The Ekiti elections saga and the Rockview Conference
thanx bro, I would however sacrifice all the analyses in the world right now for a piece of practical and real political action. you know one of those moments you wish you could throw the keyboard away and grab for an ak or even a molotov (lol).
I actually also had the Ude case, (which I had similarly commented on to no effect whatsoever) as I was writing on Ekiti....it is actually the same resident evil spirit of ngoist-inspired inertia on concrete struggle at work....quite unfortunately.
at least one thing is sure from all these. Collectively we shall have more people to blame if Nigeria gets worse than just the forces arrayed against the people. when our children grow up and ask us how did things get to this impasse, we should at least be bold enough to tell them the truth: yes some bad men and women in power fucked us up, but by folding our arms, raising our arms and merely screaming instead of resisting, we turn the rape to consensual even if perverted, lovemaking of the most macabre sort.
...to that extent, we are as culpable by omission as those we 'fight' (with talk, talk online and offline and off point sometimes) are by commission.
I might be sounding rather 'unparliamentary' as we would say in our 'houses of reps' back then. May be I am...maybe I am just pissed, especially as I myself can only talk now, but not by choice...
But yes.....we stand condemned if we continue with this manner of 'sankara story' (hehehehe: remember baba augustine's gbedu number: underground system).
Anyway, broda mi.....
AMANDLA!
Baba Aye
______________________________________________________________________________
--- On Mon, 4/27/09, Kayode Ogundamisi
Baba Ayeiiiiiiiiiii. Brave and Outstanding analysis from you.
We don’t usually concur but I am with you on this.
It’s the era of "Do or Die VS "Rig and Roast" I don’t care what anyone says, the more we put self before people. We will continue to witness the same macabre dance. Interesting how we could rise to the occasion in Ekiti but could not rise with Ode, that lone common man who confronted the National Assembly on the FOI Act. When the dust settles the story of that great betrayal of the Nigerian people by those who claim to stand with them will be told.
Having said that anything that will get that PDP Killing machine out of the way will be a welcome event. But then do we replace ENEMY rogues with FRIENDLY rogues. Nigeria is a land of absurdities.
Having said that we must struggle for the release of all “PRISONERS OF WAR”! Soon the Nigerian so called “LEFT” will remember the Chima Ubani’s and stop the futile sacrifice. When that meagre party emerges tomorrow you would be shocked how political enemies would suddenly become “PARTY MEMBERS” and those dying in “Ground Zero” “die for nothing” apologies to Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Kayode Ogundamisi
**"Truth is not only violated by Falsehood; it may be equally outraged by Silence"**.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, 27 April, 2009, 6:32 PM
Dear All,
The events in Ekiti and our engagement of it are some of those things, for me at least, that makes one itch to say a lot...but leaves one dumbfounded.
I have eagerly watched from afar, lapping up & bookmarking all info I could online as well as making frantic calls to my own contacts there having been very active in the elections in 2007 and a witness to the violence that erupted after - which the then military administrator suppressed before it could rise to be an avalanche. I have felt my heart go out to the myriad of activists that have headed to that trench as 'observers', 'monitors' and all what not.
I do sympathize with Abu and the other comrades presently held as 'prisoners of war' in this 'war' between the Ekiti people and the rogue Nigerian state which rigged the 2007 election in the first place and seems set to do this all over again.
I am however saddened by what to me seems reflected in our contributions on this (no doubt, these have been expressed with the utmost of concern and heroism from both the sidelines and the fray of things), especially when this is situated against the background of the recent discussions and indeed a Conference to boot, on the change we want.
A voluntarist spirit, enmeshed in ngoist thinking of watching and condemning the struggle of and for power, seems to still guide our steps...despite the avowed commitment of living up to the necessity of contention within the spheres of power struggle which arose from Rockview Hotel on March 21. Of course, where and when CSO-oriented materiality and monitoring consciousness have become as ingrained in the politics and organisation of change-seekers as is the unfortunate case in today's Nigeria, this can not just disappear in a day. But the process of change has to start with us, with how we engage critical conjectures like this in our national history.
It is bad enough that till date the communique and reports of the Conference have not yet been circulated not to talk of the working paper (and this, one could understand, is itself a dampener for such a project intervening as it should RIGHT NOW), but for our takes at this point in our history not to go beyond their present character - i.e. as if there is no intention of organizing as a body for the change we need, as if March 21 never happened- is for us to keep on with consigning ourselves to tailist contemplations in the place of practical actions that go beyond lamentation.
