Femi Ajayi's Outlook

There has been some discussion regarding the relationship between the Attorney General's office with EFCC, so also the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

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Friday, October 5, 2007



Dr. Femi Ajayi

ANNOUNCE THIS ARTICLE TO YOUR FRIENDS
READER'S REACT:
THE FEUD BETWEEN AG AND EFCC; FINANCE MINSTER AND CENTRAL BANK (PART I & II)


hen some of our readers from all over the world made comments on any of our publications we are obliged to share their opinion and comments. There has been some discussion regarding the relationship between the Attorney General's office with EFCC, so also the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank of Nigeria. Nigerians are very much concerned about the slow pace of prosecuting the public officials especially the former Governors after the expiration of the immunity while in office. In addition, is the borrowing mood of the Finance Ministry as opposed to by the CBN? Here are few comments from our readers in reaction to some of my articles on the subjects. We enjoy reading from you always. Nigerians please speak out against some dangerous terrains in the Nigeria public and even private services.


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Dr. Omoruyi: "I am Nigeria, the changes start with us both..." God bless you Mr. OWAMBE. Your efforts will NEVER be in vain. Dr. Michael Omoruyi.

Femi: Thanks Sir. When did I become "Mr. Owambe"? God bless.

Dr. Omoruyi: If no one else is calling you Mr. Owambe, I am... Reason, your mode of writing says it all. Believe it or not, I dance to the tune of your writing whenever I read your article(s). Your are arguably the best writer that ever lives...Keep it up. Dr. Omoruyi

Femi: Wow! That's encouraging. Who am I to say no to the name? 'E dey there'!

God bless. Have a wonderful weekend.

Micog20: Good Day Sir, I do enjoy your article, as well as others before this. My question is that, do you make it "Article(s)" available to the so called leaders of our GREAT country, NIGERIA. Keep it up, Dr. Nigerian without Boundary (That's how many Nigerians see you). May God Bless You.

Femi: Thanks for adding another title to my feather as "Dr. Nigerian without Boundary." Keep on reading and giving me your feed backs, both positive and negative. God bless.

Dr. Sanni: Dear Dr. Ajayi, I want to thank and congratulate you for your article on the supremacy feud between EFCC and AGF over thieving Public Officials. I would like the issue of the Attorney General of Nigeria to be taken to the next level. I want to initiate a petition by concerned Nigerians at home and in Diaspora to The President urging him to sack the AGF and stop him in his tract to frustrate EFCC and make nonsense of this regime's anticorruption campaign. EFCC has been doing a great job of riding Nigeria of corruption, which in Nigeria is an Augean stable. It has won accolades at home and abroad, for the first in our beloved country thieves are being called thieves and no longer Chiefs. Governors are being brought to book and the AGF is out to truncate the process because he wants to use his office and power to protect his corrupt friends. We should not let him stop Nigeria from moving forward and the people from reaping the dividends of democracy. I would ask you to kindly use your network to disseminate the petition. Sir, I would like to have your thought on this. ….. Best regards. Dr. O. Sanni (Namibia)

Femi: Dr. Sanni, Good to hear from your end. I hope all is well with you over there. I appreciate your contribution to this debate on the Thieving Nigerian Public leaders, and the attempt to 'kill' EFCC. We should not allow that to happen to the only Hope Nigeria has now in cleansing Nigerian society. Gani has spoken as well from his sick bed in London. Other readers have expressed the same thing to get AG out from that position soonest. …. Dr. Femi Ajayi.

Eliu: Hello Femi, It's me again. I need a favor from you. I know your articles are instrumental in indirectly shaping the consensus of the Nigerian people both at home and abroad. Given the current situation of war on corruption in Nigeria, it seems to me that the Attorney General of the Federation is not in sync with what is going on in Nigeria. Is there any way you can work with your colleagues (Writers) to talk up the ineffectiveness of the current AGF. We are calling for the President to dismiss him immediately. There are several reasons why we are calling for his dismissal. We do not have any known cases of prosecution of criminals at all levels in Nigeria. Secondly, he is busy fighting the EFCC. A recent court incidence proves that. He was not truthful about his statement that the EFCC apologized to him over Orji Kalu incidence. Nigeria today cannot afford to have an Attorney General of the Federation that will be misleading the people of Nigeria. The Case with Patricia Olubunmi Etteh and her assistant shows that the AGF has not taken any lead in prosecuting as all the evidence by the panel has shown clear wrong-doings by the House Speaker and her assistant. Chief Gani Fahwehimi said it correctly, the AGF MUST GO! The Nigerians in the U.S. agree. He must go. Also, it would be very favorable and I'm sure most of my colleagues and fellow country men see Chief Gani Fahwehimi as a desirable option to replace the AGF. Although, Chief Gani Fahwehimi is currently in a London Hospital where he is responding to treatment of some ailment, but most Nigerians see him as a great potential to replace the current AGF. We wish him a speedy recovery and prayed for his continued service to Nigeria. …. Until then, keep up the good work. I think its creating awareness largely. Cheers! E. Elikwu

Femi: Thanks Eliu for your strong feelings that the Nigerian new AG MUST GO! I was too mild on him that we should be on the look out to the damage that man is doing to Nigerian Justice System. Some of my readers have indicated that. I think we should all get on the tube to get this man recalled and he could go back to whosoever gave him that SAN, to continue defending the "Nigerian Thieving Public Officials." …. Femi.

