Thursday, 17 May 2012
Nigeria: Donald Duke. An Eureka moment? (S)elections And Smoking Guns…
Donald Duke - a former state governor in Nigeria used to intrigue me. Intrigue in the context that I know so little of him not having visited Cross Rivers, or in fact anywhere in the East beyond Benin City, yet he comes across as a pretty privileged model, compared to the rest of his crew - political gangsters that run - or used to run the show in Nigeria.
The most enduring recollection of Donald Duke I have is one of him performing the welcoming speech of that ill-fated Miss World contest that Silverbird Entertainment group was hosting back in the day.
But, I was not going to read his latest expose - and its as frightening ( for those who didn't know) as it is hilarious - on the modus operandi of (s)Elections in Nigeria until it was posted to one of Nigeria's fledgling on-line communities, that I happen to subscribe.
A full report of crook Donald Duke's expose is over here@SaharaReporters.com
Donald Duke, sounding almost as if he found, or woke up with an eureka moment (for a Nigerian thief) begins with the kind of reflection that you do not associate with his class of Nigerians. I mean, a reality based assessment of their own personal existence.
Hear Donald:
We the elite, I am one of them, we send our kids to the best schools around the World, when they come back they are misfits, they cannot fit in and so ultimately we are designing a system that would destroy us in the end.
I do not have the time to do a lengthier rant one how much price we pay for his class of gangsters who do not have enough elastic medulla, or simply put, brains to be that reflective.
You might argue that this is all too easy for him to say, since he is out of political office, but the fact of him contextualising the result of Nigeria's elites and their grade-A designs-of-illogicality in relation to himself and the ultimate failures of their children, is an interesting admission that is worth a treatise on its own...but another day.
But the real meat of the entire Donald Duke bomb! of an expose lies in this summation:
The Presiding Officer sits down and calls a few guys and says, ‘hey, there are a few hundred papers here, let’s thumbprint. This is the real election. Well, this is not a PDP thing. I am not here to castigate the PDP; it’s a Nigerian thing. This process may sound comical and jovial, it happens throughout the country, whether its Action Congress or APGA it’s the same thing. We are all the same. They start thumb-printing, some are overzealous. So at the end of the day you find some voting more than the number of people that were registered to vote.
If you are willing to discountenance motive - because the fact of admission of guilt does not exonerate crime - and frankly, given the near death of present day Nigeria, that is insignificant, Donald Duke's statement up there is the most correct assessment of what's been passed on and passed on, and passed on, and passed on, as democratic elections in namespace Nigeria from day 0. With the probably exception of Hope 1993 elections, which brought the country to the throes of electioneering rebirth but for a a mad idiot in Minna of an International Born Bastard...
::
The tragi-comedic reality of the entire situation was best summed up in Fela Anikulapo Kuti's most endearing musical essay of what Democrazy is all about: Teacher don't teach me Nonsense (video below)
in that frighteningly ingenious and awesomely delivered creative passage -of a political commentary:-
"/who be our teacher. na ooooooyinbo...
/ Na the 2nd election na im worse pass
/ babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ Im pass rigging mo...babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ Im pass corruption...babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ Which Kain election be dis ?...babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ people no go vote ...babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ deeem com get big big numbers...babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ Thousand to thousands ...babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ Millions to Millions...babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ Which Kain elections...babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ Babanla nonsense...babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense
/ Na Dem-all-Crazy be that dat ooooooooooo....babanla nonsense....Babanla nonsense "
And that was bad way to reference what was the triumph of musical expression, but excuse that...
Fela's summation was performed in the the 80s. The thought of it all - let's not even mention the last disgrace, of an elections most tragically validated by Nigeria's Ghana-must-go Supreme court - makes for insane humour when you hear such goons like ex-general Olusegun Obasanjo, going around the place with delusional pretences to self-praise: Father of modern democratic Nigeria etc. etc.
You are struggling not to have a laugh.
