Abacha's Son Set to Join PDP
• May contest 2011 guber
From DESMOND MGBOH, Kano
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Mohammed Abacha, the eldest son of the former Nigeria Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, is set to join one of the existing political parties in the country, a declaration that would symbolically mark the beginning of the family's quest to return public life. The Abachas had abruptly been cut off the national leadership scene when their patriarch, Gen. Abacha, suddenly died some 11 years ago, while still serving as the Military Head of State.
A very credible source told the Daily Sun in Kano that Alhaji Mohammed Abacha, when he eventually steps out into the political fray in the days ahead, is most likely going to pitch his tent with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) adding that so far, discussions between him and some of the stakeholders of the party, both in Kano State and in Abuja, have reached an advanced stage.
It is speculated that the younger Abacha, upon his admission into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would immediately set his eyes on the Kano State Government House, hoping to emerge as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP and eventually, the governor of the state by 2011. Incidentally, the Abacha Abachas are believed to have had a long-standing romance with the All Nigerian Peoples Party Party (ANPP), especially in Kano, where the party, at some stage, even road on the seeming popularity of the Abachas with the common Kano folks. It is still not clear what brought about the u-turn to PDP.
A new power equation
At the helm of the coordination of the highly guarded proposal is Alhaji Umar Gano Bayero (not directly related to the emirate). Alhaji Bayero, a former gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress in the 2007 polls is a close confidant of the family and one of the associates of the former governor of the old Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.
His central role in the entire project has since led to the belief that, should the proposal work out as projected, Alhaji Abacha might not be joining the Kwankwaso's faction of the party, which sources told the Daily Sun is frightened by the prospect of this new factor to the political balance of the party in the state and yet hopeful, the young man might join the faction in the end.
Already, a proposal for the formation of an eight- man Central Working Committee that would manage this ambition is in the offing. Sources said the names of the members of the committee were carefully selected to represent the seriousness of the new deal, adding however that their initial meeting, which should have taken place by now, was placed on suspension pending the fresh registration exercise of the party in the state which is billed for next week. It was also gathered that the meeting was caused to slow down with a view to allowing the CWC have a glimpse of the nature of the party's congresses and the shape of the incoming executive of the state.
"The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) offers the young Abacha a number of benefits, including the fact that it is the party in government at the national level and a party that stands an average chance to win the next gubernatorial election in the state, if the right candidate and the right leadership is put to work," said the source.
The source opined that a character from the Abacha's family would invariably excite the top notchers of the PDP in the country, arguing that Alhaji Mohammed Abacha fits into the kind of personality the party and those sympathetic to the interest of president Yar Adua need to balance the power equation in the party in the state.
2011 guber in the mix
In reference to the 2011 battle in the state and for the survival of the president, the source added: "You see Alhaji Mohammed is very, very rich. PDP and indeed, Yar'Adua would be interested in such a person who can spend his own money for the sake of the party. This is typical of the Yar'Adua we now know, that is, getting others to do his work for him while staying aloof and watching from a distance"
A number of investigations carried out by the Daily Sun in Kano State recently confirmed that the relationship between the family of the former head of state and the incumbent President, Alhaji Umar Yar Adua, has been on the upward swing since the president was sworn into power, some two years ago. It was discovered that the pressure mounted on several fronts against the Abachas by the previous administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has been gradually relaxed for the family, if not totally suspended.
Notably among them is the easing on the tight security around the matron of the family, Hajia Mariam Abacha, who, it was gathered, has since had an ease in the restrictions placed on her movement. A security source told the Daily Sun that she can now travel to any part of the world so long as she can get their visa. This new development is a sharp contrast from the restricted nature of her freedom during the eight-year rule of the past administration.
It is also on record that the former First Lady was one of the very first few jubilant Nigerians to rush to the Yar'Aduas in Kastina to celebrate their son's election as the president of the country and on that occasion, she was well received by the then incoming First Lady, Hajia Turia Yar'Adua.
A burning ambition
Daily Sun also was gathered from another competent source that this is definitely not the first time that Alhaji Mohammed Abacha had plotted to join the politics of the state, adding that much as he was not in a hurry to stage a come back given the hostile climate against his family under Obasanjo, he had always kept an eye on the political development of the state, waiting for the right time to strike.
The source, a long time relation of the Abachas, recalled that the last time Mohammed had tried his hand on this long nurtured pet project, was some two and a half years ago, when the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) had tried to wreck the ambition of some serving governors, including the second term ambition of the governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.
