News came through earlier that Buhari had instructed the police and military security personnel attached to him to respect traffic regulations during his movements but Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi in his opinion thinks this could cost the president-elect his life .
Do you agree?
The former External Affairs Minister made the warning in an open letter.
The former External Affairs Minister made the warning in an open letter.
The letter read:
''When you announced on Wednesday, May 6, that you have instructed your security motorcade to obey traffic instructions, my immediate reaction was to write you this letter. I refrained because I did not want to subject myself to the abuse on the social media that passes for criticism…
''I changed my mind because of the implication for national security of your decision. You would recall the events of 1975/76 in this country. When General Murtala Mohammed became Head of State in 1975 after the overthrow of General Gowon, he abolished the motorcade for himself, governors, and military ministers in reaction against what was perceived as the security excesses of the Gowon regime.
''You were a military Governor in that regime. You would recall what happened next. General Mohammed was gunned down while his car was waiting at a road junction. Nigeria and the world have become a more dangerous place than in 1976 when General Mohammed was assassinated. You would also recall the attempt on your life just last year when your motorcade was attacked in Kaduna.
''There is no country in the world where the motorcade of a President, or Prime Minister or Head of State is subject to traffic regulations. I have just watched the motorcade of the British Prime Minister on his way to Buckingham Palace.
Traffic was stopped and his outriders ensured that the motorcade was not impeded.General, it is not about your personal safety. It is about Nigerian national security.
''You would recall the controversy that followed the ascension to the Presidency of the then Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan following the death of President Musa Yar’Adua because some people felt the ascension breached the principle of rotation.
''In fact, this was what led the 2014 National Conference to recommend a constitutional provision that in case of vacancy in the President’s seat, a Vice-President from the same zone should serve out the term of the incumbent.
This Sir shows the extent of the sensitivity about the seat of the President. We cannot continue to take chances with the peace and stability of Nigeria and depend on God to bail us out. General, Please reconsider your decision, not for your sake, but for the sake of Nigeria.
I gree o. Hmmm!
ReplyDeleteYes he suppose to use the motorcade to avoid any calamity
ReplyDeleteFor Nigeria, common local government chairman dey carry escort, till ds people understand d fact that the Almighty God is d only protector, they will kip believing in assassination,
ReplyDeletefirst president elect shud review it,traffic fines to violators, except for emergencies, like ambulance, Nigeria still has a long way to go
ReplyDeleteTraffic light or high speed person wey go die go die afterall J F Kennedy was killed while his convoy was in motion
ReplyDeleteOgbeni. Which motion? Even my 3 year old niece can run faster than that car. The dude was waving to his people with security men escorting by the side. The vehicle was almost not moving
DeleteWell,,I admire this prof and am his fan....but I don't think agree with him on this,,all he need is good security network n good governance.....if ur hands are clean nothing evil will come ur.way n succeed....d western people abide by traffic rules,,,we need a leader that will show example for others to follow...
ReplyDeleteA presidnt movemnt aint supose to be predicted.... especially in naija..... trafic lites culd simply be planned on nd use as a medium to attck him........ mind u.. de presidnt life is vry importnt to national security...... dat mov bah buhari is a bad idea.. mks him predicted able....
Deletelol...but this is what is obtainable in western nations....can't we copy their style
DeleteOlovo you lie! Which western country are you talking about that a president will stand on traffic with other pedestrians?? Whether your hands are clean our not you'll have enemies if you dnt have any enemy you aint doing shit. The more the better. My guy if he continues with that he'll be surprised even his personal security CNT do nothing.. I rest my case! The future will always answer for its self
DeleteNa una know joor
ReplyDeleteYeah this was exzactly what we discussed ladt night regarding this issue of traffic, sure no mattet how tight the security is when the angel of death comes they cant stop him, take the case of Abacha with all th securities sorrounding him it doesnt stop him from dieing but mehn this man needs to b very cautious even though his official car is bullet proof.
ReplyDeleteI share in Akinyemi's sentiment. There is a level to which he can take risk just to show he is law abiding. He is the head of state, some things can be excusable (not corrupt acts though).
ReplyDelete