ACHO ORABUCHI

Nigerians are currently harping on the feelings of outrage, scourge, ire, disenchantment, resistance, and scorn as the anti-third term gong echoes around the world. Sometimes the gong is producing sounds of anxiety and desperation. Desperation, of course, arising from the sad reality that the overwhelming machinery of the presidency producing the undesired and numbing result—the third term, has increased the heartbeat of the opposition.

The question then is: In the face of enormous power of the presidency, which it can wheel at will, will the opposition to third term scheme capitulate in trepidation? There is no doubt that the opposition will run up against more organized and masterfully orchestrated campaign embedded in a stealth strategy—a strategy that’s augmented by overflowing of resources—laying low for an amphibious operation.

Despite the current advantage enjoyed by the proponents of the third term agenda as they ride on what seems to be unstoppable train of victory, coaches of strong discontent trail them at every stop. The allegation of N100 million bribery and subsequent denial notwithstanding, the opposition seems to be endued with spirit. Also, members of the opposition seemingly have the power of courage and most importantly the clout of civil disobedience at their disposal. The sustained power of civil disobedience has proven to be effective, particularly in Romania, Poland, and other countries. Nigeria is not immune to the wrath of masses.

Many Nigerians around the world are relentless in their effort to thwart the ambition of proponents of third term agenda.

Kevin Ani of Civil Rights League-NG held,

“The so-called 3rd term reflects a state of impasse between the north and their South-west allies who have been ruling Nigeria since 1970. Having captured power, the Yoruba are unwilling to relinquish it for fear of the unknown and due to lessons learned during the Abacha era. Obasanjo and the Yoruba are now faced with three options: (a) hand over power to the north (b) retain power or (c) hand over power to the Igbo. Option (a) carries the risks of a return to the detested Hausa-Fulani hegemony in an un-reformed Nigeria. Option (b) may buy time but is highly unpopular and fraught with many dangers including military coup and therefore not unlikely. Option (c) is the most viable but unlikely due to Obasanjo's well-known but inexplicable hostility towards the Igbo. Obasanjo may be preparing for option (a). Thus the 3rd term posturing may be a negotiating stance of the Yoruba (i.e. to be given up in return for guarantees) as they strive to rebuild their alliance with the north.”

From far away China, Stanley Odera opined,

 “I wonder why Nigerians are complaining on the third term, when the incumbent is planning on life presidency. If he leaves now, what will he do about those he victimized through EFCC, El-Rufai, and other military in civilian settings? Maybe this democracy that is turning into dictatorship will seal the faith of Nigeria and usher in a confederated state.”

Piqued by the irresponsibility of the plotters of the third term, Chief Victor Emuakhagbon said,

“The idea of a 3rd term as being alleged by OBJ and his sycophant’s supporters are not only reprehensible, it is ill moral, undemocratic and uncivilized. There is no monopoly to wisdom. It is also very insulting to think that without OBJ, Nigeria will not survive, give me a break. Agreed, the man had done more for Nigeria as a leader by putting a lasting structure in place, but for God sake, he should let others continue where he will be stopping in 2007. The people urging him to stay a minute more after May of 2007 are enemies of a democratic society, period. He should quit the stage when the ovation is the loudest. A great nation is not dependent on the whims and caprices of just one individual, no matter how intelligent or brilliant that person may be. Nigeria will surely outlive us all including OBJ.”

In a recent release by a frontline pressure group, Pan Ndi-Igbo foundation (PNF USA), entitled, “Ndi-Igbo under the auspices of Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF USA) strongly condemn the third term plot and support Igbo presidency”, the strong discontent with the supporters of third term was evident. The excerpts:

Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF USA) had an extraordinary meeting on Friday concerning delicate issues in Nigeria. Rising from the meeting, we vehemently oppose the third term agenda and its supporters. We support Senator Uche Chukwumerije and his colleagues that oppose the third term agenda. We condemn the religious killings in Nigeria. Igbo presidency is paramount to us and we strongly support it.

Ndi-Igbo under the aegis of Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation (PNF USA) unequivocally continue to condemn the third term plot to elongate President Obasanjo’s administration. In light of this position, we also condemn without equivocation all those plotting to achieve the third term selfish ambition. We condemn the Southeast governors, members of Ohanaeze, and other so-called Igbo leaders who have publicly, tacitly, or implicitly supported and worked for the accomplishment of third term plot. Third term bid continues to be unconscionable and undemocratic. It is a means for a few to truncate our democracy and undermine our collective conscience.

Ndi-Igbo in the Diaspora are unequivocally against any scheme to have President Olusegun Obasanjo go for a third term after 2007. Ndi-Igbo, under the auspices of PNF USA, are encouraging well-meaning Nigerians and organizations to stand firm against third term scheme. We extol the position of Senator Uche Chukwumerije and his colleagues in opposing the third term agenda of President Obasanjo.

The ongoing zonal public hearings organized by the National Assembly Joint Constitution Review Committee (JCRC) for the proposed amendments into the 1999 constitution are nothing but theater of charades aimed at achieving one objective, third term. The plotters of third term want to perpetuate President Obasanjo in office for their own individual interests. The objective had nothing to do with the interest of the nation. They want to use democratic process to institute dictatorship. Nigeria’s last hope is in the National Assembly. We are imploring the National Assembly to stop the third term train that is now moving too fast across the nation. National Assembly, please save the Nigeria.

The governors and the elite that are supporting the third term are doing so out of selfishness. Again, third term bid is unconscionable and undemocratic. It is a means for a few to truncate our democracy and undermine our collective conscience.

While we condemn the third term plot, we strongly support the Nigerian President of Igbo ethnic extraction. We have unreservedly committed to support the cause to its logical conclusion. There should be element of justice and fairness in Nigeria. Let it start with Igbo presidency.

Echoing the same agitation, Egbe Omo Yoruba, in association with WIC and Zumunta stated, “While we recognize the constitutional authority of the legislative arm of the government to amend the Constitution within the parameters of the Constitution itself, we view with serious suspicion and hence, unequivocally reject any attempts by the Nigerian Legislature to amend the Nigerian Constitution at this late hour of the current administration, believing strongly that it is a pretext to unconstitutionally extend the present administration’s two-term limit.”

In any case, it would take strong people on the ground and abroad to stop the madness called third term train. People like Prof. Wole Soyinka, Hon. Usman Bugaje, Mr. Uche Onyeagucha, Cyril Maduabum, Francis Amadiegwu, Uche Maduako, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and others are instrumental in the fight. Additionally, it would take a concerted effort of groups headed by Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Mamora Olorunnibe, Saidu Damsadau, Mamora Olorunnibe, Farouk Bello, Nuhu Aluyu, Kanti Bello House Wumi Bewaji, Aminu Tamboa, Cludu Suru, and other well-meaning Nigerians, including international pressure, to turn the tide.