,Isaid.

Predictably,therewasaquestionaboutwhetherthepresidentwouldhandovertohisdeputy.Myreplytothatquestionwasvague,asIalludedtowhathappenedinthecourseoftheFederalExecutiveCouncilthepreviousweek.IrecountedthedebateattheFEC

concerningsomeoftheprincipalministerswhoseministriesvirtuallygrindtoahaltwhentheytravelout,becausetheministerofstatecannotact.Ireaffirmedwhatthepresidenthadsaid:thatwheneverhewasabsentfromoffice,thevicepresidentshoulddealwithanyofficialmattersthatarose.“So,ifMr.Presidentisonvacation,itgoeswithoutsayingthatthevicepresidentwilltakecharge.Thatisjustthenormalthing,nothand-overperse.Thepresidentisstillincharge,thereisnobigdealaboutit,”Isaid.Tobuttressthisposition,IaddedthattheVPwouldrepresentthepresidentattheAfricanUnionsummitscheduledforthatweekinLibya,whereMuammarGhaddafiwouldtakethechair.

ThencamethetrickyquestionastowhetherthepresidenthadwrittentonotifytheNationalAssemblyabouthisvacation.IsaidIwasnotaware,butaddedthattheAGF

wouldbeinthebestpositiontoclarifythesituationonthat.Aftermakingmypoint,Irefusedtotakeanyfollow-upquestionsonthematter,evenwhilethereporterspressedformoreinformation.Notsurprisingly,thelawmakerspickeduptheissuethenextdaywhenSenatorThomsonSekibo,whileraisingapointoforder,drewtheattentionofhiscolleaguestomediareports(quotingme)thatthepresidentwastakingavacation.

SenatorSekibo,whosoughttoascertainfromMarkwhetherthepresidenthadtransmittedtohimaletterofwhichhewasyettoinformtheSenatesaid,“Ibringitupbecausewemustadherestrictlytoprovisionsoftheconstitution.Mr.Presidenthasarighttogoonleave,noonearguesaboutthat,butwemustfollowtheconstitution,sothatwewillknowwherethepresidentis.BetweenAugustandSeptemberlastyeartherewastherumouralsoonthepagesofnewspapersthatMr.PresidentwasnotinAsoRock.IthereforewanttoknowfromtheSenatepresidentwhetheryouhavereceivedanoticethatthepresident

[will]beproceedingonleave,sinceyouhavenotcommunicatedsuchtous.”Markrepliedthatthepresidenthadnotforwardedtohimanysuchletter.“That’swhyIhavenotreadanyletter.Butintheeventthathedoesso,thevicepresidentwillbetheactingpresident,”heexplained.Senateleader,TeslimFolarin’scontributioncameasamildrebukeofSekibo,whomhesaidwasrelyingonnewspaperreports:“Ifhehasnotwrittentous,itisnotmandatory;itsimplymeansthemanhasnotgoneonleave.”Intentonprotectingthepresidentfromwhatwasbecominganembarrassingexchange,MarkeventuallyruledSekibooutoforderandclosedfurtherdebateontheissue.TheHouseadoptedasimilarposition,namely,thatifthepresidentwasindeedonvacation,hewouldhavetransmittedtothemaletter.Whileseverallawyersandcivilsocietyactivistswadedin,allthedebateturnedouttobemerelyacademic,becausethepresidentdidnoteventuallytraveloutofAbuja.That,nevertheless,stirredsomecontroversy.

Saharareporters,thenewswebsiteownedbyformerUniversityofLagosstudents’unionpresident,OmoyeleSowore,hadbecomepopular,especiallyamongNigeriansintheDiaspora.WithintheVilla,ithadbecomeaconstantirritantbecauseitwasevidentthereweremoleswithinwhowerefeedingthe

websiteinformationonthestatusofthehealthofthepresident.Initially,perhapsbecauseIhadadmittedknowingSoworeatatimewhenthewebsitewaserroneouslybeinglinkedwithSaharaEnergyofTonyeCole,TopeSonubi,etal.,somepeopleconsideredmetheprimesuspect.ButwhenthewebsitebegantopublishinformationIcouldnotpossiblyhave,thentherealizationdawnedthatthesourcesmustbecloserthantheyimagined.

IrecallthatoneofthesaddestdaysforthepresidentwaswhenthewebsitepublishedphotographsofhissonwieldinggunsandholdingwadsofN1,000bills.Investigationslaterrevealedthatthephotographshadbeentakenbyaroguesecurityofficialclosetothefamilywhohadgiventheboyhisofficialgunandhandedhimthenairanotes.Inaratheremotionaltone,thepresidentheldthephotographsIhadprintedforhimandkeptrepeating,“Howcantheydothistoasmallboy?Howcanpoliticsdegeneratetothislevel—aninnocentchild?”

Ashehandedthephotographsbacktome,askingthatIbringthembacktohimattheresidencelaterintheday,hesaid,almostintears:“Theycandoanythingtome,butwhygiveaguntoasmallboyjusttomakeapoint?”

Foramanwhowasalreadyweak,itwasnosurprisewhenIlearntthenextdaythatthepresidentwouldnotbecomingtotheofficebecausehehadfallenill.Allhisappointmentswerecancelled,anditwouldtakeanothersixdaysbeforeIwouldsetmyeyesonhimagain.Fromthatperiod,effortsweremadetolocatesaharareporters’sourceswithinthevillasecuritynetwork,butitprovedfutile.

BackinJanuary2009,followingmyannouncementthatthepresidentwasgoingtoObuduCattleRanch,thewebsitecameoutwithastorythattheentirevacationideawasaruseandthatthepresidentwasbeingmanagedbysomespiritualistsimportedintothecountryanddomiciledwithinAsoRock.Thereweregraphicdescriptionsofthemovementofthepresidenttopreciselocationswithinthevillaunderthecoverofdarkness.Mostofthereportsweredeadaccurate.

WhileIseenopointdignifyingsomeofthedesperatemeasuresthatpeoplesometimestake,especiallywhenconfrontedwithserioushealthchallenges,mymainconcernatthatpointwashowtorationalizethefactthatthepresident,whotoldtheworldhewouldgoonvacationoutsideAbuja,wasnowholedupinsidetheStateHouse.Asithappened,onthefirstdayoftheleave,thegovernorofYobeState,SenatorMammanAli,diedintheUnitedStates.Thepresidentsaidhewouldattendtheburialasarrangementsweremadetobringtheremainsof

thedeceasedgovernorbacktoNigeria.

TheburialtookplaceinFikaonThursdaymorning,andwewerethere,havingleftthevillafortheairportbefore6:00a.m.(Thiswasanothercuriousfeatureaboutthepresidentand,lookingback,itmayhavebeenasaresultofhisownmortalitywhich,apparently,hewasmoreconsciousofthanmost,perhapsbecauseofhishealthchallenges.Whilehewouldordinarilynotcomedownearlyforanyevent,ifitwasafuneral,nomatterthetimeitwasfixedfor,hewouldbeprompt.Themomentthenewsofthedeathofacloserelationoraprominentpersonalityfromthenorthwasbrokentohim,thenextthingwouldbetoaskthatarrangementsbemadeforhimtoattendtheburial.)AttendingMammanAli’sburialwasparticularlyinstructive.Aswedroveintothetown,wewereconfrontedbybigbanners,billboardsandpostersofthedeceasedgovernorallloudlypronouncinghimtherightchoiceforthe2011gubernatorialelections!ThiswasJanuary2009,lessthantwoyearsintohisfirstterminoffice.Whenwegotbacktothevilla,thepresidentaskedwhetherwehadnoticedthebanners,shakinghisheadbeforehewentintoaphilosophicalexhortationonthevanityofhumanwishes.

Backfromtheburial,thevacationcontinued.Withsaharareporterssupplyingthefodder,asectionofthemediawouldnotrelentonthefactthatthemanwhohadsaidhewasgoingtoObuduCattleRanchandLagosdidnotevenleavethevilla,andIhadtokeepinventingexcuses.First,itwasbecausetheVPhadtoattendtheAfricanUnion(AU)meetinginLibyaand,later,theexcusewasthatObuduwasnotready.GovernorImokedidn’tlikethisbitbecausehehadactuallycutshortaforeigntriptobebackhometoreceivethepresident.Hecalledmetoregisterhisprotest.

AfterspendingtwoweekswithouttravellingoutofAbuja,thepresidentresumedwork.

Butbythen,hisworkschedulehadreducedconsiderablytosuchanextentthathewasspendingnomorethananaverageofthreetofourhoursintheofficedaily.Bythenalso,hewasnolongerwalkingtotheoffice;hehadtobedriven,evenwhenthedistancewaslessthanahundredmetres.Therewerealsodayswhenhewouldnotcomedownfromhisroom.Tomakeupforthis,ondayswhenhishealthseemedtohaveimproved,hewouldstayforseveralhoursandwouldnotleaveuntilallthefileswerecleared.

Therewas,however,nodoubtthathishealthwashavinganadverseimpactonthebusinessofgovernance.Inanationwheresomuchpowerwasconcentratedinthehandsofthepresident,whereevenroutinedecisionssometimesrequirethesanctionofthebigman,thingsweregraduallycomingtoahaltinAsoRock.Meetingswereroutinelycancelledandcrucialdecisionscouldnotbetakenbecauseministersandheadsofagenciescouldnotsecuretheapprovalofthepresident.

Notwithstandinghishealthchallenges,however,wheneverthepresidentattendedtheFECmeeting,heensuredthathestayedtilltheend,howeverlongittook.Yet,itdidn’trequiremedicaltrainingtoseethathewasmerelystruggling,ashisbodycouldnolongerwithstandthestresshewasputtinghimselfthrough.Allthesewouldnotgowithoutrepercussions:onJuly20,2009,whatwouldhavebeenaninternationalembarrassmentwasavertedinTogo.

Itallstartedatthe15thsummitoftheNon-AlignedMovementmeetinginSharmEl-Sheikh,Egypt,betweenJuly15and16,2009.Thefirstday,thepresidentmissedthesessionwiththehost,EgyptianPresidentHosniMubarak,andwasalsolatefortheopeningceremony.Evenso,hedidnotstaytilltheendoftheceremony:heleftthemomenthehadpresentedhisownaddress.

TherewerealsobilateralmeetingsscheduledforhimatthemarginofthesummitwiththeleadersofAustralia,Colombia,Turkey,Vietnam,Serbia,SriLankaandBosniaHerzegovina.Allofthemwerecancelledwhenitbecameclearthathewasnotstrongenoughtobeexposedtothesesessions.

Whileallthiswasunderstandable,IbecameworriedwhenIlearntthatthetwice-postponedtwo-dayvisittoBayelsaStatehadagainbeencancelledandthathewouldalsonotattendtheECOWASsummitbilledforTogothesameweek.AtatimewhenthepresidenthadproclaimedamnestyforNigerDeltamilitants,therewasnodoubtinmymindthatitwouldstrikeawrongchordifherefusedtogotoBayelsa.Fortunately,theADCsawthingsmyway,andhedeployedAlhajiInuwaBabatospeakwiththeFirstLadytopersuadeherhusbandtoappreciatewhygoingtoBayelsawasveryimportant.

OneofthereasonsInuwaBabawasinvaluabletousintheteamwasthatnotonlydidhehaveaccesstotheFirstFamily,hecouldbeverybluntifhewantedtobe.IntryingtosecurethesupportoftheFirstLadyontheissue,hesaid,“Ifyourhusbanddoesn’tgotoBayelsa,thenmanyNigerianswillsayheisa

coward,becauseitwouldbeinterpretedtomeanheisstayingawaybecauseheisafraidofthemilitants.”TheFirstLadyagreedwiththissummationandwithinonehourafterthetriphadbeencancelled,itwasrescheduled.Therewasnow,however,alittlecaveat:wewouldbereturningthesamedayratherthanspendingthenightinthestate,whichhadbeentheinitialplan.Wealsoagreedthatnotmorethantwoprojectswouldbecommissioned,afterwhichthepresidentwouldaddressthepeopleatapublicarenabeforeproceedingtothepresidentiallodge.

TheBayelsatripwassuccessful,butitnodoubttookatollonthepresident,whosehealth,evenatthebestoftimes,wasveryfragile.Bythen,hehadalsodecidedthathewouldattendtheECOWASsummitthenextdayinTogobecausePresidentFaureEyademahadpleadedwithhimtoattend.Twenty-fourhourslater,wewereinthesmallWestAfricancountry.

Aswascommonatsucheventswithinthesub-region,thepresidentalightedfromtheaircrafttoatumultuouscrowdthathadbeenstationedattheairporttowelcomethevisitingAfricanleaders.Thatalsomeanthehadtoinspectaguardofhonour!

Nobodyanticipatedanytrouble,untilthepresidenttookabout20stepsandcouldnotmoveagain.Sincethedrummersanddancerswerecarryingonexcitedly,therewasnotmuchattentionfocusedonhimatthatpoint.HewhisperedtotheADC,whohadbythenmovedclosetohim,thathemayfallifhetookasmuchasanotherstep.Movingquickly,Mustaphadrapedthelapelofthepresident’sbabarigaoverhisuniform,sothatnoonewouldseehisrighthand,whichhehadusedtosupportthepresidentwhilepullinghimforwardwithhisshoulderandrightleg.Manyintheecstaticcrowdwatchedtheawkwardandslowmovementofthepresident.TheADCsucceededindragginghimforwarduntilhecouldmakeadetourtoenterthenearestroomatthearrivalhall.Itwasapublicplace,butalltheofficialswereimmediatelyclearedbyavisiblyworriedTogolesepresident,whohelpedtheADCtositpresidentYar’Aduaonachairprovidedforhim.

Becausewewerethelastdelegationtoarriveattheairport,whichwasquiteadistancefromthetownwheretheECOWASsessionwastohold,immediatelythepresident’saircrafttoucheddownandcamerascapturedhisarrival,allthejournalistsweredirectedtoleaveforthevenuesothattheywouldnotbecaughtinthepresidentialconvoy.Thatbecamethesavinggrace:Beyondtheofficial

photographersandcameramenwhocamewiththeTogolesepresident,therewasnonewsmanaroundtheairportfromtheprivatemediatoobservetheunfortunatedrama.

Westayedattheairportforafurtherthirtyminuteswhilethedoctorobservedthepresident.Whenweeventuallyarrivedatthevenue,ratherthangoforthemeeting,thepresidentmovedstraighttotheroomthathadalreadybeenpreparedforhim.Aspeoplemilledaround,therewerewhispersthattheNigerianpresidenthadnearlycollapsedattheairport,withvaryingaccountsastowhathadhappened.

Giventheincident,andsensingthatitmightnotbewisetoholdasessioninpublicinthestatetheNigerianpresidentwas,theECOWASleadersdecidedtohaveaninformalclosed-doorsessionwithnootherofficialspresent.Itwasonlyafterthesessionhadendedthatsomeonecametowherewewereallgatheredtoreadthecommuniqué.

Tilltoday,itremainsamysterytomehowtheADCsuccessfullymovedthepresidentawayfromthetarmac,afairlylongdistance.HisonlyresponsewhenIaskedhimlaterthatdaywasaterse,“Iamamilitaryofficer.”Nevertheless,withthatremarkablefeat,hisstockrose,sincethepresidentknewhe(ADC)hadsavedhimfromwhatwouldhavebeenaninternationalembarrassment.Untilthen,Col.MustaphaDennisOnoyivetahadbeenviewedwithsuspicionbasedonthelittlefactthatheisanUrhobomanfromDeltastateandnotanorthernerassomepeoplepreferred.YethehadgottenthejobpurelyonmeritafteracompetitiveinterviewconductedbyMajorGeneralMohammedfromashortlistsentbytheDefenceHeadquarters.Thatitselfbecameanissue,astherewerewhisperingcampaignsthatformerPresidentObasanjodeliberatelyplantedMustaphaonYar’Adua.AfterTogo,Mustapha’sloyaltywasneverquestionedagain.

Theexperienceofthatdaysoundedafurthernoteofalarmthatthepresidentneededtoattendtohishealth.Atthistime,Itoohadearnedhistrust.Sowhentheideawasbeingmootedforhimtotraveloutofthecountry,Iwasinthepicturequiteearly.HepersonallytoldmeoftheneedforhimtoseehisdoctorsinSaudiArabia,andIsuggestedthatthebestwaytohandletheissuewastogiveanadvancenotice.MostNigerianswouldunderstandandevenappreciatethegestureifthatwasdone,Itoldhim.Heagreed.SofivedaysbeforehewasscheduledtoleavethecountryonFriday,August14,2009,IinformedNigerians

thatthepresidentwouldbetravellingforascheduledmedicalcheck-up.InthestatementIputoutonMonday,August10,2009,Iaddedthathewasexpectedtobeawayforoneweek.

Aspredicted,thisstatementwaswellreceivedbymostNigerians,whobegantoprayforhimthedayhetravelled.Hespentexactlyoneweekonthistrip.Helookedabitrejuvenatedandrelaxeduponreturn,butwithinamatterofdays,allthathadvanished.

Thesadbutcandidverdictwasthattherewasnomajorimprovementinhishealthcondition.Hewasbynowgoingtotheofficeaboutthreetimesaweekandonlybetween1:00p.m.and5:00p.m.Bythisperiodalso,governmentwaspracticallyonautopilot.Iwasthereforenotsurprisedtolearnthat,forthesecondyearinarow,thepresidentwouldnotbeattendingtheUnitedNationsGeneralAssemblylateinSeptember2009.ButIwasshockedwhenIlearntthatthepresidentwasinsteadgoingtoSaudiArabiatoattendtheopeningceremonyofauniversityattheinvitationoftheSaudimonarch.

Comingjustaboutthreeweeksafterhereturnedfromthesamecountry,Iknewnobodywouldbelievethiswasnotadecoytogoonyetanothermedicalexpedition.Althoughhighlycontroversial,thistriptookhimexactlysixdays.Butintheweeksthatfollowedhisreturn,hishealthdeterioratedtosuchanextentthatIsuggestedhetakeavacation.Ididsothroughamemo,whichheapprovedandthankedmefor.Whenhe,however,suggestedgoingtoObuduCattleRanch,Iwasnotenthusiastic,giventhepreviousexperience.Toshowthathewasserious,anadvanceteamofsecuritymenweresenttoreccetheranchwithpreparationsforustogothereduringtheEidal-Fitrperiod,whichwouldfallwithinthethirdweekofNovember.

Theplanwasforhimtotakeavacationafterpresentingthe2010AppropriationBilltotheNationalAssembly.ThiswasinitiallyscheduledfortheendofOctober.Itwould,however,dragontillNovember.Unfortunately,bythetimethebudgetwasready,thereweremoredramaticdevelopments.ItbeganearlyinthemorningofMonday,November15,whentheCSOcalledthatitwasveryimportantformetojoinhimandtheADCtodiscussacrucialissuethathadtodowiththepresentationofthe2010AppropriationBillbeforetheNationalAssembly.

Icouldn’tunderstandwhatthefussaboutthebudgetwasthatwouldnecessitate

suchanemergencyintervention,butIprayedithadnothingtodowiththehealthofthepresident.

Justtwoweeksearlier,thepresidenthadwrittentoSenatePresidentDavidMarkinhiscapacityastheNationalAssemblychairman,onhisdesiretoaddressajointsessionoftheNationalAssemblyonThursdayNovember19.

TherequesttopresenttheappropriationbilltoajointsessionoftheNationalAssembly(whichhadbecomeatraditionforsittingpresidents)wasbasedonSection81(1)oftheconstitution,whichstatesthat“thePresidentshallcausetobepreparedandlaidbeforeeachHouseoftheNationalAssembly,atanytime,ineachfinancialyear,estimatesoftherevenueandexpenditureofthefederationofthenextfollowingfinancialyear.”ButaswesatintheADC’sofficethatMondaymorning,theCSOsaid,mostlyformybenefit—sinceheandtheADCwereworkingtogether—thatweneededtoexplorethewayswewouldmanagethepresident’smissiontotheNationalAssembly.Bythisperiod,perhapsduetothelevelofconfidencehesawIenjoyedwiththepresident,theCSOwasnolongerconcealingissuespertainingtothehealthofthepresidentfromme,especiallyinrelationtoareaswheremyadvicemightbeuseful.Hewentstraighttothepoint:thepresidentdidnothaveenoughstrengthtowalkfromtheNationalAssemblymainentrancetothechambersoftheHouseofRepresentativeswherethesessionwouldhold.

Theduohadcomeupwithasolution:ratherthanentertheNationalAssemblythroughthemainentrance,ourconvoywoulddriveintothecomplexthroughthebackentrancefromtheAkinolaAgudaendofthevilla.Thiswouldnecessitateleavingthevillaearlierthanexpectedsothatonarrival,thepresidentwouldwalkwhatwasashortdistanceintoanofficewherehewouldbereceivedbysomeofficialsoftheNationalAssembly.Heisexpectedtorestforsometimethereandafterwardswalksomedistancetoanotherholdingroomwherehewouldrelaxforyetanotherfewminutes.Fromtherethepresidentwouldthenwalktheremainingdistanceintothechambers.

Thiswasnotaltogetherabadidea.ButIwasnotcomfortable,asIfearedthatsomethingcouldstillgowrong.Ifthepresidentwasnotstrongenoughtowalkwhatwasordinarilyashortdistance,howcanwebeassuredthathecouldstandforsomeconsiderablelengthoftimetoreadthespeech?Thenextday,therewassomefreakoffortuneontheflooroftheNationalAssembly.ItallstartedwhentheSenatePresident,Mr.DavidMark,saidthebudgetwouldbepresentedatthe

Senate.This,ofcourse,wasrejectedbytheHouseofRepresentativeswiththeSpeaker,DimejiBankole,counteringthattheHousehadalwayshostedthepresident.

AlthoughsomeconspiracytheoristswouldlaterclaimthatthedisagreementwasstokedbyAsoRock,Iknowforafactthatwedidnotengineerit,thoughwetookfulladvantageofthesituation.Bankole’sstandwasbuttressedonthedaybytheHouse’sMediaandPublicAffairsCommitteechairman,EsemeEyiboh,whosaid,“Traditionally,ithasalwaysbeenintheHouseofRepresentatives,andthattraditionisusuallyinformedbytheconvenienceofspaceandlogistics.The360membersintheHouse,109Senators,PresidentYar’Aduaandhisentourage,governors,chieftainsofpoliticalparties,captainsofindustry,andmembersofdiplomaticcorpsarecoming.SowhenIamtalkingabouttheconvenienceoflogisticsandspace,it’sthetraditionthattheHouseprovidesthatspacetoaccommodatethataudience.TheSenatehasthecapacitytoaccommodatelessthan150.”TheSenatecounteredthisargumentthroughtheirownspokesman,SenatorAyoguEze,whomaintainedthattheSenatechamberwaslargeenoughtoaccommodatealllawmakersandthatMarkhadconsultedallstakeholdersbeforetakingthedecision:“ItistheprerogativeofthechairmanoftheNationalAssemblytodecidethevenueofthejointsession.Thisyear,hehasdecidedthatthejointsessionwilltakeplaceintheRedChamber,andalltherelevantauthoritieshavebeendulynotified,includingtheleadershipoftheHouseandtheNationalAssemblyleadership—includingtheclerkoftheNationalAssemblyandthemanagement.”

ThissquabbleintheNationalAssemblypresentedaperfectexcuseforusatthevilla;IquicklyspreadthewordthatthepresidentwasreadyforthebudgetpresentationbutcouldnotpossiblygototheNationalAssemblyuntiltheissueofthevenuewasresolved.

Thecommonviewwasthatthestalematewouldbuyusmoretimeforthepresidenttofullyrecover.ButbySaturday,November21,2009,theequationchangedwhentheCSO

calledforanotheremergencymeeting,andthistime,heincludedtheprincipalsecretary,Edevbie.

Withinonehour,fourofushadassembledinhisoffice,andwithoutanypreamble,hesaidthepresidentwasillandneededtotraveloutofthecountry.

Thisinformationwasratherdepressingforme.Giventhatthebudgethadyettobepresented,anothertriptoSaudiArabiawouldbeamajorproblemtomanage,soIasked,“Can’tthepresidentwaittillTuesday,presentthebudgetandthentravelthatday?”TheCSO’sresponsewasthatbarringthechallengeofgettingavisafromtheSaudiauthorities,theywouldhavetravelledimmediately.Ontheappropriationbill,hesaidadecisionhadbeentakenalreadythatthepresidentwouldjustsendittotheNationalAssemblythroughthespecialadviseronNationalAssemblymatters.Sincehewasquotingtheconstitutiontobuttresshispointthatthiscourseofactionwasperfectlyinorder,eventhoughhewasnotalawyer,IconcludedthattheAGFmustbeprivytotheissueofbudgetpresentation.OurmeetingendedwithanagreementthatitwasveryimportantforthepresidenttoinvitetheVPandseekhiscooperationbeforehewouldtraveloutofthecountry,becauseweanticipatedthatitwouldbedifficulttomanagewithouthiscooperation.

OnMondaymorning,witharrangementsforthetripattheconcludingstage,Iissuedthefollowingstatementbasedonwhatthepresidenthadpersonallyscrawledforme:

“PresidentUmaruMusaYar’AdualeftAbujatodayfortheKingdomofSaudiArabia.

Whilethere,thePresidentwillcallonhispersonalphysiciansinJeddahforfollow-upmedicalchecks.ThePresidentforwardedcopiesofthe2010NationalAppropriationBilltotheSenatePresidentandtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativesbeforeleavingthecountry.HewishestheMuslimUmmahandallNigerianshappyEid-el-Kabircelebrations.”

Asexpected,therewaspublicoutcrynotjustaboutanothertriptoSaudiArabia,thethirdwithinaspaceoftwomonths,butalsoontheunprecedenteddecisiontosendtheappropriationbilltotheNationalAssemblythroughthespecialadviser.Bythenalso,therewerespeculationsthatthepresidentwasactuallyevacuatedonastretchertotheairportinanambulance.Itwasastorythatgotamplementionontheinternationalmedia,andthepresidenthimselfwassaidtohavemonitoredthenewsthroughoutthetripthatspokeofhisvisitto“anundisclosedhospital”inSaudiArabiaforanequally

“undisclosedailment”onAljazeera.Hedidn’tfeelcomfortablewiththereportage.

FourdaysaftertheyleftNigeria,IgotacallfromtheADC,whosaidthepresidentwantedmetospeakwiththepresident’schiefphysiciansowecouldissueapressreleaseonthediagnosisofhisailment.Afewminuteslater,Dr.BanyesentmeatextmessagefromwhichIcraftedastatementdulysentbacktoSaudiArabia.Afteritwasapproved,Icalledforabriefing.ShortlybeforeIaddressedthemedia,theCSOcalledmeandsaidthepresidentwantedmetopersonallytakethestatementtotheVPbeforeaddressingthemedia.

IcalledtheVPonthephonetointimatehimofmyplannedpressbriefingandthecontent.IalsotoldhimthattheinstructionfromthepresidentwasthatIshouldseehimpersonally,butifhedidn’tmind,Icouldreadthestatementtohimstraightaway.HesaidIshouldgoahead.OnceIwasdone,hesaidhefeltrelievedbythedevelopment,mentioningthathecouldnolongerpickhiscallsbecausehedidn’tknowwhattotellpeopleaboutthehealthofthepresident.

HavingclearedwiththeVP,Iwenttobriefthemedia.IstartedbyreadingtothemthestatementbyDr.SalisuBanye,datedNovember26,2009:Atabout3pmonFriday,November20th,afterhereturnedfromtheAbujaCentralMosquewhereheperformedtheJuma’atprayers,PresidentUmaruMusaYar’Aduacomplainedofleft-sidedseverechestpain.PreliminarymedicalexaminationssuggestedACUTEPERICARDITIS(aninflammatoryconditionofthecoveringsoftheheart).

ItwasthendecidedthatheshouldundertakeconfirmatorychecksattheKingFaisalSpecialistHospitalandResearchCentreinJeddah,SaudiArabia,wherehehadhislastmedicalcheck-upinAugust2008.ThemedicalreviewandtestsundertakenatthehospitalhaveconfirmedtheinitialdiagnosisthatthepresidentisindeedsufferingfromACUTEPERICARDITIS.Heisnowreceivingtreatmentfortheailmentandisrespondingremarkablywell.

Thereactiontothisdisclosurewasswift.Fifty-fiveprominentNigerianscomprisingChiefOluFalae,ColonelAbubakarUmarandsomeoppositionpoliticianslikeDr.UsmanBugajesaidYar’Adua’shealthchallengehadunwittinglycreatedadangeroussituationtotheeffectthatnoonewasinchargeoftheaffairsofstate,contrarytotheletterandspiritoftheconstitution.Theyarguedthatitwasverycleartoeverydiscerningobserverthatthepresident’sphysicalconditionhadanegativeimpactonhisabilitytodischargethefunctions

ofthehighestofficeinourland:“Withinthelastfewmonths,hehasbeenunabletoattendtocrucialaffairsofthestateathomeandabroadandwheneverhehasfoundtimetodoso,hisjudgmentappearsimpairedbyhisill-health.”Aftercitingseveralexamplestobuttresstheirpoint,theyrecommendedthatheresignfromofficeimmediately.Intheeventthathefailedtoheedthatadvice,theycalledontheFederalExecutiveCounciltopassaresolutionpursuanttoSection144(1)oftheConstitutiontotheeffectthatthepresidentappearedincapableofdischargingthefunctionsofhisoffice.Section144empoweredtheFECtobegintheprocessthatwoulddeclarethepresidentpermanentlyincapacitated.

