They, therefore, said a segment of the Niger Delta people, particularly erstwhile militant leader, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, who said there would be war in Nigeria if their kinsman, Jonathan, is not re-elected, may start their action now.
According to them, the Jonathan sympathisers do not need to wait until their kinsman is defeated in 2015 to act.
The northern elders, under the aegis of Northern Elders Forum (NEF), hinged their opposition to the president’s re-election on non-performance. They added that Jonathan was not entitled to the office of president in the first place.
Prof. Ango Abdullahi, their spokesman, conveyed their position in an interview with Sunday Vanguard.
Abdullahi, a former Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, pointed out that the North was dissatisfied with Jonathan’s presidency.
“We in the North are not going to support Jonathan in 2015 because he has done nothing for this country since he became president,” the NEF spokesperson declared.
*Ango Abdullahi
“In fact, things in this country are worse than they have ever been. So far, in terms of the performance of this president, I don’t see how he can stand and win an election if you judge him in terms of the social, economic and political indices in the Nigerian environment where we are now. Things have gone from bad to worse since his coming.
“In the first place, he should not be sitting as the president of Nigeria going by the zoning formula of his party, the PDP. The president should have come from the North based on the zoning policy of the PDP.
“Under the PDP zoning policy, the North allowed the South to produce the president for eight years, which Obasanjo took and, by their own signature, including Jonathan himself, when he was the Deputy Governor, on behalf of his governor, that the North will then run for eight years and we agreed. Umaru Yar’Ádua started by died after two and a half years.”
Abdullahi continued: “Of course, the constitution allows that his vice should serve out the remaining term of the joint ticket and we did not complain.
Commonsense should have dictated to Jonathan that he should be honourable enough to respect the zoning agreement which he was a party to.
“He should have been gentlemanly enough to say to his party, ‘look, I’m not qualified to put up myself for election beyond 2011 and that a northerner should run for the post as agreed. He did not do so, but came out to say that he did not know about the zoning.
“So, how do you deal with this kind of a person who cannot honour a simple gentleman agreement? So, from all these perspectives, I don’t see how one can support the president or his ability to be able to lead this country.”
On the threat by ex-militant leaders to cause violence if Jonathan was not returned in 2015, the NEF spokesperson challenged them to start the war now and stop waiting until their kinsman was voted out.
The renowned agriculturist made it clear that the North was not afraid of the threat as no tribe, group of groups of individual had the monopoly of causing mayhem.
Abdullahi said, “The choice to resort to violence or not is that of the militants. The choice for peace or no peace is that of all Nigerians. No individual or group of individuals has monopoly for peace or lack of it.
“My reaction is that but for the fact that I am aware that (Alhaji) Dokubo (ex-N-Delta militant leader) is a spokesperson for the corridors of powers, I would have ignored him. But my reaction now is directed to their leaders, elders, including the president, that if it is their feeling that this is the way things should go, I am saying, on behalf of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, that they should start the crisis now because I’m putting them on notice that Jonathan will not be president in 2015. So they can start now and we in the North are waiting.”
The NEF spokesperson boasted that the North was capable of presenting a common candidate, who would be able to defeat Jonathan in a free and fair election in 2015.
He said, “Look, what I want to see is democracy in practice so that as many candidates who want to contest the next presidential election, including Jonathan himself, can do so freely, without being witch-hunted or harassed by anyone.
“In fact, I would prefer that Jonathan should contest and I can assure you that he would lose. And as far as the North is concerned, there are many credible and qualified candidates and, once a free and fair election is guaranteed, the people would choose who they want to be their president come 2015.”
Former militant leader, Asari Dokubo, last week, warned of dire consequences if Jonathan was not re-elected in 2015.
Although the House of Representatives has raised a panel to investigate him for making provocative statement, Dokubo and other Niger Delta groups have dared the lawmakers to arrest him.
(Vanguard)
Well said, Prof. The S/South Leaders should have gag the foul mouth of this irresponsible man. But since as you rightly identified he is the mouth piece of the SS power block, i agreed totally with NEF's position even though am from SW. The country had seen all manners of worst scenario. We fought a civil war, a sitting Head of State had been assassinated while two others died unexpectedly and throwing the country in confusion. We have had election primaries and a main election annulled, the presumed winner of an election had been incarcerated and died in detention. we have had a President who inherit the thrown on a platter of gold and goodluck. Alh. Asari, we dont fear your threat again. SS leaders, change your scare tactics. It wont work in 215
ReplyDeleteS/W has always been known to be cowards who fear the North and has never been bold enough to call the bluff of the deranged and power drunk and intoxicated violence hungry North. If Asari is not correct, then what?
