“They are making proposals to change our Constitution, which are insulting for our nation and people. It’s their brains, not our Constitution, which need to be changed. What they are offering to us is a clear remnant of colonial thinking.”
Vladmir Putin. (Russian President)
Excerpt of conversation during a meeting with pro-Kremlin youth groups on July 24, 2007, about the extradition demand of by Britain of Andrei Lugovoi, a former KGB officer, accused by Britain of poisoning Alexander Litvinenko, another former KGB officer who became a British citizen, with a radioactive substance polonium 210.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has demonstrated to Nigerians that it is on course in the anti-graft war. EFCC by this latest effort has demonstrated to Nigerians, particularly the apostles of the anti-corruption war and those who are genuinely committed to accountability and transparency that the battle is on; that there is no retreat. It is indeed a re-assuring effort, which all lovers of a corruption-free country should applaud and support. Can a court give an order that the criminal law must not be enforced? Or can any court give a ruling that the Nigerian Constitution must not be enforced? Arrested politicians should stop ‘shadow chasing’ and go ahead to prove their innocence. What matters to me and which in my honest view should be of interest to Nigerians is how many suspects have been arrested and been prosecuted by the EFCC and not whether only two governors are being prosecuted while some were merely questioned. Any attempt to accuse the EFCC of being selective would amount to questioning its mode of investigations or trying to fault its method of conducting its findings. If any agreement exists between Umar Yar’Adua government and the former governors, shielding them from prosecution, it was nothing but a criminal conspiracy against the Constitution and the people of Nigeria.”
Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
Excerpt of interview with Guardian on July 12, 2007.
“The situation in the world and internal political interests require the Foreign Intelligence Service to increase its capabilities permanently, primarily in the field of information and analytical support for the country’s leadership. The U.S. plans to station troops in Eastern Europe and Washington’s intention to base missile defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic pose security challenges for Russia.”
President Vladmir Putin (President of Russia)
Excerpt of a speech at a meeting with senior military and security officers in the Kremlin on July 25, 2007.
“London’s position is immoral. Moreover, they should clearly realize that such provocative actions masterminded by the British authorities will not go without an answer, and cannot but entail the most serious consequences for Russian-British relations.”
Mikhail Kamynin.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman of the Russian Federation.
Comments on national television about the expulsion of 4 Russian diplomats by the British government for the refusal of Russia to extradite Andrei Lugovoi wanted by Britain for the murder of Aleksandr Litvinenko.
“You can act this way toward a banana republic, but Russia is not a banana republic. Britain’s request for Russia to override the Constitution is ‘arrogant’.”
Konstantin Kosachyov. Head of Russia’s State Duma’s (House of representatives) Foreign Affairs Committee.
Comment on national television about the expulsion of 4 Russian diplomats by the British government for the refusal of Russia to extradite Andrei Lugovoi wanted by Britain for the murder of Aleksandr Litvinenko.
“The Russian government has failed to register how seriously we treat this case or the seriousness of the issues involved, despite lobbying at the highest level and clear explanations of our need for a satisfactory response.”
David Miliband. British Foreign Minister.
Excerpt of speech to the Parliament on the British-Russian diplomatic row over the refusal of Russia to hand over Andrei Lugovoi to Britain for prosecution over the murder of Aleksandr Litvinenko.
Immediately after Kalu was arrested by the EFCC, the United States government rushed to the press without even exercising patience to hear the federal government side of the story completely. “It is our understanding that Mr. Orji Kalu is covered by an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, the EFCC as a creation of the law should not be seen as breaking the law,” a top official of the State Department was quoted as saying. Furthermore, the official said that Washington was taken aback by the arrest of the former governor.
Kalu’s defense was not limited to the official of the State Department. In the same vein, a senior official of the Bush administration said: “We had fruitful discussions with him on how to move Nigeria forward and he canvassed support for the administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua. It is a shock the same government is trampling on a court order.” He told us of threat to arrest him once he returns home and we are concerned that this is not the beginning of another clampdown on opposition figures.
The United States in its quest to secure the release of Kalu is not leaving any stone unturned. All arsenal were thrown into his defense including the so called human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, funded by the U.S. government. The agency was quoted as saying: “If the authorities have enough evidence against him, they should make it public and we will not support an extended detention of Mr. Kalu under the cover of claims of more investigation into the case. Investigations should have been concluded before anyone is arrested.” It is obvious that with this kind of statement, Amnesty International is not only pressurising the EFCC but is trying to blackmail the government of Yar’Adua.
