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By Judith Ufford
HE spoke with everything about him, his size, height and
voice. His entire six feet height, huge body and voice all lent
credence to the fact that Prince Buruji Kashamu was angry.
How dared Obasanjo, referring to former president Olusegun
Obasanjo, talk about morality and integrit? he fumed.
“Where was his morality and integrity when I was busy
running errands for him”? he asked. “Let’s ask him, how
many of his ex- president friends in other parts of the world
have the kind of wealth he has as an ex- president? They
don’t have money. Whatever they have, they made from
their consultancies.
Obasanjo is talking about morality and integrity, he must be
a joker. He is supposed to be one of the fathers of Nigeria,
particularly in Yorubaland, just as Gowon and Shagari are
to the nation. Do you see these ones throwing their weight
around, busybody over matters that don’t concern them? No,
but it has to be Obasanjo because he wants to dominate
everyone, and when you refuse, all hell is let loose.’’
He suddenly extended a photograph to me showing himself
and two white persons. They were all clad in academic
gowns. Before I would get the question out, he volunteered
an explanation.
“That took place today ( Monday, October 13, 2014).” But
the Americans are supposed to be looking for him, (well, so
says Obasanjo) how come an American based university,
Cambridge Graduate University, Cambridge Masseussets,
USA to be precise is giving him an honourary doctorate
degree. Pointing to a framed certificate on the wall, he
cheerfully informed, “That’s the certificate.”
This reporter got up from her seat and took a step towards
the wall and there it was: an honourary doctor degree from
the College of Law, Policy and Social studies from the
university. True as it looked, it still didn’t add up. “But
Obasanjo is making an issue of your being a drug baron and
that President Goodluck Jonathan should have you
extradited to America” , I reminded him.
“No one is looking for me in America. But just for
argument’s sake, even if America wants me, how does that
become the problem of President Jonathan. Where is the
international warrant of arrest that should have
necessitated a local warrant of arrest? If this was the case,
it is a matter for the Minister of Justice and Attorney
General of the federation and not Mr. President.
Why drag the President into a purely legal process. And by
the way, no one in America is asking for my extradition.
That matter was settled during Obasanjo’s first tenure and
this is the truth he has refused to tell the world; and he
speaks of morality and integrity.
He should tell that to the marines. The fact of the case is
that during his first tenure, as president, he and former
Beninoise President ( I’ve dual citizenship – Benin and
Nigeria) Mattew Kerekou directed security agencies to give
truthful evidence that exonerated me.” Kashamu produced
several documents to prove that indeed, he is not on a
wanted list of the American government.
One of such is the Judgement delivered by Street
Magistrates Court in the suit “Government of the United
States of America v Buruji Kashamu”. In a judgement
delivered by the Designated District Judge, Tim Workman
on January 10, 2003, the lengthy judgement reads in part
thus: “ For the reasons I gave earlier, I attach no weight to
the alleged recognition of a voice on a tape recording.
Against that evidence, I have to weigh the facts that I have
found from the evidence adduced by the Defence. I am
satisfied that the defendant has a brother who bears a
striking resemblance to him.
I am satisfied that the defendant’s brother was one of the
co-conspirators in the drugs importation which involved
Catherine and Ellen Wolters. I am satisfied that the
defendant informed both Interpol and the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency of the activities of the group.
Coleman’s submission
I am mindful of Mr. Coleman’s submission that this is a
matter of the credibility of the identification of witnesses
which should essentially remain a matter for a jury. I am
however satisfied that the overwhelming evidence here is
such that the identification evidence, already tenuous, has
now been so undermined as to make it incredible and
valueless. In those circumstances there is no prime facie
case against the defendant and I propose to discharge
him.”.
Also, in a letter written to kashamu when he applied for a
visa to Germany, the German Consulate responded thus: “
referring to your application dated 06.06.2008 you are
aware that the Consulate General was initially not in a
position to issue the requested visa. The reason for the
occurred delay was due to the fact that a search warrant for
you initiated by the U.S. Government was still valid.
Based on your letter dated June 16, 2008 and the additional
documents provided by you, the Consulate General took up
the case with the German Federal Bureau of Criminal
Investigation (BKA). After requesting additional information
on this warrant the BKA was informed by the US authorities
at the end of August that its search warrant has been
cancelled. As a consequence the equivalent search warrant
of Interpol has also been withdrawn with immediate effect.
While the warrant is no longer an obstacle to your visa
application, I would like to suggest that you submit a new
visa application and that you withdraw your outdated
application dated 06.06.2008.” This response from the
Germany embassy was signed by the embassy’s then First
Secretary Matten. So if this is the position what is
Obasanjo’s grouse? Why does he want Kashamu extradited
to the US? Can one be tried by the same parties on the
same issues? What really is the crux between Obasanjo and
Kashamu? Why this storm in a tea cup?
