Thursday, 17 May 2012
Anyim’s Appointment Not A Good Sign
The appointment of Pius Anyim as Secretary to the Government of the Federation is a clear reflection of how low we have sunk as a country.
Goodluck Jonathan just didn’t get it. Granted that the position was conceded to the southeast, which boasts thousands of accomplished, respected, and morally upright men and women, but Mr Anyim’s choice as SGF is repulsive just as it is repugnant. In fact, progressive and well-meaning Igbo men and women at home and in the diaspora need to protest loudly to President Jonathan for choosing one of their worst to occupy a strategic slot reserved for their geopolitical zone. Indeed, all Nigerians should consider this appointment as a lavish celebration of corruption and ineptitude, and learn not to expect much from a president who promises much but delivers very little.
After making the appointment, the president claimed he gave Mr Anyim the job based on his performance as Senate President. Except the President knows something the rest of us do not know about Mr Anyim, such a comment portrays Jonathan as having a poor sense of history and judgment. Mr Anyim was our country’s Senate President between 2000 and 2003. During his tenure, he did not display any outstanding leadership qualities. Instead, he emerged from the office reeking of filth and corruption.
How come the president ignored the weighty allegations of monumental corruption hanging around Mr Anyim’s neck? Arthur Nzeribe, who was at the time Anyim’s colleague in the Senate, had on November 15, 2002, petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, asking it to investigate the source of Anyim’s stupendous wealth, especially his magnificent mansion, then under construction on Agenebode Street, Asokoro, Abuja.
Senator Nzeribe had claimed that the mansion was worth N800 million while another property, “a gigantic office complex in the Wuse District of Abuja” acquired by Mr Anyim six months into his tenure as Senate President, was worth over N600 million. Nzeribe also alleged that Mr Anyim acquired a commercial real estate in Houston, Texas and other choice properties in Gwarimpa, Maitama, Asokoro – all in Abuja, as well as in Owerri and Abakaliki in southeast Nigeria.
The petitioner, who claimed that the properties were worth N10 billion, also alleged that Anyim was keeping 38 official cars to himself instead of 12. Mr Nzeribe added in his petition that the former senate president had become so rich that he buried his mother for N50 million after keeping her remains in the morgue for one year.
True, Mr Nzeribe brought up the allegations because he had a political disagreement with Mr Anyim at the time. But many Nigerians believed the allegations because it turned out that Mr Anyim indeed acquired some of those properties, especially the ones in Wuse, Asokoro and Abakaliki, shortly after he assumed office as Nigeria’s number three citizen. Before Anyim went to the Senate in 1999, he was a struggling public servant (Head of the protection department of the National Commission for Refugees) and it was curious that he had grown so rich within a short time.
If there was any doubt regarding the credibility of the allegations, it evaporated after Mr Anyim blocked the ICPC from investigating him over the allegations. Rather than appear before the ICPC to clear himself, Mr Anyim rallied his colleagues in the National Assembly to humiliate the then chairman of the ICPC, Mustapha Akanbi, and repeal the law setting up the commission, as a way of weakening the organisation. Mr Anyim and his colleagues even ignored an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering it not to repeal the law. Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s president at the time, failed to sign the bill into law and Mr Anyim’s Senate committed another illegality – it overrode the President’s veto even without the requisite quorum. The episode heated up the polity and the ICPC was not able to investigate Anyim during the period. It was in the midst of that confusion that the former senator’s tenure expired in 2003 and he has been walking free ever since.
It is now curious that of all the great men and women from the southeast, it was a tainted Mr Anyim that Mr Jonathan decided to dust up for the SGF office. The world must be having a hearty laugh at us for appointing a man who became rich overnight after getting political power, to one of the most powerful positions in the land.
One lesson I have learnt from this appointment is not to expect any radical reform in the way our country is run, from this President. After all, has it not been said that once you expect nothing, you will never be disappointed?
First published on 234next.com
Anyim
Dont mind the reporters , they probably forgot that corruption has quota and federal character faces.it now the south -south turn to chop!!!!!!!
Up Nigeria.2
SR Biased and focusless publisher.
