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Tag: Obasanjo

  • Deconstructing Obasanjo

    Although the celebrations that marked the attainment of age 80 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo have come and gone, the echoes of the celebrations are still very much in the air as more goodwill messages and eulogies continue to pour in (though not as torrential as when he was President) for a man whose life has unarguably touched the history of Nigeria and which may further shape whatever may turn out to be the destiny of the country. Needless to say, Obasanjo means different beings to different people; in fact, his personality is as controversial as his date of birth.

    To former President Ibrahim Babangida,  Obasanjo “exudes the candour of a trained mind, who is imbued with the patriotic theme, nurtured to defend the country and sworn to uphold its unity.” Also, to a former Christian Association of Nigeria president, Sunday Mbang, Obasanjo is the “best president Nigeria has ever had.”

    In his own remarks which was a radical departure from the above two perspectives, Governor of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose did not only call the former president an extortionist when he asked him to refund the sum of ten million naira he was forced to donate towards the building of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), but also concluded that he is not a good leader.

    In all these, one thing is certain: Obasanjo has impacted on Nigeria either for good or for bad and whatever footprints and dents he might have made on the sands of time are a reflection of his personality traits.

    According to his recently deceased biographer, Adinoyi-Ojo, “Obasanjo is brusque, impatient, intolerant of criticism and prone to violent mood swings. He is a man of rugged determination; a benign and paternalistic leader; he is blunt and sometimes coarse. His gaffes and impolitic jokes are conceived as definitive character traits or as evidence of his lack of refinement.” In her own account, the first wife of the former president portrayed him more of a choleric personality; such personalities are known for their proclivity for dumping friends at the slightest disagreement.

    And from afar, I want to add that the former president seems to be navel-gazing for he likes to be praised and also loves self-glorification. He seems to see himself as the best always in all circumstances, and others as of little importance and relevance.

    Obasanjo seems to be a personification of thesis, antithesis and an ambivalent synthesis; a bundle of contradictions indeed. For instance, Obasanjo loves the rule of law, yet he sponsored illegal impeachment while in power. He abhors corruption, yet Atiku fingered him for the alleged diversion of the ecological funds of Plateau State to fund the Peoples Democratic Party campaign for the 2003 elections. He likes to be described as a courageous person who can dare anybody, but he hates whoever dares him. When his advice is not taken on any issue, he feels bad. But he once said when he was appointing his special advisers upon assumption of power in 1999 that, he was not bound to take their advice. Was he not saying that he alone should be doing the thinking while the rest should just be saying yes? He loves to criticise, yet he cannot withstand being criticised by others. It is said that he abhors sit-tight syndrome; and, of course, he takes pride in the fact that he handed over power as a military ruler to a civilian president in 1979. Yet as a democratic leader, he pursued a third-term agenda allegedly in a filthy manner.

    Among Christians, he sits saintly and he is acknowledged as the moving spirit behind the establishment of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).Yet the account of his wife reveals a man who is fetish. While fetishism may not be a sin in the context of African traditional religion, it is certainly perceived as incompatible with his Christian faith. The man symbolises discipline, but sometime ago he was accused of incest. He glowingly paints his administration as the best, yet all the indices of development in his time still pointed to poverty in the land.

    He loves the truth, yet when some PDP chairmen spoke the truth to him and showed him the way to truth, he responded by showing them the way out of the party. It also seems that Baba believes he is the only one that is entitled to his ambition. For when the former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, resigned from his government to pursue his governorship ambition, Baba brashly said he asked Mimiko in Yoruba language: “abi orogun Iya re nsa si o ni ?”(Meaning: have you been enchanted or cursed by your mother’s rival?)

    Obasanjo also concluded the relay race of the Nigerian civil war and thus often glorifies the role of his command as the last straw that broke the camel’s back. But he often forgets that the man who starts a relay race, as well as others who participate in the race, are as important as the man that concludes the race. He often forgets that in a relay race, it is the team that takes the gold medal and not a member of the team to the exclusion of others.

    Whatever the case, Obasanjo is a gift to Nigeria; just as every Nigerian is a gift to the country. In him however lies the quality of a patriot, a rallying point for the Nigerian project; and he is a strong leader whose type of energy is required for national rebirth. Truly, as a mortal being he has his frailty. Indeed, Socrates was correct in saying that there are not too many good or too many bad people, majority of us are between the two, a fact Obasanjo should equally admit at this juncture in his chequered life. Obasanjo has done his best for Nigeria; however, it is not in the best interest of Nigeria that he remains the best president Nigeria ever had.

     

    • Dr. Adebisi sent this piece from Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State

  • Osun Varsity wins Obasanjo Library debate

    Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has won the Inter-University Debate organised to mark the opening of (IUD) the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Babcock University was the first runner up.

    The King’s University (KU) in Odeomu, Osun State, which finished as second runner up, erupted in celebration after its students returned to the campus with their trophy.

    The IUD was held at the main auditorium of OOPL’s International Conference Centre. Ten tertiary institutions participated in the debate, with the theme: Will Presidential libraries reduce leadership deficit in Africa?

    Some of the participants argued in favour of the claim, while others opposed it.  The KU’s Melody Ayokunu, a 200-Level International Relations student, argued that presidential libraries would address the leadership challenge in Africa.

    At the end, the judges panel, which included Prof Bolanle Awe and Dr Olusoji Vawn, announced the winners, stating that UNIOSUN garnered 38 points to win the contest.

    BABCOCK scored 35 points to win the second position, while KU had 32 points to become third.

    Lauding the school team for the feat, the KU Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Diran Famurewa, praised the students for making the varsity proud.

    The VC urged them to aim higher, adding that they should not  relent in their quest for excellence and bring more glories to the university.

    Famurewa also hailed lecturers of the Department of English and Literary Studies, who prepared the students for the debate.

  • Obasanjo, Utomi, others: punish treasury looters

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Pat Utomi and other experts yesterday called on managers of public institutions to punish treasury looters, revamp African value system and strengthen institutions in the drive to develop Nigeria and the continent.

    They proferred the solution at the opening of the third biennial international conference entitled: “Polity Debacle and the Burden of Being in Africa”.

    The conference was organised by the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

    Obasanjo advised President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure there was no hiding place for treasury looters.

    The former President enjoined other African leaders to do the same so the continent can overcome its developmental challenges.

    Obasanjo was represented by the Deputy Coordinator, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Mr. Ayodele Aderinwale.

