The News (Lagos)
Uba Aham
5 May 2003
interview
Enugu — Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi, is angry about the outcome of the National assembly and governorship/presidential elections. The former Biafran warlord decries the elections, which, he alleges, were fraught with irregularities.
Q: You have called for the cancellation of the two previous elections in the country. What will you do if they are not cancelled?
A: Your question is most appropriate, and I am thinking it is better answered by telling you what I would do. It is not my intention, and I will, in no way, become a latter day Chief M.K.O. Abiola. I have always believed in the people of Nigeria. I believe solidly in the ability of the masses to claim their rights. I will proceed in non-violent manner to seek what is right for us. All dictators try to drag you into fighting on an uneven platform. Here is a situation where the person who decides when the election is free and fair has the control of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He has control of the police and the army. He, then, is the only one permitted to announce the result. And, then he beats his chest that he had won the election.
These are the problems, and what I am saying is that Obasanjo is going to learn that he is not God. The election should better be cancelled or there will be trouble in this country. I will certainly reclaim my stolen mandate. I will use non-violent means to reclaim my mandate.
Q: As you called for the cancellation of the two previous elections -the National Assembly and the Governorship, how would you want it? Is it for the elections to be repeated or will there be another body to conduct the elections?
A: There should be a repeat of the elections. Being democrats, we ask for the repeat. I believe five weeks is enough to re-organise and set up another election.
Not everything that had been done by INEC is totally useless. No! We can pick some. What I am saying is that in five weeks, we can organize the election. But, if we cannot, I then say that our constitution has already seen the possibility of such a situation, and made provisions for them. Refusing to use those provisions does not enhance democratic practice anyway. We are only just avoiding responsibility. We know what can be done, and, indeed, this is why I keep saying to my good friend, Olusegun Obasanjo (Omoba): please, please stop playing God. Whatever it is, supposing he dies tomorrow, is there anything we would not do? Why pretend that he is the model?
That he is the only one vested with the type of powers, ability, knowledge and popularity (laughs) to rule this country? Absolute nonsense: Stop playing God. Play according to the rules
Q: There is this rumour making the rounds that you and Muhammadu Buhari, in a meeting, resolve to declare yourselves in your respective zones as winners of the just concluded presidential election. How true is this?
A: What the rumour indicates is what in literature we always refer to as Vox Populi . What I mean by that is the voice of the people is the voice of God. I know that is what you want, but because I have the responsibility of piloting this ship into harbour, shall I say this: much as I understand your position, it is not yet appropriate.
Q: In a case of electoral malpractices, we have many variables such as rigging, falsification of results, thuggery and snatching of ballot boxes. Which of these featured prominently during the past elections?
A: The one that featured prominently is that factor which you did not mention-incumbency.
Q: You are calling for the cancellation of the elections so far organized by the INEC. Assuming this is done, do you repose confidence in the INEC for the conduct of fresh elections or would you recommend the establishment of another electoral body?
A: Forgive me if I am, sometimes, too blunt. I believe the head of INEC, Abel Guobadia, should be sacked. I, also, believe that INEC as presently constituted should be dissolved.
Q: One would want to know if you have contrary results against which you are claiming to have won the election.?
A: I am prepared anywhere to defend my claims. In fact, let me put it in this way: bring out the boxes, come out with them publicly in a situation which we all agree, and the truth will be manifest. I do have facts to support my claims.
Q: In how many states did APGA defeat other political parties?
A: It becomes difficult because I don't know whether you count the states that held elections and those who did not. Do I accept the election or don't I? But one thing I can tell you, the entire Igbo speaking of Nigeria supported me. They supported me whether at home or in the diaspora. What else do you want?
States? Count them as you wish. My running mate rang to congratulate me on what we were doing in Kano. As far as he was concerned, we came first in all the elections in Kano. And that is the way it had been going. I have evidence of votes cast. I pray God should let us reach the point so that everybody will see the monstrous fraud perpetrated by Obasanjo.
Obasanjo is a thief.
Q: What role would you want the National Assembly to play in the whole issue?
A: The National Assembly should impeach Mr. President for his monstrous deeds. His unconstitutional actions are enough to impeach him. His release of soldiers on the masses without approval from the National Assembly is enough to impeach Obasanjo.
Q: Do you subscribe to the involvement of the International Community in our domestic affairs in view of the reservations expressed by America and Britain about the elections?
A: We cannot live in a vacuum and we do not live in vacuum. Obviously, those who are interested outside will have opinions about what happens in Nigeria.
Whatever the opinions outside should be respected. How can I Ojukwu call for international interference in our national affairs? No! That is not the answer. We as people must give value to mandate. Nobody is going to come and give value to it. We have to take our responsibility in our own hands. I will give you a little situation report: The Americans, for example, see what happened. They will be inclined to agree with us in many ways, but they have in mind to remove some of the Bin Laden in our midst. And, whenever they look at my colleagues, they are reminded of Osama Bin Laden. The British on the other hand, no matter what they think of you are aware of the fact that they are the westerners, the Yorubas are their trade partner, and they're not ready to cut off their noses to spite their faces. Then you have a problem there. Our job as Ndigbo is to navigate the ship to the safe harbour, and this I promise you'll do. We are not north, we are not west.
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