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Demystifying Obasanjo By A. Mohammed Bashir Shuwa Olusegun Obasanjo executive president of Nigeria is all powerful, he is commander in chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, controls all security apparatuses and all the resources of Nigeria including the money spinning petroleum resources. He can enrich anyone he wish and impoverish and jail those he hate. He can deny those who go against him access to public office and send them to jail if he so wishes. Everything in Nigeria works according to his dictates. When Chuba Okadigbo of blessed memory dared him, OBJ was able to see him through to his early grave even though same OBJ was one of the early callers at late Chuba's birthday celebration where he called for a truce between them but only for him to cause his impeachment as senate president the following morning. Before Chuba died Harry Marshall, Bola Ige and other lesser mortals were sacrificed. Again Audu Ogbe was one man who took OBJ for his own words not knowing that the chameleon he was dealing with could change his colours. The all powerful OBJ was at Ogbe's home after a reconcilliatory meeting to offer the olive branch and settle for a meal of pounded yam. An elated Ogbe relaxed and gave his trust to the new wave of friendship only for him to realise the next day that that was meant to be a farewell visit for him. Characteristic of OBJ he pulled all his power and resources to sweep Ogbe out with an executive fiat. OBJ never spoke or told anyone that he was the brain behind tenure elongation but all the pricipal officers of the national assembly were continually asked to report to Aso rock where they were dished with directives and promises. Their task was to ensure OBJ'S bidding by hook or crook and failure of which they will face the consequence of his wrath. First it was Ken Nnamani who led his all conquering army of distinguished men to betray OBJ by sending his dream to continue in office to early grave. Then Aminu Masari and his gang of honourables followed suit. OBJ in his characteristic nature welcomed their decision and called for truce. He announced for reconcilliation when he attended the national working committee meeting of his party soon after the embarrassment. And our distinguished and honourables thought it was all over and in their euphoria decided to be magnanimous. Fear now started to grief politicians as reported by Nigerian dailies. OBJ is at it again when he quickly makes a frantic effort to forge new political alliance. He dashed to Niger Delta to eulogies the late Ken Saro Wiwa and held talks with South South political big wigs. The two faces of OBJ has so far began to show so early and every step he is taking is closely monitored by Nigerians who now have developed a thick skin against his antics. To his detriment OBJ has realised that the north can never be divided along religious and sectional sentiments again. Christians and Muslims, Core North and Middle Belt cannot be exploited for political gains anymore. Niger Delta has the potential but even there Peter Odili has lost his peoples support for identifying with OBJ. The opportunistic South South Peoples Assembly have not got the support of the youths and majority of Niger Deltans who see them as vultures. So goes on the search for vengeance by OBJ who is trying all within his means to have a revenge at those who worked against his dream to continue in power. In that group belong northern Nigeria whose politicians spearheaded the campaign with the support of South East Nigerian politicians. To punish them it is OBJ'S desire to see that they pay the price for their disloyalty by denying them the chance to capture power during next election. However OBJ is only making a suicidal attempt as any move at direct conflict with north and south east will have the implication of removing him out of way to pave way for a smooth transition. It was evidently clear that OBJ offered financial inducement to members of the national assembly to extend his tenure which was an impeachable offence. Apart from that he has committed numerous other offences which if doused would lead to his removal and so though he was fond of treacherous moves to dislodge his opponents if he does not tread carefully this time around he can be the victim of his own mischief. It is common knowledge that all that Obasanjo relies on to have a go at others is his executive power and when that power is swept off his feet his ego will be deflated and his evil machinations will follow him. The national assembly has made one giant stride in our democratic experiment and the sooner they demystify the all powerful Obasanjo and show him his rightful place by doing away with him completely the better for Nigeria. Abba Mohammed Bashir Shuwa Holbeck Leeds UK |