    According to him, “there should be no respite, there should be no hiding place for treasury looters. And good people with ideas must come forward to be counted, get elected or supported by good people to grow the economy and provide solid infrastructure.”

    Obasanjo noted with dismay that the focus of African leaders has always been on material resources rather than human capital, adding that African political leaders must make changes to reduce corruption and generate laws, policies and practices needed to catch up with the world.

    He added: “Africans will have to create the popular pressures that will make African leaders address the challenges of leadership, fiscal and economic, managerial, infrastructure, industrial and technological deficits”.

    “The town and gown must collaborate to make Africa the best.

    He said: “Those in political leadership position must enthrone a framework to provide public infrastructure.”

    “There is need to restore social justice issues around resource control, citizenship and governance. Let me state unequivocally that our standards of living will rise the moment we take our destiny in our hands. I know we have what it takes.”

    Utomi, former presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, Prof Emeritus Ayo Bamgbose of the University of Ibadan and representative of Senator Binta Garba representing Adamawa North also spoke.

    Utomi attributed declining fortunes in Africa to collapse of culture, weak institutions, wrong policy choices and unfavourable disposition of leadership to human capital development ,among others.

    He explained that the collapse of culture has changed the orientation of people from delayed gratification to immediate gains and greed.

    Effective leadership, according to him, is all about shaping culture and the way things are done.

    The keynote speaker, Prof Akanmu Adebayo, a professor of History and Conflict Management, Kennesaw State University, United States of America (USA), noted that the cost of governance in Nigeria and other African countries was  too high and unsustainable.

    The don said Nigeria and other African countries must fight corruption, but emphasised the need to review the strategies for anti-graft campaign, stressing: “Anti-corruption strategies that have not worked include public shame and execution, special tribunals and/or the court and so on.”

  • Obasanjo’s legacies at 80

    For both  admirers and political foes of Obasanjo, the presence of former United States’ Ambassador to the UN, Mr. Andrew Young, former Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Mr. Kofi Annan, and about fourteen serving and former African Presidents  and who is who in Nigeria politics at the inauguration of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) to mark his 80th birthday in Abeokuta two weeks back, was but a confirmation of his status as a “global statesman,” a pride of Africa and a gift to Nigeria.

    Many have attributed Obasanjo’s rise from a “barefooted village-school boy” to fame and fortune to destiny. But I think fate has very little to do with Obasanjo’s larger-than -life achievements.  He “set out early at dawn”to haunt for fame and fortune and pursued his goals with great tenacity without, in the words of Andrew Young, “caring about who he made mad.” He does not share the prejudices of his Yoruba people. Other people’s laws are never his laws. He publicly admitted “nothing embarrasses him.” He routinely cuts deals with enemies of his political foes as long as the end justifies the means.

    Yes, Obasanjo, as Sunday Mbang has said, built a church in Aso Villa, attended morning devotions with his family; but Obasanjo has never been a miracle-seeker. Knowing fate without hard work is dead (James 214-16); he worked hard during his first coming to build a solid economic base for Nigeria.  He set up a number of refineries connected by about, 4,500 kilometres of pipeline across the country. He reorganised Nigeria Airways, leaving it with about 33 aircraft by the time he left office in 1979. He established vehicle assembly plants in Lagos, Kaduna and Enugu and decreed government must use assembled-in-Nigeria Peugeot cars. To guarantee we feed ourselves, he launched Operation Feed the Nation and followed up with a land use decree to make land available to state governments and private investors.  He built up a huge external reserve and our naira was as strong as the pound sterling, and much stronger than the dollar. Obasanjo, as Sunday Mbang has said, remains the best Nigerian president to date.

    Obasanjo  also moved beyond Murtala Mohammed’s rhetoric of “Africa has come of age,” by working  with others to strengthen the Africa Union, establish the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), designed to promote democracy and good governance. He has also “served as chairman of the Group of 77, chairman of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and chairman of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee.” He was very active in the international mediation efforts in Angola, Burundi, Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa. Obasanjo undoubtedly remains the face of Africa in the international community. For the former US Ambassador to the UN, Mr. Andrew Young, “without Obasanjo, Africa might have still been in a desperate position.”

    But as chroniclers of history, we must also search for how Obasanjo broke out of his lowly background and in the words of Vice President Osinbajo became ”a world statesman and a gift to humanity.”Let us examine the flowing explanations from military scholars and Vice President Osinbajo.

    But first, the sociological explanation from Ahmadu Bello who in his autobiography, My Life, told us it was the disadvantaged in society that were first recruited into the colonial army. President Muhammadu Buhari was humble enough to admit that but for Ahmadu Bello who picked him up from his Daura village to join the military he would have remained a Fulani herdsman Most of those who joined the military, therefore, did so in order to climb the social ladder.

    This historical fact seems to get further support from the late Professor Takena Tamuno’s “status coup” thesis  which finds expression in the least endowed  even within the military (a Sergeant Doe in Liberia, Mobutu, a cook in Congo, Ironsi and Abacha in Nigeria)taking over political power. Obasanjo was to write in his My Command that he achieved on a platter what Awo, his superior, could not achieve through a lifelong struggle.  They killed merit. Their values became the values of society.

    Vice President Osinbajo presented another intellectual explanation for how Obasanjo, literally “climbed the palm tree from the top.” As a beneficiary of Tamuno’s “status coup,” theory, Obasanjo became one of the few men in history known to “make history and write history in his own words.” Consequently, when Obasanjo, a leader who believes heavens help those who help themselves, had an opportunity to make history, he made investments with high dividends in view.

    That the same northern military and political elite that rejected the leadership of Brigadier Ogundipe ten years earlier (1966)  endorsed him as Head of State in 1976, was  a reward for his pro-north and pro-Nigeria stand during the civil war ((1967-1970).  His movement from prison to the presidential palace in 1999 by the same northern military and political elite that rejected MKO Abiola and his pan-Nigeria 1993 mandate was a payback  for foisting  incompetent Shehu Shagari instead of competent Awo, who according to Odumegwu Ojukwu, was the “best President Nigeria never had,” on Nigeria in 1979. And from hindsight, his foisting of ailing Yar Adua and incompetent Goodluck Jonathan on Nigeria was self-serving.

    And precisely because Obasanjo is writing the history, he conveniently ignores Robin Luckman’s observation that his generation “plunged the nation into a civil war.” Instead, he and his generation chose to hold the nation hostage in the name of war of unity; or as Babangida fraudulently puts it, “sacrificing their present for our future.”