Peter: There is nothing wrong with the AG and EFCC working together to fight corruption in Nigeria. To say that the AG is a political appointee and therefore, may not be able to discharge his constitutional duties faithfully is incorrect and bad-mounting Nigeria. The Constitution said they can work together and that is what the President is asking for. Nigeria has one Constitution. The EFCC is within the frame work of the Constitution. Nigerians cannot have it both ways. We either follow the constitution or not. If we don't follow the Constitutional mandate, we are calling for anarchy and disrespect for the rule of law and due process of law. Again, the President wants EFCC and the AG to work together and perform the duty of fighting corruption in Nigeria. The President of Nigeria has stated that no body is above the law. He asked EFCC to go after all corrupts politicians. There is no evidence that the AG is corrupt or that the AG will not discharge his duty under the Constitution, because he was a political appointee. Everybody in the government is a political appointee one way or the other. The Chairman of EFCC was appointed by President Obasanjo. He too is a political appointee and he is doing his work to the best of his ability. Not too long ago, many Nigerians accused President Obasanjo that the President established EFCC as his tool to go after his political opponents. There is no evidence of that, yet. The problem of corruption in Nigeria is widespread. There is corruption and injustice everywhere in the world, I will argue. We cannot bad-mouth Nigeria, because of the problem of corruption. Nigeria can learn how to fight corruption, if the rest of the outside world can assist Nigeria in doing so. After all, where the Nigerians are keeping the stolen money, I think in the overseas. Going about saying that everything wrong with Nigeria is corruption, is unnecessarily bad mouthing the country that brought us into this world. What is wrong today is injustice, perpetuated by the outside world. These outside world take resources out-of-Nigeria without adequate compensation to the owners of the land. Injustice on poor people and outright oppression of people by the outsider world. Nigeria has no choice, since they have no technical resources to embark on most of the resource development without the help of outside world. We have shooting in Port Harcourt in the last several days, because of people are tired of injustice and poverty. Recently, the Shell Dutch sued Nigeria in the World Bank court over oil well concessions in Nigeria. Shell may be claiming that it owns all deep sea hydrocarbons in Nigeria; therefore, Nigeria has already sold the deep sea hydrocarbons to Shell. That will be the day for Nigeria. Let us be careful, and avoid bad-mouthing our own country. There is corruption and injustice everywhere in the world and Nigeria is not the worst by any imagination. Don't fall into the trap of bad-mounting Nigeria because of the corruption problems in Nigeria. I will argue any time, anywhere in the world. And I will defend Nigeria on this matter. I do not support corruption, but, I believe that AG & EFCC should fight corruption within the frame work of the Constitution of Nigeria. Peter Chinedu Nwogu, Concerned Nigerian American, USA, Opinion

Femi: You might not as patriotic or passionate about Nigeria more than anyone else, especially this writer. AG has stated clearly that he could be consulted at some 'deadlocked' cases, and EFCC is free to continue with what it's doing. I doubt if EFCC has been acting alone. It also has its legal section that consults with AG's office on a regular basis. Remember that he, who pays the piper, dictates the tune. God bless. Dr. Femi Ajayi.

Peter: No, the President is simply redirecting chain-of-command to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Country, the Attorney General of Nigeria. The President is absolutely right under the Constitution of Nigeria. The Executive Branch of the Government is the President. His Attorney General executes all laws on behalf of the Country. In this action, the President of Nigeria is simply reminding EFCC and other investigatory agencies to report their investigatory activities to the Attorney General under the Constitution. Apparently, this chain-of-command was not followed during the last administration. Actually, the job of EFCC or any investigatory agency under the Nigerian Corruption Act is simply to investigate allegations of wrong doing and present its findings to the Attorney General. The office of Attorney General prosecutes all allegations. That office has the authority to present the matter to the Court for trial. EFCC is still independent, but, EFCC has a boss and that is the Attorney General of Nigeria. I support the President in terms of check and balances of Constitutional three branches of Government. Peter Chinedu Nwogu. Only opinion and not a legal advice.

Femi: I believe that EFCC should be truly INDEPENDENT if Nigeria wants to get rid of the public looters called Nigerian Public officials. EFCC could seek for legal advice, which it has in its staff anyway. It is wrong for EFCC to report to AG who is a political appointee. Thanks. Dr. Femi Ajayi.

Akin: Dear Dr Ajayi, I am quite impressed with your write up on this AG and EFCC matter and the praise singers within the corridors of power whom I can see that they have their personal agenda and as you rightly mentioned the president Umoru Musa Yar'Adua should watch his back. Dr., you seems to concentrate more on the Government what about the private sector where some of the so called big guys are fronts for the ex- this and ex- that. This I can assist you to mention if you care, just investigate who is behind Afribank today. The over night sales of AP (AFRICAN PETROLEUM SHARES) by the defunct NNPC led by Funsho Kupolokun and the former president, if it may interest you to know that this guy monopolize the down stream sector for 8years and see what happens today. AP shares are supposed to be sold by BPE, you can see what becomes of it. Please my brother I'm tired, I want to go and rest if there is anyway you can assist to pass the message to them do it and let Yar'Adua cancel it the way he cancelled refinery sales. Because the guy is fronting for the people that made him. Also the Afribank too, some of the Ex-Governors own the shares and their in-laws are fronting for them too. Let EFCC contact more people like us that can assist to get the fact. See you next time. Akin

Femi: Akin, I appreciate your contribution to the debate on the vindictive politically minded Nigerian Attorney General. EFCC should be left alone to clean up the mess in the country. The mess that prevented Nigerians Abroad from getting the respect they deserve from their host countries. We must all fight anyone that would be derailing the efforts of EFCC. Most of the private corporations derived some of their practices from the public sector. I believe that it would trickle down to them as EFCC continues its cleansing exercise. Thanks again for your contributions. Femi.