If Anyim Pius Anyim is currupt then Babangida, Atiku, Abdulsalam,Buhari and all the norther big boys are saints. But I will sound a note of warning to you and your crrespondents, Anyim's image is hard for you guys to daint. Is far beyond you fools to affect. If you are afraid of the rising profile of Mr. Anyim, you can go ahead and commit suicide, we don't care. 2015 Anyim we know! You can't stop him. President Jonathan's case was a litmus test which the North failed and should be ashamed.
Make your inquiries well, Nzeribe is the criminal we can collectively give out for sacrifice anytime and any day.
Re: Anyim's appointment
Thank you Mr. Musikilu Mojeed for your well researched write up, with thoughtful journalists like yourself in Nigeria, the country is sure to succeed. As much as i personally love Jonathan as an individual,I am not expecting much from his leadership, the guy just does not understand that Nigeria needs surgery, very much like when a surgeon want's to carry our a cancer surgery, he needs to read something about Margaret Thacthers government and borrow a leaf from her.To successfully rule Nigeria you need to bulldoze the corruption mentality that pervades the whole society.
Think for a minute
Agu, just think for a minute and don't let sentiment becloud your sense of judgement. Nzeribe is a "criminal" so to speak but only a criminal like Nzeribe can clearly detect a criminal easily. Can you defend all the allegations levied against Ayim. Does he or does he not own all those properties in US, UK, and Abuja? How come he got all the wealth in a twinkle of a eye lid. From Refugee department to Senate seat within 3 years can not give him such uncountable wealth. Something is fishy somewhere. There is no smoke without fire. There should be a crime so where around him. Nzeribe is right. He was there to know more than you. Don't blame the writer.
Sylvester Enaifoghe Aikhoje - You voted for the Mugu and not PDP
Sylvester Enaifoghe Aikhoje I am sure you voted for Mugu Jonathan not PDP. The Mugu In Chief - Jonathan does not answer prayers if that is what you have in mind. Curse is back in your court. Concentrate your curse and prayer on the mugu
Very Appalling
I am totally disappointed at Saharareporters for running this commentary. The writer has no concrete evidence for his/her alligations against Mr Anyim. It is shameful that your only source for the story is Mr Nzeribe. Very appalling!
This writer By Musikilu
This writer By Musikilu Mojeed is a big fool. He is is being paid to tarnish the image of our great Anyim. This guy may be pro agent against 2015.
What Is Wrong with Leaders In Africa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every day, we come here to hear how our leaders work so hard to destroy the land and its resources and plunge the people into more suffering. Corruption and recyling has become a norm in Nigeria. The story appears to be the same all over Africa. What is wrong with Africa? Just WATCH this INTERVIEW with PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI of UGANDA by a Kenyan Journalist and you cannot but weep for Africa. You will find the INTERVEIW here: WWW.Ugowrite.Blogspot.Com
Dig up the dirt!
I read this junk in 123Next and this shows what SR is out to achieve. They are now specializing in digging up dirt from enywhere and post it here so that they can get equally support comments from disgruntled folks. Keep it up as it will soon be 'morning yet on creation day' for Nigeria. The 'chickens will soon come home to roost.'
You are a Cartoon Bigot
Mojeed or whatever you call yourself. You are nothing but a classless jobber. The only reason that the position for the SGF is highlighted is because the position is supposedly zoned to the Igbos. Let me start by telling you that the position of the SGF is like that of the minister. It really has nothing to do with zoning. Ayim is more qualified than most of Jonathans appointments. As for your evidence for your opined write-up, you mentioned Nzeribe. That criminal lacks any merit if you could have done your research properly without insulting Igbos. I really dont know why Sahara keeps giving people like you platform to publish insults.
WAKE UP!! WAKE UP!! WAKE UP!!!
WAKE UP!! WAKE UP!! WAKE UP!!!
NOTHING GOOD CAN COME OUT OF PDP!!!!!