    And finally, Brigadier General Alabi Isama who described Obasanjo as an “Incredible opportunist” in his Tragedy of Victory presented Obasanjo and his generation’s baleful legacies. Our unity, he says, is more tenuous today than it was in 1966; that the two million lives lost (out of which the Igbo accounted for 1.5 million) were lost in vain and that while those killed on the allegation of corruption left no estates behind, Obasanjo’s generation seized all the estates including those inherited from the colonial masters.

    We can also add that they destroyed the best bureaucracy in Africa, traded the best universities that produced the Wole Soyinkas, Chinua Achebes, and Awojobis for their own high fee-paying private universities and left us with carcasses of once thriving industries they forcefully seized through an ill- implemented privatisation programme. And perhaps more tragically, they destroyed a party system and abridged a political socialisation process dating back to 1923; and in their place, they foisted on the nation a PDP, run with military mentality of sharing spoils of war from conquered territories.

  • Obasanjo kicks as details of $1.09b oil deal emerge

    Obasanjo kicks as details of $1.09b oil deal emerge

    Ex-President to Adoke: leave me out of it

    Ex-president: don’t link me with deal

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned former Attorney General of the federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke to stop mentioning his name in the Malabu Oil deal.
    According to Premium Times, Obasanjo described the award of OPL 245 oil field licence as the “height of corruption,” which he could not have endorsed.
    He was quoted to have said: “Adoke and others should not drag me into a matter I know nothing about. If they have been asked to answer questions over decisions they took while in office, they should do that honourably.
    “They should not bring Obasanjo into an Etete deal. I was not part of any such deal.
     ”If I hold that view, I could not have approved a deal with Dan Etete. What Etete did is the height of corruption. He appropriated the asset to himself illegally, illegitimately and immorally.
    “I can’t remember giving approval that the block be given back to Etete
    “We gave it back to Malabu? On what ground? Do you have any such evidence?
    “Ask Bayo Ojo and Edmund Daukoru what really happened because the stand I took at the time was unassailable.
    “If Daukoru has evidence that I approved that the block be given back to Malabu or Etete, let him produce it.
    “If it is proven that I indeed approved the deal, I will be willing to apologise to Nigerians. But we have to get to the bottom of it all.” 

    The out-of-court settlement on the controversial $1.09billion Malabu Oil Block was initiated in 2006 during ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, it was learnt yesterday.
    But the former president has told former Attorney-General and Justice Minister Mohammed Adoke to stop linking him with the deal.
    The details are contained in a December 2, 2006 letter to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited (For the kind attention of Chief Dan Etete) by a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Edmund Daukoru.
    The ex-minister, who is now a monarch in Bayelsa State, could not be reached for comments last night.
    Although Daukoru acted on behalf of the Obasanjo administration, there is no evidence that the ex-President signed the documents.
    Some ex-ministers and past Group Managing Directors and officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) are unwilling to talk about the deal.
    The letter conveyed the government’s approval of an out-of-court settlement with Malabu Oil and Gas Limited.
    The letter said: “We refer to the above subject matter and are delighted to convey to you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, having concluded a review of your legal claims, for the return of Oil Block 245(OPL 245) has graciously approved and directed as follows:
    “That the Federal Government of Nigeria is amendable (sic) to an out-of-court settlement of the claims comprised in the legal proceedings commenced by Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd and consequently has agreed to settle your legal claims for the return of the oil block constituted as OPL 245 shall from the date hereof and with immediate effect, be returned to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd with full and total reinstatement of all its rights thereto.
    “Any and all previous decisions inconsistent with or purporting to deprive Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd of its rights over the totality of the concessions in the said OPL245 shall stand absolutely and totally rescinded as if they had never been made.
    “Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd shall immediately upon the receipt of this letter forthwith withdraw, discontinue every legal proceeding concerning OPL 245 initiated and or being maintained by Malabu against the Federal Government of Nigeria in respect of the Oil Block OPL 245.
    “Malabu Oil and Gas Limited shall be required to and shall pay a new Signature Bonus of USD 210million but the payment of $210million shall be less the sum of $2million previously paid into the coffers of the Federal Government of Nigeria in respect of an alternative oil block.
    “The fiscal terms of the 2005 PSC shall apply to this restoration. Malabu to source its own technical partners and meet the conditions of the award within 90 days of this award.
    “As part of the settlement process, the Federal Government of Nigeria is resolved to and has decided to award Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (Shell) a present concessionaire an alternative oil block with comparable potential and hydrocarbon prospectivity. This information was by a letter dated 1st of December 2006 conveyed to Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited.
    “”Malabu Oil and Gas Limited shall be at liberty immediately to exercise all rights incidental to and consequent upon the return of the oil block (OPL 245) to it and shall be free to assign, pledge or deal in any way with its restored rights over OPL 245 in whole or in part to any 3rd Party subject as always to the operative laws of Nigeria, including but not limited to obtaining all approvals permit and appropriate consents necessary.
    “Be advised further that the meeting scheduled to be held among concerned parties hereto and advised to Shell by letter referenced  HMSPR/TA/007 and dated 1st Dec. 06 shall hold shortly  and the deliberations thereafter may be availed you.”
    Earlier, a Settlement Agreement signed by the ex-Minister (for the Federal Government) and Malabu Oil and Gas Limited officials, in the presence of Anthony G. Ikoli (SAN) was reached on November 30th, 2006.
    The agreement said: “It is hereby agreed as follows: In the spirit of amicable settlement and without any admission of liability for any alleged wrongful, unlawful, unjust or any like conduct, the FGN agrees to re-allocate the oil block known as and covered by Oil Prospecting Licence 245 (herein called OPL 245) to Malabu within 30 days of this Agreement.
    “The Signature Bonus in respect of OPL 245 shall be the sum of US$210million payable by Malabu to the FGN. In this regard, the FGN acknowledges that Malabu had hitherto paid the sum of $2,040,000 to the FGN in respect of this Oil Block which sum shall be deducted from the aforesaid Signature Bonus, leaving a balance of US$207, 960,000 to be paid by Malabu to the FGN within 12 months from the date of reinstatement of OPL 245 to Malabu.
    “The parties agree that Malabu shall, if it so desires, be at liberty to assign OPL 245 or any part thereof in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum Act.
    “Pursuant  to this Agreement  and in consideration of the foregoing, Malabu hereby forever and absolutely discharges and releases the FGN, its officers, agents, agencies and privies howsoever described or any person acting for and or on its behalf from all claims or demands which Malabu has or may have, and from all actions, proceedings, obligations, liabilities, losses and damages brought, made, incurred, sustained or suffered by Malabu now or in the future relating to, arising from or howsoever connected with the withdrawal or revocation by the FGBN from Malabu of OPL 245.
    “Immediately upon the execution of this Agreement, Malabu shall withdraw, discontinue and terminate its Appeal No. CA/A/99/M/06 now pending against the FGN and its Agencies at the Court of Appeal, Abuja. Malabu shall cause the requisite evidence of this withdrawal/ discontinuance to the solicitors to be delivered to the FGN within 72 hours of the same being withdrawn or discontinued.”
    One of those believed to have been involved in the deal, a former minister, said last night: “Please, I have no comment at all, leave me out of it.”
    Another ex-minister said: “These people should do their investigation very well. Those indicted should respond to the allegations against them. I have nothing to say.”
    A top official of NNPC said: “This oil block is a complex matter with international dimensions. I have nothing to say.”