Without any exaggeration, the White house statement on Kalu is a gross violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and a blatant act of arrogance and total disregard for the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In the first place, the U.S. needs to be reminded that Kalu never belonged to an opposition party not until he realised that it was practically impossible for him to win his party, PDP, presidential nomination.
Secondly, no court can order that a thief can not be arrested and prosecuted.
Based on the U.S. premature and unjustified call for the immediate and unconditionally release of Orji Kalu, one is compelled to ask the following questions:
1. If the U.S. is really interested in moving Nigeria forward why was it holding unofficial discussions with Kalu – who is a non-government official?
2. Why is the U.S. government not holding discussions with Nigerian officials?
3. Why is the U.S so much concerned about Kalu in particular”
4. Why is the U.S. government, the White house in particular officially interested or involved in Kalu’s case?
5. How is the US government so sure that Kalu is innocent of the crime for which he was arrested?
6. Is the US government afraid that Kalu might divulge some information to the EFCC and SSS during the interrogation that may implicate the US? If the US is sure of Kalu’s innocence, why can’t the US allow Nigerian courts perform its duties independently without any external pressure or interference?
7. If the US is sure of Kalu’s innocence, why can’t the US allow Nigerian courts perform its duties independently without any external pressure or interference?
8. If the US is sure of Kalu’s innocence why can’t it allow Kalu to clear himself in the Nigerian law court?
9. Why is the US pressurising the EFCC, the Nigerian government and judiciary?
10. Is the US aware of the fact that by demanding for the immediate and unconditional releae of Kalu, it’s not only interfering in the internal affairs of Nigeria, but it also shows that it has no regards for Nigeria and Nigerians in general?
11. Is the US government aware of the fact that by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu, it is obstructing justice?
12. Is the US government aware of the fact that by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu, it is preventing the EFCC and the Nigerian government from fighting corruption?
13. Is the US government aware of the fact that by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu, it is aiding and abetting corruption in Nigeria?
14. If a British or European union citizen is arrested by his government for fraud, can the US government demand for his immediate and unconditional release?
15. Has the US government in the past ever demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of a British or European union citizen arrested by his government for fraud?
16. Has the Nigerian government in the past ever demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of an American citizen arrested for fraud by the US government?
17. If the answers to questions 14, 15, 16 are no, then, why is the US government demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of a Nigerian citizen arrested for fraud by the Nigerian government?
18. What point is the US government trying to make by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu?
19. Is the US government aware of the fact that by making such an unreasonable demand to the Nigerian government, the cordial relationship between the two countries may be severely damaged?
20. Is the US government trying to capitalise on the fact that Nigerian President, Umar Yar’Adua emerged winner through a fraudulent election?
21. Is the US government aware of the fact majority of Kalu’s kinsmen are in favour of his arrest and trial for embezzlement?
22. Does the US government expect the Nigerian government to be frightened and yield to its pressure and blackmail?
23. The US government had in the past provided unsolicited information to the Federal government that implicated some senior Nigerian politicians, why didn’t the US government do or act the same when Kalu was arrested for fraud?
24. Why has the US government instead of providing assistance or support to the EFCC and the Nigerian government in fighting corruption has decided to distract, ridicule the federal government laudable efforts in eradicating corruption in Nigeria.
25. How will the US government feel or react if the Nigerian government demands for the immediate and unconditional release of an American citizen arrested by his government for fraud?
26. How does the US government expect the EFCC and the federal government to feel or react by demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of a Nigerian citizen arrested for fraud?
27. Who the hell is the US to interpret Nigeria‘s law by stating or insinuating that Kalu is covered by an order from a court of competent jurisdiction?
28. “If the authorities have enough evidence against him, they should make it public and we will not support an extended detention of Mr. Kalu under the cover of claims of more investigation into the case. Investigations should have been concluded before anyone is arrested.” Is this statement made by a senior official of the Bush administration supposed to be an ultimatum or a threat to the federal government?
29. By making such irresponsible statements, is the U.S. insinuating that if the Nigerian government has more than enough evidence at its disposal that incriminate a Nigerian citizen, nevertheless, it should allow him to go scot free and enjoy his loots because there was an initial court order barring EFCC from arresting him?
30. Is the U.S. government aware of the fact that by making such premature and irresponsible statements as regards to Kalu’s arrest, it is undermining and jeopardising the efforts of the new administration in waging a total war against corruption?