Morepeopleweretojoininmakingthatcall,sayingthatitwastimethepresidentresignedtoattendtohishealth.ItwasatthatpointthattheNigerianGovernors’ForummetinAbuja,followingwhichtheydismissedthecallsforYar’Aduatoresign.Intheabsenceofanyevidenceofincapacitationonthepartofthepresident,accordingtotheGovernors’Forum,itwasrashanddiversionarytocallforhisresignation.“Onthebasisoftheforegoing,therefore,theNigeriaGovernors’Forumherebyrestatesourfirmcommitmenttothepeace,progressandstabilityoftheFederalRepublicofNigeria.WewishMr.President,AlhajiUmaruMusaYar’Adua,GCFR,quickrecoveryashecontinuestoleadourcountry,”theForumconcluded.

Theinterventionofthegovernors,however,hardlybroughtanyrespite;bythesecondweekofDecember,thepresident’sabsencehadfuelledintenseagitationwithinthepolitywithseveralpendingissuesthatrequiredhisattention.Asidefromthesigningofthesupplementarybudget,theNDDCActhadalsonotbeensignedandthetenureoftheChiefJusticeoftheFederationwasabouttorunout.

Throughoutthisperiod,IwasinconstanttouchwithSaudiArabiathroughphonecallsandtextmessages,andtheykeptgivingassurancesthatthepresident“willsoonreturn”despitethefactthattherewasnospecificdateastowhenthatwouldbe.

BythethirdweekofDecember,therewasstillnosignthatthepresidentwouldreturn,soIpleadedwiththeCSOtoallowEdevbieandItotraveltoSaudiArabiasowecouldgivethemaholisticpictureofthesituationbackhomeandtakerationaldecisionsonthewayforward.Allmyentreatiesyieldednoresult.ImetwiththeAGFandaskedhimwhyhecouldnotadvicethatthepresidentshouldsendalettertosaveeverybodythetrouble.Iwarnedthatwiththewaythingsweregoing,itwasbetterforthepresidenttosendanotificationtothe

NationalAssembly.IalsosaidthatintheeventthattheVPbecameactingpresidentwithoutatransferofpowerfromthepresident,therewouldbeconsequences.Atonepoint,thethenoutgoingchiefjusticeofthefederation,JusticeIdrisKutigi,alsowadedin.Hisadvice—whichhadbeenrelayedtoSaudiArabia—wasthatthepresidentneededtowritealetter.

OnDecember21,2009,Iwasintheofficewhenasecuritymanbroughtanenvelope,whichhesaidhadjustarrivedfromSaudiArabia.ThemomentIreadthecontents,Ibecamedeeplysceptical.ItwasaletterfromtheAGFtotheVPwherehepracticallysaidthereinthatitwasunnecessaryforthepresidenttosendanynotificationtotheNationalAssemblybecausethelawalreadygrantedtheVPenoughpowerstoact.HehingedhisargumentonaSupremeCourtinterpretationinAttorneyGeneralvs.Abubakar(2002)10NWLR(PT1004),whichstatedthat“the1999Constitutionvestsexecutivepowersonlyonthepresident.However,thepresidentisrequiredtoexercisesuchexecutivepowersconferredonhimeitherdirectlyorthroughthevicepresidentandministerofthegovernment….”Byvirtueofthisruling,accordingtoAondoakaa,theVPcouldsignbudget,swearinthechiefjusticeofthefederation,andperformanyotherfunctionofthepresident.

Despitenotbeingalawyer,IfoundalltheargumentsprofferedbytheAGFquitespurious.So,IcalledtheCSOandaskedhimwhethertheVPfoundthecontentagreeable.Whilehewasobviouslynotexpectingthissortofinquisition,ItoldhimIcouldnotpossiblyleaksuchaletterunlessIclearedwiththemanhimself.IcalledtheVP

tosayIwouldbecomingtoseehim.Afterdispensingwithpleasantries,Iaskedwhetherhehadreceivedaletterfromtheattorneygeneraldirectinghimtoactaspresident.Heretorted,“WhywouldtheAGFwritemealetter?”

IsaidIhadjustbeengivenacopyofaletterwrittentohim,producingsameasIspoke.

Hedismissedtheletteroutofhand,repeatingthequestion,“Whywouldhewritemealetter?”Heappearedveryangry,butInonethelesspleadedwithhimtoreadtheletter.

Reluctantly,heacceptedtheletterfromme,andashewentthrough,Icouldseethathehadactuallyreadtheletterbefore.WhenhegottothepartonSupreme

Courtinterpretation,hereadaloudthephrase“thepresidentisrequiredtoexercisesuchexecutivepowersconferredonhimeitherdirectlyorthroughthevicepresidentandministerofthegovernment…,”helookedupandsaid,“Thatcanmeananybody,evenyou.Thisisaverystupidletter,whichsaysnothing.”Forthenextfiveminutes,theVPexpressedhisangeroverwhatwasgoingon,especiallytheattemptbythehandlersofthepresidenttocircumventthelaw.HespecificallyhadharshwordsfortheAGF,whomhesaidwasworkingthecourtsinthebidtoensurethattherightthingwasnotdone.Atthatpoint,IhadtoexplainthatIalsodidn’tknowwhatwasgoingoninSaudiArabia.

IlefttheVPfeelingmoredepressedaboutthepoliticalsituation,andIrecountedmymeetingwithhimtotheCSO.IalsotoldhimtocautiontheAGFthatiftheletterleaked,therewouldbetrouble,becausetheVPhadmadeitclearhewasdisinclinedtoswearinginthechiefjusticeandwouldalsonotsigntheappropriationbillexceptiftherewasanotificationtotheNationalAssemblybythepresident,whichwouldthenmakehimofficiallytheactingpresident.

NotlongafterIdroppedthephone,theAGFcalledme,askingforameeting.HealsosuggestedthatIcontactthefinanceminister,becausethecriticalissuewehadtotacklewashowtogetthebudgetsignedandthechiefjusticeofthefederationswornin.Weeventuallyfixedthemeetingfor7:00p.m.attheMinistryofFinance.

Therewerefourofus:theAGF,thefinanceminister,andRuma.Inarratedwhathadhappenedearlierinthedayandmyfearaboutthedangerofthememoleaking.TheAGF

saidhehadtakencareofthat,assuringthatnobodywouldknowabouttheill-fatedmemo.InowaskedhimwhyitwasdifficultforthepresidenttosendalettertotheNationalAssembly,consideringhehadofferedsuchadviceonlyafewdaysearlier.

Hispositionhadclearlychanged.HesaiditwouldbepoliticallysuicidalforthepresidenttowritetheNationalAssemblybecausethatwouldmeancedingpowerscompletely.Theconstitutiondoesnotrecognizeasittingpresidentandanactingpresident,hesaid,addingthatoncesomeoneelsebegantoactaspresident,itmeantthesubstantivepresidentwasnolongerthere.

Iconsideredhisargumentself-serving,becauseIcouldseeitlackedconviction.

Deepdown,heknewthecorrectthingforthepresidenttodowastowritetheletter,andtheexcuseshewasnowofferingweremerelytojustifyhischangeofposition.Afterabouttwohours,duringwhichwecouldnotconcludeonthebudget,itwasresolvedthatemissariesbesenttotheVPtopleadwithhimtosign.ItwasalsodecidedthattheleadershipoftheNationalAssemblybepersuadedtoacceptthisoption.Fromthetoneofdiscussion,therewasnotgoingtobeanyletterfromthepresident.Thatseemedtobeaclosedoption.YetIknewthelongerthepresidentstayedinSaudiArabia,thelesstenableitwouldbetosustainsuchadecision.

TheentreatiestotheVPyieldednopositiveresult;hemaintainedthathehaditongoodauthoritythatifhesignedthebudget,hewouldbeimpeachedbytheNationalAssembly.

Butwithregardtothenewchiefjusticeofthefederation,theAGFsaidhehadstumbledonthefactthatthepresidentdidnotnecessarilyhavetoperformtheswearingin,thatundertheoath’sact(nottheconstitution)eventheoutgoingCJNcouldswearinhissuccessor.Thiswasnew,butunderthesituationwewerein,anystrawwasworthholdingonto.

SoonDecember28,2009,withmanygovernorspresent,andforthefirsttimeinthenation’shistory,theoutgoingchiefjusticeofNigeria(CJN),IdrisKutigi,sworeinhisdesignatedsuccessor,JusticeAloysiusKatsina-Alu.Thiscreatedanuproar,butasinalllegalissues,therewerealsothosewhosaiditwaslegal.Thedividedopinionjustsuitedus.DescribingtheswearinginandmodeofappointmentofJusticeKatsina-Aluas

“illegal,”Mr.FemiFalana,presidentoftheWestAfricanBarAssociation(WABA),saidtheywerearecipeforaconstitutionalcrisis:“Between11:00a.m.and12midnighttoday,Nigeriahastwochiefjustices,contrarytotheletterandspiritoftheconstitutionandtheSupremeCourtAct.”

FalanaarguedthateventhoughPresidentYar’AduahadsentJusticeKatsina-Alu’snametotheSenateforconfirmationasrequiredbySection231oftheconstitution,afterwhichthelawmakersscreenedanddeclaredhim‘appointable’,theprocessremainedincomplete.“WhendidtheSenateinformthepresidentthathislordshipwasokayfortheappointment?WhenwashislordshipappointedaftertheSenatescreening?”hequeried.

“TheswearinginconvenedbytheNationalJudicialCouncil(NJC)isillegal,asitspowerdoesnotgobeyondthenominationofjudgesforappointment.Forsure,theseserialillegalitieswillnotgounchallenged,”hesaid.

JusticeKutigi,whoalsosworeinthecourtofappealpresident,JusticeIsaAyoSalami,saidhisactionwasbackedbytheOathsAct:“Forthefirsttimeinthehistoryofthiscountry,asittingChiefJusticehasswornintheincoming.Itishappeningnotbecauseofthefaultofanybody,becausethelawhasalwaysbeentherethatMr.PresidentortheChiefJusticecanswearintheincoming.Nowtheoccasionhasarisen,andwearetoperformthefunction.Thishasgeneratedalotofissueevenfromthosewhoshouldknow.

IfyoulookattheOathsAct,youwillseethatthePresidentandtheChiefJusticecanswearintheincoming.Thelawisclear.Ifyoulookattheconstitution,theconstitutionalsomakesitclear.Thereisnothingnew;thelawisthere.”Thelegalcontroversythatragedondidnot,however,dampenthereliefwefeltthatwehad,atleast,successfullymanagedoneofthetwoissuesforwhichtheabsenceofthepresidenthadallbutcreatedaconstitutionalproblem.Butthebudgetproblemstilllingered,andfortheNationalAssembly,itwasthemostcritical.AlthoughallearlierentreatiestoallowEdevbietocometoSaudiArabiahadfailed,justbeforeChristmas,hereceivedatelephonecallrequestinghimtobringthe2009SupplementaryAppropriationBilltoenablethepresidenttosignitintolaw.Wewererelievedbecauseweweregettingclosetotheendofthe30-daydeadlineforpresidentialassentasrequiredbytheconstitution,orthebillwouldbedeemedtohavebeenvetoed.

ChairmanoftheGovernors’ForumandKwaraStateGovernor,Dr.Saraki,acloseallyofthepresident,wasinstrumentalingettingSaudiArabiatoinviteEdevbietocomewiththeappropriationbill.SarakihadvisitedSaudiArabiainthethirdweekofDecemberbutcouldnotseethepresident.HemettheFirstLady,however,towhomhepresentedthreerequests:One,thatthepresidentinviteEdevbietobringthesupplementarybudgetsohecouldsignbeforeitwouldlapse;two,thatthepresidentshouldcallandspeakwiththeVP;andthree,thatthepresidentshouldforwardalettertotheNationalAssemblysothatJonathancouldserveasactingpresident.

WhiletheFirstLadypromisedtohelppushthefirsttwopropositions,ontheissueofalettertotheNationalAssembly,shesaidshewouldnotdabbleintothat.

On24December,EdevbievisitedtheVPatAgudaHousetoinformhimofhisproposedtripandtoretrievethebills,whichwereinthepossessionofhisprincipalsecretary,MikeOghiadome.Twodayslater,heleftforSaudiArabiaaboardoneofthesmallerjetsfromthepresidentialfleet.OnarrivalinJeddah,hewasreceivedbytheADCandofficialsoftheNigerianembassy,afterwhichtheydrovetothehotelwherethepresidentialentouragewasresiding.Apparently,itwasoneoftheSaudiking’sguesthousesreservedforvisitingheadsofstate.

WhenEdevbielaterarrivedattheKingFaisalHospital,hemetwiththeCPPandCSO,whoinformedhimthatthepresidentwasasleepandthatwhenheawakeslater,hewouldseehim.Hewasthenshownaroundthehospitalfloorandprivatewingwherethepresidentwasbrieflyresident,andthroughtheglass,hecouldseethepresidentonhishospitalbed.HegaveboththeCPPandtheCSOanupdateofeventsinNigeriaandreturnedtothehotel.

Thefollowingday,hewentbacktotheKingFaisalHospitalandwasinformedthatthoughthepresidentwasawake,hewasveryweak.Hewasalsotoldthatthemedicalpersonnelwerereluctanttoallowanyvisitorsintohisroombecausehehadcaughtaninfectionfrompreviousvisitors.Subsequently,Edevbieleftthedocumentsforthepresident’ssignatureathisconvenienceandreturnedtothehotel.Thefollowingday,hewasbackattheKingFaisalhospitalandreceivedthebillsdulysignedanddatedonthethreepagesasrequired.

Therehavebeenquestionsastowhoactuallysignedthebudget,butIconfirmedfromthesecurityagentsaroundhimthatthepresidentactuallydidafteralaboriousmedicalprocess.Butitdoesn’talsorequireanexperttoseehowmuchhemusthavestruggledtosignthethreecopies.

EventhoughEdevbie’sdesirewastowaituntilhecouldmeetwiththepresidentpersonally,inviewoftheurgencyofthesituation,hehadtocomebackimmediately.HearrivedinNigeriaon29December,2009.Thefollowingday,hewenttoseetheVPinhisoffice.Butwhilethatmayhaveresolvedtheproblemwiththebudget,Nigerianswereincreasinglygettingfrustratedwithapresidentwhohadforweeksbeenhospitalizedinaforeignland.

12

ThePowerStruggle

Thingsseemedtobelookingupforthepresident,havingbothsuccessfullynavigatedthedilemmaaboutwhethertheswearinginofthechiefjusticeofNigeriawasastatutorynecessityandalsosigningtheappropriationbill.ButthetemporaryreliefthattheseaccomplishmentsbroughtforthepresidentwasshatteredbytheDecember25,2009,attemptbyUmarFaroukAbdulmutallabtoblowupaUSDeltaairlineenroutetoDetroitfromAmsterdam.

Theincidentdrewcondemnationfromaroundtheworld,withtheUSgovernmentimposingstrictersecuritymeasuresforUS-boundpassengers.ItalsoearnedNigeriaanignobleslideontheworldstage,asitwasbrandeda‘countryofinterest’bytheAmericanauthorities.ThegrimrealitywasthatourcountrygotblacklistedalongwithIran,Algeria,Syria,Lebanon,Libya,Sudan,Iraq,Afghanistan,Pakistan,andSomalia.

Giventhatthepresidenthadbeenoutofcirculationformorethanonemonth,theglobalsearchlight,whichthesanctioncausedtobebeamedonNigeria,onlyhelpedworsenthings.This,quitepredictably,heightenedthepoliticalcrisisbackhomeatthebeginningof2010.Butasitwouldemerge,somepeoplewerealsosurreptitiouslycontrivingtheirownsolution.

OnthemorningofJanuary13,2010,IgotacallfromanupbeatAGFaskingwhetherIhadheardaboutthecourtpronouncementthattheVPcouldinfactactforthepresidentwithoutanyletter.Heexudedenthusiasmandspokeofbeingvindicated.Notlongafterhisphonecall,IreceivedseveralcallsfromSaudiArabiaandcongratulatorytextmessagesfromafewsupportersofthepresidentbackhome.Itdidn’ttakelongformetorealizewhatwasgoingon.

AfederalhighcourtinAbujapresidedoverbyChiefJudgeDanAbutuhaddeclaredthatwiththeVPalreadyactingforPresidentYar’Adua,therewasnovacuumwhatsoeverinthedischargeofthefunctionsofthepresident’soffice.

Inthesuit,whichreceivedexpresstreatmentfromJusticeAbutu,thecourtwasaskedtodeterminewhethertheVP,undertheprovisionsofsections5(1)and148(1)oftheNigerianconstitution,couldexercisetheexecutivepowersvestedinthepresidentintheabsenceofthepresidentandwhethertheVPcouldlawfullydischargeanyorallofthefunctionsofthepresidentintheabsenceofthepresidentintheinterestofpeace,orderandgoodgovernanceofthe

federationpendingwhenthepresidentwouldresumeandtakeover.Theplaintiffwantedthecourttodeclarethatgiventhecombinedprovisionsofthosetwosections,theVPcouldindeedexercisetheexecutivepowersvestedinthepresidentandcouldalsolawfullydischargeallhisfunctionspendingwhenhewouldresumeandtakeover.

Itdidn’trequireanyinvestigationtoascertainthebrainsbehindthiswholejudicialmaneuvering.

Inthesupportingaffidavittotheoriginatingsummons,theplaintiffconfirmedthatthepresidenthadnottransmittedanywrittendeclarationtotheSenatepresidentandthespeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativesandthattheFederalRepublicofNigeriadidnotatthatperiodhaveaheadofgovernment.Healsostatedthatifthedeclarationssoughtwerenotgranted,thecountrywouldplungeintosocialandeconomicgloomandconstitutionalcrisisastherewouldbenofunctioninggovernment.

HavingearliersubmittedacounteraffidavitthattherewasnostatutoryrequirementforthepresidenttotransmitawrittendeclarationtotheNationalAssemblywheneverhewastravelingoutofthecountry,theAGFwaspresentincourtasJusticeAbuturuledthattheVPhadbeenlawfullydischargingthefunctionsofthepresident’sofficeonthestrengthofthedelegationbythepresidentofhisdutiestohiminhiscapacityasvicepresident.Itwasthis‘judgement’thatsupportersofthepresident,includingmanygovernors,werecelebratingandquoting.Instructively,manyofthegovernorshadalwaystakenthepositionthatinvariablydeniedtherewasanyvacuum.Butinspiteoftheeuphoriainsomequarters,therulinghardlycalmedthesimmeringdiscontentinthecountry.Atthepresidentialvilla,therulingwasderidedasamerecontrivanceoftheAGFtocausefurtherconfusioninthepolity.

TheVPhadaparticularlydeepinsightaboutthisruling.ItwassimplyarehashofthelettertheAGFhadwrittentohimearlier,soitwasnotsurprisingthathechosetoactonthatinsight.Atameetingwithhisaides,itwasdecidedthatheshouldnotacceptanythingshortofalettertotheNationalAssemblybythepresident.Butonce,whenitbecameobviousthatsuchaletterwasnotforthcoming,hewasadvisedtositandwatcheventsunfold.

Atthatperiod,JonathanhadastrongallyinYayalewhowasmonitoringeventsinSaudiArabiaandwhosecontactswerefeedinghiminformationaboutthe

actualstateofthepresident.EarlyinDecember,theSGFandVPhadagreedthattheformershouldgotoSaudiArabiatoseethepresident.WhentheFirstLadywascontacted,sheinitiallyexpresseddelightabouttheidea.Butshortlyafter,theSGFgotacallfromtheCSO,sayingthepresidentdidnotapprovethevisit.Therewasanargumentbetweentheduo,withtheSGFinsistingthathewouldnottakeordersfromtheCSOandthathewouldcome.

Heindeedgothisvisaandmadeallthearrangements,butbeforehecouldtravel,theVP

calledtopleadwithhimtoshelvetheidea.HesaidtheCSOhadcalledforhimtointervene.TheSGFandtheCSObothhailfromBauchi,sothereisanelementoflocalpoliticsintheirrelationship,whichwasnevercordial,buteventhoughthattripwasaborted,theSGFstillmonitoredeventsinSaudiArabiaonadailybasis.

Asthedilemmapersisted,myfrustrationtoospiraled.Fortunately,IfoundawindowofescapeintheAfricanCupofNationsFootballtournamentinAngoladuetokickoffonJanuary10.AsamemberofthePresidentialTaskForceon2010WorldCupinSouthAfrica,thatearnedmethestatusofofficialdelegatetotheAngolatournament.

AfewhoursaftermyarrivalinthesouthwesternAfricancountry,mynightmareresurfaced:Isawadelugeoftextmessagesonmycellphone,mostofthemaskingwhetheritwastruethatthepresidenthaddied.Therumour,fromwhatIwouldlatergather,followedthepublicationbyNEXTnewspaperthatYar’Aduahadsufferedseverebraindamageandcouldnolongerrecognizeanyone,includinghiswife.

Whiletherewerefactualinaccuraciesinthepublication,itnonethelessprovokedactioninSaudiArabia,becauseforthefirsttime,theysawthesenseofurgencybackhomeandhowfastthepresidentwaslosinglegitimacy.IhadaratherlengthydiscussionwiththeCSOinSaudiArabia,andheconfirmedthatJamilahTangaza,editorofBBCHausaService,hadalreadycontactedthemaboutthepossibilityofaninterviewwiththepresident,ifindeedhewasalive.

IwasquitefamiliarwithJamilah;asamatteroffact,Ifeelsomewhatobligatedtoher.

ShehadononeoccasionflownintoAbujafromLondonforascheduledinterviewwiththepresident,andIstayedwithheraswewaitedforthesession.Itturnedouttobeoneofthosedayswhenthepresidentworkedtillverylateintheoffice.Whenheclosedatabout9:30p.m.,hepleadedthattheinterviewberescheduledforthenextday.SinceJamilahhadtoleaveforLondonthenextmorning,theinterviewhadtobecancelled,andIfeltreallybad,assheleftthevilladisappointed.So,itwasgratifyingtolearnthatshewouldbehavinganinterviewwiththepresident,particularlyasIwasconvincedthatherreputationasathoroughbredprofessionalwellrespectedforherintegritywouldhelpdefusetheadversepublicopinion.Ifonlyshecouldhavetheinterview.

ThealternativecontemplatedthenwasformetotakeafewreportersfromNigeriatoSaudiArabiafortheinterview,eventhoughitwaseasytoperceivesomereluctance.Buthavingnowgainedsomeusefulinsight,I’mcertainthatevenifwehadtraveledtoSaudiArabia,itwouldhavebeennomorethananorganizedwasteoftime.EventuallytheBBC

interviewwasdoneafterthestationhadensuredtheircorrespondentinSaudiArabiavisitedthepresidentinthehospitaltoascertainhewasindeedtheonewithwhomtheywerespeaking.

Beforetheinterviewwasaired,however,Ihadspokentothemediabackhometodebunktherumourthatthepresidentwasdead.IalsodecidedIhadtogobacktoNigeriaandtheRiversStategovernor,Mr.RotimiAmaechi,arrangedanaircraftforme.

TheBBCinterviewwasaired,butratherthanallaypublicscepticism,itmerelyreinforcedtheperceptionthatthepresidentwasindeedinfirm.Itwasaviewheldbothbythosewhobelievedtheinterviewwasgenuineandthosewhoargueditwascontrived.

Anydiscerninglistenercouldeasilynoticehowthepresidentlabouredandstrainedhimselfinaninterviewthatlastedlessthan90seconds.Andwhatdidhesay?“Atthemoment,Iamundergoingtreatment,andIamgettingbetterfromthetreatment.Ihopethatverysoon,therewillbetremendousprogress,whichwillallowmetogetbackhome.

Assoonasmydoctorsdischargeme,IwillreturntoNigeriatoresumemyduties.”ThespeculationsinAbujathattheinterviewwasafraudandthatthe

presidentwasinacomaandcouldnothavegrantedanyinterviewonlyraisedthestakesfurtheratthePDP

boardoftrustees(BOT)meetingheldinAbujaonJanuary14,2010.ChairedbyObasanjoandattendedbyJonathan,itwascertainlyboundtobeinteresting.Althoughtheissueofthepresident’shealthwasnotontheagenda,itwasnotbecausethememberswouldrathernotdwellonthetouchyissue;itwasbecausetheintentionwasforittoberaisedunderAOB(anyotherbusiness).Withalltheitemsdiscussed,formerministerofagriculture,AlhajiAdamuWaziri,wasacknowledgedtospeak.

Waziriwassaidtohavebegunbystatinghowdisappointedhewasthatatatimewhenthenationwas‘burning’,whentherewasavacuuminleadership,theboardoftrusteeswasdiscussingwhathedescribedasirrelevantmatters.Themostimportantissueinthecountry,hetoldthegathering,wasthehealthofthepresidentandtheneedforhimtotransmitalettertotheNationalAssemblysothattheVPcouldformallybecometheactingpresident.Failuretodothis,hewarned,couldleadthecountryintoseriousconstitutionalcrisis.

AfterWazirispoke,thefloorwasyieldedtoChiefEmmanuelIwuanyanwu,whoarguedthatissuespertainingtothehealthofthepresidenthadbeendealtwithbytheinstitutionempoweredtodealwithit:theFederalExecutiveCouncil.Hesaidtherewasnovacuum,sincetheVPwasinchargeofthecountryintheabsenceofhisboss,apositionthathesaidhadbeenaffirmedbythefederalhighcourtinAbuja.Asfarashewasconcerned,thehealthofthepresidentoughtnottobeanissuefordiscussionatthemeeting,FormerSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,Hon.AminuBelloMasari’scommentwasbrusqueandscathing:Thepresidentwasholdingthenationtoransom,andaconstitutionalcrisiswasbeingunwittinglycreatedbyhisfailuretohandovertothevicepresident.

ButthesubmissionofformerSenatepresidentAnyimPiusAnyimwasconciliatory.Hearguedthattherewasaneedforproperguidanceinthediscussion,notingthatcontributorsmustbeabletodistinguishbetweenthehealthofthepresidentandthehealthofthenation.Onthehealthofthepresident,hearguedthatitshouldberecognizedthatasahumanbeing,thepresidentcouldfallsick,inwhichcasehehadtherighttoseekmedicalattentionwhereverhechose.

Onthehealthofthenation,hesaidthatthenormalthingwasforthepresidenttobriefmembers,andsincehewasnotaround,itwasincumbentontheVPtobrieftheboardandstatethechallengeshewasfacing.AccordingtoAnyim,sincetheVP,whowasatthemeeting,hadnotcomplainedtoanybodythattherewasavacuumorthathewasnotincharge,nobodyshouldputwordsintohis(Jonathan’s)mouth.

TherewereseveralothercommentsbeforeChiefBarnabasGemadeurgedObasanjotointerveneandendwhathedescribedas“anunnecessarydebate.”Hesaidthemeetinghadgoneonfortoolongandthatthepolitywasbeingoverheatedbyprofessionalagitatorswhooughttohavebeenignored.

Obasanjowassaidtohaveinterjectedatthispointthatbeforehe’dlefthomeinthemorning,he’dprayedforGodtogranthimthepatiencetolistentoeverybody,andforthatreason,hewouldallowalltheBOTmemberstoairtheirviewsbeforerulingonthematter.

Hewastruetohisword:herecognizedeverybodywhosignifiedanintentiontospeak,afterwhichheroundedoffbysayingthatthesituationinthecountrywasbothunusualandnotright.HesaidhehadheldthetopmostpositioninNigeriaaswellashavingbeenthesecond-in-command,sohecouldsympathizewithJonathan.“ThefactisthatneverinthehistoryofNigeriahavewehadthiskindoftensionthatwehavetodaywhenthereisavacuuminleadership.Thereisnocommanderinchiefandthevicepresidenthasnopower.Somepeoplecannotseethedanger,soletmemakeitveryclearbyasking:whatifthereisamilitarycoup?”

Wavingacopyofthe1999Constitution,whichhehadbroughtalongtothemeeting,ObasanjodismissedAbutu’scourtjudgementashemadereferencestodifferentsectionsoftheconstitutiontohighlightthedistinctions.Attheend,heannouncedtheconstitutionofacommitteetobeheadedbyformerPDPnationalchairman,Dr.AhmaduAli,whosetaskwastoissueapressstatementwhereintheBOTwouldcallonthepresidenttotransmitalettertotheNationalAssemblyfortheVPtoact.“Wheneverthepresidentcomesback,hecanthentakeoverhisseat,”headded.

WhileMrs.JosephineAnenihimmediatelyendorsedthisposition,Dr.HaliruBellowassaidtohavecounseledagainstitonthegroundsthatitwouldcontradictthepositionearlieradoptedbythePDPNationalWorkingCommittee.

Besides,BelloexplainedthatitwasunusualfortheBOT,ordinarilyanadvisoryorganoftheparty,toissuepressstatements.Mostofthemembersagreedwithhimthatthewisestepwouldbetorefrainfromissuinganystatement.

Onajocularnote,Anyimsaid,“SinceBabasaidPresidentYar’AduashouldtransmitalettertotheNationalAssemblyincompliancewithSection145,whatIexpectedyoutosay,sir,isthatyouwillgotoSaudiArabia,collecttheletterfromyoursuccessor,andwhenyoucomeback,wewillhailyouforresolvingtheproblem....”Obasanjo’sresponsewasterse:“WhatifIdon’tcomeback?”Themeetingendedonthatnote,buttheformerpresidentwasclearlyunhappythatapublicpronouncementhadbeenshunnedbytheBOTontheissue.Hewould,however,havehisopportunityafewdayslater,witharatherdevastatingeffect.