Steve: Dr. Ajayi, I don't know if you remember me, but we met in Atlanta when I used to work for Western Union, regarding supporting your organization's activities. I am an avid reader of your column. I am glad we have people like you and other Nigeriaworld columnists who write the truth. God is watching and I hope he continues to watch over people like Ribadu who use the pen to bring down the thieving Goliaths we have in Nigeria. Take care, and God bless you and your family. Regards, Steve

Femi: I remember you very well Steve. Thanks for your contribution to this dialogue on the Thieving Nigerian Leaders. We must not allow EFCC to die like that. It is needed for the survival of Nigeria. We'll keep fighting on. God bless. Femi.

Fadahunsi: You got it right again! Hello Uncle Femi. I just read your article titled "THE SUPREMACY FEUD BETWEEN EFCC AND AGF OVER NIGERIAN THIEVING PUBLIC OFFICIALS". On nigeriaworld.com the article speaks volume. I am short of words I only pray God to give you the needed strength to carry on. God bless. Fadahunsi. "It gets to a point in a man's life where he knows much but says little".

Femi: Thanks very much for your good words. I pray to God to continue giving me the strength and wisdom to do what God has bestowed on me for humanity. God bless. Femi.

Trade90: Femi Thanks once again for putting this article together. I believe you nailed down this one. The Attorney General of the Federation MUST step down. Since his appointment, we have not seen any cases of corruption that he has successfully prosecuted. If President Yar'Adua continues to preach war on corruption while his AGF is busy fighting the EFCC, he will end up a total failure. President Yar'Adua needs to quickly dismiss the AGF to locate someone else that will be extremely effective in prosecuting all levels of criminals in Nigeria. There is no doubt in my mind that the AGF's office is a major obstacle to performance particular for the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu's office whose office has shown tremendous accomplishments and recognition by several developed countries. We must all rally around Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to strengthen him and to provide the necessary resources to continue to fight massive corruption that has sorely deterred the progress of Nigeria for so many, many years. Also, my congratulations to all Nigerians on the accomplishments of The Nigerian Eaglets - U-17 as the world champion. The have made us so very proud again. But the AGF must go!

Femi: I join you in congratulating the Eaglets U-17 for the glory brought to Nigeria. I do appreciate your contribution to the atrocities AGF would bring to Yar'Adua's administration if he is not curtailed. God bless. Femi.

Emmanuel: Femi, Is it true that there is a major movement in Europe, the U.S. and Canada by Nigerians calling for the Attorney General of The Federation to step down largely because of inability to effectively handle corruption cases squarely particularly in the case of corrupt ex-government officials in Nigeria? Thanks, Femi. Emmanuel

Femi: Emmanuel, I am not too sure of that. But the current AG is politically minded. I doubt if he is able to make any great impact on the Legal issue that we are all yearning for. As of today, he is interfering on the Kalu's case. Who knows what his intentions are. He may not last. Femi.

IDR3000: While your recent article on Nigeria world is solely focused or encouraging mass exodus of Nigerian abroad back to Nigeria {Nigerians Abroad, Why the Waiting?}, you failed to fully understand that U.S, Canada, and Australia are no mans land (stolen land) and they are immigration country where people from all across the globe, including us, chose to come and settle and never intend to return. Perhaps your advice will work better for those stranded in the damn old Europe. Some raised their children here and they are now United States citizens and most are fully integrated into African American society and living their dream. If your article is aimed at discouraging new Nigerian immigrant from forever settling down in their adopted homeland, then you have missed the point. Your cultural tie to Nigeria is alarming and someone like you might find it almost impossible to realize there are those Nigerians in U.S. who never ever want to hear the name Nigerian ever again. You forgot there are Nigerian like you at home who are marginalized by the government simply for belong to certain ethnic group and have never really felt any sense of belonging long before they managed to depart from that land. Your exodus strategy will be better focused on Yoruba abroad like you or those who simply do not fit in. so GO AWAY!!!! FAR FAR BACK TO WHERE U BELONGS AND LEAVE US ALONE!!!!

Femi: It's quite unfortunate, but not surprising, that we still have someone like you who still reasons along some ethnic lines. In as much as I respect your opinion, and agreeing with you in some areas, Nigerians Abroad still need to find a way of helping the country out from where the Khaki Boys dumped the country. That is my point. Be good, and God bless. Femi.

Abi: Dear Dr. Ajayi, Here we go again! {Nigeria Borrowing Money} As Ronald Reagan would say before he departed this world, "Here we go again" This country is about to start another self destructing ways again. Dr. Ajayi, as you mentioned in your latest article, it seems these people are about to throw us into darkness again. You could see their posture in the ways and manners things are being done in the country. It seems like Andoakaa and Usman have clearly started agenda that would destroy this country further. Please Dr. continue hammering it out to those that would hear that another sad chapter is about to begin or have begun in this country. I can see it and it is clearly very evident. These people are at it again and they seem to have agenda that would enslave the citizens further. Please help us through your pen and words to make impact. Another slippery slope seems to have begun. Who will help this country? How can we get good leaders that can understand? Abi

Femi: Thanks Abi for your contribution. All of us have to join hands together to rid Nigeria of retrogressive leaders. Nigerians have suffered long enough. The heat is on. God bless. Femi.