  • $1.6b Malabu Oil deal: Adoke names Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, others

    $1.6b Malabu Oil deal: Adoke names Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, others

    Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Mohammed Bello Adoke has said that three former Presidents endorsed the Settlement Agreement on the controversial $1.6billion Malabu Oil Block.

    They are Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

    Adoke said none of the three Presidents has disowned the agreement.

    He listed ex-ministers who played key roles in resolving the conflict on the oil block. They are a former AGF and Minister of Justice Bayo Ojo,  former Minister of Petroleum Resources King Edmund Daukoru; ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and former Minister of Finance  Olusegun Aganga.

    He said the recent actions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tended to impugn the Settlement Agreement.

    He insisted that the Ministry of Justice, which he superintended, only facilitated the Settle Agreement.

    The EFCC has filed charges  against Adoke,  a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Dan Etete, a businessman, Aliyu Abubakar and eight others over alleged $801million bribe in respect of the auctioning of Malabu Oil Block.

    The others are Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited;  Nigeria Agip  Exploration Limited; ENI SPA; Malabu Oil and Gas Limited; Ralph Wetzels(ex- Director of SNEPCO), Casula Roberto(Italian) whilst being the Director of AGIP; Pujatti Stefeno(Italian) while being the Director in AGIP; and Burafato Sebastiano(Italian).

    But  Adoke, in a March 6 letter to Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), asked the AGF to determine whether he had committed any offence for carrying out presidential approvals.

    He asked Malami to tell Nigerians whether his predecessors in office from 2006 to May 2015 acted in the national interest when they brokered and implemented the Settlement Agreement.

    He urged Malami to clarify to Nigerians the import of Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) with respect to the vesting of all the Executive powers of the Federation in the President to exercise by himself and or through his Ministers and appointees.

    He said: “It will be recalled that the Terms of Settlement encapsulating details of the Settlement between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and Malabu Oil & Gas Limited (Malabu) was executed on 30th November, 2006.

    “The Terms of Settlement, which was later, reduced into a Consent Judgment of the Federal High Court; Abuja was brokered by our predecessor in office, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN and signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria by the then Honourable Minister of State, for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Edmund Daukoru, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    ”When I assumed office on 10th April 2010, I inherited a Consent Judgment, which had undergone the scrutiny of three Presidents and Attorneys General. I was therefore restricted to the implementation of the Settlement as the issue of ownership of OPL 245 had already been resolved in favour of Malabu by the Terms of Settlement dated 30th November 2006 and the Consent Judgment of the FHC, Abuja.

    “I also inherited an on-going Investor/State Arbitration at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID) in which SNUD had initiated arbitral proceedings against the FGN claiming damages in excess of $2billion for taking back OPL 245 re-awarded to them when Malabu’s title was initially revoked by the FGN. SNUD’s claims were also premised on the fact that they had substantially de-risked the Block.

    “Malabu also instituted Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/420/2003, before the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja to enforce its claim to OPL 245. Although, the suit was struck out by the FHC, Malabu lodged Appeal No. CA/A/99M/2006 before the Court Appeal, Abuja, Division.

    “During the pendency of the Appeal, an amicable settlement was entered into between Malabu and the Federal Government and in compliance with the Terms of Settlement executed by the Parties on the 30th of November 2006, OPL 245 was fully and completely restored to Malabu in consideration for its withdrawal of the Appeal. (Copy of the Terms of Settlement dated 30th November is attached as Annexure ‘A’)

    ”Apparently dissatisfied with the Terms of Settlement between the Federal Government and Malabu, SNUD commenced arbitral proceedings against the decision of the Federal Government to restore/re-allocate OPL 245 to Malabu at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes in Washington DC, and made representations to government on the impending arbitration. It is instructive to note that SNUD’s claim before ICSID was in excess of US$2billion. It also commenced a suit against the Government before the Federal High Court, Abuja

    “Although, several meetings were held between the Presidency, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, SNUD and Malabu, to resolve the dispute, no satisfactory outcome was achieved. Attempts were also made in 2007 to resolve the dispute by a Committee comprising the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Minister of Energy, Group Managing Director, NNPC and DPR, during the administration of Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, without success

    “ To resolve all the contending claims in a satisfactory and holistic manner, due regard was given to the Terms of Settlement of 30th November 2006 which had been reduced to Orders of the Court, the underlying policy of encouraging the participation of indigenous oil and gas companies in the upstream sector of the oil industry and the fact that Shell had substantially de-risked Block 245.

    “To accommodate all these interests, a Resolution Agreement dated 29th April, 2011 was executed wherein the FGN agreed to resolve all the issues with Malabu in respect of Block 245 amicably and Malabu also agreed that it would settle and waive any and all claims to any interest in OPL 245. (Copy of the Resolution Agreement is attached as Annexure ‘D’).

    “ In furtherance of the Resolution Agreement, SNUD and ENI agreed to pay Malabu through the Federal Government acting as an obligor, the sum of US$ 1,092,040,000 Billion in full and final settlement of any and all claims, interests or rights relating to or in connection with Block 245 and Malabu agreed to settle and waive any and all claims, interests or rights relating to or in connection with Block 245 and also consented to the re-allocation of Block 245 to Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO).

    Adoke insisted that the Federal Government and its agencies and officials only served as facilitators of the Settlement Agreement.

