USA Africa Dialogue Series - Re: Goodluck Jonathan replies Olusegun Obasanjo’s Letter

 With so many deviants deserting his party – some say like rats leaving the sinking ship, it is only with a sense of relief that even I , an impartial and distant observer have just read President Goodluck Jonathan's very courteous and dignified response to Alagba Obasanjo's missiles. As Chido Nwangwu puts  it in so many words of encouragement, "Why Jonathan should fight back– or Obasanjo will end his presidency"  - silence or no response from Good luck Jonathan would  have only signalled surrender  or even worse, cowardice;  to a military man like  O.O. ,  indeed,  no response at all would  have only signified  that Goodluck  was down and out for the count, knocked out  by  the very pugnacious General Obsanjo's  "militaristic strategy of maximum assault and attack to severely damage his target."

I had better modify the "impartial observer" stance since my roughly four years in Nigeria was equally divided between the riverine areas of Rivers state and the upland areas - and numerous unforgettable weekends in the then Imo State, during the time of Sam Mbakwe. So much for any cultural neutrality in so far as it can impact on political sensitivity - after all since General Muhammadu Buhari & Tunde Idiagbon appeared on the horizon on 31^st December 1983 – they have always been my men, in sickness and in health - even after Tunde Idiagbon's tragic sudden death – and my other man, Alex Ekueme - the guy who invited the Pope to Nigeria, notwithstanding. For me, based on the plentifully available evidence, Muhammadu Buhari is synonymous with integrity.

 Although it can be argued that you cannot be an honourable Yoruba man and remain neutral, nevertheless, all Honourable Yoruba men are guided by lofty moral principles - and although we do not like to fight - no to roforofo fight (fighting is always a last recourse), I am personally pleased to see President Goodluck Jonathan (and he will be needing plenty of good luck) taking the necessary stand up and fight back attitude...

We Sweden

I wish to formally acknowledge your letter dated December 2, 2013 and other previous correspondence similar to it.

You will recall that all the letters were brought to me by hand. Although both of us discussed some of the issues in those letters, I had not, before now, seen the need for any formal reply since, to me, they contained advice from a former President to a serving President. Obviously, you felt differently because in your last letter, you complained about my not acknowledging or replying your previous letters.

It is with the greatest possible reluctance that I now write this reply. I am most uneasy about embarking on this unprecedented and unconventional form of open communication between me and a former leader of our country because I know that there are more acceptable and dignified means of doing so.

But I feel obliged to reply your letter for a number of reasons: one, you formally requested for a reply and not sending you one will be interpreted as ignoring a former President.

Secondly, Nigerians know the role you have played in my political life and given the unfortunate tone of your letter, clearly, the grapes have gone sour. Therefore, my side of the story also needs to be told. Read More