Kashamu’s response came
swiftly. “He’s opposed to President Jonathan’s second
term bid. The reason I’ve become his target of this wicked
campaign of calumny and blackmail is his perceived loss of
political relevance in Ogun State and the South West.
Political relevance
He wanted to use the former national secretary, Olagunsoye
Oyinlola, former national auditor, Bode Mustapha and the
ex- national vice chairman, Segun Oni, to thwart Mr.
President’s re-election. But almighty Allah used me to
stand up to him and the rest is history.
It was the same way he used me to prosecute his battle
against ex-governor Gbenga Daniel. When it was time to
field candidates for 2011 general elections, he brought his
stooge, Gen. Adetunji Olurin, and asked that I roll the party
structure behind his anointed candidate.
In his usual haughty manner, he told me he was able to
work with me because of his principles, honour and
integrity- honour and integrity my foot. I remember telling
him then that we couldn’t win with Olurin because he’s old.
In fact, during most of our meetings, Olurin’s eyes were
closed and I told him so. But he refused to listen and we
lost the election.
“Contrary to his claims, I’m just one of the leaders of the
party in the SouthWest. I’m just one of the party’s foot
soldiers in the zone and it’s in that capacity I’ve been
made the Chairman of the Organisation and Mobilisation
Committee for SouthWest PDP. The party in the zone has
not been handled over to anyone but its relevant organs
and structures.
Present scenario
It’s totally out of place for anyone to call me the leader of
the party in a zone which parades strong political persons
like Governor -elect Ayo Fayose, Chief Bode George, Alhaji
Shuaibu Oyedokun, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Senators
Lekan Balogun, Iyiola Omisore, Teslim Folarin, Clement
Awoyelu, Bode Olajumoke and so many more.”.
Given the present scenario, can one therefore conclude that
the die is case between the two. Not so fast, that would be a
bit presumptous because in politics, there are no permanent
enemies or friends, only permanent interests. What happens
if his erstwhile ‘father’ extends an olive branch tomorrow.
Kashamu didn’t have a ready answer to that.
So back to where we started , how the Cambridge University
recognised him for such an award. He said he was equally
at a loss because he has never visited America. According
to him, “ is it with this my type of grammar that I would
understand what an American or British is saying. I think
they probably have an organisation based in Africa
monitoring the contributions of individuals to the
development of the continent and with all modesty, I’ve
done considerable charity work in Benin Republic. I think
that’s where this award must have come from.”
HE spoke with everything about him, his size, height and
voice. His entire six feet height, huge body and voice all lent
credence to the fact that Prince Buruji Kashamu was angry.
How dared Obasanjo, referring to former president Olusegun
Obasanjo, talk about morality and integrit? he fumed.
“Where was his morality and integrity when I was busy
running errands for him”? he asked. “Let’s ask him, how
many of his ex- president friends in other parts of the world
have the kind of wealth he has as an ex- president? They
don’t have money. Whatever they have, they made from
their consultancies.
Obasanjo is talking about morality and integrity, he must be
a joker. He is supposed to be one of the fathers of Nigeria,
particularly in Yorubaland, just as Gowon and Shagari are
to the nation. Do you see these ones throwing their weight
around, busybody over matters that don’t concern them? No,
but it has to be Obasanjo because he wants to dominate
everyone, and when you refuse, all hell is let loose.’’
He suddenly extended a photograph to me showing himself
and two white persons. They were all clad in academic
gowns. Before I would get the question out, he volunteered
an explanation.
“That took place today ( Monday, October 13, 2014).” But
the Americans are supposed to be looking for him, (well, so
says Obasanjo) how come an American based university,
Cambridge Graduate University, Cambridge Masseussets,
USA to be precise is giving him an honourary doctorate
degree. Pointing to a framed certificate on the wall, he
cheerfully informed, “That’s the certificate.”
This reporter got up from her seat and took a step towards
the wall and there it was: an honourary doctor degree from
the College of Law, Policy and Social studies from the
university. True as it looked, it still didn’t add up. “But
Obasanjo is making an issue of your being a drug baron and
that President Goodluck Jonathan should have you
extradited to America” , I reminded him.
“No one is looking for me in America. But just for
argument’s sake, even if America wants me, how does that
become the problem of President Jonathan. Where is the
international warrant of arrest that should have
necessitated a local warrant of arrest? If this was the case,
it is a matter for the Minister of Justice and Attorney
General of the federation and not Mr. President.
Why drag the President into a purely legal process. And by
the way, no one in America is asking for my extradition.
That matter was settled during Obasanjo’s first tenure and
this is the truth he has refused to tell the world; and he
speaks of morality and integrity.
He should tell that to the marines. The fact of the case is
that during his first tenure, as president, he and former
Beninoise President ( I’ve dual citizenship – Benin and
Nigeria) Mattew Kerekou directed security agencies to give
truthful evidence that exonerated me.” Kashamu produced
several documents to prove that indeed, he is not on a
wanted list of the American government.