Dr. Ahamefule: Dear Dr Ajayi, That piece you wrote {Naira Redenomination} makes a lot of sense, but I'm afraid they ("authorities") don't read News items - apologies to OBJ. Thinking about OBJ, he made some progress in the area of policy making, but spoilt the whole thing with his wicked and crooked politics - remember him referring to politics as "do or die" affair? Remember Anambra State saga? Remember the crisis that's still ongoing in Oyo State? etc. These were not only the problem, for many Nigerians think he is corrupt to the marrow - Ojukwu recommended an early morning public execution for him for spoiling Nigeria and its wealth. With respect to the mallams and Alhaji who deal on hard currency exchange, can you, me and other Nigerians living abroad refuse to patronise them each time we visit home? I suggest you put up an article on this suggestion. If we don't patronize them, they will be forced to channel their energy into some other meaningful business, do you agree with me? Let's use the banks. After all, if we send money through Western Union, we pay some commission. So, if we return home with our meagre savings, we should damn the little gains from the mallams and head straight to the banks. As for Umar Yar'Adua, me thinks he is into sectional politics and not there for the people as whole. He will be out one day and history will be left to judge him. Cheers. Dr Ahamefule, C. Brussels, Belgium

Femi: Dr. Ahamefule, I do appreciate your comments on the new Naira Redenomination of CBN. I agree with you in your three areas of comments, OBJ politics of "do or die", the Mallams and Alhajis hard currency Trades, and Yar'Adua's not too clear direction. We would get there. I respect your opinion. God bless. Femi.

Ade: Dear Lekan/Femi I have really enjoyed your comments on the above. I have discussed the re-valuation with some fellow country men and women here, and the problems are still here. Also, I raised few issues, which coincidentally came out in Abati's piece. Check it out through the link below http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/editorial_opinion/article02 one good thing about Nigerians is that East, West, North or South, we love that country. The only regret presently is that of 'dead body gets accident' (apology to Fela). Although other people might view it differently, I hold the 'leds' responsible for the bulk of the problems. However, this is not saying that the leaders have no blame. I think the 'leds' needs a different mentality. I am happy to be a lone ranger with this view, and that suits me. Anyway, sey una dey kampe. We will come to Nigeria, but we are not going to rush our coming so that our coming shall not become be-come. Suffer dey eh .... (Feel free to complete) and re-valuation is just one anemometric bit. Have a G'Day as we say here in Australia. Ade.

Femi: Thanks for your response and contributions. We are not saying that Nigerians should pack up and head to Nigeria right way. Before you start having babies through marriage, there would be thorough assessment of your readiness. But start making your plans to be part of what is going on in the country. Be good. God bless. Femi.

Ola Oluaye of Sydney: Dear Dr Ajayi, I read your article with some disbelief, where did you come up with all these benefits; honestly they are porous justification for the Naira Denomination Change. The strength of any currency is based on simple principle of DD & SS of money and this could only happen where good monetary policy is met with good fiscal policy. What we need is a good policy on infrastructure development to help boost our productive base. Soludo and his cohorts should work on engaging the private sector and encouraging them to invest in infrastructural projects. Nigerians abroad would come home to invest and resettled (yourself as well if you'll agree with me) if there are better infrastructures at home and let's stop kidding our self that the Naira Denomination Change would bring about that. For your information and research China and Japan currency are not at par with the major international currency and they know it's not necessary, thus they focus their energy on policies that would strengthen their currency and improve their nations GDP. I will advise you speak on subjects or topics that are within your intellectual knowledge and capability, as you've rightly acknowledged that you are not an economic scholar and could not possibly speak with authority on this issue. I belief any policy that lacks tangible benefits to our economy must be critically reviewed by the government and in this case the government has rightly done so. Thanks. 'Ola', The Oluaye of Sydney

Femi: Dear "Oluaye of Sydney", please I need to be in Sydney soonest to come and rock life with you as "Oluaye". That aside! I appreciate your enlightenment on this subject. While respecting your opinion, if I may repeat, Soludo is not planning to bring Naira to be at par with Dollar, as mentioned in my piece. Nonetheless, Nigeria needs to do something revolutionary in that sector to catch up with some advanced economy. God bless. Femi.

Victor: Thanks for your article that has further enlightened me on the positives of revaluing the Nigerian Naira. We truly need more constructive analysis at this matter especially from those of you in the foreign world. Your experiences of dealings with the western world naturally give you the edge over our people, so please write more often. THANKS

Femi: Thanks for your contribution and your words of encouragement.

Kunle: Dear Femi, That was a good one but should Nigerians not mobilize he labor force for the removal of Finance Minister and Attorney General before our struggle is destroyed again just like we allowed things to slide away when Shagari kept on borrowing money in 1979 before Babangida finally finished everything with the SAP in 1986. I still believe in my mind that OBJ did not hand over to the right person and I will be writing you step by step on this in future. Nigeria our beloved country needs prayers. My ideal President would have been Soludo, Ngozi Iwella or Nuhu Ribadu and Gani Fawehinmi as Attorney General. Do just stand and look? otio, mba. Today it was revealed in one of the papers Justice Morenike Obadina of the Ikeja High Court has granted his request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remand in custody a Lagos businessman Sam Iwuajokwu for 21 days in the first instance; that the noise making President of the Nigeria Bar Association Olisa was indeed the lawyer to the man arrested by EFCC for 5 billion naira fraud which explains his opposition to Nuhu Ribadu and that funny. "Due Process nonsense" please excuse my French(Language) here I used French because in Texas we don't like the French. We must mobilize every forces light and strong around. It is now time to get rid of the Finance Minister and Attorney General; they are bad OMEN for the future of Nigeria. All these noise about due process is nothing but "Business as Usual". Again let us keep up the good work …… Regards Kunle Sowunmi.

