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Tag: Olusegun Obasanjo

  • Alaafin of Oyo Vs Ooni: Obasanjo weighs in on royal dispute

    Alaafin of Oyo Vs Ooni: Obasanjo weighs in on royal dispute

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, in Oyo Town.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that this visit follows recent tensions stemming from Oba Owoade’s criticism of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, regarding the conferment of the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.

    The Alaafin had argued that no single monarch possesses the authority to bestow a title with jurisdiction over the entirety of Yorubaland.

    In the wake of the controversy, Obasanjo made his first visit to the monarch on Friday, August 29, since his installation as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025.

    The former president, who was accompanied by his daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and a delegation of dignitaries, was warmly received at the palace.

    However, details of the discussions between Obasanjo and the monarch were not revealed at the time of filing this report.

  • You lack moral right – APC blasts Obasanjo for criticising President Tinubu

    You lack moral right – APC blasts Obasanjo for criticising President Tinubu

    The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,  describing the remark as “laughable and disgracefully hypocritical.”

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Obasanjo, in his newly launched book Nigeria: Past and Future,  took a swipe at Tinubu, describing his government as the only one competing with the Muhammadu Buhari administration in inefficiency.

    “Only Bola Tinubu’s administration seems to be competing with Buhari’s for now,” Obasanjo wrote.

    Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Lagos APC spokesman Seye Oladejo saccusing the former leader of hypocrisy and presiding over a corruption-ridden administration.

    Oladejo further stressed that Obasanjo lacked the moral standing to call any government incompetent, noting that his tenure was defined by “political arrogance” and “squandered opportunities”.

    According to Oladejo, under Obasanjo, billions spent on the power sector yielded zero results; the economy was left with more debt despite claims of debt relief; the infamous third-term agenda nearly plunged Nigeria into a constitutional crisis; and corruption flourished under his watch.

    He further argued that Tinubu had taken bold steps that no previous leader had dared to, citing the removal of fuel subsidies, the overhaul of the foreign exchange system, and efforts to tackle entrenched inefficiencies.

    “Obasanjo’s bitterness is well-known. He cannot control this government, and he resents that Nigeria has moved on from his brand of egocentric, do-or-die politics. His habit of attacking sitting presidents when he no longer holds relevance has become predictable and pathetic,” Oladejo said.

    He urged the former president to exercise restraint and show leadership by offering constructive advice instead of seeking attention.

    “We strongly advise the former president to show some decorum, especially at his age. Elders are expected to advise, not agitate. If he has nothing constructive to say, silence would serve him—and the country, far better than these attention-seeking outbursts.

    “President Tinubu is not in a race with Obasanjo or anyone else. He is focused on the future. Nigeria is on a path of reform, recovery, and renewal—and no amount of potshots from yesterday’s bitter men will derail that journey,” he added.

  • Invasion: Obasanjo library demands N3.5bn compensation from EFCC

    Invasion: Obasanjo library demands N3.5bn compensation from EFCC

    Management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has demanded N3.5 billion compensation and public apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    This is coming on the heels of an alleged invasion of the OOPL premises by the EFCC on Sunday.

    EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the library premises, arresting 93 suspected internet fraudsters and seizing 18 vehicles and several mobile devices.

    A number of people were also reported to have sustained bodily injuries during the attack.

    The Managing Director of OOPL, Vitalis Ortese at a news briefing on Wednesday in Abeokuta, described the agency’s actions as “unlawful” and “a direct assault on everything this institution stands for”.

    He said that the EFCC’s actions was a clear invasion of private property and an infringement of OOPL’s rights as a corporate citizen“and indeed a stark and blatant violation of the rights of the people who gathered for the event”.

    According to him, the invasion was an assault on what the institution stands for, and an assault on every rule of law that should be the guide rail for democracy.
    He demanded a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with reports openly published while also demanding a public apology to be published in major newspapers.

    “That immediate restitution for the damage caused, be made to those persons who were arrested and whose vehicles were carted away by the invasion force of the Police and EFCC.

