Politics
Mamman Daura, Nigeria’s De Facto President Who Rules From The Glass House – Farooq Kperogi
A few days before it became grist for Nigeria’s overactive social media rumor mills, a retired general and contemporary of Muhammadu Buhari’s told me, in the course of a 30-minute phone conversation, that Mamman Daura, Buhari’s nephew who is nonetheless older than him by three years, had made up his mind to “get at” Aisha Buhari by arranging a quiet marriage between Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq and Muhammadu Buhari.
He mentioned this as an aside and seemed to expect me to be curious enough about what he had told me to ask further questions. But I didn’t. That appeared to have shocked him, so he asked why I wasn’t piqued by what he had told me. I said it was because it frankly didn’t interest me what Buhari did in his private space.
I am by no means claiming any moral high grounds here. I think it’s legitimate to be curious about the private lives of public officials whose decisions have consequences for millions of people, but that’s not my own inclination. I care about the private affairs of public officials only if their private affairs impinge on public policy.
That was why, in spite of pressures from friends and social media followers, I kept a studied silence on the social media frenzy over this issue. As I told the general, it means nothing to me that “Buhari has been dating Sadiya since CPC [Congress for Progressive Change] days”; that’s his private business, which, in my opinion, we should be decent enough to respect.
I’m more worried, I told him, by the fact that Sadiya Umar Farouq is minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development even when, according to a two-year-old Daily Nigerian investigation titled “INVESTIGATION: Unmasking the real #Dabinogate beneficiaries,” she allegedly diverted and misappropriated 200 tonnes of date palms (dabino) famously donated to internally displaced persons in the northeast by the Saudi Arabian government in 2017.
She was Federal Commissioner in charge of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons at the time. According to the Daily Nigerian, she “diverted [the 200 tonnes of date palms] to Zamfara State and kept [them] in a warehouse, while the rest was distributed to traditional rulers.”
To steal from humanitarian donations to poor, vulnerable internally displaced people is the vilest, most ignoble, least defensible form of villainy there can ever be. But Buhari has rewarded her eye-wateringly larcenous treachery with an appointment as minister of—of all ministries— Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development, a previously non-existent ministry!
Why would anyone create a ministry of “humanitarian affairs” and “disaster management” for a person who has a history of insensate cruelty toward people who are victims of disasters and who desperately need but have lacked humanitarian assistance? It’s like appointing a wolf to keep guard over sheep.
Curiously, Nigerians are more interested in her history of alleged romantic entanglements with Buhari (which should be no one’s business) than the fact of her heading a ministry which her past eminently disqualifies her for.
Anyway, why have I chosen to comment on the embarrassing public fight by Buhari’s obviously dysfunctional family even when I initially had no interest in it? Well, it’s because the way Buhari manages— or, more appropriately, mismanages—his immediate family provides insightful clues to how he “ungoverns” Nigeria.
Buhari is a feeble, indecisive, infirm, emotionally dependent person for whom the idea of taking responsibility is alien. People who know him intimately have told me that his psychological and emotional makeup is unsuited for leadership. He is not only a loner; he always relies on others to take decisions for him.
People close to him have told me long before now that Buhari has an innately and enduringly infantile craving for a paternal dictatorship. I don’t know if this has anything to do with the fact that he lost his father at an early age and didn’t quite experience sustained paternal guidance. But Mamman Daura has been Buhari’s emotional and intellectual fortress and his father figure, although they are only about three years apart in age. Daura makes momentous decisions for Buhari and rules on his behalf through Abba Kyari, his protégé.
Mamman Daura is the first son of Buhari’s oldest half-brother from a different mother. That makes Buhari his uncle, and him Buhari’s nephew. Many people, particularly from the South, have a hard time wrapping their heads around this. Well, I have a similar situation. My late father married a younger woman and had his last child when he was 80, so my first daughter is older than my youngest half-brother. My daughter still struggles to call him her uncle.
