Posted by By CHIDI OBINECHE on
Former military Vice-President, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (rtd), has warned of disastrous consequences for those nursing the idea of amending the constitution, to pave way for a likely third term in office for President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Former military Vice-President, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (rtd), has warned of disastrous consequences for those nursing the idea of amending the constitution, to pave way for a likely third term in office for President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In an interview with Daily Sun in Lagos, Aikhomu said: 'People that had such tendencies, we know what happened to them in other parts of the world… I don't think anybody will embark on that."
He also warned people he called ‘military adventurers' to give the nation's democracy a chance to survive, despite the ills plaguing the country.
Fuming over suggestions that the military may come back because of growing instability in the land, Aikhomu said: 'That era is over. No matter how bad the situation is, military rule, military government, is an aberration. Having been a participant, I should really use the media to say that anybody that thinks in such way should just forget it. No matter how bad the situation is politically, I think it is left for the people to finetune whatever we have without resorting to military adventurism to correct the democratic ills of this country. I don't think that will be acceptable."
The former number two man said reported cases of plundering of public treasury by governors were worrisome, arguing that the situation defeats widely held view that the military was the greatest 'looter of Nigerian treasury."
He also expressed some discomfort with the crime busting outfit, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing it as an octopus that may not have serious legal binding, 'and which seems to be given too much licence."
He predicted smooth, peaceful, free and fair elections in 2007, although, according to him, 'there will be a lot of rumblings here and there."
On the much touted return of General Ibrahim Babangida whom he served as deputy, to power in 2007, Aikhomu would encourage and support him at all times as a serious friend.
He observed that democracy in Nigeria was tottering, and confusing, and wondered why the National Political Reforms Conference that held earlier in the year failed to discuss the structure of the country, the electoral system, and the type of government in place.
'I can't immediately see how all these things were not mentioned, especially the electoral system. And second, this winner takes all syndrome," he rued.
On how he worked with Babangida as deputy for years without friction, Aikhomu said, 'I don't know what they mean by Maradona. I love football because Maradona was very much proficient in dribbling and what have you. But in managing human resources and materials in the nation, he doesn't manipulate people. It is unfortunate that the name, Maradona, people call IBB seems to stigmatise him as one who likes to dodge issues, but I was able to work with him because we are very good friends. It was a perfect combination."
He said his predecessor in office, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, (rtd), who was suddenly removed after some heady months had a 'character" problem. He explained: 'It is because of character. There are people who always find it difficult to work in a team. I am a team player and can work with people. There are people who can't have smooth relationship with others in their workplaces or social life."
Aikhomu, who is the chairman of the board of trustees of All Nigerian Peoples Party, (ANPP) described it as a dead party.
He said the idea of providing a party of choice was defeated because of the attitude of some people from a particular part of the country, who he said regarded the party as their own.
He regretted that the party could not be administered nationally.
He also advised politicians to desist from fanning the embers of godfatherism, saying that the era has gone.
On the growing insecurity in the land, the Admiral who turns 66, Wednesday, said it was as a result of poverty and described it as a passing phase.
He spoke on the on-going economic reforms initiated by Obasanjo and compared it with the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), of his regime, saying that, 'goat meat is goat meat. In Igboland, we call it Isi-Ewu, goat head, and in Yoruba language, it is the same Ewure. So, in terms of reforms, there is no difference. These things are bound to hurt. Where it becomes a little difficult is, if the government making such policies does not listen to the yearnings of the people."
Aikhomu blames Nigeria's non qualification for the World Cup fiesta in Germany on maladministration, saying that the situation has brought about deep pains in the hearts of the people.
•Full interview later in the week