    He added: “It is therefore quite evident from the foregoing that the role played by the Federal Government, its agencies and officials in relation to Block 245 was essentially that of facilitator of the resolution of a long standing dispute between Malabu and SNUD over the ownership and right to operate Block 245.

    “At all times material to the resolution of the dispute, the Federal Government was not aware of any subsisting third party interest in Malabu’s claim to OPL 245 and neither did any person or company apply to be joined in the negotiations as an interested party.

    ”I wish to reiterate that the resolution of the lingering dispute over Block 245 was in furtherance of Government’s demonstrable commitment to attract investment in the oil and gas sector of the economy and encourage genuine investors (local and foreign) by creating the enabling environment for their business to thrive.

    “ The Office of the Attorney General superintended over the process to ensure that the implementation was holistic by ensuring:

    (a)  that the requisite Presidential Approvals were sought and obtained;

    (b) that all the relevant MDAs such the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Finance, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) were involved in the resolution and final implementation of the Settlement;

    (c) that the relevant Agreements such as OPL 245 Resolution and Re-allocation Agreements were duly executed by line Ministers and Departments;

    (d) that the Signature bonus was duly paid to the Federal Government of Nigeria as required by law, and

    (e) that disbursements from the escrow account were jointly approved by the Federal Government and SNUD.”

    Adoke urged the AGF to find out why he was singled out by the Economic and Financial Crimes for prosecution.

    He said: “ In view of the foregoing, I anxiously want to know where I went wrong that I have been singled out by the EFCC for prosecution.

    ”I wish to use this medium to appeal to the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation to be mindful of his overarching powers over public prosecution and the need to ensure that state institutions do not become persecutors or instruments in the hands of those pursuing personal vendetta.

    “The Constitution and the traditions of our noble profession demand your oversight over public prosecution. Consequently, if you find that I had breached my Oath of Office or abused my office, please do not hesitate to bring me to justice.

    “However, if it is the contrary, as I strongly believe, that certain individuals who had vowed to even scores with me are now being aided by state institutions such as the EFCC; I deserve protection from these unwarranted attacks and dehumanising treatment that I am being subjected to merely because I chose to serve my fatherland.”

    Adoke faulted the filing of separate charges against him by the EFCC and asked Malami to speak out.

    He said:  “As the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, you have a public duty to speak on this matter so that Nigerians would know whether I acted mala fide or abused my office in the entire transaction leading to the final implementation of the Settlement.”

  • What singles out good leaders, by Obasanjo

    What singles out good leaders, by Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has identified ability to take risks and adapt to change as hallmarks of good leadership.

    He said such leaders must develop visions, influence people, provide direction, innovate and solve problems.

    He also described family as the nerve centre of national stability.

    Obasanjo spoke at the second memorial lecture for Prophet Dr.  Gabriel Olubunmi Fakeye and book launch at C&S Movement Church, Surulere District, Lagos yesterday.

    He stated that once leaders inspire people to shared visions, the wave effect from the centre radiates in concentric circles to the grassroots, thus developing several leaders at each and every cadre.

    According to him: “Shared vision ensures inclusiveness to ensure acceptance at all levels and a distillation strategy to ensure quality of outcomes.

    “This is why constant feedback is very important even in the Church where leadership is quasi-totalitarian and appointments are fairly monarchical in most cases.

    “This is in contrast with democracy where the people have a choice periodically to select their leaders based on the perception and promises of the leaders,” he said.

    According to him, it is important to internalise the concept of stability as a stable system that can weather storms, psychological, spiritual, financial and environmental among others.

    He stated that for some of these storms “we need spiritual intervention and this is where churches have a major role to play,’ adding that national stability must be based on a robust system with active components.”

    Obasanjo lamented families are progressively in disarray, no thanks to urbanisation and new digital civilisation.

    He suggested an ecumenical approach to support the national efforts in the battle to restore family values.

    “The church as we have seen in some nations throws up national leadership and we must, encourage our churches to dedicate time to the training of the youth in the choir, Bible study and evangelism.

    “A nation that is cohesive and built on core positive family values inclusive of a reward/punishment system that is open and just shall progress.

    “Now, for cohesiveness, we need prayers that the Lord will direct us to see more of the positive than the negative reasons for national unity.

    “The Church must be a training ground for leadership. And the Bible is the best handbook of such training,” he said.

    Obasanjo also charged African countries to move beyond being merely exporters of raw materials and develop local industries to process the materials and move up the value chain.

  • Obasanjo at 80: Unravelling the enigma

    For better or for worse, no one can doubt the significance of Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo to the Nigerian state and its future. Having gathered friends and foes alike, OBJ has become a force to be reckoned with. One can say, without any fear of contradiction, that he remains the singular most important living political factor today with regard to the dynamics of the Nigerian state. And, having entered into the sacred octogenarian circle, I do not expect any slowing down in terms of his acerbic capacity to speak bluntly about his assessment of the governance and leadership situation in his beloved country. Let me use this opportunity to wish Baba a happy birthday. As a son, I take extreme delight in the enigmatic existence of a man who has steadfastly refused to fade away despite the many attempts to silence him. In the face of overwhelming oppositions, criticisms, provocations and disparagements, Obasanjo has remained undaunted and unrelenting. His continuing relevance, I long suspect, owes a lot to the force of his charismatic personality, his historical importance at a significant juncture in Nigeria’s history, his obsession with significant ideas about nation building and diplomacy and finally his adroit understanding of realpolitik.

    His eightieth birthday celebration coincides with the formal opening of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL). And this was flagged off by a colloquium to precede the launch. I was invited and was surprisingly invited to make a statement. I have known Chief Obasanjo for so many years and in so many capacities. Our relationship was not just formal; it was founded on a solid tradition of a father-son dynamics that encompasses so many trajectories, from personal to professional. Thus, as I made my way to the podium for the statement after about three minutes notice by Prof. Ayo Tella, the MC, I was assailed by a fundamental confusion: From what angle and within what perspective was I supposed to make my statement about this larger-than-life man who has practically become a real life Wizard? I thought I could always make a speech, but for once I could not decide which line to pick out of a large pool of nuanced reading of a man that is complexity personified until I found myself on the podium.  How do I compact several years of relationship into a two-minute remark? Fortunately for me, the occasion for the formal launch of the Presidential Library provides another rich avenue to unpack the essence of an enigma. I therefore made some appropriate noises at the colloquium. But here I am again.