The source stated emphatically that the Abacha son, sensing that the coast was clear, immediately flew to the Eastern part of the country to try to persuade the Chairman of the All Nigerian Peoples Party, Chief Edwin Umezeoke, to consider him for the gubernatorial ticket of the party in state in the event the incumbent governor was barred by the authorities. He observed that the move suffered a major set back when a court ruled against the barring of the governors by the EFCC.
On the chances of the young man in a complex political terrain like Kano State, the source noted that it is one thing to want to declare oneself for political service and another game all together when one is inside the political fray with all its ups and downs. He added that for now, many people are urging on Mohammed Abacha to join politics and based on this, it seems he is a popular choice of the people. He, however, expressed pains that some of these persons singing his praise worthiness are not singing it out of genuine concerns but are simply out to milk his purse.
He stated that in the political equation of Kano state, the family of the Abachas, no doubt, enjoy some form of love and respect, despite their demonization by a section of the media in the country, but he feared that Mohammed Abacha might be his own undoing, given that he is seen as a character that does not mingle with others outside his class of select friends, adding that he rarely steps out to visit people when they are bereaved and is hardly available for other kinds of social engagements in the community. This character trait, he stated, means a lot to the people of the north and Muslims generally. Efforts to reach out Alhaji Mohammed Abacha for comment were unsuccessful.
__________________
God Forbid bad thing >:( >:(
So the gubernatorial seat is for sale? If it is true that M Abacha is seeking to become the gov of Kano, then he is more conceited than I originally thought. So Kano ppl will just choose him for being him? who is he anyway? Some puffed up arrogant nonentity.
MTSSSSSSSui!!!! >:( >:(
The more things change the more things remain the same
Quote from: Dave_McEwan_Hill on June 24, 2009, 11:03:08 PM
The more things change the more things remain the same
Honestly.
I concur...
Quote from: Dave_McEwan_Hill on June 24, 2009, 11:03:08 PM
The more things change the more things remain the same
Noooooooooooooooooooo! This is a joke right?
If people actually vote for him then it'll confirm my long standing suspicion that Nigerians are MASOCHISTS!
But then again, since when has the public's vote counted in Nigeria's pseudo-elections?
Husnaa and Fateez,i believe Mohammed has every right to join any party or contest any election.
I am not supporting him in anyway but the Nigerian constitutioin has given him the right to contest.
Fateez,from what i checked on the definition of 'MASOCHIST' from dictionary.com it seems too harsh a word to describe someone who votes for a person of his choice. Its a democracy and everyone has a right to vote a person of his/her own choice.
Money is important in politics.
Quote from: gogannaka on June 26, 2009, 12:07:42 AM
Husnaa and Fateez,i believe Mohammed has every right to join any party or contest any election.
I am not supporting him in anyway but the Nigerian constitutioin has given him the right to contest.
Fateez,from what i checked on the definition of 'MASOCHIST' from dictionary.com it seems too harsh a word to describe someone who votes for a person of his choice. Its a democracy and everyone has a right to vote a person of his/her own choice.
Money is important in politics.
GGNK
ofcourse Mohammed Abacha has the right to join any political party of his choice. He can even start one if he wants. We have no bones to pick with him there. What is galling is that he wants to get appointed to the top spot in the state as if it were his right. Why not just join as an ordinary member or contest for other posts like a councillorship? Whats wrong with starting at the bottom of the ladder? If he thinks he has enough money to guarantee him the top post, and he is honest in his desire to be of service to the state then he cant go wrong in using his money as a councillor to improve the lot of his ward/wards if he is chosen. If he could do that, then he will begin to gain ppl's genuine approval and trust as he himself is allegedly reported to have said that ppl are fawning all over him in an effort to milk his (ill gotten) purse.
If he goes this way then it could be his ticket to the state house someday who knows? At the moment, the fact that he cant consider himself worthy of anything less than the gubernatorial seat shows that he hasnt learned anything from being a political pariah in the past.
Fateez is right also. Most Nigerians are politically masochistic. If we are not, then we shouldnt keep repeating the same old mistakes of choosing worthless ppl simply becos they are either the son of the soil or they throw rice grains at us like chickens and we scramble all over for the pickings.
Husnaa, God bless you for hitting the nail on the head!
Quote from: gogannaka on June 26, 2009, 12:07:42 AM
Husnaa and Fateez,i believe Mohammed has every right to join any party or contest any election.
Yes, he has the right to do whatever he wants. Trust me, I'm all for supporting people's individual rights in Nigeria.
That doesn't mean he should though. If I were that family I'll stay away from anything to do with politics.
Have people forgotten his tainted past? What makes them think he won't do exactly what his father did? After all,
he is very proud of his father. He probably believed all his father did was right.