The recent call by the U.S. for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu reminds one of the unfolding diplomatic row between Britain and Russia after Britain expelled 4 Russian diplomats because of the refusal of Russia to extradite Andrei Lugovoi to face trial in Britain for the murder of Alexander litvinenko. Though, one is not trying to draw any parallel or similarity between the British-Russian diplomatic row and the U.S.-Nigeria face off over Kalu; obviously, the two cases are totally different.
3 comments
Kalu is not an agent of the CIA.That is what he and his supporters want it to seems.Kalu is the the first Nigerian the United State government through its embassy in Nigeria has called for due process in their trial.The embassy have in the past called for the justice in cases involving Dokubo,Enahoro,Obasanjo,coup plotters,Bola Ige,Kudirat,Atiku etc.Call for justice does not mean the US government is in support of corruption.The US government stated that if that if found guilty,you should face the penalty.
What is troubling is the meeting between President Yar Adua and Kalu.It goes on to show how naive the president is.Kalu was indicted by the EFCC of stealing billions of dollars from Imo State coffer, the EFCC is a branch of the Federal executive arm headed by president Yar Adua.
Its a betrayal,the people of state will not get justice.I won't envy EFCC agents that are prosecuting the president's friend in a near democratic country like Nigeria.The judge will be comfortable with such relationship in a country were the judiciary can be muzzled by the executive.
Some may argue that Kalu is innocent until prove guilty.Great.Correct.However, if we are go by that arguement, Kalu is not innocent until proved innocent in the court.
The meeting between the President and Kalu could have waited until after he is cleared in court no matter how "important" their meeting was.Also, Nigerians have the right to know what the president discussed with Kalu.This is a democratic government not a military government.By choosing democracy over militocracy, Nigerians have choosen accountability over secrecy.
Ken Lay former Enron boss was President Bush very close friend, they are so intimate that the US president use to call him "kenny boy".Ken contributed handsomely to Bush campaign.When he was indicted for inside trading, the president distance himself from him during the trial, because of the office he is occupying. Ken Lay was convicted, he later died of heart attack before he could serve his time.
What was Yar Adua thinking?Does conflict of interest mean anything to him?Does he care what the people will think about the meeting?Does he care how the meeting may affect the case?Does he care about anything?
Can Nigeria afford another leader like Shagari, weak not prepared for the job and enabled by Obasanjo?Obasanjo may always prefer weak leaders(he prefered Shagari to Awo and Yar Adua for others) to cover his sins.
The vacuum created by Shagari was filled by the Umaru Dikko's and we are still paying the price.Now, there are signs that Yar Adua is creating a similar vacuum, and the Kingebe's are filling it.
Dear Mr Godwin Kwushue,
Foremost, thank you for your contribution. Initially, my intention was to ignore your commentary, not really because of the contents, but because of the manner it was expressed. However, after a second thought, I cam e to the conclusion that even a negative comment made sincerely is better better than no comments at all. In addition, I see this forum as a platform for learning and exchanging ideas.
I will try to address some of your remarks without joining issue with you. First, let me say that I completely agree with you that the fight against corruption should not be limited to Orji Kalu alone. You are completely right when you said that there are other Nigerians who have stolen much more money than Kalu. My article was posted on nigeriavillagesquare.com web site too, and it generated more than 40 commentaries. I also added my commentary where I clearly wrote about the hypocrisy or the double standard of EFCC and the federal government. You might want to lodge in and verify yourself. But, even then Mr. Gwushue, but does this fact mean that Kalu is not a thief or should not be prosecuted if there is evidence to proove that he embezzled public money? I really don't think so. And I am sure if you are not a hypocrite, you will also agree with me on this issue. Moreover, I will like to bring it to your attention that the IYC protest was in actual fact staged for the immediate and unconditional release of Kalu and not for the "prosecution of other bigger thieves." The title of my article is "Could Orji Kalu be an agent of the C.I.A.?" And that was what I tried to answer. You could call it an hypothesis if you like. All I did in the article was to provide some facts and analysis for an intelligent reader to ponder on. I am not really saying that Kalu is an agent. However, if I am asked this question, I will answe that "based on some analysed evidence, and my 20 years of monitoring and analysing U.S. foreign policies and books that I have read, there is a very high probability that Kalu is a C.I.A. agent.? I still hold my ground that America's interest in Kalu's case is very suspicious and not accidental. Moreover, frankly speaking it is a gross violation of Nigeria's sovereignty and blatant, unjustified intervention in a judiciary process. The intervention, in my opinion is a total disrespect to Nigeria as a sovereign country and Nigerians as a people. I can assure that without ant cogent reason, America would not have stuck out there neck out just like that for Kalu. Your arguement that Americans care for their friends who do business with