Femi: Kunle, I guaranteed you, the cries from some of the 'enlightened' SAN, have some vested interest in some cases before EFCC. As you just alluded to, the NBA president's interest in some of the EFCC cases so also the Attorney General with vested interest in some cases handled by EFCC, Benue State, Atiku's, are examples. Every well meaning Nigerians ought to get out there, raise their voices and 'cut off' the hands of destruction that are about to pull down the country for ever. All professional organizations, associations Abroad should, as a matter of fact, be working on allowing Nigerians Abroad to be able to vote and be voted for without any hindrance and possibly seek for an Independent Candidates in the election process, and get involved in the Constitutional amendments. The struggle continues. Remain blessed. Femi.

Kunle: Dear Femi, I am glad to read your very concrete idea. Send emails to all your contacts in Nigeria and abroad. Femi use your influence and pen to spread the news of goodwill for economic freedom for Nigeria, not for our sake but those of our children and grand children. If we can not leave anything for them let us not compound their future with debts. Femi, contact good writers like you with sincere interest of Nigeria in mind; contact Senators, House of Representative members and other pressure groups at home and abroad and pressure groups like clubs and professional associations to do something before it is too late. We should not allow Nigeria to go through what Shagari group and Babangida put all us through from 1979-1999. We know our pride is what and who we are and there is nothing as good as seeing Nigeria competing with USA in all fronts and it can be done. Together we can do it. Let your articles be on the pages of Nigeria News media and contact Ruben Abati of Guardian News. All hands must be on deck. Have a blessed day and thank you for writing back. Affectionately. Kunle

Femi: Kunle, Send the piece to all known human beings that you are in contact with. Send their information possibly if they would like to be getting my articles on a regular basis. Together we can move mountains. God bless. Femi.

Wole Oke: Thank you, sir, for affording me the opportunity of sharing in your seasoned and well-thought-out articles about contemporary issues on Nigeria.

Femi: Thanks Chief Wole. I hope all is well with you.

Nnanna: Dear Dr. Ajayi, My reaction to the above article is to request for a one-on-one appointment with you, if you could. I am particularly impressed with your analytical surgical review of the mind of the "servant leader" president that has begun exhibiting behaviors inimical of a prey caught in the web without a clear path of self extrication. How then, can he move this complex prey called "Nigeria" from the intricate web of cronyism and nepotistic mal-administration that has plagued us as a nation for decades? Your structured write-up is very satisfying, and I am personally moved to meet with you. We need multiplicity of such voices as your. … Please advice the possibility of such meeting, by return email. Sincerely. Nnanna Inyiri.

Femi: Nnanna Inyiri, Call me anytime you return to Atlanta for a meeting. I'll love to meet with you. Femi.

Kunle: Dear Femi that was a good piece of events on Nigeria and its monetary policy. This concluded my belief that Aremu handed power to the wrong person. Like I wrote in one of your articles as published by gamji.com and Nigeriaworld.com "The train of progress would never be stopped if Aremu had handed over to Ngozi Iwella the Minister for finance, Soludo of CBN or Nuhu Ribadu. But he did not ..." Also in my other article, "Again Obasanjo left his boys in the Cold". Both of these articles saw in Yar'Adua a man not ready or prepared for the presidency. The Payoff of the Loan by Aremu can not last. To remind Nigeria just borrowed billion dollars from China last week and it will continue to increase because they will never pay it back and will be back to square one again like it happened in 1979. Professional qualification of the CBN Governor is too intimidating for the Finance Minister. All he wanted is to frustrate Soludo out of office. In future let us direct our writings on two party system with option for independent candidate and it can be many, which was why the MKO Abiola election was seen to be fair because it was very easy to count and decision was easy for the electorate and rigging was difficult for the power that was. Let us champion these areas in our writings it should help. Again I enjoy reading your article and thanking for not checking on your brother when you came to Dallas or the NIDO thing. I hope you are not mad at them. Your article seems to be pointing towards that.

Femi: Kunle, My apology for not checking on you while in Dallas. It was an oversight. Please do not 'retaliate' when you get to Atlanta. I'll be back there in October; God's willing for the Eko Club Convention. Then I would eat pounded yam, with egunsi soup, plus bush meat, with palm wine to go. We might have to do all that needed to be done to scale down the number of Political Parties to two and a slot for independent. That is what I discussed with two Senators that visited me recently in Atlanta. We would pursue that. It would help us out in Nigeria. My regards to everyone. God bless. Femi.

PART II

The Big questions in the mind of most Nigerians today (October 2007) is when would "Mr. Servant Leader" make a policy statement about the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has been working on dismantling the EFCC works in cleansing Nigeria of the deftly corrupt public officials?

The AGF, has been confusing the world with his statements and actions on the Nigerian corrupt public officials especially with the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, with the EFCC and the Southwalk Crown Court in London over Ibori's assets in London. AG requested for Ibori's case file from EFCC on September 20, 2007; EFCC responded on October 2, 2007; Southwalk Crown Court in London vacated its order freezing Ibori's accounts October 1, 2007; AGF wrote a letter to Ibori's counsel, Ian Timlin and Julie Thrower, August 7, 2007, that Ibori was not under investigations in Nigeria. Here is a copy of the letter.