DeleteWho be dis donkat sef...cowards or not shkd one man's empty threat make us shiver...like I always say..wats d worst dat can happen..nothing in dis world can burn once its ashes...yorubas wld say "ko le j'ona koja guguru" so wats d worst asari can do in 2015?..will d world end?..oil won't flow again abi???...afta dat?...wat next?? No be d one wey he dey tiff for d oil plenty pass...abeg make we hear word..pple frm dat part of d country always feel as if they're being cheated but its their leaders dat are cheatin dem n DEY KNOW IT...as at '04 bayelsa was gettin N8billion naira as monthly allocation frm abj..yet pure water was always frm delta state...as at dat same time d state wasn't on d national power grid..lite was frm a gas turbine installed in d melford okilo era..more than 20 yrs b4 bayelsa was carved out of d old rivers state..as a corper I had to get a generator for lite..so wat are we saying...during my service year there it was discovered dat shell had been paying ALL d civil servants of dat state N25k every month since '99 n dey weren't aware of it..wen dey protested alamieyesigha threatened to sack all of dem if dey didn't report for work..in d north their leaders are delibrately impoverishing d poor d more so as to be able to control dem...all dis points to one thing..pple shld stand up for demselves n not some1 threatening d whole nation...d worst is dat naija will break-up n EVERYBODY will survive..d oil dey are clamouring for will be their downfall if not well-managed by dem if dey have it all to demselves...naija is a living example
Deletelet peace reign nigeria,its not the violence that we need presently.Presidency should be about commited nigerian who is ready to deliver us not Zoning as been prescribe by u.
ReplyDeleteSo dis is y d NAF has refused 2 call der children 'Bokos' 2 order? Pls, prof. Do u tink d offense of a 1 'Jona' (zoning) against d North is worth d lives of innocent Nigerians dying every day? Doesn't ur religion teaches 4giveness? God of justice & vaingance is watching all of u. Crying blood!
ReplyDeleteSo dis is y d NAF has refused 2 call der children 'Bokos' 2 order? Pls, prof. Do u tink d offense of a 1 'Jona' (zoning) against d North is worth d lives of innocent Nigerians dying every day? Doesn't ur religion teaches 4giveness? God of justice & vaingance is watching all of u. Crying blood!
ReplyDeleteRightly said, Mr. 1st anonymous, I am from the SS, but in no way in support of this criminal's (Asari's) utterances. He, obviously is drowned in the wealth he is enjoying through the support of the weak president we have who prefers paying criminals in the name of amnesty. This country has seen the worst of situations and Asari's treat cannot separate or divide Nigerians. He (Asari), should understand that he has just one life (worthless one for that matter) to live and he will one day die or be annihilated like a chicken and all his criminally acquired wealth left behind him.
ReplyDeleteExacly. Àsari's statement is highly provocative. Is their a law that says Jonathan must be president and everyone must vote for hom? How can a common criminal hold the country to ransom. That kidnapping has continued in Nigeria unabated is his gift to Nigeria now he wants to force a president on us. Do we even have a country with a government? so what are they saying about the rants Asari?
DeleteProf, remenber those days in ABU u instigate riot too. YAKASAI said they ll make Nigeria ungovernable, BUHARI said 2015 ll be BLOODY likes of NEF, house of Reps did nt say a word, SO WHAT IS THE DIFFERENT. SS did nt abuse d northern elders, TALK LIKE AN EDUCATED MAN what ve u 2 boast abt we d northern youth? Do not speak 4 us, nobody is PERFECT not even u, we ll elect our choice, so DO NOT SPEAK 4 US.
ReplyDeleteSee mumu talk......
ReplyDeleteWhere were u when he won in 2011....
Mumu elderly men......
Well, 2015 is around the corner; i hope Boko Haram(that is counter-acting) would allow u witness the elections
When Jonathan gagged the Asaris of the SS wit loot from the oil bonanza, it was clear from the on-set. But I doubt if the Asaris would dare go to war. Check the scenario: would Asari Doubo willingly forfeit his high brow homes and other property in Abuja, Lagos and other non-SS cities when he blows Nigeria out of existence? I doubt; greed oaf that he is, he would more likely seek relevance with the next President, and may he not be on like Asari's brother Jonathan of failed transformation!
ReplyDeleteIt is rather unfortunate that the biggest democracy in Africa is plagued by senseless primodial sentiments and parochial perception of good governance. When thugs and hoodlums are beginning to cast aspertion on constituted authority with impunity it means that things are falling apart therefore the centre cannot hold. Repaying evil with evil will only lead to more catastrophy. We must employ decorum and rule of law to deal with these nagging issues.consequently, Nigeria is more than an individual,we have the right to vote in or out a president no one can hold us ransom we can fall for cheap blackmail or any political shinanigan.
ReplyDeleteUseless elders from the north. Is this how a responsible elder should respond to threats? They started and financed boko haram, and it will destroy them.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteProf, where are you children? can they lead the canter-attack. Nigerian Youths don't allow them to use you as scape goat because the highly placed ones always have an escape route for themselves and their families. When two Elephant fight, it is the grass that suffer. Be watchful!
are these so called NEF ppl any better than Asari? just imagine the utterances. Elders are suppose to display maturity were the young fails to. as for me, I think these are not words from elders. but if the NEF insists, then they are worse than Asari. and as for the zoning wahala, it only show that PDP is a chop I chop party that gives no room for credibility and capability.
ReplyDelete@ Domkat it was well said. S/W are coward yes, we know.
ReplyDelete1. Who was more combatant and courageous amongst all that involved in the 9ja civil war? Adekunle Scorpion.
2. During the colonization, who thaw his belly and poured his intestine on Oyinbo face? King Kososko of Lagos.
3. When they wanted to kill Aguyi Ironsi, someone said you have to kill me before killing him, who the person was? Fajuyi.
4, During the military eras who NADECO was? S/W.
5. Who sacrifice his life for the democracy you are stupidly enjoying in this country today? Abiola.
To mention few.
Yes, you are brave an that is why your brother is acting like a chicken.
Well said,prof.This people(asaris) has no regards for elders.afterall what do we expect from primitive,uncivilised n uneducated people?is it because of oil?we northerners are not afraid of anybody n we can't be intimidated by tribal chauvinist that can only bark.let the niger-deltans start d war now.and we ll teach them.stupids,illiterates,unambitious n hopeless fools.
ReplyDeleteNo problem my friend...i hope you will cross the river Niger to come and fight as well never to return back alive...just as your hero Usman dan Fodio's Jihadists did when we crushed and destroyed them at Auchi in Benin Empire...go google it out and see what we did to the soldiers of the then Super Power nation of Colonial Britain in the Benin Massacre...then you will know that we are the "Hardest Warriors" of Africa...we will teach you the meaning of war and make you an example for generations to come...make sure you bring your rag-tag, bathroom-slippers wearing boko-haram jihadists as well as their chief sponsor and patron General Boko Buhari.
Delete@@ Yany you are disgrace to your people. Am very not happy with Asari's comment,but he must never be arrested.
ReplyDeleteIn this same country politicians from the north who are supposed to be more honorable has threaten this nation with even worst comment. And nothing is done to them. NEF told this nation in 20011 not to go against Zoning ever since Bomb has been exploding everywhere, who is even Worst?
The NEF have not said anything, GEJ has done the best despite the none support given to him by the NEF. Now u said the lawmakers have set up a committe to investigate Asari Dokubo Provocative statement, I want to ask why have they not investigate Buhari who vow to make Nigeria ungovernable if he looses 2011 election and since then insecurity set in till today. No government can succeed or any development achieve in the phase of insecurity and war. I think Asari is right and we all support him if NEF dont like his statement lets seceed for interest of peace.
ReplyDeleteNow there is NO ONE NIGERIA because the NEF only see Presidency as their birth right so that they can loot from the South what they never sow, that is why they cannot think right.
We are well informed that the NEF are insupport of Boko Haran assult to Nigerian Government. I want to ask why cant u call ur Religious brother to embrass peace ,cos if GEJ did accept granting amnesty to ghost u would have hanged him. Is it untill a Northern President arrived b/4 insecurity stop by BH. just as Sharia ended as soon as late President Musa Yar'adua became the president. Think about these.
ReplyDeleteSani Abacha hanged Ken Sarowiwa when he voice out for his people and died on the throne. Buhari front CPC and made provokative statement to his supporters and they kill thousands of Youth Corpers (southerners) serving in the Northern states without a just cause. Buhari further threaten the peace of this country when he vow to make Nigeria ungovernable and after that Boko Haran sect commence killing of innocent nigerian and soiling the land with blood. Innocent blood are crying-out for NEF no matter how u fashion it, the blood is hunting all of U who support the act. For Now the Presidencial position remain under causes to all Northerners untill innocent blood the Northerners have shed because Abacha and Buhari is cleans.