    “As well as for bodily injuries suffered by these persons numbering at least, 100 be paid in the amount of at least, one billion Naira (N1 billion).

    “We also demand that a further N2.5 billion, to be paid in token acknowledgment and atonement for the immense damage caused to the reputation, business and our financial reputation as well to the reputation of our Chief Promoter (HE Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” he said.

    Ortese expressed concern over the lack of coordination and “glaring lack of inter-agency collaboration”, saying the police officers stationed at the OOPL premises were not respected nor carried along in the operation.

    According to him, the act undermines the credibility of the nation’s security framework while also putting lives at risk.

    He also called on the EFCC to pursue justice with discretion, professionalism and respect.

    The management further threatened to seek legal redress if these demands were not met within the seven days, beginning on Wednesday.
    “Families and international tourists were holidaying.
 Entrepreneurs were conducting business. Youths were organising musical shows and entertainment events.

    “These are the very expressions of creativity and productivity we are meant to encourage—not criminalise.

    “The indiscretion displayed in this operation has created an aura of fear among youths who are striving to earn legitimate incomes.

    “It sends the wrong message —that creativity and enterprise are suspect, that ambition is dangerous, and that public spaces are unsafe.

    ”We have engaged legal counsel, security experts, and civil society partners to demand accountability, enforce institutional respect, and protect the rights of our patrons and staff,” he said.

  • Obasanjo library opens up over invasion of premises by EFCC

    Obasanjo library opens up over invasion of premises by EFCC

    Management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, has berated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly invading its premises.

    The management accused the EFCC of violating the rights of guests during a private event in the early hours of Sunday.

    EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the Green Legacy Hotel, located within OOPL, and arrested some persons suspected to be internet fraudsters.

    The EFCC operatives carried out the raid during a pool party at the premises of the library.

    Reacting to the incident, OOPL management, through Mr Kayode Adeyemi, Special Adviser on Media to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, described it as an invasion of private property.

    Adeyemi also described the EFCC’s action as an infringement of corporate rights and a blatant violation of the rights of those who gathered for the event.

    He alleged that more than 50 armed men, claiming to be EFCC operatives and led by one “Olapade,” stormed the complex without presenting a warrant.

    He further demanded an explanation for these actions and an apology to all affected, including those injured during the chaos allegedly induced by the operatives.

    According to him, shots were fired, causing panic and injuries as guests fled the premises.

    “This morning, at about 2 a.m., the OOPL premises were invaded by a Gestapo-like gang of over 50 armed men.

    “They were shooting guns, threatening to kill people, and claiming to be from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade,’ caused panic and chaos, resulting in serious injuries as participants tried to escape the near carnage.

    “On inquiry by phone, ‘Olapade’ told the OOPL Managing Director, Mr Vitalis Ortese, they acted on an intelligence tip about a private event.

    “It should be noted that the event had been publicly advertised to members of the public days before. This gangster-like action caused terror among residents and guests,” Adeyemi said.

    He said the library management would escalate the matter to EFCC leadership, the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an explanation and apology.

    Adeyemi warned that failure to address the grievances could lead to legal action and calls for sanctions against those responsible.

    “Management reiterates that this EFCC action is a clear invasion of private property and a blatant violation of OOPL’s rights as corporate citizens.

    “Investigations into the invasion have commenced, and the matter will be pursued with the EFCC, police, and Department of State Security (DSS),” he added.

  • Presidency reacts to Obasanjo’s purported plans to back opposition coalition, ADC

    Presidency reacts to Obasanjo’s purported plans to back opposition coalition, ADC

    President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has reacted to reports alleging that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is set to back members of the opposition coalition and declare support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    TheNewsGuru reports that the post via 𝕏 reads, “BREAKING: Obasanjo allegedly set to declare public support for ADC, says Nigeria needs a new force to end failure.”

    Reacting to the post, Onanuga via the comment of the post stated that the report is bad news for the ‘tottering coalition’, stating that the opposition political figures will inevitably fail.