This is important because Mamman Daura and his sidekick Abba Kyari are the power behind the throne. They constitute the nucleus of the ill-famed Aso Rock cabal that acts as Buhari’s puppeteers. In my October 22, 2016 column titled “Aisha Buhari and the Evil Aso Rock Cabal,” I pointed out that “Buhari is held hostage by an evil, sneaky, corrupt, vulturous, and conniving cabal that ensures that his wife doesn’t see him even in the ‘kitchen,’ the ‘living room,’ or ‘the other room.’
“The BBC interview was Aisha’s vigorous ventilation of pent-up anguish against a cold, calculating, and corrupt cabal that has made Buhari a stranger to his own wife.” It’s the fifth most widely read article of all time on my blog because although it was cryptic, many people, particularly in the North, knew what I was talking about. I was told that the cabal actually met to discuss who divulged this information to me.
It’s supremely emblematic that Mamman Daura (along with his entire family) lives in a wing of the Presidential Villa called the “Glass House,” according to his spoilt, entitled daughter by the name of Fatima Mamman Daura. “Glad house” is a metaphoric expression that means a position or a situation that invites critical public scrutiny. Derived from the English proverb “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones,” it calls attention to hypocrisy.
And Mamman Daura is a dyed-in-the-wool hypocrite. Although he is a monogamist, he wanted to marry a second wife for his younger uncle until he was shamed into abandoning it. Similarly, in “Editing a Government Newspaper in Nigeria,” a chapter he contributed to a book titled Reporting Africa edited by Olav Stokke, he rhapsodized over editing the New Nigerian that was “owned and subsidized by the Government yet we criticize their action.” He characterized this as an “anomaly neither properly understood by the people generally nor particularly liked by some government officials.” Yet, he is now the intellectual driver of a government that supervises one of the most brutal strangulation of the news media and of freedom of speech itself.
I am glad that Mamman Daura, Nigeria’s de facto president, is now coming out of the shadows. You can’t live in the Glass House, throw stones at Nigerians, and continue to live in the shadows.
Nonetheless, Mrs. Aisha Buhari herself isn’t the victim— and hero of democracy— she’s positioning herself to be. Her fight against Mamman Daura (and Abba Kyari) is mostly over access to the spoils of governance.
She has been given several concessions by the cabal, but she always wants more. For instance, her older brother by the name of Ahmed Halilu was recently quietly appointed as one of only two executive directors at the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting PLC, among several concessions she has been given. So don’t cry for her. Cry for Nigeria.
Biafra
Tinubu Refused To Honour Our Agreement To Release Nnamdi Kanu After Election– Kanu’s Brother
Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has said they had an agreement with President Bola Tinubu for the release of his elder brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Emmanuel disclosed that he had the pact with Tinubu’s son, Seyi, in Abuja before the 2023 presidential election.
Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to him, it was agreed that IPOB would not bycott the polls on the condition that Tinubu would release Kanu if elected President.
Prince Emmanuel expressed disappointment that nearly two years after the emergence of Tinubu as President, his brother (Kanu), has continued to languish in detention despite the fact that the presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, had since recused herself from the matter.
He said it was disappointing that those who claimed to be honourable, failed to keep their words.
The statement read:”Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi the son of President Tinubu wanted to see me. I agreed to meet with him on the condition that the overriding priority and hence the fulcrum of our discussion will be the release of my brother. The meeting was held in Abuja in the presence of another individual whom I asked along to witness the deliberations and if need be provide independent verification should the need arise.
“Seyi confirmed to me that his father sanctioned the meeting and that I should consider any agreement we reach as binding on the then candidate Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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“In good faith we agreed that I shall relay the outcome to my brother to reinforce the long held tradition of IPOB not interfering with the conduct of elections, either through boycott or any other form of civil disobedience. This understanding was duly communicated to my brother and he reaffirmed his commitment not to stop the elections or order any boycott.
“When President Tinubu as a candidate visited Owerri during his campaign, he too reiterated his commitment to facilitate the release of my brother if elected. We took his public statement as a tacit reaffirmation of the understanding I reached with his son Seyi.