::
Still, the entire Mr. Duke's speech nearly goes into Masterclass mode if not for the fact that he had benefited immensely from the scam he was sermonizing, and as such does not enjoy the right to be assessed with utmost altruism.
Hear this:
"Sometimes, we behave as if we invented democracy. We always want to draw new rules. We should know the day of elections..."
Aaaaaaargha! I am tempted with thoughts of oh! the chicken is coming home, but that is being emotional.
The pressing question remains who are the we ?
And why hasn't Mr. Duke been bold with these radically refreshing if long known rhetorical questions in the days we have to deal with monster Obasanjo, Iwu and yeah himself ?
Still, faced with impending doom and death, there must always be space and heart ,and time for rational tolerance. For the benefit of the many thousand of Nigerians who did not understand the prophetic and spot-on diagnosis of Fela, I think Mr. Duke's revelations would come as a shocker!
It is no use hoping that Nigeria has one last shot at democratic experimentation. It will be next year. Hope won't be good enough.
It is clear that whether or not Nigeria as a name-space will exist and the evolution of what comes thereafter rests on how much Donald's gang-mates interpret the existential realities - total collapse of security, infrastructure and a loss of faith - of today's Nigeria that forces, even a Duke to come to terms with his own reality, as to make these statements, and how prepared they are to let go of their insatiable thirst for blood; The blood of millions of hapless souls so unfortunately tagged Nigerians - seeking meaning and escape home and away...
It is a refreshing read, which leaves you with wondering what guns former governor was smoking on. But its best part was in this paragraph:
The REC now goes down and says, ‘we need to conduct a training programme for the presiding officers and em, headquarters hasn’t sent us any money yet, you know.’
And the governor is like: ‘How much would that cost?’
REC replies: ‘N25million for the first batch, we may have about three batches.’ Governor: ‘Ok, the Chief of Staff will see you.’
Now, the Chief of Staff, you call him: ‘Make sure, that we arrange N25 million this week and in two weeks time another N25 million and Seventy-Five million in all.’
Chief of Staff: ‘Your Excellency, how do we do it?’
Governor: ‘Put it under Security Vote.
In other words, its cash, ok, now, cash in huge Ghana Must Go bags – some of my colleagues will shoot me- (turns to the audience) is any former governor here?
To paraphase Da Grin, of blessed memory: They knew what they do; They [all] know what they did...
roforofo@msn.com
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Submitted by AfricaMuguman (not verified) on September 29, 2010 - 08:50.
Many Nigerians are just a buch of stupid people.I dont see anything wrong in what Donald Duke has exposed.It has given us a chance to fight back because we now know how these things work.Duke is a patriot even if....
Submitted by sunny wale (not verified) on July 22, 2010 - 01:00.
The rigging has started already because Jhonathan through PDP cacus appointed Jega.He must have been instructed or he must heve been told the reason he was appointed which is (Jhonathan come 2011).INEC chairman is not supposed to be appointed by government or people in government.The rigging continues.What do we do my people????????
Submitted by tare inyang (not verified) on July 22, 2010 - 01:00.
Donald Duke thinks Nigeria is cross river state, where he went before the hierachy of the then top-notch of the state(names witheld) and sincerely gave good account of himself to them and they went ahead and supported him as they even had to shuffle themselves between their good friend and brother High chief DR Eyo Nyong but they thought Donald had the vision to be innovative, and he lived up to expectation; only thing is he allowed power to take over him and screwed alot of these movers and shakers and I mean if not for the peace and cooperation that existed and still exists amongst most of these individuals, Cross river would have been a chaotic and catastrophic state and now these individuals have more or less folded their hands and allowed Donald and his chosen crew to possess the land, but come 2011 these individuals have to come out and restore the state from the area boys that have been dominating through Donald.
Submitted by Obelekan A (not verified) on July 22, 2010 - 01:00.
Donald is yet to complete his story on the tactise he used in rigging elections in Cross River.He forgot to mention that INEC, Army, Police and other Federal Govt agencies in the state that had any thing to do on elections became mere extensions of his office. Moreso, that he used to get certificates of return for his appointees in the name of election two days before the scheduled date for the election.And thirdly that he was the Accountant General/treasurer of the state as well as the local govts. By this he controled the treasury of the state and deployed funds as freely as he wanted, and any body who asked why would only have others to tell his story. He should complete his story.