Since Nigerians have been rated as the happiest and most religious human beings on earth, let them sing to one of King Sunny Ade's lyrics, "No sinner would go unpunished. We should be very careful, because the return of Jesus is nearer". I hope Dr. Omoruyi would still dance to that tune as an Owambe fan of this writer.

More comments from our readers:

Ola: Dr. Ajayi, I am sure you have read this article in the Guardian Newspapers. Is this real ? ? President should replace this guy immediately for writing such letter to the British police. Sincerely, Ola.

Femi: Thanks Ola, That's what we read on the pages of some of the Nigerian Dailies. Nigerians are awaiting the action of the President on the Attorney General of the Federation.

SACAL: Nigerian Punch published the article below on October 4 stating that Nigeria's Attorney General's letter freed thief Ibori, former governor of Delta State from a London court. I now begin to wonder if Mr. Michael Aondoakaa is there to represent the interest of Nigeria or the interest of Nigeria's looters. If he actually wrote a letter that freed a thief who left the good people of his state without water, electricity, housing, education, and other basic needs while he stuff their money in London bank, then this man does not represent the interest of Nigeria and therefore he should go. I guess this is why he wants the EFCC to report to him so he can free all the past loathers of Nigeria and put Nigeria back to how it has always been. Fellow Nigerians around the world, this is not the kind of Attorney General Nigeria needs. Nigeria has the resources to take care of all her citizens, but for thieves who convert public funds to private and selfish gains. At 47, this is the time for all Nigerians to be involved in the affairs of their country no matter where and how they live. Nigeria needs people like Ribadu as AG. I therefore call all Nigerians to demand for the removal of Mr. Michael Aondoakaa as Nigeria's Attorney General if it is proven that he wrote the letter that freed thief Ibori from facing money laundering charges in London. Sam James. USA.

Femi: Nigerians need to speak out and very loud for that matter. Dr. Femi Ajayi.

Emma: Hello Femi, Your recent article clearly addresses each anomaly in the current political system in Nigeria. The Finance Minister's quests to borrow money to build infrastructures are simply frivolous. This is one thing that I agree with Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the CBN on. Nigeria should not borrow any more money rather, the Yar'Adua administration needs to focus largely on making graft very undesirable and pursue any known stolen public funds aggressively to recover such funds and put it into good use in Nigeria. Also, I have said this so many times that the President must sack the current Attorney General of the Federation if he is to be credible in the war on corruption. The AGF has not been in the forefront of persecuting any known criminals in Nigeria. The case of Patricia Olubunmi Etteh is still lingering there and the AGF has not made attempts to work with the panel investigating madam speaker. What a shame. Worst of all, he appears to be an obstacle to performance with respect to the EFCC's war on corruption. I think Nigerians appreciate Mallam Nuhu Ribadu very much. Every Nigerian that resides overseas should be a very strong pillar of support to his organization. We have a new organization that is emerging out of Georgia. That organization will be solidly behind the EFCC and will mount heavy pressure on the Yar'Adua's administration to remove the AGF from office without further delays. What is now disturbing is the current situation with the providers of the rigs used for drilling oil in the Niger Delta areas. The companies will not be renewing their equipment lease after the natural expiration of the lease. This means that Nigeria will have a drastic oil revenue reduction due to lack of these rigs being in place. Nigeria runs the risk of slipping from the 8th position as the world oil producer. Furthermore, the joblessness situation in Nigeria is likely to jump through the roof as these rigs and the companies that use them will dump a lot of workers after the end of the lease. They blame this situation on corruption in government specifically with the Nigerian Customs not responding to their requests for issuing permits to the rig owners without demanding kickbacks. I'm not sure what the Yar'Adua government is doing about this crisis but I can tell you that this crisis will have a ripple effect on our economy. Summarily, Nigeria in her 47th year does not need anymore financial setback. We just got through paying out the Paris Club, and other debts were forgiven. It does not make sense to go in circle again. We need to focus on getting the loot wherever they are back to Nigeria for use in building infrastructure. Thank goodness UK took the lead to return 29.3 million stolen Naira to the Nigerian government. That is one money to do a pretty good job with. Femi, please ensure that this article is published on the internet as usual. I would like to suggest continuing to hammer on the war on corruption because that is the only major obstacle that Nigeria needs to overcome to be able to attract the right investors in Nigeria.

Femi: Thanks for your contribution. No one has the monopoly of information. It takes two to tangle, if I may say that. Nigerians in all faces of life should speak out against the devilish practices of Nigerian so-called leaders. The time is ripe and it is NOW. Thanks. Femi.

Emma: As you know, NigerPoliGroup is a new organization that will be based in Atlanta, Georgia. At present time, the organization is forming and aggressively looking to engage the skills or expertise of well-known editors/writers, professionals in finance, marketing, public relations and law -related areas. The NigerPoliGroup essentially will work closely with the EFCC from outside of Nigeria and will link with several government agencies globally to help make graft very undesirable for every government and non-government officials in Nigeria. I'd like for us to meet along with four or five fellows as soon as I get back from Abuja around the middle of the month to discuss largely the role of this organization, and the recruitment process to get the expertise needed for the organization. During my trip, I will be checking on my emails and will respond as soon as possible. Until then, have a pleasant week. Cheers! Emman.

Femi: Emman, This is a welcomed development for Nigerians Abroad to work on. This is needed at this time to get rid of Nigerians Thieving Public officials. I have some credible Nigerians across all professions that could team up on this subject and assist EFCC. Awaiting your return my friend. Wishing you journey mercies. Femi.