Quote from: gogannaka on June 26, 2009, 12:07:42 AM
Fateez,from what i checked on the definition of 'MASOCHIST' from dictionary.com it seems too harsh a word to describe someone who votes for a person of his choice. Its a democracy and everyone has a right to vote a person of his/her own choice.
Yes, a person has a right to chose whoever they wish but when the people keep choosing candidates that make
them suffer - That is masochistic behaviour. See Husnaa's post above. The damage done to the country by that
family was enormous. 10 years on and we are still struggling to try to pick up the pieces. Yet people see it fit to
elect someone from amongst them as a governor? That's masochism.
Quote from: gogannaka on June 26, 2009, 12:07:42 AM
Money is important in politics.
This is the attitude that keeps landing us the terrible leaders we have! This is exactly why genuinely good people that
want to run for office from the bottom of their hearts are refused a chance because they don't have money. Because
they can't bribe their way up, is it? We have been voting for voracious money hungry monsters and what do we have
to show for it? The high incidence of poverty? The high crime rate? The beautiful unemployment record, perhaps?
Since "money is important in politics" it's oky to say:
"Nevermind that he is an ex-convict suspected for two murders and a gigantic corruption case. Or that his father was a sworn enemy of democracy and freedom, as long as he has money, he can lead us."
Does anyone see anything wrong with this statement? I sure do!
Either he joins the party or not; I don't care, for I've vowed not to ever, inshaAllah, vote in Nigeria. :D
Muhsin, that is hurting yrself in the long run. You better rescind your vow. Eventually we will get good leadership insha Allah, and yrs may just happen to be a swing vote.
Quote from: Fateez on June 26, 2009, 09:47:39 AM
Husnaa, God bless you for hitting the nail on the head!
Thanks for the kind thought ;D ;D ;D
God Bless all of us Ameen
Quote from: Fateez on June 26, 2009, 09:47:39 AM
He won't do exactly what his father did?
He probably believed all his father did was right.
Many ppl especially southerners may vehemently disagree with me, but I rather think that Abacha on his own was a good leader. I have always maintained it and written it somewhere long ago on this forum, that his liabilities were (1) his avaricious family, whom he couldnt control and keep out of national affairs effectively, as IBB did and (2) his ignorance of the conditions of the masses due to his being surrounded by ppl like Mustapha Hamza who might have committed some of the heinous crimes they were alledged to have committed like the killing of Abiola's wife Kudirat, without the knowledge of Abacha. Granted Abacha might have signed the death warrant of Ken Saro Wiwa, but the real truth of what led to Ken Saro Wiwa's execution is controvertial depending on whose side u are on. Ppl condemn the government's actions, but ppl also tended to forget that Saro Wiwa's execution was a result of the murders of three traditional rulers in his area. The riots that led to that were supposed to be instigated by him. So it is a form of justice meted out. However, as the world in general was anti military his actions were taken as that of a despot. Likewise all the noise from the Human Rights groups contributed to a general negative impression of the event.
We forget that it was during his time that we had PTF one of the greatest achievements of ANY nigerian leader's tenure in office. We have Buhari to thank for that, since he was probably the only honest official in that regime. Abacha tried to revive the railway system and if the ppl in charge had been as honest as Buhari, who knows? Today, we might have been enjoying a better standard of living in Nigeria, thanks to cheaper transportation and all its economic ramifications. The other thing of course was that he stabilized the Naira. It stopped yoyoing up and down during his time and commodity prices stabilized. The dollar was pegged at N80 during his regime.
The unfortunate thing of course is that there were many corrupt officials in his time, and all the good that any one might want to implement is not possible unless you have honest officials. His stumbling block was that he wanted to do tazarce. Ironically, that term was coined during his era ( ;D ;D ;D). Or rather, his sycophants encouraged him to metamorphose from military to civilian ruler. The end result of that venture is now history... murder or natural death?? We will never know. But he did try to be a good leader in his own way. At least Nigerians all over can assert that they were much better off then than now.
...
I honestly dont know what is with human rights groups, they dont shout and howl when criminals go on the rampage killing and maiming and holding innocents hostage. But the moment a criminal is apprehended, and kept for ten hours in a jail house they start howling about infringement of his rights. What about the rights of the ppl he killed or kept hostage for months at a time?
Quote from: HUSNAA on June 27, 2009, 06:04:55 AM
Muhsin, that is hurting yrself in the long run. You better rescind your vow. Eventually we will get good leadership insha Allah, and yrs may just happen to be a swing vote.
Hmm...Auntie Husnaa. I sincerely don't think I can rescind my promise. It'll hurt more when what is being done is repeated. Hope you understand my stand now. Thanks.
Mohammad is a Nigerian, and he have every right to join Politics, he and his father is different, his father was in the military, Mohammad is not. Why write articles like this just to get attention. We are in a democracy, if you like him, you vote for him, if you don't like him, you vote for someone else.