AtaneventorganizedbyDailyTrustnewspaperwhereObasanjowasaspecialguestalongsideSouthAfrica’sMrs.WinnieMandela,theformerpresidentspokeonsundryissues,andatthecloseofthesessionfieldedquestions,notsurprisingly,ontheYar’Aduaproblem.Inreplytoaquestionsuggestinghemayhavedeliberatelyimposedaninvalidpresidentonthenation,Obasanjogavewhatmaywellhavebeenawell-rehearsedretort:

“Youhaveraisedavitalquestion,andyouwillgetananswer.Whenin2006,theissueofsuccessioncameup,IwasconvincedthatasouthernersucceedingmewouldnotaugurwellforNigeria.Youmayagreewiththat,youmaynotagree.Now,Iwaslookingforsomebodywhowouldsucceedmewhohasthreeimportantqualities:One,hehasenoughintellectualcapacitytoruntheaffairsofthisnation;two,hehassufficientpersonalintegritytoruntheaffairsofthiscountry;three,heissufficientlybroadmindedenough,politically,religiously,socially,whatever,tomanagetheaffairsofthecountry.Thesethreewereimportantandveryprimarytome.

“Thento‘Umoru’Yar’Adua,thecurrentpresident.Iknowhehadakidneyproblemandwasunderdialysis.Sometimeearlier,hehadgoneabroadforalmostsixmonthswhenhewasgovernorofKatsina.Whentheideacameforhimtocontest,Iaskedhim,andhegavemeamedicalreport.Themedicalreportshowsthathe[had]turnedoffdialysis.Iaskedexpertswhothentoldmethatifyouareondialysisandyouarenolongerondialysis,itmeansyouhavehadasuccessfulkidneytransplantandthatyoucanliveforaslongasyoumaywishtolive.

“Now,thatwasthesituationbeforewewentcampaigning,andyourememberatonestageofthecampaigns,itwasintense,hewasrundown.Thechairmanofourparty,Ahmadu,alsohadasimilarchallenge.Alididn’tgoabroadformedicalcheck-up,buthe(Yar’Adua)wentabroadformedicalcheck-up,andtherumourwasthathewasdead.

AndIphonedhimandputthephoneonspeakerandsaid:‘Umoru,areyoudead?’andyouheardhisvoiceliveandclear,andhecamebackandcontinuedthecampaign.Thatwasthetruesituation.

“Tothebestofmyknowledge,Yar’Aduawasn’tondialysisafterthat.Whentheissueofdialysiscame,hewaswellintothefirstyear,whichmustmeanonething:thatthekidneytransplantisfailing.Ifthatisthecase,thatisanemergencysituationforwhichyoucannotputtheblameonme.Soforpeopletosay,I,OlusegunObasanjo,deliberatelypickedsomebodywhoisaninvalid,Ithinkistheheightofinsult.HowcanI,who[have]

givensomuchtothiscountry,bothinpeaceandinwartime,givetherunningofthiscountrytosomebodywhowillrunitdown?IfyoufearGodyouwillnotmakethatstatement.

“Ifyousaythereisaconstitutionalcrisisornoconstitutionalcrisis,Iwillnotcommentonthat.WhatIneededtosayonthatIhavesaidasthechairmanofmyparty’sboardoftrusteeslastweek.ButtheoneIneedtosayisthefactthatnobodypickedYar’Aduasothathewillnotperform.IfIdidthat,Godwillpunishme.Yes,IlovethiscountrysomuchthatthereisnowayIcoulddothat.

“Ifyoutakeanappointment,ajob,elected,appointed,whateveritis,andthenyourhealthstartstofail,andyourealizeyouwillnotbeabletodelivertosatisfyyourselfandthepeopleyouaresupposedtoserve,thenthereisapathofhonouryouaresupposedtotake.Thereisapathofhonourandmorality,andifyoudon’tknowthat,thenyoudon’tknowanything.”

Obasanjo’sremarkwas,quitenaturally,theheadlinerforallnewsoutlets,asmanypeoplepickedupfromtherewithintensepressure,callingonthepresidenttotransmitalettertotheNationalAssembly.Afewdayslater,anotherethniccrisisbrokeoutinJosduringwhichseveralpeoplewerekilled.ThetragedyalsoservedasaremindertoNigeriansaboutthefactthattheirleaderwasnowheretobeseeneveninthefaceofincreasingpressurebydifferentgroupsthatheshould

cedepowertotheVP.

Onthestrengthofthese,IhadextensivediscussionswithboththeADCandtheCSO,pleadingwiththemtoprevailonthepresidenttotransmitthelettertotheNationalAssembly.Itoldthemthatsomeoftheindividualscanvassingacontraryviewwereactuallysayinganaltogetherdifferentthingbackhome.IsaidNigeriawasregressingtoasituationalmostsimilartothe‘ThirdTerm’days.“Ifwedon’tmanagethecurrentsituationwell,powerwillslipawayfromthepresidentwithinamatterofweeks,”Itoldthem.

Thedayswentby,andtheysoonrolledintoweeks.Yet,theissueofthepresident’sreturnfromSaudiArabiaremainedamatterofconjecture.Atthispoint,handlersoftheVPhadadvisedhimtobegintoasserthimself,andthefirstevidenceofthiscamewhentheNigerianTelevisionAuthority(NTA)directorgeneral,MallamUsmanMuhammedMagawata,calledtoinformmethathehadbeengettingintenseheatfromAsoRock.HesaidthefactthatthenationalbroadcastbytheVPontheJoscrisiswasnotprecededbythenationalanthemwasalreadygeneratingproblemsforhim.IrecallthathehadcalledtoseekmyopiniononthisbeforethebroadcastwasairedbyNTA,andmyresponsewasforhimtousehisprofessionaljudgement.Ididnot,honestly,thinkthenationalanthemshouldbeplayedforthebroadcastbytheVP,andIsaidso.ButasIalsotoldhimatthetime,itwashiscall.

TheVP,however,tookexceptiontothis,andthenextday,hedirectedtheministerofstateforinformationandcommunication,AliyuIkraBilbis,toissuetheNTAdirectorgeneralaquerytoexplainthereasonwhythestationdidnotairthenationalanthembeforehisbroadcastonThursday,January21,2010.“Thisanomaly,whichbreachedtheusualprotocolthatoughttohavebeenaccordedtheveryhighofficeoftheVicePresidentoftheFederalRepublicofNigeria,callsforurgentexplanation.Youshouldthereforeexplainwithinthenexttwentyfourhourswhydisciplinaryactionshouldnotbetakenagainstyou,”Bilbiswroteinhisquerytothedirectorgeneral.

Magawata’sresponsewasquiteapologetic.Heexplainedthatleavingouttheanthemwasneitherdeliberatenorintendedtobelittlethepersonorofficeofthenumbertwocitizen.

WhenhewasinformedviaatextmessagethatastatementwouldbecomingfromtheVP,hesaid,“Consideringthecurrentmoodofthenation,the

managementdiscussed,rubbedmindsandconsultedsisteragenciesbeforefinallydecidingthatinordertoavoidabreachofprotocol,NTAshouldnotbroadcastwith[the]NationalAnthem.However,ifthishasoffendedHisExcellency,theVicePresident,Isincerelyapologise.”Withoutdoubt,thepowerstrugglehadbegun,andthebattlegroundhadshiftedtotheFederalExecutiveCouncil.AttheFECsessiononJanuary27,2010,theSGFexcusedallthesecretariat/supportstafffromthecouncilchambers.Theonlypersonsthatwereallowedtostaybehindwereministersaswellastheprincipalaidestothepresident,andtheVP.

Withthechamberscleared,theVPaskedtheSGFtobriefcouncilmembersonwhathadtranspiredattheSenate,towhichhehadbeeninvited.Sixdaysbefore—Thursday,January21—theSGFhadappearedbeforetheSenate,followingtheirresolution,togiveabriefingonthehealthconditionofthepresident.Butthesessionwasaclosed-dooraffair,eventhoughsnippetswerepublishedinthenewspapers.Now,histaskwastobrieftheFEConwhathadactuallytranspiredbetweenhimandthesenators.

InhispresentationbeforetheFEC,theSGFsaidhespentabouttwohourswiththesenators,whoposedtohimabout30questions,“mostofthemrepetitiveoftheearlierones.”Hesummarizedthequestionsintosix:Thefirstwasontheactualstatusofthepresident’shealth,intowhichhewasaskedtooffersomeinsight.HesaidhetoldtheSenatethateventhoughhehadnoevidencetoshowthem,hebelievedthepresidentwasrecovering.MakingallusiontotheBBCinterviewwherethepresidentspokeabouthisrecoveryandthefactthathewouldsoonbehome,hesaidhetoldthesenatorshehadnoreasonnottobelievethepresidentwasrecoveringfromhisailment.

ThesecondquestionwaswhyhehadnotgonetoSaudiArabiatovisitthepresident,givenhisstatusastheSGF.YayalesaidherespondedthathewasawareofmanypeoplewithintheSenatechamberswhowerefriendsandrelativesofthepresident.Sincethesepeoplehadalsonotgonetovisitthepresident,hisgoingornotgoingtoSaudiArabiashouldthereforenotbeanissue.HesaidheremindedthesenatorsoftheexperiencesoftheHouseofRepresentativesdelegationthatwenttoSaudiArabia.

ThethirdquestionposedwaswhythepresidentseemedreluctanttocomplywithSection145oftheconstitution,whichrequiredhimtotransmitalettertotheNationalAssemblytoempowertheVPtoactwheneverhewasnotaround.He

saidhearguedthatthepresidentoncewroteasimilarletter,signedit,butthatthespecialadviseronNationalAssembly,SenatorAbbaAji,failedtodeliverit.Hesaidhetoldthesenatorsthatheknewthistobeafactbecauseheactuallyhelpedtodrafttheletter.Hesaidhearguedfurtherthatthepresidentwouldnotfailtomakesuchformalnotificationwheneverheconsidereditexpedienttodoso.

Thefollow-upquestiontothatfromtheSenatewasifthepresidentcouldsignthebudgetevenwhenhewasaway,whydidhenottransmittherequisiteletterfromhishospitalbedinSaudiArabia?TheSGFsaidherespondedbytellingthemthatwhilethebudgetwastimebound,theletterwasnot.

HesaidanothersenatorsoughttoknowwhyFECmembershadyettoinvokeSection144

oftheconstitution,whichempoweredthemtobegintheprocessthatwoulddeclarethepresidentpermanentlyincapacitated,giventhefactofhislongabsencefromthecountry.

Hesaidherespondedbyaskingthesenatorwhoposedthequestionwhathisownpreoccupationwouldbeifthepersonwhoappointedhimasministerfellill:woulditbetoseekthedownfallofhisprincipalortocontinuetoprayforhisrecovery?

Thelastquestion,accordingtotheSGF,wasinrelationtowhenthepresidentwouldreturn.Hesaidhetoldthemthathehadnoclue.Yayalesaidhecoulddiscernsomeethnicandsectionalundertonesinthecontributionsofthesenatorsbutthattheyalltreatedhimwithrespectandpraisedhiscandour.

Withthebriefingover,theVPthenurgedtheAGFtospeakontheimplicationsoftheorderbythefederalhighcourtinAbuja,whichafewdaysearliergavetheFEC14daystoprovemedicallythatPresidentYar’Aduawasfittoperformhisduties.ThiswasanotherJusticeAbuturuling,anditcompelledtheFECtoascertainwhetherbythefactthatthepresidenthadbeenawayonamedicaltreatmentsinceNovember23,2009,he(Yar’Adua)shouldnotbedeclaredincapableofperforminghispresidentialduties.“TheFECshouldresolvewhetherthepresidentiscapableofperforminghispresidentialfunctionsornotandpassaresolutiontothateffect,”thejudgehadordered.

TheAGFhadbroughtupthismatterasanitemunderanyotherbusiness(AOB).Hedescribeditasapotentiallydangerousissue,whichhadtobehandled

carefully,warningthatFECmembersactingintheirindividualcapacitycouldrunfoulofcontempt.WhiletheAGFsoundedaltruisticinleadingdiscussionsontheneedforthecounciltotakeapositiononewayoranothersoastocomplywiththecourtruling,allhewantedwasasituationwheretheFECwouldsimplymakeitspositionclearontheissueofinvokingSection143,consideringthatatthatpoint,theconsensuswasthattodeclareYar’Aduaincapacitatedwouldbeverydangerous.

Asidefromthepoliticalandethnicundertonesinthedebatethatensued,thehealthminister,Prof.BabatundeOsotimehin,arenownedmedicalpractitioner,hadalsoarguedthatevenfromamedicalpointofview,whattheconstitutionrequiredtheFECtodowasimpracticable.Hesaidnomedicaldoctorcouldpronounceanybodypermanentlyincapacitated,especiallysomeonethathadnotbeenphysicallyexamined.

ThebackgroundtothedebatestartedwithasuitagainsttheAGFandtheFECovertheindefiniteabsenceofthepresident.ItwasfiledbyformerHouseofRepresentativesminorityleader,Mr.FaroukAliyuandthechairmanoftheJigawaStatechapteroftheNigerianBarAssociation(NBA),Mr.SaniGabbas.Theplaintiffs,throughtheircounsel,Mr.BamideleAturu,askedthecourttodeterminewhethertheresolutionoftheFECatitsmeetingofDecember2,2009,totheeffectthatYar’AduawascapableofdischarginghisfunctionsaspresidentofNigeria,wasconstitutional.AturucontendedthattheseatofthepresidenthadbeenvacantsinceNovember23,2009,whenthenationceasedtohavealeader.HeurgedthecourttocompelVicePresidentGoodluckJonathantostartcarryingoutthefunctionsofthepresident,addingthat“itisunlawful,pursuanttothePublicServiceRules,forYar’Aduatobeabsentfromtheofficewithoutgoingthroughdueprocess.”

Aturufurtherprayedthecourttorulethatthepresident’sfailuretowritetheSenatepresidentandtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,beforegoingonmedicalvacationonNovember23,was“illegalandunconstitutional,asitviolatesSection145oftheconstitution.”

EventhoughtheAGF,whoappearedinperson,hadarguedthatthesuitwasprematureandlackedlocusstandi,hefelthecouldexploittherulingtherefrom,whichmerelycompelledmemberstotakeonepositionoranotheronwhetherornotthepresidentshouldbedeclaredincapacitated.Afterhispreamble,theVPsaidhewouldwantthelawyersinthechamberstospeakfirstinordertolend

perspectivestothedebate.Afterthelawyershadhadtheirsay,theVPsaidhewantedtheviewsofformergovernorsinthecouncilsotheycouldspeakwiththebenefitofexperience,especiallywithregardtotheirrelationshipwiththeirdeputies.TheFCTminister,Aliero,atwo-termgovernorofKebbi;commerceminister,AchikeUdenwa,hisformercolleaguefromImoState;andtheeducationminister,Dr.SamEgwu(alsoaformertwo-termgovernorofEbonyistate)spokewithpassionontheneedforconstitutionalismandtrust.TheyalsopraisedtheVP

forthewayhehadbeenhandlingtheissueofthepresident’slongabsencefromthecountry.They,however,wereemphaticononepoint:theywerenotinfavourofinvokingSection143.

Amidstlaughter,Egwurecountedapersonalexperiencethathadoccurredwhenheoncetravelledforhismedicalsatatimewhenhisdeputywasalsooutsidethestate.HesaidhehadwrittenalettertotheSpeakerofthestateHouseofAssemblytoactforhim.“Hardlydidtheguyevenallowmetoleavethestatecapitalbeforehemovedintomyoffice,satonmychairandstartedbarkingorders.Theonlythingthefellowdidnottakeoverwasmywife!”

Intheend,theAGFgotwhathewantedbecausetheFECofficiallydecidedtostandbytheirearlierresolutionnottoinvokeSection144oftheconstitution,thussecuringanotherreprieveforthepresident.Thatsameday,however,theSenate,aftertwodaysofclosedsessions,resolvedthatthepresidentshouldformallynotifyitofhismedicalvacation.

Howthatwouldbedonewasnotstated,neitherwasthereanythreatofsanctionshouldtheirresolutionbedisobeyed.Althoughonlyafewpeopletooktheresolutionseriously,ityetaddedtothepressurethatwasincreasinglybeingfeltinSaudiArabia.

Thatresolution,acompromiseinitself,didnotcomeeasilysincetheSenatehadbythenbrokenintothreefactions:thepro-Yar’Aduagroup,thepro-Jonathangroup,andathirdgroup,whichwasalsoanti-Yar’Aduabutnotnecessarilypro-Jonathan.Thepro-Yar’AduagrouphadsucceededinscuttlingtheprayertosendadelegationtoSaudiArabiatovisitYar’AduaaswellasthemotiontoinvitetheCPP,Dr.SalisuBanye,tocomehometobrieftheSenateonYar’Adua’scondition.SenatePresidentMarkhaddeftlyensuredthatthemotiontovisitYar’Aduadidnotsailthrough.Hehadalsostavedoffattemptsbysomesenators

citingconstitutionalpointsofordertoraiseSections143

(onimpeachmentforthegrossmisconductofbeingawayfromhisdutypostformorethan42days)and144(onincapacitation).ButtheSenatepresidentwasonlyjustbidinghistime.

Section143(1)reads:

ThePresidentorVice-Presidentmayberemovedfromofficeinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthissection.(2)Wheneveranoticeofanyallegationinwritingsignedbynotlessthanone-thirdofthemembersoftheNationalAssembly(a)ispresentedtothePresidentoftheSenate;(b)statingthattheholderoftheofficeofPresidentorVice-Presidentisguiltyofgrossmisconductintheperformanceofthefunctionsofhisoffice,detailedparticularsofwhichshallbespecified,thePresidentoftheSenateshallwithinsevendaysofthereceiptofthenoticecauseacopythereoftobeservedontheholderoftheofficeandoneachmemberoftheNationalAssembly,andshallalsocauseanystatementmadeinreplytoalltheallegationsbytheholderoftheofficetobeservedoneachmemberoftheNationalAssembly.

Thecontroversyhadyettoabatewhensome41politiciansledbyaformerPresidentoftheSenate,SenatorAnyimPiusAnyim,andhisdeputy,SenatorIbrahimMantu,calledonYar’AduatourgentlytransmitaletterofhisincapacitationtotheNationalAssemblytosalvagethenation’sdemocracyfromdanger.Notingtheanxietyraisedbytheabsenceofthepresidentfromthecountry,thegroupsaidwhatwasrequiredintheinterimwasalettersignedbythepresident:“Youcanagreethatneithertheletternorthesignaturecanbeobtainedthroughprotest,threatorevenbringingdownourdemocracy.Webelieve,likemanyothersdo,thatitisnotinthebestinterestofthisnation—oranyothernationforthatmatter—tobewithoutconcreteauthorityatanytime,moresoinanexecutivepresidentialsystemofgovernment.Wealsobelievethattheleadersofthisnationandmoresoourelectedrepresentativeshaveaveryseriousdutytomanageournationalchallengestoensurenationalstabilityanddemocracy.”ThegroupobservedalsothattheYar’Aduasituationhadexposedtheweaknessofthe1999Constitution,hencetheneedtobeginaprocessof

amendment“withaviewtopreventingfutureoccurrences.Intheinterim,whatisrequiredisaletterunderthesignatureofMr.President,”Anyimsaid.

Mark’sresponsewasthattheNationalAssemblywouldbeguidedbytheconstitutioninwhateveractiontheydeemedappropriatetoresolvetheYar’Adualogjam.“Yes,thereareobviousproblems,andweadmitthatthereareproblems,andthesolutionmustbefoundintheconstitutionitself.WhatIwanttoappealisforNigerianstounderstandthatinfindingthesolutions,weareconcernedandworriedabouttheunityandstabilityofthecountry,wedonotwanttodoanythingthatwillaggravatethecurrentsituation.Iftheyexercisepatiencewithuswewilldefinitelyfindalastingsolutionwithintheconstitutionitself.”

Mark’sadmonitionwasinstructivebecauselaterthatday,leadersfromtheSouth-SouthzoneofthecountryalsocalledonmembersoftheNationalAssemblytopassaresolutionauthorizingtheswearinginofJonathanastheactingpresidentoftheFederalRepublicofNigeria.ThegroupnotedthattheirsilenceoverthecontroversycausedbyPresidentYar’Adua’sfailuretohandovertoJonathansincetheformerleftthecountryNovember23,2009,onmedicalgrounds,mustnotbetakenforgranted.InacommuniquéladenwithethnicundertonesandreadbyIjawleaderandformerfederalinformationcommissioner,ChiefEdwinClark,thebodycondemnedthoseworkingagainsttheemergenceofJonathanasactingpresident,callingthemunpatrioticpeoplewhowereseekingforthedivisionandcollapseofthecountry:“Wekeptquietforvariousreasons;wekeptquietovertheperiodthisthinghasbeenhappeningbecausewebelieveitisanationalissue,[a]Nigerianissue,butwehavedecidedtospeakbecausesomuch[has]

beensaidsofar,andthingsarealsogoingoutofhand.”Thefederallegislatorswerecertainlyfeelingtheheattohelpavertwhathadbecomeanimpendingcrisis.OnJanuary29,2010,formerheadofstate,GeneralYakubuGowon,SecondRepublicpresident,AlhajiShehuShagari,andformerheadoftheinterimnationalgovernment,ChiefErnestShonekanjoinedinthecallforYar’AduatotransmitaletterofmedicalvacationtotheNationalAssemblyinlinewithSection145oftheconstitutiontoenableJonathantoactaspresident.

Theassociation,whichidentifieditselfastheEminentEldersGroup(EEG),alsocomprisedretiredchiefjusticesofNigeriaandseveralpoliticians.OthermembersofthegroupincludedSecondRepublicvicepresident,Dr.AlexEkwueme;formerchiefjustices,MohammedLawalUwais,AlfaBelgore,and

IdrisKutigi;otherprominentcitizenslikeDanjuma,ChiefSolomonLar,MallamAhmedJoda,andMallamAdamuCiroma.Theirstatement,signedbyGowon,waspresentedtotheNationalAssemblybyadelegationledbyShagari.Theysaidthatinordertoresolvethepoliticalcrisis,PresidentYar’AduahadtocomplywithSection145oftheconstitution.ArguingthatitwasimportantforthepresidenttoformallyissuethenecessarycommunicationthatwouldenabletheVPtobecomeactingpresident,theformerleaderssaidYar’Adua’slongabsencefromthecountryonaccountofhisillnesshadbecomeamatterofconcern:“Forwellovereightweeksnow,ourpresidenthasbeenillandoutofthecountry.ThisillnessandlongabsencefromthecountryiscausingseriousconcernnotonlytoNigeriancitizensbut[to]allthosewhodobusinesswithNigeriaandhavethewell-beingofthecountryatheart,”theyargued.

Shagaripresentedtheletterwithanadmonition:Allcriticalstakeholdersinthecountryshouldheedthegroup’sadvicethatit’sexpedienttopreventthepoliticalcrisisbroughtaboutbythepresident’sillnessfromescalating.

Themostcriticalpush,however,beganinsidetheFECmeetingonFebruary3,2010,wheninformationandcommunicationminister,ProfessorDoraAkunyili,attemptedtoreadapapertitled‘StateoftheNation’,whichessentiallysoughttohighlighttheexigencyofthepresidenttransmittingalettertotheNationalAssemblytoenabletheVP

totakeonthedesignationofactingpresident.

Earlier,beforetheFECsession,Akunyili,withwhomIhavehadalong-termcordialrelationship,calledmeoutsidethechambersandsaid,“Segun,myconsciencecannolongerallowmetokeepquietonthisissueofthepresident’sabsencefromthecountry.IintendtospeakaboutittodayinFEC.Whatdoyouthink?”Ihadnoideathatshehadalreadyapreparedtextandsoadvisedheragainsttheidea.SheknewthewayIalsofeltandmyfrustrations,butIpointedouttheimplicationstoher,uponwhichshepromisedtothinkaboutwhatIhadsaid.Yet,Isensedthathermindwasmadeup.ShesaidtheinformationatherdisposalwasthatthepresidentwasonlifesupportinSaudiArabiaandthatNigerianswerebeingtoldliesaboutthestateofhishealth.

InsidetheFECmeeting,itwasnotuntilafterallthememoshadbeenpresentedthatAkunyilitoldtheVPthatshehadapapertodistributebutwaschallengedbyamemberwhonotedthatsuchanattemptwasinbreachofprocedure.Shecould

not‘ambush’thecouncil,thememberargued,andaddedthatifAkunyilihadapapertopresenteitherintheformofamemoornote,itoughttohavebeensenttothecouncilsecretariatahead.

Ofcourse,thepaperhadbeencirculatedanyway,andmemberswerealreadyreadingitbeforeitwasaskedtobewithdrawn.Themessagewasalreadyout:theFECwasdivided!

Akunyiliwasaskedtosubmitherwrite-upinamemoformtothecouncilsecretariatsothatitcouldbetakenbythenextFECsession.BythetimetheFECsessionroundedupthatday,however,thecontentwasalreadyinthemedia.

Akunyili’spositionwasthatthepresident’sabsencefromthecountryhadcreatedadifficultdilemmafortheFEC,whichitcouldnolongerignore:“TherehasbeenpersistentagitationbythepublicformembersoftheFederalExecutiveCounciltodosomething.NigeriansexpectustorisetothischallengeonbehalfofourPresidentastheleaderofthisadministration.Someeminentcitizenshavespoken.TheyincludeformerHeadsofStateandotherswhohaveservedournationinvariouscapacities.TheSenatehasalsotakenapositionofwhichweareallaware.Theloomingcrisisinthesystemisover-boiling.Ourhard-earneddemocracyisbeingthreatenedbytheday.”Arguingthatthepolityhadbecomeoverheatedtoanintolerablelevel,Akunyilisaidposteritywouldjudgemembersharshlyiftheydidnotpositivelyintervenetoresolvethislogjam.“He(PresidentYar’Adua)hasbeenawayforabout70daysnow,evenifhereturnstomorrow,isitnotbetterforhimtorestandrecoverbeforetakingoverfromtheVicePresident?WeneedtodowhatismorallyrightandconstitutionalforthePresidenttoofficiallyhandovertotheVicePresidenttofunctionasActingPresident.Ifhedoesnot,wecanevokewhicheveraspectoftheconstitutionthatshouldmaketheVicePresidentanActingPresident.”

Despitetheuncertaintyinthecountry,thePDPleadershipstillprovedtobeoneofthestrongestpillarsforYar’Adua.VisitingtheVPonthedayAkunyilireleasedhernotewithintheFECchambers,theparty’stophierarchymoreorlessforeclosedanyhandingovertoJonathan.InwhathedescribedasasolidarityvisitmeanttoencouragetheVPonhisresilienceindischarginghisdutyintheabsenceofthepresident,PDPchairman,ChiefVincentOgbulafor,quotedforJonathanPsalm62:11oftheHolyBible,whichsays,“Godhasspokenonce,twiceIhaveheard;powerbelongstoGod.”Hesaidfurther:

“Throughoutthisperiod,youhavedemonstratedpatriotismandmeasure(sic)ofloyaltyandstatesmanship.Youhavethroughexemplaryselflessnessheldthegovernmentandthecountrytogetherinspiteofthemischiefofafew.WewishtoplaceonrecordourdeepestsatisfactionwiththemanneryouhavesteadiedtheshipofstateintheabsenceofHisExcellency,thepresidentandcommanderinchiefofthearmedforcesoftheFederalRepublicofNigeria,AlhajiUmaruYar’Adua.

“YouhavedischargedyourdutiesintheabsenceofMr.Presidentwithdistinction.Weareproudthatyouhaverefusedtobedistractedbyneedlessdebatesandcontroversiesoriginatingfromsomeofouropponents.Wemaintainourearlierassertionthatwithyoueffectively[in]thesaddle,thereisnovacuuminthepresidency.”UnknowntoOgbulafor,bysayingtherewasnovacuuminAsoRock—wordsthatobviouslyriledtheVPandhishandlers—thePDPchairmanwasinadvertentlydigginghisownpoliticalgrave.ButhispositionwasnotsubstantiallydifferentfromthestancetakenbythegovernorswhometinAbujaonFebruary4,2010.“TheForumalsoidentifiedwiththejudgementofthecourtsonthesameandagreesthatthepositionofActingPresidentcouldbeeitherverbalorwrittenandtheVicePresidenthasbeenappropriatelyactingadmirably,”theystatedinthecommuniquéissuedattheendoftheirmeeting.Thisalsodidnotgounnoticedatthevilla.

ButbythenMarkhaddecidedthetimehadcomefortheSenatetointervenedecisivelytoarrestthenationaldrift.ThatwashowtheideaofaNationalAssemblyresolution,whichwouldempowerJonathantobeactingpresident,begantocrystallize.Bythistime,though,itwasobviousthatJonathanhaddecidedthattakingamoreproactivepoliticalstancewastherightpathtotread.Asheraisedthestakes,thegovernorsrealizedthattheyneededhimtoensurethesurvivalofthedemocraticproject.Itseemedthatatthispointamilitarycoupwasnolongerfar-fetched.

AfterameetingwiththeVPandanothersessionwiththeleadershipoftheNationalAssembly,itwasdecidedthatthetwohousesshouldpassaresolutionempoweringJonathantobecometheactingpresident.Howthiswastobedonewaslefttotheleadership.Still,atthisperiod,someclosealliesofJonathanhadtoldhimtobegintowieldpresidentialpower,asitwasevidentthatYar’Adua’spresidencywasgraduallycomingtoanend.

13

DoctrineofNecessity

GatheredintheofficeofVicePresidentGoodluckJonathanonthemorningofFridayJanuary5,2010,werePDPnationalchairman,ChiefVincentOgbulafor;deputynationalchairman,Dr.HaliruBelloaswellasnationalsecretary,AbubakarBaraje.AlsointheroomwereSenatepresident,DavidMark;hisdeputy,IkeEkweremadu;andHouseofRepresentativesSpeaker,DimejiBankole.TherewerealsotheKwaraStategovernorandchairmanoftheGovernors’Forum,Dr.BukolaSaraki;theAGF,Aondoakaa,andChiefMikeOghiadome,Jonathan’sprincipalsecretary.ThesingleitemonthemeetingagendawastheJusticeAbuturuling,whichheldthattheVPcouldactforthepresidentwithoutanyformaltransferofpower.