    According to him, Obasanjo had supported opposition parties in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections, but they all lost.

    He wrote, “This is bad news for the tottering coalition. Obasanjo endorsed opposition parties in 2019 and 2023. They all failed.”

    It would be recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo in May 2018, made a significant impact when his Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform to challenge the administration of then-President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Obasanjo, former Osun State governor and CNM co-convener, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and several other political stakeholders had attended the announcement, made during a press conference on May 10, 2018. several other political stakeholders.

  • Why Nigeria, other African nations are not developing – Obasanjo

    Why Nigeria, other African nations are not developing – Obasanjo

    Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed concern over the continent’s heavy dependence on foreign assistance, stating that it remains a major obstacle to sustainable development in Nigeria and many other African nations.

    Speaking at the 32nd Annual Meeting of Afreximbank, held on Friday in Abuja, Obasanjo criticized African leaders for failing to harness the continent’s internal resources and for continually looking outward for support.

    “There is no way African nations can achieve meaningful development if we do not begin to think inwardly and utilize our own wealth and capabilities,” he said.

    Obasanjo noted that countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa—all of which possess significant demographic, resource, or economic advantages—should be at the forefront of driving Africa’s growth. However, he lamented that these nations have consistently fallen short of expectations.

    While commending Egypt for its commendable progress, Obasanjo remarked that, over the past three decades, most African nations have taken “two steps forward and one step back.”

    “The potential for collective African progress remains dim unless these key countries begin to show meaningful growth and leadership,” he warned.

    According to Obasanjo, corruption, ignorance, and a persistent dependence on foreign aid remain the core issues undermining Nigeria’s development. He stressed that until African leaders shift their focus from external borrowing to harnessing domestic potential, real progress will remain elusive.

    “We all rush to China to borrow $20 billion, yet a single African country has the capacity to generate that amount domestically. But we don’t—because we are addicted to foreign help. That is not how we move forward,” he stated.

    He further emphasized the need for greater economic literacy among African leaders, as well as increased collaboration among African nations at national, sub-regional, and continental levels.

    “How much of the world do our leaders even understand? If we had a proper understanding, we would get things right—not just nationally, but across our communities and regions,” Obasanjo concluded.

  • “I am gradually going to the departure lounge” – Ex-President Obasanjo speaks in parables about his death

    “I am gradually going to the departure lounge” – Ex-President Obasanjo speaks in parables about his death

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday in Zamfara State spoke in parables about his death, revealing that he is currently headed to the departure lounge.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obasanjo was in Zamfara at the invitation of the State Governor Dauda Lawal to inaugurate the reconstructed Yeriman Bakura Specialists Hospital in Gusau.

    While commending Governor Lawal, the former President said: “Even though I am gradually going to the departure lounge, but I won’t take my boarding pass until you and I get this State to become one of the leading States in Nigeria”.

    Obasanjo added: “You asked me to come; I have come, I have seen, but I am going nowhere yet. If you don’t invite me to Zamfara, I will invite myself regularly”.

    Japa: How to hold medical personnel in Nigeria – Obasanjo

    Meanwhile, in his speech, Obasanjo, who is 88-year-old, also proffered a solution to the menace of mass relocation of medical personnel from the country, suggesting that they should be provided with incentives.

    Obasanjo stressed that without medical personnel, though the right environment and equipment are there, hospitals cannot deliver, adding that providing incentives for medical personnel will address the japa menace.

    “For hospitals, especially when many Nigerians, who have been trained as medical personnel are japaing, which is going out of the country looking for better conditions, I say how do you hold them here.

    “You have to give them a bit of incentive. You have to. We need all the personnel that we can have because for our hospitals to deliver, you need the right environment, you need equipment and then you need the personnel,” Obasanjo said.

    The former President praised Governor Lawal for his outstanding achievements and performance since assuming office, while urging the Governor to continue his good work.

    The former President: “I am in Zamfara State today to see the new, improved, and improving Zamfara under your leadership. Here we are.

    “Two things surprised me: the commissioner of health mentioned that you have a CT scan and an MRI this hospital.