Akin: My Dr., Let me quickly ask you this question are you a medical doctor or a doctorate degree holder? I know you might be asking why this question, don't blame me is just this people who believes that getting a degree abroad is better than our Soludo who graduated from University of Nigeria with first class and turn around the banking system of Nigeria within 2 years. Sorry my brother that I have to be telling you this story you already know. Is just because of this our minister of finance that supposed to be proactive that he is still thinking in the past with the so called doctorate he got abroad, Nigeria expect rapid and focus minded person, but what do we get nonentity who was appointed through the power of god father or the notion that a northerner must be and if you ask how does this man get into banking to an extent of being in CBN as a deputy Governor ask me is godfather too. Anyway, Dr. if you have the opportunity of meeting the acclaimed servant leader let him give us somebody that is proactive, that has vision not somebody who want to throw Nigeria into another Debt slavery and go behind to be collecting commission. This is my view. Akin.

Femi: Akin, Unfortunately, my Biology Teacher told me that I would only safe life through other means but not in Medicine. My Doctor of Philosophy is in Political Science. Nigerians might take the lion share of the blame in what is happening to Nigeria and Nigerians. Most Nigerians fold their arms while watching the bad policies of the Nigerian leaders and say nothing about it. I believe the time is ripe for all Nigerians to speak out against bad policies for the sake of their children. The "Servant leader" is for all Nigerians wherever they may be. Borrowing money AGAIN, or 'killing' EFCC, NO, OTI O, MBA. Thanks. Femi.

Akin: My dear Femo, oh sorry Dr Femi, Don't mind me I am an Ondo man who grew up at Isale Eko, thanks for my personal & childhood friend Tunde the Governor of Lagos state who is reforming the area boys now. Dr., the question I ask you was your degree status and I thank you for not disappointing me for using question to answer question you are a true Nigerian. Anyway, thanks for creating this medium for people like us to be able to express our views to the outside world. Akin

Femi: Thanks Akin. No problem. I appreciate your comments always. Femi.

Peter: There is nothing wrong with the AG and EFCC working together to fight corruption in Nigeria. To say that the AG is a political appointee and therefore, may not be able to discharge his constitutional duties faithfully is incorrect and bad-mouthing Nigeria. The Constitution said they can work together and that is what the President is asking for. Nigeria has one Constitution. The EFCC is within the frame work of the Constitution. Nigerians cannot have it both ways. We either follow the constitution or not. If we don't follow the Constitutional mandate, we are calling for anarchy and disrespect for the rule of law and due process of law. Again, the President wants EFCC and the AG to work together and perform the duty of fighting corruption in Nigeria. The President of Nigeria has stated that no body is above the law. He asked EFCC to go after all corrupts politicians. There is no evidence that the AG is corrupt or that the AG will not discharge his duty under the Constitution, because he was a political appointee. Everybody in the government is a political appointee one way or the other. The Chairman of EFCC was appointed by President Obasanjo. he too is a political appointee and he is doing his work to the best of his ability. Not too long ago, many Nigerians accused President Obasanjo that the President established EFCC as his tool to go after his political opponents. There is no evidence of that, yet. The problem of corruption in Nigeria is widespread. There is corruption and injustice everywhere in the world, I will argue. We cannot bad-mouth Nigeria, because of the problem of corruption. Nigeria can learn how to fight corruption, if the rest of the outside world can assist Nigeria in doing so. After all, where are the Nigerians keeping the stolen money, I think is in the overseas. Going about saying that everything wrong with Nigeria is corruption is unnecessary bad mouthing the country that brought us into this world. What is wrong today is injustice, perpetuated by the outside world. These outside world take resources out-of-Nigeria without adequate compensation to the owners of the land. Injustice on poor people and outright oppression of people by the outsider world. Nigeria has no choice, since they have no technical resources to embark on most of the resource development without the help of outside world. We have shooting in Port Harcourt in the last several days, because of people are tired of injustice and poverty. Recently, the Shell Dutch sued Nigeria in the world bank court over oil well concessions in Nigeria. Shell may be claiming that it owns all deep sea hydrocarbons in Nigeria, therefore, Nigeria has already sold the deep sea hydrocarbons to Shell. That will be the day for Nigeria. Let us be careful, and avoid bad-mouthing our own country. There is corruption and injustice everywhere in the world and Nigeria is not the worst by any imagination. Don't fall into the trap of bad-mouthing Nigeria because of the corruption problems in Nigeria. I will argue any time, anywhere in the world. And I will defend Nigeria on this matter. I do not support corruption, but, I believe that AG & EFCC should fight corruption within the frame work of the Constitution of Nigeria. Peter Chinedu Nwogu, Concerned Nigerian American, USA, Opinion.

Femi: AG has stated clearly that he could be consulted at some 'deadlocked' cases, and EFCC is free to continue with what it's doing. I doubt if EFCC has been acting alone. It also has its legal section that consults with AG's office on a regular basis. Remember that he who pays the piper, dictates the tune. God bless. Dr. Femi Ajayi.

Peter: No, the President is simply redirecting chain-of-command to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Country, the Attorney General of Nigeria. The President is absolutely right under the Constitution of Nigeria. The Executive Branch of the Government is the President. His Attorney General executes all laws on behalf of the Country. In this action, the President of Nigeria is simply reminding EFCC and other investigatory agencies to report their investigatory activities to the Attorney General under the Constitution. Apparently, this chain-of-command was not followed during the last administration. Actually, the job of EFCC or any investigatory agency under the Nigerian Corruption Act is simply to investigate allegations of wrong doing and present its findings to the Attorney General. The office of Attorney General prosecutes all allegations. That office has the authority to present the matter to the Court for trial. EFCC is still independent, but, EFCC has a boss and that is the Attorney General of Nigeria. I support the President in terms of check and balances of Constitutional three branches of Government. Peter Chinedu Nwogu. Only opinion and not a legal advice.