What's wrong with Ayim's appointment
What exactly is wrong with Ayim's appointment? What qualifies someone to be an SGN? How can you say someone is corrupt based on Nzeribe's allegations which he made for political reasons? If ICPC could not prosecute him while he was senate president as Mojeed claim, why did they not do so when he left govt? This is 8yrs after he left the senate, he has not once been arrested by EFCC, ICPC or even CCB. It shows Nzeribe's allegations were baseless. Ayim refused to re-contest for the senate after he stepped down, something that most of our politicians cannot do. Tell me one senator or house of reps member apart from Ayim who declined to go back to the NASS and not contest for anything else on their own? Ayim is an honourable man. Based on his experience as former senate president, he is eminently qualified to be SGN. Jonathan appointing him is very apt.
On SGF appointment
this is the first career politician to be appointed SGF who has no sound civil service experience but am not surprise cos their goodluck would soon turn to badluck. Mojeed it is not only Oguta criminal Nzeribe that publish Anyim ill-gotten wealth but Godwin Dabo took a page in the sun newspaper then on Anyim properties spread across Abuja and satellite town. sorry u forgot to mention Royal Plaza in Maraaraba allegedly owned by Anyim.
Mojeed
Mojeed, your write-up is jaundiced,biased and lack merit. Your like is nothing but tribal jingoist. Of all the appointments, the one you choose to criticize and demonize is that of the SGF; which the past occupant has clearly stated has lost relevance. Please kindly ply your trade somewhere and allow the Southeast sort out their political problem; which problem your tribe brought on us and wish that it never goes away.
We know type and more than ever determined to put you in your place.
Do something about it
It is said that when the white men came to africa and conquered the land, former slaves who had learnt some of the white man's language became kings because they could interpret to the people whatever they wanted since the people neither understood the whitemen nor the whitemen understood them. But things changed when other people also began to understand the language of the whiteman. You can do something about it. Join NigerianPro.com to develop your own business, invite others to join too, and together we can change things for real.
Do something about it
It is said that when the white men came to africa and conquered the land, former slaves who had learnt some of the white man's language became kings because they could interpret to the people whatever they wanted since the people neither understood the whitemen nor the whitemen understood them. But things changed when other people also began to understand the language of the whiteman. You can do something about it. Join NigerianPro.com to develop your own business, invite others to join too, and together we can change things for real.
Anyim and the PDP are corrupt
And the writer is right to point it out. There are cleaner and brighter people in Igboland. President Jonathan should better watch it. Ndigbo want good leaders no matter where they come- east, west or north. Anyim has to prove that he has turned a new leaf from being the head fat cat of the senate.
yes you have said it all and
yes you have said it all and the like of mojeed should not be used to compare with some decent yoruba.the only advice to mojeed is to discover himself,methinks he lacks reasoning and truth.
mooojeed is one of the clowns
mooojeed is one of the clowns in the paid list of Arthur Nzeribe, he and co have nothing to talk about, Nzeribe contributed to the deaths of million ibos during the uncivile war.moojeed holding brief for Nzeribe should go and eat shit, and note that is not being fathered by an ibo man,
Igbos at it again--ooooh! haters of their own!
If there is any ethnic group I dont understand in Nigeria, its the Igbos. They are d very people who cry marginalization daily. Oh we are being marginalized. But the moment they are offered a job, the same Igbos would work to pull their people down. From d Chair of PDP to the Minister of Interior in recent times! I wanted Dr. Ezeife be named SG by Jona. He belongs to the progressive camp. But the moment Ayim was picked, I knew GEJ wld soon be sent to the cleaners by his detractors. Here we are with the result of my prediction. CPC and ACN are praying daily 4 u GEJ to fail. Stop falling in their trap-yes they have nothing to offer the nation-beyond sponsored media articles such as this rubbish. But be careful! Ayim ke?
anyim's appointment
Arthur nzeribe should never be taken serious. Anyim is never corrupt.
So, so Sad!
Anyim's appointment is a signal that Dr Jonathan would rather be consumed than steer Nigeria from the path of perdition. It can safely be predicted that Dr Jonathan will eased out eventually unless he revokes the appointment. This has nothing to do with Anyim being Igbo. There is trouble ahead! Nigerians, brace up for a bumpy ride with Dr Jonathan.