    Contrary to those who see and say all things bad and negative about OBJ, my engagement with him has always borders on a significant mix of the personal and the critical within a historical timeline that coincided with my own professional development and coming of age in Nigeria. In my past assessment of his politics, I have used the adjective “Machiavellian” to describe his political personality. But the historical confusion surrounding that word actually serves my purpose and sets me apart from the chorus of the OBJ-bashers. In the history of political thought, Niccolò Machiavelli remains one of the most vilified, especially with regards to his understanding of politics and the significance of political action. Thus, this perception created a negative connotation given to the term “Machiavellian.” Thus, a Machiavellian politician would be someone who places instrumental desires before scruples; someone for whom the end justifies the means! And there is no one who signifies such a Machiavellian figure than Obasanjo. But most of the literature on Machiavelli conveniently ignores the fact that Machiavelli agonized over the fate and political future of medieval Florence and its republican pedigree. It is through that nationalist but pragmatic template that I perceive Obasanjo as Machiavellian.

    Fortunately for me, my contact and engagement with OBJ commenced within the ambit of my learning and research as a student of political science and political theory at the University of Ibadan in the 80s. I was at the point of giving contextual focus to my theoretical understanding of political theory when I was invited to an interview as a research assistant to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. That interview gave me an opportunity to explore a political counter-narrative of how Awolowo’s politics could have turned out better first for what I have since called the precarious future of the Yoruba and also for the future of Nigeria. This counter-narrative was situated within a philosophical analysis of Awolowo’s understanding of the role of federalism in Nigeria’s future and the debilitating outcomes of the Awolowo-Akintola conflict within the context of Yoruba politics. That interview was one of my bold moments in my career; being so boldly critical of your to-be employer especially one that you revere, and I was convinced I had been clever by half. But Chief Awolowo apparently thought otherwise because I got the job!

    When Awolowo finally transited, I had to decide to take the research further under the supervision of Prof, Peter Ekeh. Ekeh’s seminal thesis of the “two publics” had already become a distinctive analytical framework for assessing the African political sphere. And it seemed just right for me to work within that template to frame my research into the dynamics of Nigerian politics. Obasanjo was already becoming a public figure as military head of state who was instrumental to the commencement of civil rule in 1979. His model of national engagement therefore became a unique one to be counterpoised to Awolowo’s, in spite of Papa Awo’s unrivalled legacies in the South-West. For me, it was a case of the Machiavellian contra the Platonic.

    As a Machiavellian, Chief Obasanjo is aware of the stark necessity of realpolitik in disentangling the governance complexity and political intrigues that define Nigeria. Since its evolution, the Nigerian state has grown to a huge complex proportion that has swallowed many a visionary leaders. It swallowed Murtala Muhammed. And OBJ has been a good student of politics. Like Machiavelli, in terms of politics, modern Nigeria is as nightmarish as medieval Florence. Both generate intrigues, assassinations, embezzlement, alliances and dalliances, patriotism and disaffection, and all other kinds of political and non-political affairs that are favourable and unfavourable to the growth and progress of the state. Such a political context demands not just any leadership but one with a realistic understanding of what needed to be done in terms of instrumental manoeuvrings if vision is to be imposed on political chaos. It is this political realism that distinguishes Machiavelli from a host of other political theorists in history. In fact, it is his insistence that politics must be analysed from the perspective of what it is, and not what it ought to be, that became the first impulse for the birth of modern political science. Without this realism, Machiavelli would not have survived the political landmines that littered Florence. He was nearly consumed, and his vision of a strong republican heritage for Florence was nearly abolished.

    From his military trainings to his first political appearance as second in command to Murtala Muhammed and then later as military head of state, OBJ has evolved until he returned as a democratically elected president in 1999. And from then, his stature and significance has grown into the colossal. I have used Winston Churchill’s description of Russia as the template for unpacking him—OBJ is essentially a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. And this explained why he has generated an OBJ industry in Nigeria and across the globe; an industry of haters, admirers, critics and even sycophants. And added to this is the fact that Providence has set him apart as one so blessed of God. You really just need to wonder how a person could survive the Nigerian military establishment (especially as a coup plotter), survive Abacha’s death trap, survive two significant moments as president, survive the ravages of age and still remain relevant as statesman. And it seems to me that Obasanjo’s statesmanship remains solidly national in a sense that Awolowo and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu are not. Let me explain.

    The real issue for Nigeria’s integration project is that of how to translate ethnic animosity to civic patriotism. This implies that a truly national leader must be one that has the capacity to transcend ethnic politics and contribute to the solid establishment of the civic public in Nigeria. Leadership in Nigeria since independence has always been tinged with an ethnic coloration. From Awolowo to Azikiwe to Ahmadu Bello, the regional and ethnic factor has remained an albatross around many a charismatic leader. The political clout of Asiwaju Tinubu is enormous with his aspiration towards national credibility. But Obasanjo trumps everyone else for the simple reason that he was able to breakthrough to the North twice. Of course, he did so without the support of the Yoruba, and with the suspicion that he was only a crony of the north. But his legacy goes beyond just being a national or even a global figure. In fact, the suspicion that attended his two-time presidency especially by his own people only goes to attest to his detribalized credentials. The whole of Nigeria is the locus of Obasanjo’s operation. Since he handed over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1979, OBJ has been concerned about the Nigerian project, even if in a curious sense.

    A presidential library in Nigeria possesses the real potential of reversing the information and data deficiency that already defines Nigeria’s underdevelopment. The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) allows us a glimpse into OBJ’s mind as a national figure as well as his actions and commission while in office. And this is significant because the presidential library also coincides with the inauguration of democratic governance in Nigeria. But much more than all this, I see in the idea of the library, the imperative for establishing an inter-generational relationship that draws the younger generations of Nigerians into a constant dialogue with the older generations on where Nigeria is coming from, where we are now and where we are headed, as well as the utility of generational capital in recalibrating Nigeria’s future. Launching the OOPL to coincide with OBJ’s 80th birthday celebration only goes to show a man that will never cease to rethink his legacy in terms of the future of Nigeria. From his Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) to the OOPL, Obasanjo has always been concerned about sowing the seed of greatness that will affect Nigeria’s greatness.

    With the idea of the presidential library, Chief Obasanjo, the beloved octogenarian, once again turns Nigeria’s face to the future. And with Lyndon B. Johnson, the former American president, we can say: “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” That is the purpose OBJ meant the OOPL to serve: the recovery of Nigeria’s future.

    Dr. Olaopa is Executive Vice-Chairman, Ibadan School of Government & Public Policy (ISGPP)

  • What did Obasanjo’s generation do for Nigeria?

    Let me start by congratulating the Ebora Owu on his newest title of Baba Onigbagbo Ogun (leader of Christians in Ogun state) conferred on him by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ogun State branch, on Sunday 26th February 2017 in commemoration of his 80th birthday. This is a position that should make Baba speak the truth no matter the condition he finds himself, but alas it isn’t so.

    On Monday 27th of February 2017, at a programme organised by the Kaduna State Chamber of Mines and Commerce, Chief Obasanjo added another lie to the existing third-term lie among other lies that have refused to go (thanks to El-Rufai for confirming what we know in his book The Accidental Public Servant that indeed there was a Third-term agenda that failed).

    Chief Obasanjo challenged Nigerian youths by asking them what their generation will do for Nigeria. He stated that his generation fought for the unity of Nigeria and laid the foundation for democracy, but he has forgotten that his generation also undid the two things they did for Nigeria. His generation fought for the unity of Nigeria and still introduced disunity in like manner. The democracy that was given to Nigeria by his generation was a fake one as it was “lootocracy,” a democracy that is based on looting, looting and looting.

    Nigeria gained independence in 1960. That independence was truncated by Obasanjo’s fellow military men when we had the first coup and General Aguyi Ironsi emerged as the country’s leader.  The casualties of the coup included the Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the Western Region, Samuel Akintola, the Finance Minister, Festus Okotie-Eboh, among others. These shining stars were lost to the coup plotted and executed by Obasanjo’s generation and Nigeria has not remained the same since then. After this, there were coups and counter-coups, including the one involving Obasanjo in 1975 that saw to the removal of General Yakubu Gowon from office and the circus continued until “democracy” came back fully in 1999 with the same Obasanjo as President of the Federal Republic.

    The coup activities of the military regime were the first actions that created division in our country – the same unity that Obasanjo’s generation claimed they fought for. The coups were plotted and executed based on religion and ethnic colouration and till today Nigerians are reaping the fruits of those ignoble actions.

    The military governments headed by Obasanjo’s generation were characterised by looting, state-sponsored assassinations, mysterious disappearance of people from the country and other evils. When Major General Buhari as a military officer toppled the democratically elected Shehu Shagari from office in a bloodless coup in 1983, and took over the reins of power with his deputy Major General Tunde Idiagbon, they succeeded in leading the country into its worst economic mess, the value of the Naira dropped and there was hardship everywhere; and there was the fifty-two suitcases issue too. So what has Obasanjo’s generation done for Nigeria?

    Buhari was removed in a palace coup by General Ibrahim Babangida in 1985. The Babangida administration was a continuation of the maladministration of the Buhari regime, from assassinations to looting and other evils, including the introduction of the failed Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP); this tenure stood out. Under the leadership of IBB, also called the Evil Genius, Dele Giwa was killed in a parcel bomb on a black Sunday. That was the first and only time that a Nigerian died by parcel bomb; and this was long before Boko-Haram started deploying bombs everywhere. Under General Babangida, the June 12 election which was adjudged the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history was annulled for no reason. Till today, what happened to the 12 billion dollars oil windfall under Babangida remains a mystery. His Minna mansion and other properties acquired by him and his fellow officers are from state funds.  So what has Obasanjo’s generation done for Nigeria?

    As if that was not enough, a greater evil befell Nigeria under the leadership of General Sanni Abacha, another man in Obasanjo’s generation. Abacha dissolved the interim government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan by forcing him to resign. He came into power and the looting continued with more assassinations. From Chief Alfred Rewane to Kudirat Abiola and others, it was killing galore and the looting was unprecedented. Even Obasanjo escaped death under Abacha death by luck. Till today, the Abacha loot has not been recovered fully by the Federal Government of Nigeria. So what has Obasanjo’s generation done for Nigeria?

    In 1999 democracy returned to Nigeria and Chief Obasanjo emerged as president and he served a complete two terms from 1999-2007. In these eight years, Nigeria experienced so much drama under the man that came to office with less than a million Naira in his account but left as a billionaire in 2007 (well done sir). Under the leadership of Chief Obasanjo, corruption became a part of our lives as it was found everywhere. Under his watch there was stealing by all and sundry. The leadership of the National Assembly was removed several times due to Obasanjo’s interference. When it was time for his Third-term agenda bid, he introduced bribery into the National assembly.

    He tried to elongate his tenure but failed. Under his tenure as President 16 billion dollars was expended on electricity generation but we ended up generating darkness. Till today, Obasanjo has not explained how the money was spent. The National Assembly under the leadership of Dimeji Bankole set up a committee to probe the issue but in the long run it failed as Obasanjo refused to appear before the committee. The rest as they say is history; today Obasanjo is a billionaire with lots of interests such as Ota Farm, Bells University and other numerous properties. So what has Obasanjo’s generation done for Nigeria?

    The maladministration of Obasanjo’s generation continued with the government of Yar’adua/ Goodluck Jonathan. This government will be in competition with Abacha’s tenure based on corruption perception index. It was all about looting, looting and looting. We can’t forget so soon the missing twenty billion dollars among other looted funds as was revealed by the EFCC. So what has Obasanjo’s generation done for Nigeria?

    The same Muhammadu Buhari that was a beneficiary of a coup that removed Shehu Shagari from office in 1985 is now the President of Nigeria after winning the 2015 presidential election; and as it was in 1983, so it is in 2017. The Nigerian economy is experiencing its worst recession in twenty-five years courtesy of the Muhammadu Buhari led government. The security situation is still a mounting challenge. From the north to the south, it’s all shades of civil unrest and terrorist attacks and our President is currently in London on medical treatment after campaigning against foreign medical treatment. It’s ironic that Obasanjo’s generation didn’t build a world-class health system for Nigeria. So what has Obasanjo’s generation done for Nigeria?

    After 50 years of independence, Nigeria is not in the league of developed nations in the world. We are still battling with corruption, poor civil service, a poor human rights record, unemployment, election rigging and other evils. So what has Obasanjo’s generation done for Nigeria?

    Now what’s the way forward? Things that marred their generation include corruption, nepotism and lack of innovation. Youths should participate in politics to replace the gerontocrats that have refused to leave the stage. Acts of corruption should be eschewed as corruption stunts the growth of nations when the national commonwealth is pilfered away; therefore accountability should be our watchword. We should see ourselves as patriots and put Nigeria first.