Quote from: HUSNAA on June 27, 2009, 06:38:22 AM
Quote from: Fateez on June 26, 2009, 09:47:39 AM
Husnaa, God bless you for hitting the nail on the head!
Thanks for the kind thought ;D ;D ;D
God Bless all of us Ameen
Quote from: Fateez on June 26, 2009, 09:47:39 AM
He won't do exactly what his father did?
He probably believed all his father did was right.
Many ppl especially southerners may vehemently disagree with me, but I rather think that Abacha on his own was a good leader. I have always maintained it and written it somewhere long ago on this forum, that his liabilities were (1) his avaricious family, whom he couldnt control and keep out of national affairs effectively, as IBB did and (2) his ignorance of the conditions of the masses due to his being surrounded by ppl like Mustapha Hamza who might have committed some of the heinous crimes they were alledged to have committed like the killing of Abiola's wife Kudirat, without the knowledge of Abacha. Granted Abacha might have signed the death warrant of Ken Saro Wiwa, but the real truth of what led to Ken Saro Wiwa's execution is controvertial depending on whose side u are on. Ppl condemn the government's actions, but ppl also tended to forget that Saro Wiwa's execution was a result of the murders of three traditional rulers in his area. The riots that led to that were supposed to be instigated by him. So it is a form of justice meted out. However, as the world in general was anti military his actions were taken as that of a despot. Likewise all the noise from the Human Rights groups contributed to a general negative impression of the event.
We forget that it was during his time that we had PTF one of the greatest achievements of ANY nigerian leader's tenure in office. We have Buhari to thank for that, since he was probably the only honest official in that regime. Abacha tried to revive the railway system and if the ppl in charge had been as honest as Buhari, who knows? Today, we might have been enjoying a better standard of living in Nigeria, thanks to cheaper transportation and all its economic ramifications. The other thing of course was that he stabilized the Naira. It stopped yoyoing up and down during his time and commodity prices stabilized. The dollar was pegged at N80 during his regime.
The unfortunate thing of course is that there were many corrupt officials in his time, and all the good that any one might want to implement is not possible unless you have honest officials. His stumbling block was that he wanted to do tazarce. Ironically, that term was coined during his era ( ;D ;D ;D). Or rather, his sycophants encouraged him to metamorphose from military to civilian ruler. The end result of that venture is now history... murder or natural death?? We will never know. But he did try to be a good leader in his own way. At least Nigerians all over can assert that they were much better off then than now.
...
I honestly dont know what is with human rights groups, they dont shout and howl when criminals go on the rampage killing and maiming and holding innocents hostage. But the moment a criminal is apprehended, and kept for ten hours in a jail house they start howling about infringement of his rights. What about the rights of the ppl he killed or kept hostage for months at a time?
Human rights movements in Nigeria are not as passive as you may think. If only crime investigation was taken
more seriously in Nigeria then I'm sure the human rights groups will be unto them too. But when the people with
authority are ever so publicly committing atrocities against the citizens it makes it very hard to turn a blind eye.
I'm glad human rights make noise and raise awareness. They have prevented many injustices, jungle justice and
selective Shari'a enforcement. We've seen cases like that of Uzoma Okere and Jonathan Elendu recently. Pure
injustice from the people that are supposed to be protecting us.
Ironically, I can tell you that PTF did a tremndous job - especially in Katsina state. But come to the south... there's
almost nothing to show.
Hehehehehe! Sadly this is where we differ. I play for the other team. I am a northerner by origin, but by birth, I
am a Niger Delta indigene; born and bred.
Abacha ordered the killing of Saro Wiwa and the aftermath was in summary,
gruesome, ghastly and horrendous.
I lived in the most volatile part of the Niger Delta during the crisis. We had to flee for safety and we had to stay away
from our homes for four whole months before we could return to our normal livelihood.
My mum used to run a few charities around that time and they were the ones to pick up the pieces after it all - it was
excruciatingly heartbreaking.
Sure he may have had some strong areas, but his weaknesses cast a ginormous shadow over them. 3 billion pounds
is not a joke o! Oh, I also blame him for the animosity that the southerners feel towards northerners because most of
the region was frustrated during his regime...
So Husnaa, let's agree to disagree 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Anyways, I'm don't like discussing politics. Especially in matters of the past that we can't do anything about. But when
it comes to the future where we can actually make a difference, it'll be tragic to repeat the same mistakes over and over
and over and over again.... :-X
Oya Kano state, Ngwanu make una vote correct pessin to rule your contri pipul o! No talk say I no warn you o!
Sannu, sannu...Very soon you'll hear him running for Presido.... I say nip it in the bud!
I don't really see what the hysteria is all about. Mohammed abacha has the right to contest any election in this country, provided he is qualified for it. There are worse people presently in our politics, and I don't hear people demonizing them the way you guys are doing to him. Now tell me, what was his crime? Was it because the Southern-dominated press had succeded to compeltely washed awayany semblance of decency his father might have had? So what was mohammed's crime in what his father allegedly did? After Sani Abacha, bigger crooks hve occupied Aso Rock, did more terrible things, and stole more money. So what are we talking about? You guys talk as if Mohammed Abacha is one devil incarnate, coming to rule Kano, or Nigeria. Sure he may not be the best option, he has his problems just like any other would-be politician, but don't talk as if he's the worst person on earth seeking a political office. Like someone already stated, if and when he did actaully contest, you can either vote for him, or against him. Simple.
The whole point of introducing something on Mohd. Abacha is so there should be comments written about it. If our comments are negative, it is how we feel. If u have positive things to say about him, do so by all means, but do not try and SCOLD us or tell us off for voicing our thoughts. Each to his own Bakan Gizo.
It is not just his dad. Mohammed Abacha was accused of massive corruption and charged as an accessory to murder. Many of those convicted of coup plotting against his dad testified that Mohammed Abacha tortured them.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/524680.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/524680.stm)
Quote from: Bakan~Gizo on June 28, 2009, 06:30:53 PM
I don't really see what the hysteria is all about. Mohammed abacha has the right to contest any election in this country, provided he is qualified for it. There are worse people presently in our politics, and I don't hear people demonizing them the way you guys are doing to him. Now tell me, what was his crime? Was it because the Southern-dominated press had succeded to compeltely washed awayany semblance of decency his father might have had? So what was mohammed's crime in what his father allegedly did? After Sani Abacha, bigger crooks hve occupied Aso Rock, did more terrible things, and stole more money. So what are we talking about? You guys talk as if Mohammed Abacha is one devil incarnate, coming to rule Kano, or Nigeria. Sure he may not be the best option, he has his problems just like any other would-be politician, but don't talk as if he's the worst person on earth seeking a political office. Like someone already stated, if and when he did actaully contest, you can either vote for him, or against him. Simple.
Quote from: maxsiollun on June 29, 2009, 08:24:00 PM
It is not just his dad. Mohammed Abacha was accused of massive corruption and charged as an accessory to murder. Many of those convicted of coup plotting against his dad testified that Mohammed Abacha tortured them.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/524680.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/524680.stm)
My sister inlaw's husband was incarcerated on the orders of Mohammed Abacha from the time his brother died to the time his father died. You've reminded me of the main reason why I dont like Mohammed Abacha.
Quote from: HUSNAA on June 27, 2009, 06:38:22 AM
Many ppl especially southerners may vehemently disagree with me, but I rather think that Abacha on his own was a good leader. I have always maintained it and written it somewhere long ago on this forum, that his liabilities were (1) his avaricious family, whom he couldnt control and keep out of national affairs effectively, as IBB did and (2) his ignorance of the conditions of the masses due to his being surrounded by ppl like Mustapha Hamza who might have committed some of the heinous crimes they were alledged to have committed like the killing of Abiola's wife Kudirat, without the knowledge of Abacha.
Quote from: HUSNAA on June 30, 2009, 06:55:01 AM
My sister inlaw's husband was incarcerated on the orders of Mohammed Abacha from the time his brother died to the time his father died. You've reminded me of the main reason why I dont like Mohammed Abacha.
Amma Husnaa you still like Abacha? Whoever did or ordered anything of that sort shouldn't be liked by everybody and especially the family ties of that victim. No law, I think, grant this as a punishment. May Allah avenge him, amen. But That was absolutely obnoxious. :o
This discussion has been very passionate and is becoming too personalized. Can we address WHAT wrongs were done, WHO did them, Why he/she/they did them and what lessons we can draw towards 2011? Is there any similarity between how that military government RULED and how the present democracy is RULING? Is there change in the actors? What encouragement can we offer younger Nigerians?
Can we please address these ISSUES and leave out, as much as possible, the persons?
Regards
Quote from: Muhsin on June 30, 2009, 11:55:02 AM
Quote from: HUSNAA on June 27, 2009, 06:38:22 AM
Many ppl especially southerners may vehemently disagree with me, but I rather think that Abacha on his own was a good leader. I have always maintained it and written it somewhere long ago on this forum, that his liabilities were (1) his avaricious family, whom he couldnt control and keep out of national affairs effectively, as IBB did and (2) his ignorance of the conditions of the masses due to his being surrounded by ppl like Mustapha Hamza who might have committed some of the heinous crimes they were alledged to have committed like the killing of Abiola's wife Kudirat, without the knowledge of Abacha.