LeadingthediscussionwasAondoakaa,whoarguedthatwiththejudgement,thepoliticalcrisishadbeenresolvedbecausetheVPcouldthenbegintoactforthepresident.

HewasbackedbySarakiandBankole,withOgbulafor,BelloandBarajealsoleaningtowardsendorsingtheposition.ButtherewasstrongresistancefromMark,whoarguedthattheAbutujudgementofferednopracticalsolutionbecausetherewasnowayJonathancouldforwardbillsoranyofficialcorrespondencetotheSenateinhiscapacityasvicepresidentandexpectittobeaccepted.

Bankole,however,saidtheHousewouldhavenoproblemwithreceivingsuchcorrespondencesfromJonathan.Thatcreatedastalemate.Atthatperiod,MarkhadconcludedthattheonlywayforwardwasforJonathantohavetheconstitutionalpowertobeactingpresident.Healsobelievedthatthepeoplearoundthepresidentwerenothelpingmattersbyusingsubterfugetohidethecriticalnatureofhishealthfromimportantstakeholders.Atthetime,MarkwasusedtoreceivingphonycallsfromSaudiArabiabyofficialswhowouldaskhim“towaitforthepresident”onlytobetoldafterafewminutesthattheywouldcallbackbecausethepresidentwhohad‘initiated’thecallcouldnolongerbereached.

BecauseMarkwasawareofwhatwasgoingon,hesoughttoknowfromAondoakaaandthegovernorswhatobjectiontheyhadtomakingJonathanthe

actingpresident.

Apparentlyuncomfortablewiththequestion,theyallsaidthattheyhadnoneandpraisedthevicepresident.Yet,whattheywereproposingwastouseJonathantoavertaconstitutionalcrisiscreatedbytheabsenceofthepresidentwithoutlegallyinvestingJonathanwiththepowertoactinhisstead.Attheend,themeetingcouldnotreachanyusefulconclusionbecauseMarkwasinsistentthattheSenatewasnotgoingtorecognizetheAbuturuling.

Apparentlysensingthatthecrisiswasgettingmorecomplicated,theSenatepresidentspenttheweekendmakingaseriesofconsultations.First,heinvitedthelawyersamongtheSenatorstoameetingwherehemandatedthemtoreviewAbutu’sjudgementandgivehimadvicewithin48hours.HealsotoldthemtoinviteAondoakaatobriefthembeforetheycameupwiththeirconclusion.

Athissessionwiththelawyer-senators,theAGFcouldonlyconvinceafewofthemembersabouttheneedtousetheAbutujudgementtoresolvethecrisis,asthemajorityofthesenatorsfeltthattherewasnosolutionintheruling.TheythereforerecommendedtoMarkthatheshouldmakeitcleartoJonathanandthegovernorsthattheSenatewouldnotaccepttheAbuturulingasasolutiontotheproblem.Butitwasnotaunanimousdecision;someofthemendorsedthepositionoftheAGFontheruling,buttheywereaclearminority.

OnMonday,January8,Markreceivedinaudienceagroupofprominentcitizens,amongthemLt.GeneralT.Y.Danjumaandformerchiefjusticeofthefederation,Belgore.ItwasagreedatthemeetingthatYar’Aduawouldneverhaveallowedthekindofcrisisthenationwasgoingthroughifhewasinapositiontointervene,sotheconclusionwasthathewasoblivioustowhatwashappeninginthecountry.ItwasalsoresolvedthattheNationalAssemblyhadtointervenetosavethesituation.

Inthecourseofdiscussion,MarkhadcasuallyaskedBelgore,“YourLordship,thelogicalthingtodonowistomakeJonathantheactingpresident.Howdoyouthinkwecannavigatethissituationlegally?”BelgorehadsaidtheconstitutionrecognizedtheDoctrineofNecessity,whichhesaidtheSenatecouldapply.

Markhadactuallytoyedwiththeideaofthedoctrine,butinstructively,JusticeAbutu’sruling(whichhadAondoakaa’simprint)hadcategoricallystatedthattheDoctrineofNecessitywouldnotapplyinresolvingthecrisis.ButwithBelgore

arguingthatitwasthemostplausiblesolution,MarkdecidedthatitwasthewaytheSenatewouldgo.Hecalledhisdeputy,Ekweremaduandtoldhimofwhathadtranspired,andaftercallingameetingoftheprincipalofficers,wheretheideawaseasilyboughtbyall,heaskedthattheHouseleadershipbekeptuptodateaboutthethinkingoftheSenate.

Atthispoint,Markbroughtinasmallgroupofprofessionalstobrainstormonhowthedoctrineshouldbeappliedwithinthefinedetailsofthelaw.ItwasatthemeetingthatsomeonesuggestedthatsincetherewasaBBCinterviewcreditedtoYar’Adua(thoughmanywereskepticalthatitwasactuallyhimwhohadspoken),thatwouldsufficeinmakingastrongcaseinlieuofalettertotheNationalAssembly.Withthatplaninplace,MarkthenhadinformalsessionswithmanymembersoftheSenate,andwithin24hours,hehadthesupportofmostsenators.Bythen,theHousehadalsodecidedtotakeasimilarpositionontheissue.

ThenationthereforewaitedinanxietyastheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesheldseparateclosedsessionsonTuesday,February9,2010.Attheend,bothchambersofthelegislatureresolvedthattheVPshouldhenceforthdischargethefunctionsoftheofficeofthepresident,commanderinchiefofthearmedforcesofthefederation,asactingpresident.Theyalsoresolvedthathewould“ceasetodischargethefunctionsoftheOfficeofthePresidentwhenthePresident,Commander-in-ChiefoftheArmedForcesoftheFederation,transmitstothePresidentoftheSenateandtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativesinwritingthathehasreturnedfromhismedicalvacation.”Thatresolutionbroughtafittingconclusiontotheseriesofmeetingsbetweenthepresidency,theGovernors’Forum,andtheNationalAssembly’sleadership.Butitwasn’twithoutsomedramaticprelude,especiallyamonglegislators.Intheupperchamber,SenatorFolarindrewtheattentionofhiscolleaguestowhathecalledapoliticallogjamandtheneedtofindasolution:thetimehadcomefortheSenatetoinvokeSection145ofthe1999Constitution,hesaid.Simplyput,hismotionessentiallynotedthatthepresidentleftNigeriaformedicalattentionintheKingdomofSaudiArabiaonNovember23,2009,withouttransmittingalettertotheNationalAssemblyasstipulatedintheconstitution.

HehadhardlyroundedoffwhenacountermotionwasmovedbySenatorGarbaLado(PDP,Katsina),whoraisedaconstitutionalpointofordertoopposetheactiontheSenateseemedsettoadopt.AfterreadingSection145ofthe1999Constitution,hearguedthattheSenatelackedthepowerstomakeDr.Goodluck

Jonathantheactingpresident.HewasswiftlysilencedbyMark,whowasapparentlyinnomoodforanyfurthersubterfugeontheissue.AnuneasycalmsuddenlyenvelopedthechamberasalleyesweredirectedattheSenatepresident.Withoutmuchceremony,heputforththequestiontowhichmembersunanimouslyacquiesced.Markthenproceededtoreadapreparedspeechonwhathecalledthe‘DoctrineofNecessity’,whichtheNationalAssemblywasapplyingtostabilizethepolityfollowingthepresident’sprolongedabsencefromthecountry.

MarkstatedthattheSenate’sdecisiontointervenewasguidedbypatriotism,wisdomandnationalinterest,addingthatintheirbidforanamicablesolution,theSenatehadtoascertainthehealthstatusofthepresidentbyinvitingthesecretarytothegovernmentofthefederation(SGF),AlhajiYayaleAhmed,tobriefit.Hedeclaredthat“theDoctrineofNecessityrequiresthatwedowhatisnecessarywhenfacedwithasituationthatwasnotcontemplatedbytheconstitution,andthatispreciselywhatwehavedonetoday.Indoingso,wehaveaswellmaintainedthesanctityofourconstitutionastheultimatelawoftheland.”

MarksaidthatfromanordinaryreadingofSection145oftheconstitution,theSenatehadcometotheconclusionthatthepresident“throughhisdeclaration,transmittedworldwideontheBritishBroadcastingCorporation(BBC),hasfurnishedthisparliamentwithirrefutableproofthatheisonmedicalvacationintheKingdomofSaudiArabia,andhasthereforecompliedwiththeprovisionsofSection145ofthe1999Constitution.”PerhapstoprovethattheinterventionwasnotdoneagainstYar’Adua,Markconcluded,

“Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,letmere-emphasizetheimportofprayernumbertwo(2)ofourresolution:Thepresidentwillautomaticallyresumeofficeasthepresidentandcommanderinchiefonceheiswellenoughandreturnstothecountryandinformsusaccordingly,pursuanttoSection145.”

Theresolutionhadaninterestingsubtext:Sincethecompromisepositionhadbeenreachedafterseveralinformaldiscussionsandmeetings,therewasnorealdebateontheissuebeforeitwaspassedbytheSenate.TakingacuefromtheSenateaction,theHouseofRepresentativespassedasimilarmotion,thusendinga78-daywaitontheailingYar’AduatotransmitaletterthatwouldenableJonathantobecometheactingpresident.

Throughthatingenuousaction,theNationalAssemblywasabletodefuse,albeittemporarily,apotentiallytrickysituation.Withthatalso,thedramawasinevitablymovingtoanotherstagethenextday—theFederalExecutiveCouncil.

TheweeklyFECsessionusuallycommencesby10:00a.m.WhileYar’Aduawasneverpunctual,thereversewasthecasewheneverJonathanpresided:Thesessionalwaysbeganrightontime.ButFebruary10wasanunusualday;itwasthedayaftertheNationalAssemblyresolutionthatmadehimactingpresidentwaspassed.Jonathankeptmemberswaitingforalmostonehourwithalleyesfixedonthevacantseatofthepresident.Atexactly10:58a.m.,itwasannouncedthattheactingpresidentwascomingin.Asallmembersstoodup,theprotocolofficialwhowalkedaheadofJonathanputallhispapersonthetableoftheVP.Hestoodbehindthechairandpulleditbackwards,apparentlyexpectinghisbosstotakewhathadbeenhisseatuptillthatday.Jonathan,however,ignoredhisprotocolaideandwalkedstraighttothepresident’schairandsatdown.Aftercallingfortheopeningprayers,hewasremindedthatthenationalanthemhadnotbeentaken,elicitinglaughterinanotherwisetenseatmosphere.

Withthenationalanthemtakenandthepledgerecited,thepresswasexcusedasthesessionbegan.Giventhepin-dropsilenceoccasionedbythefactthathehadtakenthepresident’sseat,Jonathansaidhewantedtomakesomeopeningremarks,whichheprefacedbysayingtherewouldbeafulldiscussionontheissueafteralltheitemshadbeentaken.Hesaiditwaswithaverydeepsenseofresponsibilitythatheacceptedthechallengeofbecomingtheactingpresident,giventheunfortunatemannerinwhichtheabsenceofthepresidentfromthecountrywasbeinghandled.Hetoldtheministersthatitwascertainthattheyhadallbeenfollowingeventsinthecountry,andthatanyonewhowouldarguethatthenationwasnotalreadymovingtowardstheedgeoftheprecipicewaslivingindenial.Itwasbasedonthisrealization,heexplained,thattheNationalAssemblyhadtoapplytheDoctrineofNecessity,whichvestedinhimthepowersofanactingpresident.

WhileexpressinghissympathyforYar’Adua,whosefailuretotransmitalettertotheNationalAssemblyhadcausedadivisionwithinthecabinet,Jonathanaddedthatsomepeoplearoundthepresidentwerenothelpingmatters.Heparticularlytookaswipeatsomecourtjudgements,whichhesaidseemedtohavebeencontrivedtofurthercomplicatethepoliticalsituationinthecountry.

Jonathaninformedministersthatseveraleminentlawyers,mostofthemsenioradvocatesofNigeria,whoseopinionhesoughtonthelogjam,hadtoldhimthatJusticeAbutu’sjudgementwasnotasolutiontotheproblemathand.

Warningthatthecrisiswasnotover,JonathansaidfurtherthattheconsideredopinionofmostoftheserespectedlawyerswasthateventheNationalAssemblyresolution,onwhosestrengthhehadbecomeactingpresident,wasalientotheconstitutionandmightcollapsewhensubjectedtostrictlegalscrutiny.“Well,thatiswhatwehavenowand(it)willsufficeuntilthecourtsdecideotherwise,”hesaid,addingthatpublicofficialsshouldatalltimesbeguidedbypublicgoodregardlessoftheirpersonalinclinations.

ThemoreJonathanspoke,themorevisiblethediscomfitureoftheAGF(behindwhomIalwayssatintheFEC)became.Severaltimesheraisedhishandtoberecognizedbutgotnoacknowledgementinanyofthoseinstances.AfterconcludinghisopeningremarkwiththeAGF’shandstillraised,Jonathanturnedhisattentiontohimandsaid,“AGF,Ibelievetherewillbetimeforyoutosaywhateveryouwanttosaywhenwecometodebatetheissueafterwehavetakenallthememos.”

Apparentlybecausemembersweremoreinterestedinthedebatethatwastofollow,virtuallyallthememoswereapprovedwithoutmuchwasteoftime.Whenthediscussiononthestateofthenation,however,began,itturnedouttobenomorethananopportunityformemberstopledgetheirloyaltytoJonathanasactingpresident.Notonlydidmembersprefacetheircontributionswith“YourExcellency,Mr.ActingPresidentandCommanderinChiefofthearmedforcesoftheFederalRepublicofNigeria,”almosteverycontributorpraisedhisuncommon‘maturity’and‘loyalty’.OnespeakernotedhowitwasquiteevidentthatthehandofGodwasalwaysonJonathanandthathisfirstname(Goodluck)merelytypifiedthescenarioplayingoutinthecountry.

Attheend,theFEC’sconclusiononthedebateaboutthestateofthenationwasthattwoministers,aMuslimandaChristian,shouldofferspecialprayersfortheactingpresident.

Itwasevenatoughchoicedecidingwhothosetwoshouldbe,asittendedtotakeonsomepoliticalcoloration.Oneminister,aChristianfromtheSouth-South,arguedthathecouldpraybetterthanthepersonearliernominated.Hewasoverruled,thusendingthesession.Thatwas,however,justthebeginningofthedrama.

AstheFECwasabouttorise,withmemberspickinguptheirfiles,Jonathansaidthathehadsomeannouncementstomake.Hehaddecidedonaminorcabinetreshuffle,hetoldthem.Mr.MichaelAondoakaa(SAN),theattorneygeneralofthefederationandministerofjustice,hadbeenredeployedtotheMinistryofSpecialDuties,heannounced,whileChiefAdetokunboKayode(SAN),thentheministeroflabourandproductivity,wouldbecometheAGF.Bythenewarrangement,AmbassadorIbrahimKazaure,whowasthenministerofspecialduties,baggedtheMinistryofLabourandProductivityportfolio.

Itisbynomeansatritecliché:thesilencecouldhavebeenslicedwithaknifeasitdawnedonmembersthataneramightjustbeendingwhileanotheronewasabouttobegin.AlleyeswereonAondoakaa,whohadawrysmileonhisfacebutdidn’t,inmyreckoning,appearreallysurprised.

IndicationsthatAondoakaawasintroublehademergedbeforethecommencementoftheFECmeetingwhenhewasinvitedtothePresidentialVillaveryearlythatmorning.Inthestoryhenarratedtome,hesaidthatwhenhearrivedatJonathan’soffice,hecouldimmediatelysensedangerwiththepresenceofseveralpolicemen.Themomenthewasusheredin,thequestionJonathanposedtoAondoakaawas,“WhatisyouropinionabouttheNationalAssemblyresolutionwhichmakesmetheactingpresident?”Eventhoughtakenabackbythequestion,AondoakaasaidhehadbeenwiseenoughtoreplythatwhattheNationalAssemblyhaddonewastheonlyrealisticsolutionunderthecircumstancesandthatitwouldhelpresolvethelogjam.HesaidJonathanhadappearedsurprisedbutnonethelesspleasedbyhisresponsebeforehethenremarked,“ButIheardyousaiditisillegal,wasthatnotwhatyoutoldAITlastnight?”Atthatpoint,Aondoakaasaidhe’dclarifiedwhathe’dsaidintheAITinterview,andJonathanhadfeltsatisfiedwithhisresponse.Theissueresolved,theactingpresidentnowtoldhimthathewantedtomakeaslightreshuffleofthecabinetandmightbemovinghimtoanotherministry.Tothis,Aondoakaasaidhehadquipped,“YouwanttomovemetoFCT?”

Aondoakaasaidthatbeforehe’dleftJonathan,hehadpleadedwithhimtostayactiononhisredeploymentsothathecouldconcludesomeissueshewassortingoutatthejusticeministry,arequesttowhichhesaidtheactingpresidenthadagreed.Butthemusichadchangedshortlyafter.

WhilestillwithintheFEC,Aondoakaagotatextmessagefromhispersonalassistantthatabout10plainclothessecurityoperativeshadforciblygainedentryintohisofficeandotheroffices,presumablyinsearchofdocuments.

Withthatalert,theAGFwentouttomakeacalltotheinspectorgeneralofpolice,Mr.

OgbonnayaOnovo,toascertainwhatwasgoingonandwhyhisofficehadbeeninvaded.

TheIGgaveAondoakaaasomewhatridiculousexplanation.ThepolicemenweretheretoprotecthimfromNigerDeltamilitants,hetoldtheAGF.Aondoakaacould,however,deducefromOnovo’sresponsethathewascarryingoutsuperiororders,whichcouldonlyhavecomedirectlyfromtheactingpresident.

Whenhereturnedtothechambers,AondoakaawalkedtoJonathan’sseatandstoopedtowhispertohimaboutwhatwashappeningathisoffice.Whilefeigningignoranceonthematter,Jonathannonethelesspromisedtointerveneduringlunchbreak.

Theactingpresidentdidintervene:thepolicemenwereimmediatelywithdrawnfromAondoakaa’soffice.Butthemessagehadbeenpassed.Atthatpoint,Aondoakaaknewitwasalmostafaitaccompli,soduringthebreak,hemetagainwiththeactingpresident,andthistimesaidhewasreadytoberedeployedtoanyministrybutthathewouldtakea30-dayvacation.Hegotadeal.

Despitethehumblingtreatment,Aondoakaa,fromwhatIlatergathered,wasveryluckybecausetheinitialdecisionwasforhimtobearrested,becausehewasseenastheauthorofthepoliticalcrisis,givenhisfailuretoadvisethepresidentonthecorrectcourseofactiontotake.HisimmediateousterarosefromfearsthathemighthavebeenmakingeffortstosecurebyproxyacourtinjunctionthatwouldrestrainJonathanfromassumingthepositionofactingpresident.

Theplea,thetalegoes,wouldbethattheNationalAssemblyresolutionwasunconstitutional.JonathanwaswellawarethatJusticeAbutu’scontroversialrulinghadespeciallystatedthattheDoctrineofNecessity,whichtheNationalAssemblyhadinvoked,wouldnotapplyinresolvingthelogjam.Implicitly,ifsomeonehadgonetocourt,theNationalAssembly’sresolutioncouldeasilyhavebeennullified.

Aondoakaahaddrawnsuspiciontohimselfatthatparticularperiodwhen,afewhoursaftertheNationalAssemblypassedtheresolutionmakingJonathantheactingpresident,hehadappearedonaCableNewsNetwork(CNN)programmewherehehadinsistedtherewasnocrisisinthecountry,despitethefactthatYar’Aduahadspent78daysinaSaudiArabianhospital.Hehadaddedthatthegovernmentwasrunningsmoothly,aclaimthatwascounteredbyNobellaureate,Prof.WoleSoyinka,whowasalsofeaturedonthesameprogramme.Althoughtheinterviewhadbeenrecordeddaysearlier,itdidnothelpAondoakaa’scause,asJonathanandhisaidesbelievedhehadtoberemovedimmediatelybeforehecouldcausefurtherpoliticaldamage.Itwasalsoseenasapopularmovethatwouldresonatepositively,especiallywiththemediaandcivilsociety.

WithAondoakaaoffthelegalscene,thingscouldnotpossiblyremainthesame.Hehadbeenthelastbuffer,themanwhohadjustifiedtheabsenceofthepresidentbysayinghecouldruleevenfromthehospitalinSaudiArabia.HisremovalalsosentclearsignalstothehandlersofthepresidentinSaudiArabiathatJonathanwastighteningthepoliticalnoose.ButwhatreallyjoltedthemwasthetoneofthedebateattheFECsessionaweeklateronFebruary17.

Inwhatwasevidentlyanorchestratedmove,foreignaffairsminister,ChiefOjoMaduekwe,hadsettheballrollingwhenhesaidthetimehadcomefortheFECtotakeafirmstandonthecriticalissueoftheabsenceofthepresidentfromthecountry.Hesaidwheneverheattendedadiplomaticeventandwasaskedwhetherhehadspokenwiththepresidentsinceheleftthecountry,healwaysfeltembarrassedtosayhehadnot.Hesaidthatattheveryminimum,therewastheneedfortheFECtosendadelegationtoSaudiArabiatoseethepresident,notingthathisabsencefromthecountryhadbecomeasourceofconcerntotheinternationalcommunity.HeconcludedthatwhiletherewaspublicclamourfortheFECtoinvokeSection144oftheConstitution(whichhesaidwasindeedwithintheirpurview),hewasoftheopinionthattheFECshouldnotbeginwithsuchadrasticdecision.TherationalpointwasfortheFECtobeseenas

responsible,bymakingeffortstoseethepresident,heconcluded.

ThenextspeakeropposedthisideaonthegroundthatanyattempttosendadelegationtoSaudiArabiawouldbenomorethanafutilepursuit.Hesaidallthedelegations—eitherfromtheNationalAssemblyorfromtheGovernorsForum—thathadgonetoSaudiArabiaearlierwereneverallowedtoseethepresident.Hewentontooutlinethosefailedattempts.Indeed,itwascommonknowledgethatintheprecedingweek,fivemembersoftheHouseofRepresentativeswhohadgonetoSaudiArabiahadreturnedtoAbujawithoutseeingthepresident.TheteamsawonlytheFirstLady.Also,thedelegationofgovernorsthathadgonetoSaudiArabiaataboutthesametimehadcomebackhavingfailedtomeetwithYar’Adua.Similarly,atop-levelPDPdelegationledbyitschairman,VincentOgbulafor,andwhichcomprisedDr.HaliruBelloMohammed,deputynationalchairman,andAlhajiKawuBaraje,deputynationalsecretary,completedthelistoffailedtripstoSaudiArabia.

AlthoughtheFECwasdisinclinedtovisitthepresident,duelargelytotheexperiencesofallthedelegationsthathadgonetoSaudiArabiawithoutseeinghim,theunspokenconsensusatthatpoint,nonetheless,seemedtobeagainstinvokingSection144withoutmakingeffortstoascertainthetruestatusofthepresident’shealth.Inthecourseofthedebate,Jonathaninterjectedtosaythathehadhimselfmadeeffortstospeakwiththepresidentseveraltimesbutneversucceeded,andwheneverhemootedtheideaofsendingadelegation,itwasalwaysopposed.

Thenextminister,alawyer,saidthattheyhadallbecomeobjectsofridiculeandtimehadcomeforthemtobesensitivetothepublicmoodontheissue.Producingapreparedpaper,hequotedseverallegalauthoritiesaswellastheconstitution,ontheimportofSection144andtheneedfortheFECtoactindefenceofpublicinterest.

Buttherewerealsovoicesofopposition.AsupporterofthepresidentspokepassionatelyandwithmuchemotionontheindiscretionofinvokingSection144,addingthatitwouldbearecipeforchaos.Headvisedthatintheeventofaconstitutionalcrisis,thechiefjusticeofthefederationshouldbeenlistedintheprocessoffindingasolution,butcautionedthatdeclaringthepresidentincapacitatedandremovinghimonthegroundsofillhealthwasacallousanddangerousoptiontocontemplate.

AnothersuggestedthatratherthansendadelegationtoSaudiArabia,theNigerianambassadorinSaudiArabiashouldbeinvitedtobriefthecouncilonthestatusofthepresident’shealth.Atthispoint,theministerwhohadspokenearlieronthedangerofinvokingSection144saidhehadapointofinformationforthecouncil.Whengiventhefloor,hespokeofhowtheNigerianambassadortoSaudiArabiahadcalledhimthepreviousnighttoinformhimthatthepresidenthadascendedfivefloorsatthehospitalunaided!Whilesomeministerslaughedatthisinformation,whichwashardtobelieve,itwascorroboratedbytwootherministers,whosaidtheyalsohaditongoodauthoritythatthepresidenthadbeguntoexercise.

ThisdrewasharpinterjectionfromMaduekwe:“Thatisthekindofthingwearetalkingabout.Ispeakwiththesameambassadorallthetime,heissupposedtobereportingtome,yethedidn’tgivemethatsortofcrucialinformation.”ButJonathanwouldnotallowthisinformation—howeverludicrousitsounded—topassashemadewhatwasevidentlyasarcasticremark:“Iamhappywiththatinformationbecauseitperhapshelpsustoresolvethismatter.Ifthepresidentisalreadyclimbing

[the]staircaseatthehospital,maybeitisbetterifwejustbegintheprocessofinvokingSection144.Bythetimethedoctorsmeetthepresident,andsinceheisnowgettingstrongfromwhatwenowhear,wecanthenreportbacktoNigeriansthatthereisnobasisfordeclaringhimincapacitatedandallthesemediaagitationswouldstop.IhonestlythinkwewouldsaveourselvesallthisembarrassmentifwecanconfirmwhattheministersaidandjustproceedwithinvokingSection144.”

Nobodyfolloweduponthisproposition,butafterallthemembershadhadtheirsay,theconclusionwasthatitwasnecessarytosendadelegationtoSaudiArabia.ItwasthendecidedthatapanelofsixshouldvisitthepresidentandreportbacktotheFECbythenextsessiononFebruary24.Theteamcomprisedhealthminister,Prof.BabatundeOsotimehin;foreignaffairsminister,OjoMaduekwe;agricultureminister,Dr.AbbaRuma;attorneygeneral,TokunboKayode;petroleumminister,OdeinAjumogobiaandtheSGF,AhmedYayale.

Fromthetoneofdiscussion,itwasverycleartheFEChadbeendividedalongsectionallines,withmostnorthernmembersopposedtoinvokingSection144,

whilethosevociferouslyinsupportwereministersfromtheSouth-South.Asaround-up,Jonathanlamentedtheemotionalnaturethedebatehadtakenandthewaysomeministers’

reactionsseemedtogivetheimpressionthattheylovedthepresidentmorethanothers.

WhileexpressinghisoppositiontotheideaofinvokingSection144,hesaidthepresident’sfailuretotransmitalettertotheNationalAssemblyhadmadethingsratherdifficultforeveryone.Headded,instructively,thatheknewYar’Aduaasamanwhobelievedintheruleoflaw.Inatoneladenwithemotion,JonathansaiditwasunfortunatethatsomepeoplecouldimaginethathewouldbetraythepresidentifhetransmittedthenecessarylettertotheNationalAssembly.HerecountedhisexperienceasDeputyGovernorinBayelsaStateandexplainedthatheconsidersloyaltytobeasignificantvirtue.Butwiththedelegationconvened,itwasnottoodifficulttoseethatthemovetowardsinvokingSection144hadbegun.ThatmessageechoedloudlyinSaudiArabia.

BarelyonehouraftertheendoftheFECmeeting,IgotacallfromNigeria’sambassadortoSaudiArabia,AlhajiGarbaMohammedAminchi,whosaidIshouldexpectacopyofthepresident’smedicalreport,whichwasbeingsenttotheactingpresidentthroughtheMinistryofForeignAffairs.Theambassadoralsowantedmye-mailaddress.Thiswasthefirsttimethemanwouldspeakwithmedirectly,and,besides,thatamedicalreportwouldbesentwasalsoanewdevelopment,whichspokeofuntolddesperationinSaudiArabia.

Theironywasoverwhelming.ForweeksIhadpleadedthattheonlywaythepresidentcouldearnthesympathyofNigerianswasifhecameoutplainaboutthestateofhishealth,andthatwecouldnotforlongkeepthenationinthedarkontheissue.IhadalsopleadedthatdirectcommunicationbeopenedbetweenthepresidentandJonathan.Ofcourse,Ihadmadealltheseinterventionswithoutknowingthetruestateofthepresident’shealth.Nowthatthesituationwasgettingoutofhand,theyhadsuddenlyrealizedtheneedtoputtheactingpresidentintoconfidenceonthestateofthepresident’shealth.

Aspromised,Ididgetane-mailfromtheambassador,who,curiously,addressedmeas

‘ChiefOlusegunAdeniyi’.IrealizedIhadsuddenlybecomeimportantinthe

calculationofthepeopleinSaudiArabia.Myinitialenthusiasmaboutthereportsoondissolvedintoanti-climax.Ireadthemedicalreport,andIcouldnotseeanyreasontocheerbecausetherewasnoclearindicationastowhenthepresidentwouldbedischargedfromthehospital.

