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Omokri faults Traore meeting Mahama with weapon, recalls how Obasanjo stopped Gadaffi

Published

18 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Reno Omokri

Omokri faults Traore meeting Mahama with weapon, recalls how Obasanjo stopped Gadaffi

Reno Omokri, Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has recounted how the late Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, was prevented from bringing large amount of ammunition into the country during a visit.

The former presidential aide was reacting to an alleged breach of protocol by the Burkinabe President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, when he met newly sworn in Ghanaian President, John Mahama.

Omokri faulted Traoré’s meeting of Mahama with a weapon adding that such a thing can never happen in Nigeria.

He said the development “once again” demonstrates the difference between Nigeria and Ghana and vindicates the former’s position as the regional superpower.

Recounting the incident which he said he personally witnessed, Omokri said the former Libyan strongman was denied twice during the Obasanjo administration to come into the country with arms including his aides.

“And on both occasions, he was stopped and cut to size”, he said.

According to him, “The first time was during the African Heads of Government Summit on Roll Back Malaria, which was held on Tuesday, April 25, 2000.

“Colonel Gaddafi’s female bodyguards tried to enter the International Conference Center, Abuja, with their weapons, but were stopped by President Obasanjo’s CSO, who had an argument with them and disarmed them at gunpoint before they were allowed into the venue with Colonel Gaddafi to join other African leaders.

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“The second incident was more dramatic and was actually a set up. It was during the Africa-South America Summit in November 2006, Abuja.

“Colonel Gaddafi had arrived on Tuesday, 28 November 2006, with about five huge planes which offloaded a total of fifty cars or thereabouts. The problem is that these cars were loaded with weapons.

Nigerian officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport told Mr. Gaddafi and his over 200 guards that they could not leave the airport with either their weapons and would have put them back on their planes under the supervision of the Nigerian Army”, he said while narrating the incident on his X.

Omokri added that “Colonel Gaddafi was incensed. He said since he was not being allowed to leave the airport with his cars filled with weapons, he would walk into Abuja.

“Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who was detailed by President Obasanjo to receive Colonel Gaddafi was concerned and called the President who told him to tell Gaddafi he was on his way to the airport.

“When President Obasanjo arrived, he played with Gaddafi and told him he was on his way to Lagos, but that the incident would be resolved by his personal representative, Minister Fani-Kayode.

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The President then took Mr. Fani-Kayode aside and whispered into his ear in Yoruba to the effect that ‘You are in charge. Play with him. Be polite and diplomatic. But those weapons are not entering Abuja’.

The former presidential aide said “Obasanjo then headed to Lagos, leaving chief Fani-Kayode to argue back and forth with Gaddafi, who threatened to return to Libya.

“But in line with Obasanjo’s instructions, Fani-Kayode subtly told him that, ‘We would rather have you stay, but if you choose to go, we understand.’

“And when Gaddafi saw how resolute Chief Fani-Kayode was, they returned all their weapons to their planes under the supervision of the Nigerian Army”, he submitted.

Omokri said the stance of the Nigeria government on the issue following Obasanjo’s instructions, forced the late Libyan leader aides to go spiritual over the matter.

“When Colonel Gaddafi was allowed into Abuja, he was escorted to the guest house arranged for him by Nigeria. The first thing his guards did was to slaughter a ram and spill the blood in front of the door. Once that happened, Colonel Gaddafi stepped over the blood into the house (Defence House) and would not allow anyone else to enter after him”, he submitted.

Taking a swipe at the action of the newly elected Ghanaian president, Omokri said “That is how you show that you are a sovereign nation. Not by having a thirty six year old unelected junta leader of Burkina Faso, who has turned his country into a client state of Russia, do to you in your own country what he would never in a million years do to Russia’s Vladimir Putin.”

Omokri faults Traore meeting Mahama with weapon, recalls how Obasanjo stopped Gadaffi

Related Topics:Featured Gadaffi Mahama Omokri Traore

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Court Order: Okiro withdraws from Ohanaeze Ndigbo election

Published

1 hour ago

January 10, 2025

Trends Admin

Former Inspector General of Police Sir Mike Okiro

Court Order: Okiro withdraws from Ohanaeze Ndigbo election

The former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, has withdrawn from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidential race, following a court order served on him this night.

“I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter pending before Hon Justice N. R. Oji of Enugu State High Court, which court gave the restraining order.