One of such is the Judgement delivered by Street
Magistrates Court in the suit “Government of the United
States of America v Buruji Kashamu”. In a judgement
delivered by the Designated District Judge, Tim Workman
on January 10, 2003, the lengthy judgement reads in part
thus: “ For the reasons I gave earlier, I attach no weight to
the alleged recognition of a voice on a tape recording.
Against that evidence, I have to weigh the facts that I have
found from the evidence adduced by the Defence. I am
satisfied that the defendant has a brother who bears a
striking resemblance to him.
I am satisfied that the defendant’s brother was one of the
co-conspirators in the drugs importation which involved
Catherine and Ellen Wolters. I am satisfied that the
defendant informed both Interpol and the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency of the activities of the group.
Coleman’s submission
I am mindful of Mr. Coleman’s submission that this is a
matter of the credibility of the identification of witnesses
which should essentially remain a matter for a jury. I am
however satisfied that the overwhelming evidence here is
such that the identification evidence, already tenuous, has
now been so undermined as to make it incredible and
valueless. In those circumstances there is no prime facie
case against the defendant and I propose to discharge
him.”.
Also, in a letter written to kashamu when he applied for a
visa to Germany, the German Consulate responded thus: “
referring to your application dated 06.06.2008 you are
aware that the Consulate General was initially not in a
position to issue the requested visa. The reason for the
occurred delay was due to the fact that a search warrant for
you initiated by the U.S. Government was still valid.
Based on your letter dated June 16, 2008 and the additional
documents provided by you, the Consulate General took up
the case with the German Federal Bureau of Criminal
Investigation (BKA). After requesting additional information
on this warrant the BKA was informed by the US authorities
at the end of August that its search warrant has been
cancelled. As a consequence the equivalent search warrant
of Interpol has also been withdrawn with immediate effect.
While the warrant is no longer an obstacle to your visa
application, I would like to suggest that you submit a new
visa application and that you withdraw your outdated
application dated 06.06.2008.” This response from the
Germany embassy was signed by the embassy’s then First
Secretary Matten. So if this is the position what is
Obasanjo’s grouse? Why does he want Kashamu extradited
to the US? Can one be tried by the same parties on the
same issues? What really is the crux between Obasanjo and
Kashamu? Why this storm in a tea cup?
Kashamu’s response came
swiftly. “He’s opposed to President Jonathan’s second
term bid. The reason I’ve become his target of this wicked
campaign of calumny and blackmail is his perceived loss of
political relevance in Ogun State and the South West.
Political relevance
He wanted to use the former national secretary, Olagunsoye
Oyinlola, former national auditor, Bode Mustapha and the
ex- national vice chairman, Segun Oni, to thwart Mr.
President’s re-election. But almighty Allah used me to
stand up to him and the rest is history.
It was the same way he used me to prosecute his battle
against ex-governor Gbenga Daniel. When it was time to
field candidates for 2011 general elections, he brought his
stooge, Gen. Adetunji Olurin, and asked that I roll the party
structure behind his anointed candidate.
In his usual haughty manner, he told me he was able to
work with me because of his principles, honour and
integrity- honour and integrity my foot. I remember telling
him then that we couldn’t win with Olurin because he’s old.
In fact, during most of our meetings, Olurin’s eyes were
closed and I told him so. But he refused to listen and we
lost the election.
“Contrary to his claims, I’m just one of the leaders of the
party in the SouthWest. I’m just one of the party’s foot
soldiers in the zone and it’s in that capacity I’ve been
made the Chairman of the Organisation and Mobilisation
Committee for SouthWest PDP. The party in the zone has
not been handled over to anyone but its relevant organs
and structures.
Present scenario
It’s totally out of place for anyone to call me the leader of
the party in a zone which parades strong political persons
like Governor -elect Ayo Fayose, Chief Bode George, Alhaji
Shuaibu Oyedokun, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Senators
Lekan Balogun, Iyiola Omisore, Teslim Folarin, Clement
Awoyelu, Bode Olajumoke and so many more.”.
Given the present scenario, can one therefore conclude that
the die is case between the two. Not so fast, that would be a
bit presumptous because in politics, there are no permanent
enemies or friends, only permanent interests. What happens
if his erstwhile ‘father’ extends an olive branch tomorrow.
Kashamu didn’t have a ready answer to that.
So back to where we started , how the Cambridge University
recognised him for such an award. He said he was equally
at a loss because he has never visited America. According
to him, “ is it with this my type of grammar that I would
understand what an American or British is saying. I think
they probably have an organisation based in Africa
monitoring the contributions of individuals to the
development of the continent and with all modesty, I’ve
done considerable charity work in Benin Republic. I think
that’s where this award must have come from.”
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