PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PETITION : Generals at war over Yar'Adua - Vangaurd

Written by Dapo Akinrefon, Gbenga Oke & Cynthia Ojideagu
Saturday, 08 December 2007
THERE appears to be a split among Generals Yakubu Gowon, Theophilus Danjuma and Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as they have disagreed over opposing the government of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. While Buhari and Danjuma are advocating the need for a strong opposition in the polity, Gowon is putting pressure on Buhari to withdraw his petition from the tribunal. But Minister of Defence, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed said the PDP-led government under President Yar’Adua will not recognize any opposition party.
Presidential candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and former military Head of State, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari reiterated for the umpteenth time that he will not withdraw his petition against President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua at the presidential election tribunal, which adjourned further hearing till January 2008 in the matter.

Also, former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) threw his weight behind Buhari’s stand not to withdraw his petition from the tribunal saying there is need for a strong opposition in the nation’s polity.

Yayale, incumbent Defence Minister and former head of service said “the problem of this nation cannot return to normal except we have people who have great sense of humility, are determined to serve with hard work and honesty. We know the level we are politically and economically but our government will improve on it, we won’t add to the problems on ground. We do not recognize any opposition as far as the PDP government under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is concerned.”

All these came to light during the 70 birthday anniversary lecture of the former Chief of Army Staff and Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).

The ANPP presidential flag-bearer while fielding questions from newsmen at the event explained that overtures had been made to him from well meaning Nigerians, especially General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) to withdraw his petition against President Yar’Adua.

When asked about the crisis rocking the ANPP and the party’s failure to field him as its presidential candidate though a run off is called, the retired general simply said “let us wait till the legal battle is over.
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The celebrant, General Danjuma, who supported Buhari’s resolve not to withdraw his petition said his (Buhari’s) case was in the interest of democracy and the nation as well.

His words: “I thank Gowon who took me as a younger brother because he catapulted me to major (rank) beyond my seniors in the Nigerian Army. Buhari is a professional and upright soldier. Buhari is a little inflexible, which is necessary for survival inpolitics. Nobody should push him to withdraw his case.”

The one time Minister of Defence during the Obasanjo administration further said: “In democracy, we must have an alternative, opposition is necessary or else we will have dictatorship. I support Buhari fighting. If he fails to pursue his case, then, it is not in the interest of democracy nor is it in the interest of the nation.”
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