Re- Appointmemnt of Mr Anyim
I hope this not another form of settling the other PDP faction?
No Mind Dem Jona
Jonathan cannot do any wrong. He is divinely sent. Appoint anyone you like Jona. Even if the person na thief, e no concern anybody. Afterall, how much Anyim thief? E no reach the one wey OBJ, IBB, him brother with white beard Abdul thief. Anyim own na small change wey dem de take buy suya. Anyim use him own build house for Asokoro. Wise man.
SFG APPOINTMENT TO ANYIM
I HATE WHEN PEOPLE CALLED OR USED GOD TO SOLIDIFY THEIR POSITIONS, WHO IS WORSHIPPING GOD IN THIS COUNTRY, IT WAS OBASANJO THAT PUT YARADUA AND JONATHAN TO POWER, IS OBASANJO GOD? NOW AGAIN, SOMEONE IS SAYING IS GOD THAT PUT ANYIM IN POSITION, IS THE GOD ONLY MEANT FOR ANYIM OUT OF 150 MILLION PEOPLE? HE WAS A SPEAKER WHO WENT UNDER GROUND ONLY TO SURFACED AS COORDINATE AND CAMPAIGNER FOR JONATHAN AND WAS REWARDED- HOW THEN DO ONE ATTRIBUTE THIS TO GOD? IT IS EVIL DOING PERIOD.
DEFINITLY NDIGBO HAS BETTER CANDIDATES.
This pick sends shivers down the spine of any person who really knows what the position of SGF entails,he is the buffer between the executive and the federal ministries and parastatals, effectivly he manages the engine room of government.
the position is one you cannot run without experience in the high echelons of civil service,Mr Anyim was the senate president ,a political position where one is surrounded with advisers and which basically requires political skills and an educated person, but the position of SGF is highly technical, where are all the retired permanent secreteries and heads of federal parastatals with a wealth of expirience in this field?
well, it is obvious that party loyalty and membership has once more taken the front seat over result oriented technocracy and in a third world country needing development,this is a bad omen.
AYIM THE right MAN for the JOB
IT is clear to note that this writer has some thing to do with obasanjos planned third term, that is why he is so bitter at seeing Ayim Pius Ayim, a General in the struggle for the sustainace of democracy as a bad choice for the revered post of SGF. PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN wants to enshrine democracy that is why he is taking on board generals and veterans in the field. just wait and see what will become of Nigeria in the next four years. As for the pettition against Ayim, Athur nzeribe was doing a paid mans job(pay me make i help you kill my brother, typical IGBOTIC)
Anyim P. Anyim
@Musikilu Mojeed, Anyim P.Anyim is like any other Nigerian Politician if not better in some ways. And as you noted, the SE has many bright and well grounded honest and patrotic men who might be better in that position than Anyim, but such people will never get to the position. Don't ask me why!
But any how you look at his appointment, he is surely not the best or the worst for that position but he is certainly a plus for GEJ given his experience.
He will help GEJ to headoff OBJ's Overbearing negative influence in the next 4years. He knows how to fight a good fight. Ask OBJ, Justice Akanbi and Nzeribe.... they will NOT forget Anyim easily in their lives.
akin abiodun
For calling your president a mugu, you have laid curse on yourself and except you pray for forgiveness, you will never get to your wish point in life.
@ Mojeed: With Arthur Nzeribe As One's Accuser, One is Innocent
Mr Mojeed, if Arthur Nzeribe accuses you of any sins, be sure you have close to a 100% chance of going home a free man, a non-sinner indeed. Nzeribe is one of the most feckless humans that exists on mother earth. Anyim may not be the best President Jonathan ought to have appointed for SFG, but if the hub of your picking on Anyim is on allegations of corruption levelled against him, chiefly by Arthur Nzeribe, you are on the wrong lane, indeed, you have no case.
Arthur Nzeribe represented me in the senate for more that two decades, but I tell you, his representation was a disaster. He could rise up any day and level any fabricated allegations against anybody he imagined was standing on his way to his usually mischevious causes.