Curiously,liketheearlierAondoakaaletter,theambassadoralsowantedmetomakethereportamediaaffair.Knowingthiswouldbecounter-productive,Ikeptthereporttomyself.Itturnedouttobeawisedecision,becauseIwastoldonlyafewhourslaterthatonreceivingthereport,Jonathansimplydismisseditwiththesewords,“Ifafterseveralweeksinthehospital,whattheyaretellingmeisthattheydon’tknowwhenhewillbedischarged,thenthesituationmustbeveryserious.”AlthoughIwasnotawareofJonathan’sdispositiontothereportatthetime,Inonethelesssenttheambassadorareplyonmythoughtsaboutit:

YourExcellency,Ireceivedacopyofthelettersenttotheactingpresident,andhavingcarefullyreviewedthecontentsandthepoliticalsituationhere,Ibelieveitisbetterwewaittoseewhathe[Jonathan]woulddowithitfirst.

Consideringthatthereisnonewpositiveinformationintheletterthatwouldbeusefulforthepublic,itisonlyrelevantforitspoliticalpurpose(directcommunicationbetweenthepresidentandactingpresident),andanyattempttoleakittothepublicfrommyendwouldbeveryunhelpful.Fromaprofessionalpointofview,itwouldalsobecounter-productive.Becausewhatthemediawouldlikelyfeastuponintheletterare‘episodesofchestinfections’and‘isolationandintensivetherapy’,whichwouldthenbemagnifiedasnewailments.

Theideabehindtheletterisgood,andperhapsifthissortofthinghadbeendoneearlier,weprobablywouldnotbeinthesituationweareintodaywherethegovernmentismoreorlessdivided,withsomeministersnowmovingtoinvokesection144oftheconstitutionwithallitsdireimplications.IwilladviseYourExcellencytore-establishlinkswiththeForeignAffairsMinister,especiallyconsideringwhathappenedin[the]FECyesterday,whentheimpressionwascreatedthatyoureportmoretotheMinistersofFCT/AgricultureaboutthehealthimprovementofthepresidentwhileleavingtheForeignMinisterinthedark.Thisdoesn’thelpanybody,especiallyatthismostcrucialperiod.

Thenextday,itbecameevidentthattheideaofthemedicalreportwastostoptheFECdelegationfromgoingtoSaudiArabia.Butitdidnothelp.Whenitbecameclearthatthedelegationwasbentonmakingthetrip,theambassadorsentatelegramtoMaduekwewithalongtaleofhowitwasdifficulttoobtainflightclearanceforofficialaircraftthatwouldconveythedelegation,becausesuchnormallytookalongtime.Healsosaidthattheyneededtoprocessalotofdocuments,whichwouldbedifficultsincethehostauthoritiesdonotentertainanyrequestsubmittedafter12noononworkdays,andthatitwouldtakefivedaystoreceivearesponsefromtheSaudiRoyalCourtinviewofotherdemandsontheking.

Giventhescenariohehadpainted,Aminchiadvisedthatitwasdesirablethatthedelegation“meetthekingoranyofhisministerssodesignatedtoshowourappreciationforthehospitalityandfreemedicalcarebeingprovidedtoourpresidentnowandbefore.

Inthecircumstancetherefore,IwishtoadvisethattheplanneddepartureofthedelegationofSunday21/2/2010beputonholduntiladefiniteappointmenttoseethekingismadebythehostauthoritiesinordertoavoidkeepingthedelegationhereforalongtimeanditsattendantembarrassment.”

WhenMaduekwegottheambassador’sletter,heinformedothermembersoftheFEC

committee,andtheymetwiththeactingpresident,whereitwasconcludedthatAminchi’sinterventionwasaploytopreventthemfromcomingtoSaudiArabia.Asaresult,itwasignored.Usinghisowncontacts,YayalewasabletosecureallthenecessaryapprovalfromtheSaudiauthorities.

OnSunday,February21,theambassadorsentanotherdesperatedispatch.Itwasalastditchefforttostaveofftheplannedvisitbythedelegation.ThelettertoMaduekweexplainedalltheactionstakenbythemissionthroughthehostauthoritiestowardssecuringanappointmentforthefederalgovernmentdelegationtodeliverthespecialmessagetotheCustodianoftheTwoHolyMosques,KingAbdullahbinAbdul-Aziz.

Theseefforts,accordingtotheambassador,hadnotyieldedresults.

Heexplainedfurther:

ItispertinenttonotethatonThursday18/2/2010,eventhoughnotaworkingdayhere,themissionsentaNoteVerbaletothehostministryofforeignaffairsintimatingitoftheimpendingvisitandrequestedforthehostministerofforeignaffairstoreceivethedelegation.HoweverasmorefactsweremadeknowntomeonFriday19/2/2010,afreshNotenumber2wassenttothehostministryofforeignaffairsrequestingforanaudienceandthedelegationtobereceivedbytheCustodianoftheTwoHolyMosques.

Similarly,yesterdayevening,theparticularsoftheflightconveyingthedelegationwerereceived,andarequestforitsclearancetolandinRiyadhinthemorningoftomorrow22/2/2010andcometoJeddahintheeveningwasfaxedtothehostministryofforeignaffairswiththeoriginalcopydeliveredthismorningSunday21/2/2010.Unfortunatelyuptothetimeofcloseofworktoday,therewasnoresponsefromthehostauthoritieswithregardtothetworequest(sic)ofthemission.

IshouldalsomentionthattheCouncilofMinisterswhichischairedbytheKingregularlymeetseveryMonday.PerhapsourrequestfortheaudiencewillbeconsideredafterthecouncilmeetinginwhichcasetheearliestwearegoingtogetaresponsewillbelateonTuesday23/2/2010.

WhileIshallcontinuetoputpressureonmycontactsbothinthehostMFAandtheRoyalCourt,YourExcellencymaywishtoconsidermyearliersuggestionthatthedepartureofthedelegationscheduledformidnighttodaybedeferreduntillaterwhenwehaveconfirmedappointmentforthedelegationtomeetwiththeking.Inthisregard,therefore,itistheconsideredviewoftheMissionthatwhiletheseeffortsareongoing,thedelegationshoulddeferitsdateofvisituntilallnecessaryarrangementsareconcludedverysoon,includingairportclearanceandbefittingprotocolreceptioninbothRiyadhandJeddah.Thiswillputonholdtheimpendingembarrassmentthisislikelytocause.

Itwasanotherfutilebidtodissuadethedelegation.Bythetimethislettercame,thedelegationhadfirmedupallthearrangementstotraveltoSaudiArabia.ItwasthereforeashockfortheambassadorwhenhewastoldbytheSaudi

authoritiesthattheNigeriandelegationwasontheirwayandhadbeenclearedbythemonarchtohaveaudiencewiththeforeignministerandlatertoseethepresident.

OnarrivalinSaudiArabia,thedelegationwastakentotheroyalpalaceinRiyadhwithanappointmenttoseetheforeignministerthatdayby7:00p.m.,Sauditime.Astheywereabouttoentertheforeignminister’soffice,theambassadortoldthedelegationratherexcitedly,“Sirs,IjustgotatextmessageonmyphonenowthatthepresidenthasbeendischargedfromthehospitalandisalreadyonhiswaybacktoNigeria.”ItwasinadazedstatethatYayaleandthefiveministerswereusheredintothepresenceoftheirhost,theforeignminister.WhentheambassadorrelayedthesamenewstotheSaudiforeignminister,hedidn’tappearpleasedashesaid,“Wearenotawareofthisdevelopment.”

TheSGF,accordingtowhathetoldme,immediatelycalledJonathantointimatehimofthedevelopment.HealsocalledtheemirofKatsina,thesultanofSokotoandthechiefofdefencestafftoalertthemastowhatwasgoingon.Theonlypersonhewasn’tabletoreachwasthechiefofarmystaff.Yayale,whosesourceshadgivenhimdetailsofthepresident’struehealthstatusasatthetimehewas‘discharged’fromhospital,knewthattheendgameintheunfortunatepoliticaldramamayhavejustbegun.

14

LikeaThiefintheNight

ThefirstindicationIgotthatthepresidentmightactuallybeonhiswaybacktothecountrycameviaanSMSaftermyphonebeepedat6:00p.m.onTuesday,November23,2009.ItwasfromOmoyeleSoworeofsaharareporters.HehadinformationthatthepresidenthadleftthehospitalandwasinfactattheSaudiairportonhiswaybacktoNigeria,hewrote.

AlthoughtherehadbeenhintsfrommypreviousdiscussionswiththeCSOandADCoftheirpossiblereturnwithintheweek,Ihadbeentoldsimilartaleson

severaloccasions,totheextentthatIhadbecomewearyandnolongerconsidereditserious.ButIthoughtitwisetocheck.Naturally,myfirstmovewastodialtheSaudilineoftheADC.Ithadbeenswitchedoff.ThenItriedhisNigerianmobilenumbers(whichwereroamed),andtheywerealsoinaccessible.Next,ItriedtheCSOalsoonallhismobilelinesbutgotthesameresults.

Sensingthatthestorymightbetrueafterall,ItriedtheSaudinumbersofthesecuritydetailsattachedtothepresident,andwhenIcouldnotreachanyofthem,IconcludedthatsurelythepresidentwasindeedonhiswaybacktoNigeriathistime.GiventhepoliticalsituationinNigeriaatthetime,theillnessofthepresident,andhiscontinuedstayinSaudiArabiahadcaughttheattentionofthecablenetworks,mostofwhichhaddetailedtheircorrespondentsinSaudiArabiatomonitorthesituation.Itwasthereforenosurprisethatthemomentthepresidentleftthehospital,theyimmediatelyalertedtheircorrespondentsinNigeria.

Atthepresidentialvilla,itwasalsonotdifficultforStateHousecorrespondentstoguessthatthepresidentwasonhiswayhome,especiallywhentroopsfromtheBrigadeofGuardsbeganmovingtowardstheairport.Implicitly,alltheplanscontrivedinSaudiArabiabythehandlersofthepresidenttomakethemovementasecretaffairhadbecomefutile.Nothingcouldbemoreironic.BythetimethecharteredairambulanceandthepresidentialjetarrivedattheAbujainternationalairportafewminutesapartatabout1:45

a.m.,thevicinitywasswarmingwithseveralpressmen,andCNN,withacamerahiddeninthesurroundingbush,wasabletocapturethearrival.LikemostNigerians,IalsowatchedthesadepisodeliveonCNNasoneoftheaircraftwasmadetostopinthemiddleofthetarmacwhileanambulancewasdriventotheplanetoevacuatethepresident.Eventhoughtheevacuationwassoexpertlydoneastoobscureanyglimpseofitfromthecamera,Isensedtroublebecausewhatwashappeningcouldonlymeanonething:thepresidentwasbroughtbackhomestillsick.Iknewthiswouldonlycomplicatethepoliticalsituation,andIfearedthatmyjobwouldevenbefarmoredifficultthanitalreadywas.

Iwaitedforaboutanhouraftertheconvoy’sarrivalatthevillabeforedrivinginaround3:30a.m.,whereuponIwentstraighttotheresidenceoftheADC,whohadjustcomebackfromthepresident’sresidence.Thestresswasquiteevidentonhisface,butsincehehadbeengoneforsuchalongperiod,ourdiscussiondweltinitiallyonmundaneissuesbeforeprogressing,atmyprodding,tothe

rathertouchyterrainofthepresident’scondition.

TheADCandIareverygoodfriendsandwerealwaysopentowardsoneanother,butonthisnighthewasveryedgyandevasive,evendefensive.Icouldn’tgetmuchoffhim,soIdecidedtoseetheCSO,whoappearedtobemoreagreeabledespitehisapparentnervousness.InresponsetomyquestionastowhetherthepresidentwasstrongenoughtoattendtheFederalExecutiveCouncilmeetinginthemorning,hewentintoalongmonologueofhowthepresidenthadrecoveredandhadbecomestrong,buthadbeenexhaustedbythestressofthetripandwouldneedafewmoredaystorest.TheconclusionwasthatnotonlywouldhefailtoattendtheFECmeeting,hewouldstillneed

“afewmoredaystorecuperate”beforehecouldbegintoseevisitors.

“Ofcourse,thepresident[will]seehimlatertoday,”wastheCSO’sreplytomyquestionaboutthepossibilityofthepresidentseeingJonathanduringtheday.

Despitehisassurance,Icouldn’tfindanyconvictioninhisresponse.IdidaconcisereviewofmyunderstandingofthepoliticalsituationfortheCSOandwhereIthoughtthevariousactorsstood,notingalsohowNigeriahadchangedintheabsenceofthepresidentandtheimplicationsofhavinghimaroundinthevillaifhewasn’tfittoresumeoffice.

“Wehaveacrisisonourhandsandit’simportantforallthepresidentialaidestocollaborateonhowwewillmanagethesituation,”Iexplained,andsuggestedthatalltheaidesmetat9:00a.m.,anhourbeforetheFECmeeting.Theaimwastoenableustomakeanappropriatedecisionwithregardtothewayforward.ImmediatelyIlefttheCSO,IdrovestraighttoGamesVillagetomeetmyfriend,WaziriAdio,whomIhadcalledearliertoexpectme.IcoulddowithsomeadvicebecauseIknewIwouldbeinaverydifficultpositionlaterthatmorning.Bynowitwasabout4:30a.m.Eversoperceptive,Waziriadvisedmetobecalm.Hepointedoutthatifthepresidentwasnotinapositiontoattendthecouncilmeeting,thenIwouldhavetosaysomething.WeagreedthatwhateverwillbesaidhadtobesomethingthatwouldappealtothesentimentofNigerians.Theonlythingthatwouldsoothenerves,webothagreed,wasforthepresidenttothankallNigerians,apologizefortheproblemscausedbyhisillhealthandconcludebysayinghewouldspendtheremainingmonthsofhisadministrationworkingtowardsreformingtheelectoralprocess,culminatingintheconductofelectionsin2011inwhichhewouldnotbeaparticipant.

WhilethereweremanyNigeriansgenuinelyaggrievedbythemannerinwhichYar’Adua’sillnesswashandled,wealsodidnotmissthefactthatbeneaththebileseeninsomereactionslaythepoliticsofthe2011elections.SowefeltthatthemomentwetookYar’Aduaoutofthatequation,thepressurewouldeaseconsiderably.Ithadbeenatripworththetrouble.IleftWaziritohelpwiththedraftanddrovebacktothevilla.

Onmywayback,Iputacallthroughtothespecialadviseronnationalassembly,SenatorAbbaAji,who,Iknew,alsohadabigroletoplayintheemergingscenario.Hewentstraighttothepoint:“Isittruethepresidenthasreturned?”heasked.Itoldhimhehad.

Heraisedseveralotherquestions,butItoldhimitwasn’tanissuewecouldconvenientlydiscussonthephoneandaddedthatitwasimportantwebothmetimmediately.“Icancometoyourhouseifyoucoulddescribethelocation,”Irecalltellinghim.Hewaskindenoughtovolunteertocometomyhouse.

Hearrivedaround5:30a.m.Thistime,Iwentstraighttothepoint.“So,whatdowedonow?”Iaskedhim.Hisresponsewasafurtherprobeofthepresident’shealth;questionsaboutwhichIhadnoclue.Ourdiscussiononlymadethedilemmaofthemomentmoreapparent,soItoldhimIwouldinsistonseeingthepresidentwhenIgotbacktothevilla.

AbbaAjicouldnotreconcilethefactofthepresident’shomecomingdespitenotbeingfullyfittoresumedutywiththechallengingsituationalreadyonground.Hewentontoexplainalltheimplicationstome:IthadapotentialtocreateapoliticalcrisisinthenationandalsoengenderseriousproblemsthatmaybeverydifficulttomanageattheNationalAssembly.Headvisedthatifthepresidentwasnotstrongenoughtoresumeoffice,itwouldbenecessaryforhimtonowwritetheNationalAssemblyaformalletterrequestingavacation.AccordingtoAbbaAji,thelettershouldcontainanapologyfromthepresidenttothelawmakersoverhisinabilitytowriteearlier.“Hecouldattributethattothefactthatheleftthenationinahurry,”heexplained.Ithoughtitwaswell-meaningadvice,butwasnotsureitwouldbetakenwithenthusiasm.

Despitehavingscheduledourpresidentialaidesmeetingfor9:00a.m.,wedidn’treallygatherintheCSO’sofficeuntilabout10:00a.m.,atwhichtimetherewasalreadytensionintheair,astheministershadarrivedfortheweeklyFederalExecutiveCouncilsession,whichnormallybeginsby10:00a.m.Astheymilled

around,eachcalledmetoaskaquestionthatwasunderstandablysimilar:“Howisoga?”Alleyeswereonme.Itwasadisconcertingmoment.

OnlysixofuseventuallymadethemeetingattheCSO’soffice,sinceHamzaandtheCPPwerewiththepresident.TheSCOPhadnotreturnedtothevilla,andsomehow,thePLOwasalsonotaround.Thosegatheredthatmorningtotakeacrucialdecisiononthereturnofthepresidentwerethereforeme,DavidEdevbie,MattAikhionbare,InuwaBaba,theADCandtheCSO.

ItoldthemthatIwasunderincreasingpressurefromjournalistswhowantedtoconfirmthearrivalofthepresidentinadditiontohisstateofhealth.Whereasitwasmyresponsibilitytoannouncethearrivalofthepresident,Itoldthegathering,thereisequallyasenseofproprietythatmakesmyinclusionofacaveatimperative:Fromaprofessionalstandpoint,Icouldn’tpossiblydothatwithoutseeingthepresident!

Thisgeneratedthefirstcrisisinourmeeting.TheCSOtriedtocajolemewiththeexcusethatthepresidentwasasleepandthatdoctorshadadvisedthatheshouldrisebyhimselfandneverberousedfromhissleep.Therewashardlyanyheadwayforfifteenminutesaswearguedonthispoint.ThatwasthepositionwewereinwhenTanimu,whowaslookingforEdevbie,cameinandjoinedusatthemeeting.ButhispresencewasnotinanywayhelpfulashiscommentsgavetheimpressionthatIwassoundingunreasonablebymyinsistencethatIhadtoseethepresidentbeforeIcouldissueastatementonhisreturn.

Iconsideredhisremarkuncharitable,andasweargued,theCSOplacatedmewiththesewords:“Calmdown,Segun,youwillseethepresidentlatertoday.Butweneedtocalmthenationdownfirst.”Aftermanypleasfromeveryone,especiallyEdevbie,whoarguedthatthetensioninthecountrywasalreadypalpable,IinformedthegroupIalreadyhadadraft.

Calmingthenationdownasweagreedmeantconfirmingthearrivalofthepresidentandaffirmingthatthestatusquowouldremain,inwhichcaseJonathanwouldcontinuetobeinchargesinceitwasevidentYar’Aduawasstillunwell.It’sinstructivetonotethatwe—barringtheADCandtheCSO—wereasyetignorantofhowbadthepresident’shealthwas.ButweallagreedthatJonathanwouldcontinuetoruntheaffairsofthecountryashewasalready.

Theissueofwhetherhewouldcontinuetobecalledactingpresidentcameup,

andweallfeltthatitwasabsurdtohaveapresidentandactingpresidentinthecountry.Withthereturnofthepresident,JonathanautomaticallygoesbacktobeingVP,wethought.Therewasnotmuchdebateaboutthisatall.Itwasapositionweunanimouslyagreedon.

Withthebenefitofhindsight,particularlygivenwhatIlaterglimpsedaboutthemedicalstateinwhichthepresidentwasbroughtinandgiventhebackgroundinformationIwouldlaterhaveaboutthetrickynegotiationsthathadledtotheNationalAssemblyresolution,IwouldhavesuggestedaddressingJonathanasactingpresident.It’sunlikelytherewouldhavebeenmuchresistance.

Thefact,however,remainsthatIparticipatedfullyinthedecisiontoaddressJonathanasVP,butitwasbynomeansoutofdisrespectormischief.TherewassilenceasIbegantoread,butTanimuinterjectedthatthestatementwastoolongandcontainedunnecessarydetails.Abouteveryoneagreedwithhimthatthestatementshouldbequitebrief.Soattheend,wedecidedweshouldjustannouncethearrivalofthepresident,thankNigeriansandsaythattheVPwouldcontinuetorunthecountry’saffairsuntilthepresidentwaswellenough.Soattheend,itwasnotanybodydictatingtome;itwasmycall.Ireleasedthefollowingstatement:

AfterbeingdischargedbytheteamofmedicalexpertsoverseeinghistreatmentintheKingdomofSaudiArabia,PresidentUmaruMusaYar’Aduareturnedtothepresidentialvilla,Abuja,earlythismorning.PresidentYar’Aduaisgratefultothevicepresident,Dr.GoodluckEbeleJonathan,forcompetentlyoverseeingtheaffairsofstateinhisabsence.

ThepresidentalsowishestothankthepresidentoftheSenate,theSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,theentiremembershipoftheNationalAssembly,theGovernors’Forum,thejudiciary,thearmedforces,andothersecurityagencies,formerheadsofstateandothereminentNigeriansfortheirrolesinmaintainingorderandstabilityduringhisabsence.

Mr.PresidentwishestoreassureallNigeriansthatonaccountoftheirunceasingprayersandbythespecialgraceofGod,hishealthhasgreatlyimproved.However,whileMr.Presidentrecuperatesthevicepresidentwillcontinuetooverseetheaffairsofstate.

IhadbarelyfinishedthedraftwhenIgotacallfromtheCSO’sofficeinvitingmetoanothermeeting.Gettingtotheoffice,Ifoundtheheadofservice,Mr.SteveOronsaye,InuwaandtheCSOdiscussinganothersensitiveissuethatcouldbesummarizedinthesewords:Couldtheactingpresidentsitonthepresident’schairinsidethecouncilchambers?ThedebatearosefromanearliermeetingbetweenOronsayeandJonathan.OronsayesaidJonathanaskedhimaboutwherehewouldsitifhecametotheFECmeetinginviewofthearrivalofthepresident.HehadactuallyadvisedJonathantositonthevicepresident’schair,butJonathanrepliedthathewouldrathernotcometotheFECmeeting.Oronsayesaidhisadvicewasbasedonthefactthatthepresidentwasbacktothevilla,althoughhealsodidnotknowinwhatstate.

InuwaandIcautionedthatacrisismayensueifthecouncilmeetingfailedtoholdthatday,andstressedtheneedforJonathantobepersuadedtoattend,inwhichcasehehadtositonthepresident’schair.TheCSOagreedwithme,andtogetherwiththeADC,hewenttopleadwithJonathantoattendthemeetingwiththeassurancethathecouldsitonthepresident’schair.

IhadbythenreleasedmystatementwiththeunderstandingthatJonathanwouldpresideovertheFEC.Mythoughtswerethatifhedidattendandsatonthepresident’sseat,thesewouldbeindicationshewaseffectivelyincharge.Justafewminuteslater,however,IgatheredthatJonathanwasnolongercomingtotheFECmeetingowingtotheministerialdelegation’sreturnfromSaudiArabia.

Shortlyafter,Yayalecameintothecouncilchamberstoannouncethatministersshouldassembleintheofficeoftheactingpresident.WhatIdidn’tknowatthetime—butwaslatertold,however—wasthatasecuritydetailhadbeenassignedtostandbehindthepresident’schairbefore10:00a.m.tosecureitfromany‘intruder’,whichinthiscasewouldbeJonathan.Also,byaddressingJonathanasVPinmystatement,IhadunwittinglyenteredthepoliticalfrayeventhoughatthatpointIdidn’tunderstandhowbigafussitwouldgenerate.

Thepoliticaldramahadbeguninthenightwhenthepresidentarrivedattheresidencewheretheflagofcommanderinchiefwasbeingflown.Atthattime,AkinolaAgudaHouse,whereJonathan,asactingpresident,resided,alsocarriedtheflagofcommanderinchief.ButbeyondthesymbolismwasthefactthattheBrigadeofGuardshaddeployedtroopstotheairportwithenormousweaponry

toreceivethepresidentbackintothevillawithoutasmuchasnotifyingJonathan.

AlthoughtheADChadfollowedthenormalstandardoperatingprocedureincallingfromSaudiArabiatoseekmilitaryreinforcement,thefactthatJonathanwas,atleastgoingbytheNationalAssemblyresolution,alsocommanderinchiefmeantthattroopsshouldnothavebeendeployedwithouthisconsent.

Bythenextmorning,therewasalsothedilemmaofhimdrivingintothevillawiththeinsigniaofcommanderinchiefonhiscar.Therewerefearsamonghiscloseaidesthathecouldbeshotbythesoldiers.Atthispoint,Azazihadbecomehisadviser,andhepointedoutalltheseeminglandminesfromthemilitarypointofview.Thesituationwasevenmorecompoundedbyamixofethnicityandreligion,especiallygivenasecurityreportthatemanatedfromNigeria,acopyofwhichwasinterceptedbyoneoftheWesternembassiesinNigeria.

Thereport,believedtohavebeensentshortlybeforetheministerialdelegationtookofffromNigeria,wastotheeffectthattheplotagainstYar’AduawasmeanttoinstallaChristiantosupplantaMuslim.Signalsfromthemilitarywerealsohazy,withfearsthatsomesoldierscouldtakeoutbothYar’AduaandJonathan.Theseweresomeofthedynamicsplayingoutthatday,butitwasn’tuntilverymuchlaterthatIcouldunderstandthecomplexwebofintrigueamidwhichIhadfoundmyself.

ThefirstcallIgotwasfromImaNiboro,whotoldmethatJonathanwantedtoknowifhewasnolongeractingpresident.Thencameaflurryofphonecallsfromotheraides.Bythen,IknewIwasintrouble.EventhoughwehadanticipatedthatsomepeoplemightquestiontherationalebehindaddressingJonathanasactingpresident,nooneimagineditwasgoingtobeasseriousasitbecame.(Onapersonalnote,whatIfeltwasimportantatthetimewasthatJonathanwouldcontinuetoruntheaffairsofthecountry.Butgiventhathewantedtoknowwhathisofficialstatuswas,ItoldImatoissueastatementthatwouldcontradictminebycallingJonathanactingpresident.)Lookingback,ifIhadfelt‘actingpresident’wastheappropriatetermtouseinmystatement,Idoubtthatanybodywouldhavestoppedme.ThatisthereasonIfoundtheinsinuationsthatIhadtakeninstructionsfromtheFirstLadyratherridiculous,especiallywhenIdidnotgettomeetwithheruntilfourdaysaftertheyhadreturnedfromSaudiArabia.

Instructively,therewerewhispersthatdaywithinthevillathatYar’Aduacouldbeplayingthe‘Katsinatrick’oneveryone.Itwassuchastrongrumourthatmanypeoplebelieved,hencetherewasnotmuchgravitationtowardsJonathanthatday.The‘Katsinatrick’referredtohowYar’AduahadreturnedtoKatsinaStateaftersixmonthsinaGermanhospital.ItwassaidthathisthendeputyhadgivenhimupasdeaduntilYar’Aduahad‘resurrected’inthestate,causingseriouscommotion.OnFebruary23,2010,manywithinthevillawereexpectingasimilaroccurrence.Nobodyknewwhattobelieve.SomeministerswereevensayinghecouldattendtheFECmeetingthatday.

Depressedandconfused,Icalledmyformerboss,NdukaObaigbena,aboutthechallengeIwasnowfacing.HecametoAbuja,andafterIexplainedthescenariotohim,hesoughtanappointmentforameetingwithJonathanthatnight.Thereassuringfeedbackwasthatbythenextmorning,Jonathanwouldcallameetingofallpresidentialaides,includingtheCSOandtheADC.Atthemeeting,hewouldreadtheriotact,telleverybodyhewasincharge,andImaNiboroandIwouldjointlyaddressthemedia,atwhichtimeIwouldreaffirmloyaltytoJonathanasactingpresident.Itwasallagreed,andIfeltthiswouldresolvetheproblem.

Onmywaytotheofficethenextmorning,IdecidedtoseeObaigbenaagain,andwhileweweretogether,ImaNiborocalledandwasinvitedoverbyObaigbena.InreviewingthepoliticalsituationwithregardtomystatementwhereJonathanwasaddressedasVP,ItoldhimthattheissueofactingpresidentwasnotsoseriousandthatIactuallyhadanacethatexoneratesme,assumingtherewasanyoppositionfromthepresident’sside.ItoldImathatinthemedicalreportthepresidenthadsentfromSaudiArabiathepreviousweek,Jonathanwasaddressedasactingpresident.IsaidthatwassufficientevidencetoshowthatevenYar’AduarecognizedJonathanasactingpresident.

ItwasasurprisetomethatImawasnotevenawareofthereport,andwhenheaskedwhetherIcouldgiveittohim,IpromisedIwould.ObaigbenaalsowantedTHISDAYtohaveit,butIdeclined.AmajorfeatureofmystayatthevillawasthatIdeprivedTHISDAYofsomanystories.NotonlydidInotgivethemexclusives,theyalsodownplayedseveralstoriestheysourcedontheirownjusttoprotectme,becauseIwouldbetheobvioussuspectofaleak,evenwhenImightnotknowanythingaboutit.

Ieventuallygottotheofficearound10:00a.m.,andataboutthesametimethe

ADCandtheCSOalsocameinaswewaitedforwordfromtheofficeoftheactingpresidentaboutthemeeting,andnothingcame.Severaltimes,wecalledhisofficeandthatofhisaides,andwheneverwemadeenquiries,weweretoldthemanwasbusyandthatthemeetingwouldhold.

Whenatabout4:00p.m.,hestillhadnotcalledus,IdecidedtointervenebygrantinganinterviewtotheNigerianTelevisionAuthority(NTA).SincethecontentiousissuewasthefactthatIhadcalledJonathanVP,IfeltthatIcouldredeemthesituationsimplybyaddressinghimasactingpresident.