Quote from: HUSNAA on June 30, 2009, 06:55:01 AM
My sister inlaw's husband was incarcerated on the orders of Mohammed Abacha from the time his brother died to the time his father died. You've reminded me of the main reason why I dont like Mohammed Abacha.
Amma Husnaa you still like Abacha? Whoever did or ordered anything of that sort shouldn't be liked by everybody and especially the family ties of that victim. No law, I think, grant this as a punishment. May Allah avenge him, amen. But That was absolutely obnoxious. :o
I still like Gen Abacha? Why ofcourse! I like him! what's that got to do with disliking his son? He was a soldier and acted accordingly. What was his son? a sadist, since we cant say the army taught to him to be horrible!!!
Muhammad executed his father's orders. They are compatibly the same. :o
Quote from: Muhsin on June 30, 2009, 04:51:06 PM
Muhammad executed his father's orders. They are compatibly the same. :o
No he didnt. He didnt execute his father's orders. He was a little law onto himself!! Lets say Abacha couldnt control his children unfortunately. An fi karfin sa in that dept.
Oh. . . ;D Lets assume that. I still don't and won't like the man.
Muhsin, if for nothing else, remember that he at least initiated the PTF program wanda har yanzu wa'yansu na cin gajiyar sa. If he didnt have the interest of the ppl at heart, he wouldnt have initiated this. For this alone, I am willing to give Abacha the benefit of the doubt. I am willing to bet that most of what went on in the govt was without his sanction or full knowledge. Remember bahaushe yana cewa ba a mugun sarki sai dai mugun bafade. Remember that he was sick as well towards the end of his life and hence his isolation from the public arena. Remember that he was a no nonsense individual who acted according to the dictates of his military upbringing even though they were distasteful some of the time. The unfortunate thing about Abacha's rule was that he was in the right place at the wrong time. He should have been in together with Buhari and Idiagbon, rather than supported IBB against them when he did.
Hajiya Husnaa,
Let me confess something here; I was quite young during his junta, yet I was quite informed of his actions and inactions while in reign. For example, regarding PTF; I was one of PTF's beneficiaries, if I may call it, for I was hospitalized '98-'99 at Murtala Muhammad Hospital. While there, I can recall, our sofas were extremely poor and looking like mats; our blankets so light, thin and transparent; the pillows were also that bad. But all of a sudden we were oneday taken out of the room. And the PTF stuff replaced all these ratty ones. Thats one. Kudos to him. ;D
And, the bad sides are quite many. Here are a few:
Both literally and metaphorically people ate kwakwi. I remember my immediate elder brother had a shop then. His main business was selling that kwakwi, wallahi. Secondly, people were in abject poverty to the extent some houses sent their children to go and beg like almajirai. I know one in our neighbor. Peoples' salaries were more than meager; hardly a man finish a month without borrowing massive amount of money. Kai! Wallahi during that time nan nan gari na nika was on many occasions stolen. Hence idan aka aike mu kai nika we must stand beside our gari or else we won't get it back home. The things are many and egregious.
May Allah grant Abacha's soul an eternal peace, amin.
Quote from: HUSNAA on June 30, 2009, 04:42:26 PM
I still like Gen Abacha? Why ofcourse! I like him! what's that got to do with disliking his son? He was a soldier and acted accordingly. What was his son? a sadist, since we cant say the army taught to him to be horrible!!!
So Mohammed was responsible for all the alledged bad atrocities of the Abacha regime? Abacha's actions were justified, and you like him. But Mohammed, who was villified without any convincing evidence, and dragged through the mud along with his father by the biased, Southern-dominated press was a monster, right? I like your logic. ;D Ikon Allah. I gotta hand it to you.
p-s, I didn't "scold" you, nor try to "tell you off". Wane ni? Just posting my views like any other here.
Quote from: Bakan~Gizo on July 01, 2009, 11:54:23 AM
Quote from: HUSNAA on June 30, 2009, 04:42:26 PM
I still like Gen Abacha? Why ofcourse! I like him! what's that got to do with disliking his son? He was a soldier and acted accordingly. What was his son? a sadist, since we cant say the army taught to him to be horrible!!!
So Mohammed was responsible for all the alledged bad atrocities of the Abacha regime? Abacha's actions were justified, and you like him. But Mohammed, who was villified without any convincing evidence, and dragged through the mud along with his father by the biased, Southern-dominated press was a monster, right? I like your logic. ;D Ikon Allah. I gotta hand it to you.
p-s, I didn't "scold" you, nor try to "tell you off". Wane ni? Just posting my views like any other here.