Yes, our different groups should be called upon to issue press statements (most likely from Lagos and Abuja......? ), raise verbal hell and all such. Yes, our collective body (FOIC, or whatever emerged, or which after one month + still is emerging from Rockview...if it has any nomenclature or organ to speak on our behalf). But beyond this, what can we do?
In my view: issue leaflets, posters etc to be circulated in Ekiti state to mobilize for mass resistance against electoral robbery which it seems the state is presently cracking its head on how to actualize (Ayoka Adebao, the REC has stated that her life has been threatened and we see similar ding-dongs to what preceded the declarations in Edo and Ondo -two states that subsequent developments have confirmed the assertion of mandates been stolen using these machinations then- in 2007); start organizing for rallies and processions within and outside Ekiti state to demand electoral justice
The various coloured velvet revolutions in Eastern Europe were not won by merely 'observing', 'monitoring', 'condemning' , the electoral robberies-in- progress. No, PEOPLE WERE MOBILIZED TO RECLAIM THE STREETS FOR THEM TO RECLAIM THEIR GIVEN MANDATES.
This is not a challenge to Ekiti at home alone. Anti-fascists did not just stay back in the Americas and Europe as reaction rose against the republic in Spain. No; they moved to Spain, faced Franco and his thugs and in their legions, with their lives, limbs and liberty at stake they stood as they boldly stated NON PASSAN!! (THEY WILL NOT PASS!!).
For us, back to March 21. We will not make any change whatever even if change looks us in the eye and winks, if we keep the dynamics of change in the laboratories of our thoughts and conference halls, while the real life chemistry of power struggles between the forces of vampirish reaction and popular masses as an electorate, rages. If we are to seriously build any alternative for change, this more than any other site or time presents a conjuncture that could well serve as dress rehearsal for 2011 and beyond.
Spectators could get agitated, scream, 'observe', 'monitor', condemn, even jump on to the pitch in the frenzy of some moments....but they still remain mere onlookers.
....there is a lot of sense in Frantz Fanon's assertion that "every onlooker is either a traitor or a coward or both". I don't want to believe we are either (or both). I would strongly believe that as a collective body, the time to ACT is NOW.
For Ekitikete, for Nigeria, for Africa, in defence of our humanity's crave for another possible world...here on earth.
Distraught regards,
Baba Aye
____________________________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, April 27, 2009, 6:05 PM
Thank you Wale,
From all sources the story line of Wale is the most correct version of the event that sorrounded the arrest and detention of Dr A. Momoh and co. However let me further disclosed the Dr Momoh and co as at 1700 hours today (Monday 27/4/09) are still in transit to Abuja as their van broke down along the way to Abuja.
Yours,
Shina Loremikan
ZCC
south west Coordintor
who was also in Ekiti
for the National Assingment of Observing
the re run election.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, April 27, 2009, 2:06 AM
Dear Vanguard Legal View,
Please note the following:
It is not correct that the independent monitors were "set upon at the PDP gubernatorial campaign headquarters in Ado". Dr Momoh and Co were attacked in Ifaki Ekiti {home town of the Ex- Governor Oni}. Oni had alledged that they were supporters of the AC sent by Tinubu to rig elections. Oni had also petitioned the police saying that Dr Momohs lap top contained results in favour of AC.
With respcct to the role of the police, it is true that the policemen in ifaki did nothing to stop the mob { over a thousand} from assaulting the monitors but they were saved by the Mobile Police Force many who came from outside Ekiti State.
It is noteworthy that the State Chairman of PDP, two of the three PDP senators representing Ekiti State{ Senator Arise and Senator Kila} were arrested and in detention{ even if in comfortable detention}
Otive, father John Patrick, Dr Kole Shetima, Tony Ojukwu and I met with DIG Ahmadu yesterday in Ekiti and he granted a number of our requests including that Momoh and co will not travel to Abuja in the same car with the party thugs{ he allowed us to provide a bus} and that they will not be placed in the same cell with other detainees. He refused our request that they be released saying only IGP can do that. When we{ joined latter by Femi Falana} asked him to look at the lap top and see if onis petition can be substantiated he said only abuja can do that.
The situation now { today 7.51 am } is that Dr Momoh and Co are still being held at the Police Headquarters in Ado- Ekiti. They were to be transfered to Abuja yesterday on the instructions of the IGP but that did not happen.
Will be good if TEXT messages of support to all of the detained monitors is sent to Dr Momohs cell.