ReplyDeleteWhether u call ur self prof., i want to beleive u ar half bark egg poorly educated and hidden criminal enjoying in the South, after destroying ur home,u should stop talking non- sencence.When u said Western education is sin but u are now browsing, using internet,driving in executive cars-bunch of Fools.The NEF spokeman is talking rubbish when they cannot stop BH bombing they started since 2011
ReplyDelete2015 No more one Nigeria, All the tribes have aggred to seceed, it is only Buhari and NEF is planning election to rule Northern Nigeria. But count out South South we will not belong to bloody evil group called Northerners.
ReplyDeleteThe Law makers should investigate BH sponsors in the North and not Asari Dokubo, They should investigate Buhari who vow to make Nigeria ungovernable after losing 2011 election and further threaten President GEJ "Arest me,if you can".
ReplyDeleteEnough is Enough the current happening is getting to much are we not Nigerian ? But In fact our northern leaders caused all these nonsense to us because of selfish interest. But enough is enough for all this intimidation the so called warlord and licensed terrorist Dokubo Asari Oil Bunkerer and a high place Vargerbon. Let the repent terror go to mama and papa ask them how Nigerian oil companies were built. Let the stupid terror ask his parent who fought for nigerian independence. Let the he goat so called warlord and high place idiot ask him mama and papa that he don't even respect how ujukwu end up. When he dream of dividing Nigeria. Let stupid Dokubo Asari know we are not scared about his threats who cares. Although is not surprising to most of teeming meaningful nierian by the utterances committed by the so called stupid Asari Dokubo n the past years. So let him be warned we are not afraid. if nigeria became a history.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Yoruba man from the SW and with my experiences in the Niger-Delta, mostly from Bayelsa & Rivers states, boasting of violent tendencies is a norm and that's why I wasn't surprised at Asari's threats.....void & empty. I don't know why he's being taken seriously. The presidency isn't the birth right of any geographical entity and as such, no tribe or region should lay any claim to it. If we think democracy is working in Nigeria & our votes would count, let's hit the ballot stand with all the aspirants or else these Khaki boys will strike again o.
ReplyDeleteProf or no prof, Asari, Jonathan, and infact northern leaders they are criminals, politicians always benefit from violence as US and Europe have been benefiting from the mayhen arround the world, is not promblem, the owner and the controller of the world will soon respond.
ReplyDeleteNow if to go by PDP shady zoning, the presidency should come to the South, Why because Jonathan is just about to complete the 8 years of Yar adua term, it was a joint ticket.
The fact that am muslim does not mean i should neglet the truth,which is the North had used decree to creat more states, stay long in power, still they still there live style is still babarick, is the north human being are not clothed, where are the wealths, education, they claim to have it is a pity.
They should tell us there government that actually perform, non. Shagari is zero, Buari is Zero if not Idiagbon, who was Buari figure headed head fo state, is it Banbagida who was forced out of government by the westerners and claim to have step aside for close to 2 decades,or is it Abacha who the west make his government ungovernable and throw him to his grave. the northerners nothing but tricks and God hate tricks.
Come to talk of the westerners, they are the most educated in the entire Africa,gonig by histry, it was after a century that west produce graduate that the north got theres, ok no part of this country can talk to the west just anyhow, ok. no village in the west that you can find babarick way of life.
ReplyDeleteHope 1993 was given to MKO because the then respectable Shehu Yaradua knew that Babagida will not hand over to Atiku Abubaka, and that it is only the west that can presurize IBB to go, and it happened.
I may not come from the west, but i know what they are capable of, they dont make noise the ways others do, if i should continue, infact i will not end my post. i will advice that we should be sincere with eachother for the betterment of this country, i expect the north to agitate for the east for president going by histor, or are not nigeria?
PEACE IS THE ANSWER TO DEVELOPMENT, SO LETS BE SINCERE. GOD BLESS NIGERIA
Buhari is a Boko Haram Leader, so called Prof. is a Boko Haram spokes man. what do you expect from them that said western education is a taboo, prof. of that prestigious institution for that matter. I think his professorship should be withdrawn and ALhaji alone should be his title. he is a disgrace to modern civilization. and to this fast growing world of technology. educated illiterate.
ReplyDeleteAll the so called self proclaim politicians should think of Nigeria way forward, employments, peace n stability, n to improve the standard of living, than getting more involved who 'ill be Nigeria president comes 2015. Greedy politicians' all they think about is looting, looting, looting.
ReplyDelete