BKG, I am not an avid reader of newspapers, northern or southern based. I find them utterly boring. So I did not get my info on M. Abacha from the press. All my info comes ppl who were in CONTACT with the Abachas one way or another and they were not southerners either.
Mohd A. is not responsible for the atrocities committed by the Abacha regime. He committed his own attrocities. By the way, if u are talking of the south vilifying M.Abacha then surely Abacha himself was vilified by the same southern press, in which case then all the atrocities are really also allegations arent they? If the fruit is considered bitter, how much more the tree that bore the fruit?
As for liking the father and disliking the son, each is judged according to his merit ko kuwa? No soul will bear the burden of another soul. So why should I like M. Abacha because of his father? Conversely why should I hate Abacha because of his son?
QuoteAs for liking the father and disliking the son, each is judged according to his merit ko kuwa? No soul will bear the burden of another soul. So why should I like M. Abacha because of his father? Conversely why should I hate Abacha because of his son?
I wasn't expecting you to like or dislike Mohammed because you like/dislike his father. What I found to be ironic was your statement that Abacha's actions/inactions were
justified, despite the fact that he was the Head of State, and we all know that if actually Mohammed committed those things he was accused of, then wasn't it because Abacha condoned it? Wasn't Abacha aware of what Mohammed was alledgely doing? If he was, and allowed it, how would you exonerate him from Mohammed's (and others') wrong doings? And if, say for the sake argument, he wasn't aware, was that not a sign of failure as a parent and a leader? So either way, how were Abacha's actions justified, while Mohammed was left to carry the can as far as you are concerned?
I am not justifying Sani Abacha's actions what ever they might have been. I am just giving him the benefit of the doubt, since inevitably we cannot deny that some good came out of his regime, what ever other horrid actions might have been attributed to him. Besides, since he was a military man, you must expect him to act likewise, which means harsh measures etc. What I am saying is that most of what was attributed to him were not carried out by him perse. Yes he signed the death warrant of Ken Saro Wiwa no doubt and one or two other things. But I cant believe all the alleged heinous actions were committed by him or if not, with his full knowledge.
Yes u can say one of Sani Abacha's failings were probably as a parent since he couldnt bring his kids under his jurisdiction effectively. However I still maintain it was due to illness. There were other factors of course like an imperious other half and so on.....
Salaamu alaikum!
As a newbie, I must say that from what I've read in the various fora so far, this is a great place to be! I found myself following the various threads day in day out and finally can't help registering.
The depth of the discussions is impressive and quite informative too.
I found myself swayed between Husna and B/Gizo on this thread. As a benefactor of Abacha's PTF (yes, a contractor, no less!) I've always had a soft spot for him and totally agree with Husna. I may be accused of not being objective but I believe that Abacha meant well for this country and approached this with a military mindset with its inherent short-comings...
While Mohammed has every right to aspire to any political position, we can only blame ourselves for our never-ending complacence and gullibility which emboldens people with no proven capabilities other than dubious riches to vie for our leadership. Well, we'll continue getting the leadership we deserve. There goes the vicious cycle...
Mohammed Abacha is a controversial character not just because of his father or any articles in the southern press. Mohammed was charged with very serious crimes:
1) He was accused of torturing opponents of his father and was charged as an accessory to the murder of MKO Abiola's wife Kudirat. These are not just mere press speculations but were based on specific testimony given by victims and witnesses who specifically identified him as a culprit. The other co-defendants also alleged that they acted under orders from Mohammed.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/oct/13/chrismcgreal (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/oct/13/chrismcgreal)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/oct/29/chrismcgreal (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/oct/29/chrismcgreal)
The above are press links to some of the very serious allegations against Mohammed. Not written by southern papers, but by foreign papers.
2) Mohammed was accused of massive corruption and of literally using the CBN as his personal bank account.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/article01/indexn2_html?pdate=220309&ptitle=Sordid (http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/article01/indexn2_html?pdate=220309&ptitle=Sordid)
let the truth be told, i will not endorse even a councillorship
position for the abatcha family, especially muhammad, as max highlighted
it is everywhere in the news and record of his past involvement
in so many atrocities, this will always remain fresh in our minds
especially when he sits on a public office. the bottom line of the
argument is that we should not vote for him nor babangida's
son, this challenge goes to kano and niger states
Quote from: HUSNAA on July 02, 2009, 08:37:57 PM
I am not justifying Sani Abacha's actions what ever they might have been. I am just giving him the benefit of the doubt, since inevitably we cannot deny that some good came out of his regime, what ever other horrid actions might have been attributed to him. Besides, since he was a military man, you must expect him to act likewise, which means harsh measures etc. What I am saying is that most of what was attributed to him were not carried out by him perse. Yes he signed the death warrant of Ken Saro Wiwa no doubt and one or two other things. But I cant believe all the alleged heinous actions were committed by him or if not, with his full knowledge.
