Posted by By STAN OKEKE, Enugu on
Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has described the alleged third term plot of President Olusegun Obasanjo as suicidal and ‘absolute madness.'
Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has described the alleged third term plot of President Olusegun Obasanjo as suicidal and ‘absolute madness.'
Speaking to Daily Sun in Enugu, Ojukwu said that the reason Nigeria had a Constitution was to follow the system laid down therein. He said that the Constitution provided for two terms in office for the executive and that if the president wanted to change that, he could have built up popular support, campaigned for it and get the people's mandate.
Ojukwu queried: "What is so significant about the third term? You have had eight years and what guarantee do we have that from the 8th-12th year, you will then do the wonders that you haven't done before?"
The Ikemba said that he didn't see any magic that could be done in the extra four years, stating that his education told him that in every game, there are rules and regulations.
"Can you imagine what would happen where we started playing a football game and suddenly our centre forward realises he can out-run the pack, then decides to change the game to rugby?"
On the Court of Appeal's verdict, which affirmed Mr. Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) winner of the 2003 governorship election and his subsequent assumption of office, Ojukwu said that before the ruling, he pleaded with President Obasanjo not to interfere with the judiciary.
'I want to take this opportunity to thank my good friend, Olusegun Obasanjo ‘Omoba.' When I saw him, I had urged him not to interfere with the judiciary. I don't know whether he did or didn't, but he assured me he wouldn't. The result I have today would seem to be evidence of his remaining faithful on what he said to me."
He described the government in Anambra as 'Igbo government," adding: 'It is the first time for a very long time Ndigbo have had the privilege of being ruled by the one man they voted for."
He said that prior to Governor Obi's assumption of office, previous leaders in the state were imposed, adding: 'Today, we are truly free. The man we voted for had been adjudged the winner of the election and he's sitting in governance."
Ojukwu pleaded with lawmakers in Anamabra to work with Governor Obi and not do anything that would heat up the state. 'Let me again use this opportunity to plead with everybody, including the legislature. This is our chance. Let's not spoil it. It's so easy to cause havoc but whom will you be helping? Not Ndigbo certainly."
He said the presence of APGA in Awka Government House was the beginning of the party's take over of South East. 'Under APGA, we intend to work fervently to ensure that at the next count, we will take over all the states within the South East zone. That's where we are going. I feel confident with it. Whatever energy is left in me, be sure I'll be leading the hordes of the masses in support. We'll get there," Ojukwu said.
Ojukwu said he is the godfather of Anambra politics now, adding: 'godfatherism seems to be something Anambra has been for quite sometime. And even now there is a godfather… I am not running away from it. I say it today, I am in fact, the super godfather. The only difference is that I am godfather to the people, not godfather to one man."