    The unity needed by Nigeria will come when we place Nigeria first and this will douse ethnic uprising as found in the actions of IPOB members and others. Youths of this generation should be innovative in their doings so as to confront the problems of economic downturn, unemployment and security challenges confronting the country. With this our generation will be able to do something remarkable for Nigeria.

     

    • Adesina is a Nigerian youth

  • The immortalisation of Obasanjo

    With over 45 serving and ex- presidents across the globe present to witness the grand opening of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State in a nutshell tells the amazing story of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The expansive complex – the first of its kind in Africa – was commissioned by the man many refer to simply as “Baba” who also used the occasion to mark his 80th birthday.

    The late Sir Winston Churchill – the great wartime prime minister of Great Britain – once said Russia’s national interest “is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.”  This etymology aptly captures the story of Obasanjo. For Acting President Yemi Osinbajo: “Obasanjo is … a gift in various ways being so intricately tied to the history of Nigeria.” What makes this man tick? Why has he remained relevant in Nigerian politics for over four decades? Why would anyone’s quest for power be incomplete without a political pilgrimage to Abeokuta?

    If you’re trying to piece answers together then you have to go as far back as 1966 after the first military coup. It was said that the late Lt Col Hassan Usman Katsina ensured Obasanjo survived the counter coup because Katsina believed Nigeria is going to need Obasanjo in the future. Did Usman Katsina peep into a crystal ball to know this or was it merely an intuition? I wouldn’t know, but how best would you describe a man who has weathered so many storms like Obasanjo?

    For this writer who has observed Obasanjo over the years, his pan Nigerian disposition and belief in one strong, detribalised Nigeria are what I admire the most. You don’t have to be close to him to notice this. Whatever critics may say, there is no doubt that he loves Nigeria and is respected globally for this which was why the opening of his library was such a huge success.

    Those very close to him said he resented all forms and shades of nepotism. With Obasanjo, it must be what is best for Nigeria and he would always ensure that the most qualified person was picked to do any task at all times. Little wonder loyalty toward him cuts across the country.

    For reasons only known to God, Obasanjo has always been on hand to play vital roles in the affairs of Nigeria. It was to him as the Commander of the Third Marine Commando Division, in 1970 at the tail end of the civil war that the Biafran forces surrendered, effectively ending the very unfortunate Nigerian civil war.

    Again, on February 13, 1976, when some officers and men of the Nigerian Army led by Lt Col. Bukar Dimka in a botched coup d’état, assassinated the then Head of State , General Murtala Mohammed, the nation was thrown into confusion and there were even fears that another orgy of blood-letting could ensue.

    Providence placed him in the right place at the right time. He steadied the ship of state when the then military High Command nominated him to succeed his late boss as the new Head of State and Commander-in-Chief. Obasanjo wrote his way into the annals of history by being the first military head of state to willingly hand over power to a democratically elected civilian government in 1979.

    As a writer, historian and communicator, I was at home when I paid personal visits to the library complex in January. Ringed by a scenic mountain and green vegetation, the complex is a perfect mix of scenery and culture.  In one of the visits’, I met Obasanjo going through a new volume of book he wrote. And wait for this; it was not a book about politics but a volume about leadership written for children in primary/basic schools complete with colourful pictorial illustrations! The attention he paid the book and his remarks thereafter showed how dear and important it is to him. He said his main concern now is to impart leadership qualities he learnt and imbibed over the decades – especially from his military and political life – to Nigerian children.

    While listening, I couldn’t help looking at a group picture of Obasanjo’s school days. Most – if not all the students – wore shoes except Obasanjo. This painted a graphic picture of where he came from. He always remains his humorous self no matter the circumstance by saying he’s a “village boy” that God has shown favour. He’s really a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.

    The library is a historic, tourist and academic centre established as a national archive for the preservation of documents and materials used by the Obasanjo during his tenure as the president of Nigeria. It is also home to UNESCO Institute for African Culture and International Understanding and the Centre for Human Security. The library houses over 42 million books, documents and archival materials including the former presidents’ primary school uniform, shoes, military uniform, his first car and other personal belongings.

    The library is a resemblance of the presidential library system from the United States. The concept of Presidential Library started in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt of America who donated his official documents for national use. The country passed into law in 1955, the Presidential Libraries Act to formalise this project for national archive of all American Presidential documents and materials in office.

    Launched in 2005 and commissioned last Saturday, the complex, no doubt, immortalise him. In his address of welcome, Obasanjo said “the library is a culmination of fulfilment of dreams and visions which began in 1988 when I came to realise how much vital material that should have been preserved from the civil war and from our period of military government, were allowed to waste carelessly.

    “Then I tried to see what could be salvaged, recovered and preserved but not much except some materials on the civil war from both sides of the divide which I was able to microfilm. Materials were lost but lessons were learnt,” he said.

    After handing over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1979, Obasanjo retired to his farm in Ota; but he did not remain idle, he established the African Leadership Forum (ALF), a leading International Organisation in the areas of leadership advocacy and training. Materials from his regular “Farm House Dialogue” were published as monographs for posterity.

    As the first on the African Continent, the Presidential Library is expected to promote Nigeria on the world stage and inspire other African nations in the advancement of democracy and preservation of the past for the benefit of the future. According to the Library’s official brochure; “At a more local level the Library will teach children and young adults the essential concepts of leadership and citizenship through the example of a former president. By upholding the critical worth of good governance, the exhibitions should inspire future leaders of Nigeria.”

    On the Library’s aims and objectives the brochure states; “the OOPL aims at ‘preserving the past, capturing the present and inspiring the future’. It is a historic, touristic, recreational and academic centre, which is regarded as a national archive as it will house some cultural artefacts and feature essential events in the Nigerian history and modern African history.

    The complex has a Youth Centre, a three story building at the posterior end of the complex; it also has hills and valleys, benches, lakes and parks. Apart from various forms of relaxation, young people will be exposed to various forms of formal and informal training workshops. The Wild Life Park would be filled with exotic animals such as Lions, Elephants, and Hyena among others.

    The ‘Rock of Inspiration’ – a rock at the extreme end of the complex gives a bird’s eye view of Abeokuta. Other facilities in the complex are the Auditorium, Amphitheatre, and the Adire and African Fabrics Centre. There’s also the Children’s Playground, a high rise mechanical contraption of automated circular steel and plastic seats.

    I wish Baba well in the years that lie ahead as he pushes out.