By Rotimi Ajayi
Posted to the Web: Monday, November 28, 2005

The Muhammadu Gambo-led group which is made up of the cream of northern politicians was formed to stop the alleged third term bid of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Meanwhile, Vice President Atiku Abubakar and one-time military head of state, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, have met in Abuja on what, a source called the third term issue.
Alhaji Muhammadu Gambo, former Police Inspector-General, and Co-ordinator of National Security in the Abacha regime, told reporters in Abuja that the MRD had studied every aspect of the Obasanjo administration’s policies and found none measured up to the standard under the Abacha government.

His words: “We are gathered here again to take stock of the political development in our dear country. The restoration of civilian government in May 1999 gave renewed hopes that Nigeria was on the path of sustainable democracy. The hopes and aspirations were not misplaced, given the sacrifices in human and material resources expended before the enthronement of civil rule.

“But alas, not too long after the transition, it became clear to Nigerians that the country was once again, on the threshold of bad governance. For more than six years of civil rule, Nigerians are yet to reap the fruits of democracy. It is amazing that public policies rather than ameliorating the suffering of the masses, living conditions of Nigerians continue to deteriorate by the day.

“In spite of the claims that the reform programme of the government has been acclaimed by the international community, the recent UNDP report on the World Human Development Index points to the contrary. We are disturbed that in spite of the unprecedented wide spread poverty and deprivation inflicted on Nigerians, the administration remains insensitive. Their main pre-occupation now is a programme of self perpetuation in power and issue of self aggrandizement.
“Although I participated in General Sani Abacha’s government, I did not last in that government as I was in exile. My point of departure was when they said they wanted to perpetuate themselves in power.”
He added that even if the administration of late General Abacha had done wrong, the people who participated in it had repented and ready to lead Nigeria back on the path of good governance. According to him, “what we are seeing now is worse than what was in Abacha’s time.

“The level of human rights abuse is worse than that of Abacha. There are more killings in this government than it happened in Abacha’s time. There is so much brazen wastage of public expenditure now and yet nothing is being seen on ground. Where is the water? Where are the roads? Where is the electricity on which billions of Naira have been spent? In stead, what we have is insecurity.

“Whatever you may say about General Sani Abacha, there was security during his time. Only those who were in politics and confronting him had problem with him and they knew the price they wanted to pay just like us now.”
He said the emergence of the group was a necessity in view of the calamity waiting to befall the country. Pledging the determination of the members of the MRD to wage a battle against President Obasanjo’s third term ambition, Alhaji Gambo said members of the group would not compromise on its set target.

He said: “I assure you that for every commitment in life there is a price and we are ready to pay the price. We are of the firm conviction that Nigerians, irrespective of primordial differences, must come together to salvage this country from avoidable calamity. It is obvious that the task ahead is beyond the capacity of the present political parties acting separately, having been weakened by intra-party crises.
“What is urgently required is the coalition of all visible democratic and other patriotic forces and civil society groups to restore and secure democracy for Nigerians.”

Presidency fights back

Reacting to the MRD allegations, however, the Presidency lashed back, describing those comparing the present administration with that of General Abacha as living in another world.
Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the President, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, said there was nothing in the present administration that could be compared to the regime of the late General Abacha. His words: “Anybody that compares this administration with Sani Abacha is obviously living in another world and has lost touch with reality. How can anybody in his right senses compare the present dispensation, where you have democracy and the rule of law, where you have peace and stability, where you have a recovering economy and where Nigeria is no longer regarded as a pariah country? How can anybody in his right senses say that is comparable to Abacha regime?

“Gambo served Abacha. So it is understandable that he should be nostalgic about Abacha activities because he was part and parcel of that administration. But let it be on record that it is the same Abacha that he so loved, that not only killed General Yar’Adua but killed hundreds of other innocent Nigerians and no matter what anybody says, this administration and this President do not have blood on his hands unlike Abacha.
“Those that believe that the Abacha days are better than today and those that believe that Nigerians fared better under Abacha should bow their heads in shame and they certainly do not reflect the thinking of the overwhelming majority of Nigerians.”

Atiku, Buhari meet

Meanwhile, Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Head of State, General Muhamadu Buhari have met in Abuja on what a source called the third term issue.
Vanguard gathered that the duo of Atiku and Buhari met in a private residence in Asokoro, Abuja to marshal out plans on how stop the President from actualising the third term plan. The meeting was the first since the former launched a legal battle against the re-election of President Obasanjo in the 2003 general elections.
General Buhari contested in the elections as the presidential candidate of the rival All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and held a firm conviction that the elections were generously rigged in favour of President Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku.