_{HOW SELF-RIGHTEOUS OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, PROFLIGATE JONANATHAN AND OTHER POLITICAL OFFICIALS HAVE USED THEIR VANTAGE POSITIONS TO DUPE UNWARY NIGERIANS IN RECENT TIMES AS REPORTED BY THE NIGERIAN MEDIA}

            _{Monday, September 4, 2017}   

_{Info on Obasanjo library}

_{December 28, 2006 | posted by Nigerian Muse (Archives)}

_{Presidential Library launched}

_{May 16, 2005, 14:56}

_{The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library project was launched on 14 May in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.}

_{Part of the event involved a ground breaking ceremony that was performed by President Olusegun Obasanjo.}

_{Also present at the event were:}

• _{The Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar}
• _{The Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel}
• _{The Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori}
• _{The Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha}
• _{The Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Sani Ahmed Yerima}
• _{The Commerce Minister, Ambassador Adamu}
• _{Chief Ernest Shonekan, Chairman of Nigeria’s former Interim National Government (1993)}
• _{Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Austin Opara.}

_{The library complex, which will be located on the outskirts of Abeokuta, is founded on three philosophical cornerstones: leadership, transparency and agriculture.}

_{These are also the three main principles that inform the policies of Obasanjo and this Administration.}

_{The complex, which is patterned after the United States (US) Presidential Library concept pioneered by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, is divided into three major sections:}

• _{The main museum/library}
• _{Recreation and leisure services}
• _{Housing/support facilities.}

_{The museum/library will be located on a rocky elevated zone, and will provide the type of isolated tranquillity necessary for scholarship and museum appreciation. Aside from the library, the museum and other archival amenities, this section will also comprise a centre for research, seminars and workshops.}

_{The museum will carry significant documents, photographs, films, video tapes, sound recordings and memorabilia that depict stages of the President’s public life, as well as important policies and decisions of this Administration.}

_{The proposed Library’s auditorium is expected to accommodate up to 1500 people and will also retain 144 research fellow/guest chalets.}

_{In all, the Presidential Library will hold presidential files and papers that cover public policy issues, while the archives will act as a repository for Obasanjo’s presidential papers and historical materials.}

_{The project, according to its trustees, would fend for itself through the offer of services, including:}

• _{Guest houses}
• _{Cyber café}
• _{Publishing resources}
• _{Souvenir/gift shops}
• _{Auditorium for seminars/workshops, exhibitions, social events}
• _Museum
• _Amphitheatre
• _Restaurant
• _Park/garden
• _{Artificial lake/stream/waterfall}
• _Zoo
• _{Gym/keep-fit centre for recreation.}

_{Members of the Board of Trustees are:}

• _{Ambassador Christopher Kolade, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) (Chairman)}
• _{Mr Carl Masters (American), (Co-Chairman)}
• _{Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel}
• _{Honourable Vernon Jordan (American), former Adviser of President Bill Clinton}
• _{Mr Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Atlantic Airline}
• _{Dr Onaolapo Soleye, Minister of Finance under the Buhari Administration}
• _{Mr Jim Ovia, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Zenith International Bank}
• _{Dr Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, Ogun State Commissioner for Health}
• _{Mr Nyaknno Osso, the President’s librarian (Secretary).}

_{Sunday, May 15, 2005}

_Guardian

_{Obasanjo's Library Nets N4bn}

    _{Adenuga, Dangote, Odogwu, Arisekola, Ibru, Governors Top Donor List}

_{FROM CHARLES COFFIE GYAMFI (ABEOKUTA)}

_{DESPITE the reported controversy that trailed its announced launch, the novel idea of establishing Presidential Libraries started by President Roosevelt of United States 69 years ago was enacted in Nigeria yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.}

_{As at 3.15pm, the project, estimated to cost N7 billion, had realised about N4 billion, as eminent personalities, mostly friends and political associates of President Olusegun Obasanjo, who came from the political and business sectors, tried to outsmart each other by giving the highest donation}

_{The maximum individual donations came from captains of industry, Chief Mike Adenuga, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chief Sunny Odogwu, who donated N250 million, N211.6 million and N200 million respectively.}

_{While the 36 State governors contributed N360 million, the private sector, N622 million and the Nigerian Ports Authority, $1 million; Chief Arisekola Alao and Olorogun Michael Ibru (chairman of Oceanic Bank Plc) donated N100 million and N50 million in that order}

_{The project, to be known as Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), is named after the President, who hails from the Owu Quarter of Abeokuta}

_{Those who spoke at the occasion extolled the exemplary leadership qualities of Obasanjo. Prof. O.O. Akinkugbe said the President's leadership forms the central plank of his exhortation both nationally and internationally.}

_{He said of Obasanjo: "He appears totally and irrevocably consumed by the credo, 'get leadership right and all else will be added unto it.'}

_{However, he canvassed a responsible followership that demands the regular audit of leaders' performances to ensure that they are deserving of their offices}

_{Akinkugbe noted that it was a paradox that many in elective offices have no respect for humanity, which they use sparingly and the constituents they so strenuously court while seeking office are abandoned once the object of their desires had been accomplished.}

_{To him, Obasanjo is a great African leader who everyone should be proud of}

_{Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who is a member of the steering committee of the project, explained that the library is a unique one, as it combines in one location, facilities for rigorous academic work, statesmanly reflection and wholesome recreation.}

_{Daniel said the President had always been at the vanguard and promotion of progressive initiatives around the world. "He has established credible benchmarks for good governance, promoted accountability and nurtured transparency in private and public life."}

_{He described the President's knack for forthrightness and his uncompromising nationalism as "a sine qua non for the new Nigeria that we so much desire and deserve."}

_{Daniel said the library project was a demonstration of the President's gift for unprecedented innovations in the Nigerian polity and in Africa}

_{An American, Mr. Carl Masters, who is part of the team handling two projects for the library complex, said if completed, it would be the first of its kind in Africa}

_{He explained that the project would not be financed by that Federal Government and asked African heads of governments to emulate Obasanjo's example}

_{Dr. Christopher Kolade, who is the chairman of the team handing the project said when completed, it would add to the nation's intellectual edifices}

_{Excited President Obasanjo, who was at the hightable with his Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation to the donors and all those that made the occasion successful}

_{Describing the ceremony as epoch-making in the history of the country stressed that knowledge-building and preservation were necessary for the development of any nation}

_{"We need to keep institutional memories as well as the nation's memories," he said, adding that history and memories were better kept through collection of information and preservation}

_{Among the aims of the library, he disclosed, was to keep his life's history as well that of Nigeria as much as possible, assuring that the project would not disturbs his commitment and dedication to the service of Nigeria}

_{He also assured the donors that they had donated to a worthy cause, which they would never regret}

_{Some of other donors Chief Sam Nwake, N20 million, Dapo Abiodun (N10m), the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunde Sijuwade (N10 m), Dr Bayo Kuku (N5m), the PDP (N25m), Obasanjo Holdings (N100m), Chief Ernest Sonekan (N1m), Ogun State monarchs (N5m) and all political aides of the President (N2m)}

_{This Day}

_{Obasanjo Library Fund Clocks N6bn}

_{Oil majors donate $20m}

_{By Yusuph Olaniyonu, 05.16.2005}

_{Donations into the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) project which was launched in Abeokuta at the weekend may have reached N6 billion. This leaves only a shortfall of about N1 billion to raise the N7 billion for the project.}

_{Sources close to the organisers of the launching indicated that though there were reports that about N4 billion were realised at the launching, the figure excluded the $20 million (about N2 billion) donated by oil firm majors operating in the country.}

_{The donation by the oil companies became one of the largest to the project which was patterned after the Presidential Libraries concept in the United States, which was pioneered by President Franklin Delano Roosevett.}

_{Other big donors to the project were Dr. Mike Adenuga, chairman of Globacom Communications who donated N250 million, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, president Dangote Group, N211.6 million and Mr. Femi Otedola, chairman of Zenon Oil Limited. N200 million.}

_{The major oil companies’ donation which is now the biggest to the project was however not made public.}

_{It is believed that the presidential library project may be the first significant step of President Obasanjo’s preparation for life after office in 2007.}

_{The library complex located on the outskirts of Abeokuta, the president’s town is founded on three philosophical cornerstones - leadership, transparency and agriculture.}

_{According to the board of trustees, “these three policy trusts guided President Obasanjo throughout his years of public life and allowed him to lead, achieve and create a vivid, lasting legacy that continues to shape and influence, form and guide the times in which we live right now.”}

_{The site is divided into three major zones, the museum/library, recreation and leisure and housing/support services.}

_{By the desigh, the museum/library will be located on the high rocky zone with ‘a dignified, architectural statement from atop the high rock... and its elevated location (will) provide an isolated tranquility necessary for scholarship and museum appreciation.”}

_{The structure shall consist of a library ‘an archive and museum including a policy centre (for research, seminars and workshops). While the presidential library will hold the presidential files and papers which covers all issues of public policy, the archive will act as a repository for the presidential papers and historical materials of President Obasanjo. The museum will however exhibit present significant documents, photographs, films, video tapes, sound recording and memorabilia that depict stages of the president’s life, the important policy trust and decisions of his administration.}

_{The auditorium of the proposed library is expected to take about 1,500 people. There will also be 144-research fellows/guest chalet.}

_{The project trustees hope to fend for it through offer of services like guest houses, cyber cafe, publishing souvenir/gift shops, auditorium (seminars/workshops, exhibitions, social events), museum, amphitheatre, restaurant, pack/garden, artificial lake/ stream/waterfall, zoo and gym for recreation/keep fit centre.}

_{The trustees include Ambassador Christopher Kolade, Nigeria’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom, as chairman, Mr. Carl Masters, an American as co-chairman, Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, Hon. Vernon Jordan, an American, Mr. Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Atlantic Airline, Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, Minister of Finance under the Buhari administration and Mr. Jim Ovia, MD/CEO Zenith International Bank.}

_{Others include Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, the president’s eldest daughter and Ogun State commissioner for health and Mr. Nyaknno Osso, the president’s librarian who serves as secretary.}

_{How Obasanjo forced us to donate N10m each to his presidential library project -}

_{Fayose How Obasanjo forced us to donate N10m each to his presidential library project - Fayose Author: Eromosele Ebhomele Updated: 5 months ago Views: 38059 Category: Politics Share on Facebook Send via email Share on Facebook Send via email Governor Ayodele Fayose has shocked Nigerians with the revelation that former President Olusegun forced him and others to donate N10 million each to his presidential library. How Obasanjo forced us to donate N10m each to his presidential library project - Fayose Fayose revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo forced governors to donate N10 million each to his presidential library project. Fayose asked the former president to refund his own part of the donation for the construction of the library that was commissioned recently as part of the activities to mark Obasanjo’s 80th birthday. He even wants the refund with interest. The Nigerian Tribune reports that Fayose said this while speaking at the opening of South-west Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders meeting in Ado Ekiti on Monday, March 6, 2017. READ ALSO: Speak to me from London, Fayose tells Buhari Fayose said governors were made to donate N10 million each in 2005 to the Obasanjo Presidential Library project. “We were made to pay N10 million each as governors, for the Obasanjo library in 2005. I’ve written him to return our money. He should return it with interest,” he said adding that it was uncharitable for the former president to deride the same party that made him a presidential candidate from prison. Read more: https://www.naij.com/1092161-how-obasanjo-forced-donate-n10m-presidential-library-project-fayose.html}

 _{Goodluck Jonathan Realizes N6b At Otuoke Church Launch}

_{Posted by: CKN NIGERIA Posted date: Sunday, March 17, 2013 / comment : 3}

_{There was outrage yesterday after over N6 billion was donated in Lagos at the fund raising in aid of St. Stephen’s Anglican Deanery and Youth Development Centre, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, home town of President Goodluck Jonathan.}

_{The event attended by the president held at the high brow Civic Centre, Victoria Island. The highest donation was given by Prince Arthur Eze, a business tycoon. He donated N1.8 billion.}

_{Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State made a donation of N230 million on behalf of the newly-formed PDP Governors Forum .}

_{He was recently made chairman of the forum which was created as a separate body from the Nigerian Governors Forum headed by Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Another N100million was donated by Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State on behalf of South- South state Governors.}

_{Governor Seriake Dickson pledged to build the nursery school and cancer diagnostic centre components of the project at Otuoke as the contribution of Bayelsa.}

_{The church came into national consciousness in April last year when Gitto Construzioni Generali Nigeria Limited, an Italian construction firm donated the multi-million dollar building to President Jonathan’s home church. The donation of the building provoked a hail of criticism against the president with many calling on the anti-graft agencies to step into it.}

_{Several PDP governors were said to be unaware, last night, of the donation made on their behalf by Akpabio.}

_{Their spokespersons said their bosses were not consulted on the donation.}

_{Speaking at the fund raising, President Jonathan urged wealthy Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the development of poor communities in the country.}

_{This, according to him, will go a long way in empowering youths.}

_{Jonathan noted that the only way to ensure that one’s memory is kept alive is to make positive impact in the lives of the people.}

_{He said: “We are all mortal beings, we are all biological specimen so we will all die but when you die, what will you be remembered for, what will you leave behind? I used to tell people that even the house I was struggling to build in the village, these days in this global age, how am I sure that my children will even stay in my root.”}

_{“They want to go to West Indies, they want to go to Latin America, so I was even joking with people that if I look at the behaviour of my children and if I don’t see any of them that will patronize the village, even my house I will donate it out before I die.”}

_{Jonathan, said that the project for the St. Stephens Anglican Deanery and Youth Development Centre in his home town was so dear to him.}

_{He spoke of his determination to ensure that the younger generation of Nigerians pass through a better system of education different from the one he experienced while growing up.}

_{“I feel the only thing I can do is to make sure that from Nursery School to Primary and Secondary School, there should be a standard educational facility and youth programme, so that it gives opportunity for the younger ones to grow even if we die in the next 100 years, people will remember that those before them have something for them”}

_{He said that the Youth Development Centre was put under the control of the church because of the long history of churches using funds effectively for development and that they had been able to ensure that such developmental projects endure.}

_{Speaking earlier, Akwa Ibom State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Godswill Akpabio said that the project was part of the vision of President Jonathan to ensure that the youths of Otuoke have better education and secured future.}

_{Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) and Peter Obi ( Anambra) and Liyel Imoke (Cross Rivers) lauded the initiative, saying that they would replicate such initiative in their states.}

_{Present at the occasion were Chairman of Visafone, Mr.Jim Ovia; Chairman Capital oil, Chief Ifeanyi Uba; Chairman of A-Z Oil, Chika Okafor, Chairman Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi–Ikhide,Mr. Oba Otudeko and Tony Elumenu.}

_{Others who attended the occasion included Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tunde Lemo, some Ministers, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and prominent indigenes of Otuoke.}

_{Critics said yesterday’s fundraising was reminiscent of the much-criticised launching by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to raise funds for his presidential library. The event held in Abeokuta on May 14, 2005 realised about N6 billion, but was widely condemned as public extortion.}

_{Reacting to the donations, renowned constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay, said the development shows the abysmal level that ethical standards in governance had fallen in the country.}

_{He said: “This is not the first time such a thing has happened. Remember former President Olusegun Obasanjo also did a similar thing to raise money for his library.”}

_{Describing the president’s action as morally wrong, Sagay continued, “It amounts to extorting money from sycophants who are unjustly benefiting from government. As far as I am concerned, the development fell below ethical standard and was not supposed to happen.”}

_News

_{Ex-Kebbi commissioner diverted N664m meant for imam training – ICPC}

_{Published September 28, 2017}

_{Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja}

_{The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has accused a former Kebbi State Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Tunga; and a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Garba Kamba, of diverting N664m.}

_{The ICPC said in a statement by its spokesperson, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, that N315m out of the money was meant for the training of imams and mallams who were meant to spread the message of peace to their followers ahead of the 2015 presidential election.}

_{The commission added that the remaining N349m was meant for the procurement of generators for every polling unit ahead of the 2015 general elections.}

_{Investigations by operatives of the anti-graft agency, however, showed that the money was diverted.}

_{The statement read in part, “The duo who held office during the tenure of the immediate past governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Saidu Dakingari, were said to have diverted the sum of N349,475,000 meant for the provision of generators and ‘other logistics’ for all polling units in Kebbi State for the 2015 general elections.}

_{“The defendants were also accused of using their offices as SSG and Commissioner for Finance to siphon N315,000,000, which sum was approved and released to organise sensitisation and enlightenment programmes for imams and mallams against religious incitement of supporters for the 2015 general elections in the 21 local government areas of Kebbi State.”}

_{The ICPC, therefore, arraigned the suspects before Justice Umar Abubakar of Kebbi State High Court 3 sitting in Birnin Kebbi for alleged misapplication of the sum of N664, 000, 000.}