“At the end, IPOB did not call for election boycott despite having the capacity to do so. IPOB also made sure that discordant voices urging election boycott were overcome because election boycotts would not reflect well on the reputation of a global movement that prides itself on adherence to democratic tenets.
“It therefore, defies logic that nearly two years after President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, my brother is still in detention despite not having any charge against him. It’s been over three months now that Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case yet no new judge has been assigned the case.
“This is on top of the fact that Appeal Court had earlier discharged him of the sham charges and ordered his release which the previous regime of Buhari declined to obey.
“Supreme Court determination that his bail ought not to have been revoked has been ignored by the courts and the government. The latest insult is that Abuja courts of all persuasion are no longer willing to determine the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on merit but are rather relying on ludicrous and inapplicable technicalities to stall the timely determination of his cases.
“The truth is that Nigerian courts cannot, will not and do not have both the substantive and procedural jurisdiction to try him. His detention is without the backing of any known law in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world.”
International
US ELECTION: Trump Escapes Three Assassination Attempts, What Next As Date Draws Near?
“We seen them trying to get rid of D. Trump 3 times already. They all know who’s going to win. But now since he is still alive we will see overtly on a systematic level through this election where it will be obvious to everyone what they are willing to do to retain power.”
The desperation of interested parties to retain power and occupy the Oval Office in the White House, United States of America, has led to three failed assassination attempts on the 45th US President, Donald John Trump.
Trump is the Republican Party’s Presidential nominee in the November 5th Presidential election, and adjudged as the 47th US President hopeful in the forthcoming election, if it will be free and fair by all standards and without interferences from the “Obamas” “Hillarys” “Deep State” etc.
The “fight” to retain power in the White House has become dirtiest from 2020 to 2024, a clear statement of extreme desperation leading to blackmail, chaos and possible escalations of assassination attempts.
A post made on X by “Ariel @Prolotario1” stated that “The Beast” will “become extremely desperate” because they know who will win the election if it will be a free and fair election.
The post reads in full:
“I hope everyone is ready for these remaining months up into inauguration. Because we will see “The Beast” become extremely desperate. They didn’t want to rely on attempting to steal the election.
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“We seen them trying to get rid of D. Trump 3 times already. They all know who’s going to win. But now since he is still alive we will see overtly on a systematic level through this election where it will be obvious to everyone what they are willing to do to retain power.
“Will we get a power grid outage?
“Will we get another false flag?
“Will the Project Bluebeam be launched?
“There are multiple things they can pull from. But I do not think we will leave the remainder of 2024 behind without some massive event occurring? Since 1988 we have had something major happen every 12 years.
“1988 (Elusive Mind Wipe)
“1999 (Y2k)
“2012 (Mayan Calendar)
“2024? Will it be obvious this time?
“Either way we have had many clues that everything will happen this year in terms of things coming to a point where it can no longer be ignored. Which is why I think the Deep State will pull something off to jump start this process.
“Donald Trump said many times on his Truthsocial account that the US Military is standing by. One time he mentioned during his Las Vegas rally that they will step in if November 5th is interfered with. We have to prepare for anything.”
The recent 90th birthday tributes to the Nigeria’s Former Head of State, who led Nigeria to war in defence of its unity against the young Biafra Republic between 1967-1970, General Yakubu Gowon, have attracted various reactions, condemnations and affirmations across the country.
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Gregory Peter Obi, was among other Nigerians who wrote glowing tributes to the Former Nigeria’s Head of State who presided over what is adjudged as the second worst genocide in world’s history, after the Hitler’s Holocaust against the Jews in Nazi Germany.
Below is the full read of Mr. Peter Obi’s tribute:
“I am privileged to join other Nigerians of goodwill to celebrate a highly respected leader and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday anniversary.
“In a time of hate, you stood for love. At a time of strife, you stood for peace. At a time of division, you stood for unity.
“Your life of service to our great nation, Nigeria, stand as one of sacrifice, leadership, and unity.