    “I know some teaching hospitals that don’t have CT scans and MRIs, and some have machines, but they are not operational.

    “Here you have it; it is working and providing service.

    “I have great pleasure to be here, to commission this remodelled and reequipped hospital for the well-being and welfare of everybody that will come here.”

    While commissioning of the Zannah Road to Abarma Road, former President Obasanjo said that Governor Lawal was making Zamfara a modern state.

    “Based on my observations and what I have heard, we are partners in progress. I urge you to continue enhancing Zamfara State throughout your government’s eight-year tenure.”

    We will no longer travel abroad for medical attention – Zamfara Gov

    Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal said that with the complete reconstruction of the Yeriman Bakura Specialists Hospital in Gusau, patients will no longer travel out of the State to seek medical attention.

    According to Lawal, the Yeriman Bakura Specialists Hospital has been fully upgraded and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that meet global standards.

    In his address, the Governor thanked former President Obasanjo for honouring the invitation to commission the key projects in the State.

    “Your Excellency, on behalf of all the citizens of Zamfara State, thank you for honouring our invitation and welcome to your second home, Zamfara State.

    “A State that is dear to your heart because our primary vocation here is agriculture, something you are very passionate about.

    “The Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital has undergone both expansion and renewal. New facilities have been constructed.

    “Doctors now have newly completed residential quarters, including two- and three-bedroom semidetached units, and a befitting residence for the Chief Medical Director.

    “A serene and quiet patient relaxation arena has also been introduced alongside the redesign and beautification of the hospital landscape. We also established internal road networks that support mobility, order, and aesthetics.

    “The new centers constructed are new Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G), new Radiology Complex, new Laboratory Complex, and Patient Relaxation Arena.

    “Equally important is the extensive renovation and modernization of 14 key departments, all of which have been revitalized and upgraded to contemporary standards.

    “We have matched these infrastructural improvements with a robust supply of cutting-edge medical equipment across all critical Departments.

    “These include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools for radiology, dialysis, surgery, ophthalmology, ENT, physiotherapy, endoscopy, echocardiography, dentistry, and general clinical care.

    “The hospital has also been furnished with new hospital beds, electronic systems, general furniture, and waste management infrastructure to ensure an environment that meets global hygiene standards, safety, and comfort.”

    The governor emphasised that the hospital was well-equipped to function as a true referral center for complex medical cases, a credible training facility for healthcare personnel, and a hub for medical research and innovation.

    Other projects commissioned were the Zannah road to Abarma road and Tsalha Bungudu road to Kwanar Birnin Ruwa road, all in Gusau, the state capital.

  • NOUN not inferior to other universities – Obasanjo

    NOUN not inferior to other universities – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is not inferior to other universities in the country.

    Obasanjo stated this on Monday when he played host to some of the university’s officials who came on a courtesy visit and alumni award presentation.

    The former president said he had a firsthand experience of the standard of the institution, hence his declaration.

    Obasanjo noted that there was only one university in Nigeria for about ten years before, which was the University of Ibadan.

    The former president added that the second generation universities were federal universities, including Nsukka, UniPort and Amadu Bello University, and the third generation were the state universities before the private universities began to come up.

    Obasanjo, however, said that despite these efforts, there was still a wide gap in university education in Nigeria, hence the establishment of NOUN, to ease the academic burden for those working or seeking distance learning.

    “Despite the availability of universities, we’re still not coping; the gaps kept getting wider, which was why I said Open University is a necessity; it created more avenues and made it convenient for working-class citizens.

    “Some people rose up, saying open university is inferior to non-open universities, but I was not discouraged.

    “I said, let me go there and have a taste of what they’re saying is inferior. Then I came in, I saw and I conquered.

    “Two distinguished lecturers supervised me and supervised many other PhD students, and if they supervised me successfully, my PhD wouldn’t be inferior.

    “So, if mine isn’t inferior and those before me are not inferior, National Open University has come to stay; at some point, we were more than half a million, and we are still growing,” Obasanjo said.

    The former president assured the officials of his maximum support for the institution.

    Prof. Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, the Director at the Directorate of Advancement and Linkages (DAL) of National Open University, declared that NOUN has been a great blessing, not just to Nigeria and Nigerians but to African countries.

    Adesina-Uthman added that the university is not just a federal university but one of its kind in Africa and the biggest on the continent.

    The DAL said the institution set out to assist Nigeria in human capital development to meet the international standard for manpower per 1000 population for a sustainable knowledge-based economy while also being effective in training human capital development for neighbouring countries.

    She appealed to Obasanjo to support the university scholarships for the best programmes, which include scholarships for students from the flagship programmes.

    Adesina-Uthman listed some of the institutions’ other needs to include the renaming of some buildings after the donors, a university hospital, a 50-room guest house and a 1000-capacity auditorium, among others.

    “We need scholarships for some of our flagship programmes, including Entrepreneurship Studies, Criminology and Security Studies, Mass Communication, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution and Indigenous Students, too.

    “We also want our Advancement and Linkages building named after the donor; University Hospital, 50 rooms; and NOUN Guest House, a 1000-capacity auditorium.

    “Also, community services to our study centres’ host communities, such as consumables to primary and secondary schools in our host communities, e.g., customised textbooks and uniforms; water and toilet provisions; bus stop stands and so on,” she said.

    Also speaking, Prof. Wilfred Ngwuanyi, the Director of Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Africa Study at NOUN, commended Obasanjo’s intellectual rigour, strategic foresight and consistent advocacy for African self-reliance.

    He appealed to Obasanjo to assist the centre in collaborating with EFCC on research and publications.

    He also sought the collaboration of the Chinese embassy in the establishment of a Chinese cultural centre through the former president.

    Highlight of the event is the conferment of the Alumni Award member to the former president.

  • Obasanjo makes fresh revelations on Nigerian Civil War

    Obasanjo makes fresh revelations on Nigerian Civil War

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said disinformation played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War (1967 to 1970).

    Obasanjo stated this at the Sixth Edition of Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium organised by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said the theme of the symposium, which is “The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War” was germane especially in this era of asymmetric warfare.

    According to him, disinformation, propaganda, psychological warfare and propagation of false narratives are means through which a weaker force attempts to discredit a superior force in asymmetric wars.

    “Disinformation played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War, exacerbating tensions and influencing public opinion.

    “The same strategy is currently being employed by the insurgents in North East and other violent groups in other parts of Nigeria.

    “In line with the theme, the Symposium will therefore highlight the importance of media and information operations in conflict resolution and nation-building,’’ he said.

    The former president emphasised the need for Nigeria to be deliberate and diligent in the study of history, particularly military history to bring out and apply valuable lessons

    He quoted a popular saying that “a child that does not learn history will be told history’’, adding that understanding the past would help to better navigate the present and build a more equitable future for all Nigerians.

    Obasanjo commended AWCN for the inclusion of the study of the Nigerian Civil War in its curriculum to enhance the capacities of operational level leaders to effectively apply the lessons from past campaigns in operational planning.

    “This fratricidal conflict left an indelible mark on our nation’s collective memory and continues to shape our identity.

    “The war’s complex causes, consequences and lessons offer valuable insights for us all,” he added.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen.  Olufemi Oluyede, who was presented by Maj.-Gen. PE Eromosele, described the symposium as a vital platform for nurturing intellectual capacity within the military.

    Oluyede praised the theme’s relevance to current operations and reiterated the army’s commitment to building a combat-ready force guided by sound leadership and informed strategy.

    Earlier, the Commandant of AWCN, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, said the symposium was designed to enhance the intellectual and leadership capacity of officers undergoing the AWCN Course 9/2025.

    Alkali said the college deliberately included the study of the civil war in its curriculum to help participants dissect and draw practical lessons from historical campaigns.

    He said the theme aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy ‘to building a combat-ready and professional force capable of delivering on its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment’.

    “This symposium allows us to analyse past military operations at strategic, operational, and tactical levels.