You see the point I'm trying to make? ;D You are ready to give Abacha the benefit of doubt, but not Mohammed. You claim you can't believe Abacha committed all the heinous actions attributed to him. But you've already more or less believed Mohammed committed his share of the alledged crimes. I know everyone has the right to like or dislike someone, but most a times our sentiments play a great part in how we judge people, thereby preventing us from being objective or fair to them. For you I understand, 'cos you said he was accused of torturing someone you knew. Sorry.
Quote from: maxsiollun on July 03, 2009, 04:19:27 AM
Mohammed Abacha is a controversial character not just because of his father or any articles in the southern press. Mohammed was charged with very serious crimes:
1) He was accused of torturing opponents of his father and was charged as an accessory to the murder of MKO Abiola's wife Kudirat. These are not just mere press speculations but were based on specific testimony given by victims and witnesses who specifically identified him as a culprit. The other co-defendants also alleged that they acted under orders from Mohammed.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/oct/13/chrismcgreal (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/oct/13/chrismcgreal)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/oct/29/chrismcgreal (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/oct/29/chrismcgreal)
The above are press links to some of the very serious allegations against Mohammed. Not written by southern papers, but by foreign papers.
2) Mohammed was accused of massive corruption and of literally using the CBN as his personal bank account.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/article01/indexn2_html?pdate=220309&ptitle=Sordid (http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/article01/indexn2_html?pdate=220309&ptitle=Sordid)
Prove, prove, prove, prove...?
And, please, if you know how the Central Bank works, you'll know it is virtually impossible for Mohammed to use it as his
personal bank account. Some of its operations could be teleguided (or manipulated) by the Head of state, or President, but for the president's son to use it as his personal account? No sir ;)
Quote from: nasr19 on July 02, 2009, 11:47:02 PM
Salaamu alaikum!
As a newbie, I must say that from what I've read in the various fora so far, this is a great place to be! I found myself following the various threads day in day out and finally can't help registering.
The depth of the discussions is impressive and quite informative too.
I found myself swayed between Husna and B/Gizo on this thread. As a benefactor of Abacha's PTF (yes, a contractor, no less!) I've always had a soft spot for him and totally agree with Husna. I may be accused of not being objective but I believe that Abacha meant well for this country and approached this with a military mindset with its inherent short-comings...
While Mohammed has every right to aspire to any political position, we can only blame ourselves for our never-ending complacence and gullibility which emboldens people with no proven capabilities other than dubious riches to vie for our leadership. Well, we'll continue getting the leadership we deserve. There goes the vicious cycle...
You are welcome to the forum. Hope you have a nice stay. And I quite agree with what you said. Abacha may not be a saint, but like you stated, he mean't well for this country. Plus he did some good things. Unfortunately, the press had a mission - to kill his name - and this they successfully did. The same way I'm not prepeared to swallow some of the stupid things alledgedly done by Mohammed Abacha.
All said and done, I'm not holding brief for him, and I know there are a multitute of better candidates out there in the event he decide to contest, from whom we all have the choice of choosing. But my take is just that he's not the devil the Southern press would want us to believe.
Quote from: nasr19 on July 02, 2009, 11:47:02 PM
Salaamu alaikum!
As a newbie, I must say that from what I've read in the various fora so far, this is a great place to be! I found myself following the various threads day in day out and finally can't help registering.
The depth of the discussions is impressive and quite informative too.
[b]I found myself swayed by Husna and NOT B/Gizo on this thread.[/b] As a benefactor of Abacha's PTF (yes, a contractor, no less!) I've always had a soft spot for him and totally agree with Husna. I may be accused of not being objective but I believe that Abacha meant well for this country and approached this with a military mindset with its inherent short-comings...
Sigh!!
Finally someone who understands me ;) ;) ;)
Quote from: HUSNAA on July 08, 2009, 04:39:03 PM
Quote from: nasr19 on July 02, 2009, 11:47:02 PM
[b]I found myself swayed by Husna and NOT B/Gizo on this thread.[/b] As a benefactor of Abacha's PTF (yes, a contractor, no less!) I've always had a soft spot for him and totally agree with Husna. I may be accused of not being objective but I believe that Abacha meant well for this country and approached this with a military mindset with its inherent short-comings...
Sigh!!
Finally someone who understands me ;) ;) ;)
Abin kuma har da cuwa-cuwa? :o ;D
nasr19, over to you! Someone was editing your post!