Femi: I believe that EFCC should be truly INDEPENDENT if Nigeria wants to get rid of the public looters called Nigerian Public officials. EFCC could seek for legal advise, which it has in its staff anyway. It is wrong for EFCC to report to AG who is a political appointee. Thanks. Dr. Femi Ajayi.

Bode: Dr. Ajayi, Thanks for the post. Honestly, I still wonder how you get the energy to accomplish so much. I think that it's high time we give a serious consideration to how your ideas and recommendation could be realized or implemented. In my opinion, this is the main task that needs to be solved now. Keep up the good job. MORE WISDOM TO YOUR PEN! Bode.

Femi: Thanks Bode, That task is for every Nigerian both at home and abroad to team up against the deadly 'Lions' at the helms of Nigerian affairs. God bless. Femi.

Uzoma: Dr. Ajayi, I must admit, this is a nicely written & enlightening piece. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Uzoma Obi, Esq.

Femi: Thanks my enlightened Attorney. God bless.

Ade Alli: I am glad to know that the "Nigeria First Investment opportunity" was a success. I did disperse your notice to several individual on my mailing list. With yourself as a bridge between the so called Diasporas and the Nigeria at large, you will remain the ambassador extraordinary. I am in complete agreement with you in asserting the sense and nonsense in attaching the term "Diaspora" to Nigeria who came to Americas at own free will rather than deviating from the original anthropological contextual meaning of the word "Diaspora" as coined by the Greek. This conference might leads to a good program that may work, if it could be free from obstructionist thinking of few others .Younger Nigerians abroad could find fortune in the program if proper security could be put in place to protect the assets of the innocent investors. I am still praying to recoup personal savings in the Nigerian banks when the Banks were looted by the owners, I was told yesterday that Transcorp which was organized and started functioning just before OBJ departure, has started having problem paying its note to lenders. I know a lot of friends and enemies who invested in this company. My suggestion may be too much bourgeoisie and conservative if I have emphasized the need for individual or group to find business to develop by themselves until things get better in Nigeria .There are just too many businesses that can make huge comfortable income. Obasanjo made a lot of sacrifices to the extend of bringing a decent Nigeria to replace him as a President. This is the best that can happen to Nigeria, a complete departure from the politic of the past. Nigeria is in a good hand now despite the enemies who are still pulling the country to a brake. Keep good work and thank you. Dr. B. Ade Alli

Femi: Thanks Dr. Ali for your contribution. I feel very uncomfortable with that word "Diaspora". While I was in Abuja recently, late July and early August this year, any offices I went, it was the Diasporan, even BHP Bank has an advertised poster that says, "Diaspora Account" to entice Nigerians Abroad to open account with the Bank. In Atlanta I suggested to Mr. Atuche, to change that name when he gets back to Nigeria. We need to start doing something positive to encourage our children not to get lost in 'foreign' land. If and when we continue referring to our generation as "Diaspora", what are we going to call our children and grand children? Thanks again for your contribution. Femi.

Kaye: Hello, I just read your paper to the Egbe Omo Yoruba: The National association of Yoruba in North America, Baltimore, Maryland. I have my own views which differ from yours to some degree. I think the issue of corruption should have been widened to include other dishonest practices in Nigeria. This would include not fulfilling public contractual obligations, "dealings" that are not for the benefit of Nigerians or "public good". I came back from Nigeria last week and was struck by the honesty and integrity of the everyday Nigerian seeking to achieve a meager living. Additionally, there is a growing business/entrepreneurial class conducting business legally and honestly. In my view, corrupt practices need to be eradicated from the top down. Public officials and public bodies need to satisfy themselves that programmes taken on are for the benefit of Nigerians - if this benefit is missing, such programmes of initiatives should be discounted. There is also adequate information, advice, and practices to follow. Nigerians have the intellectual ability to implement proper and accountable practices but do not do so because (i)there isn't the realisation that there are economic, social, and political benefits attributable to public good requirements, and (ii) even if there was, there are enough Nigerians to put this into meaningful effect. Once the penny drops, Nigeria will become an incredible success story. Until then, " ...na suffer suffer ..." Regards, Kaye Adeniran-Olule(London)

Femi: Kaye, Your view does not differ from mine at all. If you read in between lines, and I think I mentioned in the paper that corruption comes in many faces. I only narrowed it down to one aspect of it. We are saying the same thing in different ways. I appreciate your comments. Femi.

Sheun: My Dear Dr., I read individual comment on your articles which gladden my heart. Apparently no average Nigerian would not appreciate to read from your didactic write up, which is highly educative; sometimes a source of research for our young student of politics. The issue raised by one of the commentator that your article must find a place in our National dailies is most welcomed. Sir we don't have to contact anybody before this is done, it will only amount to waste of time. Nigerians need such enlightenment to elucidate their mind on National issue. Dr. you are a blessing to your generation. Please keep up the good work.

Femi: Sheun, Thanks so much for your kind words on my contributions to the events in Nigeria. I'll continue to work as God directs. Be good. God bless. Dr. Femi Ajayi.

Thanks you all for your comments. We'll be back again next time.