Submitted by Akem Abang (not verified) on July 22, 2010 - 01:00.
We have very short memory, and that is why we easily make heroes of vilains.Donald Duke boasted that Cross River State as far as he was concerned had no opposition, no other party than the PDP.He physically strangulated opposition in the state took full charge of the INEC,just as he has confessed; took control of the Army, Navy, Police and all other agencies that could cordinate election rigging in the state for him.Election results were written in the army barracks, there after he will post soldiers to INEC office to wade-off protests. But hear him today, an appostle of democracy and free and fair elections.He killed and maimed to get his way, set fire on some communities and the relics of his actions are still there for people to see.Donald has no new story to tell,he can only deceive those who have not known him and such people should beware of Donald, he is as popularly said " a green snake in green grass".
Submitted by Muhammad NaIya (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
The Donald Duke paper did not complete the story of election rigging by the executive in Nigeria. At the end of day, where the "other party/parties" have performed too creditably to "out thumbed", the INEC actually connive with the riggers to simply WRITE a completely false RETURNS and sign-off same as genuine. With the executive control of the media, the "results" are simply announced and that IS that. Remember that throughout the trial over the 2007 Presidential Elections, INEC failed to or refused the required Election Returns despite an ORDER by the Supreme Court. Ironically, the same court upheld the elections on the grounds that Petitioners FAILED to provide the required evidence! I really sympathise with Professor Attahiru Jega on his sincere wish to supervise a CREDIBLE election for 2011.
Submitted by profet (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
remember a thief who has stolen waking up and coming here to tell us how they rigged a election must have agenda in the making.EGOISM is another name for nigerian nations government.What we cannever cannever disbelief is that the center is the only strong hand in the making of manipulating elections.obj manipulated yaradua and jonathan;danjuma manipulated obj;and the center government manipulating states elections to suit their EGOISM just as they are doing with giving portfolios to forged certificates holders to assume a secret EGOISM.Dumb heads have become doctors as governors,everything is manipulated to institute corruption and to control opposition of it.It is like a certain king in the Bible trying not to hear about the greatest and threatening king(Jesus)with seeking to kill all the newly born male children in order to still maintain his manipulation in his making with evil world,then.
Submitted by Naija Jake (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
Every man is selfish in nature including you and I. This Duke guy didn't think it was necessary to reveal the secrets of rigging during his tenure as Governor for selfish purposes but has finally done so. The reason why CIA is efficient is because they use foot soldiers to work the streets and gather intelligence. Donald Duke is foot soldier, an insider who used the method he described to win 2nd term. Majority of you in this forum think that rigging is changing the result sheet. I guess you have seen that it is far beyond that. What do we do now? Jegga must hear this if he doesn't want to go down in history as a failure like Iwu.
Submitted by sunny wale (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
My dear people of Nigeria,Donald Duke have given us a vital clue to how politicians rigged themselves to power.What do we do?How do we stop these "LOOTOCRATS" that have highjcked our polity?Yesterday is gone,today we've kown how these thieves hihgjack power.What do we do with this vital info to checkmate or stop this evil hapnning tomorrow?
Submitted by edwin eteng odum (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
Am a cross riverian residing in calabar. Let's talk about cross river first; who do you want for governor? paul obi, patrick iwara, ndoma egba, akankpo aniyom, liyel imoke, edem duke, william archibong, eyo nyong, kanu agabi. for nigeria: donald duke, patrick utomi, dele momodu, goodluck johnathan, edet amana, tinubu, atiku, ribadu etc.