ThefirstquestionwasonthestatusofJonathanfollowingthereturnofYar’Adua.Iensuredmyresponseaddressedtheissuethatagitatedthemindsofcritics:“Theactingpresidentandcommanderinchief,Dr.GoodluckJonathancontinuestoruntheaffairsofthecountryuntilthepresident(UmaruMusaYar’Adua)isfittotakeover.Thestatementisveryclearthattheactingpresidentcontinuestoruntheaffairsofthenation.AndthatremainsthesituationasfarasIamconcerned,andasfarasthepresidentisconcerned.”ThenextquestionwasinrelationtothefateofYar’Adua’saidesundertheactingpresidencyofJonathan,giventhathealsohadhiscorpsofaides.Thiswasmyreply:“Werunonepresidency,andtheactingpresidenthasalreadycalledforameeting,andIbelievethemeetingwillholdtomorrow,tobriefusonhowthingswillgoandhowhewillrunthepresidency.Everybodyisincluded,especiallythosewhojustreturnedfromSaudiArabia.So,it’sjustonepresidency,andweareallunderDr.Jonathannowastheactingpresidentandcommanderinchiefuntilthepresidentreturnstoofficefully.”AfterIhadsuccessfullynavigatedthisissue,thereportersoughtclarificationaboutthestatementthattheactingpresidentwantedtomeetwithTuraiYar’Adua,towhichIremarked:“Ifyouaskanybodywhowasatthemeeting,heorshewilltellyouthatwhatyouhavethereinthepressisnotwhatactuallyhappened.Iwasnotactuallythere.Ihadsomeworkthatkeptmeintheoffice,andbeforeIgotthere,themeetingwasover.WhatIgleaned,however,wasthattheactingpresidentsaidthepresidenthadarrivedbutthathehasyettoseehim.HesuggestedthathewouldseetheFirstLady,whichwasjustamatterofcourtesy.

“So,whenyouhearthatTuraiisincharge,Turaitakesover,allthosethingsarenotcorrect.It’sveryunfairtotheFirstLadyatatime[when]sheisnursingherhusband.So,thereisnosuchthing,andyoudon’texpecttheactingpresident,Dr.Jonathan,toreporttotheFirstLady.Itisabnormal,anditwon’thappen.WhattheactingpresidentactuallysaidwasthathewasgoingtoseetheFirst

Ladyandaskaboutthehusband,thatisthepresident,andprobablyseehim.Tome,itisanormalsituation,which,Ibelieve,isthenaturalthingtodo.”

Thelastquestiondweltontherelationshipbetweenthepresidentandtheactingpresident,towhichIreplied,“Good,verycordialrelation.IknowforafactthatwhenthepresidentwasinSaudiArabia,themedicalreportofthepresidentwassenttotheactingpresidentontheinstructionofthepresident.ThelastonewaslastFriday.Dr.Salisu,theCPP,senttotheactingpresidentthroughtheambassadoraforwardingletter.Iwascopied.Ihaveacopyofthemedicalreportonthepresident’shealth.Andifyoureadthelettersentbythepresident,headdressedDr.Jonathanastheactingpresident.Ihaveacopyoftheletter.

“Theyhavealwayshadacordialrelationship.AndIalsoknowforafactthatseveraltimesinthecouncil,whenthepresidentwaspresiding,healwayssaiditthatanytimehewasunavailable,nomemoshouldwaitforhim,thatthey(ministers)shouldgototheactingpresident,whowasthenthevicepresident.Andalso,whentherewasfrictionbetweenministersandministersofstate,heoftencitedthekindofcordialrelationshiphehadwithDr.GoodluckJonathanthenashisvicepresident.So,asfarasIamconcerned,theyhadaverycordialrelationship.”

Myinterviewwaslavishlyairedonallthetelevisionchannelsandprintmediathenextday,andIfeltthatthesubtlerebuttalwouldatleastattractsomesympathyandwouldhelpdefusetension.ItturnedoutthatIwaswrong,asitcreatedanotherproblemforme.

BytheafternoonofSaturday,fourdaysafterthepresident’sreturn,IgotacallfromImaNiborothattheactingpresidentwantedtoseeme.

IdrovetoAkinolaAgudaHouseandmethimandImaatthelunchtable.Therewasnopretension;hewasnotinafriendlymood.HesaidhehadreceivedseveralphonecallsconcerningtheinterviewIhadgrantedthemedia,whereIclaimedthatthepresidenthadbeensendinghimmedicalreportsfromSaudiArabia.HetoldmeIwasawareoftheonlyonehehadreceived,whichwasinitselfveryindicting.Mystatementwasmisleadingandwascausinghimpoliticalproblems,heexplainedandadded,“PleaseSegun,youknowIlikeyoualot,soIdon’twanttobeforcedtodisclaimyourstatement,butImaybeforcedto.”

IquicklyinterruptedthatIwouldclarifythestatementimmediately.ItwasveryevidenttomeatthatpointthatIhadunwittinglybeencaughtinthewebofacomplexpowergameinwhichIgotfurtherentangledthemoreItriedtoextricatemyself.MyallusiontothemedicalreportintheinterviewwasseenasadeliberateploytomakeJonathanlookbad.IexplainedthecircumstancesunderwhichIhadtalkedaboutthemedicalreportandtoldhimImawasawitness.HeknewthatmyintentionwastovalidatethepointthatevenYar’AduahadacknowledgedthatJonathanwasactingpresident.Thatissueofthemedicalreport,itlateremerged,wastheweaponthatwouldbeusedagainstmeinthemediabythosewhoclaimedtobesupportingJonathan.

AninstancewasaconferencewitheditorsinLagoscalledbyaprominentpersoningovernmentwhorailedagainstmy“negativeroleforthecabal,”claimingthatI“hadbecomeatoolinthehandsofTurai”andthatIhadconceivedtheissueofthemedicalreportinordertoembarrassJonathan.IlearntafewdayslaterthattheissueofthemedicalreportwasbeingusedbyopponentsofJonathan,especiallyfromthenorth,whoarguedthathenevermentionedthefactthatheeverreceivedanysuchreportfromSaudiArabia.

So,inretrospect,Iunderstandthebasisofhisangertowardsme,eventhoughImademystatementwithoutanymaliciousintent.First,Ifelt,likeJonathan,thatthemedicalreportwasnotinanywayhelpfultoYar’Adua,andhencepreferredthatitbekeptoutofpublicview.Indeed,thatwaswhatItoldtheNigerianambassadorwhohadsentitfromSaudiArabia.Innotrevealingthemedicalrecord,Jonathanwasdoingthepresidentaworldofgood.Secondly,themedicalreportcameonlyaweekbeforethepresident’sarrival.Also,inalludingtoitinmyinterview,InevermeantitasanindictmentofJonathan,butrathertoreinforcehispositionasactingpresident.ThedecisiontobringuptheissueofthemedicalreportwasnotinanywaymeanttoundermineJonathan’spoliticalfortune,itwastoenhanceit,buthishandlerssawitdifferently,andIunwittinglybecameapawninwhathadbecomeacomplexpowergame.

WhilethepoliticiansweresuckedintheunfoldingintriguesandholdingseveralmeetingsinAbuja,themainconcernandchallengeformethenwasfortheactingpresidenttomeetwiththepresident.ThatwaswhatIkeptpushingfor.Fourdaysafterthepresidentarrived,IfinallycameacrosstheFirstLadyontheeveningofSaturday,November26.

Shelookedverypaleandemaciated,andItoldherso.Iaskedaboutthe

president,andwehadabriefchatbeforeIleft.Wewereneverreallyclose,anditwasalmostalwaysuncomfortablewheneverwemet.Maybeitwasmyfault.

Fromtheoutset,Ihaddecidedthatitwasbestformetosimplysticktomyofficialassignmentandavoidher,butIhadtoldherhusbandthatIwouldbewillingtoofferhelpanytimesheneededme.Sincesheneversoughtmyassistance,Ialsodidnotbothertocourther,whichwasgoodforme.Butatthispointwhennobodycouldseethepresident,Iknewthedecisionwasherstomake,soIofferedmyadvicethatitwasintheinterestofeveryoneforthepresidenttomeetwiththeactingpresident.Sheagreedwithme,butshewasnon-committalastowhensuchameetingwouldtakeplace.

IfeltawkwardeachdaypeopleaskedwhetherIhadseenthepresident.Convinceditwasbettertobefrankoversuchamatter,myreplywasalwaysinthenegative.Yettellingthetruthalsomademelookridiculous,ifnotstupid.HowcouldIclaimtobespokesmanforsomeoneIhadnotseen,apresidentonwhosebehalfIhadissuedastatementtotheworld?Ihadbynowbecometheobjectofpublicderision.Ihadtoendureallkindsofsnideremarksandcouldneithersleepatnightnoreat.Itwasanoverwhelmingsituation.

TendaysafterthearrivalfromSaudiArabia,IhadstillnotseenYar’Adua.ThatwasthedayIdecidedIcouldnolongeracceptthesituation.FollowingaseriesoffailedpromisesfromtheCSOandtheADC,Iknewitwasnotadecisiontheycouldmake,soIwenttothehomeofaconfidantoftheFirstLadywithasimpledemand.“Ifyourpeoplewillkillmetoday,Iampreparedtodie,butifIdonotseeYar’Aduatoday,Iamgoingtoresign,”Itoldher.

Screaming,ItoldthefriendoftheFirstLadythattherewasnothinganybodycouldhidefrommeaboutYar’Adua,asIhadseentheworstofhim.Evenifhewasinacomaoronlifesupport,Ineededtoseehimthatday,otherwisetheywouldhearitfromtheairwavesthatIhadresigned,Isaid.

Apparentlyseeingasideofmethatshehadnotseenbefore,theFirstLady’sconfidantputacalltotheCSOandtheADCandinvitedthemtoherhouse,sayingshehadabigcrisisonherhands.Withintenminutes,theADCandtheCSOhadarrivedandthetriodidalltheycouldtocalmme,butIinsistedthatifIdidn’tseethepresident,therewasnowayIcouldremainhisspokesmanbeyondthatday.IknewIwasmakingaverydifficultrequest,havingbeentoldbyoneofthesecuritymenwhowentwiththemtoSaudiArabiaonthedaythey

returnedthatthelasttimehesawthepresidentwasthedaytheywereleavingNigeria.ThismeantthatthroughouttheirsojourninSaudiArabiaheneversawthepresidentwhoselifehewassupposedtobeprotecting.Andgiventhewaythereturnwasorganized,healsohadnotseenthepresidentevenwhentheytravelledandreturnedtogether!Butmymindwasmadeup.ItwasfromHamzathatIlearntthatmyrequesthadbeengrantedabouttwohoursafterIarrivedhome.HecalledtosaythatIshouldbeonthealert,thatanytimethepresidentwasawake,hewouldcallsoIcouldcometoseehim.

ThatcallgavemeasurgeofreliefbecausewhileIhadresolvedtoresign,Ialsorealizeditwouldfurtherworsenthepoliticalsituation,giventheethnicslantthatcouldbegiventomyaction.

Besides,IgenuinelylikedYar’Aduaandenjoyedworkingwithhim.So,naturally,Iempathizedwithhimandwouldnotwanttobeseenashavingbetrayedhim.Yet,IconsideredmypositionuntenableifIcouldnotseehim.Rathersurprisingly,IwouldlaterlearnthatwhentheFirstLadywastoldofmyrequest,herresponsewas,“Lethimcomeandseebaba.Ihavebeentoldthatpeoplearenowabusingthepoorboy.”Unfortunately,itwasaround2:00a.m.whenHamzacalledthatfirstday.Iwasasleepandsocouldn’tmakeit.Butthreedayslater,IwentwiththeADCtothepresident’slivingroom.Iwasmadetotakeoffmyshoesand,ordinarily,shouldhavebeendisinfectedinadditiontoafewotherhealthprotocolsatthattime.

ImetthepresidentseatedwiththedoctorandHamzabesidehim,holdinghishands.Hewasbarelyrecognizable.Iwasintroducedbutgiventhevacantlookonhisface,Iwasnotsocertainherecognizedme.He,however,managedtonodhisheadinacknowledgmentofmypresence.Yet,eventhathadtakenconsiderableeffortandtime.Imumbledafewwordsofgreetingandleftwithoutevenbeingexcused.Ihadseenenoughtomakemecrylater.AlthoughIfeltasenseofreliefthatIhadseenhim,Ifeltreallysadabouttheconditionhewasin.WhileIhadhopesthathewouldrecover,IhadnoillusionsthatthepersonIhadseenthatdaywouldeverbestrongenoughtoresumeaspresidentwithinthetimeleftforhismandatetoelapse.ThatexplainswhyIwasquiteskepticalwhenstoriessuggestinghehadfullyrecoveredbegantosurface.Thereweretalesinthemediaaboutthepresidentbeingsightedwalkinginthegardenorgoingtothelibrary.Iknewtheywereliesandtoldeveryeditororreporterthatcontactedmetoignoresuchtales.Somedid,butsomestillwentaheadtopublishtheliestheywerefed.

15

BeginningoftheEnd

WhileitwaseasyforYar’AduatobekeptawayfromalltheNigeriandelegationsthatmadeattemptstoseehiminSaudiArabia,itwasinconceivablethatasimilarploycouldbesustainedwithinthepresidentialvillawithoutconsequences.Yetoneweekafterhereturnedunexpectedlytothecountry,stilltoofrailtorule,nobodyoutsideofhisimmediatefamily,theCSOandtheADCcouldseehim.Evenwithinthefamily,therewasgrowingdiscontentvoicedmostlybyfemalesiblings,whoapparentlyhadtheirowngrouseagainsttheFirstLady,whomtheyfelthadshutthemoutfromseeingtheirbrother.Themajorheadlinenews,however,camewhenthegovernorsandtopechelonsofthePDPwhocametothevillaostensiblytoseethepresidentwereturnedback.

Allthisdidgreatharmtothepresident’simageandalsostokedthepoliticalcrisisthathisreturntothecountryhadengendered.ThatJonathanhadnotbeenallowedtoseehimwasperplexingformeandafewotherswhoknewtheimplicationofthat,butwithconflictingreportsatthatpointeitherdisputingoraffirmingthattheduohadmet,thesituationwasstillmanageable.OnMarch1,2010,however,JonathandecidedtoputpaidtothespeculationswhenImaNiboroissuedastatementtotheeffectthattheactingpresidenthadnotseentheailingpresidentsincehearrivedthecountry.

Inwhathedescribedasaclarificationtosomemisleadingreportsinthemedia“thattheactingpresident,Dr.GoodluckEbeleJonathan,metwithPresidentYar’Aduathismorning,”Niborostatedfortherecordthat“theactingpresidenthasnotseenthepresidentsincehisreturnfromSaudiArabialastweek.”Theimpactofthisstatementwasdevastating,becauseitfurtheralienatedthepresidentevenfromthosesympathetictohisplight,whofounditdifficulttocomprehendasituationwherehecouldbelockedawayinAsoRockwithoutseeinganybody,includinghisdeputy.

Theissuebecame,understandably,adominantmediaandpublicdiscourse.ButJonathanbythenseemedtohaveconcludeditwasnolongeranissue,ashebegantoincreasinglyasserthimselfinthepolity.OnthedayhestatedhehadyettoseeYar’Adua,Jonathannamedapresidentialadvisorycommittee,comprisingprominentnamesacrossthecountry,whoseresponsibility,hesaid,wouldbeto

provideinputongovernmentpolicy.

HeadedbyDanjuma,therewasnoclearagendaforthisbodythatwassetup,apparently,tosendasignalthatJonathanwasnowfullyincharge.

ThepopularsentimentatthispointwasthatthereturnofthepresidentfromSaudiArabiawasnotonlyanactofpoliticaldesperation,butamovecapableofderailingNigeria’sdemocraticproject.Thatsoonbroughttheinevitablerecognitionwithin,andaringingendorsementby,theinternationalcommunitythatpowerhadchangedhandsinNigeriawithJonathanasthenewmantodealwith.InextendinganinvitationtoJonathantovisittheWhiteHouse,PresidentObamavoicedAmerica’sconcernatYar’Adua’ssurprisearrivalinthecountrywhenhewasevidentlynotwellenoughtogovern.ThethenBritishprimeminister,Mr.GordonBrown,alsowroteJonathantoofferthesupportofhisgovernment.

ItwaspainfultoseeYar’Adua,holedupinsideAsoRock,descendgraduallyintoanobjectofridiculewithallmannerofmediareportsabouthowhehadbeenkeptinamobileintensivecareunitwiththeFirstLadycontrollingaccesstohim.Therewerealsoreportsthatitwashiscorpsethatwasbroughttothevilla.Allthese,ofcourse,werefabrications.Butintheabsenceofanyofficialinformationaboutthepresident,allthetales,howeveroutlandish,werebelieved.

Itwaswrong-headednottohaveallowedJonathantoseehim,butIalsocouldhazardaguessastothecoldcalculationsbehindthemove.Whenthepresidentwasbroughtbackintothecountry,hecouldnottalk.Tosurmountthischallenge,somespeechtherapistsfromaNorthAfricancountrywerecontracted,withpledgesfromtheseexpertsthatYar’Aduawouldbeabletospeakinamatterofdaysaftertheirsessionswithhim.ThedesireoftheFirstLady,frommyunderstandingofthesituation,wasthatbythetimeherhusbandwouldmeetwithJonathan,heshouldbeableto,atleast,exchangegreetingsandperhapsutterafewwords.ShefearedthatexposingYar’AduatoJonathaninthestatehewaswouldonlyleadtooneconclusion:thathewaspermanentlyincapacitated!

SincerelinquishingthepresidencywasnotanoptionfortheFirstLady(theonlypersonwhocouldpossiblymakesuchadecision),Jonathan’svisit,whichsheactuallydesired,becameamerewishbecauseofthehealthconditionofthepresident.

Therewereotherpeoplewhoalsonursedthehopethatwheneverthatmeetingtookplace,Yar’Aduawouldbeabletogivesome‘instructions’toJonathan.Theyevenhadthesortof‘instructions’theywantedYar’Aduatogive,andtoponthelistwasthatheshouldaskthatthesecretarytothegovernmentofthefederation,AlhajiYayaleAhmed,besacked.

Theproblemwiththiscoldcalculation,however,wasthatitwasbasedonwhatnobodyhadanycontrolover:Yar’Adua’sdeclininghealthcondition.

AstoryIheardaboutwhathadtranspiredinSaudiArabiawhentheHouseofRepresentativesdelegationvisitedmayalsohaveplayedinthemindsofthepresident’shandlers.Consideringthepoliticalsituationbackhome,therehadbeenassurancesthattheHousememberswouldbeallowedtovisitthepresidentatthehospital.Whenhewastoldaboutthevisit,hewassaidtohaveaskedratheremotionally:“Toseemelikethis?”Yetatthatpoint,hishealthhadnotevendeterioratedtotheconditionunderwhichhewasbroughtbacktothecountry.

Althoughatthisperiod(aweekintohisarrival)Ialsohadnotseenthepresidenttoascertainhisstateofhealth,Icoulddeducethatthingsmustbeprettybad.IcametothatconclusionbecausedespitethefactthattheCPP,Dr.SalisuBanye,andIwereneighboursandourfamilieshadbecomequiteclose,Ihadyettosetmyeyesonhimsincetheyarrivedinthecountry.WheneverIaskedabouthimfromhiswife,theresponsewasalwaysthesame:hewaswiththepresident.Whetherduringthedayoratnight,hewasoncallwithhisaugustpatient,whoalsohadthefullcomplimentsofseveralmedicalexpertsflowninfromSaudiArabiaandGermany.TheonlytimeBanyecamehomewaseithertoeatortofreshenup,afterwhichhewouldgobackimmediately.Infact,thefirsttimeIwouldseehimwasthedayIfinallymetthepresident.That,tome,pointedtohowseriousthesituationmustbe.

Owingtothemannerinwhichhisreturntothecountrywashandled,Yar’Adua,whoinitiallyenjoyedtheaffectionofmostNigerianswithempathyforhishealthchallenges,hadbecomeaspecimenofshame.Thisformewasmosttroubling.Allmannerofmedicalexpertswereinvitedastelevisiongueststodiagnosea‘patient’theyhadneverseen,withmostofthemconcludingwithmagisterialauthoritythatifYar’Aduawasnotalreadydead,thenhecouldonlybesomebreathsawayfromdeath,becausebythenatureoftheailmentafflictinghim,heoughttohavediedbyDecemberorJanuary.

Whateverthestatehewasin,keepingYar’Aduafromthepeople,especiallywhenhewasinthepresidentialvilla,wasdoingfarmoreharmthangoodtohimasapersonandtothecountry.Ironically,eventhenamesbeingtoutedinthemediaaseither“membersofthecabal”orthe“kitchencabinet”werepeoplewhohadalsonotseenthepresident.

Ikeptpressing,pointingouttheimplicationsofshuttingouteveryone,includingtheactingpresident.Everyday,IwasgivenassurancesthatJonathanwouldmeetthepresident“tomorrow”or“bytheweekend”or“withinthenextthreedays”;itkeptchanging.Fromtheinteractions,evenwhentheytriedtoputpositivespinsoneverything,itwasevidentthattheconditionofthepresidentwasnotimproving,orwasperhapsevendegenerating.

Onthepoliticalfront,however,thepresidentstillhadaremarkablesupportbase,especiallyamongthegovernorsandthetophierarchyofhisparty.Severalfactorswereresponsibleforthis,butaslongasheenjoyedthissupport,itwasdifficultforJonathantomoveagainsthim.Toforestallthismoveandcheckmatetheministers,aweekafterthepresidentarrived,thePDPgovernorsmetinAbujatotakeadecisiononwhattheyperceivedasthedangerofinvokingSection144bytheFederalExecutiveCouncil.Buttheyalsohadotherissuesontheiragenda.

AtameetingheldontheeveoftheMarch3FECmeeting,whichwouldbethefirstsincethearrivaloftheyet-to-be-seenYar’Adua,membersofthePDPCentralWorkingCommitteeledbynationalchairman,ChiefVincentOgbulafor,werealsoinattendance.

First,theydiscussedthemovebeingmadebysomeministerstobeginaprocessthatwouldculminateininvokingSection144oftheconstitution,inwhichcaseYar’Aduawouldbedeemedpermanentlyincapacitated,topavethewayforhisremoval.Thiswasnotanoptionthegovernorsorthepartyleaderswerecomfortablewith,andthetonewassetbyaNigerDeltagovernorwhodescribedYar’Aduaasagoodpresidentwhounfortunatelysufferedahealthchallenge,which,heargued,shouldnotbecriminalized.

ThepreponderanceofopinionatthemeetingwasthatinvokingSection144oftheconstitutiontoremoveYar’Aduafromoffice,astheFECwasbeinggoadedtodo,wouldcreateproblemsinthecountry,asitwasakintoaciviliancoup.

WhatseemedtohaveunitedthegovernorsagainstJonathanwasthemannerinwhichheappointedthepresidentialadvisorycouncilwithoutconsultingthemorseekingtheirinput.Almostallthegovernorssaidtheyknewnothingabouttheprocessthathadledtothechoiceofnomineesfromtheirstates.Inexpressingdispleasure,onegovernorparticularlynotedthatevenPresidentObasanjoneverappointedpeoplefromthestateswithoutconsultingwiththegovernors.

Anotherissuethatcameupbeforethemeeting,butwhichwasnotdiscussed,wasthatJonathan’sadvisorycouncilhadanorthernChristianinDanjumaaschairman,withanotherChristianfromthesouth,Prof.BenNwabueze,asdeputy.Ratherthanmakeanissueoutofitatthemeetingassomenortherngovernorshadintended,itwasagreedthatsomeonewouldquietlypointthisouttoJonathan.

Thediscussionsoonmovedtotheissueofzoning,andOgbulaforwasaskedtobriefthegovernorsonwhatthepositionofthepartywasintheeventthatYar’Aduawasunabletocontinueinofficeandasaresultcouldnotseekasecondterm.Beforethesessionwiththegovernors,theNWCmembersofPDPhadheldanelaboratemeetingattheparty’sWadataHousenationalsecretariatinAbujawiththeaimofadoptingacommonposition.

AtthePDPNWCmeetingwereProf.RufaiAhmedAlkali,HajiyaInnaCiroma,Dr.

MusaBabayo,Dr.SamOrtom,ChiefUcheSecondus,Mr.OlusolaOke,Mr.TukurMani,andthelateMuyiwaCollins.Attheendoftheirdiscussion,theyhadallaccompaniedOgbulafortothemeetingwiththegovernors.So,itwasevidentthepositionthathecanvassed—thatzoningwouldremainanarticleoffaithwithinthePDPforthe2011

presidentialelections—wasnothispersonalopinion.Theimplication—evenifitwasnotexpresslystated—wasthatitforeclosedthepossibilityofJonathanemergingthePDP

presidentialflag-bearerforthe2011generalelections.Butthatwasallthegovernorswantedtohear.Thatwasalsothehighlightofthemeeting.

Thesessionroundedoffwiththeunanimousdecisionthattheparty’szoning

formulawouldremainforthe2011elections.Buttherewasnoconsensusabouthowthisshouldbehandled,thoughthepopularopinionwasthatitshouldnotbeannouncedafterthemeeting.Afewofthenortherngovernors,however,arguedthatthepartychairmanshouldimmediatelyannounceitaspartoftheirdecisions.ItwasthusareluctantOgbulaforwhohadtheunenviabletaskofbriefingthemediaontheoutcome,whichwasessentiallytostatethatthepartywouldretainthezoningformula,withthepresidencyrotatingbetweenthenorthandthesouth.Putsimply,onlyanorthernercouldflytheflagofthepartyasitspresidentialcandidateforthe2011election.“Wediscussed[the]zoningformulawiththegovernors.Thesouthhadpresidencyforeightyears.Itisfairandjustthatthenorthalsokeepitforeightyears,”Ogbulaforsaid.

Thiswasaveryweightydecisionthatwashailedbymanyprominentpoliticiansfromthenorthbutcondemnedbythosefromthesouth,especiallybypeoplelikeChiefEdwinClark,whohadlongchampionedthecauseofaJonathanpresidencythemomentYar’Aduafellill.

Withthatdeclaration,Ogbulaforwasdeemedamanthatcouldnolongerbetrusted.Afewdayslater,hewasfacingacorruptionchargefiledbytheIndependentCorruptPracticesandOtherRelatedOffencesCommission(ICPC).Thecasehadbeenfiledoriginallyin2004andwasinrelationtoN104millioncampaigndonations.Buttheprosecutionofthematterhadbeenstalledforsomeinexplicablereasons.ThischargeofcorruptionbeganforOgbulaforachainofeventsthatultimatelyledtohisforcedresignationasPDPchairman.Instructively,themomentthatwasachieved,nothingwaseverheardaboutthecorruptionchargeagain!

FourdaysafterinauguratingthePresidentialAdvisoryCommittee,Jonathanmadeanotherstrategicmovetoconsolidatehisholdonpowerwiththeremovalofthenationalsecurityadviser(NSA),MajorGeneralSarkiMukhtar(rtd.),andtheappointmentofLt.

Gen.AliyuMohammedGusauashisreplacement.AlthoughthechangeofguardoccurredinthemiddleofanotherviolentcrisisinJosthatclaimedseverallives,itwasevidentwithinthepowercalculusinthevillathatGusauwasnotappointedtoresolvetheJoscrisis.Itwasapoliticalmove.GusauhadalsoservedinasimilarcapacityunderPresidentOlusegunObasanjofrom1999to2006,soitwasareturntoveryfamiliarterrain.ButtheappointmenttookonfarmoresignificanceforthosewhoknewwhatGusaurepresentedwithinthe

complexpowergamethenunfoldinginAsoRock.

Thenextmorning,IhadaninterestingdiscussionwiththeCSO,who,Iknew,hadsomeauthoritywithregardtodecisionsconcerningthepresident.Itoldhimthatgiventheunfoldingscenario,itwouldbeintheinterestofthepresidentiftheFirstLadywasadvisedthatthemeetingbetweenJonathanandherhusbandhadbecomelongoverdue.ItoldhimthatwiththesnippetsofinformationatmydisposalconcerningGusau’sappointmentasNSA,thepoliticalgamewasgoingtochangesodramaticallythattheoutcomemightnotbepleasantforthepresident.HegavesomevaguecommitmentsthatJonathanwouldseethepresident,butthehintsIcouldtakeawaywasthatthepresidentwasstillinbadshape,inwhichcasetheydidn’twanttoexposehimyet.Apparently,thespeechtherapistshadnotbeenabletoperformanymiracle.Buttimewasrunningoutforthepresident,andIknewthatwiththewayeventsweregoing,theaceswouldsoonbetakenoutofhishands.Justafewdayslater,Gusaumadehisfirstmove.

InpickingGusau,JonathanbasedhiscalculationnotmerelyonGusau’ssecuritynetwork,experienceorexposure.ItwasastrategicmovemotivatedbyGusau’sconnectionwiththelargerYar’Aduafamily.EventhoughDanjumawassaidtohavebeenthebrainsbehindtheappointment,itwascommonknowledgethatGusauwasanassociateofthepresident’slateelderbrother,MajorGeneralShehuMusaYar’Adua(rtd.).Hiscloserelationshiptothefamilycanbeglimpsedfromthefactthatheactuallysignedthepresident’shospitalforminGermanyasnextofkinattheearlystageofhisailment.So,thisimpliesthatGusauhadampleknowledgeofthepresident’smedicalhistoryandwasalsocloseenoughtothefamilytooffer‘brotherly’adviceatthismostcrucialperiod.Andthatwashisfirstmission.

Threedaysafterheassumedoffice,hevisitedtheFirstLadyand,afterthepleasantries,toldherthathewouldbemakingsomechangesincludingreplacingtheADCandtheCSOtothepresidentwithnewofficersfromboththemilitaryandtheSSS.ToreplaceMustapha,GusausaidhewouldbringinColonelAbdulazeezMusaYar’Adua,theyoungerbrotherofthepresident(theybothhavethesameparents)asthenewADC;healsoproposedalistofseniorSSSofficersknowntohimandtheFirstLadyfromwhichanewCSOcouldemerge.Inpresentingthisproposition,Gusaumadeitclearhewasactingnotinanofficialcapacitybutratherinwhatheconsideredthebestinterestofhisyoungerbrother.