_{Kamba and Tunga were arraigned on four charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, theft, conferring corrupt advantage on themselves and using their positions for gratification.}

_{In a Charge No: KB/HC/27C/2017, the defendants were accused of committing offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 19 and 26 (1) (c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.}

_{If found guilty, the suspects face five years imprisonment without options of fine.}

_{When the charges were read out to them, the two accused persons separately entered “not-guilty” pleas.}

_{Counsel for the accused persons, Messrs. Ahmad Fingilla and Lagalo Lagalo, applied for bail for their clients through motions supported by affidavits.}

_{Bail was granted to each of them in the sum of N10m and one surety in like sum who must be resident and possess property worth N10m within the jurisdiction of the court.}

_{The case was adjourned till October 26, 2017 for the commencement of trial.}

_{Meanwhile, the ICPC has also arraigned a former official of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Anska Asawa, before Justice Folashade Ojo of the Federal High Court, Maitama, sitting in Abuja for allegedly diverting the salaries of his colleagues for his own personal use.}

_{Asawa was arraigned by the commission on two counts of conferring corrupt advantage on himself, thereby committing an offence that contravenes Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.}

_{Justice Ojo granted the accuse person bail in the sum of N500,000 and asked him to produce two sureties resident in Abuja.}

_{The trial was adjourned till November 6, 2017 for commencement of hearing.}

_{WARNING TO THE DONOR OF THE WICKED AND EVIL HORSE}

_{Softly, softly, thou who hath donated the wicked and evil horse to the wicked and evil horse rider, lest thou be returned to the penitentiary for the self-same offence, where thou cometh to mount the same wicked and evil horse for eight seasons.}

_{Sing therefore, O ye Nigerians to the God of Nigeria, for He hath triumphed gloriously; the horse, the donor of the evil horse and the horse rider He hath thrown into the sea!}

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Odey Aduma was formerly Executive Secretary, Foundry Association of Nigeria; Southern Coordinator and the Public Affairs Manager of President Muhammadu Buhari's pastoralists NGO - THE PASTORAL RESOLVE; Chairman, Editorial Board of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc; member, National Committee for the Nigerian Youth Festival, 1993; member, core Committee of the National Technology Summit and was the Summit's chairman for two of its sub-committees - Publicity and Exhibition, 1998; member of the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up by President Olusegun Obasanjo to investigate the illegal trade in and smuggling of endangered species of wild fauna and flora into and out of Nigeria, 2003.

He was the Chairman, Planning Committee of the General Murtala Muhammed Memorial Lecture for two consecutive years, 2001 and 2002 before it attained a Foundation status in 2002, having first been upgraded to that status in 2001.

General Murtala Muhammed was one of Nigeria's former Heads of State and was killed in the abortive coup led by the then Colonel Buka Suka Dimka on February 13, 1976.

That same capacity saw Mr Aduma delivering huge successes during the Daily Times of Nigeria's 75th Anniversary (in which he raked in N6, 000, 000 into the coffers of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc) and also, playing a similar role in a similar capacity during Dr Isma'il Babatunde Jose's 75th Birth Day.

Dr Jose, doyen of Nigerian journalism was Mr Aduma's personal mentor. That relationship was so close and solid such that whilst Aduma was leaving the shores of Nigeria for Britain in 2003, Dr Jose gave him N10, 000.00.

In 1992, Mr Aduma's contributions to journalism was recognized with the awards of the Nigeria Media Merit Award as the Investigative Reporter of the Year and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence as the Reporter of the Year, and also, the British Chevening Scholarship, which saw him studying International Journalism at City University of London in 2003-2004, with specialism in Environment.

Aduma is the author of the inspirational best-seller, THE DIAMONDS ARE HERE and the founder of Vigilance, the World's Leading Security Magazine and Scorpion News Corp, in addition to founding the Nationalists Unity Movement of Nigeria (NUMON).

God bless our Nigeria.

The Voice of One Crying from the Diaspora...

*Proudly leading the NATIONALISTS UNITY MOVEMENT OF NIGERIA (NUMON).

^{***Reach out target: 150 million Nigerians. Please read, print, photocopy and pass it on! Also, NUMON, would like you to ensure this target is met by mailing this article to all on your mailing list.}