Olawale
____________________________________________________________________________
From: samuel egwu
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 4:41 PM
Beating up observers; chasing them from polling stations and government functionaries parading with policemen to empower themselves to rig! Theatre of the absurd! Now we know that this electoral authoritarianism has the blessing of the presidency. Very shameful act by this so-called elements of the political class who have little regard for the rules governing their own game.
Sam
______________________________________________________________________________
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 12:18 PM
Dear All,
This is unbelievable in 2009 Nigeria where the 'go-slow' government claims to uphold 'RULE OF LAW'
Just a little correction though, the ActionAid staff is Bimbo Adewumi (not Olaniyan). I just spoke with her now. As of this moment (8:10p.m local time), they are still in police detention and are told that they would be moved to Abuja tomorrow morning.
Obo EFFANGA
Abuja, Nigeria
______________________________________________________________________________
Dear Comrades
Tha God of Humanitarian work will deliver them from the hands of wicked Police.
Like I always say, THE NIGERIAN POLICE IS NO BODY FRIEND, except to the rulling party men and women.
I suggest an urgent letter be written to IGP and the President of Nigeria
I wish them rapid healing, even without medical treatment
Shalom
Comrade Edem
in Calabar
_____________________________________________________________________________________
From: Vanguard Law
Subject: [FOIcoalition] Ekiti Governorship Bye Election Update & Our Reforms & FoI
To: FOIcoalition@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 2:22 AM
Colleagues and compatriots,
For those interested in the future of both electoral/police reform and freedom of information, the unfolding developments in Ekiti bear close monitoring.
Early yesterday afternoon, partisans of the ruling PDP set upon several independent monitors at the PDP gubernatorial campaign headquarters in Ado. The victims include:
(a) Dr. Abubakar Momoh, Associate Professor of Political Science, Lagos State University, LASU
(b) Dr. Azeez Olaniyan, Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti;
(c) Wahab Oyedokun, a lawyer on the staff of the National Human Rights Commission;
(d) Bimbo Olaniyan, Programme Officer with Action Aid; and
(e) three other volunteers from the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
During the assault, the partisans tore the clothes on both Dr. Momoh and Wahab. The Police watched as they put used tyre around Wahab's neck. He barely stepped out of the tyre just as they crowd - under the nose of the police - were about to douse him with an accelerant and set him on fire.
I actually also had the Ude case, (which I had similarly commented on to no effect whatsoever) as I was writing on Ekiti....it is actually the same resident evil spirit of ngoist-inspired inertia on concrete struggle at work....quite unfortunately.
at least one thing is sure from all these. Collectively we shall have more people to blame if Nigeria gets worse than just the forces arrayed against the people. when our children grow up and ask us how did things get to this impasse, we should at least be bold enough to tell them the truth: yes some bad men and women in power fucked us up, but by folding our arms, raising our arms and merely screaming instead of resisting, we turn the rape to consensual even if perverted, lovemaking of the most macabre sort.
...to that extent, we are as culpable by omission as those we 'fight' (with talk, talk online and offline and off point sometimes) are by commission.
I might be sounding rather 'unparliamentary' as we would say in our 'houses of reps' back then. May be I am...maybe I am just pissed, especially as I myself can only talk now, but not by choice...
But yes.....we stand condemned if we continue with this manner of 'sankara story' (hehehehe: remember baba augustine's gbedu number: underground system).
Anyway, broda mi.....
AMANDLA!
Baba Aye
______________________________________________________________________________
--- On Mon, 4/27/09, Kayode Ogundamisi
Baba Ayeiiiiiiiiiii. Brave and Outstanding analysis from you.
We don’t usually concur but I am with you on this.
It’s the era of "Do or Die VS "Rig and Roast" I don’t care what anyone says, the more we put self before people. We will continue to witness the same macabre dance. Interesting how we could rise to the occasion in Ekiti but could not rise with Ode, that lone common man who confronted the National Assembly on the FOI Act. When the dust settles the story of that great betrayal of the Nigerian people by those who claim to stand with them will be told.
Having said that anything that will get that PDP Killing machine out of the way will be a welcome event. But then do we replace ENEMY rogues with FRIENDLY rogues. Nigeria is a land of absurdities.
Having said that we must struggle for the release of all “PRISONERS OF WAR”! Soon the Nigerian so called “LEFT” will remember the Chima Ubani’s and stop the futile sacrifice. When that meagre party emerges tomorrow you would be shocked how political enemies would suddenly become “PARTY MEMBERS” and those dying in “Ground Zero” “die for nothing” apologies to Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Kayode Ogundamisi
**"Truth is not only violated by Falsehood; it may be equally outraged by Silence"**.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, 27 April, 2009, 6:32 PM
Dear All,
The events in Ekiti and our engagement of it are some of those things, for me at least, that makes one itch to say a lot...but leaves one dumbfounded.
I have eagerly watched from afar, lapping up & bookmarking all info I could online as well as making frantic calls to my own contacts there having been very active in the elections in 2007 and a witness to the violence that erupted after - which the then military administrator suppressed before it could rise to be an avalanche. I have felt my heart go out to the myriad of activists that have headed to that trench as 'observers', 'monitors' and all what not.
I do sympathize with Abu and the other comrades presently held as 'prisoners of war' in this 'war' between the Ekiti people and the rogue Nigerian state which rigged the 2007 election in the first place and seems set to do this all over again.
I am however saddened by what to me seems reflected in our contributions on this (no doubt, these have been expressed with the utmost of concern and heroism from both the sidelines and the fray of things), especially when this is situated against the background of the recent discussions and indeed a Conference to boot, on the change we want.
A voluntarist spirit, enmeshed in ngoist thinking of watching and condemning the struggle of and for power, seems to still guide our steps...despite the avowed commitment of living up to the necessity of contention within the spheres of power struggle which arose from Rockview Hotel on March 21. Of course, where and when CSO-oriented materiality and monitoring consciousness have become as ingrained in the politics and organisation of change-seekers as is the unfortunate case in today's Nigeria, this can not just disappear in a day. But the process of change has to start with us, with how we engage critical conjectures like this in our national history.
It is bad enough that till date the communique and reports of the Conference have not yet been circulated not to talk of the working paper (and this, one could understand, is itself a dampener for such a project intervening as it should RIGHT NOW), but for our takes at this point in our history not to go beyond their present character - i.e. as if there is no intention of organizing as a body for the change we need, as if March 21 never happened- is for us to keep on with consigning ourselves to tailist contemplations in the place of practical actions that go beyond lamentation.
Yes, our different groups should be called upon to issue press statements (most likely from Lagos and Abuja......? ), raise verbal hell and all such. Yes, our collective body (FOIC, or whatever emerged, or which after one month + still is emerging from Rockview...if it has any nomenclature or organ to speak on our behalf). But beyond this, what can we do?
In my view: issue leaflets, posters etc to be circulated in Ekiti state to mobilize for mass resistance against electoral robbery which it seems the state is presently cracking its head on how to actualize (Ayoka Adebao, the REC has stated that her life has been threatened and we see similar ding-dongs to what preceded the declarations in Edo and Ondo -two states that subsequent developments have confirmed the assertion of mandates been stolen using these machinations then- in 2007); start organizing for rallies and processions within and outside Ekiti state to demand electoral justice
The various coloured velvet revolutions in Eastern Europe were not won by merely 'observing', 'monitoring', 'condemning' , the electoral robberies-in- progress. No, PEOPLE WERE MOBILIZED TO RECLAIM THE STREETS FOR THEM TO RECLAIM THEIR GIVEN MANDATES.
This is not a challenge to Ekiti at home alone. Anti-fascists did not just stay back in the Americas and Europe as reaction rose against the republic in Spain. No; they moved to Spain, faced Franco and his thugs and in their legions, with their lives, limbs and liberty at stake they stood as they boldly stated NON PASSAN!! (THEY WILL NOT PASS!!).
For us, back to March 21. We will not make any change whatever even if change looks us in the eye and winks, if we keep the dynamics of change in the laboratories of our thoughts and conference halls, while the real life chemistry of power struggles between the forces of vampirish reaction and popular masses as an electorate, rages. If we are to seriously build any alternative for change, this more than any other site or time presents a conjuncture that could well serve as dress rehearsal for 2011 and beyond.
Spectators could get agitated, scream, 'observe', 'monitor', condemn, even jump on to the pitch in the frenzy of some moments....but they still remain mere onlookers.
....there is a lot of sense in Frantz Fanon's assertion that "every onlooker is either a traitor or a coward or both". I don't want to believe we are either (or both). I would strongly believe that as a collective body, the time to ACT is NOW.
For Ekitikete, for Nigeria, for Africa, in defence of our humanity's crave for another possible world...here on earth.