“Although I’ve not been formally served with the suit/processes or order, my commitment to law and order remains unwavering, despite the fact that the reliefs granted in the order against me appears to undermine my fundamental right guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” Okiro at press briefing last night.

“My dear brothers and sisters, I, Sir Mike Okiro CFR, President-General candidate for Ohanaeze Ndigbo election slated for 10th January 2025 (tomorrow) address you today with unwavering resolve.

“I have been made aware of the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which regrettably restrains me from contesting the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election tomorrow.

“The court order, based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicts verifiable facts. It is unfortunate that the court did not invite me or heard from me before giving that obnoxious order, which I got from the media.

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‘I’m from Rivers’

“The facts are (a) That I hail from Egbema in Rivers State as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. (b) My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also confirmed my indigene status of Rivers State. (c) I have written many books where my indigeneship of Rivers State is shown in the author’s column.

“A good example is my best seller, titled: “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy”. (d) Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers. (e) I have attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State in the attendance list compiled by the Secretary-General. (f) As a student in the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I was elected as Treasurer, and another Great UIte, now distinguished Senator Andrew Uchendu was elected as Secretary. (g) I was representing Rivers State during the meetings of the South-South People’s Assembly under our respected leader, Chief Edwin Clark, where Prof. Pat Utomi, another Great Nigerian, represented Delta State.

“My records and credentials speak for themselves.

“As an Igbo man and elder statesman of Rivers State extraction, which said position has been zoned to by the electoral committee, I believe in the rule of law and shall respect the court’s order.

“My Obedience to court orders, no matter how unfavorable, demonstrates our commitment to democracy. I believe in the principles of rule of law as the rule of law ensures our collective progress.

“The rule of law safeguards our society; its principles must be upheld, our democratic values are non-negotiable, together we will emerge stronger. Our stance for justice, due process and rule of law shall vindicate us.

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“My distinguished career as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police underscores my dedication to justice and what is noble.

… seeks redress

“I have instructed the Chambers of Eze Okafor & Co, my lawyers to pursue the case to its logical conclusion to ensure that the purveyors of hate and lawlessness are brought to book in line with our enabling laws.

“As provided by our constitution, I demand to be heard, and I am sure that the court will ensure that the twin pillars of natural justice will be observed to the later in handling the case.

“We have not lost hope in our judicial system.

“I urge my immediate community Egbema, the entire Igbo speaking people of Rivers state who are solidly behind me and all my supporters across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta to stand by the rule of law throughout the period of this contest.

“Our resolve strengthens Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s unity and progress. Together, we’ll navigate this challenge.

“My Governor, His Excellency, Siminialayi Fubara’s unwavering support is most highly appreciated and same cannot be taken for granted. Your Excellency’s leadership indeed inspires me.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo embodies Igbo unity, progress, and peaceful coexistence. Our organization promotes harmony among Igbos worldwide. Let’s prioritize peace and unity.

“I reaffirm my commitment to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ideals; unity, progress and peace in Igbo land.

“Justice shall prevail; Igbo unity and progress remain our guiding principles.

“I assure all of you that we shall overcome this minor setback as our democratic values are non-negotiable,” Okiro said.

Court Order: Okiro withdraws from Ohanaeze Ndigbo election

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Nine dead, 21 injured in Katsina road crash

Published

1 hour ago

January 10, 2025

Trends Admin

An accident scene File Photo

Nine dead, 21 injured in Katsina road crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed nine people dead and 21 others injured in a road crash in Dankama, Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Sector Commander, Mr. Aliyu Ma’aji, through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Shamsudeen Babajo, on Thursday in Katsina.

He said that the incident occurred when a trailer carrying cows and humans on top, separated from the main body and fell on a pavement.

According to him, the trailer driver was trying to prevent crushing a woman that fell from the top of a Golf car overloaded with beans.

The Commander revealed that the trailer driver, while trying to avoid crushing the woman, lost control of the vehicle and caused the trailer to separate from the main body.

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He said that nine people lost their lives, while 21 others got varying degrees of injury.
Ma’aji said that the injured passengers were rushed to the Primary Healthcare Center, Kaita, for medical attention.

He stated that some victims were referred to Katsina General Hospital and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, due to the nature of their injury.

The Sector Commander, therefore, warned drivers to desist from carrying animals with passengers because of the danger associated with the ugly practice.

He also urged passengers to always speak up against overloading and dangerous driving as part of measures to reduce road accidents on the highways.