ButtheFirstLady,whoknewwhatthelargerimplicationscouldbe,wasnotfooledandquicklyresisted.ShepleadedwithGusaunottoexposeherhusbandtounnecessarydanger.Shesaidshehadneverdabbledintogovernanceissuesanddidn’tknowtheconsiderationthatinformedherhusband’schoiceoftheaidesheappointed,henceshewasnotinapositiontogranthim,oranybodyelseforthatmatter,thepermissiontochangeanyofthem.“Myhusbandappointedthembyhimself,sowhatdoyouexpectmetotellhimwhenhegetsbetter:thatIchangedhisADCandCSO?”Thediscussion,fromwhatIlatergathered,wasnotverypalatable,anditwasevidentGusau’smissionwastomoveYar’Aduaoutofthevilla,eithertoKatsinaorbacktohospitalinthebidtoresolvethematterbyterminatinghispresidency.HavingpenetratedtheYar’Aduafamilyandthepresident’sinnercircle,Gusaucouldn’tbesaidtobeactingalone.Hismovehadthesupportofsomeofthefriendsandmembersofthepresident’s

“kitchencabinet”,someofwhomhadbythenstartedgravitatingtowardsJonathan,seeingthattheYar’Aduaerawasgraduallycomingtoanend.GusaualsohadthesupportofsomeextendedfamilymemberswhofeltsidelinedbytheFirstLadyandwhodidnottakekindlytothefactthattheywerepreventedfromseeingYar’AduabothwhilehewasinSaudiArabiaandwhenhewasbroughtbackhome.

WithGusau’sarrivalonthescene,theFirstLadyknewshecouldsoonbeoutwitted.Shemovedquicklyandralliedprominentcitizensandrespectedemirsinthenorth.Sherelayedwhathadtranspiredbetweenthemandpleadedforinterventiontopreventasituationthatcouldleadtotheforcibleejectionofthepresidentfromthevilla.

Whileherinterventionworked,externalizingthemeetingonlyangeredGusau,andthebattlelinesseemeddrawn.HisnextmovewasadirectivetothechiefofarmystaffthatallthesoldiersintheentireBrigadeofGuardsbepostedoutofthevillawithnewsoldiersbroughtinfromabattalioninSokoto.

Withthepresident’sreturnhandledalmostlikeamilitaryoperation,acampaignofcalumnyhadbeenlaunchedagainstthechiefofarmystaff,Lt.GeneralDambazzau.Abrilliantmilitaryofficerandfinegentleman,DambazzauhadbeencaughtinthecrossfireofNigerianpoliticssimplyonaccountofbeinganorthernerlikethepresident.Yet,therealitywasthataslongasYar’Aduawasaliveandhadnotbeenremoved,heremained,intheeyesofthelaw,thecommanderinchiefofthearmedforces.

JonathanhadalsobeenconferredthetitleofcommanderinchiefbyaresolutionoftheNationalAssembly.Dambazzauandtheentirearmedforceswerethereforecaughtinthedilemmaofservingtwomasters,anditwasclearthatnothing,barringhisremovalaschiefofarmystaff,wouldpacifyIjawleader,ChiefEdwinClark,whohadpubliclyannouncedhimselfasJonathan’s‘godfather’.ThechargeagainstDambazzauwasthedeploymentoftroopsbytheBrigadeofGuardsonthenightthepresidentarrivedinthecountry,eventhoughthemilitary’sstandardoperatingprocedureforsuchexercisewasfollowed.

Thesimmeringuncertaintyatthevillawasnotrestrictedtothemilitary.Withinthecivilsociety,therewereaseriesofprotestsinLagosandAbuja.Whilethedramawason,someministers,comprisingmostlytheelderlyoneswhohadheldseveralappointmentsinthepast,metattheministryofdefencetoadoptacommonpositiononthestateofthenationandwhattheybelievedJonathanshoulddotoresolvethetension.TheministerswereledbyNigerDeltaminister,ChiefUffotEkaette;othersweredefenceminister,MajorGeneralGodwinAbbe;educationminister,Dr.SamEgwu;interiorminister,AlhajiShettimaMongunu;andpetroleumminister,Dr.RilwanuLukman.

Aftertheirmeeting,theydecidedtoholdasessionwithJonathantoimpressuponhimthefactthatthecampaignbeinglaunchedfromwithintheFederalExecutiveCouncilwouldbecounter-productive.Theyadoptedacommonpositionthatwasinsyncwiththatofthegovernors.Theirpositionformedtheirdiscussionpointswiththeactingpresident,namely:

•JonathanwasnotrunningadistinctadministrationbutratheracontinuationofthemandategivenYar’Aduaandhimin2007.JonathanshouldthereforeresisttheattempttoinvokeSection144,becausetheyfeltitwouldfail,andifitdid,theconsequencesonthepolitywouldbecatastrophic.

•ThecampaignagainstYar’Aduabysomegovernmentofficialswasnotrightbecausethepresidentwasbeingcriminalizedjustonaccountofbeingsick.

•JonathanshouldnotmakeseeingYar’Aduaapreconditionforcontinuingtopresideovertheaffairsofthenationoruseitasaweapontohavethemanremovedfrompower.

•Theactingpresidentshouldbewaryofsomepoliticians,especiallyfromNiger

Delta,whoweremakinginflammatorystatements.ChiefEdwinClarkwasparticularlysingledout.

BythetimetheseelderlyministersmetwithJonathan,hismindseemedalreadymadeupthathecouldnolongerwaitforYar’Adua.Thatconvictionwasstrengthenedbywhathisowninformantswithinthevillamusthavegivenhimabouttheconditionofthepresident.

ToJonathan,itwastimetomoveahead.Threedaysafterthemeeting,hesackedtheentirecabinet.Whenitwasreconstituted,noneoftheseeldersmadeitbacktohisnewcabinetwhiletwoministerswhohadearlierbeenrelievedoftheirdutiesbyYar’Aduawerereturnedtothecabinet.ThatwashowSenatorSanusiDaggashandAdamuMainaWazirifoundtheirwayback.Therealtalkingpoint,however,wastheinclusionofMurtalaYar’Adua,nephewofthepresident,onthelist.

Thismove,believedtohavebeeninstigatedbyObasanjo,ledtoseriousproblemswithinthefamily.Butitwasnottotallyunexpected.ItisbelievedwithintheYar’AduafamilythattherewasnolovelostbetweentheFirstLadyandMurtala’smother,HajjiaBinta.

Butbeyondthefeudbetweenthesetwopowerfulwomen,therewasalsoafeelingthatthepresidenthadnotralliedthefamilythewayhislateelderbrotherhaddone,eventhoughYar’Aduawasthebeneficiaryofhispoliticallegacy.Toputthesituationmildly,accordingtofamilyinsiders,Murtalaandhissiblingsbelievedtheydidnotgetafairdealfromthepresidentandhencehadastrainedrelationshipwithhim.

TheministerialnominationbyJonathanwasthereforeapoliticalmasterstrokeaimedatweakeningtheYar’Aduacampinwhathadbecomeacomplexbutsubtlepowerstruggle.

EventhoughsomeprominentnortherncitizenstriedtoputpressureonMurtalatorejectthenominationbecauseofitsimplicationsforthefamily,itturnedoutthathismother’scommitmenthadbeensecuredbeforetheannouncementwasmade.Soitwasalreadyadonedeal.

Themanneroftheministerialnominees’compositionalsoshowedthat,insome

states,Jonathansimplywentforpeoplewhohadanaxetogrindwiththepresident,apparentlyinpreparationtowardsthedelicateissueofinvokingSection144.InBauchiState,forinstance,thenomineewasamemberoftheoppositionAllNigerianPeoplesParty(ANPP)wholedtheNationalInterestGroupintheSenate,whichworkedfortheactualizationofJonathan’sactingpresidency.HewouldlaterbegiventheFederalCapitalTerritory(FCT)portfolio,consideredinNigeria’spoliticalparlanceasoneofthe

‘juiciest’ministriesbecauseofthesizeofitsbudgetandtheenormityofpatronagethattheofficeholdercandispense.

Inthecourseofthisperiod,IpaidJonathanavisit,whichwasordinarilynormalandquitefrequent,butthistimeunderdifferentcircumstances.Irecalltheconversationwithhimrevolvedaroundhisfrustration.IexplainedmyowndilemmatohimandthefactthatIwouldnotwanttobeseenasabandoningmybosswhenhewaspracticallyhelpless.Ialsoofferedapieceofpersonaladvice:“Sir,ifIwereinyourposition,IwouldbewaryofthepeopleveryclosetoYar’Aduabutwhoarenowgravitatingtowardsyoubecauseiftheycoulddosuchtohim,theywillalsodoittoyou.”Whilehesaidheunderstoodmypredicament,hemincednowordsaboutthefactthatwhatwehadatthevillawasanaberration.Hesaiditwastheheightofabnormalitytohaveanactingpresidentwithinthevillawithanotherwhocalledhimselfpresidentyetwouldnotbeseenwithinthesamevilla.“Eveninasituationwhereyouhaveanactingpresident,itispresumedthatthepresidentisnotaround.Buthereweareinthesamevillawithapresidentnobodyseesandanactingpresidentwhoisincharge.Thisisabnormal.”Withthisdisposition,Jonathandecidedtomove,butbearinginmindthecomplexityofthesituation,givenNigeria’sethnicandreligiousfaultlines.Hisfirstactwastoraisea27-manteamofprominentleadersfromNigerDelta,ledbyDr.AtuboyediaObianime,tomeetwithanArewaConsultativeForum(ACF)teamledbyMajorGeneralIBMHarunainKadunatobeginwhattheydescribedas“anewwindowofrapprochement”.

Thiscameataperiodwhenethnicityandreligionwerefastbeginningtoshapediscussionsontheissue,particularlywiththeaudiencegrantedsomeprominentnorthernIslamicclericsbythepresidentonMarch31,2010.

Theclerics,whosevisitgeneratedalotofcontroversy,wouldbethefirstsetofpeopletopubliclyacknowledgesettingtheireyesonthepresidentsinceheleftthecountryforSaudiArabiaonNovember23,2009.Incidentally,Iplayedarole

inthevisit.Irecallthatthedaybeforetheclericscametothevilla,theCSOhadsentmeanoteandsoughtmyadviceonfourindividualswhohesaidwerevisitingthepresident.Onthelist,theonlyrecognizablenamewasthatofDr.DattiIbrahimAhmed.Ofcourse,Ididn’tlikethefactthattheywereallnorthernersbecauseoftheethnicslantIknewthevisitwouldbegiven,butIimaginedthefourpersonswerepoliticalfigures.ButevenifIhadknowntheywereclerics,Iwouldn’thaveopposedtheidea,becausethiswasthefirsttimetherewasasuggestionthatanybodyfromoutsidecouldseehim.Havingcampaignedthatthepresidentshouldbemadetoreceivepeople,Iconcludedifhesawthosewithwhomhefeltcomfortablethatcouldbeastrategicwaytobegintoopenhimupforpublicinteraction.

Buttheproblemsstartedwhenoneofthevisitors,whoturnedouttobethechiefimamoftheAbujaNationalMosque,UstazMusaMohammed,toldhiscongregationthatYar’Aduawouldresumedutiessoon,as“hehasimprovedremarkably.”Inalavishlypublicizedstatement,theclericgaveagraphicdescriptionofthepostureofthepresidentwhiletheywerewithhim,includingthefactthathewasdressedinajumperandtrouserswithacaptomatch.Besides,theIslamicleader,whoconfirmedthathehadmetwiththepresidentalongsideDr.DattiIbrahimAhmed,presidentoftheSupremeCouncilofShariainNigeria,andoneSheikMusaPantami,explainedthattheysoughtpermissionfromthepresident’sfamilyfortheaudienceandnotthattheywereinvitedtoseehim.ThefactthatthesevisitorswereMuslimsandnorthernerswasnotmissed,especiallywhentheactingpresidentwasnotallowedtoseehim.

Accordingtothechiefimam,theymetthepresidentsittingdownwithhiswifewhilehisADCstoodbehindhim.“Althoughwecouldnothearwhathesaid,fromwherewesat,wecouldseehismouthsayingamentogetherwithuswhenweprayedforhim.Infact,contrarytorumoursthathewasseriouslyill,wesawthathehadimprovedtremendously,andwebelievehe[will]beabletoresumeworkanymomentfromnow.”Theonlypositiveaspectoftheclerics’visitwasthatithelpedtodebunktheinsinuationthatYar’Aduawasonlifesupport.Butitalsohelpedtoexacerbatethepoliticalcrisis,withtheaccusationsthatreligionwasbeingintroducedbythepresident’shandlers,especiallywhenDr.DattiAhmedgavehisownversionofeventstothemedia,warningintheprocessthatYar’Adua’spresidentialauthoritymustnotbetakenawayfromhim:Wemetthepresidentaround5:00p.m.lateintheafternoon.Contrarytowhatsomepeoplehavebeensaying,thepresidentisnotinasituationwhereheisalmostdead;heisonlysick.Hewassittingdownonadiningchairwhenwecameinandmet

him.Hewasnotbeingsupportedbyanybodybuthimself,hewassittingdowncalmly.Hedidnotlooklikesomeonewhoisalmostdead.

Whenweentered,wewerenotsureofwhatweweregoingtomeet.Soweenteredandstoodatarespectabledistanceandgreetedhim.Heextendedhishandtousandweshookitonebyone.Thisiscontrarytotheviewofthosewhokeepsayinghedoesn’tknowwhereheis.Afterthat,weprayedforhishealth.Hejoinedusintheprayers,raisinghishandsthewayweraisedourown;hislipsweremoving.Whenwefinished,wetoldhimweonlycametogreethim.Heshookhandswithus.

Wedidnotwaitassuchafterthat.However,wetoldhimthatwejustwantedtoseehimtoknowthetruthfromtheliesthattheyhavebeentellingusthatheisdead,nolongerabletorecognizeanyone,andalltheliesthatyouandIhaveheardbefore.Obviously,hehaslostsomeweight,andheisabitweak,buthewassittingdowncalmly.Heshookourhandsonarrival,andwhenweprayedwithhimforhisquickrecovery,heagainshookhandswithus.

Iwishtowarnthatthereisneedforpeopletobecarefulintheutterancesbeingmadeaboutincapacitation,takingthepresidentialauthorityandgivingsuchtootherpersons.Somepeople

[have]toreflectbeforetheystageaciviliancoupagainsthim.PresidentYar’Aduahashisdeputy,who[can]actforhimwhileheisnotthere.Heknowsthatheisaliveandisonlyunwellatthispointintime.

However,nobodyshouldtakeoverhispositionbecauseheisnotavailable.Thepresidentstillhasagoodchanceofrecovery.Nobodyshouldtakeoverhispostandcreateproblemsforthecountry.

Thosewhoarethinkingofdoingthatareplayingwithfire.IwillsuggestthatDr.Jonathancontinues(sic)toactaspresidenttillYar’Aduaisfitenoughtoresume.Ifhedoesnotgetwellby2011,electionswilltakeplace,andanotherpersonwillemergethroughademocraticprocess.Butifanypersonattemptstoseizethatpresidentialauthoritynow,theconsequenceswillremainwiththecountryforalongtime.ItwillnotbeawisedecisionandnotintheinterestofevenyoungergenerationsofNigerians.

Expectedly,therewasnationaloutrageoverthevisit.Toresolvethetension,therewasasuggestionthatprominentChristianleadersalsobeinvitedtoprayforhim.InNigeria,religionandpoliticshavealwayshadagoodmix.Whiletheycouldn’treachthegeneraloverseeroftheRedeemedChristianChurchofGod,PastorE.A.Adeboye,whowasontheshortlist,theygottheChristianAssociationofNigeria(CAN)presidentandCatholicarchbishopofAbuja,MostRev.JohnOnaiyakan;presidingbishopofLivingFaithChurch,BishopDavidOyedepo;andRev.EmmanuelKurefromKaduna.Iwasalsoinvitedtoattend,butIdeclined,arguingthatsinceIdidn’tattendthatoftheMuslimclerics,therewasnoreasonIshouldbeatthesessionwiththeChristianclerics.Ialsoadvisedthatthesessionshouldnotbemadeamediaeventbutthatiftheclericssochose,theycouldspeaktothemediaafterwards;Iwouldnotreporttheirvisit.

Theclericscameinabout4:30p.m.onApril5,2010,andafterseeingandprayingforthepresident,theyaskedtheFirstLadywhethershehadanyissueshewantedtodiscusswiththem.Theysaidtheywerenotjusttheretopraybuttoseeiftheycouldofferasolutiontowhathadbecomeacomplexproblem.Theythenhadaprivatemeetingwithher,duringwhichshenarratedthestoryofYar’Adua’sillhealth,theirexperienceinSaudiArabia,thereturn,andherfearsaboutthesituationwithinthevilla.Afterdispersingfromthevilla,theclericscongregatedinAbujathenextmorning,havingbeeninvitedbyJonathan,whoapparentlywantedtohearfirsthandtheimpressionoftheclerics.

Atthattime,onecouldcountthenumberofpeoplewhohadsettheireyesonthepresident—apartfromtheFirstLady,theCSO,theADC,hisdoctor,Hamza,andabouttwopersonalstewards.Asidefromhistwofriends,Hon.ShehuInuwaoftheHouseofRepresentativesandAlhajiDahiruMangal,theonlyotherpeoplewhohadseenhimwerehismotherandhissiblings.TheMuslimclerics,theChristianclericsandIcompletedthelist.Nootherperson,noteventhoseconsidered‘cabalmembers’wereallowedtoseehim.SotoinvitetheChristianclerics,Jonathanmusthavebeencuriousastothestatethepresidentwasin;hemusthaveneededinformationfrompeoplewhohewascertainwouldnotdeceivehim.

ThemeetingwithJonathanwas,however,verybrief,astheclericsexplainedthecircumstancesthathadledtotheirinvitation.FromwhattheysawofYar’Adua,theChristianleadersknewthatonlyamiraclecouldbringhimbackaspresident,andthistheyclearlystated.TheythereforepleadedwithJonathantoshowcompassionandunderstandinginthewayhewoulddealwithamanthey

believedwasinhislastdays.

16

TheDaysofthe‘Cabal’

Itwassometimeearlyin2009whenanaidewhowasclosertothepresidentthanIwascametomyofficetoseekafavour.HewantedmetohelphimintervenetosavethejoboftheNationalBroadcastingCommission(NBC)directorgeneral,Mr.YomiAbolarinwa.Hesaidhehaditongoodauthoritythatsomepowerfulpeopleingovernmenthadconspiredtohavethemanremovedbecauseherefusedtobendtheruleforthemontheissuanceofradioandtelevisionlicences.Iknewwhythisaidehadcometome:thepresidenthadcontemptforpeoplewhodabbleintoareasoutsidetheirpurview.

Sincemyportfoliohadtodowithcommunication,thepresidentwouldrespectmyview,hemusthaveconcluded.

WhileIdidn’tknowAbolarinwa,Icouldrecollectattendingmeetingswherehisnamehadcomeupinanegativelight,soIwasnotsurprisedthathewasgoingtoberemoved.Thechargewasalwaysthathewasshirkinghisresponsibilityasaregulatorbyallowingcertainprivateradiostationslocatedinthesouthwestregiontobebroadcastingpoliticallydangerousmaterialwithouthimapplyingsanctions.ButthetravailsoftheNBCdirectorgeneral,accordingtothisaide,hadtodowithhisdecisiontosticktoprinciplesinthedischargeofhisofficialduties.ThedocumentshehandedmebackedthisclaimbecausetheycontainedofficialcorrespondencesbetweentheDGandthepowerfulpeoplewhowantedhimout.

Myfirstinclinationwastotakeupthematterwiththeinformationandcommunicationsminister,Prof.DoraAkunyili,whoIwassurewouldinterveneonthesideofjustice,butwhenIlearntthepresidentwasintheofficeandhadnovisitor,Idecidedtoseehimimmediatelyassuggestedbytheintermediary.

WhenImetwiththepresident,Iwentstraighttothepoint.IsaidIhadbeenalertedthattheDGofNBChadproblems,butIalsoknewtherootofit.Ipresentedthematterandthedocumentsbeforethepresident,whoaftergoingthroughthemshookhisheadandsaid,“Segun,Icannotthankyouenoughforthis.Youknowwhatyoujustdidforme?

Youpreventedmefromtakinganunjustdecision.Ihavejustapprovedtheman’ssack.”Hebroughtoutacopyofamemoandtoreitinmypresencebeforenowgoingintoanexhortationofthechallengesconfrontingleadersinthefaceofofficialswhosevestedinterestsmostoftenoverridethenationalinterest.

Duringthecrisisoccasionedbyhisillnessandrefusal(orinability)totransmitalettertotheNationalAssemblyasdemandedbylaw,IreflectedonmyrelationshipwithYar’Aduaandtheopportunityhehadgivenmetomakesomepositivecontributions.Forinstance,itwasmymemothatledtothereductionofthesalariesandemolumentsofpublicofficialsontheexecutiveside.ItwasalsomymemothatledtothecompositionofthePresidentialCommitteeonGlobalEconomicRecession.BasedontheadviceIgotfromDuduOrumen,IalsowrotethememothatledtotheconstitutionofthePresidentialCommitteeonthe2010WorldCupinSouthAfricaatatimewhenourqualificationforthetournamentwasthreatened.Giventhebastardizationofthenationalhonours,IalsointervenedwithamemothatledtoitsreviewbytheJusticeBelgoreCommittee.TheforegoingarejustafewofmyseveralinterventionsapprovedbyYar’Adua,whoalsogavemethelibertytodiscussfreelywithhimwithoutanyinhibition,whichspeaksvolumesabouthiskindofperson.

IrecallaparticularepisodewhenweweregoingtoSaudiArabiafortheThirdOPEC

Summit,inNovember2007.Beforeweleftfortheairport,someonehadgivenmeacopyofapublicationbyaforeignwebsitededicatedtooilandgasreporting.ThepublicationdetailedhowoilliftinglicencesweregivenoutbyPresidentYar’Aduainamannerthatlackedtransparency.Inthecourseoftheflight,Iscribbledahandwrittennote,attachedthedocumenttoitandwenttohandittohiminhiscabin.

Notlongafter,hecalledmebackandconfirmedthatalltheinformationcontainedinthepublicationwasaccurate.Atthattime,thepresidentwasstillholdingontotheEnergyMinistryportfolio.Hesaidthatwheneverwereached

SaudiArabia,Ishouldmeettheministerofstateforenergy,Mr.OdeinAjumogobiaandgivehimthedocumenttoreadinmypresenceandlethimknowthatIwasactingonhisinstruction.HesaidIshouldlistentohiscommentsandreportbacktohim.HeaddedthatIshoulddothesametotheGMD

ofNNPC,Eng.AbubakarYar’Adua(notarelationofthepresident).

WhenwegottoRiyadh,Iactedasthepresidentdirected.ImettheGMDfirst,andheblamedeverythingonAjumogobiaandthepresident.WhenIlatermetAjumogobia,heexplainedthathewaspowerlessandthattheGMDofNNPChadnoregardforhimsincehewasreportingdirectlytothepresident.HealsoagreedthereportwasaccuratebutthatthesaidallocationsweredonebetweenthepresidentandtheGMD.

Ireportedmy‘findings’backtothepresident,whotooktimetoexplainhisownroleaswellastherolesofthepromotersofsomeofthe‘briefcasecompanies’onthelist.Theywereprominentpeopleinthesociety,includingthosewhohadheldseniorpositionsingovernmentinthepast.ThepresidentalsodebunkedthechargesbybothAjumogobiaandtheGMDbyexplainingtheroleeachplayedinthematter.

Whatwasnotindoubtfromthepresident’sexplanationwasthattheGMDwasindeedbypassingAjumogobiabecausehehaddirectaccesstothepresident.Thistomewasnotright.WithmybackgroundintheNigerianExtractiveIndustriesTransparencyInitiative(NEITI),agoverningbodytowhichIhadbeenappointedbyPresidentObasanjoin2004,Iwasabletooffercandidadvice,whichthepresidentpromisedtoheed.Whenwereturned,heindeeddirectedtheGMDtobereportingdirectlytoAjumogobia,butnotlongafter,Lukmantookchargeofaffairsintheministryandtheequationchanged.

Giventheforegoing,itwasnaturalthatIwouldfeelforYar’Aduaathismosttryingmoments,especiallyduringthecrisisthatfollowedhislasttriptoSaudiArabia.Atthatcriticalperiod,therewasnodoubtinmymindthatthecorrectthingtodowastosendaletterofnotificationtotheNationalAssemblysothatDr.GoodluckJonathancouldassumethepresidencyinanactingcapacityasspecifiedbytheconstitution.Bynotdoingthat,hedidviolencetotheidealsIknewhestoodforandmademycontinuedstayingovernmentdifficulttodefend.

Towardstheendof2009,Ibegantoweighallmyoptions.Bythenalso,therewerepeoplecallingonmetoresignmyappointmentasYar’Adua’sspokesman.Icancategorizethemintotwo:thefirstcomprisedmyfriendsandwell-wishers,whoarguedthatIcouldn’tpossiblyjustifybeingspokesmanforapresidentwithwhomallNigerianshadlostcontact.Iagreedwiththepositionofthisgroupbutnonethelessfeltthatitwasbetterformetowaitforthearrivalofthepresidentbeforetakinganysuchdecision.Ihadmyreason:AtatimewhenthehandlersoftheVPweredesperatetotakepowerandtherewasalreadyamixofethnicandreligiousrivalryinthecrisis,Ididn’twanttobeseenastakinganyactionthatwouldhurtYar’Aduapolitically.

Atthatpoint,IhadnothingtolosebyresigningsinceIhadmyexitplanalreadymappedout;besides,suchacourseofactionwouldhaveearnedmesomeapplausefrommycolleaguesinthemediaandcivilsociety.ButthequestionIaskedmyselfwas,howwouldYar’AduafeelwheneverherecoveredandheheardthatIhadjumpedshipjustbecausehewassick?Hedefinitelydidn’tdeservethatfromme.

TheoptionIchosewastogotoschool,andbyJanuary2010,myexitplanwasalreadysecured,andthepeopleclosetomewereaware.Incidentally,therewasasecondgroupthatalsowantedmetoresignfromgovernmentbasedoncertainpoliticalcalculations.

Peopleinthisgroupwerenotthinkingofmyinterestor,forthatmatter,thatofthenation.

Bythebeginningof2010,therewerealreadyaspirationsforthe2011generalelections,anddifferentpoliticiansweremakingtheirprojections.OwingtothestrategicpositionIheldasspokesmanforthepresident,therewerethosewhofeltthatapublicannouncementofmyresignationwouldweakenYar’Adua’sholdonpower,andtheywantedtousemetoachievethatend.EvenwhenIknewhowclosesomeofthesepeopleweretoJonathan,theystilloffered‘advice’formetoresign‘onprinciple’.Irefusedtomeettheirexpectation.

Whengoingintopublicservice,IwasundernoillusionthateverybodywouldlikemydecisionorthechoicesIwouldmake,butateverypointinthecourseofmystewardship,ItriedtostaytruetothevaluesIespousedasacommentatoronpublicaffairs.DidImakemistakes?YesIdid.ButmydecisionateverypointwasbasedontheevaluationoftheinformationIhadandwhatIconsideredtobe

thebestapproachinthecircumstancesIfoundmyselfatthetime.Itispossiblethatothersmightreactadifferentwaygiventhesamesituations,butImademychoicesandItakeresponsibilityforthem.Quitenaturally,Yar’Adua’sillnessandthepowerstruggleitunwittinglyfuelledledtoallmannerofspeculation,themostludicrousofwhichwasthemythofacabalthathadhijackedpowerinAsoRockandforwhichIwasfronting.

WhileIneverplacedanypremiumonthe‘cabal’theory,aconversationonthedayArchitectNamadiSambowassworninasVPputtheissueinitsrealperspective.WhenhewasstillgovernorofKadunaState,Sambowouldalwaysvisitmyofficetosayhelloanytimehecametothevilla,andwiththatwebecamefriends.SowhenhewasnominatedtothepositionofVP,IdecidedtocongratulatehimthemomentitwasconfirmedbytheNationalAssembly.

ImetwithhimathisnewAkinolaAgudaofficialresidence,butasImadetoleave,Mr.

IsaiahBalataskedmetojoinhiscartothevillasoIcouldalsowitnesstheswearingin.Itwasabigvehicle,sothereweremanypeopleinside.Ontheway,Balat,himselfaformerministerintheObasanjogovernment,asked,“Segun,thiscabalthing,wereyoureallyamember?”

BeforeIcouldrespond,formerFederalCapitalTerritoryminister,MallamNasirel-Rufai,whoplayedaprominentroleinthecampaignthateventuallybroughtJonathantopower,interjected,“Therewasnocabal,wecreatedthemythinthemediatoneutralizeTurai.”Thestoryatthattimewasthata‘cabal’hadcapturedpowerinAsoRockandwasrulinginthenameofapresidentmanyassumedwasevendead.Yetnothingcanbefartherfromthetruth.WhileIalsosawnosenseinthewayYar’Aduawasbroughtbackintothecountry,especiallywhenhewasstillsick,thefactwasthathiswifeneverinterferedintheaffairsofgovernment;itwasJonathanwhowasrunningtheshowasactingpresident.

WhatwashappeningatthetimewasthattherewereministersandothertopgovernmentofficialsaswellasbusinessmenandwomenwhowerefightingeithertoretaintheirpowerandprivilegesunderYar’AduaortosecuresuchunderJonathan.Onthesideofthepresidentwerepeopleliketheagricultureminister,Dr.AbbaRuma,hisFCT

counterpart,SenatorAdamuAlieroandTanimu,aswellasAlhajiDahiruMangal(businessmanandfriendofPresidentYar’Adua).TheyneedednoonetotellthemthatwithYar’Aduaout,theywouldalsobeleftoutinthecold.Ontheothersidewereminesandsteelminister,Mrs.DezianiAllisonMaduekweandherNigerDeltacounterpart,GodsdayOrubebe,whowerefightingtobecomethenewpowerbrokersinthevilla,withstrongbackingfromprivate-sectorpeoplelikeFemiOtedola.WhatwasinterestingaboutthesedisparateinterestswasthattherewasnocoordinatedgroupeitheronthesideofYar’AduaoronthesideofJonathan,butas‘cabals’go,theseweresomeoftherealvestedinterestsjostlingforpoweratatimewhenalliancesandcounter-allianceswerebeingforged.

Evenbeforethatconfessionbyel-Rufai,Iknewtherewasnocabal,andaidesofPresidentJonathanwouldbearwitnessthatitwasthejokeinAsoRock,asIalwaysannouncedmypresenceatmeetingsas‘representativeofthecabal’.ThatwasbeforeSamWorluchangedmydesignationto‘headoftheintellectualwingofthecabal’.Withinthevilla,themythofa‘cabal’takingdecisionsatatimewhenJonathanwaseffectivelyinchargesuitedthecampaigntoquicklyresolvethelogjamwiththelegaltransferofpowerfromapresidentnobodywassurewasdeadoralive.

Yet,outsidethevilla,Nigeriansweresimplyledtobelievealie!Butthemorethispublicperceptionwasreinforced,themoredifficultmyjobbecame.Forinstance,intheinterviewIgrantedtheNTAtoretractmyearlieronewhereIaddressedJonathanasVP,Istated,quitecorrectly,thattheFirstLadyhadnothijackedpowerinAsoRock.Thiswasbasedontheclaimssupposedlymadebytheministerofinformation,ProfessorDoraAkunyili.

FollowingthecancellationoftheFECmeetingthedaythepresidentwasbroughtinfromSaudiArabia,AkunyilitoldStateHousecorrespondents,“He(ActingPresidentJonathan)invitedusforameetinginhismeetingroomat2:00p.m.,andwhenwecame,hetoldusthatthepresidenthasreturned.Hehasbeenbriefedbytheaidesofthepresidentandthathehopestoseethewifeofthepresidentthiseveningandthatwhenwemeetnextweek,wewillbebriefedontheoutcomeoftheSaudiArabiatripbythemembersofcouncil.

Andthatwhenheiseventuallybriefedbyourpresident,hewillcallusagain.”Thebannerheadlineinmostnewspapersthenextday,however,was‘JonathantoMeetTurai’withimputationsthattheFirstLadywasnowrunningtheaffairsofthecountryandthattheactingpresidentwouldbereportingtoher.Inmy

interview,Icorrectedthisinsinuationbysaying,“WhenyouhearthatTuraiisincharge,Turaitakesover,allthosethingsarenotcorrect,thereisnosuchthing,andyoudon’texpecttheactingpresident,Dr.Jonathan,toreporttotheFirstLady.Itisabnormalanditwon’thappen.WhattheactingpresidentactuallysaidwasthathewasgoingtoseetheFirstLadyandaskaboutthehusband,thatis,thepresident,andprobablyseehim.Tome,itisanormalsituation,whichIbelieveisthenaturalthingtodo.”

ItwasthisclarificationfrommethatwasinterpretedtomeanthatIhadbecometheFirstLady’s‘tool’bytakingastandthatputalietothegeneralnotionthatshehadtakenchargeatthevilla.Interestingly,itdidnotevenmattertomycriticsthat,apparentlyembarrassedbythereport,theactingpresidenthadhimselfdirectedImaNiborotoclarifythecommentsattributedtohimatthemeetingbetweenhimandtheministers.Niboro’sstatement,issuedonthesamedayasmyinterviewbut,ofcourse,withoutattractingasmuchattentionreads,“Thisistoclarifythecommentsmadebytheactingpresident,GoodluckEbeleJonathan,whenhemetwithmembersoftheFederalExecutiveCouncilyesterdayonthereturnofPresidentUmaruMusaYar’Adua.TheActingPresidenthadsaidthathewasbriefedbythePresident’saidesthathe(PresidentYar’Adua)wasrestingafterthejourney,butthathe(ActingPresident)intendedtomeetwiththeFirstLady,HajjiaTuraiYar’Adua,laterinthedaytosayhellotothefamily.Theseremarksseemtohavebeenwidelymisinterpretedinsomequarters,hencethisclarification.”Theproblemsinthevillaescalateddespitetheclarifications,worsenedbythefactthatYar’Aduawasstillkeptawayfromthepublic,includingeventheactingpresident.ButthiswassomethingoverwhichIhadnocontrol.Bythisperiod,however,mydaysingovernmentwerealreadynumberedwhetherornotYar’Aduareturnedtooffice,thoughIwasdeterminedtokeepadignifiedsilenceevenwhenIdidn’tagreewithwhatwasgoingon.

ItwasconvenientformycriticstoignorethefactthatbetweenNovember23,2009,whenYar’AduatravelledtoSaudiArabiaandhiscontroversialreturn,Ispokeonlyfivetimes.

Thefirst,toannounceonthedayhetravelledthathewasgoingonmedicals;thesecond,fourdayslater,tosaythatthediagnosisrevealedhehadpericarditis(whichIhadachallengepronouncing);thethird,onJanuary10,2010,fromAngola(whereIhadgonetowatchtheCupofNations)tosaythatthepresidentwasnotdead;thiswasareactiontotherumourfuelledbyastoryinNEXT;thefourth,toannounceonFebruary24,2010,thathewasbacktothecountry;and

thefifth,24hourslater,toclarifythatJonathanremainedactingpresident!

Indeed,throughouttheperiodthepresidentwasinSaudiArabia,Iassistedtheofficeofthevicepresidentbecausemyconcernswerealwaysaboutthenation.IrecallthatonthedaytheNationalAssemblypassedtheresolutiontomakeJonathantheactingpresident,Iwasthefirsttorushtohisofficethatheneededtomakeastrongbroadcastthatwouldputthecrisisbehindthenation.Bythen,IalreadyhadmyexitplanclearlymappedoutbutdecidednonethelessthatIwouldnotdesertYar’Adua.

IrecallexpressingangerwhenIsawNiboroandJonathan’sspecialadviseronpoliticalmatters,Dr.AkiluSaniIndabawa,tryingtoshieldthecomputerfrommewhiledraftingtheacceptancespeech.Iconcludedthattheydidn’twantmearoundandleft.Laterthatday,IcalledOghiadomeandrequestedameetingofallpresidentialaidesinhisoffice.

Atthemeetingthenextday,Ididn’tmincewords.ItoldthemthatIcouldnotworkunderasituationofintriguesandthatIwasreadytoquitgovernmentiftherewasnolongertrust.Oghiadomecalmedmedownandassuredmethatwewouldallworktogether.Themeetingwasinstructive,becauseafterIspoke,thepresident’spersonalsecretary,MattAikhionbare,whowouldlaterberetainedbyJonathanalsovoicedthesameconcernsasmine.

ThecampaignagainstmewasthatIwasdisrespectfulofhispersonandthatIalignedmyselfwithoneimaginarycabalthatthwartedhisbidtotakeoverpower.Yettheonly

‘evidence’beingcitedwasthatIcalledJonathanvicepresidentratherthanactingpresidentonthedaythepresidentarrivedinthecountryfromSaudiArabia.Lookingback,thatwasabigmistake,whichwasduetothecircumstancesoftheday.

IrecallinsistingthatIwouldnotmakeanystatementunlessIsawthepresident,andthisstalledourmeetingformorethanfifteenminutes.ThatexplainswhyIwillforeverrespectDavidEdevbie.HewasnottheonlyoneatthemeetingwhosaidIwasbeing

‘unreasonable’formakingseeingthepresidentapreconditionforissuingthe

statement,buthecametomyhousethenextdaybecausehesaidheowedmeapersonalapology.Ifelttouchedbyhisgesture.

Itissoeasytoforgetnow,buttherewastensioninthecountryonFebruary24,2010,andnobodyhadanyclueastowhatwasgoingonexceptthosewhohadjustreturnedfromSaudiArabia.Withinthevilla(andbyimplicationthecountry),nobodywasincharge.

Whatwewantedtoavertthatdaywasanarchy,whichwetriedtodobyreiteratingthatJonathanshouldcontinuetoruntheaffairsofthecountry.

InlightofthefactthatYar’Aduawasbroughthomeinvalid,whichIdidn’tknowatthetime,IagreeitwaswrongformetohaveaddressedJonathanasVP;IshouldhaveaddressedhimasactingpresidentasIdidthenextdaywithoutanyprompting.Iacceptresponsibilityforthaterrorofjudgementandfeeldeeplysorryaboutit.However,giventhatthearrivalofthepresidentcoincidedwithaperiodwhentheexecutivecouncilhadbeendividedalongethniclines,whentherewasalreadyapowerstrugglebetweentheloyalistsofthepresidentandthosewhosesympathylaylargelywithJonathan,thetoneandcontentofmyfirststatementhelpedsignificantlytorelievethetension.

ButasdayswentintoweeksandYar’AduawasstillkeptincommunicadotoNigeriansandIrefusedtosayanything,itwasnotunexpectedthatIwouldbeconsidereddisloyalbypeopleclosetotheFirstLady.TheaccusationwasalwaysthatIallowedtheopponentsofthepresidenttoattackhimwithoutmehittingback.Tothischargewerealsoaddedinnuendoesaboutmyethnicity,especiallybythosewhoneversawwisdominYar’Aduapickingan‘outsider’ashisspokesman.

Notwithstandingallthedartscomingatmefromallangles,Ikeptmysilence,whichinitselfspokevolumesastowhatwasgoingonataperiodwhenNigerians,usedtohaving

‘ghostworkers’,werenowsaddledwitha‘ghostpresident’!

17

TheEnd

EventhoughIhadbeenreluctanttoacceptanoffertojointhegovernmentin2007,IstillconcedethatIconsidereditaprivilegeparticipatinginhighleveldiscussionsaboutthegovernanceofmycountry.Ialsoenjoyedworkingwiththepresident,whohadcometotrustmyjudgementonseveralissues.Unfortunately,hisseeminglyendlessboutwithwhatwasapparentlyachronicillnessmadegovernancesuchadauntingchallengeandmyownrolemoreandmoreuntenable.

MyfrustrationwithhishealthchallengesactuallybeganlongbeforehislastSauditrip.ItstartedayearearlierwhenhewentonthecontroversialfirsttriptoSaudiArabia,supposedlytoperformUmrah(lesserhajj),andwouldnotreturnasscheduled,thusmissingthestatevisittoBrazil.IrecallmyexchangeofmailsonSeptember2,2008,withmyfriend,WaziriAdio.

RightfrommydaysatTHISDAY,IhadalwaysrespectedWaziri’sjudgementatcriticaltimes,andwhenIfeltIneededtoexpressmyfeelingsofdespondencyatwhatwashappeningaroundmeatthatparticularperiod,itwasnaturalthatIwouldturntohim.Inmye-mail,Iwrote:

This,Imustconfess,isoneofthemostfrustratingmomentsofmylife.Icametogovernmentwithmuchenthusiasm,thinkingonewouldbeinapositiontomakesomedifference.ButIamwastingmytimehere.ThepresidentisagoodmanwithwhomIenjoyworking,andIstillhavetheaccess.Butthereareissuesnowthatmakeeffectivegovernancepracticallyimpossible.Andinthatsituation,otherforceswillcomeinasIseethemcomingin,tothedetrimentofthenation.YoumustnoticethatIhavebeenquietatatime[when]therumourmillisratherstrongonthepresident’shealth.ThepointisthatIcannotliebecauseofwhatIknow.

ThetruthisthatinSaudiArabia,only[the]CSOandtheFirstLadycanaccessthepresident,astheyhaveeffectivelyfencedoffeveryotherperson.ItwasthebravadoofDr.BukolaSaraki(KwaraStategovernor)thatgotthepresidenttospeakwiththeVPandsomeotherpeople,includingChairman(ofTHISDAY,NdukaObaigbena)twodaysago.YetthathappenedbecauseSarakihasafriendamongtheSaudiPrinceswhowasabletobulldozehiswaythroughthehospital

securitytotakehimin.ThatisthesituationinSaudiArabia.Andtoworsenmatters,thecountryisdrifting.Mostoftheministersdon’tknowtheirleftfromtheirrighteventhoughtheyalsoclaim,andrightlytoo,thattheydon’tknowwhatisgoingon.

IhaveaskedmyselfseveraltimeswhyIallowedmyselftojoingovernment.Iworryaboutmycountry.

Iamsendingyouthisinconfidence,andIhavenotdiscussedwithanybodyandhavenointentionto:IamlookingforanexitstrategybywayofeitheradmissiontostudyintheUnitedStatesoranyjobthatwilltakemeoutsidethecountrysoIcangowithmyfamily.TheformerChiefofStaff,averygoodman,calledmeshortlybeforeheleftandadvisedthatundernocircumstanceshouldIbefrustratedorprovokedintoleavinggovernment.Ihadwantedtoquitatonepointearlyinthelifeoftheadministration,andhecounseledagainstit.HesaidifIhadtofightphysicallywithsomepeople,Ishoulddoitbeforeadding:“Nigeriabelongstoallofus.”ThatstatementringsinmyearsanytimeIfeellow,butevenatthat,atimewillcomethatonemaynolongerbeabletotoleratewhatisgoingon….Thecountryisnotbeingtoldthetruth,thehealthsituationofthepresident,fromwhatIcangather,isbad.AndthereisnodateastowhenhewillreturntothecountryfromSaudiArabia.Yeteveryoneisblamingcommunication,asifIdon’tknowwhattodo.Soyoucanseemyfrustration.

Waziri’sreplyliftedmyspirits:

Ishareyourpains.Butthisistherealworldofpoliticsandgovernance.So,Ishouldsaywelcome.Yousee,Ihavereadanumberofcolumnistsandactivistssayingfulldisclosureisnecessaryandblamingcommunication.Buttheeasiestthingtodointheworldistoventureopinionfromthesafetyofyourlaptoporpressrelease.Intherealworldofpolitics,thingsaremorecomplicated.Whenthingslikethishappen,everybodybecomesanexpertoncommunication.Ithinkthemostimportantthingtodoistomaintainasenseofperspectiveandwalkthefinelinewithyourdignityintact.Thisdoesnotmeanyouneedtodosomethingrash.Ifyouhavetheclearance,youcouldsaysomethinglike“thepresidentwentforlesserHajjandtookill(likeanyhumanbeing)necessitatinghis

hospitalization.Hehasreceivedmedicalattentionandwillsoonreturntothecountry.”Ifheisnotreturningsoon,youwillneedtosaysomethingatapoint,asthemediaandcivilsocietywillnotbackoff,andthishasimplications,includingforsecurity.

Exitingisnotanoption,Nigeriabelongstoallofus,nottosomepeople,anditisinourinteresttomakeitwork.Thinkofitasfurthereducationaboutthecomplexityofourcountry,aboutwhythingsdonotwork,andabouthowtheycould.

Thisisnotwhatcolumnistsdo.Itistherealthing;intherealworld.Thereisalottobedone;alottobelearnt.Hangintheremybrother.Bearwhateverblamewithequanimity.Itgoeswiththeterrain.Thistooshallpass.

Bytheendof2009,whenitbecameglaringthatthehealthofthepresidenthadbecomeanissuethatwouldnotgoaway,allthesefrustrationswouldreturn,andIcametotheinescapableconclusionthatIhadtoleavegovernment.Butmindfulofseveralfactors,includingtheethnicityissue,IresolvedIwouldhavetodoitwithtact.IrecallthatwhenIwasappointed,therewereseveralpeoplefromthenorthernpartofthecountrywhofeltthatYar’Aduahadnotmadeawisepoliticalchoice.Theargumentwasthathispredecessor,Obasanjo,aYorubaman,pickedthreekinsmenofhisinsuccession,andsobythesamelogic,Yar’AduaoughttohavepickedaHausa-Fulaniman.Therewasanopencampaignaboutthis,whichheignored.Ididn’twanttogivethosewhocriticizedmyappointmentanopportunitytosay,“Wewarnedhim.”Hedidn’tdeservethatfromme.

Throughthehelpofmyfriend,theConsulGeneraloftheChineseEmbassyinNigeria,Mr.GuoKun,Ihadsecuredascholarshipforaone-yearMPAprogrammeattheBeijingUniversitythatwouldhaveenabledmetogowithmyfamily.MyrelationshipwiththeChineseembassydatesbackto2001,when,astheSaturdayeditorofTHISDAY,IwasinvitedfromNigeriaasoneofseveralAfricanjournalistsselectedforthefirstSino-AfricanconferenceinBeijing.Itwasafascinatingexperience.WhenGuoarrivedattheembassyin2005,hetookspecialinterestinTHISDAY,andhestruckapersonalfriendshipwithme.Throughhim,theChineseambassador,Mr.XuJianguo(nowbacktoBeijing)alsobecameapersonalfriend,andhehostedmeandmywifetodinnerseveraltimesinAbuja.Healsofrequentlyvisitedmeinmyoffice.SowhenIwas

lookingforawayoutofgovernmentattheendof2009,itwasinevitablethatIwouldapproachhimtohelp,andhedid.

Myplan,therefore,wasthatwheneverthepresidentcameback,IwouldinformhimthatIhadsecuredadmission,whichwouldthenmeanthatIcouldresign.Thatway,therewouldbenoquestionofdisloyalty,asthereasonformyresignationwouldbeclear.ButthecircumstancesofhisarrivalbacktothecountryinlateFebruarywerenotsuchthatmadesuchadiscussionpossible.So,Ikeptthingstomyself.ButbythenIhadbecomeanobjectofridicule,withpeopleascribingtomethingsIneversaidordid.Itookalltheseinstrideaspartofthepricetopayforacceptingtoserveinpublicoffice.Eventhoughitwasaverydifficultperiodforme,Ididnotwanttobeseenasabandoningmybossinhishouroftrial,especiallywhenIknewthestatehewasin.

IrecallhavingaconferencecallwithTHISDAYeditors,whotoldmetoresign,untilIconfirmedtothemthatIhadseenthepresident.Ialsoexplainedmyexitplantothem,givenmyBeijingUniversityadmission.

Byastrokeoffortune,onApril14,2010,afriendsentmeaninternetlinktotheWeatherheadCenterforInternationalAffairs,thelargestinternationalresearchcenterwithinHarvardUniversity’sFacultyofArtsandSciences.Withoutbotheringtoexaminetheadmissionrequirements,Isimplyappliedandsentmyrésumétotheprogramdirector,Dr.KathleenMolony.Lessthananhourlater,Igotaresponsefromher.Shewrotethatapplicationforthe2010sessionclosedtwomonthsearlieronFebruary25andthatparticipantshadbeenchosen.Shehoweveraddedthatgiventhatshefoundmyapplicationquitecompelling,shewoulddiscussitwiththeselectionboardtoseeiftheycouldstillconsiderme.ThatbegananexchangeofcorrespondenceswithHarvardUniversity,andonMay4,2010,Ifinallygottheofferofadmission.

IwassoexcitedwhenIgotthemailthatIcouldnothelpbutshareitwiththereporterswhoweretheninmyoffice.So,quitenaturally,thenewsspreadwithinthevillathatIwouldbeleavingforHarvard.Thiswasadaybeforethepresidentdied.Thenextmorning,May5,theprincipalsecretarytotheactingpresident,ChiefMikeOghiadomesentforme.ThemomentIenteredhisoffice,hesaid,“IgatheredyouwonanawardatHarvard,andyoudon’twanttotelloga[Jonathan].Pleasegoandputitintowritingforhim.”

Onthewaybacktomyoffice,IruminatedoverwhatOghiadomehadsaidand

concludedthatitwasjustacleverwayofaskingmetoresignimmediately,soItookthehint.InwhatItitled‘LetterofDisengagementfromGovernment’andaddressedtotheactingpresident,Iexpressedmygratitudefortheopportunitytohaveservedinthegovernmentofmycountry.WhenItookmylettertoOghiadome,heexpressedshock,andIcouldseeitwasgenuine.“Youareresigning,why?”

IexplainedtohimthatmyHarvardappointmentwasforoneyear,andsincehesaidIshouldcommitmyselfintowritingimmediately,heimpliedIshouldresign.Hefeltverybad.“No,Ithoughtitwasanawardlikeaplaqueorsomething,whichtheStateHousenormallygazettes.No,youarenotgoinganywhere....”WhileIfeltrelievedthathewasnothoundingmeoutasIhadearlierimagined,InonethelesssaidthatsinceIhadalreadywrittentheletter,heshouldpassiton.Heminutedonitbeforesendingittothesecretaryoftheactingpresident,whointurncalledmetocomeandtaketheletterinpersonally.

Ihadaninterestingtimewiththeactingpresident.Hewasevidentlyveryhappyforme,andImusthavespentaboutthirtyminuteswithhimaswereflectedonthestateofthenationandthethenprevailingsituationinthevilla.IhadenjoyedagoodrelationshipwithJonathan,whohadtwopetnamesforme:‘mediaguru’and‘FocusNigeria’.

Incidentally,anytimeheaddressedmebythesecondappellation,hewouldaddwithlaughterforthebenefitofwhoeverwasaround:“DoyouknowtheproducerofGbengaAruleba’sprogramme(onAIT)?It’sSegun.”

Atthisperiodwhenthenationwasincrisis,theburdenofleadershiphadmadehimlosemuchofhissenseofhumour,butwestillhadagooddiscussion.IcouldunderstandthepowergamegoingonandwhyJonathanfeltlessobligatedtothepresident.AsidefromtherefusaltotransmitalettertotheNationalAssembly,whichthennecessitatedtheinterventionofthelawmakers,therelationshipbetweenthepresidentandhisdeputyhadstartedonawrongnote.

Earlyinthelifeoftheadministration,Jonathanhadwrittenamemotothepresidentseekingforhisofficetobeself-accounting.Specifically,herequestedthattheofficeofthevicepresidentbegiventhesameroleandresponsibilitythatwereenjoyedbyAtikuAbubakarbeforehefelloutoffavourwithPresidentObasanjo.Afterameetingheldatthevillabetweentheduoandattendedbytheprincipalsecretaryandchiefofstaff,thememowasturneddowninfavourof

‘onepresidency’.

EvenifJonathancouldforgetthatslight,hisaidesdefinitelycouldnotbecausetheyweremoreaffectedbythedecision.Sowhentheopportunitycamefortheirbosstobecomethemainmanatthevilla,itwasnosurprisethattheyledthecharge.Onthehomefront,Mrs.

PatienceJonathanwasalsopreparingtobetheFirstLady.AsearlyintheadministrationasDecember2007,agroupofwomenhadpaidheravisit,andinthecourseofthediscussion,onehadasked:“Howisoga?”TothisMrs.Jonathanreplied,“Myhusbandisintheofficereadingnewspapers.”ThensheaddedinpidginEnglish,rathersarcastically:

“AbinobenewspaperTurai[Mrs.Yar’Adua]saymakeimdeyread?”Nomatterthepoliticsbetweenhimandhisailingboss,JonathanwasverygracioustomeonMay5,2010.AsIwasleavinghisoffice,ImettheNSA,Gusau,ontheway,andIsharedtheinformationaboutmyHarvardofferwithhim.ItwasthefirsttimeIwouldmeethimsincehisappointment,andhealsocongratulatedmeandfixedanappointmentforustomeet.JustasIgotdownstairs,IalsoencounteredtheSGF,whoalsocongratulatedme.

GiventhatthenewsofmyHarvardappointmenthadspread,IconcludedIneededtomeettheFirstLadybeforeshewouldhearaboutitfromathirdparty.Icalledhermediaassistant,Bakori,andtoldhimtofixanappointmentformetoseeher.Hecalledbacktosayshewouldseemethatsamedayattheresidenceat9:00p.m.IalsowenttomeettheCSOathome.Iwasabituncomfortableaboutthismeeting,asIfelthewouldthinkIwasdesertingthem.Eventhoughourworkingrelationshipbeganwithmutualsuspicions,wehadbecomefriendsintheinterveningperiod,andIcouldseewhathetoowasgoingthrough.

Withinthevilla,andevenamongtheaides,theCSOwasaveryunpopularperson,andtilltoday,manyholdhimresponsiblenotonlyforthecrisisinthenationbutindeedforthefatethatultimatelybefellthepresident.Ishareacontraryview.Havingbeenastatehousecorrespondentinthepast,IknewthatnoCSOwasreallyeverlikedbecausetheytendedtobeoverprotectiveofthepresident.InthecaseofTilde,thecircumstancesofhisappointmentpointedtothefactthatitmusthavebeenbasedonsomebondoftrustbetweenhimandthepresident.SomeotherofficerfromKatsinawasfirstappointedasCSO,butafterjust24hours,thepresidentaskedGeneralMohammedtohelphimseekout

Tilde,whowastheSSSDirectorinKatsinabetween1999and2003.

Iobservedonethingabouthisrelationshipwiththepresident:ofalltheaides,TildewastheonlyonewhocouldopenlystanduptotheFirstLady,yetwithYar’Adua,everybody—includingchildhoodfriends—knewthathisimmediatefamily,especiallyhiswife,wasoff-limitsforthem.ThattheCSOcouldconsistentlycrossthatlinewithoutconsequencesmeantsomething.Ihadafeelinghekneweverythingabouttheillnessofthepresident,whomusthavetakenhimintoconfidence.Ithereforereckonedthatitwasonthatbasisthathetookituponhimselftoprotectthemanandintheprocesscommittedwhatturnedouttobegraveerrors.SoIhadsympathyforTildeevenintimeswhenIfoundhisactionsratherirrational.Ialsofoundhimaratherpleasantpersonoutsideofficialdom,sowebecamefriends.

WhenIgavehimmyletterofofferfromHarvardonMay5,2010,Igotanunexpectedreaction.Hereadittwiceandsaidrathersolemnly:“Mybrother,Iamveryhappyforyou,andthiscanonlybedivine.IwishIcouldalsogetsomethinglikethistoday.”Ireactedimmediately:“Todowhat?Youmeanyouwillleaveoga.Youcan’tbeserious!”

Helaughedandsaidhewasjoking,ashecongratulatedmeagainbeforewemovedtootherthings.WhatIwouldlaterlearnwasthat,shortlybeforeImetwiththeCSO,hehadjustleftthepresident,whosehearthadstoppedbeatingandhadtoberesuscitatedafterpressurewasappliedtohischest,anindicationthattheendwasnigh.

By9:00p.m.,IwasattheResidenceformyscheduledappointmentwiththeFirstLady,butthemomentIarrived,shewascalledupstairs.Thatturnedouttobetheperiodherhusbandfinallygaveup.Immediatelyithappened,boththeCSOandADCtookcharge.

Theywenttoinformtheactingpresident,whowouldlatercomewiththeSpeaker,deputySenatepresident,SGF,NSAandhisprincipalsecretary.TheFirstLadytookhimandtheSpeakerupstairstoseetheremainsofherhusband.

Thedeaththatnightbroughtadramaticendtothesagainthecountry,yetnotwithstandingthebadbloodgeneratedbyhislastweeksinoffice,therewasanational,andindeedglobal,consensusthatYar’Aduawasadecentmanwhogavehisbesttohiscountrydespitehishealthchallenges.

Hisdeathalsoreleasedme,asIcouldmakepublicmyresignationandthefactthatIwasgoingtoHarvard.OnMay6,2010,Iarrivedatthevillaearlyasfamilymembersweremovingtheirpersonaleffectsintovehicles.Thesolemnmomentcamewhenthepresident’sbodywaswheeledoutintotheambulancethatwouldtakehisremainstotheairportforthebeginningofhisfinaljourney.Icouldnothelpreflectingonwhatmighthavebeenhadhenotbeenhamperedbyillhealth.Evenatthat,Ibelievedhegavethethanklessjobofbuildingagoodsocietyhisverybest,refusingtoletthepositionofpresidentandthepowerhewieldeddeprivehimandothersoftheirhumanity.

Shortlybeforeweleftfortheairport,oneoftheaidesstaredhardattheofficialportraitofthepresidentthatwasstillhangingbytheRedCarpet,removedit,andturningtome,said,“IamveryhappythatthisistheimageofthepresidentthatNigerianswillalwaysrememberwhentheythinkofhim.”

Iperfectlyunderstoodhissentiment.Giventhemannerinwhichtheillnessravagedhisbody,theimageinthephotographborelittleresemblancetotheYar’Aduathatdied.

Whatremainssadforme,however,isthatthiswasalsotrueinseveralotherways.

###

AbouttheAuthor

OlusegunAdeniyi,aformereditorofTHISDAYandcurrentlychairmanofitseditorialboard,wasappointedSpecialAdvisertothePresidentoncommunicationsonMay30,2007,apositionhehelduntilMay5,2010,whenhisboss,PresidentUmaruMusaYar’Aduadied.

Authoroffourbooks(TheLast100DaysofAbacha,FortressonQuicksand,Abiola’sTravails,andPolitricks),heisafoundingmemberoftheNationalStakeholderWorkingGroupofNigeriaExtractiveIndustriesTransparencyInitiative(NEITI)andFellowoftheNigeriaLeadershipInitiative(NLI).HeconductedresearchonthefactorsthatshapeincumbentpresidentialelectionsinAfricaatHarvardUniversity’sWeatherheadCenterforInternationalAffairs,whereherecentlycompletedaone-yearfellow’sprogramme.

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