Distraught regards,
Baba Aye
____________________________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, April 27, 2009, 6:05 PM
Thank you Wale,
From all sources the story line of Wale is the most correct version of the event that sorrounded the arrest and detention of Dr A. Momoh and co. However let me further disclosed the Dr Momoh and co as at 1700 hours today (Monday 27/4/09) are still in transit to Abuja as their van broke down along the way to Abuja.
Yours,
Shina Loremikan
ZCC
south west Coordintor
who was also in Ekiti
for the National Assingment of Observing
the re run election.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Date: Monday, April 27, 2009, 2:06 AM
Dear Vanguard Legal View,
Please note the following:
It is not correct that the independent monitors were "set upon at the PDP gubernatorial campaign headquarters in Ado". Dr Momoh and Co were attacked in Ifaki Ekiti {home town of the Ex- Governor Oni}. Oni had alledged that they were supporters of the AC sent by Tinubu to rig elections. Oni had also petitioned the police saying that Dr Momohs lap top contained results in favour of AC.
With respcct to the role of the police, it is true that the policemen in ifaki did nothing to stop the mob { over a thousand} from assaulting the monitors but they were saved by the Mobile Police Force many who came from outside Ekiti State.
It is noteworthy that the State Chairman of PDP, two of the three PDP senators representing Ekiti State{ Senator Arise and Senator Kila} were arrested and in detention{ even if in comfortable detention}
Otive, father John Patrick, Dr Kole Shetima, Tony Ojukwu and I met with DIG Ahmadu yesterday in Ekiti and he granted a number of our requests including that Momoh and co will not travel to Abuja in the same car with the party thugs{ he allowed us to provide a bus} and that they will not be placed in the same cell with other detainees. He refused our request that they be released saying only IGP can do that. When we{ joined latter by Femi Falana} asked him to look at the lap top and see if onis petition can be substantiated he said only abuja can do that.
The situation now { today 7.51 am } is that Dr Momoh and Co are still being held at the Police Headquarters in Ado- Ekiti. They were to be transfered to Abuja yesterday on the instructions of the IGP but that did not happen.
Will be good if TEXT messages of support to all of the detained monitors is sent to Dr Momohs cell.
Olawale
____________________________________________________________________________
From: samuel egwu
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 4:41 PM
Beating up observers; chasing them from polling stations and government functionaries parading with policemen to empower themselves to rig! Theatre of the absurd! Now we know that this electoral authoritarianism has the blessing of the presidency. Very shameful act by this so-called elements of the political class who have little regard for the rules governing their own game.
Sam
______________________________________________________________________________
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 12:18 PM
Dear All,
This is unbelievable in 2009 Nigeria where the 'go-slow' government claims to uphold 'RULE OF LAW'
Just a little correction though, the ActionAid staff is Bimbo Adewumi (not Olaniyan). I just spoke with her now. As of this moment (8:10p.m local time), they are still in police detention and are told that they would be moved to Abuja tomorrow morning.
Obo EFFANGA
Abuja, Nigeria
______________________________________________________________________________
Dear Comrades
Tha God of Humanitarian work will deliver them from the hands of wicked Police.
Like I always say, THE NIGERIAN POLICE IS NO BODY FRIEND, except to the rulling party men and women.
I suggest an urgent letter be written to IGP and the President of Nigeria
I wish them rapid healing, even without medical treatment
Shalom
Comrade Edem
in Calabar
_____________________________________________________________________________________
From: Vanguard Law
Subject: [FOIcoalition] Ekiti Governorship Bye Election Update & Our Reforms & FoI
To: FOIcoalition@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 2:22 AM
Colleagues and compatriots,
For those interested in the future of both electoral/police reform and freedom of information, the unfolding developments in Ekiti bear close monitoring.
Early yesterday afternoon, partisans of the ruling PDP set upon several independent monitors at the PDP gubernatorial campaign headquarters in Ado. The victims include:
(a) Dr. Abubakar Momoh, Associate Professor of Political Science, Lagos State University, LASU
(b) Dr. Azeez Olaniyan, Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti;
(c) Wahab Oyedokun, a lawyer on the staff of the National Human Rights Commission;
(d) Bimbo Olaniyan, Programme Officer with Action Aid; and
(e) three other volunteers from the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
During the assault, the partisans tore the clothes on both Dr. Momoh and Wahab. The Police watched as they put used tyre around Wahab's neck. He barely stepped out of the tyre just as they crowd - under the nose of the police - were about to douse him with an accelerant and set him on fire.
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