    “By understanding how disinformation shaped the Nigerian Civil War, we are better equipped to manage the information space in today’s battles,” he said.

    The guest lecturer, Prof. Christopher Ogbogbo, who is the Vice Chancellor of Admiralty University, dissected the role of propaganda, media manipulation, and false narratives during the conflict.

    He illustrated how misinformation often shaped public perception and policy decisions during the war.

  • Lamido recounts incident that triggered ‘bad blood’ between Yar’adua and Obasanjo

    Lamido recounts incident that triggered ‘bad blood’ between Yar’adua and Obasanjo

    Sule Lamido, a former Jigawa State Governor, has disclosed an incident that caused a rift between the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua and his predecessor, Olusegun Obasanjo.

    The former governor made the revelation in his newly released autobiography, ‘Being True to Myself’, where he described both leaders as stubborn, though in different ways.

    Lamido also discussed his relationship with Yar’adua under a chapter he titled “My Relationship with Yar’adua,” dedicated to the late president’s time in office.

    In the section Lamido recalled that a memo on the 2007 presidential election, which was presented by Yar’adua to the National Council of State, played a pivotal role in the growing tensions between the two men.

    Lamido highlighted the aftermath of the controversial 2007 election, which is considered one of the most criticized and opaque elections in Nigeria’s history.

    The official final results of the poll, which have never been fully disclosed, were questioned by many, including President Yar’adua himself.

    The late president notably admitted that the election was flawed and subsequently initiated electoral reforms during his time in office.

    Lamido recalled, “As a governor, my relationship with Yar’adua as the president was very warm and friendly. I personally saw in Yar’adua a new beacon of hope in the emerging new Nigerian generation. He was very courageous in his approach to governance and was willing to take bold steps to introduce reforms towards good governance. One of such bold efforts was his desire to reform our electoral system. Yar’adua could also be described as stubborn; stubborn in the mould of Obasanjo, but in a different way.”

    He wrote that “Yar’adua’s stubbornness manifested at our first National Council of State meeting with him as president. For those not familiar with the composition of the National Council of State, it is made up of the President and the Vice President, all state governors, former heads of state, and serving and former chief justices of the Federation, with the incumbent president as chairman. The first memo to be presented at that Council of State meeting by President Yar’adua was on electoral reforms.

    “In the morning, before the council meeting, I went to the president’s office and asked him whether he had read the memo he is presenting to the council. He said, ‘Yes, Sule, I did.’ I said, ‘I suggest you read it again.’ He opened the file which contained the memo. ‘Yes, Sule, I have read it,’ he said. ‘Sir, have you noted the preamble, saying your election was characterised by “large-scale” irregularities? Sir, do you know the implication of this?’ ‘Yes’ was his reply. I said, ‘Sir, why don’t you rewrite it to “in view of the desire to reform our electoral system” rather than describing it as “irregular”? The way I see it, you are denouncing your own mandate by implication.’ But Yar’adua was unmoved.”

    Lamido reflected on how he made further strenuous efforts to explain the gravity of presenting such a memo before the council.

    He said he told Yar’adua, “Sir, in the Council you are going to chair, President Obasanjo, who conducted your election, is there; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Katsina-Alu, who cast the winning vote, the tie-breaker, to uphold your election at the Supreme Court, is there; and yet you described the election as massively irregular? What do you think of their honour and integrity?”

    Again, Yar’adua remained unfazed, which led Lamido to leave the president’s office “in utter bewilderment and more confused”, though not before telling him, “If your election was irregular, mine was free, fair and transparent.”

    He continued, “When the Council convened, President Yar’adua read the memo, describing his own election as being ‘massively irregular’. I looked across the Council and observed the utter shock and bewilderment of President Obasanjo and Justice Katsina-Alu. I turned my gaze to President Yar’adua, who appeared unconcerned and totally indifferent to the thick atmosphere in the Council. I think that memo may have been the linchpin in the rift that blew open between President Obasanjo and President Yar’adua.”