them does not hold ground simply because the federal government does much much bigger business with the U.S. than Kalu. Let me tell you some Have you heard the expression that "America does not have permanent friends but permanent interests." America will do anything to defend their economic interests. Aren't you aware of many coup detats and assasinations of Presidents of many countries that the C.I.A. have carried out? If you don't know, then you are not well informed, therefore I shouldn't be wasting my time with you. Look what is going on Iraq too. What have you got to say about that? War against terrorizm or American terrorizm in the name of defending its economic interest? It's also a known secret that America is setting up or strenghtening its spy networks globally "officially" without any hinderance under the pretext of fighting terrorizm! Have read a news report published by Nigerian Tribune published a couple of days ago about how the C.I.A. is recruitting Nigerians as spies "officially" all in the name of fighting terrorizm. If you haven't read the news, I can forward it to you if you send me your mail. Please open your eyes and don't be naive. Overall, I strongly believe that America is manipulating political processes in Nigeria to protect its economic interest and in actual fact, it posses a serious threat to the political stability and economic prosperity of Nigeria. This is one of the major nuts we need to crack if we have to move forward as a nation. Finally, I want to tell you that I have not only be consecutive in my views in my articles but have been very fair or unbiased too. You might want to read all my other articles to assertain this statement. Thank you again for your contribution, but next time, I want to implore you to learn to express your opinion without going personal or insulting your counterpart. Remember that this forum is not for fighting wars or trading insults but for learning and exchanging ideas. Let us learn to use our limited time more effectively. Afterall, what is worth doing at all is worth doing well.
Bode Eluyera seems to have misconstrued the peoples protest of Orji Kalu's arrest in error or on purpose to mislead. Those who voiced their concern, did so to bring to the notice of the world, the discriminatory and selective manner of application of anti corruption laws in Nigeria.
If I may ask, what manner of broom is one that discriminates on which dirt and litter to sweep and those to leave behind. The law should not be a respecter of anybody. If the court finds Kalu guilty of dipping his hands in the public till as alleged, then he should be punished to the full extent of the law.
However whatever is good for the goose is good for the gander, the anti corruption laws should be applied across board, Orji Kalu was not the monster that was responsible for the monumental corruption in the Oil ministry, he was not the one who issued contract and payments for power plants that was never built, Orji Kalu was not responsible for millions of dollars that was provided for road construction that was never executed. Money from petroleum trust fund went into a lot of private accounts and this has been traced, the owners of those account are not faceless. I am not stating the foregoing to suggest that Kalu should not stand trial, for his own alleged sins, no far from it, rather it is my wish that Kalu and others who are being shielded should have their day in court
When will Eluyera and his friends start advocating that the same fate that has befallen Orji Kalu should become the lot of the characters involved in looting money from public treasury; if he wants to be objective. That Kalu was accused of corruption was not an affront to the Igbos, what the Igbos considers an affront was that, state governors were accused of corruption in their dozens but it is only Orji Kalu and few others that has fallen out of favor with power that be that stood accused of their alleged crime till today. Igbos and every Nigerian would be happy if all those who held us back as a result of their attitude are brought to book.
What is happening to Orji Kalu, is just what will happen to a small 'agbero’ who looks at Chairman of ‘agbero’ and tell him to go to blazes. If the so called chairman can not lay his hands on the little rascal immediately, he will postpone his punishment for a future date, it is noteworthy that the ‘agbero’ chairman who wants to instill discipline in another soul is without scruples himself. Wonders they say shall never end, what we are all living witnesses to, today is a case of dogs eating dogs, robbers reporting comrades in crime to the police to settle an old scores.
On the issue of Kalu being an agent of CIA, you are only trying to give a dog a bad name in other to hang it, beyond the fact that one official from US State Department has advocated due process of law in handling Kalu,s case, you have not advanced any cogent evidence to buttress such a serious allegation. You Mr Eluyera as an individual if you do business in any of the western countries to the tune of one billion dollar, the government of that country you are buying most of your consignments from will cultivate your friendship, they will send officials to you to enquire how they can come in to assist you to enable you buy more and Kalu did attained that height of goodwill a long time ago with the Americans.
Your system of thought and conclusions are very dangerous even those who may choose to emulate your ways of thinking may just wake up on the wrong side of their beds one day and conclude that Bode Eluyera works for the KGB because he has stayed too long in Russia and he speaks Russian. That is the level your contribution has diminished the matter at issue