Submitted by Emeka Onyemaobi (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
When I tell people that most Nigerians are just STUPID, they never believe. Just read through and see highest level of stupidity in most comments posted here by Nigerians. If such stupidity is exhibited by those that could access Sahara reporter, then think how other Nigerians thinks. Duke, thanks so much. This has been going on in Nigeria for far too long! UPN did same in all polling booths within University of Ife in those days; I witness same at PG Hall of that University! It is left to stupid Nigerians to do something about it or keep talking & talk without action! Maybe some fools here will now understand what Merem Emeribe has been saying as regards to Ibiyeye, Paul Galinje, Ogunbiyi (Mrs.) and what happened in Abia state election & it’s after effects! T.A.Orji (as INEC Officer in Umuahia) became Chief of Staff to Orji Uzor Kalu after rigging 1999 election for kalu. That is the birth of Okiji Government in Abia State! Not IWU, fools!
Submitted by Dare Nigeria (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
@Sunday Njokede: If you are a student of history, you will not compare the revelations by Mr Duke to Watergates Scandal. Kindly read up Watergate Scandal or better still google Watergate Scandal and read all about the theft, the Money Laundering, the lies and the Cover ups. Mr Duke revealed so much out of the goodness of his heart. His was not subpoenaed. Mr Nixon never owned up to the crime of Watergates, he omly resigned to prevent impeachment and prosecution. He was given a soft landing.
Submitted by thecross on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
I read the expose by Donald Duke. And Duke must be commended for that.
Havinbg said that, let me say right away that this piece by Dapo Osewa
is a useless one. It was a waste of space for SR to have
published it and a waste of time reading it.People no
longer believe that Nigeria's problem is that of leadership
but followership...Articles such as the one written
by Osewa above are reenforcing that belief!
Submitted by Dare Nigeria (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
Anybody that has watched Leonado Di Caprio's "Catch me if you Can" will understand that in a normal clime, the expose of Donald Duke would be used as Teaching and Learning moments. The Film was about the real life story of Frank Abignale who perfected Cheque Fraud and who the United States, instead of putting him in the slammer for his many crimes, got him employed with the FBI. His experience help the United States Government to nip many Cheque Frauds in the bud. Mr Duke has revealed the innermost secrets of election riggers and instead of us to praise him for having the guts to spill the beans on himself in order for us to have a saner elections in future, some people would prefer to rain insults on him. Can you see why Nigeria is stagnant?
Submitted by nedu (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
Some people are simply stupid by their mode of reasoning. Duke has revealed something to us, why don't we see what we can do with the privileged information he has given us instead of castigating him. I personally do not care about Duke's past but who he has become today. Come to think of it, who doesn't have a past that they may not be so proud of?
Submitted by pee (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
Arit Umoh, what exactly are you saying? That Duke should'nt have exposed the secret so that Imoke would still use the rigging strategy? Surely some Nigerians need their brains examined.
Submitted by Njokede on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
Do or die' democracy is a PDP invention and thing. It's not across political party board, even if, the buck stop with PDP-Obasanjo shenanigan.
If INEC chairman would not take full responsibility for failure - then, why'd we need a chairman, for what? Credibility of INEC chairman is in the fore and well-deserved for there to be decent election. Maurice Iwu and Jega are not made from the same cloth, Iwu forged PhD certificate as well as being a notorious sinner, Jega is said to be clearheaded and decent.
It's silly nonsense to vote in an election you already knew your vote would not count.
Donald Duke was himself a product of fraudulent election eight yearlong. Why is it now he's lampooning the process? Is it because he's now on the other side? If Mr. Duke were to be sincere, he should refund all money and benefits from his governorship days back to the government and people of Nigeria.
Submitted by Sunday Njokede (not verified) on July 21, 2010 - 01:00.
It is like telling Americans to forgive Richard Nixon after his political waywardness and Watergate confessions.
Now that Danald Duke has confessed, and some people say we should forgive him his past trespasses just like that. IBB, Turai Yar'adua, Dimije Bankole, OBJ, Patience Goodluck should all confess their sins and salute and carry on! Just like that.
If it is good for the gander while not the goose? The reason why our rulers continue to pettify and steal us blind, is that, we are too complacent and too naive to buy dummies from them. They just sell us any drink and we swallow hook, line and sinker. Drunken kind of stupidity!