“Your steadfast commitment to preserving the peace and sovereignty of Nigeria during a challenging period in our history will forever be remembered and revered.
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“Your exemplary leadership and statesmanship remain an inspiration to younger and many generations of Nigerians.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I pray that God continues to grant you good health, wisdom, and the grace of true fruitfulness.
“May your legacy continue to guide us as we strive to build a more united, prosperous, and just Nigeria.
“Happy 90th birthday, Sir. -PO”
However, BARR Malcolm OMIRHOBO reacted in contrast to the glowing tributes accolades given to the Former military ruler, blaming the war of aggression led by Gowon against Biafra on his “poor and weak leadership style, youthful exuberance and immaturity.”
Barr. Malcolm accused Gen. Yakubu Gowon of “refusal, failure or negligence to stop the senseless killings of Igbos and their look alike throughout Nigeria, especially in the North, by civilians and members of the armed forces.”
The outspoken lawyer also accused Gen. Gowon of refusing the Aburi Accord without any good reason.
Full read of his reaction:
“It is not true that South-East desire to secede that led to the Nigeria/Biafra War but rather it was Gowon’s poor and weak leadership style, colonial mentality, youthful exuberance and immaturity that led to the Nigerian /Biafran war.
“Gowon refused , failed and/or neglected to stop the senseless killing of the Igbos and their look alikes through out Nigeria especially in the North by civilians and members of the armed forces .
“He refused to provide funds to the Eastern Region Government to cater for the injured and displaced Igbos that ran to their home land for safety from all parts of Nigeria .
*Gowon without any good reason refused the Aburi Accord .
“For the records the Igbo fought in self defence.”
In response to Mr. Peter Obi’s tribute to General Yakubu Gowon, DR. MO (MOSES PAUL) wrote this:
“As usual, I called Mr. Peter Obi after seeing some of the responses to the tweet on Daddy Gowon, and I said, “Some people are not happy, Sir.”
“Mr. @PeterObi responded, “Mo, I have always told you, never to dwell on yesterday, to agonize over it, or remain unforgiving. We cannot be trapped by the events of the past. Instead, we must be grateful to God for today and look forward to tomorrow with hope.”
“I understand the negative comments, and I deeply regret the painful history that took place over 50 years ago, though I know little firsthand, only what I have been told. It is a sad chapter for many, including my own family. My father, unfortunately, lost his thriving business during that period and passed away, which remains a deep personal loss for me.”
“My comment today, however, was about General Gowon’s removal from office and the grace with which he has handled those difficult events. It wasn’t about the war itself. The focus was on the life he has led since his removal, and his remarkable ability to remain prayerful and steadfast in his commitment to Nigeria.”
“When I was governor, he visited my state, and we spoke as father and son. He even led a national prayer for Nigeria in my state. Our discussions were never about the war—we spoke about the future of Nigeria, and his concern was always for the country’s progress, not his past or the people who removed him from office.”
“PO Mr @PeterObi has always shared with me his deep respect and personal closeness to ‘Ikemba’ Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. He regarded Ojukwu as a true hero, someone whose leadership and vision he admired greatly. @PeterObi’s loyalty to Ojukwu was resolute until his last days, and he took it upon himself to ensure that Ojukwu received a befitting burial, one that remains unmatched to this day, honoring his legacy with the dignity it deserved.”
“Mr. @PeterObi’s commitment goes beyond personal ties; he is determined to see a future that works for everyone. His vision for Nigeria is one of unity and progress, where the mistakes of the past do not hold us back or divide us. Instead, he believes in learning from history and building a better and greater future for generations to come.”
“Mo, tell me, is there any nation today that hasn’t faced civil war? From America to Great Britain, many have painful histories of war, yet they are not trapped by the past. Instead, they have forgiven, not forgotten, and used that healing to build successful futures.”
“People need to be closer to PO to truly understand how forgiving and loving he is. He is always looking ahead, desperately focused on building a better and greater future for all Nigerians irespective or tribe and religion and most importantly for the generations to come.”
-DrMo
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